Ultimate Weekend Getaway: 48 Hours in Ljubljana
Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia, is the perfect place for a memorable weekend getaway. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere, this city offers the ideal recipe for a 48-hour adventure. If you have a couple of days off work and you are looking for an interesting destination, this blog will guide you through the most interesting points and attractions.
Autumn is a fantastic season to visit Ljubljana for several reasons. The city’s pleasant, mild weather allows you to enjoy outdoor activities without the summer crowds. The fall foliage paints the landscape in vibrant colors, and the local cuisine is at its best with harvest festivals and seasonal delights.
Day 1: Discover Ljubljana’s hidden corners
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Hotel CUBO. Then get ready and make your way up to Ljubljana Castle, which dominates the city skyline. You can either hike up or take the funicular for a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. Explore the castle’s history and visit the virtual museum, which takes you on a journey through time.
Wander down to the Old Town, a picturesque labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colorful baroque buildings, and quaint squares. Explore the Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Preseren Square. Don’t forget to visit the Ljubljana Central Market, which is a bustling place to sample local foods and handmade crafts.
If you are looking for a cool place for lunch, check out our blog, in which we discovered restaurants we simply cannot resist. Try local delicacies like Potica, a sweet nut roll, or enjoy a fresh pastry while sipping on a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Café culture is a big deal in this city, so take your time and soak in the charming surroundings.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through Tivoli Park, a lush green oasis in the heart of the city. The park features beautiful gardens, fountains, and an outdoor art gallery. Here you can also check out the National Museum of Contemporary History. We love this museum as it is really interactive, and you can learn about Slovenia’s history between 1914 (the beginning of World War I) and today in an entertaining way.
Experience the vibrant nightlife in Ljubljana by visiting some of the city’s hip bars and clubs. The city has a great mix of venues, offering everything from jazz and electronic music to alternative rock. Cap off your evening with a romantic river cruise along the Ljubljanica River. The city takes on a whole new charm when illuminated at night, and the reflections on the water create a magical ambiance.
Day 2: Craft a tour based on your interests
Ljubljana is a city that effortlessly caters to a diverse range of interests and passions. From the bustling streets of its charming Old Town to the tranquil embrace of its green spaces, the city offers something for everyone. So based on what you like, we have several suggestions:
Nature & Sports
Return to Tivoli Park and explore it a bit more. There are several outdoor terrains as well as indoor halls where you can play different sports with your friends. If you are looking to try something new, we definitely suggest visiting the CUBO golf course. Besides golf, here you can also enjoy amazing cuisine in breathtaking surroundings.
Shoppingholics
For all those of you who cannot return to your home country without presents for everyone (including yourself), we suggest checking the streets in the city center, especially „Mesni Trg“ street, where there are a bunch of cute little shops on both sides of the street. In addition, right at Preseren Square, there is an Emporium shopping mall, with different luxurious brands of clothes and shoes. In case you are looking for a whole-day shopping experience, we recommend BTC center, where you have hundreds of stores of world-famous fashion brands.
History/Art/Culture lovers
For those of you who want to dig deeper into Slovenian culture, history and art, we made a short-list of the most interesting places:
- National Gallery (Narodna galerija): Home to an impressive collection of European art, including works by Slovenian painters from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
- Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad): This historic castle houses a museum that provides insight into the city’s history and offers panoramic views of Ljubljana from its tower.
- Modern Gallery (Moderna galerija): Focused on modern and contemporary art, it features an extensive collection of Slovenian and international artists.
- Slovenian Ethnographic Museum (Slovenski etnografski muzej): Offers a comprehensive look at Slovenian cultural heritage, with exhibits on folk art, traditions, and anthropology.
- Ljubljana City Museum (Mestni muzej Ljubljana): Showcases the history of the city through artifacts, documents, and multimedia exhibits in a beautifully restored medieval building.
- Museum of Contemporary History (Muzej novejše zgodovine): Provides insights into Slovenia’s 20th-century history, including its time as part of Yugoslavia.
- National Museum of Slovenia (Narodni muzej Slovenije): Features an extensive collection of archaeological, historical, and artistic artifacts, including the world’s oldest musical instrument.
- Slovene Ethnographic Museum (Slovenski etnografski muzej): Showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Slovenia, exploring traditions, costumes, and everyday life.
Bonus: Visit Lake Bled!
In case you still didn’t have the chance, you simply have to visit the postcard-perfect Lake Bled, located just an hour from Ljubljana. Head down to the lakeshore and take a traditional pletna boat ride to Bled Island. Here, you can visit the Church of the Assumption and ring the wishing bell. The tranquil setting and crystal-clear waters make this experience truly magical, as Bled is beautiful any time of year. Don’t miss the chance to try Bled Cream Cake, an iconic dessert composed of flaky pastry alternating with velvety vanilla custard.
Tips and Tricks
Now, here’s the key to making the most of your 48-hour adventure in Ljubljana: staying in the city center. The central location means you can easily walk to most of the attractions mentioned above, allowing for a more efficient and enjoyable exploration. This is where Hotel CUBO comes into play.
Situated in the heart of Ljubljana, Hotel CUBO offers a convenient and comfortable base for your weekend getaway. The modern and stylish hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the major sights, making it easy to return for a quick break or to freshen up. Their friendly staff can provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your stay. In addition, the CUBO team developed GUIDO, a smartphone application that enables you to discover Ljubljana and the rest of Slovenia through premade and custom tours. Whether you’re a culture buff, history enthusiast, or nature lover, GUIDO has you covered.
With a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty, Ljubljana will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories of your ultimate weekend getaway. Book your room now.