Ljubljana Travel Tips and Etiquette
A few things smooth a first visit to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s small, safe, green capital (Slovenia, not Slovakia, and yes, the euro). It is one of the easier European capitals to get right, but the transport quirks and a couple of local habits are worth knowing before you land.
Money
Slovenia has used the euro since 2007, so there is no old national currency to change. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keep a little cash for market stalls and the Bled pletna boat, which is cash only. Tipping is not obligatory: round up or add 5 to 10 percent for good service.
Getting around
The historic center has been closed to private cars since 2007, and it is flat and compact, so you will walk. There are no trams or metro, only LPP city buses. If you use them, get an Urbana card (about 2 EUR to buy) and load credit: a single fare is 1.50 EUR, valid 90 minutes with free transfers. A contactless bank-card tap costs the same but skips the transfer window. BicikeLJ bike share is nearly free for short hops, with the first hour of any ride included after a 1 EUR weekly registration.
Getting to and from the airport
Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is about 26km north with no rail link at all. A public bus to the main bus station runs roughly hourly for 4.10 to 4.50 EUR; a shared shuttle booked ahead is around 12 to 15 EUR a seat (much more day-of); a taxi is 35 to 50 EUR. Because long-haul connections are thin, some visitors fly into Trieste, Zagreb, or Venice and cross overland.
Language and etiquette
Slovene is the official language, and English is widely spoken, especially by younger people, so you will manage easily. A little effort is still appreciated: Zdravo (hello), Hvala (thank you), Prosim (please). Slovenes are friendly but fairly reserved, so keep the volume down in churches and museums, and dress modestly for church visits.
Practical odds and ends
Tap water is excellent and free, so ask for it rather than buying bottled. Smoking is banned indoors in bars and restaurants. Walk up to the castle in 10 to 15 minutes for free rather than paying the funicular if the weather is decent. And if your Friday is dry between late March and October, plan dinner around the Odprta Kuhna food market.
Read more: the full Ljubljana travel guide covers the sights, and Slovenia travel tips cover the day trips out.