Ljubljana, Slovenia, the country's largest city and capital, welcomed us to Slovenia. We chose to stay in the city's pedestrian-only town center. Here the colorful buildings seem like straight from a fairy-tale. For those looking for a stunningly beautiful city with delightful restaurants and cafes, captivating architecture, and walkable, there is lots to explore and experience in this charming Slovenian city.
Welcome to Ljubljana, Slovenia © Spaswinefood
A dominate feature on the Ljubljana skyline is the Ljubljana Castle on a hill above the city. For over 900 years, the castle has been Ljubljana's main attraction. Many people visit the castle to learn about its fascinating history. Moreover, it offers some of the most beautiful views of the city. 
Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
We came to Slovenia after our Croatian wine country adventures. After our flight from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, we took a private transfer via Daytrip to Ljubljana. It was a pleasant two hour drive to Hotel Heritage, Čevljarska ulica 2, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Upon arrival in Ljubljana's historic center, we booked a boat cruise and walking tour. During our three-day stay we explored and sampled the local cuisine and wines, and toured the Vipava Valley.
Exploring Ljubljana
Our introduction to the local gastronomic scene began shortly after arrival. We began with a walk along the river, just around the corner from our hotel. Many of the trees had already bloomed and some were about to bloom.
Spring by Ljubljana River© Spaswinefood
Spring Time, Ljubljana© Spaswinefood
Soon we were enjoying our evening walk along the river.
Old City, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Off Exploring Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Exploring along the Ljubljanica River © Spaswinefood
The curving Ljubljanica River, is lined with outdoor cafes, and divides the city's old town from its commercial hub. As we walked along the river we checked cafe and restaurant options, like at the Maus Bar, a popular spot in the enchanting old part of Ljubljana.
Maus Bar, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Later we discovered a place for dinner where we enjoyed traditional foods. Slovenia gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Its traditional foods are most likely to remind you of its bordering nations, notably Hungary, Austria, and Italy, which have had a historical influence on Slovenia. Taste Slovenia in describing culinary influences in Slovenia notes:
Slovenia lies at an extraordinary meeting point of four European culinary worlds. Here, the influences of the Alpine, Mediterranean, Pannonian and Balkan cuisines meet and are uniquely combined with the local tradition and the character of each area. Slovenia's 24 gastronomic regions and 3 wine- growing regions boast as many as 400 typical local and regional types of food and drink! Learn about the basics of Slovenian and regional gastronomic pyramids according to renowned ethnologist dr. Janez Bogataj, which reflect the Slovenian culinary identity.
During our stay we enjoyed exploring both Ljubljana more traditional and modern cuisine offerings. For example, the first evening I had a shopska salad. I have had shopska salad during my travels in the Balkan countries. Next, I will highlight one of Ljubljana's restaurants.
Bistro Georgie
We had one very special dinner outing to Bistro Georgie, one of the top restaurants in towns, Michelin recommended. It was about 15 minute walk from our hotel.
Welcome to Bistro Georgie © Spaswinefood
We were delighted to discover that Georgie offered a tasting menu with 5, 7, and 9 course options, or selected small plates. We asked if the tasting menu could be vegetarian. They said they could do the 5 course option as vegetarian.
Bistro Georgie, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Bistro Georgie © Spaswinefood
We began with ordering a wine. We asked our server to recommend a Slovenian wine from the Vipava Valley that we should try. He suggested we taste a wine from Štokelj Estate. We liked it, and ordered a bottle of Štokelj Estate, Planta rdeča 2021. It was a red wine blend of Merlot and Barbera. Štokelj Estate, Planta rdeča, Vipava Valley (Vipavska Dolina) 2021 © Spaswinefood
Štokelj Estate, Planta rdeča, Vipava Valley (Vipavska Dolina) 2021 © Spaswinefood
We began dinner with a small bites platter.
Small Bites, Georgie © Spaswinefood
After the small bites intro we were served a 5 course dinner.
1st Plate
1st Plate Georgie © Spaswinefood
1st Plate, Georgie © Spaswinefood
2nd Plate2nd Plate Georgie © Spaswinefood
2nd Plate, Georgie © Spaswinefood
3rd Plate: The 3rd Plate was the same for both of us.
3rd Plate, Georgie © Spaswinefood
Soon all the tables became filled with dinners.
Dining at Bistro Georgie © Spaswinefood
4th Plate
4th Plate, Georgie © Spaswinefood
4th Plate, Georgie © Spaswinefood
5th Plate: Our 5th plate was dessert.
5th Plate: Buckwheat Cream, Georgie © Spaswinefood
The Buckwheat Cream consisted of Kvass, puff pastry, and honey ice cream.
After we left Georgie that night we were very happy with our dining experience.
Bistro Georgie © Spaswinefood
While in Ljubljana we loved sampling some of the local cuisine. We were impressed by its traditional, and its modern culinary offerings.
Touring Ljubljana
While in Ljubljana we did a boat ride on the river followed a walking tour. The meetup point was in front of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. The pink color of the church is symbolic of the Franciscan monastic order.
Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Going down the river we were introduced to some of the city's history.Travelinf the Ljubljanica River © Spaswinefood
Boating Club, Ljubljanica River © Spaswinefood
Kayaks and Boats on Ljubljanica Riverbank © Spaswinefood
Cruising down the Ljubljanica River © Spaswinefood
We passed bridges, all of which have historical details.
Ljubljanica River © Spaswinefood
Ljubljanica River © Spaswinefood
Franciscan Church of the Annunciation from Ljubljanica River © Spaswinefood
Here we were given the story about the Triple Bridge.
Next, we passed the Dragon Bridge and were told the story about the dragons.
Dragon Bridge, Ljubljanica River © Spaswinefood
Dragon perched Ljubljanica River Bridge © Spaswinefood
There are many bridges in Ljubljana, such as the Butchers' Bridge. It is Ljubljana's love bridge, a place where countless lovers have symbolically padlocked their love and dropped the keys into the river below.
Bridges along the Ljubljanica River © Spaswinefood
Once we completed the boat ride down the river we went on a walking tour. The tour took us toa wine and spirits shop, and a Honey House where we tasted Slovenian honey.
Welcome to Liqueurs & Spirits © Spaswinefood
Time to Taste © Spaswinefood
Honey House © Spaswinefood
There is so much to explore in a walk around Ljubljana. Exploring Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look: Exploring Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
We were introduced to some of the city's religious history. We got a glimpse of St. Nicholas Cathedral's history.
St. Nicholas' Cathedral © Spaswinefood
One of the most interesting doors in Ljubljana is the Slovenian Door at St. Nicholas' Cathedral. The door is a bronze masterpiece that describe Slovenia's religious history.
Story of the Door, St. Nicholas' Cathedral © Spaswinefood
Slovenian Door, St. Nicholas' Cathedral © Spaswinefood
We toured Ljubljana's Central Market, an open-air food market located in the historic center of the city. Here you can buy food and all sorts of things, dine at a restraurant, and more.Fish Market, Ljubljana's Central Market © Spaswinefood
Art Gallery, Ljubljana's Central Market © Spaswinefood
Ljubljana's Central Market © Spaswinefood
Flower Market, Ljubljana's Central Market © Spaswinefood
Dairy Products, Ljubljana's Central Market © Spaswinefood
Treats, Ljubljana's Central Market © Spaswinefood
The central market offers much for locals and visitors alike. After the market it was onto to our last stop on the tour.
Crystal Palace, Ljubljana
At the end of the walking tour we took in the city views from the rooftop of the tallest building in Slovenia. It is 89 m (292 ft) high Crystal Palace in Ljubljana, which stands 20 stories high. We took the elevator up. The alternative was the stairs, which I would recommend taking down.
Staircase, Crystal Palace, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
The views at the top are stunning. Here they are:
Taking in the Views: Crystal Palace, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
View Time: Crystal Palace, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Crystal Palace, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Loving the Views: Crystal Palace, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Taking in those 360 degree views was awesome. There was a special Slovenian treat waiting for us at the top. YES, we got to try one of Slovenia's traditional desserts, Prekmurska Gibanica.
Crystal Palace, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Crystal Palace, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Prekmurska Gibanica, Crystal Palace, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
This was very similar to the dessert that we saw advertised on our earlier walk along the river.
Traditional Dessert, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, Prešeren Square © Spaswinefood
It is easy to fall in love with Ljubljana because it is so relaxing and a welcoming city. Moreover, it is the perfect base from which to explore the country. During our Ljubljana stay we took a wine tour to the Vipava Valley with Wine Express Tours. I invite you to join me in my Slovenian wine travels and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my Slovenian vine-filled explorations.
Cheers
Sharon
April 2025
Ljublijana, Slovenia
© Spaswinefood
Slovenia © Spaswinefood
Dining at Georgie's Bistro © Spaswinefood
Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljana © Spaswinefood
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