Where to stay in Ljubljana: best areas and neighborhoods

Ljubljana is a human-sized city. You can easily get around on foot in the center and reach all the main attractions. The city is divided into 17 districts, which are further subdivided into settlements. The central district is Center and it is also the best place to stay. Other districts that can be considered are Trnovo, which hosts the Krakovo neighborhood, and Šiška, which hosts the Koseze neighborhood. Here’s everything you need to know about where to stay in Ljubljana.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: Ljubljana is a safe city with no particular areas to avoid. From a tourist point of view, it is better to avoid districts too far from the center due to a lack of attractions, especially if you are staying just 1 or 2 nights in the city.

If you are visiting Ljubljana for the first time or have only a few days, the best solution is to stay in the Center district, the heart of the city. Here you can find areas suitable for all needs: for a quieter and more romantic stay, the Old Town; for fun and nightlife, the Center area around Prešeren Square; for an offbeat experience, the Metelkova area.

If you seek tranquility outside the center, we recommend the Trnovo district, south of the historic center. For a green environment, you can opt for Koseze, near the large Tivoli park.

Finally, noting that Ljubljana is an affordable destination and you can find great deals even in the center, the best neighborhoods to save money are still Trnovo and Koseze, given their distance from the center.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs, and hostels in Ljubljana. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking

Old Town, best for first-timers

Foto di Andrew Milligan sumo.

• Pros: A beautiful and charming area, fully pedestrianized, making it a joy to walk around.
• Cons: It can be very crowded with tourists, especially during peak season
• Main attractions: Ljubljana Castle, Prešeren Square, and the iconic Dragon Bridge.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The Old Town is certainly one of the best areas to stay in the city. It develops between the castle hill and the riverbank that crosses all of Ljubljana and hosts some of the most important attractions of the capital, such as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and the Central Market of Ljubljana.

This neighborhood is especially recommended for those visiting Ljubljana for the first time and looking for a bit of tranquility. The area is characterized by a medieval atmosphere, with narrow streets filled with small shops and artisan boutiques, ancient buildings, and traditional restaurants. There are also places to have a drink in the evening, but they are small and quiet, not attracting the same nightlife as the central area.

Staying here, you can move around on foot. Prešeren Square can be reached by crossing the famous Triple Bridge, and the train station is less than 15 minutes on foot.

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Center, suitable for everyone

Foto di Tiia Monto.

• Pros: A great central location, wide variety of shops, restaurants, and hotels for all budgets.
• Cons: It's a busy commercial area, so it can lack the charm of the Old Town
• Main attractions: The Triple Bridge, the Central Market, and the many museums and art galleries.
• Average prices: From €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The center is the area that develops around Prešeren Square and represents the most modern soul of Ljubljana. The Ljubljanica River separates it from the Old Town, which can be reached by crossing the city's famous bridges, such as the Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge, and the Butcher's Bridge. Moreover, it hosts important attractions like the Slovenian National Museum, the Nebotičnik skyscraper, and the museum quarter.

This neighborhood is especially recommended for those visiting Ljubljana for the first time and looking for some action. The evening nightlife is concentrated mainly around Prešeren Square, with numerous venues in the area. You will also find services and restaurants offering international cuisine.

Staying here, you can move around on foot. The Old Town can be reached by crossing the famous Triple Bridge, while the train station is located in the northern part of the district.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Metelkova, for young and local vibes

Foto di Zairon.

• Pros: An alternative and vibrant cultural, unique art installations and nightlife, very creative and fun area.
• Cons: It's not for everyone; a bit further from the main tourist attractions.
• Main attractions: The Metelkova Mesto art center, unique graffiti, and a bustling nightlife scene.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Metelkova is the trendy and alternative district of Ljubljana. It is a completely redeveloped area, a small "city within a city" developed in a former barracks. Today, it is effectively an autonomous and self-managed cultural center, a true open-air museum hosting art galleries, associations, and concert halls.

Given all these features, Metelkova is a recommended neighborhood for young people, who can get lost among the murals on the buildings and the rich nightlife, with concerts, clubs, venues for all tastes, and music of all genres.

Finally, staying here, you can move around on foot. The district is located near the central station of Ljubljana, and from here, you can reach both Prešeren Square (15 min) and the Old Town (15 min) on foot.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Trnovo, perfect for families and couples

Foto di Jean-Pierre Dalbéra.

• Pros: A peaceful and green residential neighborhood,  relaxed atmosphere, close to the river.
• Cons: You'll need to walk a bit to get to the main tourist areas. Limited accommodation options.
• Main attractions: The Trnovo Bridge, the Plečnik House, and the beautiful riverside walk.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Quiet, with large green areas and tree-lined avenues with restaurants and bars, the district also features some interesting minor attractions, such as the Plečnik House museum and the Church of St. John the Baptist.

Given these characteristics, it is mainly suited for families and couples. In the evening, you will find several venues offering a relaxed nightlife, never too wild. It is also perfect for exploring by bike. Finally, it is also one of the best areas to save money: not being a primarily tourist area, the prices are significantly lower.

For those seeking peace and quiet, Krakovo, the northern neighborhood of the Trnovo district, is even more recommended. Krakovo, surrounded by greenery with the river flowing nearby, almost feels like a small village on its own.

Staying here, you can move aroundon foot. Prešeren Square is just a 10-minute walk from Krakovo, or if you have chosen a more southern area of the district, you can opt for buses. This district is also an excellent solution for those arriving by car, thanks to the large spaces and proximity to the highway exit.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Koseze, for families and budget travelers

Foto di Luka Novak.

• Pros: A quiet, residential area with plenty of green spaces, including a lake. It's an excellent choice for families and those looking for more affordable accommodation.
• Cons: It's quite far from the city center, so you will need to use public transport or a bike to get to the main sights.
• Main attractions: Koseze Pond and the surrounding park.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The Koseze neighborhood is located in the Šiška district, northwest of the center. It is a quiet residential neighborhood surrounded by nature: on the southern side, there is the large Tivoli park and the small Koseški bajer lake. There are no major attractions, but it is ideal for a more authentic and less touristy stay.

Given its tranquility and large green areas, the neighborhood is ideal especially for families. Being further from the center, it is recommended if you are staying in Ljubljana for at least a weekend, not just one night. Given the distance from the center, it also offers budget-friendly options, ideal for those traveling on a limited budget.

Finally, staying here, you will need to use public transport. The center is about 4 km away, but you can take bus line 18, which crosses the entire Tivoli park, stopping at the Zoo, and reaches the Pošta stop (13 min), just a few steps from Prešeren Square. Additionally, this neighborhood is also ideal for those arriving by car, thanks to the numerous parking lots.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Ljubljana

Certainly, if you are staying only one night in Ljubljana and then continue your journey among the beauties of Slovenia, the best solution is to stay as close to the historic center as possible. This way, you will be just steps away from the main attractions and can forget about the car. The accommodation options, as we have seen, are various.

But Slovenia is also known for its green side, and in recent years, many glamping sites immersed in nature have been spreading: a term that combines glamour and camping, indicating a type of stay that can be defined as a chic and refined camping experience, immersed in greenery. If you want to stay near Ljubljana, you might consider staying in nearby towns, perhaps in a glamping site, and moving by car. Here are some of the most beautiful ones around the Slovenian capital:

• Stahovica (27 km / 40 min): hosts the Slovenia Eco Resort, a glamping site with small houses immersed in greenery, with a barbecue area and a large playground for children. Great for families - compare on booking
• Kamnik (24 km / 25 min): hosts the Glamping Ob Robu Gozda, with a patio with a mountain view. The property also offers a sauna and bicycle rental. Recommended for couples - compare on booking
• Nova Vas (45 km / 1 hour): hosts the Hija Glamping Lake Bloke, with small houses situated around a small lake completely immersed in nature. Recommended especially for couples - compare on booking
• Vipava (78 km / 55 min): hosts the Forest Village Theodosius, with tree houses immersed in nature. Offers bicycle rental. Recommended for couples - compare on booking

Travel Tips for Ljubljana

• Public Transport: Ljubljana's city bus network is a reliable and affordable way to get around. You'll need an Urbana card, a prepaid electronic card that can be used on all buses and to pay for some parking and funicular rides. You can buy the card and load it with credit at tourist information centers, post offices, and newsstands. The city center is largely pedestrianized, so walking is often the best option.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Ljubljana is from April to October. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor cafes and walking tours. The peak season is in July and August, when the city is buzzing with tourists and events. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in late spring or early autumn.
• Local Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases at markets or for street food.
• Local Vibe & Culture: Ljubljana has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The city is clean and green, and the riverside cafes are a central part of local life. Slovenians are generally welcoming and speak good English. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (around 10%) for good service is a kind gesture.

Ljubljana accommodation price map

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