Neighbourhood guide · Ljubljana, Slovenia
The old town & Castle Hill
The heart of historic Ljubljana: three linked squares of Baroque houses below the castle hill, the cathedral and the Central Market, with the river on one side and the castle above.
About The old town & Castle Hill
The old town curves along the right bank of the Ljubljanica below the castle hill. Mestni trg, with the Town Hall and the Robba Fountain, leads into Stari trg and Gornji trg, lined with Baroque houses, small shops, restaurants and cafés.
At its northern end are the cathedral and the Central Market; the funicular and the woodland paths climb to the castle. Early morning and late evening are the most atmospheric times.
Where The old town & Castle Hill is
Our 115 places in The old town & Castle Hill
Restaurants in The old town & Castle Hill
-
By the river
Breg
A modern restaurant on the Breg embankment, listed in the MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2026.
Breg 20Explore View on map
-
Good food, good cause
Druga Violina
A good-value old-town restaurant run as a social enterprise, serving Slovenian dishes.
Stari trg 21Explore View on map
-
Up at the castle
Gostilna na Gradu
A modern gostilna in the castle courtyard, cooking dishes from every Slovenian region; listed in the MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2026.
Grajska planota 1Explore View on map
-
Old-school gostilna
Gostilna Sokol
A big, traditional gostilna by the cathedral, with wooden interiors and classic Slovenian dishes.
Ciril-Metodov trg 18Explore View on map
-
Flavours of the north-east
Güjžina
A small gostilna on Mestni trg serving the dishes of Prekmurje, Slovenia’s north-eastern plain, from bograč to gibanica.
Mestni trg 19Explore View on map
-
Below the castle
Hiša Pod Gradom
A small restaurant below the castle hill, with modern takes on Slovenian dishes.
Streliška ulica 10Explore View on map
-
On Stari trg
Julija
A Mediterranean restaurant on Stari trg, with risottos, pasta and a terrace on the old-town lane.
Stari trg 9Explore View on map
-
The Carniolan sausage
Klobasarna
A tiny counter by the cathedral serving the protected Carniolan sausage, jota and sweet štruklji.
Ciril-Metodov trg 15Explore View on map
-
Pizza on the Ljubljanica
Ljubljanski Dvor
A long-running pizzeria on Dvorni trg with a big terrace on the river.
Dvorni trg 1Explore View on map
-
Stari trg
Marley & Me
A cosy old-town restaurant on Stari trg with Slovenian and Mediterranean dishes.
Stari trg 9Explore View on map
-
Sushi on Mestni trg
Moysushi
A sushi bar on Mestni trg with sushi, sashimi, oden and tempura by an experienced Japanese chef, all available to take away.
Mestni trg 17Explore View on map
-
MICHELIN Guide
Peti 181
A Mediterranean and seafood restaurant on Dvorni trg with a terrace facing the castle, listed in the MICHELIN Guide Slovenia.
Dvorni trg 1Explore View on map
-
Burgers on the river
Pop’s Place
A burger and craft-beer bar on the river embankment.
Cankarjevo nabrežje 3Explore View on map
-
Inside Ljubljana Castle
Restavracija Strelec
A fine-dining restaurant in the Archers’ Tower of Ljubljana Castle, listed in the MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2026.
Grajska planota 1Explore View on map
-
At Vander Urbani
Restavracija Vander
The restaurant of the Vander Urbani Resort, cooking with produce from the Central Market and the farms around the city.
Krojaška ulica 6–8Explore View on map
-
Romantic old-town rooms
Špajza
A romantic restaurant on Gornji trg, with vaulted rooms, a courtyard and Slovenian cooking.
Gornji trg 28Explore View on map
-
MICHELIN Guide 2026
TaBar
A lively wine bar and kitchen of small, creative plates near the river, listed in the MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2026.
-
MICHELIN Guide 2026
The Restaurant
A modern restaurant on Mestni trg, listed in the MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2026.
Mestni trg 15Explore View on map
-
Japanese on the river
Tokyo Piknik
A small Japanese restaurant on the river embankment, with bento, ramen and sushi.
Cankarjevo nabrežje 25Explore View on map
-
Stone vaults on Stari trg
Valvas’or
A restaurant under stone vaults on Stari trg, with Slovenian and Mediterranean dishes and a strong wine list.
Stari trg 7Explore View on map
-
Fish and wine
Vino & Ribe
A small old-town restaurant of fish and Slovenian wine on Stari trg.
Stari trg 28Explore View on map
-
Market-side inn
Vodnikov Hram
A simple inn on Vodnik Square by the market, for hearty Slovenian lunches.
Vodnikov trg 2Explore View on map
Cafés in The old town & Castle Hill
-
Ice cream by the Triple Bridge
Cacao
An ice-cream café on Petkovškovo nabrežje, a short walk from the Triple Bridge.
Petkovškovo nabrežje 3Explore View on map
-
Roasted in Ljubljana
Cafe Čokl
A tiny specialty-coffee bar by the market, serving coffee from its own roastery.
Krekov trg 8Explore View on map
-
Ground in front of you
Cafetino
A small coffee shop on Stari trg that grinds coffees from around the world in front of you and sells the beans to take home.
Stari trg 5Explore View on map
-
On Gornji trg
Črno Zrno
A specialty-coffee bar on Gornji trg at the top of the old town.
Gornji trg 17Explore View on map
-
In the castle courtyard
Grajska kavarna
The café in the courtyard of Ljubljana Castle, with ice creams, house cakes and Slovenian wines and sparkling wines.
Grajska planota 1Explore View on map
-
Cakes by the river
Lolita
A pretty cake shop and café at the start of the river embankment.
Cankarjevo nabrežje 1Explore View on map
-
Next to the Town Hall
Pritličje
A café, bar and cultural space next to the Town Hall, beside a comic-book shop.
Mestni trg 2Explore View on map
-
By the fountain on Stari trg
Slaščičarna pri Vodnjaku
A cake shop by the fountain at the end of Stari trg, known for its ice creams, hot chocolates and its “icy” apple strudel.
Stari trg 30Explore View on map
-
Only Slovenian
Slovenska Hiša
A tiny riverside bar serving only Slovenian products, from coffee and juices to wine and spirits.
Cankarjevo nabrežje 13Explore View on map
-
Specialty coffee
Stow
A specialty-coffee roaster and café on Gosposka, with a second small bar by Prešeren Square.
Gosposka ulica 15Explore View on map
-
Gallusovo nabrežje
TOZD
A riverside café and bar on Gallusovo nabrežje, coffee by day and wine by night.
Gallusovo nabrežje 27Explore View on map
-
Gelato by the Triple Bridge
Vigò
A modern ice cream parlour between Prešeren Square and the Town Hall, with many flavours and vegan and gluten-free treats.
Stritarjeva ulica 4Explore View on map
Bars in The old town & Castle Hill
-
Bohemian corner
Daktari
A bohemian café bar by the market, with mismatched furniture, books and concerts.
Krekov trg 7Explore View on map
-
Slovenian wine by the glass
Dvorni Bar
A wine bar on Dvorni trg by the river, with a long list of Slovenian wines by the glass.
Dvorni trg 2Explore View on map
-
In the castle cellar
Grajska Vinoteka
The castle’s wine bar and shop, with a vaulted cellar, a terrace over the city and only Slovenian wines.
Grajska planota 1Explore View on map
-
Cocktails in the old town
Kolibri
A cocktail bar on Židovska steza, the old Jewish lane.
Židovska steza 2Explore View on map
-
By the cathedral
Koželj Wines
A wine bar and shop by the cathedral, with Slovenian and international wines, fine-wine selections, spirits and delicacies.
Pogačarjev trg 2Explore View on map
-
Slovenian and Italian wines
Vineria Del Ponte
A wine bar on Stari trg with wines from every Slovenian region and around 400 Italian labels, plus pasta and sauces to take home.
Stari trg 2Explore View on map
-
On Dvorni trg
Vinoteka Dvor
A wine bar and shop on Dvorni trg with wines from every Slovenian region, plus oils, chocolate and schnapps.
Dvorni trg 2Explore View on map
-
A Brda winery in town
Vinoteka Movia
The Ljubljana wine bar of the Movia estate from Goriška Brda, near the Town Hall.
Nightlife in The old town & Castle Hill
-
Friday nights in the Rock Hall
Ljubljana Castle Jazz Club
Friday-night concerts of jazz, soul, funk, rock and blues in the Rock Hall of Ljubljana Castle.
Grajska planota 1Explore View on map
Hotels in The old town & Castle Hill
-
A 16th-century palace
Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa
A boutique hotel and spa in historic townhouses on Gosposka, in the old town.
Gosposka ulica 10Explore View on map
-
Formerly the Adora
Bloom Hotel
A small, family-run boutique hotel on Rožna ulica, at the foot of Castle Hill, formerly known as the Adora.
Rožna ulica 7Explore View on map
-
On Gornji trg
Hotel Allegro
A boutique hotel on Gornji trg at the top of the old town.
Gornji trg 6Explore View on map
-
Antiques on Gornji trg
Hotel Galleria
A boutique hotel full of antiques on Gornji trg, below the castle.
Gornji trg 3Explore View on map
-
By the Cobblers’ Bridge
Hotel Heritage
A boutique hotel by the Cobblers’ Bridge, in the heart of the old town.
Čevljarska ulica 2Explore View on map
-
A garden with a city view
Lesar Hotel Angel
A small hotel in an old building on Gornji trg, at the foot of Castle Hill, with a large private garden overlooking the city.
Gornji trg 7Explore View on map
-
Rooftop pool
Vander Urbani Resort
A design hotel by the river in the old town, with a rooftop pool and terrace.
Krojaška ulica 6-8Explore View on map
-
By the Butchers’ Bridge
Zlata Ladjica
A boutique hotel on the river near the Butchers’ Bridge.
Jurčičev trg 1Explore View on map
Sights in The old town & Castle Hill
-
The city from the water
Boat trips on the Ljubljanica
Tourist boats from the embankments, with an hour-long ride under the bridges.
-
Padlocks and sculptures
Butchers’ Bridge
A modern footbridge of 2010 with bronze sculptures and lovers’ padlocks.
-
Plečnik by the river
Central Market & Plečnik’s colonnade
The open-air market on Vodnik Square and Plečnik’s riverside colonnade, busiest on Saturday mornings.
-
Robba’s altar and the tallest belfry
Church of St James
A Jesuit church of 1613–1615 on Gornji trg’s square, with an altar by Francesco Robba, the tallest belfry in Ljubljana and an ornate octagonal chapel.
Gornji trg 18Explore View on map
-
An open-air room
Cobblers’ Bridge
Plečnik’s columned bridge linking the old town with Congress Square.
-
The city’s crown
Ljubljana Castle
The castle on the hill above the old town, reached on foot or by funicular, with a tower, museums, restaurants and the best views in town.
Grajska planota 1Explore View on map
-
Up in a minute
Ljubljana Castle funicular
The glass funicular from Krekov trg to the castle, in about a minute.
Krekov trgExplore View on map
-
History & heritage
Ljubljana: history and heritage
Pile-dwellers on the marshes, Roman Emona, six centuries of Habsburg Carniola, two earthquakes and Jože Plečnik’s UNESCO-listed city: how Ljubljana became Ljubljana.
-
Plečnik’s masterpiece
National and University Library
Plečnik’s great library of patterned brick and stone, with a famous reading room.
Turjaška ulica 1Explore View on map
-
Baroque frescoes
St Nicholas Cathedral
Ljubljana’s Baroque cathedral, with frescoed ceilings and bronze doors of 1996.
Dolničarjeva ulica 1Explore View on map
-
Cobbles and Baroque
The old town: Mestni, Stari & Gornji trg
The three linked squares of the medieval town below the castle, lined with Baroque houses, shops and restaurants.
-
Mestni trg
Town Hall & the Robba Fountain
The Baroque Town Hall on Mestni trg and Francesco Robba’s Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers.
Mestni trg 1Explore View on map
-
Plečnik’s masterpiece
Triple Bridge
Three bridges side by side over the Ljubljanica, Plečnik’s most famous work, linking Prešeren Square with the old town.
Arts & Culture in The old town & Castle Hill
-
Plečnik by the river
Central Market & Plečnik’s colonnade
The open-air market on Vodnik Square and Plečnik’s riverside colonnade, busiest on Saturday mornings.
-
On Mestni trg
City Art Gallery Ljubljana
The city’s gallery of contemporary art on Mestni trg.
Mestni trg 5Explore View on map
-
The world’s oldest wheel
City Museum of Ljubljana
The story of Ljubljana in a Baroque palace, with Roman remains and the Ljubljana Marshes Wheel.
Gosposka ulica 15Explore View on map
-
An open-air room
Cobblers’ Bridge
Plečnik’s columned bridge linking the old town with Congress Square.
-
Handmade lace
Galerija Idrijske čipke
A shop of Idrija bobbin lace, one of Slovenia’s finest crafts, on Mestni trg.
Mestni trg 17Explore View on map
-
Slovenian art to buy
Hest Gallery
A gallery on Židovska ulica selling works by Slovenia’s major historical artists alongside established and young contemporary painters.
Židovska ulica 8Explore View on map
-
A glass-fronted showcase
Kresija Gallery
The City of Ljubljana’s principal exhibition space, a glass-fronted gallery on Stritarjeva between the Triple Bridge and Town Hall.
Stritarjeva ulica 6Explore View on map
-
The city’s crown
Ljubljana Castle
The castle on the hill above the old town, reached on foot or by funicular, with a tower, museums, restaurants and the best views in town.
Grajska planota 1Explore View on map
-
At Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Mini Theatre
A theatre at Ljubljana Castle for children, young people and adults, which hosts the international Mini Summer puppet festival.
Grajska planota 1Explore View on map
-
For all ages
Ljubljana Puppet Theatre
A puppet theatre below the castle, with shows for children and adults.
Krekov trg 2Explore View on map
-
Plečnik’s masterpiece
National and University Library
Plečnik’s great library of patterned brick and stone, with a famous reading room.
Turjaška ulica 1Explore View on map
-
Try your hand at puppetry
Puppet Museum, Ljubljana Castle
The Ljubljana Puppet Theatre’s museum in the castle, on Slovenia’s rich puppet tradition, where you can try puppeteering yourself.
Grajska planota 1Explore View on map
-
Ljubljana’s first public library
Seminary Library
A Baroque library of 1701 in the Seminary Palace by the cathedral, with a ceiling painted by Giulio Quaglio and original oak furniture.
Dolničarjeva ulica 4Explore View on map
-
Since the 1970s
Škuc Gallery
A long-running non-profit gallery of contemporary art on Stari trg.
Stari trg 21Explore View on map
-
Theatre history on Mestni trg
Slovenian Theatre Museum
The museum of the Slovenian Theatre Institute on Mestni trg, telling the history of drama, opera, dance and puppetry in Slovenia.
Mestni trg 17Explore View on map
-
Baroque frescoes
St Nicholas Cathedral
Ljubljana’s Baroque cathedral, with frescoed ceilings and bronze doors of 1996.
Dolničarjeva ulica 1Explore View on map
-
Plečnik’s masterpiece
Triple Bridge
Three bridges side by side over the Ljubljanica, Plečnik’s most famous work, linking Prešeren Square with the old town.
-
Treasures of Slovenia
Zakladi Slovenije
A shop of Slovenian crafts and products by the cathedral.
Ciril-Metodov trg 2Explore View on map
Parks & nature in The old town & Castle Hill
-
Paths to the castle
Castle Hill
The wooded hill of the castle, with walking paths from the old town.
-
Plečnik’s promenades
The Ljubljanica embankments
The river and its stepped embankments, willows and bridges, Ljubljana’s favourite walk.
Walks in The old town & Castle Hill
-
Paths to the castle
Castle Hill
The wooded hill of the castle, with walking paths from the old town.
-
Plečnik’s promenades
The Ljubljanica embankments
The river and its stepped embankments, willows and bridges, Ljubljana’s favourite walk.
-
Cobbles and Baroque
The old town: Mestni, Stari & Gornji trg
The three linked squares of the medieval town below the castle, lined with Baroque houses, shops and restaurants.
Shopping in The old town & Castle Hill
-
Architect turned designer
Almira Sadar
The Stari trg boutique of Almira Sadar, an architect and fashion designer whose women’s collections are made in Ljubljana.
Stari trg 16Explore View on map
-
Certified traditional potica
Butik lePotica
A little shop on Stari trg devoted to potica, the rolled Slovenian cake, from walnut and tarragon to plum and hazelnut.
Stari trg 10Explore View on map
-
Teas from around the world
Čajna hiša Cha
A tea house and shop on Wolfova ulica with a wide range of teas and tea sets, pots and cups.
Wolfova ulica 8Explore View on map
-
Fresh from the farms
Central Market
The open-air market on Vodnik Square, Monday to Saturday, with Plečnik’s colonnade along the river.
-
Chocolate dragons
Čokoladnica Cukrček
A chocolate shop by the cathedral, with Ljubljana-themed chocolates.
Mestni trg 11Explore View on map
-
Lower Carniola in a shop
Dobrote Dolenjske
A deli on Mestni trg selling food and drink from the Dolenjska region.
Mestni trg 17Explore View on map
-
Three decades of knitwear
Draž knitwear
A knitwear studio on Gornji trg making sustainable, timeless garments, with a renewal service to extend their life.
Gornji trg 9Explore View on map
-
Handmade leather
EvilEve
A boutique and workshop on Trubarjeva where designer Eva Breznikar makes leather bags, belts and accessories by hand.
Trubarjeva cesta 15Explore View on map
-
Handmade lace
Galerija Idrijske čipke
A shop of Idrija bobbin lace, one of Slovenia’s finest crafts, on Mestni trg.
Mestni trg 17Explore View on map
-
Slovenian and international design
Gud Shop
A concept store on Stari trg with Slovenian and international clothing, jewellery and accessories.
Stari trg 4Explore View on map
-
Slovenian honey
Honey Treasures
A shop near the Central Market devoted to Slovenian honey and bee products, from honey biscuits and mead to cosmetics.
Ciril-Metodov trg 17Explore View on map
-
Slovenian design since 1992
IKA
A shop by the cathedral that has championed Slovenian design since 1992, from homeware to fashion accessories.
Ciril-Metodov trg 13Explore View on map
-
Karst produce
Kraševka
A deli by the market selling produce from the Karst: pršut, cheese, teran and more.
Vodnikov trg 4Explore View on map
-
Collected internationally
Martina Obid Mlakar
A jewellery designer and restorer on Gornji trg who blends old goldsmithing techniques with contemporary materials.
Gornji trg 24Explore View on map
-
Zero-waste design
Nika Ravnik
The Gornji trg studio of designer Nika Ravnik, whose zero-waste pieces can be worn in several ways.
Gornji trg 24Explore View on map
-
On Gornji trg since 2007
Olga Košica jewellery studio
The Gornji trg studio of jeweller Olga Košica, making one-off pieces inspired by organic shapes and natural textures.
Gornji trg 26Explore View on map
-
Fridays, spring to autumn
Open Kitchen (Odprta kuhna)
The Friday street-food market on Pogačarjev trg, from spring to autumn, with stalls run by local restaurants.
Pogačarjev trgExplore View on map
-
Salt from Piran
Piranske soline shop
The shop of the Piran salt pans, with sea salt, salt flower and salt cosmetics.
Mestni trg 8Explore View on map
-
Colourful design gifts
Popermint
A colourful shop on Levstikov trg with playful accessories, gift ideas and its own designer socks.
Levstikov trg 4aExplore View on map
-
Everything made in Slovenia
Slovenika
A shop on Gornji trg where everything is made in Slovenia by Slovenian designers, from fashion and homeware to food.
Gornji trg 4Explore View on map
-
Slovenian crystal
Steklarna Rogaška
The Ljubljana showroom of Rogaška, the Slovenian maker of crystal glassware and home pieces, on Mestni trg.
Mestni trg 22Explore View on map
-
Zelen, Pinela and orange wine
Štorija wine shop
A wine shop on Trubarjeva with boutique Slovenian wines, from Zelen and Pinela to orange wine, and a sommelier to guide you.
Trubarjeva cesta 17Explore View on map
-
Sunday mornings
Sunday antiques market
An antiques and flea market on the river embankment on Sunday mornings.
Cankarjevo nabrežjeExplore View on map
-
Handmade, nature-inspired
Uršula Rihtar
Handmade, minimalist jewellery in precious metals, inspired by natural forms, from a studio on Trubarjeva.
Trubarjeva cesta 18Explore View on map
-
Treasures of Slovenia
Zakladi Slovenije
A shop of Slovenian crafts and products by the cathedral.
Ciril-Metodov trg 2Explore View on map
Getting around in The old town & Castle Hill
-
A lift in the pedestrian zone
Kavalir & the car-free centre
Electric Kavalir carts give lifts around the car-free centre; stop one or call it.
-
By the Triple Bridge
Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre
The city’s main tourist office, on the market embankment by the Triple Bridge, for maps, the Ljubljana Card, tours and tickets.
Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 2Explore View on map
-
A circular ride from the Town Hall
Urban tourist train
An electric sightseeing train on a 75-minute circular route from the Town Hall to the castle, Trnovo, Križanke and Congress Square.
Town Hall, Stritarjeva ulica 2Explore View on map
See the full list: Getting Around Ljubljana: Airport, Trains, Buses, Bikes & Onward Travel