Old Town Walking Tour of "Dragon City" Ljubljana, Slovenia
Places: 24 POIsDistance: 1.51 miDuration: 1h:18m
Tour #2383
About this English self-guided 1h:18m walking tour in Ljubljana
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces Tour of Ljubljana, Slovenia. My name is Dave, and it will be my pleasure acting as your co-pilot, and the voice in your ear, showing you the sights and sounds of Old Town, where centuries of history and culture come alive along the charming streets and riverbanks of Slovenia’s capital.
Beginning on the north side of the Ljubljanica River, we’ll cross the legendary Dragon Bridge, guarded by its iconic green dragons, before strolling past the bustling Central Market, a vibrant hub of local flavors and daily life. From there, we’ll stroll around the imposing Ljubljana Castle, learning about its medieval fortifications and panoramic views, before descending back into the old town’s heart.
As we continue, we’ll cross the elegant Shoemaker’s Bridge, a masterpiece of the city’s famed architect Jože Plečnik, before concluding our journey at the lively and historic Prešeren Square, the cultural soul of Ljubljana. Along the way, you’ll uncover stories of emperors, poets, and architects who shaped this enchanting city.
Our tour today is not a strenuous one, as it runs less than a mile and a half over mostly level ground, and should take about two hours. Our starting point is on Komeskega Road, near the University, where there is plenty of public transportation, if you arrived that way, and there is a parking lot (Parkina hisa Komenskega) if you drove today.
Hey, you made it! Great!. From here on Komenskega, we will take a right and walk down Vidovdanska Cesta, a charming street in Ljubljana that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Ljubljana's street art scene is a vibrant tapestry that reflects the city's dynamic cultural identity. Beyond the well-known areas previously mentioned, several other spots and initiatives contribute to this colorful urban landscape:
The Šiška district is renowned for its street art, largely due to the efforts of the 1107 Klan—a graffiti crew named after Šiška's postal code. They have transformed underpasses, walls, and buildings with their vibrant creations. Notably, the underpass beneath Celovška Cesta, near Kino Šiška, is a popular canvas for the 1107 Klan and other street artists.
The internationally acclaimed street artist known as Invader has left his mark on Ljubljana. His distinctive pixelated mosaics, inspired by 1970s video game characters, can be spotted in various locations around the city, adding an element of surprise for those who seek them out.
Recognizing the artistic value of graffiti, Ljubljana has designated 17 official locations where street artists can legally express their creativity. This initiative not only curbs illegal tagging but also fosters a supportive environment for urban artists to showcase their talents.
The street art landscape in Ljubljana is continually evolving. New pieces regularly emerge, reflecting current social and political themes, personal expressions, and abstract designs. This ever-changing gallery ensures that both locals and visitors can experience fresh perspectives with each visit.
In essence, Ljubljana's graffiti and street art scene is a testament to the city's embrace of creative expression, blending historical charm with contemporary artistry.
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : Culture and Social Life
Trubarjeva cesta 52, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Trubarjeva Cesta
Trubarjeva Cesta is one of the city’s most unique and vibrant streets, known for its multicultural atmosphere, street art, and independent shops. Running from Prešeren Square toward Metelkova, it offers a mix of history, alternative culture, and great food.
At the corner here is Trubar. Just to awaken your taste buds, the Slovene authentic dishes include goulash made of Slovenian game, grilled lamb leg with homemade beets, sausages, pork tripe with buckwheat, sauerkraut, and cracklings, to name a few.
There are some other food options nearby, including Abi Falafel, if you like chickpeas. You will also notice coffee shops, should you need a pick-me-up.
The street is covered in murals, graffiti, and art installations. It has a bohemian, offbeat feel, attracting artists and creatives.
You are likely to see Independent bookstores, vintage shops, and handmade craft stores.
You will see on the right Striparna Pritličje – A comic book store with a café/bar attached.
The street is named after Primož Trubar, the 16th-century Protestant reformer who wrote the first books in Slovene. Some old buildings still show a mix of medieval and Austro-Hungarian architecture. More on that later in the tour.
We will be making a right up ahead and walking towards the river.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Vidovdanska Cesta
Place 2Trubarjeva Cesta
Place 3Cuisine
Place 4Zmajski Bridge
Place 5Central Market
Place 6Ljubljana Castle
Place 7The Carniolan Nobility
Place 8St. Nicolas Cathedral
Place 9Mestni Square
Place 10Dragon Carnival
Place 11Puppetry and Folklore
Place 12Cobbler's Bridge
Place 13Hercules Fountain
Place 14Ljubljanica River
Place 15Story Time
Place 16Congress Square
Place 17Holy Trinity Column and Ursuline Church
Place 18Republic Square and Parliament
Place 19Sculptures
Place 20Opera House
Place 21Skyscraper
Place 22Čopova ulica
Place 23Preseren Square
Place 24Triple Bridge
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A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
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