Ljubljana’s café life: the back story

About Ljubljana’s café life: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Ljubljana Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

When the sun comes out, the whole of Ljubljana seems to move to the riverside. The terraces along the Ljubljanica are the city’s living room, and a coffee here can last as long as you like.

The river terraces

Cankarjevo nabrežje on the left bank and Petkovškovo nabrežje on the right are lined with cafés under the willows, and their tables spill down to the water. In summer they stay busy until late, as coffee turns into wine and spritz.

Grand cafés and cakes

For something more formal, the Kavarna Union in the Art Nouveau Grand Hotel Union and Zvezda on Congress Square serve cakes under chandeliers. Ask for a slice of Ljubljana cake or a classic kremšnita.

On a sunny day, every table along the Ljubljanica is taken by mid-morning.

Specialty coffee

A new generation of roasters, from Čokl and Stow to Črno Zrno and TOZD, has made Ljubljana one of the region’s best cities for specialty coffee. Many roast their own beans.

How to order

Kava is an espresso; kava z mlekom comes with milk; and the bela kava, “white coffee”, is a milky coffee. Nobody rushes you.

Our advice: start the day with a specialty coffee at Čokl or Stow, take an afternoon slice of cake at Zvezda or the Union, and finish with a drink on the river at sunset. Sit outside whenever you can.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Ljubljana’s café life: the back story before you go.