Slovenia is Europe’s easily accessible, lively and affordable destination! Slovenia is a small country in Central Europe bordered by Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary and has a population around 2 million. With its warm and helpful people resembling Mediterranean Culture and its well-organized structure embodying Europe, Slovenia left a lasting impression on us. Let’s dive into our Slovenia Itinerary: The Ultimate 5-Day Travel Guide and embark on a 5-day Slovenian adventure.
Slovenia Itinerary: The Ultimate 5-Day Travel Guide
During our 5-day journey, we visited four Slovenian cities : Maribor, Ljubljana, Piran, and Bled. This guide covers the must-see places, dining options, accommodations, and transportation to Slovenia and also in Slovenia.
Transportation to Slovenia
You can drive or take a flight to Slovenia. As we did, from Germany, you can reach Slovenia by passing Austria. To use Austrian highways, you’ll need a “Vignette”, which you can buy online via ADAC or at gas stations near the German-Austrian border. A 10-day vignette costs 9.30 Euro. Similarly, for Slovenia, a 1-week “Vignette” costs 16 Euro. Note that tolls for tunnels are additional. Following tunnels were on our route: A9 Gleinalmtunnel costs 10.50 Euro per pass and A10 Katschbergtunnel costs 13.50 Euro per pass. In addition, returning from Slovenia to Austria via the Karawankentunnel costs 8.80 Euro, payable only at Slovenian toll booths. All prices are current as of December 2024.
Flying to Slovenia is also very convenient. You can reach Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, in about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Frankfurt or Munich. There are direct flights from more than 25 locations worldwide to Ljubljana. You can buy your tickets via Skyscanner Widget below.
Day #1: Maribor
Places to Visit in Maribor
Maribor is a colorful city, famous with its wine, which located north part of Slovenia. The Drava River flowing through the city enhances its charm, with riverside cafes offering a cozy place to have get togethers. You can visit this small Slovenian city in one day by walk. You should start your walk along Slovenska Ulica and visit Maribor Castle in Grajski Trg (Grajski Square).
This castle, initially built to defend against Ottoman invasions, now houses a museum showcasing Slovenian history and culture. One of the most interesting exhibits in this museum is a pharmacy from the late 19th century. In this section, you can take a journey into the past, as it features original pharmacy cabinets, counters, a prescription desk, and equipment used for preparing medicines. Don’t miss the fascinating 19th-century pharmacy exhibit!
Google Maps: Mariborski Grad
When you pass Maribor Castle, you will see the Bazilika Matere Usmiljenja. Built between 1892 and 1900, this basilica stands out with its red bricks, you can admire this striking red-brick basilica.
Google Maps: Bazilika Matere Usmiljenja
Afterward, as you walk from Vetrinjska Ulica toward the Drava River and head to Glavni Trg, also known as Glavni Square, you will come across colorful historic buildings. Here, you can enjoy lovely cafés and restaurants. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Evino wine shop, which is very close to the square. After all, Maribor is famous for its wines. We bought some amazing Sauvignon wines from Evino, we can definitely recommend.
Google Maps: Glavni Trg & Evino, vinoteka Maribor
When you cross this square and walk toward the Lent district, you will find many bars, cafes and restraurants overlooking the Drava River. If the weather is sunny, it’s especially enjoyable to sit outside, sip your cocktail, and watch the river. As you continue walking along the river, you will reach Stara Trta, where you can see the 400-year-old vine.
Google Maps: Lent & Stara Trta
Where to Eat in Maribor
Nana Bistro & Kavarna
Nana Bistro & Kavarna is a café that offers delicious breakfast plates. We really liked its cozy yet modern style. In addition to its breakfast, the desserts and croissants are also great.
Google Maps: Nana Bistro & Kavarna
La Cantina CENTER pizzerija in špageterija
La Cantina is a fantastic Italian restaurant. We tried the pizza, lasagna, and tiramisu, and we can say they were absolutely delicious. During the winter months, they had set up cabins in the courtyard with heaters inside. If you visit with a group, dining and chatting in these cozy cabins make for a great experience.
Google Maps: La Cantina CENTER pizzerija in špageterija
Rožmarin
Rožmarin is a stylish restaurant within walking distance of Glavni Square, combining Italian, French, Spanish, and Slovenian flavors. Here, you can find a variety of options, including meat, fish, pizza, and vegetarian dishes.
Google Maps: Rožmarin
Piranha Cocktail Bureau
This is a bar where you can sip your cocktail while watching the Drava River. It’s very enjoyable to sit outside when the weather is nice. Luckily, we got to experience it in December on a sunny day. 🙂
Google Maps: Piranha Cocktail Bureau
Transportation from Maribor to Ljubljana
You can reach Ljubljana from Maribor in about 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus, 2 hours by train, or 1 hour and 20 minutes by car, just like we did.
Day 2-3: Ljubljana
Places to Visit in Ljubljana
Ljubljana is one of Slovenia’s most impressive cities and also the capital. The city’s architecture and colorful, lively streets are sure to captivate you. It’s easy to explore the city on foot, and in 2016, it was chosen as Europe’s Green Capital.
We recommend starting your tour by visiting Zmajski Most (Dragon Bridge). Built in the 19th century, this bridge features four bronze dragon statues. Dragons became symbols of Ljubljana because they were believed to have protected the city in ancient times.
Google Maps: Zmajski Most
Once you cross Zmajski Most, you’ll find Central Market. Here, you can find fruits, vegetables, street food, and souvenirs. You can visit this market on weekdays from 07:00 to 16:00 or on Saturdays from 07:00 to 14:00.
Google Maps: Central Market
After Central Market, if you continue walking along the riverbank, you’ll reach Tromostovje (Triple Bridge). As the name suggests, this structure consists of three bridges side by side, designed by Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. The side bridges are built for pedestrians, while the middle bridge is built for vehicle traffic.
Google Maps: Tromostovje
From Central Market, you can climb to Ljubljanski Grad (Ljubljana Castle), which offers a panoramic view of the city in about 15 minutes. This castle was once used for the defense of Ljubljana. Although we didn’t get the chance to visit the castle, we’ve heard that the view, especially at sunset, is absolutely stunning.
Google Maps: Ljubljanski Grad
After crossing Tromostovje Bridge, you’ll arrive at Prešernov Trg (Prešeren Square). This is one of Ljubljana’s most famous squares, where the buildings, with their different architectural styles, create a harmonious atmosphere.
Google Maps: Prešernov Trg
Prešeren Square is home to the Frančiškanska cerkev Marijinega oznanjenja (Franciscan Church of the Annunciation), a stunning example of pink Baroque architecture. While you’re in the square, we recommend taking a look at this church, as entry is free.
Google Maps: Frančiškanska cerkev Marijinega oznanjenja
Tivoli Park is another must-see in the city. It’s a great escape to nature, and you can reach it in about 15 minutes on foot from Prešeren Square.
Google Maps: Tivoli Park
Where to Eat in Ljubljana
Ljubljana offers many great cafes, restaurants, and bars. With limited time, we could only try a few, but we’ve shared some of our favorites with you.
Cafe Capri
Cafe Capri is a lovely breakfast spot along the Ljubljanica River, known for its delicious baked eggs and pancakes. It also has heaters outside for colder weather.
Google Maps: Cafe Capri
Le Petit Cafe
Le Petit Cafe is another great option for breakfast, offering a variety of dishes. We especially enjoyed their scrambled eggs and croissants.
Google Maps: Le Petit Cafe
Abi Falafel
This restaurant, located just off the Ljubljanica River, serves Arab cuisine. We loved the lentil soup, falafel wraps, ćevapčići (a type of kebab), and mezze.
Google Maps: Abi Falafel
Joe Peña’s
Joe Peña’s is a Mexican restaurant near Tivoli Park. We tried the fajitas, which were great, and the nachos were tasty too. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the steak.
Google Maps: Joe Peña’s
Slovenska Hiša – Figovec
This restaurant offers traditional Slovenian cuisine. We didn’t have the chance to visit, but the reviews are excellent.
Google Maps: Slovenska Hiša – Figovec
Lolita
Lolita is a cafe known for its delicious desserts. If you love tiramisu, they make a fantastic version, and their soufflés are also a must-try. Highly recommended for dessert lovers. 🤤
Google Maps: Lolita
Cacao
Cacao is a cafe along the Ljubljanica River where you can enjoy coffee and desserts. It’s especially delightful to sit outside on sunny days. Like many cafes in Ljubljana, they also have heaters outside, so even if the weather is cold, you can still enjoy your time.
Google Maps: Cacao
Fetiche Patisserie
This patisserie creates delicious and visually appealing sweets. It’s a real treat to grab something from here and enjoy it while strolling through the streets of Ljubljana. We tried their red fruit desserts and cheesecake, and we loved them.
Google Maps: Fetiche Patisserie
Where to Stay in Ljubljana
Ljubljana Airbnb
This Airbnb is just a 10-minute walk from the city center and is perfect for 4 people, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. We didn’t have any issues with cleanliness, so we can recommend it. The utilities include free parking for a car and a washing machine with a dryer.
Airbnb: Ljubljana
Hotel Heritage
Hotel Heritage is located just one street behind the Ljubljanica River. Its location is within walking distance to many attractions. The reviews on Google Maps and Booking are also quite positive.
Booking: Hotel Heritage
Google Maps: Hotel Heritage
Transportation from Ljubljana to Piran
You can reach Piran from Ljubljana in about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car or 2 hours and 20 minutes by bus with a transfer. In Piran, the streets are open to vehicle traffic, but parking is quite limited. In fact, as a tourist, there aren’t many options for parking your car. Therefore, if you’re driving to Piran, we recommend leaving your car in the parking garages at the entrance to the town. The parking fee is 14.5 Euros, and it’s an 18-minute walk to the center of Piran.
Google Maps: Garažna hiša Fornače
If you’d like to drive into the town center, the first 15 minutes are free. After that, you’ll need to pay 3 Euros per hour. During July and August, if you enter the city by car, the fee rises to 5 Euros per hour starting just 3 minutes after entering.
Day 4: Piran
Piran is an incredibly charming seaside town on the Adriatic Coast. It’s a great place for a day trip from Ljubljana. The town was once part of the Venetian Republic, so its buildings reflect the colorful homes of Italy. The sunset views here are especially breathtaking.
Places to Visit in Piran
We recommend starting your visit at Pristanišče Piran (Piran Port). The port, filled with yachts and boats, creates a stunning scene when paired with the blue of the Adriatic Sea.
Google Maps: Pristanišče Piran
After visiting the port, continue walking along Cankarjevo nabrežje street, where you’ll find many charming shops and cafes. It’s a very pleasant walk, but be cautious as there are no sidewalks along the way.
Google Maps: Cankarjevo nabrežje
At the end of the street, you’ll find Tartinijev trg (Tartini Square) on your right. This is the town’s main square and a lively area. You’ll find plenty of cafes and shops here, and occasionally, local product sellers add a vibrant touch to the square. The square is dedicated to the famous Piran-born composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini, and you can even see a statue of him in the center.
Google Maps: Tartinijev trg
Next, you can visit Zvonik (the Bell Tower), visible from the square. This tower was built in the 17th century during the Venetian rule. The 146-step bell tower offers a fantastic view of the city. Right next to it is a Catholic cathedral, Duomo di San Giorgio.
Google Maps: Zvonik & Duomo di San Giorgio
Trg 1. maja is a lovely square and we recommend adding it to your walking route. It’s surrounded by Italian-style houses, and there’s a nice restaurant where you can spend some time.
Google Maps: Trg 1. maja
For the final stop of your trip, you can walk towards Piranski svetilnik (the lighthouse). If you bring a snack, you can enjoy the view while sitting on the rocks.
Google Maps: Piranski svetilnik
Where to Eat in Piran
Cafinho Piran
Cafinho Piran is a great option for a nice breakfast by the beach. We really enjoyed their scrambled eggs with vegetables and hazelnut pancakes. It’s a delightful experience to have breakfast outdoors at the tables, especially on a sunny day. Since we went to Piran for just a day trip, we only had the chance to try this place for breakfast.
Google Maps: Cafinho Piran
Transportation from Piran to Bled
Day 5: Bled – Favorite Places in Slovenia Itinerary
Bled, which is among our favorite places in the Slovenia Itinerary: The Ultimate 5-Day Travel Guide, is a travel destination we would recommend without hesitation.
Places to Visit in Bled
Bled is a small town, and its most famous spot is Blejsko jezero (Lake Bled). This lake has an incredibly enchanting view. It’s one of the most iconic places you’ll encounter when searching for Slovenia online. Therefore, it was one of the places we were most curious about in our Slovenia Travel Guide.
One of the factors that makes the lake’s view so captivating is the church located in the middle of the lake and the Bled Castle perched on a cliff on the lakeside. A 2-hour walk around the lake, allowing you to see the view from different angles, was an activity we truly enjoyed. There is a flat walking path around the lake that is easy to walk even with a stroller.
Google Maps: Blejsko jezero
You can take a break during your walk around the lake and also visit the Mala Osojnica viewpoint. From here, you can capture an aerial view of the lake.
Google Maps: Mala Osojnica
The Cerkev Marijinega Vnebovzetja church, located on the island in the middle of Lake Bled, is another place to visit in Bled. This church, which combines Baroque and Gothic architecture, can be reached by boats available around the lake. The entrance fee is 12 Euros. The most famous feature of the church is the wish bell, which is used to make wishes.
Google Maps: Cerkev Marijinega Vnebovzetja
The Blejski grad (Bled Castle) is another must-see in Bled. Built on top of a cliff 130 meters high, this castle is one of Slovenia’s most famous castles. It was used for defensive purposes in the past, and it features medieval and Renaissance architecture. The entrance fee is 17 Euros.
Google Maps: Blejski grad
Where to Eat in Bled
Old Cellar Bled
Old Cellar Bled is a restaurant offering Slovenian cuisine with an incredible cozy atmosphere. We were lucky to get a table here. From fish to meats, local wines to desserts, it became one of our favorite restaurants. The staff was also very friendly. We definitely recommend trying Kremšnita (Bled Cream Cake) here, which is the most famous dessert of the region. Additionally, it is possible to find parking in front of the restaurant.
Google Maps: Old Cellar Bled
ARROI
Another dinner option is ARROI restaurant. This place offers flavors from Thai cuisine. Since we only stayed for one night, we didn’t have the chance to try this restaurant, but Google Maps reviews show it’s a great place.
Google Maps: ARROI
Kavarna Park
Kavarna Park is a place where you can take a nice coffee and dessert break in the middle of the day. It has a location where you can enjoy a view of the lake, and with its comfortable seating, it is an ideal cafe/restaurant for a relaxing break.
Google Maps: Kavarna Park
Where to Stay in Bled
Hotel Park Bled is a 4-star hotel with a view of Bled Lake. We can say that this was our favorite hotel during our trip. Since the hotel is located right next to the lake, it is very convenient for walking around the lake. Additionally, it is just a few minutes’ walk from restaurants, shops, and Bled Castle, which is one of the must-see attractions in the city. We had no issues with cleanliness. The hotel also offers amenities like spa massages, a swimming pool, and a sauna. We think it would have been nice to stay a little longer to fully enjoy these facilities.
Google Maps: Hotel Bled
Booking: Hotel Bled
And with that, we come to the end of our article Slovenia Itinerary: The Ultimate 5-Day Travel Guide. Are there any other places in Slovenia you’d like to visit or have visited and loved? Please comment below 👍🏼
Also read:Paris Itinerary: The Ultimate 4-Day Travel Guide, Nice Travel Guide: The Pearl of The French Riviera, Amsterdam Travel Guide: Places to See in Amsterdam, A Complete Hamburg Travel Guide: Top Places in Hamburg
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