car hire ljubljana
Pick up your hire car at Ljubljana airport and Slovenia's laid-back capital will be just minutes away. Book car hire ljubljana airport now
the 60-second guide to ljubljana
in its own head
"Our name might be a bit of a mouthful, but we're a bite-sized city with all the friendliness of a small town combined with all the characteristics of a modern metropolis."
but more realistically
Ljubljana is indeed pretty small, certainly, but it does have many things on a grand scale, not least its culture and beauty. And you won't want for things to see and do.
the vibe
So much here dates back years, and there's an obvious pride taken in caring for the city's heritage. Meanwhile, hip shops, bars and cafes keep things forward-looking.
the natives
A welcoming bunch, with an academic flair. They're skilled at languages and over 50,000 of the population are students.
the weather
Winter sees temperatures drop below freezing, while July and August average an agreeable 25 degrees.
the local speciality
If horse burger doesn't quite get your mouth watering, how's about skutina pecena - a cheesecake made with egg?
the celebrity
A right royal visitor came to town last year - none other than HRH the Queen and Prince Philip deigned to pop over for a tour.
did you know?
Slovenia had central Europe's first democracy, getting into the swing of power sharing in the 7th century. It was a model copied by Thomas Jefferson when he was writing the United States Declaration of Independence.
they say
"The great museums and galleries, atmospheric bars and varied, accessible nightlife make it a wonderful, relaxed place to visit and stay awhile." - Lonely Planet
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ljubljana Castle
- 2. Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
- 3. Dragon Bridge
- 4. Robba Fountain
- 5. National Museum of Slovenia
The majestic hilltop castle overlooks the city like something out of a Grimm's Fairy Tale. Park at the bottom and take the funicular railway to the top for awesome views.
where to park?
There is no longer a car park, but street parking is available with a ticket.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ljubljana Castle
- 2. Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
- 3. Dragon Bridge
- 4. Robba Fountain
- 5. National Museum of Slovenia
This strikingly pink and ornate 17th-century building dominates the city's main Preseren Square. Next door, you'll find the monastery.
where to park?
You can park in Wolfora Ulica.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ljubljana Castle
- 2. Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
- 3. Dragon Bridge
- 4. Robba Fountain
- 5. National Museum of Slovenia
Built to replace a wooden bridge, this Art Nouveau bridge is a focal point of Ljubljana - the guardian dragons are the emblem of the city.
where to park?
You can park in Wolfora Ulica.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ljubljana Castle
- 2. Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
- 3. Dragon Bridge
- 4. Robba Fountain
- 5. National Museum of Slovenia
While not the original fountain - that's in the National Gallery to prevent it from eroding away - this replica outside the City Hall is still imposing.
where to park?
Parking is available in Mestnitrg.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ljubljana Castle
- 2. Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
- 3. Dragon Bridge
- 4. Robba Fountain
- 5. National Museum of Slovenia
The oldest museum in Slovenia has artifacts dating back to the 5th-century BC. Of special interest are the Roman relics discovered in Ljubljana.
where to park?
Parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the Museum, in Republic Square.
and 4 to drive to...
This unusual castle is perched on the side of a limestone cliff in the entrance of a cave. Startling from the outside, with an equally fascinating interior.
how to get there?
Head east on Petkovskovo Nabrezje toward Obrezna Steza and pick up the A1 A1/E70. Follow the A1 for about 30 miles and take exit Postojna toward llirska Bistrica/Reka/Rijeka. Follow signs to Postojna. The journey should take around 40 minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
Home to an impossibly beautiful island, on which the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary sits, Lake Bled has charm in abundance.
how to get there?
Take the A2 and follow this for around 30 miles. Exit onto Route 209 and keep left at Cesta Svobode. The journey should take about 45 minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
Less popular with tourists than the Postojna Caves, the Skocjans are further afield and all the better for it. Quiet and captivating.
how to get there?
Head east on Petkovzkovo Nabrezje toward Obrezna Steza and take the A1/E70 for just over 22 miles. Turn left at Route 212, following signs for Rakek/Cerknica. The journey should take around 40 minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
Named after Julius Caesar, this mountain range within the Triglav National Park offers jaw-dropping views and adventure sports for thrill-seekers.
how to get there?
Head east on Petkovskovo Nabrezje toward Obrezna Steza and follow the A2 for around 38 miles. Take exit Hrusica toward Jesenice/Kranjska Gora, turn left at Route 201 and again at Naselje Slavka Cerneta. Continue on route 206. The journey will take around one hour 40 minutes.
ask a ljubljana cabbie!
Local taxi driver Anton Peterka on car hire in Ljubljana: "The sights in the Old Town are easy to walk around so there's probably no need to use your hire car. But you will definitely want to drive out to the outskirts of the city and further, because there are some really beautiful places to explore. Wherever you're driving in Slovenia you'll need to have your headlights on, whatever time of day it is. And make sure you never park in bays marked with yellow lines. These are reserved."