Guidebook for Ljubljana
Everything Else
Kolodvorska ulica 11
11 Kolodvorska ulicahttp://www.slo-zeleznice.si
Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana
4 Trg Osvobodilne frontehttp://www.ap-ljubljana.si
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport
130a Zgornji Brnikhttp://www.lju-airport.si/
A remarkable little restaurant on Poljanska Cesta, Gostilna Dela is exactly the type of place we hoped to find when we moved to Ljubljana many years ago. A special focus is given to creating employment opportunities for local youth that would be otherwise excluded from the working world. We could wax lyrical about the social responsibility side of things (see the Poljanska 7-14 box for more information), but the quality of the food demands attention in its own right. A variety of daily menus are on offer (meat, fish and vegetarian of course), and you won’t find a restaurant more in tune with the desires of its customers. Anyone visiting Dela without trying the homemade štruklji is also missing out on something truly special.
Poljanska cesta 7
7 Poljanska cestaA remarkable little restaurant on Poljanska Cesta, Gostilna Dela is exactly the type of place we hoped to find when we moved to Ljubljana many years ago. A special focus is given to creating employment opportunities for local youth that would be otherwise excluded from the working world. We could wax lyrical about the social responsibility side of things (see the Poljanska 7-14 box for more information), but the quality of the food demands attention in its own right. A variety of daily menus are on offer (meat, fish and vegetarian of course), and you won’t find a restaurant more in tune with the desires of its customers. Anyone visiting Dela without trying the homemade štruklji is also missing out on something truly special.
Druga violina specialises in good locally grown produce, a simple short menu of Slovene classics and a top location in the city's old town, but there's a twist in the tale with the 'other violin' (as the English translation of the name goes). It's actually a project for people with disabilities, who produce much of the food on a farmland near Ljubljana and also work as waiting staff in the restaurant itself. Come and see what it's all about, while enjoying one of the fresh local dishes either in the rustic dining room or on the delightful cobbled pavement outside, voted Best Restaurant Summer Terrace by In Your Pocket readers. http://www.center-db.si
Stari trg 21
21 Stari trgDruga violina specialises in good locally grown produce, a simple short menu of Slovene classics and a top location in the city's old town, but there's a twist in the tale with the 'other violin' (as the English translation of the name goes). It's actually a project for people with disabilities, who produce much of the food on a farmland near Ljubljana and also work as waiting staff in the restaurant itself. Come and see what it's all about, while enjoying one of the fresh local dishes either in the rustic dining room or on the delightful cobbled pavement outside, voted Best Restaurant Summer Terrace by In Your Pocket readers. http://www.center-db.si
Sightseeing
Ljubljana Castle
1 Grajska planotahttp://www.ljubljanskigrad.si/
Explore Tivoli Park, Ljubljana's largest and most beautiful parkland area, stretching right into the city centre, and take an interesting hike to the Cankarjev vrh peak on the nearby Rožnik hill. Nice way to spend a day.
More about visiting Ljubljana www.visitljubljana.com
21 personas locales recomiendan
Tivoli, Rožnik in Šišenski hrib
Explore Tivoli Park, Ljubljana's largest and most beautiful parkland area, stretching right into the city centre, and take an interesting hike to the Cankarjev vrh peak on the nearby Rožnik hill. Nice way to spend a day.
More about visiting Ljubljana www.visitljubljana.com
Slovenia's national poet France Prešeren (1800-1849) stands in the square named in his honour at the foot of the Triple Bridge. As well as offering an interesting visual treat, the monument also serves as a focal point for people meeting in the city. Erected in 1905, the large monolith is the work of the architect Maks Fabiani and sculptor Ivan Zajc and features the Muse of poetry holding a small laurel of bay leaves over his head as well as extracts from his writing around the base.
10 personas locales recomiendan
Prešeren Monument
1 Prešernov trgSlovenia's national poet France Prešeren (1800-1849) stands in the square named in his honour at the foot of the Triple Bridge. As well as offering an interesting visual treat, the monument also serves as a focal point for people meeting in the city. Erected in 1905, the large monolith is the work of the architect Maks Fabiani and sculptor Ivan Zajc and features the Muse of poetry holding a small laurel of bay leaves over his head as well as extracts from his writing around the base.
Built in an instantly recognisable, mildly swirly Baroque fashion, Ljubljana’s mid-16th-century Franciscan Church dominates Prešernov Trg like a big pink birthday cake. Part of a larger complex with an additional Franciscan monastery, if you’re lucky enough to find the doors unlocked expect a few treats inside including Robba’s 18th-century altar, some charming frescoes dating from 100 years or so later and a chapel notable for containing a cross designed by none other than Jože Plečnik. For those who don’t appreciate the finer points of ecclesiastic architecture, the front steps do at least provide a nice place to sit and watch the world go by on a gloriously sunny day.
Prešernov trg 4
4 Prešernov trgBuilt in an instantly recognisable, mildly swirly Baroque fashion, Ljubljana’s mid-16th-century Franciscan Church dominates Prešernov Trg like a big pink birthday cake. Part of a larger complex with an additional Franciscan monastery, if you’re lucky enough to find the doors unlocked expect a few treats inside including Robba’s 18th-century altar, some charming frescoes dating from 100 years or so later and a chapel notable for containing a cross designed by none other than Jože Plečnik. For those who don’t appreciate the finer points of ecclesiastic architecture, the front steps do at least provide a nice place to sit and watch the world go by on a gloriously sunny day.
Večna pot 70
70 Večna pothttp://www.zoo.si
Drinks & Nightlife
It might be a café, a bar, a cultural centre, a comic book shop or a live music venue, but in truth Pritličje is all this and more and then some too. The events schedule is packed with cutting edge creativity, the drinks list goes above and beyond the standard fare and the coffee is good enough to make it one of our most frequented spots in town. Add a perfect location next to the town hall, a comic book store full of a dizzying array of titles (the only shop of its type in the city centre), cute window seating and social values befitting the age we live in and we’re slowly running out of superlatives for Pritličje.
http://www.pritlicje.si
39 personas locales recomiendan
Pritličje
2 Mestni trgIt might be a café, a bar, a cultural centre, a comic book shop or a live music venue, but in truth Pritličje is all this and more and then some too. The events schedule is packed with cutting edge creativity, the drinks list goes above and beyond the standard fare and the coffee is good enough to make it one of our most frequented spots in town. Add a perfect location next to the town hall, a comic book store full of a dizzying array of titles (the only shop of its type in the city centre), cute window seating and social values befitting the age we live in and we’re slowly running out of superlatives for Pritličje.
http://www.pritlicje.si
The bar exudes an old-time ambience and charm that is a rarity these days: restored antique furniture, shelves full of books, a player piano in the corner and a stage that is occasionally used for live music sets, jam sessions, theatre, cabaret and an eclectic mix of other cultural events.
http://www.daktari.si
17 personas locales recomiendan
Daktari
7 Krekov trgThe bar exudes an old-time ambience and charm that is a rarity these days: restored antique furniture, shelves full of books, a player piano in the corner and a stage that is occasionally used for live music sets, jam sessions, theatre, cabaret and an eclectic mix of other cultural events.
http://www.daktari.si
Covered in quality graffiti outside and always featuring a huddle of interesting-looking individuals smoking suspiciously large cigarettes by the entrance, the exterior is but a mild prelude to what’s inside. A smallish L-shaped bar is packed day and night with more strange characters amidst an interior design scheme straight from the pages of a Manga comic. Excellent for coffee or something a little stronger.
37 personas locales recomiendan
Žmauc
21 Rimska cestaCovered in quality graffiti outside and always featuring a huddle of interesting-looking individuals smoking suspiciously large cigarettes by the entrance, the exterior is but a mild prelude to what’s inside. A smallish L-shaped bar is packed day and night with more strange characters amidst an interior design scheme straight from the pages of a Manga comic. Excellent for coffee or something a little stronger.
Food Scene
This ultra-modern new concept restaurant and bar combines Slovenian-style tapas with an excellent selection of wines from some of the country's top producers. The menu has a strong Mediterranean influence, featuring everything from tender prosciutto and salami to roasted octopus and baked shrimp - all prepared with fresh local ingredients in an open kitchen, where you can watch the magic happen if you're lucky enough to find an open seat. For those adverse to making decisions, there are three- and five-course tasting menus selected by the chef (our preferred option), while many patrons simply drop in to sample a few glasses of wine. http://www.tabar.si
30 personas locales recomiendan
TaBar
72 Ribji trgThis ultra-modern new concept restaurant and bar combines Slovenian-style tapas with an excellent selection of wines from some of the country's top producers. The menu has a strong Mediterranean influence, featuring everything from tender prosciutto and salami to roasted octopus and baked shrimp - all prepared with fresh local ingredients in an open kitchen, where you can watch the magic happen if you're lucky enough to find an open seat. For those adverse to making decisions, there are three- and five-course tasting menus selected by the chef (our preferred option), while many patrons simply drop in to sample a few glasses of wine. http://www.tabar.si
et in a colourful little house on one of Ljubljana's prettiest (and most overlooked) streets, Manna offers a divine selection of contemporary Slovene cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are complimented with some tasty homemade desserts and large choice of both Slovene and foreign wines, as well as a sophisticated selection of spirits (aged rums, cognacs and whiskeys) and cigars for after dinner. A large garden and terrace in the back is open all year, and many people come here to enjoy a coffee, sweets or light snack.
http://www.restaurant-manna.com
28 personas locales recomiendan
Restaurant-Hiša kulinarike Manna-Restavracija
1a Eipprova ulicaet in a colourful little house on one of Ljubljana's prettiest (and most overlooked) streets, Manna offers a divine selection of contemporary Slovene cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are complimented with some tasty homemade desserts and large choice of both Slovene and foreign wines, as well as a sophisticated selection of spirits (aged rums, cognacs and whiskeys) and cigars for after dinner. A large garden and terrace in the back is open all year, and many people come here to enjoy a coffee, sweets or light snack.
http://www.restaurant-manna.com
A truly unique culinary and social venture, Skuhna was established by a Slovene non-profit to help better integrate the country's vibrant migrant community, while at the same time offering locals the opportunity to experience diverse foods and cultures from around the world. The restaurant is the only place in town to try authentic cuisine from places such Algeria, Zimbabwe and Iran. The project initially provided training for several full-time chefs, who now organise an ongoing programme of lunches, dinners, workshops and catering services from their full-time restaurant on Trubarjeva ulica. A full calendar of upcoming events, daily menus and lots of other info can be found on the official website http://www.skuhna.si
7 personas locales recomiendan
Skuhna - svetovna kuhinja po slovensko
56 Trubarjeva cestaA truly unique culinary and social venture, Skuhna was established by a Slovene non-profit to help better integrate the country's vibrant migrant community, while at the same time offering locals the opportunity to experience diverse foods and cultures from around the world. The restaurant is the only place in town to try authentic cuisine from places such Algeria, Zimbabwe and Iran. The project initially provided training for several full-time chefs, who now organise an ongoing programme of lunches, dinners, workshops and catering services from their full-time restaurant on Trubarjeva ulica. A full calendar of upcoming events, daily menus and lots of other info can be found on the official website http://www.skuhna.si
Acres of stripped pine, friendly professional service and one of the best kitchen smells in the city, this intimate bistro-type restaurant comes highly recommended. Standouts from the small yet varied menu include the large and tasty salads, delicious pastas, traditional Slovenian food and some truly memorable meat and fish dishes. Be warned though, the place is immensely popular, and waiting for a table during the day is a common occurrence. http://www.marleyandme.si
Marley & Me
9 Stari trgAcres of stripped pine, friendly professional service and one of the best kitchen smells in the city, this intimate bistro-type restaurant comes highly recommended. Standouts from the small yet varied menu include the large and tasty salads, delicious pastas, traditional Slovenian food and some truly memorable meat and fish dishes. Be warned though, the place is immensely popular, and waiting for a table during the day is a common occurrence. http://www.marleyandme.si
Not only does Shambala's kitchen turn out some of the best (and spiciest) Asian cuisine in Slovenia, but the tranquil, almost meditative, ambience of the place allows you to enjoy your meal in a state of perfect relaxation - with some of the best service in town thrown in as an added benefit. During the warmer months, diners can also take advantage of the pleasant little garden that is tucked away in one of the buildings inner courtyards. Situated down a narrow alleyway off Breg, this hidden gem is definitely worth finding.
http://www.shambala.si
Križevniška ulica 12
12 Križevniška ulicaNot only does Shambala's kitchen turn out some of the best (and spiciest) Asian cuisine in Slovenia, but the tranquil, almost meditative, ambience of the place allows you to enjoy your meal in a state of perfect relaxation - with some of the best service in town thrown in as an added benefit. During the warmer months, diners can also take advantage of the pleasant little garden that is tucked away in one of the buildings inner courtyards. Situated down a narrow alleyway off Breg, this hidden gem is definitely worth finding.
http://www.shambala.si
Mirje combines a sleek, contemporary ambiance with quality traditional Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. The soft lighting, beige walls and futuristic mirrored light fixtures create a pleasant setting to savour the outstanding dishes, such as succulent steaks from the Green Egg grill, a wide selection of fresh handmade pastas, superb salads and piping hot pizzas from the wood-fired oven. There's also a large outdoor seating area, which is covered in the colder months and plays host to an open grill in the summer. Located just across the street from the Tobačna Mesto cultural and business centre, a few minutes' walk from the old town will get you here.
http://restavracija-mirje.si
Tržaška cesta 5
5 Tržaška cestaMirje combines a sleek, contemporary ambiance with quality traditional Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. The soft lighting, beige walls and futuristic mirrored light fixtures create a pleasant setting to savour the outstanding dishes, such as succulent steaks from the Green Egg grill, a wide selection of fresh handmade pastas, superb salads and piping hot pizzas from the wood-fired oven. There's also a large outdoor seating area, which is covered in the colder months and plays host to an open grill in the summer. Located just across the street from the Tobačna Mesto cultural and business centre, a few minutes' walk from the old town will get you here.
http://restavracija-mirje.si
When you ask locals to name their favourite Balkan restaurant in Ljubljana, Čad is one of the most frequently heard answers. Situated by Rožnik Hill around corner from Tivoli Park, it's also the longest-running restaurant of its kind in town, and guests can dine in the shady garden surrounded by nature or in the rustic homey interior. Specialising in spit and grilled dishes, the beefsteaks, grilled peppers and ražnjići skewers all come highly recommended.
http://www.gostilna-cad.si
49 personas locales recomiendan
Gostilna Čad d.o.o.
18 Cesta na RožnikWhen you ask locals to name their favourite Balkan restaurant in Ljubljana, Čad is one of the most frequently heard answers. Situated by Rožnik Hill around corner from Tivoli Park, it's also the longest-running restaurant of its kind in town, and guests can dine in the shady garden surrounded by nature or in the rustic homey interior. Specialising in spit and grilled dishes, the beefsteaks, grilled peppers and ražnjići skewers all come highly recommended.
http://www.gostilna-cad.si
Located in the city's oldest house, dating from 1528, has already become a popular choice for visitors to Ljubljana. Aroma has a diverse menu offering traditional Slovene dishes as well as almost anything else you might fancy - from steaks and pizzas to salads and desserts - as well as a good selection of quality Slovene wines. Breakfast specials look good too. Almost as hard as choosing what to order is deciding whether to sit inside under the beautiful vaulted ceilings or outside in prime position beside the Ljubljanica river. http://www.aroma-ljubljana.si
Aroma
2 Ribji trgLocated in the city's oldest house, dating from 1528, has already become a popular choice for visitors to Ljubljana. Aroma has a diverse menu offering traditional Slovene dishes as well as almost anything else you might fancy - from steaks and pizzas to salads and desserts - as well as a good selection of quality Slovene wines. Breakfast specials look good too. Almost as hard as choosing what to order is deciding whether to sit inside under the beautiful vaulted ceilings or outside in prime position beside the Ljubljanica river. http://www.aroma-ljubljana.si
Arts & Culture
Ljubljana’s famous artists’ colony hosts a number of clubs, most of which play thrash style music to a dreadlocked black-clad audience of all ages. Unfortunately little of the website is in English so it would be a case of try it and see, but what we can say for sure is that it provides a refreshing and alternative alternative to the dance music found in most other clubs and attracts a crowd who probably care more that you’re ‘cool’ as in non-judgmental than ‘cool’ as in what you’re wearing and how you sip your drink. Well worth checking-out both for itself and for the philosophy behind the whole set-up. http://www.metelkovamesto.org
Masarykova cesta 24
24 Masarykova cestaLjubljana’s famous artists’ colony hosts a number of clubs, most of which play thrash style music to a dreadlocked black-clad audience of all ages. Unfortunately little of the website is in English so it would be a case of try it and see, but what we can say for sure is that it provides a refreshing and alternative alternative to the dance music found in most other clubs and attracts a crowd who probably care more that you’re ‘cool’ as in non-judgmental than ‘cool’ as in what you’re wearing and how you sip your drink. Well worth checking-out both for itself and for the philosophy behind the whole set-up. http://www.metelkovamesto.org