8 Things To Do In Ljubljana with Kids

Ljubljana (pronounced Lyoob-lyah-nah), the capital city of Slovenia, was a real delight. This city surprised us! It’s a small, easily walkable, lively, beautiful place. It’s the sort of place you wander around, stopping for a drink or bit to eat, enjoying the atmosphere. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Ljubljana with kids.

Legend has it that Ljubljana was founded by Jason, the hero of Greek mythology who stole the golden fleece from King Aeetes and then fled aboard the Argo with his comrades, known as the Argonauts. He sailed across the Black Sea and up the Danube and the Sava until they reached the Ljubljanica. Here they dismantled their ship in order to carry it overland to the Adriatic coast, where they rebuilt the vessel and set sail back to Greece. On their way to the coast, they stopped at a large lake in the marshes near the source of the Ljubljanica, where a dragon was said to live. Here Jason fought, defeated and killed the dragon! The dragon is now on the Ljubljana coat of arms and is the symbol of the city.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN LJUBLJANA WITH KIDS

1. WANDER THE STREETS OF THE OLD TOWN

Ljubljana’s Old Town is found on the eastern bank of the Ljubljanica River. This area is easily walkable, indeed its the best way to explore. Here you’ll find medieval houses, 19th century wooden shop fronts, narrow cobblestone passageways and quiet courtyards. This area is also full of restaurants and shops.

Wander along Cankarjevo Nabrezje, a pedestrian-only street that lines the Ljubljianica River. Cafes and bars with outdoor seating are found all along this street, alongside the river. Stop here for a drink or a bit to eat. Every time we walked along this street it was full of people and had a great atmosphere.

2. DISCOVER PRESEREN SQUARE

Preseran Square (Presernov Trg) is a marvellous square at the heart of Ljubljana, a meeting point and the link between the Old Town and the more modern city centre. The salmon pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, built in the 17th century, frames the square, and is a popular backdrop for photographs of the city. The church was closed to visitors when we visited but it is worth popping inside for a look when open.

3. ESCAPE FROM LJBULUANA CASTLE

Atop Castle Hill, Ljbuluana Castle is not to be missed. Access the castle via the funicular railway which leaves from the Old Town, not far from Vodnikov Trg. It is possible to walk up to the castle but kids will definitely prefer the funicular.

The castle can be explored using a self-guided audio tour or by joining a 90 minute Time Machine tour, led by guides wearing costume. However, with kids we would highly recommend Escape Castle. This exciting game takes you on a tour of the castle with various challenges to be completed at different points. There are five challenges in all, which take you to all areas of the castle. You will learn about the history of the city, have great fun and maybe even save a dragon, the very dragon that is the guardian of the city and that fell into the earth after a clash with Knight George. You have one hour to complete the hunt.

Escape Castle is geared towards families with school aged children. We did this and loved it. A couple of the challenges were quite tricky but we were successful in finding the dragon. We bumped into a number of adult groups doing the hunt too, so it’s not just for kids. I highly recommend this if you are travelling as a family.

Top Tip: The Ljubljana Castle website recommends reserving your Escape Castle time in advance. We didn’t do this but I think we were lucky! If you are keen to do Escape Castle try to make your reservation in advance, so that you aren’t disappointed.

4. CROSS THE FAMOUS BRIDGES

There are a number of famous bridges crossing the Ljubljanica River in the heart of the city:

Triple Bridge, which links Preseren Square with the Old Town. As its name suggests it is in fact three bridges. The central bridge was built first, to replace the medieval wooden bridge, and years later pedestrian bridges were built on either side Hence the triple bridge.

Butcher’s Bridge, which is in fact Lovers Bridge. The bridge is adorned with padlocks from couples in love.

Dragon Bridge, probably the most famous of Ljubljana’s bridges. Found beyond Vodnikov Trg, to the north-east of the Old Town. Legend says that the winged dragons on either side of the bridge wag their tails whenever a virgin crosses the bridge!

Cobbler’s Bridge, found west of Star Trg in the Old Town. So named as it was a place of trade for cobblers during the Middle Ages. Craftsmen lived and worked on the bridges (in this case twelve shoemakers) to catch the passing traffic and escape paying town taxes!

5. ENJOY A BOAT RIDE ON THE LJUBLJANA RIVER 

The Ljubljanica River flows through the centre of the city. Board a boat and cruise along this pretty river, through the centre of Ljubljana. A relaxing way to spend an hour. There are several points where you can take a boat cruise.

6. SAMPLE THE DELIGHTS AT LJUBLJANA’S MANY RESTAURANTS

There are numerous restaurants to choose from in Ljubljana. Here’s a few we recommend:

Monstera Bistro  a small place tucked away in the Old Town with fantastic food. Rated highly for good reason. Reservations a must.

Cacao  in a  central location and a wonderful place to stop for an ice cream. The quality is amazing and the choice of flavours is huge.

Cajna Hisa these tearooms found in a quiet street in the Old Town serve cakes, ice creams and pastries. There is a small  garden, and tables on the street. A great place for breakfast or lunch.

Julija found in the centre of the Old Town. Julia offers Mediterranean cuisine and wonderful desserts. The three course lunches served on the outdoor terrace offer excellent value.

Pop’s Place prime location next to the river with plenty of outdoor seating. This is the place to head for burgers or pizza.

Top Tip: For many of Ljubljana’s restaurants you will need to make reservations during the peak summer period.

7. DISCOVER CENTRAL MARKET

Central Market is worth a visit to stock up on provisions or just have a good look around. The large open-air market is found on Vodnikov and Pogacarjev Trgs. Here you’ll find everything from fruits and veggies to homemade cheeses and sweet pastries.

8. RELAX IN TIVOLI PARK

This huge green park is a lovely spot to sit and relax for a while or if with kids, allow them to have a run around.

PLACES TO STAY IN LJUBLJANA WITH KIDS

City Hotel Ljubljana located in the heart of the city and offering family friendly accommodation.

uHotel another centrally located hotel with family sized rooms.

Apartments Hisa Pod Gradom these centrally located apartments offer everything you need for a stay in the capital.

Adora Apartments close to the cities sights, these apartments come in a range of sizes.

Have you been to Ljubljana with kids? What were your favourite things to do? Please let us know…

FOR MORE ON SLOVENIA:

Visiting Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle