DISCOVERING LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA WITH MY FAMILY: A TRAVEL DIARY
Our family recently spent time in and around Ljubljana, Slovenia, and I can tell you this—Slovenia might just be one of Europe’s best family-friendly destinations.
The nation’s capital, Ljubljana, is full of charm, history, great food, and family-friendly attractions, making it the perfect starting point to begin exploring this beautiful country.
From centuries-old castles to uncanny optical illusions and waterparks that’ll have your kids splashing with excitement, here’s a peek into our time in Slovenia and why it might be the perfect destination for your next family adventure.
FEELING AT HOME IN SLOVENIA
For us, traveling to Slovenia always gives us the warm and fuzzies. We’ve visited Ljubljana many times over the years, as we have family here. No matter how often we return, the city never fails to surprise us.
This time, however, our visit was extra special. My daughter was given the unique opportunity to train with the Slovenian National Junior Golf Team — a big deal for her and a great excuse for me to extend our trip to five weeks and soak up even more Slovenian magic.
STAYING IN SELCA—A HIDDEN GEM IN THE MOUNTAINS
To make it easy to travel between striking our best parenting poses near the golf course and exploring Slovenia, we decided to stay in Selca, a little mountain village less than an hour outside Ljubljana.
Cue one magnificent mountain cottage in Stari Vrh Selca, booked via Airbnb. It was picture perfect from the outset — a rustic, cozy retreat tucked in some of Europe’s most beautiful natural forrested surroundings.
Waking up every morning to a view straight out of a storybook wasn’t too shabby, and heads-up, I’ll be sharing all the details about this cottage in my next post!
EXPLORING LJUBLJANA’S CASTLE CHARM
Ljubljana is often referred to as a mini Prague, and as someone who loves Prague, I have to agree. Picture winding cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, riverside cafés, and a picturesque castle perched on a hill overlooking this beautiful city. Our time in Ljubljana always starts with a hike up to the city’s iconic castle.
THE SCENIC WALK TO LJUBLJANA CASTLE
Now, walking to the castle was not a casual stroll—think steep and just the tiniest bit sweat-inducing even at a leisurely pace. Regardless of the sweats and the deep breaths, the walk was worth it. The views from the top were breathtaking, offering a sweeping panorama of the city framed by the surrounding country side with the Julian Alps in the distance to the north.
GETTING BLOWN AWAY AT THE TOP OF PIPERS’ TOWER
(400m above sea level)
INSIDE THE CASTLE
History oozes from every corner of Ljubljana Castle, from its ancient stone walls to its exhibits. We couldn’t help but pause at the various photo-friendly locations to take photos. Even my kids, notorious for short attention spans, loved wandering through the castle halls.
THE FUNICULAR RIDE DOWN
We made up for our calorie burn by taking the funicular ride down—a highlight for the kids (and maybe me, too). The glass-sided car had us comfortably packed in, and the smooth ride and fantastic views made it all worthwhile.
STROLLING ALONG THE LJUBLJANICA RIVER CANAL
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a European fairy tale, take a walk along either side of the Ljubljanica River Canal. It’s a quaint stroll amongst the beautiful streetscape, lined with charming restaurants, boutique shops, and lively bars.
We didn’t miss the opportunity to break-up our stroll and grab ice cream or gelato (mandatory when traveling with kids) and people-watch by the river. There’s nothing like sitting by the water, watching boats go by, and soaking in the city’s cozy, laid-back vibe.
LOADS OF LAUGHTER AT THE HOUSE OF ILLUSIONS
Next up was the House of Illusions—an instant hit with my family. My son, Maksim, declared it “really cool” within five minutes. There’s something magical about a place that makes physics and science as a whole fun for everyone.
One of the standout moments was when both my daughters wore matching black-and-white striped jumpers that unintentionally camouflaged them into one of the striped wall displays—it was both hilarious and surreal. No wonder everyone was glued to the photos from this stop for days.
WATERPARK FUN AT VODNO MESTO ATLANTIS
What’s an ideal family getaway without some pool time? For us, that means a trip to Vodno Mesto Atlantis. This was our second visit to this waterpark, and once again, it stole the show. Between its warm pools and thrilling long slides, my kids couldn’t have been happier. The cousins joined in this time, turning it into a water-filled marathon of giggles and splashes.
While the kids were busy exploring every corner of the waterpark (over and over again), I got to unplug and relax—a win-win for everyone!
SHOPPING GALORE AT BTC CITY LJUBLJANA
When you’re a mom traveling with kids, having a shopping hub like BTC City Ljubljana nearby is a lifesaver. Need clothes? A snack? Travel essentials? BTC has it all.
The kids’ favorite? The BTC City Market. It became our go-to spot for quick and healthy bites between our shopping adventures. The dumpling place was the undisputed champion of this trip—so much deliciousness packed into tiny pockets of joy.
AN UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY ADVENTURE
Every trip has a rhythm, and this one struck all the right notes. Between mountain cottages, exploring castles, solving illusions, and sliding down waterpark tubes, our time in Slovenia was nothing short of magical.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a longer trip, or simply dreaming of your next destination, put Ljubljana on your list. It’s a city that promises the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and family-friendly fun—and it definitely delivers.
Much love,
Natalija xoxo
Have you been to Ljubljana? Or is it on your bucket list? I would love to hear your comments below + follow my journey on Instagram & don’t be shy to say hello!
