Park Tivoli
Ljubljana's largest city park spanning 5 km² – the capital's green heart since 1813
Tivoli Park is the main green space in Ljubljana, stretching from the western edge of the historic centre to the wooded Rožnik Hill. The park covers 5 km² and was established in 1813 by French engineer Jean Blanchard, who merged the grounds of two estates – Tivoli Castle (17th century) and Cekin Mansion. Since 1984, the park has been part of the protected Tivoli–Rožnik Hill–Šiška Hill Nature Park.
From Prešeren Square, the park entrance is a 10-minute walk along Čopova Street. Bus stops "Tivoli" (lines 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 25) and "Konzorcij" (lines 6, 9, 14) are at the eastern boundary. By car, use the Tivoli I and Tivoli II car parks near the sports complex.
Admission is free and the park is open 24/7. Allow 1–2 hours for a walk. Suitable for families (playground, zoo), joggers, and cyclists.
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.
Park admission is free with 24/7 access.
Museums on site:
- International Centre of Graphic Arts (MGLC, Tivoli Castle): €6, Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00
- Švicarija Cultural Centre: included in MGLC ticket, 150 m behind the castle
Ljubljana Zoo:
- Adults: €12
- Children (3–15): €9
- Family ticket (2+2): €38
Ljubljana Card (€23/24 h, €30/48 h, €35/72 h) includes MGLC, zoo, and city bus travel.
No special restrictions. Bicycles are allowed on main paths. Dogs permitted on leash. Swimming in the pond is prohibited. Comfortable shoes recommended for the Rožnik Hill trail – the path is steep in places and slippery after rain.
On site:
- Cafés: Kavarna Tivoli, Mini Golf Café, Vrt Lilly Novy, MGLC Bar (terrace at the castle)
- Toilets near the sports complex and pond
- Playground (eastern entrance), mini golf
- Bowling, tennis courts, swimming pool (Tivoli Recreation Centre)
Parking: Tivoli I and Tivoli II on Celovška cesta. Free on weekends.
Wi-Fi: Free city Wi-Fi "WiFree Ljubljana" at the entrance. Stable 4G throughout the park.
Accessibility: Main avenues are paved, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Forest trails to Rožnik Hill are unpaved with elevation changes.
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.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
No, the park is free and open 24/7. Only the on-site museums charge admission: MGLC in Tivoli Castle (€6) and Ljubljana Zoo (€12 adults, €9 children).
Allow 1–1.5 hours for the main avenues and pond. With the Rožnik Hill hike – 3–4 hours. If visiting the zoo, plan half a day.
Walk from Prešeren Square – 10 minutes along Čopova Street. Buses 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 25 to the "Tivoli" stop (€1.30 with Urbana card).
Yes. There is a playground near the eastern entrance, mini golf, and Ljubljana Zoo in the southwestern part. Main paths are flat and stroller-friendly.
Yes, cycling is allowed on main avenues. A BicikeLJ bike-sharing station is at the park entrance. The first hour of rental is free.
Yes, several: Kavarna Tivoli, Mini Golf Café, Vrt Lilly Novy, MGLC Bar at the castle. Budget about €5–10 for coffee and pastry. Gostilna Rožnik at the hilltop serves Slovenian food (about €15–20 per person).
The National Gallery of Slovenia is right at the park's eastern entrance. The Old Town and Ljubljana Castle are a 10-minute walk away.
If you have 1–1.5 spare hours – yes. The forest trail is pleasant with a moderate climb. The summit (394 m) offers a city panorama and Gostilna Rožnik for traditional food. The path can be slippery in winter or after rain.
