Here are my 5 favourite terraces in Tivoli Park, the ones where I like to relax.
Parc Tivoli is one of the green lungs of the Slovenian capital.
- This green, central space is slightly larger than Central Park in New York (4 km2 compared with 3.41 km2).
- It is pleasant from mid-March to the end of October.
- There are several very pleasant bars.
Just after your visit to Ljubljana city centre, enjoy a quiet coffee on the terrace of one of the five excellent bars in this article. These are places to visit during the day rather than in the evening. They are not very popular with tourists. You’ll feel really good on the terrace.
Colnarna, an ideal bar for children
Located in the beautiful botanical gardens of Parc Tivoli, by the pond, Colnarna is a pleasant bar where I like to start my summer days. This is the bar to go to if you have children. The bar is child-friendly, with an indoor play area and changing tables.
On sunny days, children can play on the large lawn opposite the terrace.
There is also a large children’s play area 100 m from the bar. In short, this is a bar where parents and children can have a good time.
The only problem is that in winter, the place isn’t properly heated and it gets a bit chilly. Order a cup of hot tea and, as soon as you leave, go and warm up in the botanical garden’s greenhouse, just 20 metres from the bar. Admission to the greenhouse is free.
Good to know: Service not very efficient. You need to be patient.
Bar Colnarna – Cesta 27. aprila 2A
Mini golf café, picture windows and 80s music
This friendly mini-golf café is very busy and, in my opinion, brings in more money than the mini-golf itself. In winter, with its large bay windows, the mini golf cafe is a pleasant, bright place where I like to work. The icing on the cake is the well heated bar.
Listen to music from the 80s
You might hear Desirless voyage, a hit that is often played in Slovenia. In fine weather, there are plenty of tables set up between the miniature golf courses. There’s a trampoline for children and a slide. In winter, sledges are available for hire.
Mini golf café – Celovska cesta 25
MGLC, a terrace overlooking the Slovenian capital
Head straight out of Copova, Ljubljana’s busiest shopping street, and you’ll arrive at the bar terrace of the International Graphic Arts Centre (MGLC). On your way, the open-air exhibition of large photographs and Plecnik’s columns will keep you entertained.
So you kill two birds with one stone (photo exhibition and bucolic terrace).
Once you’re comfortably seated, you’ll have a view of the beautiful avenue of Tivoli Park and Ljubljana. It’s a very uncrowded terrace where you’ll feel right at home. I love going there. Take a look at the MGLC‘s exhibition programme. (Mednarodni grafični likovni center)
MGLC Bar – Pod turnom 3
The bar of the Tivoli tennis club
One last secret terrace in the park, that of the Tivoli Tennis Club. A great tennis club atmosphere open to all. Large wooden tables and a direct view of the tennis courts.
Tennis centre Tivoli – Celovaska cesta 25
The bar at the entrance to the park
This beautiful place is located right at the entrance to Tivoli Park. You’re bound to walk past it. Beautiful white tables in a quiet setting on gravel. It’s a great place to relax in the shade. If you don’t like walking, this is the place to go, as it’s the closest to the centre.
Vrt Lilly novy – Tomšičeva ulica 12
The modern art gallery café
Also located at the entrance to Tivoli Park, this bar serves excellent coffee. They do not have the most comfortable chairs in Ljubljana, but it’s a great place to sit, as the terrace is quiet and north-facing. So you’re in the shade in summer. If it’s raining, head inside the building, to the basement, where you’ll find one of Ljubljana’s best secret cafés.
Kavarna moderna – Moderna galerija, Cankarjeva cesta 15
Which bar should you choose?
These three terraces in Tivoli Park are equally good.
I recommend Colnarna if you have children or the mini golf bar. Go to the MGLC bar for its low footfall, relaxed atmosphere and also if you want to see the open-air photo exhibition or visit the graphic arts museum.
What to order ?
Order a cappuccino, the sure thing in Slovenian bars, and in summer, a kava z mlekom cez led (iced café au lait), which is delicious, cheap and refreshing.