Here’s our Anti-Tourist Guide to Ljubljana to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local

Ditch the typical sightseeing spots and get a real sense of what it’s like to live in Slovenia’s stunning capital, Ljubljana. Whether you’re an art or music enthusiast, an architecture lover, a history buff, or simply someone who wants to have a great time, this city truly has something for everyone. From the moment you arrive, Ljubljana never stops impressing. It’s an underrated city in the heart of Europe that rewards you with little to no crowds and an authentic atmosphere. Nevertheless, once you’ve checked off the must-sees, it’s time to dig a little deeper. We’ve handpicked ten hidden gems that capture the true essence of the city. The kinds of places locals love but visitors often overlook. Follow this anti-tourist guide to experience the real Ljubljana!

Before we dive in, let’s answer some key questions about traveling to Ljubljana so you can make the most of your visit.

How many days should I save to visit Ljubljana?

Tricky question! You could easily spend an entire month exploring all the cafés, bars, and exhibitions, just like in many other European cities. However, if you’re backpacking or interrailing and your travel time is limited, two to three days are enough to see all the must-visit spots.

Now that we’ve covered that, let’s move on to our next question…

Where should I stay during my trip?

Excellent question and quite an important one! Your accommodation can truly make or break your trip. That’s why I always choose the Celica Hostel. It’s centrally located near the downtown area and in the heart of an attractive alternative community, with nearly everything within walking distance. Plus, take advantage of all the free amenities and don’t forget to enjoy the weekly live jam sessions.

The hostels artsy area close by

Now lets move on to our ten handpicked anti-tourist gems of Ljubljana! 

Križanke – concert venue at night, music school by day

Lovely location, amazing architecture, and a romantic bench outside where you can chill and relax away from the crowds. If you happen to be in the city during the Ljubljana Festival, definitely come here to enjoy the live artists. Otherwise, check out the dates for other events as well. It’s a place full of contradictions that make it so special: historic walls hosting pop singers and lively crowds.

The Museum of Ljubljana’s Anti-Tourist Café

While this might seem as a common choice, its still an informative and nice way to discover the city’s past. Plus, the real star of the show is their café. You’ll thank me later :). Especially if you visit Ljubljana on the first Sunday of the month, I highly recommend checking out all the museums subsidized by the state. Admission is free! So, what’s wrong with a day completely dedicated to strolling through museums and drinking coffee? Plus, you can simply walk out if you don’t like it, without feeling like you’ve just wasted your money.

Križevniška street – running from the old monastery to the banks of the river

Check out one of the most charming and oldest streets in Ljubljana, discover the cute little theatre nearby, or grab a bite at one of the very exclusive restaurants. The architecture dates back to medieval times, and nowadays the roadside verges bloom beautifully in spring and summer.

Who’s responsible for Ljubljana’s charm? 

Are you familiar with the father of beautiful Ljubljana? No? I’m pretty sure you’ve admired some of his work tough. Walking through the city, it’s impossible to miss the abundance of designs and architectural creations by the Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. His house has been transformed into a museum and is now open to the public. It’s located next to a church and, of course, by the canal, where you’ll find amazing pubs and restaurants such as Sax Pub, Dežela Okusov, and Apoteka. It’s a relatively unknown place considering how important Plečnik was (and still is) to Ljubljana’s identity. Once again, I’m basically begging you to visit if you’re in Ljubljana on the first Sunday of the month!

Go behind Ljubljana Castle for an anti-tourist vineyard

You surely want to visit the stunning Ljubljana Castle — and you certainly should! However, many tourists miss a highlight that lies just behind the thick walls. Definitely explore the castle’s grapevines and vineyard, and afterwards head for a wine tasting of the grapes you saw earlier.

Metelkova Street on a Tuesday night

One of the many reasons I’d always choose to stay in Celica Hostel is because of their weekly concerts with live artists. The vibe is great and really shows how special it is to stay in a hostel as opposed to a hotel.

Immerse yourself in local life at the National Library

If you need a quiet moment, just step into this world of wisdom, which happens to be an open “museum.” Read a book or simply enjoy the lovely building. Wherever I am, I like to take a quick look at the library because it’s one of those places in every city where you’re sure to meet locals. If I like the atmosphere, I decide to stay — mingling among students preparing for their next big exams or parents helping their children pick out the next bedtime story.

The wonders of socialism

During socialism, Ljubljana’s belle époque was challenged and contrasted by brutalist architecture. Trg Republike Square, in front of the Parliament, perfectly embodies that. Cankarjev Dom and the NLB building are other great examples from that period in history. I feel like you either love or hate brutalist architecture. Nevertheless, after the country’s liberation from Nazi and fascist occupation, it became a symbol of leaving the past behind.

Get away from the hustle and bustle

Are you more of an outdoor person? I love you for that; and I know you’ll love Rožnik Hill. It will enchant you with its lovely nature and views of Ljubljana. From Tivoli Park, you can reach the top in around 30 minutes.

Rainy day?

Nothing beats a visit to Moderna Galerija. It’s a rather small museum that showcases modern art daily by Slovenian artists. Although I’m usually more drawn to art from earlier decades, I surprisingly love this place.

Bonus tip for more anti-tourist spots beyond Ljubljana 

Take advantage of Ljubljanas central location in Europe and continue your journey! Whether you are planning your following trip or where to go next, we have a gift for you. Famous Hostels is on a journey to promote sustainable tourism, pushing train and bus travel as opposed to flying.

For that, we partnered with Flixbus & Eurail and created a calculator that compares your carbon emissions if you are traveling by train or bus versus plane and converts it into a direct discount at over 80+ hostels in Europe.

Discounts go from 5% to 20% based on the distance you go.

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