Magical Journey to Ljubljana: 6 Hidden Treasures of Slovenia's Capital
June 11, 2025
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a city full of magic and surprises. Although known for its beautiful castle and picturesque old town, it holds many secrets waiting to be discovered by curious travelers. In this article, we will take you on a journey through six lesser-known but equally fascinating places that will make your family trip to Ljubljana an unforgettable experience. From the homes of famous architects to alternative art districts, from museum treasures to ancient walls, each of these places has its own unique history and atmosphere. Get ready to discover a new face of Ljubljana that will delight adults and children alike, offering a mix of education, entertainment and authentic Slovenian experiences.
Ad
Architectural gems and cultural discoveries
Our magical journey through Ljubljana begins with two extraordinary sites that will transport you into the world of Slovenian architecture and culture.
The first stop is the Plečnik House, a fascinating museum dedicated to the life and work of Jože Plečnik, one of Slovenia's most prominent architects. Located at 4 Karunova Street, this house is a real gem for architecture and design lovers. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5, this place guarantees an unforgettable experience. The tour takes about 45 minutes, making it ideal for families with children. The guides offer fascinating stories about the architect's life, and the exhibition itself allows you to see the original furnishings of Plečnik's home and studio. This is not only a lesson in architectural history, but also an opportunity to see how one of Ljubljana's most important artists lived and worked. The garden surrounding the house is an added attraction, especially on warmer days.
The next point on our itinerary is the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, located on Metelkova Street 2. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, this place offers a fascinating journey through the culture and traditions of Slovenia. The museum is especially family-friendly - you'll find something special for children on every floor. The permanent exhibition showcases the richness of Slovenian folklore, crafts and daily life over the centuries. Interactive exhibitions allow hands-on experience of cultural elements, which is great fun for the little ones. In addition, the museum offers interesting temporary exhibitions, often on cultures from other parts of the world, which broadens horizons and teaches tolerance.
Comparing the two places, Plečnik's House offers a more intimate and personal experience, ideal for families interested in architecture and design. The Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, on the other hand, is a larger space with a wider range of topics, perfect for families looking to learn about Slovenian culture in a broader context. The Plečnik House requires reservations and offers guided tours, which can be an asset for those who like a more organized tour. The Ethnographic Museum offers more freedom to explore and is a better choice for families with young children due to its interactive elements.
Ticket prices are affordable at both sites, making them attractive options for families traveling on a tight budget. It's worth planning a visit to both sites to get a complete picture of Ljubljana's cultural richness - from the personal perspective of one of its most famous residents to a broad overview of the traditions and customs of the entire country.
Alternative side of the city and traces of history
Continuing our magical journey through Ljubljana, we'll discover sites that show an alternative side of the city and its rich history.
The third spot on our list is Metelkova, a unique art district located on Metelkova street 10, a place that, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5, offers a completely different experience from typical tourist attractions. Metelkova is an autonomous cultural zone that was created on the site of former military barracks. During the day you can admire the extraordinary murals and art installations that cover virtually every inch of the buildings' walls. It is a true paradise for lovers of street art and alternative culture. In the evenings, Metelkova comes alive, becoming a nightlife center with concerts, exhibitions and cultural events. While the place may seem a bit chaotic and austere, it offers an authentic experience of Ljubljana's contemporary urban culture.
The fourth stop is the Roman Wall, located in the Mirje district. This ancient structure, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5, is a fascinating testament to the city's Roman past. The wall, partially reconstructed in the 1930s, offers a remarkable journey back in time. Walking along the preserved fragments, you can imagine what Ljubljana (then Emona) looked like in Roman times. This place is especially interesting for families with children interested in history and archaeology. Along the wall is a park, which is an ideal place for a picnic or a moment's rest during the tour.
Comparing the two sites, Metelkova offers a more contemporary and alternative experience, ideal for families with teenagers or adults looking for something a little out of the ordinary. The Roman Wall, on the other hand, is a quieter place, perfect for families with younger children or those interested in ancient history. Metelkova is most attractive in the evenings and at night, while the Roman Wall is best visited during the day.
Both sites are free, making them attractive options for travelers on a budget. Metelkova offers more in the way of activities and cultural events, especially for older children and adults. The Roman Wall, on the other hand, provides a quieter, educational experience, ideal for families with younger children interested in history.
It is worth noting that Metelkova can be quite noisy and crowded in the evenings, which may not suit families with young children. On the other hand, the Roman Wall, while historically fascinating, may require additional explanation for younger visitors to fully appreciate its significance.
Visiting both sites will give you a more complete picture of Ljubljana - from its ancient roots to its modern alternative culture. This is an excellent way to understand how the city has evolved over the centuries and how diverse the experience of visiting it can be.
Modern history and art
At the end of our magical journey through Ljubljana, we will discover two fascinating museums that will bring us closer to the modern history and art of Slovenia.
The fifth point on our tour is the National Museum of Contemporary History (Narodni muzej sodobne zgodovine), located at Celovška cesta 23. This place, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5, offers a fascinating journey through the history of 20th century Slovenia. The museum presents exhibits and interactive displays covering the period from World War I to Slovenia's accession to the European Union. Of particular interest are the sections on World War I (with reconstructed trenches) and the Yugoslav period. For families with children, the museum offers many interactive elements to help understand the complex history of the region. Ticket prices are affordable - 6 euros for a regular ticket, 4 euros for a pupil/student ticket, making it an attractive option for families.
The final, sixth point on our trip is the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (Muzej sodobne umetnosti Metelkova), located on Maistrova street 3. This modern museum, with a rating of 4.1 out of 5, presents the latest trends in contemporary art, with a particular focus on artists from the Balkan region. The exhibitions often deal with current social and political issues, which may be of interest to older children and teens. The building's architecture is a work of art in itself and is worth taking a moment to admire. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops, which can be a great activity for families.
Comparing the two museums, the National Museum of Contemporary History offers a more comprehensive look at Slovenian history, ideal for families interested in the historical and political context of the region. The Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova, on the other hand, focuses on contemporary art and may be more suitable for families with older children or teens interested in art and current cultural trends.
Both museums are relatively small, meaning they can be visited in 1-2 hours, an ideal time for families with children. The National Museum of Contemporary History can be more engaging for younger children with its interactive exhibits, while Metelkova's Museum of Contemporary Art can be more intellectually stimulating for older children and adults.
Ticket prices at both museums are comparable and affordable, making them good options for families traveling on a tight budget. Note that both museums periodically offer free admission or special events, so it's worth checking their websites before visiting.
By visiting these two museums, you'll get a complete picture of modern Slovenia - from its turbulent 20th century history to the latest trends in art and culture. This is the perfect end to our magical Ljubljana trip, combining education with entertainment and offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
To sum up our tour of Ljubljana's six hidden treasures, it's worth noting that each of these places offers a unique experience and a different aspect of Slovenian culture and history. From architecture and ethnography, to alternative culture and ancient heritage, to modern history and art, Ljubljana has much to offer curious travelers. Whether you are a family with young children or a group of adults, there is something for everyone. By exploring these lesser-known places, you will not only avoid the crowds of tourists, but also get a deeper insight into the true soul of this fascinating city.
Similar articles
Ad