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A Local’s Guide to Staying in Ljubljana’s Old Town
By Mak, your host at Trubarjeva City Apartments
Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals — small enough to explore on foot, yet packed with world-class food, architecture, and nature. Our apartments sit on Trubarjeva cesta, one of the Old Town’s most vibrant streets, just 50 metres from the iconic Dragon Bridge. Here’s everything I tell my guests about making the most of their stay.
Why Trubarjeva Cesta
Trubarjeva cesta is named after Primož Trubar, the father of Slovenian literature, and it’s been a central artery of Ljubljana life for centuries. Today it connects the medieval Old Town to the Tabor district, lined with local bakeries, wine bars, independent boutiques, and family-run restaurants.
What makes it special for visitors is its authenticity. This isn’t a tourist strip — it’s where locals live, shop, and eat. From our front door, Dragon Bridge is a one-minute walk. The Central Market, Ljubljana Castle funicular, and Prešeren Square are all under five minutes.
Where to Eat
Ljubljana punches well above its weight for food. The city has a thriving farm-to-table scene, Michelin-recognised restaurants, and a street food culture centred around the weekly Open Kitchen market.
- Gostilna Dela (1 min) — Local comfort food, homemade štruklji and Slovenian classics
- Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen) (3 min) — Friday street food market with dozens of local chefs
- Klobasarna (4 min) — Famous Carniolan sausage kiosk next to the Central Market
- JB Restavracija (5 min) — Michelin-recommended fine dining with modern Slovenian cuisine
- Strelec (10 min) — Restaurant inside Ljubljana Castle with panoramic views
- Monstera Bistro (6 min) — Innovative seasonal tasting menus
Coffee & Drinks
Slovenians take their coffee seriously. Ljubljana’s café culture rivals Vienna’s.
- TOZD (1 min) — Artsy neighbourhood bar with great coffee and natural wines
- Črno Zrno (3 min) — Specialty coffee roaster, best flat white in Ljubljana
- Cafetino (4 min) — Riverside terrace café for people-watching
- Cacao (5 min) — Artisan chocolate and coffee shop
With Kids
Ljubljana is excellent for families. The pedestrianised centre means children can roam freely.
- Ljubljana Castle & Funicular (5 min) — Puppet museum, tower climb, medieval exhibitions
- Ljubljana Zoo (15 min by bus) — Child-friendly hillside zoo
- House of Illusions (5 min) — Interactive optical illusion museum
- Tivoli Park Playgrounds (12 min) — Multiple playgrounds in Ljubljana’s largest park
- BicikeLJ Rides (2 min) — Cycling along the Ljubljanica river path
- SUP on the Ljubljanica (5 min) — Stand-up paddleboarding through the city center
Day Trips from Ljubljana
Slovenia is tiny — you can reach the Alps, the coast, and spectacular caves all within 90 minutes.
- Lake Bled (45 min drive) — Iconic Alpine lake with a church on an island. Swim, row, hike, or just take in the view.
- Lake Bohinj (1 hr drive) — Crystal-clear glacial lake inside Triglav National Park. Great for swimming and hiking.
- Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle (45 min drive) — The world’s most visited show cave and a castle built into a cliff.
- Piran (1.5 hr drive) — Venetian-style coastal town with cobblestone streets, seafood, and Mediterranean sunsets.
- Soča Valley (1.5 hr drive) — Emerald-green river, rafting, zip-lining, and hiking. Europe’s best adventure sports.
- Škocjan Caves (UNESCO) (1 hr drive) — Massive underground canyon system.
Getting Around
On foot: The entire Old Town is pedestrianised. Every major sight is within 15 minutes on foot.
By bike: BicikeLJ public bike-sharing has stations everywhere. First hour free.
By bus: LPP city buses, €1.30 per ride with an Urbana card.
By car: Not needed in the centre but useful for day trips. See our parking guide.
From the airport: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), 25 km. GoOpti shuttle ~€12, taxi ~€40, about 30 minutes.
Groceries & Essentials
Both apartments have full kitchens. Nearby supermarkets:
- Spar — Poljanski nasip 8, 5 min walk. Open daily until 21:00.
- Hofer (Aldi) — Poljanski nasip 10, 7 min walk.
The Central Market (3 min walk) operates every morning except Sundays with local farmers. The Friday Open Kitchen street food market runs March–October.
When to Visit
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild and green. Cafés set up riverside terraces. Ljubljana Festival events begin.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm, lively. Open Kitchen every Friday. Outdoor cinema, concerts, Ana Desetnica street festival.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Golden colours, fewer tourists, wine harvest season. Martinovanje wine festival in November.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Christmas market transforms the Old Town with lights and mulled wine. Festive Fair runs late November through New Year.
Stay in the Heart of It All
Our two apartments on Trubarjeva 31a put you right in the middle of everything — no taxis, no transfers, just step outside and start exploring.
APT 1: The Ground Floor |
APT 2: The Terrace |
Book Your Stay
Trubarjeva City Apartments — Trubarjeva cesta 31A, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia — tca@tca.si