Slovenia might not be the first country that comes to mind when planning a European adventure—but that’s exactly what makes discovering it so rewarding. Tucked between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, this Central European gem offers alpine peaks, emerald lakes, underground caves, and a stretch of sun-kissed Adriatic coast—all within a few hours’ drive.

Slovenia’s enchanting capital, Ljubljana (pronounced loo·blee·aa·nuh), may be small in size, but it’s bursting with character and picturesque charm. Since Slovenia gained its independence in 1991, Ljubljana has blossomed into a traveler’s favorite—filled with cobblestone streets, Baroque façades, and delightful scenes around every corner. It’s often called the City of Dragons, thanks to the legendary creature said to be sleeping beneath Ljubljana Castle and proudly featured on the city’s coat of arms.

Winding through the heart of the old town, the Ljubljanica River isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it’s the lifeblood of the city. Lined with leafy promenades, vibrant cafés, and graceful bridges, it creates a natural gathering place for both locals and visitors. Many of these riverside features were designed by the renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, whose vision helped shape much of Ljubljana’s unique look and feel. Whether you’re crossing one of his elegant bridges or sipping a cappuccino beside the water, the river is never far from view.

One of the city’s most unique features? The historic center is completely car-free! Instead of traffic, free electric taxis (called Kavalirs) quietly shuttle you through the pedestrian zone. Without the noise and fumes of cars, the area feels refreshingly calm and clean—perfect for strolling, people-watching, or enjoying a drink outdoors. With no cars and a relaxed pace, Ljubljana is peaceful, green, and wonderfully walkable.

My Ljubljana Weekend Adventure

I joined a weekend bus trip with EuroTrip Adventures—a February escape that turned out to be nothing short of magical. Unfortunately, my husband wasn’t able to join me due to an unexpected work commitment, but I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by. While I missed having him there, I was still excited (and perfectly capable!) to set off on this little adventure by myself.

We left Stuttgart on a Friday evening, dozing as the bus made its way through the misty Alps. Just before crossing into Slovenia, we stopped at Maria’s Diner—a retro American-style café in Austria—for a warm breakfast as the soft morning light began to fill the sky. The menu was simple and classic—hot coffee, eggs, pancakes, and warm rolls with butter.

We arrived in Ljubljana and checked into Hotel Exe Lev, a sleek, modern hotel just a short walk from the old town. My room offered sweeping views of the city and castle hill—a perfect first glimpse of what awaited. The hotel was comfortable and well-located, with a spacious lobby and friendly staff who made check-in a breeze. Bags dropped, map in hand, it was time to explore.

I joined a Best of Ljubljana Walking Tour with a local guide—a perfect introduction to the city. We rode the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle, where sweeping panoramic views stretched out over the red rooftops and winding Ljubljanica River. While exploring, our guide shared one of the city’s most famous legends: the story of Jason and the Argonauts, who are said to have stopped near Ljubljana on their way home with the Golden Fleece. According to local lore, Jason fought and defeated a fearsome dragon in the nearby marshes, and ever since, the dragon has become a symbol of the city. Some even say a sleeping dragon still rests beneath Ljubljana Castle, waiting to awaken if the city is ever in danger.

After taking in the views and the stories, we rode the funicular back down and spent the rest of the tour strolling the riverbanks, learning more about Ljubljana’s history, bridges, and charming old town.

Ljubljana Castle

After the tour, I wandered the city solo and treated myself to lunch at My Dumplings of Slovenia (Moji štruklji Slovenije)—known for its traditional Štruklji (Slovenian dumplings). I tried one savory, one sweet (Chocolate? Yes please!), and paired them with a fragrant herbal tea. They offer over 20 dumpling varieties, all handmade daily.

Later that evening, I experienced the Slovenian capital from a completely new perspective—aboard the Boat Ljubljanica, a wonderful wooden electric boat on the Ljubljanica River. Though the sky was mostly overcast, the soft, silvery light gave the city a dreamlike glow as we drifted quietly beneath Ljubljana’s historic bridges. With a glass of local wine in hand and the gentle hum of the boat beneath me, I savored every moment of the the peaceful, magical journey.

Dinner that night was at Restaurant Šestica, one of Ljubljana’s oldest restaurants, serving hearty local dishes in a warm, rustic setting. The menu features traditional favorites like žlikrofi (dumplings filled with Carniolan sausage, served in a creamy mushroom sauce) and Slovenian roast pork with pan fried potatoes.

Afterwards, a quick stroll across the street to Nebotičnik—the “Skyscraper”—one of the highest viewpoints in the city. The nighttime views from the rooftop were stunning. You can have dinner, sip a cocktail, order a slice of cake, or just take in the lights of Ljubljana twinkling below.

Beyond its postcard-perfect streets and dragon lore, Ljubljana has an easygoing rhythm that makes it a pleasure to visit. Locals gather at riverside cafés over coffee or wine, street musicians provide an atmospheric soundtrack, and open-air markets bustle with patrons buying seasonal produce and handmade goods. The influence of Jože Plečnik is everywhere, giving the city a cohesive, artistic feel. It’s easy to navigate, welcoming to visitors, and full of thoughtful details that make exploring both simple and rewarding.

A Quick Note about EuroTrip Adventures

EuroTrip Adventures offers curated group tours—like their Weekend in Slovenia—that blend immersive cultural experiences with a relaxed travel style. They handle planning and logistics, so you don’t have to worry—just enjoy the ride.

On my trip:

• The overnight bus can be challenging, but with a good neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs (or noise-canceling headphones), it’s totally worth avoiding the stress of self-driving.
• Our trip leader was super friendly, laid-back, and a great communicator—always kept us in the loop so nothing was missed.
• The itinerary offers a perfect mix of guided excursions and free time, with the flexibility to skip activities entirely and just explore as you like.

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to see Slovenia without driving yourself, this is a great option.