If you love the pizza in Italy and the greenery of Austria, you’ll *love* Slovenia.
If you’re looking for the perfect travel destination that has incredible mountain hikes, cute seaside towns, and stunning castle views, but you’re on a tight budget, Slovenia is the place for you.
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Slovenia is about the size of New Jersey, making it ideal for those who can only travel for a few days — though I promise you’ll want to stay much longer.
It’s nestled between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia.
When traveling to Slovenia, chances are you’ll arrive in the capital city of Ljubljana.
Rebecca Khera
While one of the biggest draws to visiting Slovenia is getting out of the city, Ljubljana is definitely worth exploring for a day or two.
Since Slovenia shares a border with Italy, you can count on there always being pizza nearby. So before you go to bed at 5 p.m. thanks to jet lag, grab a pizza to eat at 3 a.m…. you’ll thank me later.
Rebecca Khera
Little known fact, 3 a.m. pizza tastes better the closer you are to Italy.
My favorite thing about all the food I ate in Slovenia was the abundance of farm fresh produce, eggs, and dairy.
Rebecca Khera
If your accommodation offers free breakfast, always take it!
I stayed just a short walk to the city center at Isabella Rooms, and really enjoyed how it felt more like a home than a hotel.
When you’re ready for day one in Ljubljana, take a stroll along the river.
Rebecca Khera
Happy to say that Ljubljana is one of a few European countries that has free public bathrooms around the city, which is a welcome blessing!
Even on a cloudy day, the city is beautiful.
Rebecca Khera
It’s always a good day when you can see the mountains in the distance.
There’s a funicular to get to the top, but you can also walk or take public transportation.
Ljubljana’s city center is a pedestrian zone, meaning you won’t see any cars around as they’re not allowed.
Rebecca Khera
There are, however, six electric vehicles that can take both tourists and locals around the city center free of charge.
Rebecca Khera
The market has everything from fresh fruits and veggies to cheeses and meats, and then a few food stalls.
I can’t say no to calamari.
Address: Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
The next day, it’s time to head to Slovenia’s most popular destination, Lake Bled.
Rebecca Khera
There are a few ways to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana. The most popular is by bus, which will cost anywhere from $6-10 USD, and takes about an hour and a half.
But honestly, I’d recommend renting a car. I hate driving, but felt Slovenia was really safe and easy to drive throughout and it gives you the gift of flexibility! Plus, you can get off the tourist route and save a lot of time by not waiting at a bus stop.
Driving between Ljubljana and Lake Bled takes about 40 minutes, so it’s quick enough for a day trip.
Definitely take a boat to the island in the middle of the lake.
Rebecca Khera
If you’re traveling solo, the Bled Boat Line is the cheapest option where a ticket costs 12€/~$13.50 per person.
But if you’re traveling with someone, it’s actually cheaper to rent a boat and row over to the island yourself.
An hour boat rental costs between 12€-15€/~$13.50-$17 per boat. And since the island is so small, an hour is plenty to row over, explore, and row back.
You can’t visit Lake Bled without visiting Bled Castle, which boasts this iconic view!
Rebecca Khera
Chances are, you’ve seen this as a screen saver on your TV.
The castle is open everyday, even holidays, and hours vary by season.
They offer adult, student, and child tickets.
Adult ticket: 13€/~$14.75
Address: Grajska cesta 61, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
While at Bled Castle, don’t skip their famous Bled Cream Cake!
Rebecca Khera
Bled Cream Cake is a traditional Slovenian dish that dates back to the 18th century. It’s made with vanilla custard cooked for seven minutes, sweet whipped cream, and a thin puff pastry folded seven times. Then it’s cut into a perfect 7×7 centimeter square. So if seven is also your lucky number, you should try one.
It is, in fact, as good as it looks! And don’t forget to order some espresso to wash it down.
Next on your itinerary should be a visit to Vintgar Gorge. There is a well maintained walking path with seriously stunning views — I’d plan about three hours here as you’ll want to stop often to take in the scenery, as well as lots of photos.
Rebecca Khera
There’s a shuttle from Bled to Vintgar Gorge, but driving only takes 10-15 minutes.
They offer adult, student, senior, and child tickets.
Adult tickets: 10 €/~$11
Address: Turistično društvo Gorje, Podhom 80, 4247 Zgornje Gorje, Slovenia
After an action packed day, I’d recommend staying at a guesthouse near Lake Bohinj instead of heading back to Ljubljana.
Rebecca Khera
Lake Bohinj is not as well known as Lake Bled, but it’s the perfect lake for swimming with a view of the mountains or renting a kayak.
Tell me this isn’t your vision of a perfect day!
Rebecca Khera
In case you were wondering, Slovenia is very pet friendly.
Since Lake Bohinj is less touristy than Lake Bled, you’ll be able to grab a quiet lunch with some incredible views.
If you ever get thirsty while exploring, no worries. Slovenia offers plenty of spots to fill up your water bottle.
Most guesthouses and Airbnbs will offer a delicious fresh breakfast to get you ready for an adventurous day.
Rebecca Khera
Our Airbnb, served us this delicious breakfast complete with farm fresh eggs (not shown).
For those who want to really hit the trails, head to Soča River and Soča Valley for hiking or kayaking.
Anna Rammelkamp / Getty Images/EyeEm
If you’re a serious hiker, there are a bunch of incredible trails throughout Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps.
Pavliha / Getty Images
There are so many options from shorter day hikes to multi-day hut to hut hikes.
A day trip to this incredible castle (built into the side of a cliff!) is most certainly in order. Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave are such unique sites, and for someone who loves to learn about history, it’s a must see.
Next, head to Piran — because Slovenia does have a sliver of coastline to enjoy.
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Then, be sure to head east toward Maribor. It’s Slovenia’s second largest city!
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Maribor is located along the Drava River, and just so happens to be in the wine-region of Slovenia.
In fact, it’s home to the oldest fruit-bearing vine in the entire world.
Hope you’re thirsty! ????
Alenapaulus / Getty Images
Have you been to Slovenia, if so, what was your favorite spot? Share all about your trip in the comments!
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