How to Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Ljubljana
Where to Start - Self-Guided Walking Tour of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Lace-up your walking shoes because today I am going to show you how to enjoy the beautiful city of Ljubljana, Slovenia, at your own pace. A self-guided walking tour is the perfect way to see Ljubljana’s historical landmarks, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Throughout my self-guided walking tour, I saw Ljubljana’s famous squares (trgs), unique bridges, magnificent churches, and a medieval castle. The best part, I was able to see the entire city of Ljubljana in a single day.
My self-guided walking tour of Ljubljana began at my hotel. During my visit, I stayed close to the banks of the Ljubljanica River near the iconic Dragon Bridge. From my hotel, I was able to follow the Ljubljanica River until it reached the Dragon Bridge.
The photo below shows the famous Dragon Bridge. Just past the Dragon Bridge, is the Ljubljana Cathedral and Mestni Trg (Town Square.) It is the best place to begin a self-guided walking tour of Ljubljana.
Walking Around Ljubljana, Slovenia - Table of Contents
- Where to Start
- The Dragon Bridge
- Mestni Trg (Town Square)
- Presernov Trg (Presernov Square)
- Triple Bridge
- Kongresni Trg
- Butchers’ Bridge
- Ljubljana Castle
- Video Highlights of My Self-Guided Walking Tour of Ljubljana
- Ljubljana Walking Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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The Dragon Bridge - 4 Mythical Dragons Protecting Ljubljana
There are three famous bridges in Ljubljana, Slovenia. On my way to Ljubljana’s Town Square ( Mestni Trg), I crossed the famed Dragon Bridge. The bridge is lined with four copper dragons, a mythical creature found throughout the city of Ljubljana.
In addition to the four dragons on the Dragon Bridge, visitors to Ljubljana will find dragons throughout the city. The first images of dragons were found on the Ljubljana coat of arms during the medieval period. Today, the dragon is prominently displayed throughout Ljubljana and serves as the symbolic protector of the city.
When crossing the Dragon Bridge, be sure to stop and appreciate the beautiful view of the Ljublijanica River.
Mestni Trg - Ljubljana's Town Square
After crossing the Dragon Bridge, I came into the first of Ljubljana’s trgs. Trg is the name given to squares in most Slavic languages. Mestni Trg translates to Town Square and is home to Ljubljana Cathedral, Robba Fountain, and Ljubljana Town Hall.
I visited Mestni Trg on Christmas Morning, which meant the Ljubljana Cathedral was closed for Christmas Mass. You will notice in the photos below that Mestni Trg is practically empty. Typically, the square is full of people, both locals and tourists alike.
Unfortunately, during my visit to Mestni Trg, Ljubljana Town Hall was under partial renovation, which made it difficult to get a good photo of both the Robba Fountain and Ljubljana Town Hall.
The Robba Fountain dates back to 1751. Many people don’t know that the fountain in Mestni Trg is actually a replica. The original Robba Fountain was moved to the National Gallery in 2006.
Ljubljana Town Hall is the final of the three attractions in Mestni Trg. The original building was constructed in 1484, with renovations taking place in the early 1700s. After the renovations, Ljubljana Town Hall went from having Gothic-style architecture to having more of a Venetian inspiration.
Prešernov Trg - Presernov Square
From Mestni Trg, it is a short walk to Prešernov Trg, which is the second of the three famous squares in Ljubljana that I visited. Prešernov Trg (or square) is named after the famous Slovenian poet France Prešeren. During the Christmas season, Prešernov Trg is home to a giant Christmas Tree that sits near the center of the square.
I took the photo below from the Ljubljana Castle Tower. You can see the massive size of the Christmas Tree and how it sits just off the center of Prešernov Square.
The most famous building in Prešernov Trg is the orangish-colored Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Although I did not go inside the Church of the Annunciation due to it being Christmas Morning, I was treated to a spectacular show of ringing church bells. Below and to the right, I have linked a video of the church bells ringing for the Christmas holiday at Prešernov Trg.
The Triple Bridge, another one of Ljubljana’s famous bridges, is located just outside of Prešernov Trg. I will discuss the Triple Bridge in the section below, but wanted to point out that if you stand in the center of Prešernov Trg and look towards the Triple Bridge, you will get a great view of Ljubljana Castle.
Be sure to walk up the steps of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation to get a great view of Prešernov Trg. You will also be able to see Ljubljana Castle sitting atop a large bluff.
Triple Bridge - Ljubljana's Oldest and Most Famous Bridge
Just outside of Prešernov Trg is the Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), which is Ljubljana’s oldest and most famous bridge. As its name implies, the Triple Bridge is actually three bridges that span over the Ljubljanica River.
The center of the three bridges is the oldest bridge in Ljubljana, dating back to the 13th Century. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the other two bridges were added.
During my self-guided walking tour of Ljubljana, I crossed the Triple Bridge on my way to my next destination, Kongresni Trg. I also think it is helpful to note that there are free public restrooms near the Triple Bridge. To get to these restrooms, follow the signs down the steps to the edge of the Ljubljanica River.
Kongresni Trg - Congress Square
The third square that I visited during my self-guided walking tour of Ljubljana was Kongresni Trg, which translates into Congress Square. Kongresni Trg gets its name from the post-Napoleonic Congress of Ljubljana. I don’t want to get too into the history of Kongresni Trg, but I do want to point out that it has been an important part of Slovenian history.
I visited Kongresni Trg on Christmas Day. As a result, most of the buildings were closed except for a few small Christmas Markets.
One of my favorite buildings in Ljubljana is located on the edge of Kongresni Trg. This building is the yellow-colored Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity.
Butchers' Bridge - Also Known as the Lock Bridge or Love Bridge
After leaving Kongesni Trg, I had to retrace my steps to get to the next tourist sight. The Butchers’ Bridge is the most unique bridge in Ljubljana. Also known as the Lock Bridge or Love Bridge, it is here that couples have placed locks on the bridge and then dropped the keys into the Ljubljanica River.
The Butchers’ Bridge gets its name as it was built on the site of the former butchers’ booths. Lining the Butchers’ Bridge are statues that were created by Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar.
Ljubljana Castle
The final stop on my walking tour of Ljubljana was Ljubljana Castle. Although it is possible to walk to Ljubljana Castle, I highly recommend taking the funicular.
I created a separate page highlighting my visit to Ljubljana Castle. That page can be found by clicking HERE (link coming soon.)
Video Highlights of My Self-Guided Walking Tour of Ljubljana
Ljubljana Walking Tours and Packages
I took a self-guided tour of Ljubljana and did not hire a guide. In my opinion, a guide is not necessary to enjoy Ljubljana. That being said, I know some people enjoy being led around by a local expert. I have linked a few tours below that I feel would do a great job highlighting the beautiful city of Ljubljana.
Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of February 2024.
 The best of Ljubljana Walking tour - $96.95 Together with a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Did you know the old Town of Ljubljana is one of the nicest medieval city centers? Have you ever heard the history and stories behind Ljubljana's major sights? Is it true that Franciscan Church is connected to the Triple Bridge- Tromostovje? What gave Ljubljana its distinctive appearance? You will enjoy walking towards Ple?nik's Market and the Cathedral, viewing the Town Hall and the Robba Fountain, and crossing the Cobblers' Bridge. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Ljubljana. Your charming guide will reveal the secrets and interesting facts about the National Library, Križanke Summer Theatre, and Kongresni square. Ljubljana will reveal itself to you like a relaxed city with vibrant life and an amazing mixture of city and nature. |
 Early Morning Classic Ljubljana Walking Tour with an Urban Twist (small group) - $64.69 Experience the classic Ljubljana sights and attractions combined with the best of urban creativity. You will see the gems of Ljubljana, from the Old Town and Prešernov Trg Square to famous churches and bridges. In addition the tour features local designer’s fashion stores, art galleries, coffee shops, murals and street art. This spicing of classic Ljubljana sightseeing with urban cultural practices exposes the city as a complex combination of both historical cultural heritage and today's urban art innovations. |
 Private Ljubljana Highlights Walking Tour - $102.33 Explore Ljubljana the way it was meant to be explored — from the eyes of an experienced local guide. |
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