About The Photographer

Tibor Lelkes is a passionate travel, landscape and cityscape photographer from Dordrecht, a beautiful, historic city in the South Holland province of the Netherlands. He always had interest in photography but it was not until about 2010 when he bought his first DSLR camera that his real passion for photography began.

Tibor enjoys being in nature and hiking in the mountains, but above all he likes to travel, seeing and experiencing places much different than home. He started to learn more about photography through trying to document his journeys around the world. He visited dozens of countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and North and South America, including Italy, Norway, Germany, Ecuador, Sweden, Switzerland, Scotland, Croatia, Malta, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Seychelles, Ecuador, the United States and more. Last year in August Tibor visited Slovenia and its capital Ljubljana. He liked it very much and took some beautiful photographs of the city and kindly shared them with us here at Travel Slovenia. Thank you so much Tibor!

For those interested in Tibor’s work, you can check it out on his Flickr page by clicking here!

Photo Gallery

A beautiful gallery containing 20 gorgeous cityscape pictures of Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana by Tibor Lelkes.

At 70 meters above the ground, the Neboticnik skyscraper offers the best view of Ljubljana.

The Ljubljanica river flows through the centre of Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana, past beautiful Baroque and Art-Nouveau buildings. Many bridges cross the river, the most famous of which is the Triple Bridge designed by the early 20th-century Ljubljana architect Joze Plecnik.

At night, Ljubljana’s Old Town is beautifully lit, the buildings and bridges and river look like straight from a magical fairytale.

Built in an instantly recognisable Baroque style, the pink 16th-century Franciscan Church is located in a prime position on the main Preseren square in the heart of Ljubljana’s Old Town.

View from the Ljubljana Castle towards Ljubljana’s Old Town with the circular Preseren Square in the middle.

Another beautiful view of Ljubljana from the Ljubljana Castle.

A beautiful 3-tier fountain at the Breg end of the Novi Trg square in the centre of Ljubljana at night.

The Congress Square with the Ursuline Church built by the architect Carlo Marinuzzi between 1718 and 1726.

Hundreds of love locks can be seen on the railings on Butchers’ Bridge which crosses the Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana. The locks represent a couple’s eternal love for one another. This practice of latching padlocks engraved with the names of couples in love isn’t unique to the Butchers’ Bridge in Ljubljana, but the padlocks look quite charming.

The Dragon Bridge in Ljubljana is adorned with four sheet-copper dragon statues which stand at each corner. The dragons have become a symbol of the city.

The Dragon Bridge was originally built to honor the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef I. The dragon was a symbol of royalty. It has since become a symbol of Ljubljana. And more. According to one legend, when a virgin crosses the bridge the dragons will wag their tales.

In the heart of Ljubljana, in front of the City Hall, a magnificent fountain acts as a baroque centerpiece of Ljubljana’s Old Town. Designed in the 18th century by the Italian Baroque sculptor Francesco Robba, the fountain has served as a beloved symbol of the city ever since. Robba decided to base his creation on Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome. In his reinterpretation, Robba featured gods symbolizing the three major rivers (the Sava, the Ljubljanica, and the Krka) of the Duchy of Carniola, the central part of modern-day Slovenia.

Ljubljana Cathedral isn’t terribly impressive from the outside, but you must enter it and see its breathtaking interior.

When it was built in 1933, the Neboticnik skyscraper was actually the tallest residential structure in Europe. It has since lost that title, but the rooftop terrace is one of the top spots in Ljubljana, perfect for watching the sun go down with a coffee or a cocktail. When visiting it, do not miss a look at the winding Art Deco spiral staircase that rises up from the ground floor and leads all the way to the tenth floor.

Metelkova is an autonomous culture zone in Slovenia’s capital. A former military barracks. A town within the city, only a few minutes walk from Ljubljana’s Old Town.

Metelkova was created in 1991. It is home for art galleries, designers, artists and cultural organisations.

Street art is everywhere in Metelkova.

Established in 1986, the International Centre of Graphic Arts is housed in the gorgeous 17th-century Tivoli Mansion in the middle of the Tivoli garden and has a lovely terrace cafe with views over the park.

When Ljubljana’s Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius was built alongside the southwestern perimeter of Tivoli Park in 1936, its neo-Byzantine architecture made it immediately obvious that it was unlike any other church in the city. The building was in fact Ljubljana’s first Orthodox Church to serve the city’s Serbian community.

Ljubljanica Sluice Gate is an elegant sluice gate straddling the serene waters of the Ljubljanica river. It features a triumphal arch and is situated in the heart of Ljubljana. It is the creation of Joze Plecnik, a famous Slovenian and European architect, who designed and constructed the arch in 1939.

Tibor, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful Ljubljana photos with us! Your work is amazing!

All You Need To Know To Visit Ljubljana

LJUBLJANA – the small but beautiful capital of Slovenia Slovenia's capital Ljubljana has all the right ingredients for the perfect city break. It's one of the youngest and most liveable capitals in the European Union. It’s a city with a medieval heart, a city of the Baroque and Art Nouveau, with numerous picturesque bridges across the Ljubljanica river and the vast green Tivoli park, which stretches into the very city centre.

Historic And Cultural Attractions In Ljubljana And The Surrounding Area
LJUBLJANA OLD TOWN – one of the most picturesque city centers in Europe Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See) Ljubljana is a charming little capital and its Old Town is one of Slovenia's top tourist destinations that draws over one million visitors per year. It's a mix of impressive architecture, a picturesque river littered with fascinating bridges, plus heaps of lovely restaurants, bars and cafés. It's a very safe and easy area to wander around - the streets are pedestrianized so that makes it quieter and more relaxed.
LJUBLJANA CASTLE – the most identifiable feature in Slovenia's capital Ljubljana Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See) Ljubljana Castle is the most prominent tourist attraction in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The castle is perched on top of a hill and can be seen from anywhere in Ljubljana, and you can see anywhere in Ljubljana from the castle. Majority of the castle is free to wander through and there is something for everyone (fantastic views, interesting exhibits, people in costume, lots to keep the children interested, good food, etc.). To visit the castle, you can walk up to it or you can take the funicular to the top.
PRESEREN SQUARE – the heart of the Ljubljana old town, always live and interesting Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See) Preseren Square is the center of Ljubljana’s Old Town, situated where the Triple Bridge crosses the Ljubljanica river and right in front of the pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. The square is cobblestone-paved and is an amazing place full of life, where both the locals and tourists hang out to socialize, listen to talented street musicians, people watch, and take in the views.
TRIPLE BRIDGE – if the city of Ljubljana has a heart, this is it Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See) Triple Bridge or Tromostovje as it is called in Slovene is located perfectly in the heart of Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. It connects the Ljubljana’s historic old town on one bank and the modern part of the city on the other. The bridge has a Venetian look to it – it was designed with a lot of Italian influence and looks like you would find it in Venice. It’s small yet lovely. There are usually buskers and other street entertainers on the bridge creating a lovely atmosphere.
LJUBLJANICA RIVER CANAL – a great way to experience Ljubljana Overall Rating:     10/10   (Must-See) The Ljubljanica river canal splits Ljubljana’s historic old town from the modern part of the city. A paved path exists along the entire way. The river’s banks are beautiful and you can spend an afternoon just wandering along and enjoy historic buildings and architecture, the many lively outdoor cafés and restaurants, and the vibe of the city. It's an excellent place to get a perspective on what living in Slovenia’s capital is all about.
LJUBLJANA CATHEDRAL – if you're in Slovenia's capital put this on your must see list Overall Rating:     09/10   (Highly Recommended) Ljubljana Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas) is the main church in Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. It's not terribly impressive from the outside, but when you go inside it is magnificent. The amazing artwork adorns pretty much every inch of the inside of the building, with spectacular paintings (the cathedral has recently been refurbished so the colors are really vibrant), lots of gold leaf, intricate frescos on the ceiling and a magnificent pipe organ.
FRANCISCAN CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION – one of the most recognizable buildings in the city Overall Rating:     08/10   (Highly Recommended) The church is located in a prime position in the heart of the Ljubljana old town. You cannot fail to spot this salmon-pink church as it provides an attractive backdrop to the main Preseren Square at the end of the Triple bridge. The inside is worth a look for the painted ceiling and walls and the main altar, which was executed by a famous Italian sculptor Francesco Robba.
CONGRESS SQUARE – a historically important and charming part of Ljubljana Overall Rating:     08/10   (Highly Recommended) Dating back to 1821, this large square in the centre of Ljubljana is surrounded by some of the city's most important and well known buildings and is a popular venue for large outdoor events.
LJUBLJANA CENTRAL MARKET – more than just a convenient place to buy food Overall Rating:     08/10   (Highly Recommended) Almost every visitor to Ljubljana will pass by Ljubljana Central Market as it's located in the historic city centre. The market is divided into outdoor and indoor areas. It's more than just a convenient place to buy food, it offers a perfect location to meet friends and people-watch and there’s a lot of pleasure to be had by just strolling around and seeing what's happening.
DRAGON BRIDGE – one of the most famous scenes in Ljubljana to photograph Overall Rating:     08/10   (Highly Recommended) The Dragon Bridge spans the Ljubljanica River at the eastern side of Ljubljana's historic city centre, On each of the four corners of the bridge sits a huge, almost real-looking dragon made from sheet copper.
COBBLERS' BRIDGE – a pretty and elegant bridge designed by Joze Plecnik Overall Rating:     07/10   (Recommended) The Cobblers' Bridge was built in 1931 by Joze Plecnik and encapsulates his style perhaps better than any other structure in Ljubljana: it's simple, with clean lines and adorned with classical columns.
BUTCHERS' BRIDGE – the most interesting and unusual bridge in Ljubljana Overall Rating:     07/10   (Recommended) The Butchers' Bridge spans the Ljubljanica River between the colonnaded Central Market and Petkovskovo Nabrezje Embankment in Ljubljana's Old Town. It features glass panels near the edges and some rather disturbing sculptures. Soon after the bridge opened in 2010, it also became home to the lovely tradition of couples affixing 'love locks' along the length of its steel wires.
FISHMARKET FOOTBRIDGE – one of the best photo spots in Ljubljana Overall Rating:     07/10   (Recommended) The glassy Fishmarket Footbridge spans the Ljubljanica River in the midst of Ljubljana's Old Town. The bridge itself was designed to be as minimal and transparent as possible and isn't especially noteworthy, but it's a popular spot for strolls and offers a dazzling view of the iconic Triple Bridge and the salmon-pink Franciscan Church in one direction and the Cobblers’ Bridge in the other.
LJUBLJANA TOWN HALL – a beautiful historic building in the centre of Ljubljana Overall Rating:     07/10   (Recommended) Situated centrally within Ljubljana's Old Town, the historic Town Hall is a major landmark in Slovenia's capital and a key part of what is probably the most picturesque spot in the city.
METELKOVA – one the largest, and arguably most successful, urban squats in Europe Overall Rating:     07/10   (Recommended) Just across the Ljubljanica river from Ljubljana's historic city centre lie seven dilapidated buildings which are covered in graffiti and art. This is Metelkova – one the largest, and arguably most successful, urban squats in Europe.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF SLOVENIA – a wonderful gallery featuring the very best in Slovene art Overall Rating:     08/10   (Highly Recommended) Housed inside a beautiful neo-Renaissance palace, this wonderful gallery features the very best in Slovene art from the 13th century up to the first half of the 20th century,
SLOVENE ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM – a wonderful ethnology museum packed with many well preserved artefacts Overall Rating:     08/10   (Highly Recommended) The Slovene Ethnographic Museum is a wonderful museum in Ljubljana that takes you on a fascinating trip through Slovenian culture and history.
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART – a nice museum/gallery that houses the very best in modern Slovene art Overall Rating:     07/10   (Recommended) The Museum Of Modern Art in Ljubljana focuses mainly on showcasing a diverse and exciting collection of Slovenian and international art dating from the 20th and 21st centuries.
LJUBLJANICA SLUICE GATE – a beautifully decorated early 20th-century feature of architecture designed by Joze Plecnik Overall Rating:     07/10   (Recommended) Designed by Ljubljana's most revered architect Joze Plecnik in the 1930s, the Ljubljanica Sluice Gate marks the point at which the Ljubljanica river leaves Slovenia's capital Ljubljana.
TECHNICAL MUSEUM OF SLOVENIA – excellent museum for the technically minded Overall Rating:     09/10   (Highly Recommended) The Technical Museum of Slovenia, with its extensive collections of technical heritage, is one of Slovenia’s most important and visited museums. It is housed in the 13th-century Bistra Castle. It might not be the easiest to get to, but for the technically minded this museum, 20 kilometres from Ljubljana in Bistra, is well worth the journey.

Natural Attractions In Ljubljana And The Surrounding Area
LJUBLJANA MARSHES LANDSCAPE PARK - a unique natural area of wetlands and peat bogs Overall Rating:     08/10   (Highly Recommended) Situated south of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana Marshes is the largest marsh area in the country. It covers 163 square kilometres or almost one percent of the total territory of Slovenia. Since 2008, the major part of the Ljubljana Marshes, covering an area of 135 square kilometres, has been protected as a landscape park.
TIVOLI PARK - a wonderful city park packed with good things to see and do Overall Rating:     08/10   (Highly Recommended) It may not be as famous as its namesake in Copenhagen, but Ljubljana’s Tivoli Park is one of the most popular places to visit in the Slovenian capital. At 5 square kilometres, the park is the largest green space in Ljubljana and the perfect place to relax in nature and escape from the city rush.
LJUBLJANA ZOO - the largest zoo in Slovenia with a diverse range of animals Overall Rating:     09/10   (Highly Recommended) Sprawled in an area of 20 hectares, Ljubljana Zoo has more than 120 species including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish and arachnids and a total of more than 500 animals.

THINGS TO DO IN LJUBLJANA AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
DINERS CUBO LJUBLJANA GOLF COURSE – a modern and still relatively new course on the outskirts of Ljubljana Overall Rating:     09/10   (Superb) Diners CUBO Golf Ljubljana is a beautifully manicured and well-maintained 18-hole course situated only a 15 minute drive from Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Opened in 2008, it is one of the newest courses in the country and the only one that is open 365 days a year. It features fast greens, wonderful fairways and wide teeing areas. The terrain is very flat and without trees or other natural obstacles, which allows extremely dynamic play.
ARBORETUM LJUBLJANA GOLF COURSE – ranks among the most popular golf courses in Slovenia Overall Rating:     08/10   (Fabulous) Golf Arboretum Ljubljana is considered one of the best and most beautiful golf courses in Slovenia. The course was designed by the famous Italian golf architect Marco Croze in the nineteen-nineties and offers stunning views of the nearby Kamnik-Savinja Alps on nearly every hole. At 5,452 metres, Arboretum Ljubljana is a relatively short course by modern-day standards, but the course itself is in great shape, immaculate and challenging to play.

Ljubljana restaurants that we think are the best and well worth a visit
RESTAURANT VALVASOR Cuisine: International A wonderful fine dining restaurant situated in the middle of Ljubljana old town. The menu is a selection of modern European dishes along with some traditional Slovenian favorites. The food is absolutely delightful and delicious, food quality is excellent with very pure ingredients and they know how to make the dishes look mouth-watering. OVERALL RATING:     10/10   (Exceptional) PRICES:     (Expensive)
RESTAURANT JULIJA Cuisine: International | Italian | Slovenian A lovely little restaurant situated in the heart of old Ljubljana’s pedestrian section. The menu is diverse enough to please anyone. There are a lot of Italian dishes but also some Slovenian classics. It’s not exactly fine dining, but pretty close. The food is delicious and beautifully presented and the ingredients are always fresh. OVERALL RATING:     09/10   (Superb) PRICES:     (Moderate)
RESTAURANT SPAJZA Cuisine: Mediterranean | Slovenian This charming and intimate restaurant is located on a quieter street in Ljubljana Old Town. It’s housed in a lovely medieval building. The menu is designed around local foods and has many different options for meat, fish, and game – all complemented by local wines. The food is prepared perfectly and most portions are generous. OVERALL RATING:     10/10   (Exceptional) PRICES:     (Expensive)
RESTAURANT MANNA Cuisine: Mediterranean | Slovenian The restaurant is located about 10-15 minute walk from Ljubljana’s Old Town. The food is delicious, a great blend of Mediterranean and Slovenian cuisine. The service is excellent and the serving staff puts you at ease to enjoy your meal with a detailed description of each dish and wine. OVERALL RATING:     10/10   (Exceptional) PRICES:     (Expensive)

Places to stay in Slovenia's capital Ljubljana that we recommend
The accommodation options in Ljubljana can be divided into five main categories: hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, apartments and hostels.
HOTELS IN LJUBLJANA THAT WE RECOMMEND Finding a hotel that suits your needs and fits your budget can be a hassle. Slovenia's capital Ljubljana has more than 40 hotels ranging from super luxurious to boutique style hotels to a nice choice of affordable 3-star hotels. Find out which hotels in Ljubljana we recommend and why.
GUESTHOUSES IN LJUBLJANA THAT WE RECOMMEND Ljubljana guest houses are definitely a nice, safe option for a place to stay as they are comfortable and homely with owners who take an interest in their guests. Many guesthouses have a good on-site restaurant and offer not only delicious breakfasts, but also a wide range of meals for lunch and dinner. There are more than 40 guest houses in Ljubljana, so read on and find out which one would best suit your needs, style and budget.
BED AND BREAKFASTS IN LJUBLJANA THAT WE RECOMMEND Ljubljana bed and breakfasts are family-run places that range from small homes renting out two or three spare bedrooms to large guest houses with more than a dozen rooms. In essence you get a room and usually also a private bathroom in someone's house, with breakfast included in the price. Find out which B&Bs in Slovenia's capital we recommend and why.
APARTMENTS IN LJUBLJANA THAT WE RECOMMEND Many local residents in Ljubljana offer apartments for rent in their houses. Each apartment has one or two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen. Some also have a living room and a balcony or a terrace. It's a very popular budget-friendly option when you are staying in Ljubljana, but choose carefully, the price and quality vary considerably. Here you will find apartments that we think are the best ones in Ljubljana right now.
HOSTELS IN LJUBLJANA THAT WE RECOMMEND Hostels are a very popular option for those seeking wallet-friendly accommodations in Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Most spaces and amenities are usually shared, but even if you’re not up for the cheapest option - a bed in a dorm room - you can often get a basic private room at a Ljubljana hostel for significantly less than the cost of a low-end hotel or privately rented room. Competition between Ljubljana hostels has grown over the past 10 years so the quality has risen considerably. There are now some really nice hostels in Ljubljana, find out which are the ones that we recommend and why!
FARM STAYS NEAR LJUBLJANA THAT WE RECOMMEND Stay close to Slovenia's capital Ljubljana on a farm stay and you'll combine the best of both worlds. Styled after traditional B&Bs, farm stays offer comfortable lodging, low rates, generous breakfasts and direct access to farm animals, fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs. On some farms you can also join in with farm tasks, including feeding and egg collecting. Find out which farm stays in the vicinity of Ljubljana we recommend the most.