Curator’s statement
I am always seeking a balance of natural landscapes and charming cities. Slovenia covers it all! It’s a hidden gem in Central Europe, beckoning with its ethereal beauty and vibrant cultural tapestry is often overlooked by many US travelers. From charming cities adorned with captivating architecture to breathtaking natural landscapes featuring crystal-clear lakes and verdant mountains, Slovenia promises an unforgettable journey through its diverse and enchanting terrain.
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Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana
Arrive in Ljubljana and explore downtown! It is a very walkable city with many local bar and restaurant options. We tried a traditional Balkan cuisine at a famous local restaurant Sestica (Tavern Šestica Ljubljana – tradition since 1776). You also have to try the struklji, a yummy rolled dough dessert!
Day 2: Plečnik House and Old Towne
Take a tour of Plečnik House
We took a guided tour of the Plečnik House to learn the history of Slovenia’s most famous architect. He was a quirky man with strange habits but made a huge impact on architecture in the 20th century with buildings like the Church of Saint Anthony in Belgrade and most of Lujlibana as we know it today!
Explore Old Towne
Walking along the river in the city center you find plenty of shops, open markets, yummy lunch spots and of course, great wine bars! Check out Google Maps for guided day examples.
If you are still up for more sightseeing, head to Ljubljana Castle. I won’t lie it is a hike up but the views and the castle itself is well worth it. They have a nice patio to reward yourself with a drink or snack.
We were rather tired by the end of the day so opted for some pad Thai take out and a couple of Guinness from a local pub that brought us rich conversations with newfound local friends who told us all about the caves of Slovenia. This tour is a great way to explore them!
Day 3: Lake Bled
Head to Lake Bled
Embark on a scenic journey just 45 minutes from downtown Ljubljana to the breathtaking Lake Bled. As you arrive, immerse yourself in panoramic vistas while strolling along the picturesque walking path encircling the azure waters. You can find various small hikes up to look out points. We chose Mala Osojnica Viewpoint. It was well worth the 20-minute detour for this unparalleled view. Be prepared for a few steep stairs, but nothing too crazy!
Getting on the lake with a paddle boat is worth it! You get to marvel at the iconic castles from ever-changing perspectives. Take a break after to grab a coffee and a traditional Bled cream cake…a must.
When driving home, we stopped by a local burger joint, Foskner, for the juiciest burger I have ever had (which is saying a lot considering a burger is one of my favorite indulgent meals). The views driving through Bohjin are breathtaking. Everything from the bus stops (pictured below) to cute cottages feels like you are in an actual fairy tail with the fog dusting everything.
Need to know
After Slovenia's adventures, we drove to Croatia to soak in the coast. Many amazing coastal cities are a short drive from Ljubljana. We chose Rijeka, Croatia as it was a larger city option. It’s more of an industrial town but plenty of things to do in town and boat day options! Our friends went to Pula and neighboring smaller cities — it’s rich in Italian wine culture and very picturesque!
Travel Advisor
Kelsey Barrett-Argyris
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Slovenia. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Ashley Emala’s guide, Ljubljana – Slovenia’s Charming Capital.