Everything You Need to Know When Visiting Ljubljana For the First Time (Practical Info)
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August 8, 2025Everything You Need to Know When Visiting Ljubljana For the First Time (Practical Info)
Travelling to Ljubljana for the first time?
Here is everything you need to know and more to make your visit smooth and enjoyable!
Important Telephone Numbers
If you need to make an international call, dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number. To call Slovenia, use the country code 386 and the area code 1 for Ljubljana. In case of an emergency, here are the most important numbers:
- 113 – Police
- 112 – Emergency call centre (firefighters, ambulance service) ,
Useful Mobile Apps
Several apps can enhance your stay in Ljubljana, offering maps, local recommendations, and public transport information. The city also provides WiFree Ljubljana, allowing visitors to use free wireless internet in the city centre for up to 60 minutes a day. Holders of the Ljubljana Tourist Card get 24-hour free access.
Ljubljana Tourist Card
If you're looking for a cost-effective and convenient way to explore Ljubljana, the Ljubljana Tourist Card is a great option. It provides free entry to over 20 attractions, unlimited city bus travel, a guided tour, a funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle, a boat cruise, and more. Available in 24-, 48-, and 72-hour options, the card helps you save money while making the most of your visit. You can purchase it online or at various locations around the city.
Getting Around
Ljubljana is a compact and walkable city, with most attractions within a 15-minute walking radius from the centre. If you prefer other transport options, here’s what’s available:
- Biking: You can rent a bike through the BicikeLJ bike-sharing system (free for the first hour, with small charges for additional hours) or rent a bike at the Tourist Information Centre.
- Urban train: You can also ride the sightseeing train Urban around the city.
- Public Transport: The city’s buses are operated by LPP. To use them, can use Urbana card, which can be purchased at ticket offices, tourist centres, and kiosks, but you can also pay with credit card or use Urbana app. A single fare costs €1.30 and allows unlimited transfers within 90 minutes.
- Taxis: Fares range from €1.00 to €1.50 for the starting fee and €1.00 to €1.70 per kilometre. Ordering by phone is usually cheaper. If you’d like to use an app, we recommend Wizi or Uber. Carry cash as most taxis don’t take cards.
Parking
Parking in the city centre is paid. Rates in the first zone are €1.20 per hour from Monday to Friday (7 am – 7 pm) and on Saturday (7 am – 3 pm), while parking is free on Sundays. Payment is made with coins (you can pay for a maximum of 4 hours at a time) or with EasyPark app.
Safety
Ljubljana is a very safe city, and walking at night is generally not a problem, even for solo travellers. However, it’s always good to take basic precautions - watch your belongings, lock your doors and be cautious when walking in unlit areas at night.
ATMs and Payments
Most stores, cafes, and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. However, some market stalls and smaller vendors may require cash. Be aware that many standalone ATMs with the large sign "ATM" charge high commission fees. Instead, look for ATMs that are part of banks such as NLB, Abanka, Unicredit, SKB, NKBM, and Addiko
Supermarkets
Supermarkets in Ljubljana are generally open from 8 AM to 8 or 9 PM, Monday to Saturday. However, they are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so be sure to plan your shopping in advance.
You'll find a mix of large and small grocery stores throughout the city center, offering everything you might need. The most common supermarket chains include Spar, Mercator, Hofer, and Lidl.
Holidays
During the national holidays the majority of the shops as well as other establishments are closed, so plan accordingly. Here is a list of public holidays in Slovenia:
- New Year’s (January 1 and 2)
- Prešeren Day or Slovenian cultural holiday (February 8)
- Easter Sunday (date varies)
- Easter Monday (date varies)
- Day of Uprising Against the Occupation (April 27)
- Labor Day (May 1 and 2)
- Statehood Day (June 25)
- Assumption Day (August 15)
- Reformation Day (October 31)
- All Saints' Day (November 1)
- Christmas (December 25)
- Independence and Unity Day (December 26)
Public Toilets
Public toilets in the city centre and at the railway station are free to use. Many are located under the bridges along the Ljubljanica River and have disabled access.
