Slovenia is small, about the size of Wales, so the main cities in Slovenia are close together and easy to combine in one trip. Ljubljana, the capital, is the obvious start, but towns like Piran, Maribor and Ptuj give a very different feel. Here is a quick guide to each one, with rough travel times and who it suits best.
Ljubljana: the capital
Ljubljana is compact, green and walkable. The old town sits along the Ljubljanica river, with cafés lining the banks, the Triple Bridge by architect Jože Plečnik and a hilltop castle reached by funicular or on foot. The centre is largely pedestrian, which is a pleasure. It is a good base for day trips to Lake Bled, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. Allow two days in the city itself.
Maribor: wine and mountains
Slovenia’s second-largest city lies in the northeast, roughly two hours from Ljubljana by train or road. Maribor is known for the Old Vine, said to be among the oldest vines in the world still producing grapes, along the Drava riverbank. Nearby is the Pohorje hills area, popular for hiking and, in winter, skiing. It is a good choice if you like wine and a less touristy atmosphere.
Piran: the seaside gem
Piran is a small medieval town on a peninsula on the Adriatic coast, with Venetian-style architecture and narrow alleys. Tartini Square, the main plaza, is named after the violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who was born here. Cars are restricted in the old centre, so you park outside and walk in. It is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Ljubljana by car. Summer is busy, so spring and early autumn are more relaxed. Slovenia’s coastline is short, around 46 kilometres, so Piran, Portorož and Koper are all close together.
Koper: a port with a Venetian core
Koper is the main port and sits just a short drive from Piran. Its old centre has a small main square, Praetorian Palace and Venetian-style buildings. It is less polished than Piran but also less crowded. Good for a half-day stop.
Ptuj: Slovenia’s oldest town
Ptuj is often described as the oldest town in the country, with Roman roots and a large castle overlooking the Drava river. Its carnival tradition, called Kurentovanje, is well known and happens in late winter. Check the official dates, which change annually. The town is small and relaxed, and works well as a day trip from Maribor.
Kranj and Škofja Loka: close to the mountains
Kranj sits north of Ljubljana, close to the Julian Alps and the airport. It has a pleasant old town above a river gorge. Nearby Škofja Loka is a very well-preserved medieval town with a hilltop castle and one of the prettiest main squares in the country. Both are easy to reach from Ljubljana in about 30 to 40 minutes by car.
Celje: castle and history
Celje lies roughly halfway between Ljubljana and Maribor. It is known for the ruins of Celje Castle, once the seat of a powerful medieval noble family. The city is a handy stop if you travel by train between the capital and the northeast.
Bled and Bohinj are towns, not cities
Many visitors list Bled alongside the cities in Slovenia, though it is really a lake resort. The lake, island church and cliff-top castle are among the most photographed sights in the country. It sits about an hour from Ljubljana by car. Nearby Lake Bohinj is quieter and good for hiking.
Which of the cities in Slovenia suits you?
- First-timer: Ljubljana plus a day trip to Bled or Postojna.
- Beach and seafood: Piran and Koper.
- Wine: Maribor and Ptuj.
- Medieval streets: Škofja Loka and Ptuj.
- Active travellers: Kranj as a base for Alpine hiking.
Getting around
Slovenia has buses and trains linking the main cities, but the network is slower than in Western Europe. Buses are generally the most flexible. Check current timetables on the national operators’ sites. A rental car helps with rural areas and coastal towns. Drivers need a motorway vignette, which you can buy online or at petrol stations. Check the current rules before you travel.
A simple 7-day route
- Days 1 to 2: Ljubljana.
- Day 3: Bled and Lake Bohinj.
- Day 4: Škofja Loka and Kranj.
- Day 5: Postojna Cave and then to the coast.
- Day 6: Piran and Koper.
- Day 7: Return via Ljubljana or continue to Maribor.
The official tourism board offers maps, events and practical tips at slovenia.info. With so many varied cities in Slovenia packed into one small country, you can see mountains, castles and sea in a single week.
Photo: Mihael Grmek, CC BY-SA 3.0, source.
