Where to Stay in Ljubljana: 6 Best Areas

Where to stay in Ljubljana first time? In this guide, we will be looking at the best areas to stay in Ljubljana for first-time tourists (include video and map), and the best hotels for all budgets.

Rarely included on people’s travel bucket lists, the Slovenian capital is a wildly underappreciated gem. The lively university town is a hub of arts and culture, full of history, tradition, and first-class hospitality. From its charming Old Town to its edgier urban districts, Ljubljana is definitely well worth a visit.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana?

The best areas to stay in Ljubljana for first-timers are Old Town, City Centre, Koseze, Metelkova, Krakovo, and Trnovo. These are very popular and safe neighborhoods for tourist that offers a wide variety of attractions and amenities.

The Old Town is the best overall place for first-time visitors due to its central location. Staying here allows you to be located in the middle of everything, within walking distance to famous attractions, as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops.

If you prefer a more urban vibe, the edgier Metelkova neighborhood is bursting with attitude and street art. Families may appreciate the peace and space of suburban Koseze. Meanwhile, the best nightlife can be found in the lively city center. 

For all that Ljubljana is the largest city in Slovenia, it is still relatively compact. The city is just a couple of miles wide and the central districts are all easily walkable. Whichever neighborhood you choose, you won’t have to compromise much when it comes to exploring the other areas. 

To book hotels, I recommend spending at least three days in Ljubljana to explore the city. Three days is enough to see ll of the main sites, tourist attractions, and get the feel of the city. You can also take a day trip to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle in the Park Postojnska Jama.

💖 Best Area for first-timers:Old Town
($$$) Best luxury hotel:Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel
($$) Best mid-range hotel:Vander Urbani Resort – a Member of Design Hotels
($) Best budget hotel:AdHoc Hostel

🎬 To get an overall idea of Ljubljana, check out this short video, or continue reading:

Map of areas and neighborhoods in Ljubljana:

The Best Areas to stay in Ljubljana for tourists are:

1. Old Town

Ljubljana Old Town, best places for first time

Old Town is the best overall area to stay in Ljubljana for first-timers Loated on the right bank of the Ljubljanica River, In the historic heart of Ljubljana, the Old Town is a charming medieval neighborhood with beautiful baroque buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. 

The Old Town is the most central district in the city, and is where you will find most of Ljubljana’s top attractions. Within walking distance of most other central districts, the Old Town is also perfect for shorter stays, allowing you to pack more into your limited time. 

The star of the Old Town is Ljubljana Castle. Settled atop a hill overlooking the city center, you can walk or drive up to the castle along with one of several roads winding through the trees. 

Alternatively, hitch a ride on the funicular railway, taking in stunning views of the city from the glass-walled cable cars. You can explore permanent exhibits throughout the various wings of the castle. There is also a lovely restaurant from which you can appreciate the hilltop city views.

At the foot of the castle hill is 18th century Ljubljana Cathedral, featuring a blue dome and twin clock towers. The interior is particularly ornate, with gilded moldings and intricate frescoes. 

You can also find a famous Baroque Robba Fountain at the edge of the Mestni trg square. It was built between 1743 and 1751 by  Francesco Robba, a Venetian-born sculptor and architect.

Within walking distance to the Robba fountain, you will find Town Hall. It was constructed by the master-builder Peter Bezlaj in the late 15th century.

There are several historic bridges on Ljubljanica river connecting the two halves of the city. The most popular bridges are the Dragon Bridge and the Butchers Bridge.

You can take a cruise along the river. Several tour companies operate along this stretch of the Ljubljanica, providing insights into the sights along the riverbanks. 

Old Town is packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops that offer you plenty of opportunities to try traditional Slovenian food, buy souvenirs and Slovenian wine.

The Old Town is very compact, you can easily explore on foot. There are plenty of accommodation options in Old Town for all budgets, so I am sure you will find one that suits your needs.

Best places to stay in Ljubljana Old Town:

MORE HOTELS IN OLD TOWN

See more:

2. City Centre

City Centre, good for nightlife

The city center district encapsulates the Old Town area, along with the more contemporary neighborhoods immediately surrounding it. Full of attractions, museums, art galleries, the city center is a catch-all with something to offer everyone. 

The center of Ljubljana’s social calendar is Prešeren Square. The lively plaza often hosts festivals and open-air shows. When not hosting any events, the many cafes spilling onto the square make it a popular meeting place for both tourists and locals. 

Prešeren Square is overlooked by several historic buildings, the most notable being the 17th-century Franciscan church. With its vibrant pink façade, the church makes an exquisite backdrop for the various events that take place here. 

For stunning panoramic views of the city, you will want to head to Nebotičnik, tallest building in the former state of Yugoslavia when it was built in 1933. You can find shops on the lower levels whilst the top floors are home to a bar and restaurant with a beautiful viewing terrace. 

History buffs will want to visit the National Museum of Slovenia which is the oldest and the largest Slovene museum. It was founded by the Carniolan State Parliament in 1821.

For art lovers, you must visit the National Gallery and the Jakopič Gallery where you can find the country’s largest collection of fine art from the High Middle Ages.

To try some of the best local dishes, head to Central Market. Part farmers’ market, part street-food bonanza, Central market is perfect to sample both local produce and traditional delicacies. 

If you want a break in the fresh air, head to Tivoli Park. The huge park contains several museums and galleries. Nearby is the family-friendly Ljubljana Zoo.

This area has lively nightlife scene. With its thriving student population, it is no surprise that there are tons of fabulous bars and nightclubs to enjoy in the city. if you prefer your evenings to stay a little more sedate, there are more than enough excellent restaurants to try out too.

Best places to stay in Ljubljana City Center:

MORE HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE

3. Koseze

 Koseze, where to stay in Ljubljana for families

Laid back Koseze is a pretty suburb in the northwest of Ljubljana. Just over a mile from the bustling away from the historic old town, Koseze offers a quieter alternative, without straying too far from the excitement. 

If you are planning a family vacation, especially with young children, Koseze is one of the best choices in Ljubljana. Koseze offers easy access to Tivoli Park and Ljubljana Zoo, home to over a hundred different species of animal for you to observe and learn about.

Being a residential suburb, Koseze has many family-run restaurants and cozy bars, great for experience everyday life for the city’s residents. 

You can also easily travel around Slovenia with the A2 motorway nearby. It links several major Slovene cities, like Kranj, Ljubljana, and Novo Mesto, and is part of Pan-European Corridor X

Rental accommodation is a little scarcer here than in the more popular tourist districts. You can enjoy the local hospitality at one of the charming guesthouses, and self-catered apartments. 

Best places to stay in Ljubljana in Koseze:

MORE HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE

4. Metelkova

Staying near the train station Metelkova

Metelkova is probably the coolest district in Ljubljana and an absolute must-visit for any art enthusiasts. The area is well known for its grassroots urban culture and arts scene. 

Metelkova was once a military barracks, built in 1911 by the Austro-Hungarian Army, including seven barracks buildings. But today it’s a hub of arts.

A vibrant hub of creativity, any visitor to Ljubljana should spend some time in Metelkova, even if you choose not to stay here. The area is particularly well known for its incredible street art. 

The buildings around this area are completely covered in extensive graffiti and brilliant murals. Sculptures and installations frequently pop up too and, with the murals being constantly covered over with newer works, there is always something new to discover, even for returning visitors. 

The  Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova provides a more formal and contained exhibition of artworks. Housed within former barracks, the museum is perfect for rainier days, when you would rather not be out on the streets. 

If you find yourself getting tired of all the art, take a short walk around the block to the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum. Here you can take in exhibits detailing the history and development of Slovenia and its people.

Metelkova is also the center of Ljubljana’s music culture. Local bars host live performances from Ljubljana’s up-and-coming musicians, covering a wide range of genres. If you are looking for an edgier night out, you should definitely head to Metelkova.

Metelkova is also within walking distance of both the central bus station and Ljubljana Train Station. With connections throughout Slovenia and into neighboring countries, staying close to these transport links is ideal for backpackers on a tour around Europe. 

Being just a short walk away from the sights and attractions of the city center, Metelkova is perfect for shorter trips. You won’t have to waste time traveling between your transport and your hotel or your hotel and the sights. 

Best places to stay in Ljubljana in Metelkova :

MORE HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE

5. Krakovo

Krakovo

Krakow is a compact little district just south of the city center, on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. Once an independent fishing village, the area retains some of its old-world charms, in the form of charming cottages lining the riverbanks. 

If you are looking for somewhere to really feel like you are just living in Ljubljana, you can’t beat Krakovo. From its quaint local bakeries to its lively markets, Krakovo has everything you could want to soak up the local community atmosphere. 

Just a short walk from the city centre attractions, Krakovo is ideal for those who want a slice of laid-back, suburban life, without straying too far from main attractions. 

You will find several trendy bars and restaurants, hill hang-out spots for the expat and students in the neighborhood.

Don’t expect to find any big hotels in Krakow. Instead, you can stay in charming guesthouses or quirky hostels, all in keeping with the small-town atmosphere of the neighborhood. Being removed from the city center, it is pretty affordable too. 

Best places to stay in Ljubljana in Krakovo:

MORE HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE

6. Trnovo

Trnovo, where to stay in Ljubljana on budget

Trendy Trnovo is a large suburb extending to the south of Ljubljana. Close to the University of Ljubljana, the area is student-centered and especially popular with the city’s younger crowd. 

There are tons of cozy coffee shops and cool bars to spend your time in when you are not taking in the sights. Speaking of sights, the north end of Trnovo is just a short walk away from the city center. 

There are some interesting sights to see within Trnovo itself, too. In keeping with the academic theme of the student district, there are several curious museums dotted around the neighborhood. 

The remains of an ancient Roman wall and city gate can be found in the north of the district. Thousands of years old, the ruins are a testament to how long Ljubljana has been developing as a city and community. 

The beautiful Janeza Krstnika Church is also definitely worth a visit. The twin spires tower over the surrounding area, drawing people towards the charming building. 

The lovely church is approached by the iconic Trnovo bridge which, along with several features from the interior of the church, was designed by local architect Jože Plečnik. A museum celebrating Plečnik’s work is also located nearby, in his former home. 

Trnovo is just far enough outside of the city center that prices for accommodation are considerably more reasonable. Just a comfortable walk from the main attractions, this is the top choice for anyone trying to keep costs down, without compromising too much on location.

Best places to stay in Ljubljana in Trnovo:

MORE HOTELS IN CITY CENTRE

Read more about Europe trip here:

For all that Ljubljana is a small and often underacknowledged city, there are plenty of reasons to pay a visit to the Slovenian capital. Whether you are just passing through on a European road trip, or you are looking for somewhere a little more offbeat to spend a vacation, Ljubljana is a charming option. 

Overall, I recommend Old Town as the best area to stay in Ljubljana for first-time tourists due to its central location. If you stay here, you will be located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to many sights, as well as some of the best nightlife, shopping, and dining venues.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

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