25 Beautiful Ljubljanica River Canal Photos To Inspire You To Visit Ljubljana

About Ljubljanica River Canal

The Ljubljanica River Canal is the most attractive and picturesque part of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The canal is lined with beautiful historic buildings as well as al fresco cafes, restaurants and small shops.

One of the best ways to see Ljubljana’s historic city centre and its stunning bridges, is to join a tourist boat cruise along the river.

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Ljubljanica River Canal Photo Gallery

Enjoy this beautiful photo gallery with 25 high resolution Ljubljanica River Canal photos, all taken by professional photographers!

A couple on a tourist boat on the Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana Old Town
You can see Ljubljana from a different perspective by going on a tourist boat ride. (photo: Mankica Kranjec, Nea Culpa, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljana Old Town with outdoor cafes along the riverside
Enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine in one of the many riverside cafés and bars with outdoor seating is an essential part of the way of life in the Ljubljana Old Town. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

A tourist boat on the Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia
Tourist boats offer a great opportunity to experience the historical city centre of Ljubljana, with its remarkable bridges, picturesque façades, and green embankments, from a completely different angle. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana with two SUP stand up paddle boarders
Not many cities in Europe have a river that would be so deeply connected to the city as the Ljubljanica river is to the heart and soul of Ljubljana. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana with a walking path along the river
The best way to see the Ljubljanica river is to book a trip on one of the tourist boats. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

A wooden tourist boat on the Ljubljanica river in Ljubljana Old Town
Tourist boat rides offer an opportunity to see Ljubljana’s Old Town and its numerous famous buildings and bridges from a different angle. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

A tourist boat on River Ljubljanica in Ljubljana Old Town
River Ljubljanica has always been of particular importance to Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

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Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana with two canoes with tourists
Some enjoy Ljubljanica River for its relax mood, while others use it for canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and boating. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

A group of tourists stand up paddle boarding on Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana
Stand up paddleboarding in Ljubljana is a very unique experience, as Ljubljana is the only capital in Europe that offers a unique experience of stand-up paddleboarding through the historical city centre. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljanica River at Petkovskovo Embankment in Ljubljana Old Town
Stand-up paddling on the Ljubljanica river to its historic city centre is such an awesome experience. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

Stand up paddle boarders on Ljubljanica River at Petkovskovo Embankment in Ljubljana
Ljubljana owes its distinctive appearance to the most famous Slovene architect Joze Plecnik, who built the Ljubljanica embankments in the historical city centre. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

Stand up paddle boarders on Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana Old Town
Not long ago, Ljubljanica River had almost no traffic, but nowadays there are many tourist boats that offer wonderful trips along Ljubljana. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljanica River with a tourist boat under the bridge and Ljubljana Castle in the background
It is really interesting how you can spot completely different things from a tourist boat, which mostly stay hidden to our eyes, if doing an old-fashioned exploration by foot. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

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A green tourist boat on Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana
Follow the Ljubljanica River and discover a new perspective on Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana with the hilltop castle in the background
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A wooden boat on River Ljubljanica in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia
The weeping willow-lined terrace alongside the Trnovski Pristan embankment. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)

Stand up paddle boarders on Ljubljanica River at Cobblers Bridge in Ljubljana
If you like water and being active while travelling, think no longer and explore Ljubljana by joining a guided SUP tour or just rent a SUP. (photo: Luka Karlin, Studio Virc, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljanica River Canal in Ljubljana Old Town with Triple Bridge in the background
Ljubljanica River flows directly through the historic city centre of Ljubljana. (photo: Nikola Jurisic, Slovenia.info)

Spring flowers in front of Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana Old Town
A boat ride on the Ljubljanica River is possible throughout the year. The river boat tours for tourists differ from one provider to another. The most popular route is still the one that starts at the Cankarjevo embankment. (photo: Ales Fevzer, Slovenia.info)

A tourist boat on River Ljubljanica in Ljubljana Old Town
The touristic boat cruise, fascinating to both foreign tourists and locals, as it goes through the very heart of Ljubljana, is often accompanied by stories told by the guide about the city’s history and architecture. (photo: Ales Fevzer, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljanica River at Plecnik's Covered Market in Ljubljana Old Town
The so-called ‘Plecnik’s Covered Market’, built to designs by the architect Joze Plecnik between 1940 and 1944. (photo: Ales Fevzer, Slovenia.info)

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Architecture in Ljubljana Old Town, the capital city of Slovenia
Stroll around the canal to admire the architecture of the former Ljubljana. (photo: Iztok Medja, Slovenia.info)

Aerial view of Ljubljana Old Town in the capital city of Slovenia
The Ljubljanica River flows through the Ljubljana Old Town. (photo: Drazen Stader, Produkcija Studio, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana Old Town at night
Banks of Ljubljanica River and Ljubljana’s Old Town at night. (photo: Marco Coppo, Foto Video Coppo, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana Old Town decorated with Christmas lights
Ljubljana’s Old Town decorated with Christmas lights in the festive season. (photo: Dean Dubokovic, Slovenia.info)

Ljubljana Old Town in the festive season at night
In Ljubljana, December is considered to be a month of events, and despite the cold, the streets are vibrant throughout the month. (photo: Dean Dubokovic, Slovenia.info)

Ribja Brv footbridge in Ljubljana Old Town in winter while snowing
Ljubljanica River is at its most picture-perfect state during winter. (photo: Jost Gantar, Slovenia.info)

All You Need To Know To Visit Ljubljana
LJUBLJANA – the small but beautiful capital of Slovenia
View of Ljubljana, the 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
Restaurant Valvasor in Ljubljana Slovenia

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
Restaurant Julija in Ljubljana Slovenia

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:   price-rating-moderate   (Moderate)
RESTAURANT SPAJZA
Restaurant Spajza in Ljubljana Slovenia

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
Restaurant Manna in Ljubljana Slovenia

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
Ljubljana hotels

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

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

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
Ljubljana apartments

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
Ljubljana hostels

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
Ljubljana farm stays

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.

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