A Digital Nomad Guide to Ljubljana

Ljubljana Visa

There are talks of a digital nomad visa for Slovenia being available in the future, but at the moment, the Schengen visa is the best way to enter the country as a foreigner. This means digital nomads from the European Union are in luck since they can easily cross the border and only need to register after a period of three months should they wish to stay in Slovenia longer. Those from another region in the world will have to apply for a Schengen visa, which is a straightforward process for most nationalities. You are able to stay for 90 days and cross borders of neighboring countries if you require. This means remote workers are able to explore countries beyond Slovenia if they would like to see other parts of Europe. 

However, the Schengen visa does not allow them to work locally, and it’s important to ensure that any money is earned remotely and online. Longer visas are available but may be difficult to obtain without a family member in Slovenia, a local job, or a local partner. In this case, a residence permit is essential, and the process may be complicated and lengthy. It may be easier to head to another neighboring country instead after 90 days and return to Slovenia after. Note that it’s only possible to obtain a Schengen visa once every 180 days, so a traditional visa run is not possible. Many remote workers use the UK, Serbia, Bosnia, or other countries to wait until they can reapply for a Schengen visa.

Culture and Food in Ljubljana

Slovenia might not be the first place you think of when looking for foodie destinations, but its delicious cuisine is not the be underestimated. You’ll find a variety of unique dishes to try in Ljubljana, and prices for local meals tend to be affordable, which is great for digital nomads on a budget. The country is known for its soups and stews, which are filling and hearty. Since Slovenia is quite small, its cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighboring countries, including Italian pasta, Austrian pastries, and dishes from Eastern Europe. Some of the best things to try include:

Kranjska Klobasa

This delicious sausage is often served with pickled cabbage similar to Germany’s sauerkraut, mustard, and a fresh bread bun. This creates a sort of Slovenian hot dog, which is a delicious snack and guaranteed to appeal to most visitors.

Štruklji

Many countries in Europe have some sort of dumpling in their cuisine, and Slovenia is no exception. Head to a traditional restaurant in Ljubljana to try the famous Štruklji, a rolled dumpling that comes in both sweet and savory versions. A great dessert or a side dish for a stew or soup.

Potica

This is one of Ljubljana’s most famous treats and a delicious way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Potica is a rolled cake that dates back to the 17th century and comes with a variety of different fillings. Satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy this as a dessert or afternoon snack.

Ajdovi zganci

This is one of Slovenia’s most famous dishes and is prepared differently in parts of the country. It mostly consists of water and buckwheat and is sometimes served with sausages and cabbage. It’s very filling and a must-try when you’re in Ljubljana. 

Ljubljana is often considered one of Europe’s capitals for culture, arts, and creativity. There are lots of special events and festivals to join, especially during the summer. Enjoy classical music, theater, and traditional costumes, all in the Slovenian capital. There are jazz events and food markets, and life generally takes place outside, with locals enjoying spending time together as families. In winter, the cold weather means most events move indoors, except for the city’s impressive Christmas markets, which populate the streets in December.

The city also offers a wide variety of museums and art galleries and is the ideal spot for those who appreciate the arts and want to learn more about Slovenia’s history.

Slovenian culture is family-oriented, with several generations often living together in one house. However, in bigger cities like Ljubljana, life is usually more modern, and lots of young professionals live in the city. For a better insight into Slovenian culture, it’s highly recommended to leave Ljubljana behind for a weekend or more and go to experience the countryside, which is still far more rural and, in some places, more authentic. Ljubljana is often considered to be very different from the rest of the country and makes for a great home base to explore the rest of this incredible country.

Ljubljana Nightlife

Ljubljana is a popular destination for bachelor parties and, therefore, well known for its diverse nightlife. Whether you like electronic dance music, hip hop, or live sing-along music, you will find everything in Ljubljana. Many nightclubs and other venues also host regular LGBTQ-themed events and parties. 

Ljubljana is generally a safe city, even at night, and is suitable for solo travelers. However, use common sense, stay in busy areas and avoid walking home alone as a female. It’s always best to enjoy Slovenian nightlife with a group of friends, which is more fun anyway.

The later the evening, the more crowded it gets in the city center and the Old Town, where you find many pubs and local bars offering affordable drinks and beers. Most pubs are open until late at night which is why many people go out and stay in a pub all night long. If you’re keen to go dancing, there are plenty of cocktail bars with a live DJ on site.

Ljubljana has several breweries offering both traditional and craft beers. Beer is an important part of Slovenian culture and the drink of choice for many locals. Luckily it’s also a very affordable beverage in Ljubljana, making the city a great choice for digital nomads looking for a night out on a budget. It’s very common in Ljubljana for groups of friends to go to a local pub or tavern for drinks and a hearty meal before heading out to the next club. Some of the best and most popular clubs in town include:

​​Metelkova Art Centre

Metelkova Art Centre is an old military base that has been converted into a social and cultural center close to the city center in Ljubljana. Here you can listen to live music, see theater performances and dance the night away to the newest club music. Even on weekdays, you can find lots of entertainment here during the day but the main events, of course, happen during the weekends.

Klub K4

Klub K4 is located close to the city center and is a well-known place with a mixed music genre throughout the night. They are open from Tuesday to Saturday until the early hours of the morning. Each day they have a great mix of music from techno, disco house, RnB, Rock n’ Roll, and hip hop. It is best to follow them on Facebook to see upcoming events.

Klub 12

Klub 12 is just a 15-minute train ride to the northwest from the main train station in Ljubljana. The club is very popular among locals and tends to get very crowded after midnight. The Balkan-style music is not everyone’s favorite but definitely a fun experience when visiting Ljubljana.

Kino Siska

Kino Siska is a popular event venue located a bit further out from the city center but still reachable within 30 minutes by foot or 15 minutes by public transport. Depending on the night, you can dance to live music from a band or on other days to the newest electronic sounds mixed by a DJ. Check out their website to get the latest information about the upcoming events and parties.

Things to do in Ljubljana

• Join a free walking tour

  One of the best things to do when you arrive in a new city is to join a free walking tour. Not only will you see the city’s main landmarks and get a detailed explanation of its history, but you will also find your way around much easier. Free walking tours in Ljubljana usually take around two hours, depending on the size of the group, maybe a little longer. If you were happy with the tour and the tour guide, a small tip is highly appreciated to keep the tours available for free.

• Stroll around the central market

  The central market is also a well-known tourist attraction in Ljubljana. You can find not only fresh fruits and vegetables but also local products like cheese, bread, and pastries. It is highly recommended to ask the vendors for a sample of their products which they usually give out for free. You can find many small souvenir shops here, where you can purchase gifts for family and friends at home.

• Admire the Cathedral of St. Nicholas

  This Roman Catholic cathedral is another sight in Ljubljana that is well worth visiting. You can go inside the cathedral and marvel at the baroque interior as well as the gilded details and the impressive paintings on the ceiling. The front of the cathedral is a popular spot for taking photos and usually gets busy during mid-day.

• Visit the Museum of Illusions

  The Museum of Illusions is a great place to go on a rainy day in Ljubljana. With so many different illusions to trick your mind this is a fun and unusual place especially for families with young kids. Tickets cost 12€ for adults, 8€ for children, and 30€ for families of four and are worth every penny.

• Climb up to Ljubljana Castle

  One of the city’s main landmarks is the 11th-century Ljubljana Castle, from which visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The castle is open to the public and can be visited for free, which is why this is one of the top things to do in the Slovenian capital. The path up to the castle is in good condition and not really steep. However, keep in mind that it is steadily going uphill so the hike isn’t easy. Visitors who do not want to walk all the way up to the castle can also take the funicular, which costs €4 per person one way.

• Preseren Square

  Preseren Square has several attractions to offer, including the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and the so-called Triple Bridge. The church from the mid-16th century is hard to miss with its red and orange color, making it easy to recognize from afar. The interior is not as spectacular as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, but still worth a visit. The three bridges that cross the Ljubljana river are located opposite the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and are also a popular spot for taking pictures and hanging up a love lock. The middle one dates back to 1842 and was mainly used for traffic. The bridges on each side were added later on in 1930 to support the walkability of the city.

• Stroll through the Tivoli Park

  Tivoli Park is the largest park in Ljubljana and the perfect place to enjoy some nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a great place for picnicking, walking around, or playing with the whole family. You will find many families here who are taking their children on a day out. The botanical garden is also a great place to visit inside Tivoli Park, where visitors can admire numerous tropical plants.

• Rent a bike

  Ljubljana is easy to navigate by bike as the city has invested a lot of money to build bike lanes. Public bikes can be rented almost everywhere in the city from different rental shops, the tourist office, or with an app called BicikeLJ, which is the cheapest and most popular way. Visitors with the BicikeLJ app need to subscribe for at least one week for only €1. With this subscription, they have unlimited trips for seven days, with the first 60 minutes free. The second hour costs another €1 and so on.

• Visit the Union Brewery

  Ljubljana has several breweries since beer has an important role in Slovenian culture. The Union Brewery in Ljubljana is the most popular destination for all beer lovers and should not be missed on your trip to Ljubljana. Not only can visitors take a guided tour through the brewery which dates back to 1864, but they can also try the different beers which include both traditionally brewed options and internationally acclaimed craft beers. The guided tour costs €14 for adults and €7 for children aged between 6 and 18. Tours should be booked in advance to reserve the spot since they tend to be sold out quite quickly.

• Join a food and wine tour

  Food and wine tours in Ljubljana are a great way to try local products and learn more about the culture of the city and Slovenia as a whole. Participants will go to up to ten different restaurants and try local cheese, pastries, and wines. There are several tours to choose from, all with a duration between two and four hours.

• Visit the train station

  Ljubljana is well-known for its historic buildings, which includes the beautiful old train station. The building is dated back to 1848 and is still in use as the main train station in the city of Ljubljana. You will come by the building sooner or later anyway, which is why you don’t need to plan on going there on a specific day.

• National Museum of Slovenia

  Located on the eastern edge of Tivoli Park is the National Museum of Slovenia. The museum shows the history of Slovenia through objects found during excavations. One of these finds, for example, includes parts of a Neanderthal flute dating back over 60,000 years.

Best Time to Visit Ljubljana

The best time to visit Ljubljana is from the beginning of June until mid-September, when temperatures rise up to 80°F (27°C) during the day. The nights are usually a bit colder during these months, with temperatures between 51°F (11°C) and 58°F (14°C). For this time it is recommended to pack short clothes for the day and long clothes to go out in the evening. 

From April to November, regular rainfalls can occur in Ljubljana, which can be over in an hour or, in some cases, last almost the whole day. This should be taken into consideration, especially when you want to see a lot in a short time. An umbrella and a waterproof jacket can be very helpful to avoid staying home when it rains. Luckily, there are plenty of museums in the city to explore on rainy days.

The coldest months are from November to February. Visitors can expect average temperatures of 48°F (9°C) in November and 39°F (4°C) in January. During that time, temperatures can drop to somewhere between 44°F (7°C) and 26°F (-3°C) at night.

From mid-December until the end of January, regular snowfalls can be expected due to the freezing temperatures. Especially during Christmas time, snow creates a magical atmosphere in Ljubljana. If you have decided to visit Ljubljana during the colder months, don’t forget to pack a winter jacket, a scarf, and a hat to stay warm when stepping outside.

Ljubljana for Families

Many European cities are great for families, and Ljubljana is no exception. The city is very walkable and accessible even with a stroller in case you’re traveling with very small children. There is plenty to see and do, such as a visit to Ljubljanski Grad, the impressive castle that overlooks the city. Kids will love the trip up the hill in a traditional funicular that involves no walking. The views are breathtaking, and the ride is almost as fun as the interactive exhibitions in the castle museums. A fantastic activity for little ones who love knights and fairytales.

Slightly older children will enjoy a day at the House of Experiments, a fun science center filled with activities and new things to learn. This is the perfect excursion for families needing a break from sightseeing while still enjoying an educational experience. The center is only open on weekends, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly.

On a sunny day, head to Tivoli Park for a picnic and some fun outdoor games. The Ljubljana Zoo is also located nearby and is a great choice for children of all ages. Don’t forget to pack your camera to snap some unforgettable photos. Afterward, families can head to the water for a fun river cruise through the city of Ljubljana. This is not only a great activity for children but will also be a fantastic way to get to know the area.

Ljubljana has plenty of international schools and English-speaking daycare centers to choose from. Most are located close to the city center and range from affordable to more expensive private school options. The French International School of Ljubljana, Ljubljana International School, and the European School Ljubljana are some of the most popular options. Education here takes place in English, which unfortunately cannot be said for most local schools where the main spoken language is Slovene. Younger children may be able to adapt quite quickly, but older ones will most likely benefit from attending an international school instead.

Living in Ljubljana

Ljubljana Transportation

Ljubljana is a very walkable city, and digital nomads living here do not need to own a car to get around. If you’re staying close to the city center, you can get to most places on foot which is not only a great way to stay active but also fantastic for getting to know the city. Another popular method of transportation is getting around by bike. Those hoping to stay in Slovenia for longer periods of time should consider purchasing a second-hand bike that can easily be sold again when it is no longer needed. This is great for flexibility and will be the most budget-friendly option for getting around. For shorter stays, there are public bikes available throughout the city, which can be rented for a few euros per hour. This is ideal for the occasional bike trip or shorter commutes.

However, consider the cold temperatures Ljubljana experiences during the winter months, which might make biking uncomfortable. Luckily, there are other public transport methods to choose from for when it gets cold.

The public transport system in Ljubljana is convenient and will get you to most important places across the city. There are a wide variety of bus routes to choose from, and rides rarely cost more than a few euros. This is especially useful for remote workers living a little bit further outside of the city center. Simply purchase a rechargeable bus card which can be used to pay for your ride. There are also monthly options available for those hoping to get a good deal on extended stays. Buses in Ljubljana are generally comfortable and reliable. They’re usually air-conditioned during the summer and accessible for wheelchair users.

There are also the urban trains which are extremely popular among tourists. There are limited stops available, but the route is a great choice for sightseeing and getting to know the city. Tickets are slightly more expensive than the local buses, but rides operate on a hop-on-hop-off basis, meaning you can pay once and utilize the train as long as you like. While this might not be ideal for regular commutes, it’s most likely the best choice for sightseeing days. Each train ticket also includes a complimentary audio guide which is available in eight languages.

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the city, you should consider riding a so-called Kavalier. These small electric vehicles are similar to golf carts and can be used free of charge. There are only a limited number available, so they might not always be ready to use, however, can be very useful if you do happen to find one.

Note that there are no ride-sharing services in Slovenia, such as Uber or Lyft. Only registered taxis are allowed to operate, and they can be pricey. Always make sure that your taxi driver has a taximeter to avoid scams, especially when going to or coming from the airport. Download the HOPIN app to request a taxi directly from your phone, which is far more convenient than hailing one on the street.

Fitness and Health

There is a great selection of gyms available in Ljubljana as well as group sports teams you can join. Football is probably the most popular sport in the country, and the Slovenian national team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup several times. If you’ve been wanting to play football but haven’t gotten the chance, this is a great opportunity to go for it. 

Ljubljana is surrounded by nature, and digital nomads living in the city should go for a hike and explore the area if they get the chance. There are beautiful trails located close to the city and plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, trekking, or hiking. If you go a bit further, you can even go white-water rafting, kayaking, or climbing. 

Gym memberships in Ljubljana start at around €25 per month and can go as high as €80. This depends on the length of the contract, the location of the gym, and the equipment available. Some memberships may include fitness classes or personal training sessions, which can lead to an increase in price. Alfa Gym, Gym24, and Fit City are a few popular options close to the city center. 

Those who prefer working out outdoors should consider getting into running during their stay in Ljubljana. Tivoli Park is a great choice for this with its many paths and trails. This will not only help you keep fit but also get to know the city while you are at it. Plus, in winter, you can try your hand at ice skating, which is fun and ideal for warming up on a cold day.

Ljubljana People

Ljubljana is a student city with a large university that is a popular place for exchange students from all around the world. This gives the local culture an interesting twist and makes the city much younger with a lot going on. Where large parts of Slovenia are still very conservative and religious, Ljubljana is a lot more liberal with international influences. A lot more people here speak English and are politically open-minded. Art and culture are what make this city thrive, and Slovenians are proud of their flourishing capital. They are generally very welcoming to tourists and expats and love to see foreigners appreciating their country’s beauty. 

Slovenia is often overlooked by travelers who favor more well-known countries such as Spain, France, or Greece. However, with tourism growing steadily, Slovenia is an up-and-coming hotspot for both remote workers and tourists who can enjoy their time in this green country. Known for its stunning nature, Slovenia is great for nature lovers, and Ljubljana is the gateway to discovering the beauty of the surrounding area. 

Slovenians love a good party, event, or festival, and this passion is reflected in their capital city. There is always something going on in Ljubljana, and the likelihood of being bored here is slim. The city fuses the old and the new to create a hybrid of culture, food, and people. It’s beloved by most Slovenians, even those who live in the countryside and only come to the city for special occasions. In such a small country, the capital is an important place, and geographically, four regions of Slovenia meet where Ljubljana is located, giving it a unique location.

Slovenia has interesting and unique traditions, some unusual like the blessing of the motorcycles in spring, others more well-known, like celebrating name-days. There is also the day of the dead on November 1st, where those who have passed away are honored by lighting candles at their graves. Ljubljana itself is known for its many festivals and events, such as medieval days, jazz weekends, theater performances, and folk dance. Since a large number of the population are Christians, catholic holidays are celebrated in an elaborate way. 

Christmas time is an especially great time to visit Ljubljana when the streets are beautifully decorated, and there are markets where local delicacies are available for purchase. Ljubljana is a city of wine, and many tourists come here only to do wine tastings. Slovenian wine is up and coming and considered to be high quality and delicious, even for those who aren’t experts quite yet. Slovenians love their wine and beer, but harder liquor like slivovitz which is made from plums or other fruit, is also very popular. 

Drinking brings people in Ljubljana together, and those not used to spirits need to proceed with care when keeping up with the pace of locals who are very used to consuming liquor regularly. Wine may be the better choice and will ensure you’re immersing yourself in the culture and being social at gatherings. The Slovenian people are happy to share their culture with foreigners, always eager to promote tourism, and invite others to enjoy their fascinating capital city of Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Insurance and Medical Care

Ljubljana is a large city, and there are several major hospitals as well as plenty of smaller clinics to choose from. Slovenia has a public healthcare system that is free for its citizens and residents, being largely financed through taxes. It’s relatively easy to get a doctor’s appointment, and in Ljubljana, it should be no problem to find an English-speaking doctor. However, in more rural areas, there may be a language barrier so try to stick to the city center. The medical care in Ljubljana is generally good and of high quality. However, having medical insurance is extremely important, especially for non-European digital nomads visiting the country. While those from other European countries may be covered by their home insurance in case of emergencies, hospital visits can be expensive for other foreigners. 

It’s usually best to obtain an insurance policy from one’s home country instead of finding local options. Make sure to double-check which countries are covered and if there are regulations on which doctors can be visited. For minor issues, it’s often sufficient to go to a pharmacy where a wide variety of medications are available over the counter, without a prescription, and for affordable prices. For emergencies and severe medical problems, nomads should head to one of the city’s larger hospitals, such as the University Medical Center Ljubljana. This is where you’ll have a high chance of finding English-speaking staff and a great quality of care.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Ljubljana

Ljubljana and Slovenia, in general, are known for being active in the car, IT, and pharmaceutical industries. However, unemployment rates are high in parts of the country, and despite the growing tourism industry in recent years, there is still a shortage of local jobs. This means that digital nomads might struggle to find work in the city, especially when looking for higher salaries. It’s best to come to Ljubljana with a remote job in place, which also guarantees that there will not be issues regarding visas and work permits. Remember that it’s not permitted to work locally on a regular Schengen visa, and penalties for violating this rule can be high. 

If you are interested in finding local work, it may be worthwhile to apply for jobs with Slovenian firms remotely, which may be more convenient for obtaining a long-term visa. This only applies to non-EU citizens, though. 

Those with an EU passport can work locally in Slovenia without having to obtain a work permit. This can be convenient when looking for a part-time job in Ljubljana, especially during the high season in summer when there may be seasonal work available. However, consider that local work almost always requires some knowledge of the Slovenian language, which is essential to communicate with locals. Make sure you learn this before applying to jobs and consider whether remote work may not be the more convenient option. It allows for more flexibility and may even be paid better as wages in Slovenia are relatively low; minimum wage lying below €1,000 per month.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.