Slovenia

3 days itinerary

Hey there wanderlusters! Get ready for an epic adventure as we take you on a short but sweet tour of Slovenia! Squeezed between Italy, Austria, and Croatia, this pint-sized country is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, charming cities, and vibrant culture.

In just three days, we'll be exploring the best of what Slovenia has to offer, from fairytale castles to breathtaking lakes.

So, buckle up and get ready for a journey you won't forget! Let's dive into the magic of Slovenia, one day at a time.

DAY 1

Dobro jutro from Ljubljana! After a good-night's sleep we are more than ready to see what this beautiful summery day holds for us!

We will be exploring the Slovenian capital on the very first day so let's get into it!

The first on our list is Ljubljana Castle, which is located in the on the hill right above the city center.

This medieval fortress dates back to the 11th century and has served as a defensive structure, royal residence, and now a popular tourist attraction.

Inside you can explore its amazing exhibitions, climb the tower for even more breathtaking views, and enjoy a meal at one of the castle's restaurants.

Climbing the tower is so worth it as the view stretches over the whole city.

Ticket is 16€ per person and can be bought both on the spot and online.

After the Castle, we will stroll through the Old Town and enjoy the picturesque Baroque and Renaissance buildings.

Admire the colorful facades, explore the cobblestone streets and make sure to have lunch or coffee in one of the cute restaurants by Ljubljanica river.

Plenty of bookstores, unique souvenir shops and chocolateries will surely get your attention while on a walk through the Old Town so why not take some home?

Just next to the Old Town you will find Central Market which is another highlight and a must experience when in Ljubljana.

This vibrant and bustling marketplace offers a diverse array of fresh produce, local products, and culinary delights. It is a hub for locals and tourists alike, providing an authentic experience of Slovenian culture and cuisine.

Make sure you stop by the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation as it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ljubljana. Its gorgeous red facade and picturesque location on Preseren Square make it a hot spot for visitors.

The church is done in a Baroque style in 1703–1706 and redesigned in the 19th century. The interior has stunning frescoes and altars and is really worth coming in and absorbing all the beauty of it.

End the day by having a delicious meal at the Ljubljanica river in one of the lively restaurants and take rest because you'll need it for tomorrow's adventure to Lake Bled.

DAY 2

After some good night’s sleep and breakfast, we are about to take you on a little adventure to Lake Bled.

Reaching Lake Bled from Ljubljana is very easy, from guided tours to buses and trains, you can easily sign up for any of these and whatever you choose will be great.

If you decide to go by train like we did, return ticket was approximately 10€ per person and it took us one and a half hour to reach.

On the way you’ll witness stunning landscapes and the beauty of nature.

Now in Lake Bled there are a quite a few things to do so I recommend visiting in the morning so that you have time experiencing the most of it.

One of the most iconic features of Lake Bled is the small island situated in its center. This enchanting island is home to the Church of the Assumption, a picturesque 17th-century church with a charming bell tower.

You can reach the island by traditional wooden boats called pletnas, which are operated by skilled local rowers. The whole ride feels like a movie scene, ticket is 18€ per person and is so worth it.

Once you reach the island, you can roam around, have a gelato and absorb this feeling of being in a fairy tale like place.

Next one is a must see! Bled Castle sits atop a steep cliff overlooking Lake Bled offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Not only that, but Bled Castle also boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the region's fascinating past.

The castle grounds are home to a charming museum, a medieval forge, and a wine cellar, offering a delightful blend of cultural enrichment and sensory exploration. Ticket is 15€ and yes, the hike is a little challenging so be ready to fire up those legs!

If the weather allows you, totally go for a swim or any water activity. There are rowing boats, stand up paddle, swimming and kayaking available for a little break from hiking and walking around the lake.

Oh, and don’t forget to try Lake Bled’s traditional dessert, the Bled Cream Cake (Kremna rezina). This delicious pastry, consisting of layers of puff pastry, vanilla cream, and whipped cream, is a decadent treat enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.

All in all, you can’t miss Lake Bled if you’re in Slovenia. It is a picture-perfect destination that offers natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and outdoor activities, making it a must-visit location for travelers.

DAY 3

On the last day we will continue diving a bit more into Ljubljana's history, parks and things to do.

Starting from Tivoli Park to make the most of the beautiful morning. This park is located in the heart of Ljubljana, and it covers the area of five square kilometers. If you're in a sporty mood, there are plenty of jogging and cycling tracks, or if you are interested in seeing some landmarks, there are Tivoli Mansion, Jakopic Promenade and Tivoli Pond.

Stunning landscaped and lush green gardens will bring you in touch with nature while having a cup of coffee in one of the restaurants in the center of the park.

Not too far away from the park are a few interesting things to see such as: Serbian Orthodox Church, National Gallery of Slovenia, Opera and Slovenian National Museum.

Now depending on your area of interest, you can choose one or multiple and won't be disappointed.

One that swiped me off my feet is National Gallery, and I couldn't recommend it more!

This prestigious art museum showcases country's rich cultural heritage. It is inside of the neoclassical building constructed in the early 20th century. It holds an impressive collection of Slovenian fine art, paintings, sculptures and prints from Medieval period to present day.

There is a lot of exhibitions that highlight different artistic movements and genres that will take you on a journey through Slovenian art development through history.

The ticket is 8€ per person and is open every day apart from Monday, from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Bringing the day to an end with souvenir shopping and another must see in Ljubljana and that is Dragon Bridge.

Dragon Bridge is famous for its iconic dragon statues and is definitely an important landmark of the city. It was built in the early 20th century and is known for its Art Nouveau design. The dragon statues on the bridge have become a symbol of power, strength and protection and holds a special place in Slovenian folklore.

You'll see the symbols of it everywhere in the city and it's actually pretty cute.

That brings us to the end of this little getaway in a warm and lovely Slovenia.

There are so many more things to do and see even though the country itself is not as big as other countries in Europe.

Slovenia has a special charm that captures hearts effortlessly and I am sure you won't resist it.

I posted more content on this trip on my Instagram page so feel free to check more and ask away if you need more tips or recommendations!

Bonus content - Food and drinks recommendations in Ljubljana!

Nasvidenje!