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.
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. You'll hear Slovenian on the street, buy bread from a neighbourhood bakery, and discover restaurants that don't bother with English menus because the food speaks for itself.
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. Yet step outside and you're in a real neighbourhood, not a hotel district.
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. Here are my favourites within walking distance:
Local comfort food just around the corner — homemade štruklji and Slovenian classics
Friday street food market on Pogačarjev trg with dozens of local chefs — a Ljubljana institution
The famous Carniolan sausage kiosk next to the Central Market — a must-try
Michelin-recommended fine dining with a modern take on Slovenian cuisine
Restaurant inside Ljubljana Castle serving Slovenian heritage dishes with panoramic views
Innovative seasonal tasting menus — one of Ljubljana's most exciting restaurants
Slovenians take their coffee seriously. Ljubljana's café culture rivals Vienna's — you'll find everything from third-wave specialty roasters to classic European terraces overlooking the river.
Artsy neighbourhood bar with great coffee and natural wines, a favourite with locals
Specialty coffee roaster with a cozy space — the best flat white in Ljubljana
Riverside terrace café perfect for people-watching over a macchiato
Artisan chocolate and coffee shop — try the handmade pralines
Ljubljana is an excellent city for families. The pedestrianised centre means children can roam freely, and there's plenty to keep them entertained. Both our apartments accommodate families — baby cots are available on request.
Ride the funicular up to the castle for a puppet museum, tower climb, and medieval exhibitions
Compact, child-friendly zoo set in a hillside forest with native and exotic animals
Interactive optical illusion museum that kids (and adults) love
Multiple playgrounds in Ljubljana's largest park — open green space for running around
Older kids love cycling along the Ljubljanica river path — free bike-share stations everywhere
Stand-up paddleboarding through the city center — rentals available at several points along the river
Slovenia is tiny — you can reach the Alps, the coast, and some of Europe's most spectacular caves all within 90 minutes. Here are the trips I recommend most:
Iconic Alpine lake with a church on an island, surrounded by mountains. Swim, row, hike, or just take in the view.
Quieter and wilder than Bled — crystal-clear glacial lake inside Triglav National Park. Great for swimming and hiking.
The world's most visited show cave, followed by a dramatic castle built into a cliff face.
A Venetian-style coastal town on the Adriatic — cobblestone streets, seafood restaurants, and Mediterranean sunsets.
The emerald-green Soča River is perfect for rafting, zip-lining, and hiking. Some of the best adventure sports in Europe.
Massive underground canyon system — less crowded than Postojna and arguably more spectacular.
On foot: The entire Old Town is pedestrianised. From our apartments, you can reach every major sight within 15 minutes on foot. This is how most visitors explore Ljubljana and it's the best way.
By bike: Ljubljana has an excellent public bike-sharing system called BicikeLJ. Stations are everywhere, and the first hour is free. It's ideal for reaching Tivoli Park, the Šmarna Gora trailhead, or the BTC shopping district.
By bus: The Urbanomats and LPP city buses cover the wider city. A single ride is €1.30 with a prepaid Urbana card. Useful for reaching the zoo or the train station in bad weather.
By car: Not needed in the centre, but useful for day trips. Multiple parking garages are within a 5-minute walk of the apartments — see our parking guide for details.
From the airport: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is 25 km away. GoOpti shuttle (~€12) or taxi (~€40) will get you to the apartment in about 30 minutes. We can help arrange transfers upon request.
Both apartments have full kitchens, and there are two supermarkets within a short walk:
For fresh produce, the Central Market (3 min walk) operates every morning except Sundays. In summer, the outdoor section extends along the riverbank with local farmers selling fruit, vegetables, cheese, and honey. It's also home to the famous Friday Open Kitchen street food market (March–October).
The nearest pharmacy is at Prešernov trg 5 (5 min walk), open weekdays 7:30–19:30.
Ljubljana is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something different:
Mild and green. Cafés start setting up riverside terraces. Perfect for walking and cycling. Ljubljana Festival events begin.
Warm, lively, long days. Open Kitchen street food market every Friday. Outdoor cinema, concerts, and the Ana Desetnica street festival.
Golden colours, fewer tourists, wine harvest season. The Martinovanje wine festival in November is a highlight.
Ljubljana's Christmas market transforms the Old Town with lights and mulled wine. The Festive Fair runs from late November through New Year.