In detail
What's here
The Old Town divides into three historic quarters. The left bank of the Ljubljanica – the Mestni trg (Town Square) and Stari trg (Old Square) area – features narrow winding streets and Baroque facades from the 17th–18th centuries. Here stands the Town Hall with its Venetian-style balcony, fronted by a replica of the Robba Fountain (the original is in the National Gallery). Stari trg leads into Gornji trg – the quietest stretch, with antique shops and artisan workshops.
The right bank centres on Prešeren Square with the pink Franciscan Church (17th century), Vienna Secession buildings (rebuilt after the 1895 earthquake), and a riverside promenade lined with cafés. The embankment was designed by architect Jože Plečnik, who also created the Triple Bridge, the Central Market colonnade, the Cobblers' Bridge (Čevljarski most), and the National and University Library.
Castle Hill (366 m) with Ljubljana Castle rises above the district. The funicular departs from Krek Square opposite the market (1-minute ride). In the evening, the embankments are illuminated, cafés set tables on the bridges, and the atmosphere transforms completely. On Fridays from March to October, the market hosts Open Kitchen – a street food festival with dozens of stalls.
Highlights
Why visit
Plečnik's architecture – Triple Bridge, market colonnade, Cobblers' Bridge, embankment – a cohesive 20th-century design ensemble
Prešeren Square – the central square with a monument to the national poet and the Franciscan Church
Ljubljanica River – embankments with cafés, willows, and boat tours (€10–12, 1 hour)
Castle Hill – funicular to the castle in 1 minute, city and Julian Alps panorama from the tower
Open Kitchen – Friday street food festival (March–October) at the Central Market
Vienna Secession – building facades rebuilt after the 1895 earthquake
History
Past & present
Medieval Ljubljana appears in written records from the 12th century (as Luwigana). By the 13th century, the settlement beneath Castle Hill had grown into a proper town with market rights and a city wall that withstood an Ottoman siege in the early 15th century. The 1511 earthquake destroyed parts of the town, which was rebuilt in the Baroque style following Italian, particularly Venetian, models. This period produced the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Town Hall, and the Robba Fountain.
The 1895 earthquake (magnitude 6.1) damaged about 10% of buildings. Mayor Ivan Hribar organised a major reconstruction: damaged quarters were rebuilt in the Vienna Secession style, electric lighting and a tram were introduced. In the 1920s–1930s, architect Jože Plečnik created the key elements of the modern cityscape: the Triple Bridge, the embankments, the market colonnade, and the library. In 1991, Ljubljana became the capital of independent Slovenia. In 2007, the centre was closed to cars, converting the Old Town into a pedestrian zone. In 2016, Ljubljana was named the European Green Capital.
Getting there
Transport & directions
From Ljubljana railway station (10 minutes on foot):
– South along Miklošičeva cesta to Prešeren Square – the main entrance to the Old Town
From the bus station (10 minutes on foot):
– The bus station is next to the railway station, same route
By bus:
– Stops around the Old Town perimeter: "Prešernov trg", "Tromostovje", "Zmajski most"
– Fare: €1.30 with Urbana card
Urban tourist train:
– Route through the Old Town, departing from Congress Square
– Adults: €12, children: €6, journey time – 1 hour
By car:
– Vehicle access to the Old Town is restricted. Nearest car parks: Kongresni trg (underground) and NUK (by the library)
– Motorways require an eVinjeta toll sticker
When to go
Best time to visit
Season: April–October for warm weather, riverside cafés, and Open Kitchen. December for Christmas markets and festive lights. January–February is quiet and cool but crowd-free.
Time of day: Morning (8:00–10:00) – empty streets, good light for photography. Evening (after 19:00 in summer) – illuminated bridges, atmospheric embankments. Midday (12:00–14:00) – peak tourist traffic at the market and bridges.
Duration: 2–3 hours for the main sights. With the castle – 4–5 hours. A full day with museums, a boat trip, and lunch.
Avoid: July–August, 11:00–16:00 – peak crowds at the Triple Bridge and Prešeren Square. Cobblestone streets are slippery in rain.
