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All Slovenia Ljubljana

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Ljubljana

20 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Updated March 18, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Ljubljana

Metelkova

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Metelkova

This abandoned Slovenian military barracks has become a punky-political art squat.
Martin Bricelj Baraga’s Cyanometer in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Cyanometer

Martin Bricelj Baraga's monolithic sculpture measures the blueness of the sky, and changes color to match it.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Dragon Bridge

A whimsical bridge adorned with decorative dragons.
Bronze sculptures of faces on Ključavničarska ulica.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

'Faces' of Locksmith Street

A trough of 700 strange bronze faces runs through a narrow alley in Ljubljana's old town.
4 cast-iron watchdogs at the foot of Tivoli castle (Ljubljana, Slovenia).

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Cast-Iron Dogs of Tivoli Castle

Strange rumors surround the artist who created these solemn metal guard dogs.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Navje Cemetery and Park

A cemetery for Slovenian notables also serves as a popular recreation space.
Ljubljana Mosque

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana Mosque

Slovenia's first mosque is a striking mix of Islamic and modernist architecture.
A glimpse of Plecnik’s studio.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Plečnik House

The Slovenian architect designed many landmarks in the capital city, including his own dream house.
See All 20 Things To Do in Ljubljana

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Ljubljana

Krofi, an airy Slovenian doughnut, are one of the many treats for sale.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Zvezda

Since 1999, this bakery has been turning out the dreamiest tortes in the Slovenian capital.
The best sauerkraut is made with an indigenous Slovenian cabbage.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana Central Market

Buy raw milk from a 24/7 vending machine or pick up tomb candles at this local market.
The ravioli are a signature here.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

JB Restaurant

Even in semi-retirement, the ‘godfather of modern Slovenian cuisine’ still presides over this institution.
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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

The Secret Lives of Cities: Ljubljana

How many times can a city be called a “hidden gem” before it stops being hidden? Judging by the enthusiastic throngs wandering its cobbled Baroque streets in summer, Slovenia’s capital has certainly been discovered, but perhaps by the wiser tourists. Though it is popular it is never overcrowded, and each visitor who falls for its charms (and they inevitably do) feels as though they’ve stumbled upon a secret treasure. Perhaps this lingering sense of discovery comes from its tricky-to-pronounce name (Loo-blee-ah-nah) or the fact that Slovenia only gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, making it feel newly accessible to many travelers. But this very quality is part of its appeal—Ljubljana is a city full of surprises. It’s unexpectedly elegant and prosperous (historically the most developed of the former Yugoslav capitals), remarkably easy to visit , impressively green (a former European Green Capital with the highest percentage of pedestrianized streets in Europe), surprisingly well-connected, and effortlessly cool. With a quarter of its 300,000-odd inhabitants being students, Ljubljana has a vibrant, youthful energy combined with refined Central European charm. Though often grouped with “Eastern Europe,” all of Slovenia actually lies west of Vienna, which was historically its greatest influence, having been part of the Habsburg Empire for centuries. The city center is compact, highly walkable, and photogenic, with minimal Socialist-era architecture disrupting its Old World atmosphere—unlike sister cities such as Belgrade. And then there’s its stunning backdrop: a 30-minute drive north, the snow-capped Alps rise majestically above the skyline. Spend just a few hours in Ljubljana, and it will come as no surprise that its name translates to “beloved.”

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The Slovenian capital is full of unexpected architectural marvels.

Explore Ljubljana, Slovenia

Architecture 6
Statues 3
Art 3
Medieval 2
Monuments 2
Sculptures 2
Food 2
Alleyways 2
Architectural Oddities 2
Outsider Architecture 2
Design 2
Art Outside 2

Ljubljana Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Noah Charney
    4
  2. Kevin Ducheyne
    2
  3. christianskotte
    1
  4. jonathanholt3
    1
  5. rossrheinbach
    1
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Places Edited

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  4. Luka Esenko
    3
  5. Martin
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Places Visited

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    19
  2. Ditzi
    18
  3. Ursa Major
    17
  4. tejajurican
    16
  5. soundkrampf
    16

Recent Ljubljana Activity

  • jaredmkelley

    has been to Triple Bridge

  • jaredmkelley

    has been to Spomenik Francetu Prešernu

  • jaredmkelley

    has been to Ljubljana Central Market

  • jaredmkelley

    has been to Dragon Bridge

  • Kate Mason

    wants to go to JB Restaurant

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