We’d only been in Slovenia for three days when I messaged my friends and family to tell them I wasn’t coming home. I had well and truly fallen head over heels in love with this tiny country, and it didn’t take long to understand why. If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Slovenia, you’re in for a treat.

For a country that many people would struggle to point to on a map, Slovenia packs an astonishing amount into such a small space. One day we were watching the sunrise over Lake Bled, the next we were driving hairpin roads through the Julian Alps, hiking to waterfalls hidden in ancient forests, exploring one of Europe’s prettiest capitals and ending the day eating fresh seafood beside the Adriatic Sea.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll struggle to find a better destination in Europe. Slovenia is wonderfully compact, making it easy to combine turquoise rivers, dramatic mountain scenery, medieval towns, spectacular caves and world-class hiking into a single road trip without spending hours in the car.

This guide brings together my favourite places after eight days exploring the country by road. Alongside Slovenia’s famous highlights, I’ve included a few hidden gems, attractions I’d happily skip, and plenty of practical tips to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning a week-long adventure, these are the places I genuinely think are worth your time.

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Why Visit Slovenia?

Slovenia is one of those rare destinations that somehow manages to offer a little bit of everything. Snow-capped mountains, emerald rivers, glacial lakes, underground cave systems, medieval towns and a stretch of Adriatic coastline all fit into a country you can drive across in just a few hours. That makes it an ideal destination whether you have a long weekend or a couple of weeks to explore.

Despite its growing popularity, Slovenia still feels refreshingly uncrowded compared to many of Europe’s better-known destinations. Outside of Lake Bled, it was surprisingly easy to find peaceful hiking trails, quiet villages and scenic viewpoints without battling the crowds. It’s also one of the cleanest countries I’ve ever visited. Everywhere we went, from city streets to mountain passes, was impeccably maintained, and there was a genuine sense of pride in protecting the country’s natural beauty.

If you enjoy active holidays, Slovenia is particularly hard to beat. You can hike in Triglav National Park, raft down the turquoise Soča River, cycle through alpine valleys, paddle across crystal-clear lakes or simply enjoy some of the most scenic drives in Europe. If your idea of the perfect holiday is good food and slower travel, you’ll also find charming old towns, excellent local restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere wherever you go.

Above all, Slovenia is incredibly easy to fall in love with. It combines the dramatic landscapes people travel to Switzerland for, the charming towns of northern Italy and the affordability of much of Eastern Europe, all wrapped up in one wonderfully compact country.

Slovenia’s Regions at a Glance

Although Slovenia is one of Europe’s smallest countries, each region has its own distinct character. From soaring alpine peaks to vineyard-covered hills and charming coastal towns, you’ll find an incredible variety of landscapes within just a few hours’ drive.

Alpine Slovenia

Home to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, Alpine Slovenia is where you’ll find Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park, Kranjska Gora, the Soča Valley, Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle. If you enjoy hiking, cycling, rafting, kayaking or simply driving through breathtaking mountain scenery, this is the region you’ll fall in love with.

Ljubljana & Central Slovenia

Slovenia’s compact capital is the perfect base for exploring the country. Ljubljana combines beautiful architecture, a vibrant café culture, excellent food and one of Europe’s most pedestrian-friendly city centres, making it an easy addition to any itinerary.

The Karst Region

Famous for its dramatic underground landscapes, the Karst region is home to the spectacular Škocjan Caves, Postojna Cave and the fairytale-like Predjama Castle. It’s also where you’ll find the world-famous Lipica Stud Farm, the birthplace of the elegant Lipizzaner horses.

The Slovenian Coast

Although Slovenia has just 47 kilometres of coastline, it certainly makes the most of it. The Venetian town of Piran is the undisputed highlight, with colourful squares, narrow cobbled streets, fresh seafood and beautiful Adriatic sunsets.

Slovenia’s Wine Regions

Often overlooked by international visitors, Slovenia produces exceptional wines across three distinct wine regions: Primorska in the west, Podravje in the northeast and Posavje in the southeast. Many vineyards offer tastings, making them a fantastic addition if you’re looking to escape the main tourist trail.

Eastern Slovenia

The least-visited part of the country rewards those willing to venture further afield. Rolling vineyards, thermal spas, medieval towns such as Ptuj and a slower pace of life make eastern Slovenia ideal for travellers looking for a more authentic experience.

Slovenia at a Glance

Quick Fact	Information
Best time to visit	May to October for hiking, lakes and road trips. Visit in December for Christmas markets or January to March for skiing. September and early October are my favourite months, with fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colours.
Recommended trip length	5–7 days lets you experience the country’s highlights. If you enjoy hiking or slow travel, I’d recommend 10 days.
Do you need a car?	Yes. Public transport is good between major towns, but a car is by far the easiest way to reach Slovenia’s mountains, waterfalls and many of its best attractions.
Budget	Slovenia is generally more affordable than Western Europe, although popular attractions such as caves and castles can be surprisingly expensive.
Best base	Ljubljana is ideal if you prefer staying in one place. If you’re planning to explore the Julian Alps, spend 2–3 nights around Lake Bled or Kranjska Gora as well.
Language & Currency	Slovene is the official language, the currency is the Euro (€), and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Top things to do in Slovenia – Places to visit and activities not to be missed

If you’re short on time, don’t miss Lake Bled, the Soča Valley, Piran, Ljubljana, Škocjan Caves and the drive to Mangart Saddle. Together these six experiences showcase everything that makes Slovenia special, from alpine scenery and turquoise rivers to medieval towns and dramatic underground caves.

1. Visit Lake Bled

It is fair to say that Lake Bled is not a secret. In fact, I would hazard a guess that 99% of visitors come to Lake Bled since it is without a doubt Slovenia’s most famous landmark. I would typically shy away from such places, however, there is a reason it is so famous; it is stunning! The postcard-worthy church sits on its own islet in the centre of the blue-green lake, overlooked by the medieval castle perched on the cliffs and surrounded by the ragged peaks of the Julian Alps. It truly is a fairy-tale setting.

We actually used Bled as a base and stayed just a couple of minutes’ walk away from town in a lovely apartment, which was very reasonably priced. So not only was it perfect for exploring Lake Bled, but it was also a great base from which to explore further afield.

There is plenty to do in Bled, and it involves being outdoors and active in true Slovenian fashion! Here are our favourite activities to do in Lake Bled:

Best things to do in Lake Bled

Walk, run or cycle around the lake

There is a path circumnavigating the lake which is only 5-6km long, perfect for walking, biking, or running. Peeking from between the trees, you will get to see the church from every angle and believe me, you won’t get bored with the sight!

It is possible to rent bikes locally, and if you fancy exploring further afield, they even do 12 hour e-bike rentals… because nobody enjoy pedalling uphill!

Take a boat to the islet

As you walk or cycle around the lake, you will spot a few opportunities to rent a boat and row over to the small island in the middle of the lake. If rowing sounds too much like hard work, you can hire an oarsman or take a trip on one of the bigger boats alongside other tourists. My favourite option is the clear kayak, but you need to book this one in advance!

Ring the bell!

If you make it to the island and up the 99 steps, then you will want to ring the wishing bell! You will hear the bell of the Church of Assumption ringing all day as tourists take their turn to make a wish. Rumour has it that your wish will come true if you ring the bell! I haven’t heard of a correlation between visits to Slovenia and lottery wins, so I am not quite sure how true this is!

Toboggan on Straza hill

You will love this alpine rollercoaster if you are a big child at heart! Set on Straza Hill overlooking Lake Bled, not only is it exhilarating, but the views are also phenomenal. You can easily walk to Straza from Bled town, but if you are driving, it is one of the few places in Bled where you can park for free.

It is closed during the winter months, and it is worth noting that it only opens at the weekends during the shoulder season. On a positive, the prices were very reasonable and included a ride up on the chair lift (appreciated since it is a STEEP hill!) as well as the toboggan ride back down.

If you love adrenaline, then check out the nearby zip lining options!

Eat Bled Cream Cake

This is a must-try local delicacy if visiting Lake Bled but be warned, it is a BIG portion, so you might want to share. This cake consists of a layer of pastry, followed by a layer of custard, then whipped cream, and finally another layer of pastry. It was delicious but way too much to eat on my own. However, I rarely struggle to finish food, so this is saying something!

If you want to eat the cake from the “founding restaurant”, then head to Kavarna Park where you will also be able to enjoy great views of the lake and castle. I have heard that Belvedere Café is another great spot from where to enjoy your Bled Cake since there you will have great views of the Church of Assumption.

Get up for sunrise

Without a doubt, the BEST thing to do when in Lake Bled is to get up for sunrise and hike to the Ojstrica viewpoint. Watching the sun rise above the hills and lighting up the lake and the church will forever be my most cherished memory of the trip!

The trail starts on the lake’s southwest shore, near the camping (look out for the big Indian tent, you can’t miss it!). If you are getting there for sunrise, it will be dark, so make sure to bring a decent headtorch and don’t attempt it with flip-flops! Walking boots would be ideal as it was a slippery, rocky path. However, I managed fine in running trainers. Just whatever you wear, watch your footing!

The hike takes no more than 20 minutes. It is pretty steep though, and does involve a little bit of mild scrambling towards the end.

Hike up to Ojstrica viewpoint

Ojstrica’s viewpoint is a small outcrop of rock sitting above the treeline. There is a bench and room for a few people to stand. However, if you want an uninterrupted view, then get there early. I arrived 20 minutes before the official sunrise time, and there were already 4 people there. Luckily there was a seat on the bench, so I settled in for the wait.

Because the sun has to rise above the mountain ranges, the actual sunrise isn’t for another 10-15 minutes after the official time. So depending on what kind of photo or experience you want, you might be able to sneak a few extra minutes in bed!

By the time I was ready to leave, there were probably 20 people crammed into the tiny space, all patiently waiting for their turn to take a photo of the fantastic display of light happening in front of us! It was truly a magical moment!

Avoid the castle!

Honestly, there is much to do in Lake Bled that it deserved a blog of its own (watch this space!). There is one attraction though that will appear on most people’s blogs that I have avoided: the castle! We had intended to visit. In fact, we made our way all the way to the castle to enjoy the sunset while having dinner there. However, the lady at the gate was so rude that we decided not to part with our cash and spend it elsewhere instead. Having seen the Tripadvisor reviews, this lady seems to be in the wrong job as there is no end of complaints about her. She was, in fact, the only rude person we came across in our entire 8 days of travel!

Having said that, she may well no longer work there! And I have heard that the Bled Castle restaurant offers a rather refined dining experience, featuring modern interpretations of traditional Slovenian dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Only one thing for me to do. Go back and give it a second chance!

Treat yourself to a meal at The Old Cellar. 

We purposefully chose an AirBnB to keep our costs down and cook our own food. However, we did treat ourselves to one delicious meal out at The Old Cellar Bled. It happened to be the number 1 restaurant on TripAdvisor and was, without a doubt, the best meal we had during our stay in Slovenia.

It is set in a refurbished 500-year-old cellar and specialises in Slovenian wines. They even have orange wine! Yes, that is a thing! As a non-wine drinker, I can’t really comment on it, as I don’t like the taste of wine; however, my husband said it was rather lovely!

They had a relatively small menu of local and international dishes, all of which are created with locally sourced products and with their own unique twist. We shared a delicious platter to start with, followed by steak for Doug and sea bass for me. We even managed pudding too. Doug went for a chocolate tart, whereas I opted for a traditional gibanica cake, a multi-layered pastry with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, raisins, and cottage cheese. Very very tasty!

Lake Bled deserves far more time than a single section in a guide like this. From where to stay and the best sunrise viewpoints to parking, restaurants and how to avoid the crowds, I’ve put together a complete Lake Bled Travel Guide to help you plan your visit.

2. Explore Vintgar Gorge

Located just 5 km from Bled, and easily reached by car, on foot, or by bike, Vintgar Gorge is one of the most popular activities to do when in Bled, or indeed Slovenia. Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6km walkway that follows the flow of the Radovna river, crisscrossing it 4 times before finishing off at a modest waterfall. Ignoring the waterfall, which is quite disappointing when the water levels are low, the rest of the walk is pretty spectacular. In fact, it has been voted by several magazines as the most scenic, or best, easy hike in Europe, and I don’t think they are wrong!

Please note you will need to pay for parking and to access the hike. I did grumble at the price at the time, but I now realise it is required to help preserve the walkways and the area.

More than just a gorge

It is worth noting that the walkway is 1.6km one way, and once finished, you need to hike back, choosing one of two routes (if going back to the car park). One of the routes is 4.3km long, while the one we chose was 5.7km.

The hike started off up a relatively steep forested path before topping out by the very picturesque St Catharina Church with the big rugged hills as its backdrop. From there, we walked across some fields to the sound of cowbells, which was rather befitting to the views. It’s a really great hike, but be aware that it is longer than expected, so make sure you bring water and suitable clothing and footwear.

I have heard that it can get hectic, making taking photos hard. However, since we were travelling during the shoulder season and having arrived just as it opened, we had the gorge pretty much to ourselves! If you are going during peak season consider “skip the line” tickets.

3. Visit the most beautiful waterfall: Peričnik Slap

Slap in Slovenian means waterfall. We saw many slaps in Slovenia, but none more beautiful than Peričnik. Situated about 40 minutes from Lake Bled (if you take the scenic road) or 20 minutes if you go on the highway missing out on an adventure, you will find Peričnik at the end of a long gravel road.

Slovenia is big on slow travel and encourages visitors to leave the car in the town and hike the rest of the way. However, there is also a car park should you not wish to walk. I’m afraid on this occasion we were in the lazy group!

The drive along the gravel road was breathtaking. We followed the turquoise-coloured river as it wound its way up between the orange-tinted trees. However, the one thing I could not get over in Slovenia was just how clear the water was everywhere! In fact, that’s all I kept saying. “Have you seen that water!”

When you eventually reach the car park, after a good 4-5 minute drive, you will be at the base of the impressive Peričnik waterfall. Please note you need to pay for parking.

A steep climb

The walk to the waterfall was steep and a solid leg burner. However, it wasn’t overly long, and it was 100% worth it for the view. Probably the most impressive thing about this 52 metre fall is the fact you can walk behind it, something I have wanted to do ever since I watched Robin Hood as a young girl.

There is an easy pathway that takes you directly behind the fall, and I’d say the views from the other side are arguably better. However, I did spot a path leading away from the fall on this side, so I can only assume that the non-lazy tourists would have emerged from their hike here.

After admiring the fall from every possible angle, I spotted there was the option to continue climbing. A warning sign saying “dangerous climb” manages to deter lots of hikers, my husband included. However, I’d argue that it was no more treacherous than the first section. There are some steep staircases, so only proceed if you have a good head for heights.

All I can say is that the leg burn was definitely worth it! Waiting for me when I reached the top was another beautiful waterfall, a little smaller, but with a pool and stream leading away, which I could actually capture in the photo. You could also walk behind this one but be aware, it is a very soggy experience! In fact, I highly recommend bringing a raincoat for both waterfalls if you intend to walk behind them!

Peričnik was definitely one of the trip’s highlights, especially as it felt like we had it all to ourselves.

4. Take the cable car up to Vogel Ski Resort

Bohinj Lake is another spot featuring everyone’s top places to visit when in Slovenia. I would agree, although not so much because of the glacial lake, but more so because of Vogel Ski Resort. If you love mountains, then you will be in for a treat. Situated on the South Western side of the lake, Vogel Ski Resort has a gondola to take you high into the hills. 1500 metres high, to be precise. This is undoubtedly a great place to practice some winter sports in the winter. In the summer however, it is a bikers and hikers paradise.

The views were absolutely outstanding. From the platform, you could see Lake Bohinj down below. Looking ahead, you were met with the impressive Triglav Mountain and its neighbouring peaks within Triglav National Park. We were there on a clear day, the views went on for miles, and I just couldn’t help but sit and stare!

Enjoy hiking paradise

Usually, the chair lift would be working to take you even higher, ready for a day of hiking in the high peaks. As it happens, it was undergoing maintenance ahead of the winter season when we were there (early October). Several peaks can be summited from Vogel ski resort, including Vogel the mountain! Unfortunately, neither of us had the necessary gear to go on a full day’s hike, although I have vowed to come back one day to do just that!

To make sure it isn’t a wasted trip up (and a wasted expense), there is a screen showing you footage from the live camera so you can work out whether the views will be clear or not. As it happened when we were there, it was grey and miserable down below yet bright and blue at the top!

5. Relax by Lake Bohinj 

Lake Bled gets all the glory, yet Lake Bohinj is just as nice. You will undoubtedly recognise the iconic view of St John the Baptist Church with the stone bridge in the foreground, but there is so much more to the Lake than just pretty views. For starters, it is the perfect place for water sports and the nice calm waters make it ideal for stand-up paddleboarding. 

If you enjoy walking there is also a trail that goes around the lake. The loop is 12 km long and is ideal for running or walking. It is very easy to follow and I’d recommend walking it anti-clockwise so that you can enjoy the more peaceful and less populated area first. 

6. Hike up to (Slap) Savica Waterfall

If there is one thing that Slovenia does well, it is waterfalls, and Slap Savica is no exception. I believe you can walk there from Lake Bohinj, however, we chose to drive to the car park and do the short walk up to the waterfall. Please note there is an entry fee to access the hike which helps cover the upkeep of the area. To get to the waterfall you will follow a gentle uphill trail through the woods until you arrive at the viewpoint. There is no denying that it is a beautiful waterfall, and of course, I couldn’t help but exclaim at the beautiful colour of the water. However, the metal gate at the end of the walkway stole a little but of the magic for me. I understand it is needed to stop people from bathing in the waterfall pool, but I can’t help but think that this man-made structure has no place in such a beautiful spot. 

In my opinion, it is still worth visiting and makes for a great outdoor activity. 

7. Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle

Since we are on the topic of mountains, let me tell you about the drive to Mangart Saddle. If you like impressive views and are confident enough to drive up a narrow hairpin road to the mighty height of 2,000 metres, then I definitely recommend driving to Mangart Saddle.

We set off from Kranjska Gora, where we were staying, which also involved driving over Vršič Pass, which in itself also deserves a mention! In all, we completed 134 hairpin bends this day, all in search of epic views. The drive, however, was just as good as the views. The roads to Mangart and Viršič Pass wove through forests rapidly turning orange and red the higher we went. Every now and then, between the gaps in the trees, we would see the rugged mountains rising high into the sky.

The mountain pass

To drive to Mangart, you need to pay €10 per car. This will give you access to the remaining 9 kilometres of road. Under normal circumstances, you would be able to drive all the way to 2,000 metres. However, there had been a rockslide, so we had to park up a little short of the end and walk the rest of the way.

Once we reached the cliff that delineates the border with Italy, we sat down and took in the views. Far far below and stretching for miles was a beautiful Italian valley while the rugged Slovenian border stretched up into the clouds. Again, had I been married to a more adventurous soul, I would have loved to have gone exploring on foot. There are several peaks that can be relatively easily scaled from here.

Instead of hiking, we headed for the hut, where we enjoyed a drink and admired the marvellous views.

Please note that if you decide to drive the road, it is narrow, steep, and very windy. There are vertical drops and no barriers for much of the way, so you need to be both a good driver and good with heights! This is not a road on which you want to lose your nerve, or in fact, drive like an idiot and put others at risk!

8. Explore the Soča Valley from Bovec

If you enjoy adventure, Bovec should be high on your Slovenia itinerary. Often described as the country’s outdoor capital, this small alpine town is the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Soča Valley. We spent several days here and, looking back, I only wish we’d stayed longer.

Surrounded by the Julian Alps and the emerald-green Soča River, Bovec is where you’ll find some of Slovenia’s best hiking, rafting, canyoning, kayaking and zip-lining. Even if adrenaline sports aren’t your thing, simply driving through the valley is worth the journey. Every bend in the road seems to reveal another impossibly turquoise stretch of river or dramatic mountain backdrop.

I’ve written a complete guide to Bovec, including where to stay, my favourite restaurants and everything I’d recommend if you’re planning to base yourself here for a few days.

Experience the Soča River

The Soča River is the reason most people visit Bovec. Famous for its crystal-clear emerald water, it’s one of the most beautiful rivers I’ve ever seen. Whether you choose to go white-water rafting, kayak through the rapids or simply sit beside the water with a picnic, it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left.

If you’re looking for an adventure company, I highly recommend Ultimate Alps. Their small-group experiences and knowledgeable local guides made this one of the highlights of our Slovenia trip.

9. Lake Jasna

Within walking distance of Kranjska Gora, this man-made lake was beyond beautiful. The turquoise colour of the water was utterly mesmerising and put all other incredible water colours from our trip to shame. The lakes were created to bring additional tourism to the area during the summer months by creating a side flow to the glacial Pišnica River. Surrounded by tall peaks and the changing leaves of autumn, it was yet another fairy tale experience.

It is a popular recreational area and a great spot to cool off with a glacial swim during the summer months!

If you are driving over the Viršič pass from Kranjska Gora, this will be the first point of interest you will come to. There was parking (no doubt paid for) around the lake; however, if you are staying in town, it is an easy 10-minute walk.

10. Eat a patty at Lačni Kekec

One of the best things about the restaurants in Kranjska Gora are the portions! With it being an outdoorsy mecca, they all cater to hungry, active hikers, bikers, and skiers. Or whatever your choice of activity might be! However, we did struggle to balance portions with taste. It is a well-known fact that the hungrier you are, the easier it is to satisfy your taste buds! As a result, we had several disappointing meals. However, that was not the case with Lačni Kekec. Sitting at the foot of one of the ski runs, right by the chair lift, this wooden hut served some delicious food. What’s even better is that it was surprisingly affordable.

The waiter was amiable and recommended we share a patty. Based on the price, we would have easily ordered one each, but we followed his recommendation and good job we did! It was HUGE!! And far too nice! In fact, dangerously tasty! We had to force ourselves to stop halfway through it (luckily, we could take it away to finish off for dinner that night!). The patty was their speciality, but everyone’s food looked delicious! So if you want a cheap meal that is tasty, then go no further than Lačni Kekec!

Where to stay in Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora is a nature lovers paradise, with no end of hotels and chalets catering for active adventurers, whether that be ski goers in the winter or hikers in the summer. There are also some great mountain biking trails if you wanted to bring your bike with you!

We stayed at Hotel Alpina, on the outskirts of town, but within easy walking distance of everywhere. It is located right on the ski slopes which I’m sure makes it ideal in the winter months. The rooms were warm and spacious with good wifi and a hearty breakfast. Although the hotel offers free parking, it is worth noting that there aren’t enough spaces for all guests and we had trouble finding a space on a couple of occasions. 

11. Explore the Adriatic Coast and visit Piran

Slovenia doesn’t have much of a coastline, but as with everything, it definitely makes up for what it lacks in size by putting on a fabulous show! Piran is a bustling town perched on the tip of a peninsula overlooking the Adriatic sea. Its Old Town is one of the best-preserved historical towns anywhere on the Mediterranean.

We arrived at lunchtime having driven down from Kranjska Gora. The old town is strictly pedestrian-only, so we parked our car in a multi-storey car park on the outskirts of town and enjoyed a nice relaxing 15-20 minute walk along the promenade all the way to the tip. If you wish to cut the walk in half, there is a free bus service.

Feast on seafood at Fritolin pri Cantin

Once past the marina, Piran really comes alive with restaurants, all serving fresh seafood and traditional Slovenian meals. We hazard a guess that many were probably overpriced, though, due to their prime position, so instead went in search of something less touristy.

Winding our way through the narrow streets, admiring the Venetian Gothic architecture, we found just the spot! Located in a small square was a tiny restaurant called Fritolin pri Cantini. We commandeered the last available table and went to the hatch to place our seafood order. Their speciality: squid! Not only was the meal delicious, but the atmosphere was great, and the weather was perfect for eating al fresco. The additional bonus was that it was great value for money.

Get lost in the backstreets of Piran

For me, Piran is about stepping back in time and getting lost. Wandering the narrow cobblestone streets, walking under peoples’ hanging clotheslines, and past parked traditional carts while admiring the colourful houses, it really felt as if we had stepped back in time.

If If you want to get a birds-eye view of the city, I highly recommend climbing the city walls. Built in the 15^th century to protect against Turkish invasion, they offer fabulous city views. However, they do sit high on the hill, so be prepared for an uphill stroll! Entry was €2 at the time of visit.

Another great spot, especially if you want to get a good view of Tartini Square, is the Bell Tower of the Church of St George, which sits on the hill overlooking Tartini Square. From here, you will get 360-degree views of the town. Entry is only €1, but you will need to tackle 146 rickety old stairs!

We visited in September when it was relatively quiet. However, I have read that it can become very overcrowded in the summer months, which I imagine could ruin some of its charms. Our only regret is that we didn’t stay there longer!

Where to stay in Piran

We stayed at the Art Hotel Tartini, right in the heart of Piran. We were surprised by how affordable the hotel was considering its location, amenities and the fact that it has been decorated by one of Slovenia’s most important artists. The rooms were spacious and clean, with large comfy beds, fast wifi and lovely views across the Adriatic sea. I believe other rooms look over Tartini Square. 

12. Lipica Stud Farm

If you fancy doing something a little more unusual, I highly recommend visiting Lipica Stud while in Slovenia. You don’t have to be a horse lover to enjoy this tour, though as it happens, I am!

Located in the South, and therefore easy to combine with Piran, Lipica Stud is the birthplace of the Lipizzaner horse breed. Set out over more than 300 hectares (roughly 740 acres) of land, the stud has more than 300 Lipizzaner horses at any time. As we drove down a narrow tree-lined avenue into the stud, we spotted hundreds of mares and their foals grazing in their immaculate fields with white post and rail fencing. All I could think about was that I hoped they had a mechanical poo-picker as doing it by hand would have been tough!

If visiting Lipica, I definitely recommend twinning with a guided tour and show. The grounds are lovely, and seeing horses is always great, but having someone to explain the breed’s history and talk you through what you are seeing makes it all the better. Without a doubt, the show stopper is when you get to see the horses at various stages of their training. The Lipizzaner horses are the same breed you may recognise from the famous Vienna riding school. In fact, before WWI, Lipica provided all the horses to Vienna. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. However, because they are the “poorer” cousin to Austria, you get the same show for half the price!

With unlimited access to the grounds and show, the tour cost is €25 (2026 rates) compared to €80 in Vienna! It is definitely worth it, and without a doubt on of the most unique things you can do in Slovenia. 

13.  škocjan Caves

Slovenia is predominantly limestone which means there are A LOT of caves. By A LOT, I mean more than 1,400 that are known. Yet who knows how many remain to be discovered! 22 of these caves are open to the public. We chose to visit the škocjan caves which are part of a 30 km underground gorge.

I suppose that is a bit of a lie. We had actually chosen to visit Vilenica Cave which is much less touristy and cheaper. Unfortunately, it was closed when we got there, so instead rerouted to škocjan, which we felt was perhaps a little overpriced at €18 each! However, I had promised Doug no hills, steps, or inclines for our final day and škocjan offered a lift to get us back up from 140 metres below ground. Unfortunately, that was false advertising. We saw no lift and had to face 800 steps to get back out again! So guess who was in the bad books?

If you want a second opinion (or just to see how many other people fell for the mythical lift story), you can check the Tripadvisor reviews for Škocjan Caves, they’re quite entertaining in themselves!

The cave is divided into two sections, the dry cave as you enter, and the murmuring cave, through which Reka River runs. Reka, by the way, means river, so basically, whoever named Reka river, in essence, called it the River river! 0 points for originality!

The largest underground gorge in Europe

škocjan caves are part of the largest underground canyon in Europe and, as such, are a UNESCO World Heritage site of special scientific interest. The tour started through a 120 metre man-made tunnel that dropped us off in Paradise (the chamber’s name). A beautiful chamber with no end of stalactites and stalagmites in all shapes and forms. To be fair, it wasn’t too dissimilar to other caves we’ve been to.

We then moved through the collapsed chamber (so nothing to see as it had… well… collapsed!) before moving into the Grand Chamber, which was, as you would expect, vast! We’ve been to many caves, but I don’t think we have ever walked through anything as big as this one.

Murmuring cave

Once out of the dry cave, we moved on to the murmuring cave, a 100 metre deep cavern through which the river flowed. As we were there in October, the water levels were very low, which I think detracted from its beauty. Higher water levels would undoubtedly make it more impressive, especially as Slovenia has that beautiful turquoise water! However, you wouldn’t want it as deep as it can sometimes be when the flow has fully flooded the cave to the top! Remember, this is a 100 metre wide canyon. That’s a lot of water!

In the footsteps of explorers

One of the most fascinating things about the cave was seeing some of the paths created by the original explorers. High up on the walls, they had carved steps barely deep enough to fit a toe. They had also drilled in handholds, although I’m not sure either would have filled me with confidence! I always find it amazing to think of what explorers go through.

The tour ended where the ceiling had actually caved in, creating a beautiful Dolina of green. At this point, they broke the news of the 800 steps! Needless to say, no words were spoken as we begrudgingly made our way up.

Since I’m meant to be sharing the top things to do in Slovenia, you probably think I was a little unenthusiastic about škocjan Caves. I suppose it isn’t so much the caves but the price that diminished our enjoyment of them. However, I would definitely be willing to go and explore more caves if I’m ever back in Slovenia, though I’d probably seek out less touristy ones to avoid the high entrance fees. 

14. Add Postojna caves to your list

You might find the Postojna Cave listed on many “top things to do” lists for Sovenia. We did look at visiting the Postojna Caves when we were doing our research, but the fact there is a kids’ chu chu train running through it put us off. Undoubtedly is a popular destination for people with kids, but we were looking for something a little less touristy (although on that front we failed!). Postojna’s train ride is one of a kind though, as it is the only double-track cave railway in the world! Maybe we unfairly wrote it off! 

15. Marvel at Predjama Castle

If you are visiting Postojna Caves, then you definitely want to add Predjama Castle to your list. This fairy-tale castle that has been been built into the rock is a sight not to be missed. It is one of the most beautiful places (at least man-made places) in Slovenia. Slovenia is home to over 500 medieval castles, and this one if the most impressive. It is also the largest cave castle in the world! ​

Under the castle lies the second-longest cave in Slovenia. Part of the cave is open for guided visits, while more adventurous souls may wish to explore further afield with a local guide. 

It is worth noting that if you combine the visit with Postojna Caves you can save money on both entries.

16. Ljubljana

Last but not least in my top  things to do in Slovenia is Ljubljana. It isn’t last for any particular reason other than it felt it suited best either at the start or the end of this blog, and I felt number 1 should be reserved for Lake Bled.

I have a funny relationship with cities. In theory,  I rarely like them, yet some of my favourite places while travelling have been cities. I like a city that is different, full of culture and history. Hanoi and Rome are two of my favourites, followed closely by Ljubljana, Slovenia’s largest city. 

These are a few of the reasons why I rate Ljubljana so highly.

1. The entire historic centre is pedestrian, and if you have mobility issues, they offer free electric buggy rides.
2. It is by far the cleanest city I have been to. In fact, we saw no litter in Slovenia. None at all! And as someone who litter-picks often, my eyes are trained to find it!
3. It is super underrated, and I love an underdog. So many people bypass it to head straight to Lake Bled, which means Ljubljana has not become overly touristy. Firstly, food and drinks is affordable. Secondly, I love that they are still so connected to the countryside with daily markets and a real focus on local produce.
4. Lastly, their thieves are super cute! As we were eating breakfast on the terrace, we were assaulted by 3 birds who demanded we share our croissants with them. 

A little bit about Ljubljana

One of Europes’ smallest capital cities, Ljubljana is a real “jewel”. In fact, I think that description is often overused, but I can’t think of anywhere more fitting than Ljubljana to use it! Cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured houses, beautiful bridges, dragons, and an emerald colour river all make Ljubljana one of the most beautiful cities we have visited.

But it isn’t just about looks, it’s about personality too! And I really enjoyed the vibe in Ljubljana. Everyone was friendly, locals went out of their way to help us, and there was a great café scene with tables set out on terraces so you could enjoy a drink while watching the world go by. Apparently, there is a good club scene too, thanks to the 50,000 students.

What to do in Ljubljana

We opted to join a free walking tour that included a walk and talk around the city, followed by a boat ride before finishing off in Ljubljana’s highest skyscraper, a mighty 13 floors high! OK, that is not very high at all, but it did still offer the city’s best views. Plus, it included cake, so double win!

We do like to join a tour when in a new place. We tend to opt for food tours, but the one I liked the look of was fully booked sadly, so instead I focused on other options. If like me you love exploring a city through it’s culinary scene, make sure you book before it sells out! Two others caught my eye: a stand-up paddleboarding tour, which we disregarded due to the high likelihood of falling in; and a walking tour, which I found on GuruWalks.

What to expect from the walking tour

Our guide was super engaging, and the pace was just right. He didn’t bore us with dull facts and dates, instead focusing on exciting facts and stories, the perfect combination in my mind.

The tour started at the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, a beautiful pink building that dominates the main square. From there we walked across the triple bridge and then wandered through the cobblestone streets learning about Ljubljana’s history, its many occupations, and its avoidance of war (which means perfectly preserved historical buildings!).

We visited the famous love bridge where couples seal their undying love for each other, or for some, their eternal love for their car (see the photo!). We learnt how art was once sold by the kilo and that the city has vending machines for fresh eggs and milk. As we heard our guide’s stories, I couldn’t help but fall more and more in love with the city. I would share all the facts, but I would hate to ruin it for you!

Take a river cruise on Ljubljanica river

After an hour or so of wandering, we went for a cruise down the river. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and we simply sat back and relaxed as we saw people going about their daily activities. Then, suitably relaxed, we got one of those electric buggies to Nebotcnik, the “skyscraper”.

When it was first built, this 13-story building was the 5^th tallest in Europe. Now, it’s shorter than most apartment blocks! However, it still stands proud, offering a 360-degree view of the city. We also found it to be the best place to see the castle. In fact, it provides much better views than the castle does. Firstly, they are uninterrupted, but secondly, the castle deserves to be part of the view! 

While sitting on the rooftop terrace, we were treated to Gibanica cake, a traditional Slovenian cake which I can only describe as a sweet lasagne. It is a multi-layered pastry cake with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, raisins, and cottage cheese. I became rather fond of it throughout our travels!

Visit Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle was another great spot in the city, and somewhere that wasn’t included in the tour. You can either walk up or take the funicular, which costs €4 for a return ticket. Many people think you need to pay to access the castle, but a large chunk of it is actually free. There are a couple of exhibitions you need to pay for, we didn’t visit these though so I can’t tell you how much they were or whether they were worth it. However, all the free exhibitions were worthwhile, and I believe it has an orangery with a fantastic selection of wines!

We only had one day to explore Ljubljana, and I am sure there are 100 more things to do, but if, like us, you are short on time, either join a tour or simply get lost. It is such a beautiful city begging to be explored!

Stay in an old tobacco factory

We opted for AirBnbs for the entirety of our trip. While all of them were great, our Ljubljana stay needs mentioning. Situated within an old tabacco factory, it is one of the quirkiest places we have stayed in. The old building has now been converted into high-ceiling offices, studios, and this one apartment.

As our host led us through the enormous factory wooden door, I couldn’t help but think, “what on earth have I booked?!”. But as soon as we stepped inside, I knew it was the right choice. A massive space full of art, artefacts, and overall quirkiness. It was fully equipped with a kitchen, two bathrooms, and three beds. However, the best feature was the bath on wheels in the middle of the sitting room, complete with bath toys and all!

If you like the sound of it, do check it out! 

The other great thing about it was that it offered free parking, a real luxury in Ljubljana.

Planning Your Trip to Slovenia

One of the best things about Slovenia is that it’s incredibly easy to explore. Despite offering everything from alpine mountains and glacial lakes to underground caves and an Adriatic coastline, you can drive from one side of the country to the other in just a few hours. That makes Slovenia the perfect destination for a road trip, whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or spending a couple of weeks discovering every corner.

How many days do you need in Slovenia?

If it’s your first visit, I recommend spending at least five to seven days in Slovenia. This gives you enough time to explore Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, Piran and the Karst region without feeling rushed.

If you’re a keen hiker or enjoy slower travel, 10 days is even better. That’s enough time to tackle some of Slovenia’s incredible mountain trails, spend time in the Soča Valley and discover some of the country’s lesser-known regions.

If you are looking for a ready made itinerary then check out my 5 Day Itinerary.

Do you need a car?

In my opinion, yes.

While trains and buses connect Slovenia’s main towns, many of the country’s most beautiful places are in the mountains or countryside, where public transport is less frequent. Having a car gives you the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints, explore hidden waterfalls and take some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain drives at your own pace.

If you’re planning to rent a car, I’ve put together a complete guide to driving in Slovenia, including road rules, tolls, mountain roads and everything you need to know before getting behind the wheel.

I always rent my cars through Discover Cars as the platform shares offers from both local and international partners making it much easier to find the right deal for you!

When is the best time to visit Slovenia?

Slovenia is a fantastic year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.

For hiking, lakes and road trips, visit between May and October. July and August offer the warmest weather but are also the busiest months, particularly around Lake Bled.

Personally, I’d recommend September or early October. The summer crowds have largely disappeared, temperatures are still pleasant and the autumn colours begin transforming the mountains into a sea of reds, oranges and golds.

Winter is ideal if you’re visiting for skiing, festive Christmas markets or snow-covered alpine scenery.

Where should you stay?

If you’re only staying a few days and don’t want to move accommodation, Ljubljana makes an excellent base thanks to its central location.

However, if you have a week or more, I’d recommend splitting your stay. Spend a few nights around Lake Bled or Kranjska Gora for easy access to the Julian Alps before finishing your trip in Ljubljana or on the Slovenian coast.

I’ve personally stayed in the following places and have been very happy!

• Ljubljana – The Loft
• Lake Bled – Apartments Vidic
• Bovec – Apartment Alpea – Best host ever!
• Piran – Hotel Piran

Is Slovenia expensive?

Compared to Western Europe, Slovenia offers excellent value for money, particularly when it comes to accommodation, fuel and eating out. The biggest surprise for many visitors is that some of the country’s most popular attractions, particularly caves and castles, have relatively high entrance fees. It’s worth factoring these into your budget if you plan to visit several paid attractions.

What should you pack?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, even if you don’t plan on doing any serious hiking. Much of Slovenia’s beauty is best experienced outdoors, and you’ll almost certainly find yourself exploring forest trails, lakeside paths or mountain viewpoints.

If you’re visiting outside the height of summer, pack layers. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and even on warm days you’ll often find temperatures considerably cooler at higher elevations than they are in Ljubljana or along the coast.

Some extra tips

Before I wish you farewell, I do want to share some tips on things that caught us out:

1. You have to pay to use most public toilets. They are €0.50 each and only accept coins, so make sure you have spare change with you.
2. If using the bus in Ljubljana, you will need a bus pass which you can only buy from kiosks and the tourist information centre.
3. IMPORTANT! Most things are closed on Sundays, including all kiosks and the tourist information centre. Therefore, if, like us, you are in Ljubljana on a Sunday, chances are you will be walking everywhere!
4. Taxis don’t hang about in taxi ranks during the off-season, and it is impossible to flag them down. You will need to call, but many don’t speak English, so I recommend you befriend a shopkeeper or bar staff to make the phone call for you.
5. Although Slovenia is relatively cheap for food, fuel, and accommodation, entries to attractions are relatively high, so be aware when budgeting.
6. If you are travelling from elsewhere in Europe, it’s likely you won’t need to worry about SIM cards, but if travelling from further afield, consider getting an eSIM. If I know I’ll be using a lot of data I use Truely (10% off with code BEAADVENTUROUS10). If I only need a little data, Airalo works well too (20% off with code TRUE).  
7. I always use a VPN when I’m abroad. It protects my data on public Wi-Fi and lets me access my favourite sites securely. I use Nord VPN but if you have a MAC you may wish to consider veepn for mac.

If you are still wondering whether you should or shouldn’t visit, I only have one word for you: GO! I loved Slovenia so much that I could easily see myself living there. Not only was it beautiful beyond words, but it was clean, safe, and friendly. It was straightforward to get around and an absolute joy to “get lost” in. If you can’t figure out how to fit all of its awesomeness into a trip, then check out my Slovenia 5 Day itinerary blog.

If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to ask. I’d be more than happy to help in any way I can.

So… will you be adding Slovenia to your bucket list? Let me know in the comments.

If this guide helped you, here’s a small way to give back

If you found this article helpful and would like to say thank you, you can support something very close to my heart.

I’m currently fundraising for Street Child, a UK charity working in some of the world’s toughest places to ensure children have access to education.

Travel has shown me just how much opportunity depends on where we’re born. While many of us are planning our next adventure, 272 million children around the world are still out of school.

Over the years I’ve taken on some fairly ridiculous challenges to raise funds for Street Child, including running a marathon in 42°C heat in Sierra Leone, cycling 400km from the Cotswolds to the Netherlands, running a 50km ultra marathon in Madeira, and trekking to Everest Base Camp. 

If this guide helped you plan your trip, you can help change a child’s future.

Even the cost of a coffee can help a child access education.

👉 Donate to my Street Child fundraiser here

And the best part: 100% of your donation goes directly to Street Child.