I love just how walkable Ljubljana is. Everything worth seeing is just a few minutes’ walking distance away. I didn’t get to explore as much as I wanted as my March trip was overshadowed by heavy rains, but what I did find here was a lot of beauty, even beneath the drizzle.
Ljubljana is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. With a rich history, vibrant culture, and an up-and-coming culinary scene, it’s one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
I loved walking around the quaint buildings in the old town, admiring the architecture of the fiercely impressive Dragon Bridge, and enjoying one of Europe’s safer cities, which has a relatively sleepy feel compared to the hustle and bustle of Paris, London or Rome.
The city is quite small, and not all of its neighborhoods have a lot to offer visitors. That means figuring out exactly where to stay here can be tricky.
To help you out, we’ve figured out the best places to base yourself in Slovenia’s capital city for different travel styles and budgets. Whether you’re looking for the hottest clubs or coolest culture, you’ve come to the right place!
Old Town
Located at the centre of Ljubljana is Old Town. Nestled between the Ljubljanica River and the Ljubljana Castle, this medieval part of the city is characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets, winding alleyways, traditional architecture and charming restaurants.
Trnovo
Trnovo is a trendy neighbourhood just south of Ljubljana’s city centre. A popular gathering place for students and young adults, this neighbourhood is brimming with bars and restaurants, cafes and clubs.
City Centre
In addition to its central location, Ljubljana’s City Centre is perfect for night owls and party animals. Boasting the best nightlife in the city, this downtown neighbourhood is bursting with a vibrant atmosphere, lively bars, and exciting clubs.
Metelkova
Metelkova is far and away one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Ljubljana. Located north of the city centre, Metelkova is an alternative cultural centre that attracts artists and performers from throughout Slovenia and Europe.
Koseze
Located west of the city centre, Koseze is a beautiful and charming neighbourhood. It is a short 15-minute bike ride from Ljubljana Castle, and this is where you can enjoy all the benefits of being in the city without the hustle, bustle and chaos.
Ljubljana’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
In this section, we’ve got more detailed guides on each neighborhood. We’ve included our top accommodation and activity picks in each, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
1. Old Town – Where to Stay for your First Visit
Old Town sits at the centre of the city. This medieval part of Ljubljana is characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets, winding alleyways, traditional architecture, and charming restaurants.
Old Town is where you’ll find many of the city’s most famous landmarks. From the Dragon Bridge to Robba Fountain, this area is packed with unique places to visit.
If you’re keen to try traditional Slovenian food, look no further. This compact neighborhood is teeming with eateries and cafes serving up the very best Slovenian dishes and delights!
- Best For: Anyone who’s most interested in sightseeing will want to base up here.
- The Vibe: It’s very picturesque with traditional European architecture everywhere, there’s a chilled-out feel here which made my stay really pleasant.
- Proximity to Airport: You can take a shuttle bus for around €5 which takes around 30 minutes.
- Transport Level: It’s easily walkable, but buses exist if you want another option. Uber exists but is more expensive and you don’t really need it here.
- Budget: It’s high. People think of Slovenia as being “cheap”, but that’s not really the case. It’s closer to western neighbors Italy than Hungary, who it shares an eastern border with. Ljubljana’s Old Town reflects this.
- Crowds: Higher than elsewhere in the city, but Ljubljana doesn’t get packed like Rome or Vienna.
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Top Things to Do in Old Town
- Explore Ljubljana Castle, a stunning medieval fortress that has great views over the river and city.
- Stop by and pay tribute to Hercules at the Herkulov vodnjak.
- See Robbov vodnjak. Also known as the Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers, Robba Fountain is one of the city’s best-known Baroque monuments.
- Prepared to be amazed by the colourful and intricate interiors of the Ljubljana Cathedral.
- Cross the iconic Dragon Bridge, and snap the perfect pic for the ‘gram by its impressive statues.
- Enjoy an incredible meal at STRELEC Restaurant, where the views are almost as good as the food!
- Dine on modern cuisine at Julija.
- Dance the night away at the exciting and lively Pritlicje.
- Ride the funicular to the top of the hill and enjoy the views along the way.
Best Airbnb: Home Marked with the Best View In Town!
This cozy loft offers unbeatable views over Ljubljana, the river, and the castle. Despite being small, it can sleep up to three visitors and has a full kitchen area. Its central location puts you. in the heart of restaurants, shops, and attractions. I came here with some buddies and we had a blast! We loved how close it is to everything and would defo stay here in the future.
Best Hostel: AdHoc Hostel
A nice little spot in a decent central area. It’s clean and has decent lockers, which is the bare minimum I expect from a hostel these days.
I would say it’s pretty no frills here. But we’re called the Broke Backpacker for a reason. We love CHEAP, and that’s what this place is. The fact that it’s so good for a budget spot is just a bonus.
Best Hotel: Hotel Emonec
Hotel Emonec is located in the centre of Ljubljana. It’s a stone’s throw from the castle, restaurants, cafes, and museums. Charming and cosy, this hotel has an on-site restaurant, tour desk, and laundry facilities for guests.
The rooms are spacious, outfitted with modern amenities, and have private bathrooms.
2. Trnovo – Where to Stay on a Budget
Trnovo is a trendy neighborhood just south of Ljubljana’s city centre. A popular gathering place for students and young adults, this neighborhood is brimming with bars and restaurants, cafes and clubs.
You’ll also find lush green spaces, perfect for a relaxing afternoon of sunshine, stunning views, and idyllic strolls.
This massive neighborhood is also your best bet when searching for budget accommodation in Ljubljana. From cheap and charming to modern and stylish, this neighborhood is where you’ll get the best bang for your buck.
- Best For: Anyone who wants to base up around a younger population in a cheaper part of the city.
- The Vibe: It’s student central here, which means a lot of buzz throughout the day, and wild parties by night.
- Proximity to Airport: It’s around 1 hour away by public transport, and you’d need to catch a connection at Ljubljana Bus Station.
- Transport Level: It’s walkable, with a strong bus network, as well as Uber as an option.
- Budget: This is more of a student-oriented spot which makes it budget-friendly.
- Crowds: Moderate. It’s quieter than the Old Town, but still busy compared to other residential areas that have less of a student crowd.
Top Things to Do in Trnovo
- Sip on a cup of freshly roasted coffee at Mala Prazarna.
- See the remains of the city’s Roman walls at Rimski zid na Mirju.
- Cross the Trnovo Bridge, famous for its impressive width and tree-lined walkway.
- Take a relaxing and peaceful stroll along the Ljubljanica River on the Trnovski Pristan walkway.
- Grab a drink at Sax Pub, a Ljubljana institution popular for its vibrant and colorful graffiti-covered façade.
- Enjoy a cup of coffee as you browse the vintage museum pieces decorating Nostalgija Vintage Cafe.
- Dance until dawn to the city’s best DJs at Cirkus Klub.
Best Airbnb: Entire Home in Central Location
This place feels like a home away from home. It’s ideal for big friend groups as it’s cheap if you split up to 6 ways. But there’s room for small families to stay here as well. When you are ready to get out of the house, you can take an 8-minute walk and find yourself at the main city square and archeological park.
Best Hostel: Hostel Vrba
Hostel Vrba is our choice for the best hostel in the city. Set in the centre, this hostel is close to restaurants, bars and Ljubljana’s top attractions. It has private and shared accommodation options.
There are free coffee and tea, laundry facilities, and a relaxing common room.
Best Hotel: Sport Hotel Ljubljana
Sport Hotel Ljubljana is our top recommendation for where to stay in Trnovo. Located outside of the city center, all of the city’s top landmarks and attractions are easily accessible by car, bike, or bus.
This comfortable hotel has a swimming pool, playground, and an in-house bar. It also offers a great range of modern amenities. Throw in a delish free breakfast and this is a real winner!
3. City Centre – Best Place to Stay for Nightlife
In addition to its central location, Ljubljana’s City Centre is perfect for night owls and party animals. Boasting the best nightlife in the city, this downtown neighborhood is bursting with a vibrant atmosphere, lively bars, and exciting clubs.
Here you’ll find a tonne of places to meet new people, enjoy a cocktail and dance the night away.
But there’s more to the city center than just bars and clubs. This district is teeming with museums, art galleries, shops, and boutiques.
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new piece for your closet or art for your walls, there’s plenty to see, do – and shop for – in the city centre.
- Best For: Being close to the main points of interest and amenities.
- The Vibe: It’s pretty lively here with a lot of foot traffic from tourists, locals, businessmen and more.
- Proximity to Airport: The airport shuttle will take you down here in 30 minutes or so.
- Transport Level: One of the best-connected parts of the city. The bus station is here, but it’s pretty walkable anyway.
- Budget: Moderate. The Old Town costs more than the wider City Centre, but it still ain’t cheap.
- Crowds: Higher than residential areas, and only really lower than the Old Town.
Top Things to Do in City Centre
- Enjoy a cold pint at Premier Pub.
- Dine on innovative dishes and classics with a twist at Žmauc.
- Listen to great music and enjoy a drink (or two) at Cutty Sark Pub.
- Down a good ol’ pint at Patrick’s Irish Pub, where the atmosphere is good and there’s a variety of beers on tap.
- See incredible views from the rooftop terrace of Skyscraper.
- View prehistoric artifacts at the National Museum of Slovenia.
- Challenge a friend (or stranger) to a rousing game of beer pong at Shooters Club.
Best Airbnb: Renovated Apartment in the Hustle and Bustle
Directly below the castle is this beautiful apartment residing just about 50 meters from public transport. It’s a simple and clean apartment that’s been newly renovated to comfortably sleep up to two guests making it a perfect spot for couples.
Best Hostel: Fluxus Hostel
This colourful and cosy hostel is located in the heart of the city. It is a short walk from Ljubljana’s top attractions and there are many eateries, clubs, bars and cafes nearby.
Fluxus Hostel has laundry facilities, an outdoor terrace, and a welcoming common room. There’s even a relaxing steam room!
Best Hotel: Art hotel Ljubljana
Art hotel Ljubljana is a stylish and modern three-star hotel. It is close to bars, restaurants, shopping, and famous landmarks. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and each is outfitted with a range of great amenities.
4. Metelkova – Coolest Neighborhood
Metelkova is far and away one of the coolest neighborhoods in Ljubljana. It’s an alternative cultural centre that attracts artists and performers from all over Slovenia and Europe.
Built on the site of the former headquarters of the Army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Yugoslav National Army, Metelkova is a self-declared autonomous community. It’s filled with underground clubs and galleries, as well as bars and restaurants selling cheap food and drinks.
Wander throughout the seven buildings that make up Metelkova and see incredible examples of colourful street art, public art exhibitions, and more.
- Best For: Hipsters, artists, culture vultures, and anyone who prefers grunge over sleek appearances.
- The Vibe: It’s very bohemian here, with a bit of a rock/metal scene going on.
- Proximity to Airport: It will take around 40 minutes to get here by bus.
- Transport Level: Pretty decent. You’re near the bus and train stations here, plus it’s a small and walkable part of the city.
- Budget: It’s more run-down here which is reflected in the lower prices.
- Crowds: It perks up more at night when people come to rave.
Top Things to Do in Metelkova
- Listen to great rock and metal music at Orto Bar, one of the biggest clubs in Ljubljana.
- Dance the night away at Klub K4, a massive club that plays everything from techno and house to drum and bass and beyond.
- See incredible works of modern art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova | +MSUM.
- View interesting exhibits that explore the link between past and present cultures and traditions at the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum.
- Enjoy great Slovenian food at reasonable prices at Das ist Valter.
- Dine on everything from delicious pizza to fresh salads at Utrip.
Best Airbnb: Magic Blue Apartments with FREE Bikes
Brand new, great location and a bangin’ price, what’s not to love? Magic Blue apartments is Less than 10 mins to the Ljubljana’s most charming part of the old town and just a few minutes walk from the main train station putting you in a great location to explore.
Not only that but it truly feels like a home away from home with a living room, kitchen and cosy bedroom. If you’re travelling as a group of up to 4, this can be a really affordable place to stay.
Best Hostel: Hostel Celica
Hostel Celica is located north of the city centre in Metelkova. It is just steps from the hottest clubs and coolest bars in the city. Built in an old military prison, this hostel is bursting with character and atmosphere. It has a common room, kitchen and outdoor terrace.
Best Hotel: Hotel Meksiko
Hotel Meksiko is a comfortable and contemporary three-star hotel in the Metelkova neighborhood. A short walk from the city centre, this hotel is close to the city’s trendiest bars and liveliest clubs. Rooms have modern décor, free wifi and comfortable beds. There’s also an on-site bar and restaurant.
5. Koseze – Best Place to Stay for Families
Koseze is our best recommendation for where to stay if you’re traveling with the clan. This beautiful and charming neighborhood is a 15-minute bike ride from Ljubljana Castle. It’s where you can enjoy all the benefits of being in the city without the hustle, bustle and chaos.
Surrounded by nature, Koseze is one of the most relaxing neighborhoods in Ljubljana. It’s a popular destination for visitors and locals alike thanks to its network of walking trails, lush natural scenery and the delightful Koseze pond.
Here you’ll also find a great variety of family-friendly activities and attractions, including Ljubljana zoo and fun mini golf.
- Best For: Families, and anyone else who likes a quieter pace of life.
- The Vibe: It’s calmer here without so much foot traffic and general noise.
- Proximity to Airport: It takes roughly 40 minutes to get here by public transport, but you’ll have to make a connection at Slovenija Avto.
- Transport Level: Buses still run here, but aren’t as frequent as they are in central areas. Uber is another option.
- Budget: It’s more of a mid-range spot away from the tourist neighbourhoods.
- Crowds: One of the quieter parts of the city.
Top Things to Do in Koseze
- Explore the lush and expansive Tivoli Park.
- Play a fun round of 18 holes at Mini Golf Café.
- See your favorite animals at the Ljubljana Zoo.
- Climb to the top of Roznik Hill and enjoy great views in serene nature.
- Go for a walk – or if visiting in winter, a skate – around Koseze Pond.
- Catch a game and cheer on your favorite team at Lepa Žoga, a fantastic and family-friendly sports bar.
- Enjoy an incredible meal at Pomaranca.
- Sip and sample Slovenian specialties at Gostilna Pri Vodniku.
Best Airbnb: Apartment Malina
Feel right at home at this family-friendly apartment in Koseze. With space for up to five guests, it’s bright and colorful throughout and ideal for groups of friends or if you’re traveling as a family. And you know what? That also means it’s a great budget option if you split costs. It’s got a full kitchen, dining, and living area, as well as laundry facilities and free wifi. The apartment is surrounded by greenery and a short walk from town.
Best Hostel: Sleep&Go Hostel Ljubljana
This is a great spot to stay in. It’s clean, has privacy curtains, and there are decent-sized lockers under the beds. What more can you want from a budget-friendly option? Okay, maybe a social place to stay, and to be fair, that’s not what this place is about.
Some of the capsules here even have TVs which isn’t something I usually find with capsule hostels, so that’s a unique selling point for this place, which is great for fellow budget backpackers.
Best Hotel: Aparthotel Vila Minka Ljubljana
With tennis courts, a bowling alley, and a range of outdoor activities, Vila Minka is packed with family-friendly fun! Each apartment is outfitted with a kitchenette, free wifi, and a range of modern amenities. There’s also an on-site restaurant and stylish lounge bar.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Ljubljana
Here’s what people usually ask us about the various parts of Slovenia’s capital city and where the best spots to stay are.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Ljubljana
The biggest danger in Ljubljana is probably having to spell its name correctly without looking it up. Buuuut accidents do happen, and if you do find yourself experiencing some misfortune, then you don’t want to end up out of pocket. Get insurance to avoid disaster!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Where we Recommend Staying in Ljubljana
Ljubljana is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cities in Europe. This compact capital city is bursting with incredible landmarks, exquisite art, exciting bars, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff or a culture vulture, there’s something for everyone in Slovenia’s capital city.
If you’re still not sure where to stay, we highly recommend Art hotel Ljubljana. Stylish and modern, this three-star hotel is ideally located in the city center close to the best bars, restaurants, shops, and sights. If you’re on a budget, our vote for the best hostel goes to Hostel Vrba.
There are many great options though, and by going through this guide you’ll find the very best of them.
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Slovenia.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Ljubljana.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
