Ljubliana & Lake Bled, A Trip I Never Thought to Do

STAY: We stayed in a small airbnb right on the river near Old Town. It was extremely cheap for the location, but we only needed 1 night. We only spent about three-quarters of a day in Ljubljana, as our main goal was to spend as much time as possible in Bled. Honestly, I don't think you need a huge amount of time here unless you want to explore the museums and cultural attractions in greater depth.

Ljubljana's strength is its atmosphere. The river winds through the Old Town, ornate bridges connect the two sides, and little cafes, shops, and local vendors line the streets. We mostly wandered around and enjoyed the city for what it was.

Morning: Visit the outdoor market

After breakfast (which we had at Cafe Capri - and highly recommend!), if you happen to be in Ljubljana when the outdoor market is running, make a stop here! We visited on a Saturday morning, so I can't confirm the schedule for every other day.

You'll find fresh fruit, honey, nuts, meat, clothing, and artisan goods. It's a lovely way to engage with local life and support vendors who are there selling their products and making a living, rather than shops that exist solely for tourists.

You can walk up to Ljubljana Castle in around 15–20 minutes. It's a moderate incline with a couple of steeper sections, but it's manageable for many visitors.

Late morning: Wander up to the Castle

You can explore the castle's public courtyard and walk along parts of the walls without paying for museum entry. There are also cafes, a wine bar, and occasional events in the inner castle courtyard.

We didn't feel the need to pay the €18 museum entry fee. The exhibits cover broader Slovenian history, culture, and other subjects, rather than focusing exclusively on the castle itself. If those exhibits interest you, though, it might be worth it! The view from the top was worth it for us, as was just an easy way to get some exercise in to walk up and down.

My tip: Skip the funicular if you're comfortable walking. The queue can take longer than the walk itself, and the uphill route is a perfectly reasonable alternative for many people. If mobility, fatigue, or accessibility is a concern, the funicular may be the better choice.

Afternoon: Wander the Old Town & riverside

This was one of our favorite ways to spend time in Ljubljana. Walk along the river, cross the bridges, browse the little shops and creative stalls, and stop at a cafe whenever something catches your eye.

You'll find plenty of places to eat, including opportunities to try Slovenian specialties like kielbasa sausages, Slovenian honey, and liqeur. Slovenia is famous for its honey, and this is one little experience I absolutely wouldn't skip.

We stopped at The Honey House, where we sampled different varieties, including coconut, blueberry, flower, and oak honey. It was some of the best honey I've ever tasted, and they conveniently sell carry-on-friendly sizes.

While you're at it, look for Slovenian fruit liqueurs, too. Honey liqueur is a popular local specialty, but blueberry, fig, and chili-honey varieties are also available. The blueberry was my personal favorite!

Other options: Take a river cruise

It's not that there's anything wrong with a river cruise, but you can walk along the river and see much of the same scenery for free. If you're trying to save a little money, this is an easy one to skip, or its a nice option for an activity on an afternoon. A lazy lunch on the river.

In the evening, we headed to Bled on the bus, so we did not experience any of Ljubliana's nightlife or dinner scene, although we heard it was quite fun!

STAY: There are plenty of hostels in Lake Bled to choose from, all at a very reasonable price. As well as airbnbs. We originally booked a hostel but opted for an airbnb later when the amount of people in our group expanded.

Lake Bled was simply to die for. I have never taken so many pictures of a lake in my life. That turquoise water? Just LOOK at that color.

Give yourself time here. This is not somewhere I'd recommend rushing through in a few hours just to get a picture and leave.

Morning: Rent a rowboat and row yourself to the island

After breakfast, it is time to get on that lake. This was our preferred alternative to taking one of the traditional wooden pletna boats.

The pletna boats are cute, but they're expensive, and they pack a lot of people into each boat. We opted to rent our own rowboat instead, and it was cheaper for a group, more fun, and a memorable experience in its own right.

Boat rentals were around €20–30 per hour per boat when we visited. For a group of three or four, that can work out considerably cheaper than paying per person for a boat with a rower. Prices may change, so check locally before you go.

An hour can be enough time to row to the island, explore a little, and return, depending on conditions and how quickly you row. Allow more time if you want a leisurely visit.

Once you're on the island, you can visit the Church of the Assumption, which has a famous wishing bell tradition, but you need to pay extra to go inside. There's also a cafe and bakery where you can try potica, a traditional Slovenian rolled pastry with different fillings.

We didn't go inside the church because we'd already paid for the boat, had seen plenty of European churches, and were running short on time. But if the church and its history interest you, you may want to budget extra time and money for entry.

Afternoon: Visit Bled Castle

Perched on a rocky outcrop above the lake, Bled Castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale.

The views alone made this worth the entry fee for us. From the castle, you get an incredible perspective over the lake and its little island.

There's also a museum covering early life in Slovenia and the Alps, exhibits about the castle's history, a chapel, an old print shop, a cafe, and a souvenir shop.

You can reach the castle via a few different walking routes, although some sections are steep. If walking uphill isn't a good option for you, consider taking a taxi. If you want a les crowded visit, opt for a morning visit instead, and an afternoon row.

Evening: Dinner in Bled

One thing to know before you arrive: many restaurants in Bled close their kitchens relatively early, often around 9 p.m. Plan to eat at a reasonable hour so you don't end up wandering around hungry!

We enjoyed Restaurant Carmen and a local food truck near the southern foot of the castle.

As for nightlife, don't expect a huge local bar scene. There are a few places open late, but Bled is much more about the lake, hiking, and nature than partying. Personally, I'd get a good night's sleep and make the most of the next day outdoors.

Morning: Walk, run, or bike around the lake

There are plenty of ways to explore the lake, including walking, cycling, taking a tourist train, or riding in a horse-drawn carriage.

We rented bikes, which made it easy to cover more ground and was a lot of fun. If you're on a budget, walking is absolutely fine and doable, too.

The scenery changes as you move around the lake, and every angle offers a slightly different perspective. Take your time, stop for photos, and enjoy it rather than racing to the next viewpoint.

Then, we SWAM! Seriously. You better swim in that lake! Even if it is cold!

In summer, there are designated swimming areas and docks around the lake. This was one of the highlights of our trip. Unfortunately, it was still quite chilly in May! But, needs must.

Afternoon: Lazy Lunch & Alpine Sled

In the afternoon, we had a lazy lunch at one of the restaraunts down on the main shore of the lake - the southern shore. Then, we walked up to the Summer Adventure Park where they had summer tobboganing. Now - this is an activity that is not a must, as its $15 for a very short ride - but it was FUN.

It is basically a summer alpine sled on a track. Again, fun, but if its not your thing, maybe not worth the money. We had some time to kill and some extra cash, so we went for it! Otherwise, options are for a lazy afternoon by the lake, a hike, or just a relazed afternoon before a packed evening!

Early Evening: Dolinka Zipline

This was the best thing we did on the trip, and the one thing we splurged on. For $80 each, we got to zipline across the river and gorge with the backdrop of the Julian Alps and the Bled Castly. It was was genuinely incredible. I wish I could better describe how beautiful it was!

The experience includes seven zip lines, with a moderate hike between them. The guides were fantastic, and it was a really memorable way to experience the landscape from a different perspective.

It was definitely a splurge, but if you have room in your budget, I'd say it's worth it. Book ahead if possible, as it's a popular activity.

If neither of these things sound feasible, other options include:

Option 2: Vintgar Gorge

We didn't make it here because we hadn't realized entry was timed, and by the time we checked, the available slots that worked for us were sold out.

It's meant to be beautiful and is a popular excursion from Bled. Book your entry in advance, and check current transport options and walking requirements before visiting.

Option 3: Triglav National Park

About a 30-minute drive from Bled, Triglav National Park is another option for a day trip or an overnight stay.

We didn't have time to visit, so I can't give a firsthand review, but it's worth looking into if you're interested in more hiking and alpine scenery.