Tivoli Park

The park's central axis is the Jakopič Promenade, designed by architect Jože Plečnik. This broad chestnut-lined avenue runs about 600 m, connecting the city centre with Tivoli Castle. Rotating open-air photography exhibitions line the promenade. At its end stands the neoclassical facade of Tivoli Castle (17th century, remodelled by Marshal Radetzky in the mid-19th century), now housing the International Centre of Graphic Arts (MGLC). Four bronze dog sculptures by Anton Fernkorn guard the entrance staircase.

The southern section features the rectangular Tivoli Pond with water lilies and ducks, alongside a small botanical garden with a greenhouse of tropical and carnivorous plants. To the west, a forest trail climbs Rožnik Hill (394 m) – a 30–40 minute walk to the summit, where Gostilna Rožnik serves traditional Slovenian food on a terrace with city views. Ljubljana Zoo occupies the park's southwestern corner.

The park is quiet in the mornings, filling with joggers and families by midday. In summer, locals picnic on the lawns. The popular Open Kitchen street food festival runs Fridays at the nearby Central Market. Winter brings empty, well-maintained avenues.

Area – 5 km², Ljubljana's largest park, protected nature zone since 1984

Jakopič Promenade – 600 m chestnut avenue with rotating photo exhibitions, designed by Jože Plečnik

Tivoli Castle – 17th-century mansion, now the International Centre of Graphic Arts (MGLC), admission €6

Rožnik Hill – forest trail to the summit (394 m), 30–40 minutes on foot, city panorama

Pond and botanical garden – greenhouse with tropical and carnivorous plants beside the pond

Zoo – Ljubljana Zoo in the southwestern part, approximately 500 animals

The park was created in 1813 by French engineer Jean Blanchard during the period when Ljubljana served as the capital of Napoleon's Illyrian Provinces. Blanchard merged the parklands of two estates – Podturn Manor (later Tivoli Castle) and Cekin Mansion – and connected them to the city centre with wide avenues. The park received its name in the second half of the 19th century from a nearby Casino Society summer residence with an amusement garden. In 1880, the pond was excavated and used for boating and winter ice skating.

In the 1920s–1930s, architect Jože Plečnik redesigned parts of the park. He created the Jakopič Promenade, establishing a visual axis from Tivoli Castle through Čopova Street to Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, and on to Ljubljana Castle. In 1984, the park became part of a protected nature area. The Tivoli Pond was fully renovated in 2011. Today the park hosts major cultural events including the Ljubljana Festival and the Biennial of Graphic Arts.

From Ljubljana city centre (on foot, 10–15 minutes):

– From Prešeren Square along Čopova ulica straight to the park entrance

– From the Triple Bridge – 12 minutes west

By bus:

– Stop "Tivoli" – lines 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 25

– Stop "Konzorcij/Pošta" – lines 6, 9, 14

– Fare: €1.30 with Urbana card (90 min with transfers) or €1.50 with contactless bank card

By car:

– Tivoli I and Tivoli II car parks on Celovška cesta. Free on weekends.

– GPS: Celovška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana

By bicycle:

– BicikeLJ station at the park entrance. First hour free (registration required, Urbana or bank card).

Season: The park is enjoyable year-round. Spring (April–May) brings chestnut blossoms along the Jakopič Promenade. Summer offers lush greenery, picnics, and cultural events. October brings golden foliage. Winter avenues are quiet and peaceful.

Time of day: Morning (before 10:00) – the park is nearly empty, ideal for jogging. Sunset provides soft light on the avenues.

Duration: 1–2 hours for main paths. With Rožnik Hill – 3–4 hours. With the zoo – half a day.

Avoid: Summer weekends after 11:00 – lawns get crowded. Rožnik trails are slippery in rain.