Things To Do
in Slovenia
Slovenia is a small, diverse country at the crossroads of the Alps, the Pannonian Plain, and the Adriatic coast. Its capital Ljubljana blends baroque charm with a lively riverfront and green spaces. The countryside ranges from emerald lakes to rugged peaks and caves.
Slovenian cuisine reflects its borders with Italy, Austria, and Croatia, and its wines, crafts, and outdoor opportunities invite slow travel.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a stroll through the charming Old Town, admiring Baroque facades and hidden courtyards. Stop at the Central Market to sample local cheese, honey, and seasonal fruit. Climb up to Ljubljana Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the red rooftops and the Ljubljanica River.
Cross the Triple Bridge and discover the colorful art installations along the riverside promenade. Visit the National Gallery or Museum of Modern Art for a taste of Slovenia’s creative heritage. Take a break at a riverside café and sip a cappuccino while watching passing boats.
Dine at a traditional Slovenian gostilna to try dishes like jota stew and štruklji dumplings. Venture to Metelkova Mesto for an alternative nightlife scene full of street art and live music. Toast the night with a craft beer or a glass of local wine at one of the hidden bars.
Head southwest to Postojna Cave and board the electric cave train through glittering stalactites and stalagmites. Learn about the cave’s ecosystem and keep an eye out for the elusive blind olm salamander. Marvel at the immense Concert Hall chamber with its towering rock formations.
Drive a short distance to Predjama Castle, dramatically built into a cliff face overlooking a gorge. Explore the medieval rooms, secret tunnels, and legendary stories of knight Erasmus. Enjoy panoramic views of the rugged Karst landscape from the castle battlements.
Return to the nearby village for a cozy dinner in a rustic restaurant, sampling Karst prosciutto and local mushrooms. Relax with a glass of Teran wine that pairs perfectly with hearty meat dishes. Unwind under the starry sky, listening to the echo of distant church bells.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚆Monthly public transit pass | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact country with diverse landscapes (mountains, lakes, coast)
- Excellent value for Western Europe with high safety and friendliness
- Efficient train and road networks; easy to combine city and nature trips
- Rich cuisine and wine scene, from alpine to Adriatic influences
- Some rural areas have limited public transportation outside peak season
- English may be less prevalent in remote villages outside tourist zones
- Winter driving in alpine regions can be challenging for newcomers
- "Pozdravljeni" - Hello (formal)
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Prosim" - Please/You're welcome
- "Kje je stranišče?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Koliko stane?" - How much does it cost?
- "Govorite angleško?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Slovenia
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic city views from the hill above the Old Town, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Iconic red-hued architecture and riverfront scenes ideal for urban photography.
A postcard-perfect lake with the island, island bell tower, and a fairy-tale castle perched above turquoise water.
Venetian-inspired lanes and harbor views with colorful facades and sea light.
Untold underground photography opportunities with dramatic caverns and stalactites.
Turquoise river framed by jagged peaks—great for landscape and action photography.
Food in Slovenia
Slovenia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Dumplings filled with potato and seasoned meat, often served with a ragout or sauce.
Must-Try!
Distinctive Slovenian sausage usually enjoyed grilled with sauerkraut and mustard.
Hearty stew of beans, potatoes, sauerkraut or kale, and smoked pork or sausage.
Air-dried Karst prosciutto, typically served thin with cheese and olives.
Creamy custard slice with a flaky pastry, Slovenia’s famous dessert from Lake Bled.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant daily market with fresh produce, cheeses, meat, and prepared foods; great for trying local snacks and ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is customary in formal settings; use polite greetings such as 'Dober dan' (Good day) or 'Živijo' (Hi) with friends.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites; speak calmly in public spaces; it's polite to say 'prosim' (please) and 'hvala' (thank you).
Genuine hospitality is valued; try local wines with meals and avoid overly loud conversations in quiet places.
Safety
Tipping in Slovenia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common; some places include service in the bill, so check before tipping.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities; contactless payments are common. Cash is handy for markets and smaller shops; ATMs are widely available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds. Great for city strolls, markets, and lakeside photography.
Warm to hot days with long daylight. Peak for coastal towns and outdoor activities; pack sun protection and stay hydrated.
Pleasant weather with colorful foliage. Ideal for wine regions and hiking with cooler temperatures.
Snow in the Alps and cooler coastal temperatures. Cave tours flourish; hot drinks and cozy dining are highlights.
Slovenia at Night
Hiking in Slovenia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Alpine hikes with dramatic valleys and panoramic viewpoints in the Julian Alps.
Easy to moderate gorge hike with wooden boardwalk along the Radovna River near Bled.
Scenic valley with gentle-to-moderate hikes and wildlife viewing.
Airports
How to reach Slovenia by plane.
Main international gateway to Slovenia, about 26 km northwest of Ljubljana; accessible by bus, shuttle, or car.
Smaller regional airport near Maribor with occasional international connections.
In Austria, about 200 km west of Ljubljana; a common alternative entry point for Slovenian travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group; Slovene is the official language.
Smaller Italian and Hungarian communities near the borders, with some other minority groups present.
Growing presence in Ljubljana and coastal towns due to travel, work, and study.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps and the Julian Alps during winter.
Soča River and other rivers offer white-water experiences and scenic trips.
Extensive routes like Parenzana and riverine paths suit all levels.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Slovenian menus offer vegetarian options; ask for vegetable stews, mushroom dishes, or pasta with local vegetables. At meat-heavy places, request vegetarian versions or lighter meals and communicate clearly about avoiding meat broths and gelatin.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Slovenia.