Explore these Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s small capital has a very special charm. Dotted around the entire city, you will find little oddities, strange faces and unusual designs. There are plenty or beautiful sites to see while in Ljubljana, including Dragon Bridge and the imposing castle. The relaxed coffee culture of the city is also really great. However, if you want to go a little off the beaten track, we have complied a list of some of the more unique and unusual things to do in Ljubljana.
Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Ljubljana – Metelkova
Metelkova is an art commune in Ljubljana that started life as a military barracks in 1911. Today it is covered in colour with graffiti, mosaics and sculptures everywhere. There is also a hostel there where you can stay overnight, along with a bar and a nightclub. Galerija Alkatraz is a museum also located within the complex.
Neboticnik
Neboticnik translates directly into English as Skyscraper, an accurate description! Built in 1933, it was the tallest building in the Balkans at that time. At just over 70m tall, it was built to resemble the style of the skyscrapers shooting up in the USA. The building houses some small shops, residential flats and it has a restaurant and bar at the top.
The top floor is the perfect place for drinks at sunset. You get a fabulous view across the city and the drinks are reasonably priced. Don’t miss the art deco, spiral staircase and other interesting and unique features of the building. Don’t worry, there is a lift that will take you to the top floor and back!
Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Ljubljana – Bellevue Hotel
The crumbling, old Bellevue Hotel hides in the middle of Tivoli Park. The Art Nouveau style Bellevue Hotel was built in 1909 and has faced many incarnations, including as a nightclub in 2005. Since 2009 it has been abandoned and current plans are to tear it down. There is not much left of this once grand building. However, if you love a bit of urban exploration, this is a great place to visit. Check out this BLOG from someone braver than us who explored inside!
Križanke – Open Air Theatre
Križanke is an open air theatre venue and it is a popular place in Ljubljana! The building was previously a monastery and church and was converted between 1952 and 1956. Today you can enjoy a show while still being able to see into the old monastery.
Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Ljubljana – Vila Zlatica
Vila Zlatica is the former home of Ljubljana Mayor Ivan Hribar (1851 – 1941). He had such a deep love for his city that when Italian troops entered Ljubljana in 1941, he jumped into the Ljubljanica River wrapped in the Yugoslav flag. He gained hero status and you will probably spot other statues of him across the city.
Locksmith Street
Known as Ključavničarska Ulica, this is one of the strangest and most unique things in Ljubljana. This narrow medieval alley is marked with a key. After entering, you will see hundreds of small bronze heads in the gully in the centre of the lane, each will different expressions and all without bodies…weird. The same sculptor is responsible for many more of the unusual bronze works around Ljubljana.
Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Ljubljana – Ljubljana Mosque
Ljubljana Mosque is Slovenia’s first Mosque and was completed in 2020. It is a stunningly modern design and can hold up to 1,400 worshipers. It is also open to non-Muslims during certain times if you would like to see the beautiful blue dome inside.
Nevje Cemetery
The Nevje Cemetery and Park is beautiful space across from the old town of Ljubljana. It houses the final resting place of many of Slovenia’s notable writers, religious leaders and politicians. Some of the graves date back to the 1700s. However, the cemetery badly needed restoration by the 1990s. Today it is a great location in Ljubljana, to relax or take a walk.
Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Ljubljana – Cyanometer
Cyanometers are traditionally used to colour code the sky. This one does exactly that, but it’s a little different. The Cyanometer in Ljubljana measures the colour of the sky and then replicates it on its reflective surface. At around 3 meters tall and installed in 2006, this sculpture also helps to monitor air quality in the area.
The Area with Ljubljana’s Own Weather
Yes, really. This is an interactive artwork designed to produce gentle “rain” during the hot, summer months. Make sure you look up and enjoy the cooling water lightly falling from the sprinklers.
Looking for an Unusual Place to Eat in Ljubljana?
Ljubljana is full of amazing cafes and restaurants. We like to take a long brunch in Slovenska Hisa (Slovenian House). The food is really good quality and it has a relaxed vibe. There is seating indoors and some covered seats outside overlooking the river. For something less Slovenian and more Bosnian, head into the basement of Sarajevo 84 and enjoy some hearty food and a really cosy atmosphere.
If you are feeling peckish and fancy something sweet, try Sisters Kurtos for an awesome selection of chimney cake and ice cream. And if you haven’t tried chimney cake before, you’re in for a treat! If that still hasn’t satisfied your sweet tooth, try some “Puffy Little Pancakes” covered in your choice of toppings.
At coffee time, you are spoiled for choice in Ljubljana! Our recommendations are Kavarna Macek because of it’s nice location by the river, and Cocoa Ljubljana for its scrumptious cakes and good coffee.
Before you Go, Learn a Few Other Slovenian Words
We have heard many variations on the pronunciation of the city of Ljubljana, not very many of them correct! “J”s in Slovenian are pronounced as “Y”s in English, therefore Ljubljana is pronounced as lyoo-BLYAH-nah
When you visit Ljubljana for the first time, learn a bit of the language. Slovenian is not an easy language to learn. But any attempt is greatly appreciated by locals. Here are a few words to get you started –
| English | Slovenian | Sounds Like |
| Hello | Živjo/Zdravo | ZHEE-vyoh/ZDRAH-voh |
| Goodbye | Nasvidenje | nahs-VEE-deh-nyeh |
| Please | Prosim | PROH-sihm |
| Thank you | Hvala | HVAA-lah |
| Yes | Da | Dah |
| No | Ne | Neh |
Where to go next
Unlucky with the Ljubljana weather? Why not take a look at some amazing things to do in Ljubljana when it rains.
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Ljubljana or anywhere else in Slovenia? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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