{"id":25219,"date":"2016-08-24T15:53:52","date_gmt":"2016-08-24T15:53:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=25219"},"modified":"2026-10-23T12:27:46","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T12:27:46","slug":"things-to-do-in-ljubljana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-ljubljana\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Off-The-Beaten-Track Tips For Your Ljubljana Bucket List"},"content":{"rendered":"

From the moment I was greeted in my hostel dorm by a group of Irish boys belting out \u201cDown Under\u201d for our Australian roommate, I knew Slovenia was going to be a unique experience.
\nLjubljana, Slovenia\u2026 Anyone who loves nature or outdoor activities needs to buy their plane ticket on the ASAP. But the city and its surroundings offer more than just stunning scenery. If you’re hunting for Ljubljana hidden gems, or things to do in Ljubljana as a young adult on a backpacker budget, here are 10 things to do when you visit this underrated gem. For the bigger picture, our Ljubljana travel guides<\/a> and best things to do in Slovenia<\/a> have you covered.<\/p>\n

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    Party At A Former Military Barracks Turned Urban Squat<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Metelkova
    \nHead to the Metelkova Mesto and party with the locals at this former military barracks which is now an urban squat and the hottest party location in town. I don\u2019t have photographs from the night-time because I can\u2019t be trusted with nice things after 10pm, but if you look hard enough you\u2019ll find snapchats of cool live reggae jams and crazy outdoor raves. Venues inside the complex include Channel Zero for punk and hardcore, Menza pri Koritu for reggae and world music, and Gala Hala for gigs and electronic nights. Things rarely get going before 10pm. Want company for the night out? Jump into the     City Chats<\/a> in the Hostelworld app and see who else is heading to Metelkova.<\/p>\n

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      Take A Refreshing Dip In Paradise<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \"Vintgar
      \nJump on an Arriva bus from Ljubljana bus station (about 1 hour 20 minutes) and hop off at Bled. Swerve the tourist crowds and head 4km out of town to the       Vintgar Gorge<\/a>: walk it, or take the electric VINTGAR Shuttle from Bled’s main bus station. You will be greeted with unbelievable waterfalls, and crystal clear water that shines bright blue and emerald green. The gorge is open from April to October, adult entry is \u20ac10 and the Green Access shuttle ticket is \u20ac2.50 (official prices<\/a>, checked October 2026). Visitor numbers are capped, so book your time slot online before you go. If you fancy a dip afterwards, Lake Bled is right there, but bring warm clothes to change into because the water\u2019s icy cold. Staying over? Compare hostels in Lake Bled<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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        Spend The Night At the World\u2019s Friendliest Prison<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        \"Quirky
        \n        Celica Art Hostel<\/a> is a former prison turned hostel in the bohemian area of Metelkova. I won\u2019t ruin the story, book yourself a stylish cell for the night and do the free tour to learn about the prison\u2019s colourful history. Its 24-hour reception doubles as a tourist info point, so it’s a handy base for the rest of this list.
        \n        Book now<\/a><\/p>\n

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          Eat Your Way Around Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Gostilna Dela, the social-enterprise caf\u00e9 my dorm mates swore by, is now listed as permanently closed. Instead, make a beeline for Odprta kuhna<\/a>, the open-air food market on Poga\u010darjev trg by the Central Market. It runs on sunny Fridays from spring to autumn, 10:00 to 21:00 (until 22:00 on warmer evenings), and the 2026 season brought more than 65 vendors and over 280 dishes. It’s cancelled in bad weather, so check the forecast. Go hungry, bring your dorm mates and share as many plates as you can. Please order twice for me.<\/p>\n

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            Catch A Gig At Kino \u0160i\u0161ka<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Pod Skalco, the student bar with swings for bar stools, has sadly closed. Swap the swings for a sweaty gig at Kino \u0160i\u0161ka Centre for Urban Culture<\/a> instead. This former cinema in the \u0160i\u0161ka district opened as a culture venue in 2009, and its music programme runs from indie rock to heavy metal, with theatre, dance and art in between. The big Katedrala hall hosts the headline acts, while the smaller Komuna hall is for intimate shows. Check the listings before you go.<\/p>\n

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              Get Sweaty On The Roznik Walk<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              \"Roznik
              \nOne of the best ways to recover after a wild Ljubljana night is to head to the city\u2019s Tivoli Park and take the tranquil Roznik walk \u2013 although personally I would classify this as more of a sweaty hike, especially in the summer. Follow the signposts for \u201c              Cankarjev vrh<\/a>\u201d (394m) to reach the top and you\u2019ll be rewarded with amazing views, day or night. The shady trails are unpaved in places, so wear decent shoes. Hostel Tivoli<\/a> puts you close to the park.<\/p>\n

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                Visit The Jazz Club With A Stage Smaller Than A Normal Toilet<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                \"Sax
                \nFor live jazz music and lots of new friends, head down to the cosy Sax Pub at Eipprova 7 in the Trnovo district. On their website they describe themselves as having “a stage smaller than a normal toilet”, so you know they don’t take themselves too seriously. The d\u00e9cor was left in the hands of a local street artist and you can sit among the colourful chairs and fairy lights out the front, or head inside for cosy pub vibes. Live music is usually on Thursday nights, but check their social media before you go. If you are that guy that doesn\u2019t like to go home, you can sleep in the                 Sax Pub Hostel<\/a> under the roof.
                \n                Book now<\/a><\/p>\n

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                  Reconnect With Nature At Lake Bohinj<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  \"Lake
                  \nLake Bled is beautiful but if you want to feel at one with nature and avoid the crowds, then look no further than Lake Bohinj \u2013 it\u2019s located in                   Triglav National Park<\/a>, and if you\u2019re feeling really adventurous you can hike into the nearby Alps. The direct Arriva bus from Ljubljana to Bohinj Jezero takes just under 2 hours, so set off early and make a full daytrip of it. Hooked on the Slovenian outdoors? Read our things to do in Slovenia for nature lovers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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                    Chow Down On The Best Vegan Burger You\u2019ve Ever Tasted <\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    \"Vegan
                    \nThe tasty yet oh-so-healthy burgers at Zaziv in Bled will make you cry real tears of joy. And the generous portions make it the perfect spot for a post-hike feed when you visit Lake Bohinj and Bled. It’s tiny, with only a few seats, so grab yours to go and eat it by the lake. You\u2019re welcome.<\/p>\n

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                      Dranks And Chill In Tivoli Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      \"Colnarna
                      \nHead to the oh-so-beautiful                       \u010colnarna caf\u00e9<\/a> by the pond in Park Tivoli, which has reopened after a full renovation<\/a>, and kick back with a drink for a chill afternoon. The perfect end to a long day exploring Ljubljana’s hidden delights. The park itself is free to wander, and our guide to free things to do in Europe’s best backpacker cities<\/a> has more budget ideas.<\/p>\n

                      Meet Other Travellers In Ljubljana<\/h2>\n

                      Ljubljana is small, so you’ll keep bumping into the same faces. Make it easier with the Hostelworld app<\/a>: join Linkups<\/a> like walking tours, bar crawls and group dinners organised by hostels and backpackers, from 14 days before check-in. You can also chat with travellers staying at any hostel in the city in City Chats<\/a>. Not booked yet? A Social Pass<\/a> opens up the social features without a booking. For festivals, markets and what’s on, check the Hostelworld Events pages<\/a>.<\/p>\n

                      Where To Stay In Ljubljana<\/h2>\n

                      From a former prison to a hostel above a jazz pub, Ljubljana’s hostels are part of the fun. Before you pack, read our hostel packing list<\/a>.
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