Top 8 Things To Do In Ljubljana 2022
Top Things To Do In Ljubljana 2022
With travel now firmly on the agenda after so many months of uncertainty, we were on the lookout for new destinations which weren’t always top of mind for those looking for a quick and easy getaway. We’re happy to say we found that with today’s FAULTless review of Ljubljana.
While a relatively small capital city (63.2 sq mi), Slovenia’s Ljubljana is rich in history, modern amenities and investment in the arts & culture sector which allows the city to punch above its weight on the world stage and could just make it one of the top must-see destinations of 2022.
1) Stay At Hotel Mrak
Already a popular holiday destination, there is certainly no shortage of hotels in the city. While the usual popular hotel chains are of course present within the city, we recommend staying at one of the many family-run hotels. We stayed in Hotel Mrak, a family-run hotel right in the heart of old town and only have great things to say about it.
The 34 room hotel while surrounded by traditional architecture and cobbled streets of the old town, still manages to be tastefully modern in its furnishings. Hotel Mrak manages to blend in with the atmosphere of the location proving that much work has been done to still keep this modern and fully accessible hotel part of the old town ecosystem.
There are three room types – comfort room, comfort double and standard loft. We can attest to the comfort double being extremely comfortable and more than enough for solo and duo travellers. The rooms were very clean and had all the amenities you’ll need for your stay.
If you’re looking for a comfortable stay, great breakfast and to be just a stone through away from the city centre and in the heart of old town – look no further than Hotel Mrak.
2) Sail down Ljubljana River
It’s summertime in the city and with the iconic Ljubljana river and bridges playing such a big role in the city’s history, what better way to learn more about them than from the water. The one-hour boat trip will pick you up from Dragon Bridge and takes you up the river passing by baroque houses, the marketplace, and the old town. You sail out to see a more natural world of rural Ljubljana before turning back. The roughly one hour tour lets you see the city from new perspectives and food and drink can also be served on the trip making it a wonderful and affordable way to see the city.
3) Visit Ljubljana castle
Overlooking Ljubljana you’ll see the fantastic 11th-century Ljubljana castle. To reach the castle, you have the option of the tourist train, several walking paths, bus via organised groups and car however we recommend taking the funicular railway. The funicular will present you with a wonderful view of the city as you ascend to the castle grounds. Within the castle, there are a number of activities you can take part in, from an escape game to even a time machine guided tour. If you’d prefer to go at your own pace, we suggest opting for the audio guided tour which also gains you access to the viewing tower for a 360 view of Ljubljana, the museum of puppetry and more than enough history and exhibition access to return home a true scholar on an all thing Ljubljana castle.
4) Visit Plecnik House
You can still feel the mark of world-famous architect Jože Ple?nik on the city of Ljubljana. While Ple?nik’s, influence can be seen in the architecture of Prague and Vienna, it’s his place of birth Ljubljana that has the widest collection of his work and that received the broadest stroke of his creative brush. To learn more about Jože Ple?nik, head to his preserved home – Ple?nik house.
The perfectly preserved home turned museum holds a wealth of knowledge about his work, and history and acts as a perfect window into the life and times of Ljubljana most iconic artists.
5) Visit Cukrana Gallery
Opening in 2021, Cukrana Gallery is the premier location for the best contemporary art within the city. Hosting a wealth of work from a diverse range of media, the gallery is the cultural hub for art, music and fashion in Ljubljana. The internal architecture of Cukrana is a work of art in itself with its vibrant colour and design choices making it the perfect photography spot for art and fashion bloggers alike. The ever-changing roster of exhibiting artists means there’s always something to see while in town.
6) Dine at JB
If you’re in the mood for a special evening, you’ll need to find an equally special restaurant. Janez Bratovž’s restaurant ‘JB’ has become one of the most popular and well-reviewed restaurants in Ljubljana. We opted for the tasting menu which was six courses of absolute splendour. The meal was a world of flavour with each course offering a unique take on the classics and even some new innovations from trailblazing chef Janez Bratovž.
It’s clear that a lot of work has gone into sourcing high-quality ingredients, extensive wine pairings and their ever-transforming menu. It would be wrong not to mention the high level of service we received from all the waiting staff during our meal. The exemplary customer service was shown by the knowledgeable and always on hand staff makes the dining experience one to remember so if you’re looking for a high-class evening with a menu that’s out of this world, head over to the renowned JB.
7) Party at Nebo
If you’re looking for a trendy evening, we suggest heading to the swanky Nebo Show Restaurant on Tomši?eva ulica. The rooftop restaurant/ bar is accessible from a street-level elevator and the views from the balcony area make for an excellent photo spot even at night.
We ordered several starters and can highly recommend the burrata, Ceviche, crispy panko shrimp and mixed seafood platter. For mains, the lobster ravioli made for one of the best dishes we had during our stay and we’ve also heard great things about the steak.
While we attended for dinner, it’s also a great spot to spend the evening sipping cocktails. Their drinks list is extensive but they are also masters of the classics if that’s more your vibe.
On some nights, Nebo also puts on a range of performances from live musicians to burlesque so be sure to check ahead of time to know what’s in store for your stay.
8) Dine at Restavracija Cubo
It’s not been over ten years since Restavracija CUBO opened in the city and locals and international foodies alike, haven’t been able to tear themselves away. People travel from all over the world to sample their Mediterranean-influenced cuisine and we can see why.
The restaurant is situated a little further out from the city centre but Ljubljana size makes it easily accessible by car and free parking is also offered. Owned by the esteemed chef Boštjan Trstenjak, Cuba has built a reputation for accessible luxury. While the decor and attentive service is of the high quality one should expect from any high end establishment, the menu is still very familiar. The quality of their ingredients and time spent perfecting each dish was without a doubt the main priority with those extra luxury details coming as a bonus.
Their starter selection is all world class however our recommendation would certainly be for the pâté as well as the burrata which is served with a pesto sauce. For mains we opted for the lamb and were pleasantly to see such an esteemed restaurant that wasn’t conservative with their portion sizes. Expertly prepared, the lamb was full of flavour and further complimented by the expertly paired wine from their extensive collection.
All in all we had a wonderful evening at CUBO and couldn’t recommend it enough. Their ability to pair traditional flavourings with new and contemporary highlights made for the perfect meal but don’t only take our word for it, the long list of food lovers eager to book a table should be proof enough that CUBO are experts in their field.