Walking and cycling around Ljubljana on a daily basis, I’ve noticed that I come across very few tourists in many of the pretty little streets in the city centre. There are some interesting streets in Ljubljana that you’re bound to find and wander down on your visit to the city, and others that are far less obvious to find. This article lists these beautiful streets.
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of Ljubljana’s beautiful spots, I’ve listed here the six secret streets that are a must on your visit to Ljubljana.
Eipprova, a secret district full of terraces
Located just outside the centre, Eipprova is a very lively street. Renovated in 2020, this street on the banks of a small canal has become even more pleasant. You’ll find institutions like the Sax Pub (pictured above), but also an excellent pizzeria (5-6kg) where I recommend you dine, fairly average burgers, ice creams and several other bars with pleasant terraces.
In summer, the terraces of Eipprova are far from the tourist hustle and bustle, a place off the beaten track
This small district is my favorite during the summer months, when the city centre is overrun by tourists. It has a particularly pleasant atmosphere and lower prices than the city centre. Eipprova is the place to spend your second evening in Ljubljana, after your first evening in the centre. Sit on a terrace by the river and enjoy yourself.
Gornji trg, a beautiful, quiet pedestrian street
This street is adjacent to the busiest pedestrian street in Ljubljana. When they arrive at the entrance to Gornji trg, many tourists turn back because on their map the street looks like a dead end and at first glance it doesn’t look very inviting due to the small number of shops. A mistake! This alleyway leads up to Ljubljana Castle via a surprising side path (ulica na grad).
Another good reason to take the plunge: this old dead-end street is one of the prettiest in Ljubljana. Walk to the very end of this pedestrianised street! Admire the facades of the houses, the church…
Gornji trg is one of the three prettiest streets in Ljubljana city centre, but many tourists miss it
Try the best coffee in town at Crno Zrno, a tiny shop run by a Colombian married to a Slovenian. Treat yourself to lunch at the Spazja restaurant! Stop off at the terrace of Café Ferdinand and enjoy three tacos at El Patron… Gornji trg is also a street where you’ll find some excellent hotels. Their location is ideal, as they are both quiet and in the heart of the city centre. If I were to buy a flat in Ljubljana, I would look for it on this street.
Trubarjeva, the coolest street in the city centre
Busy and authentic, Trubarjeva is my favourite street in Ljubljana. It was also at the entrance to this street, number 7, that I rented my first flat in Ljubljana from 2004 to 2006. There are no fewer than three bookshops, excellent restaurants such as Compa (steaks) and Falafel, small terraces, an antique shop, wine merchants, etc. Many tourists shy away from this area, however, as the walls are covered in graffiti and the street can seem a little dirty.
An authentic pedestrian street, much frequented by Slovenians during the day
From Place Preseren (Ljubljana’s central square), wander down this pedestrianised street to the end, returning along the river. Trubarjeva is also the street you need to take to get to the brilliant Metelkova squat, the place where I recommend you go to party in Ljubljana on Friday nights.
Krizevnica Ulica, a magnificent flower-filled alleyway
Every spring, rue Krizevnica is filled with shrubs, flowers and works of art. It is undoubtedly the best decorated street in Ljubljana, but paradoxically also one of the least frequented. As you walk along the river, be sure to make a diversion down this alleyway, which will take you to the stunning French Revolution Square(Trg francoske revolucije) with its column in honour of Napoleon.
You’ll pass by the magnificent Ljubljana Library, built by Plecnik. Step inside!
This bucolic street also leads to one of Ljubljana’s very best cafés. Or why not sit down at one of the three old wooden tables set up by the small theatre on this street for a memorable and inexpensive coffee.
Presernova, pretty old buildings
Presernova is the street of the American and German embassies. It is lined with pretty buildings in the Austro-Hungarian and Viennese Secession art nouveau styles. The street is not pedestrianised and is a little outside the city centre. It is therefore rarely visited by tourists.
A beautiful Austro-Hungarian avenue
You could take a stroll down this street during your visit to Ljubljana. However, if you’ve already visited Prague or Vienna, you won’t be impressed by this street, which looks exactly the same as those found in these two great Eastern capitals. In that case, don’t go there.
Kladezna, the street of a small village
The krakovo district will amaze you. It’s only a short walk from the city centre, but with its gardens, traditional houses, small square and alleyways, it feels like a village. It’s a must-see, especially in Rue Kladezna.
A small village just a stone’s throw from the city centre
Once in Krakovo, you can have lunch in a village square at Pri Skofju , or head to the first street in this article, Eipprova, designed by Plecnik, with its pretty terraces.