Art & culture – All our local tips

Sometimes you can get a feeling that Ljubljana dies during the weekends, especially on late November Sundays. When it gets really depressing, you just have to bump into the Flea Market, where you can say to yourself: “oh this is the place where all the folks went!”

Ljubljana is well known for its antique shops, but the very best is held every Sunday on Cankarjevo nabrezje. You can by different things, from really expensive old furniture to retro sunglasses and badges from the Tito era or just an old postcard. Even if you don’t have a plan buying any of those things, you have to visit it. It is Ljubljana’s “social life” centre on Sundays and you are able to just sit in a café and watch people go by.

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Antique Flea Market | Art & culture, Relaxing, Shopping |
Gallusovo nabrezje | Center
Sun 08:00 – 14:00

This tiny bookstore in the old town centre is run by the Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, so what you can mostly get there is academic literature.

The place was almost too small, so they moved it next door. That doesn’t compromise the atmosphere, which is truly cozy and besides coffee (which you can get free if the sellers are in a good mood), you can almost smell all the knowledge that the shelves store. There’s a really good English language selection on philosophy, apart from books on cultural studies and anthropology, arts, history, gender studies and even comic books.

Check out for books by Slavoj Žižek, the most prominent and notorious Slovenian philosopher of all times!

Azil is also a bookcrossing zone, so you might even find some free books or leave your own behind. In front, there’s a bench perfect for relaxing and watching the people pass by on their daily routes. Soon a café will be opened in the inner court.

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Azil | Art & culture, Shopping
Novi trg 2 | Center | +38614706475
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 20:00, Sat:10:00 – 14:00

My last time in Cankarjev dom, I was going to an international movie workshop… but it’s in general the ultimate culturale house in Ljubljana. Located straight in the centre, in front of parliament actually, it gives you the elegant way of escaping from politics or shopping in the city centre stores.

It’s a perfect getaway on a rainy day too. There’s always something happening: exhibitions, workshops, music and dance performers, theatre,…

The only thing that might be worth to add is that the place is still kind of holding to that classy style it established in the socialistic times, so it might best fit to those who are a bit pickier than average or who long for some true classical cultural experience. Also in a sense of dressing up nicely and bringing a wallet. Yes, yes, this is the right address for you.

For a virtual tour go here.

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Cankarjev dom | Art & culture, Cinemas, Music, Theaters, Festivals & events
Presernova cesta 10 | Center | +38612417100
Opening times vary depending on show

Zale is an interesting place to visit from architecture point of view. It’s designed by one of the most worldwide reputable Slovene architect Joze Plecnik (who by the way also built a big part of Prague and Vienna). This is one of his many significant memorials you can find in Ljubljana and also a final resting place of many prominent figures from Slovenian history.

The creator himself wanted to name the place The All Saints Garden, however city notabilities decided to put forward the old slavic word “zale”, which in translation signifies “cemetary”. At the beginning of 21. centrury Zale was proclaimed as the cultural memorial of Slovenia on the national level.

For a virtual tour see here and here.

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Cemetery Zale | Art & culture, Relaxing
Na Zalah 1 | Bezigrad
24 hours daily

Strolling the cobbled stone streets in the old part of Ljubljana always leaves me with a great time.

Visiting pleasant little restaurants and chick designers’ shops. Every time you can discover something new, a door leading to a gallery hidden between old walls of middle-aged house or new collection of… soaps.

At the beginning of the main pedestrian street of this part of the town, the City hall and the Robb’s fountain in front will welcome you. Continue along the way and at the end turn left. The path will lead you all the way to the castle, where you can enjoy in a great view over the city. Definitely a pleasant choice to spend an afternoon.

For a virtual tour see here.

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Cobbled stone streets | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Shopping, Restaurants (Mediterranean)
Mestni trg | Center
24 hours daily

If you would take a part of Amsterdam and transform it into Habsburg city mixing Mediterranean atmosphere, you would get Gallus bank. It has narrow houses like Amsterdam, Baroque architecture like Vienna and a part of feeling you get in Italian cities with the outside cafés.

The bank is located in the centre of Ljubljana, southern of the Cobblers Bridge. Here you can relax, buy some gifts for you and your friends in great shops with old vinyl, CDs with ethno, funk, jazzy music, wooden toys etc. There are also some nice places where you can eat, from pancakes to steaks, sit down and order a cappuccino or just buy a beer and go down the stairs to Ljubljanica river.

The whole area is reserved for the pedestrians, except for the most southern part of the bank which is a parking space of the residents. You don’t have to worry to be hit by a car; just be careful if there are any cyclists near you.

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Gallusovo nabrezje | Art & culture, Bars, Shopping
Gallusovo nabrezje | Center
24 hours daily

Šiška is becoming a better and better place to live and CUK (center urbane kulture/ center for urban culture) Kino Šiška earns much of the credits for this. It opened last fall, but already has a huge impact on the Ljubljana scene. In the last few months it hosted a lot of important musicians from Slovenia and abroad (Josipa Lisac, Lollobrigida, Isis, Pan Sonic, Juno Reactor…). They have mostly music events, but also photo exhibitions, theater and dance events, some workshops…

In the past Kino Šiška was a cinema (kino in Slovene) and was build as a part of Šiška municipality center.  When Ljubljana got a new cinema complex in 2001, the majority of smaller cinemas closed their doors. They wanted to renovate Kino Šiška into a multipurpose hall for different kinds of contemporary events and almost a decade later we finally got it!

My favorite events in Kino Šiška are YU GO! Nights. Each of them presents 3 or 4 bands from ex-Yu area and can also be tagged as nu yu scene. YU GO! is on every third Thursday in month.

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Kino Šiška | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Music, Theaters, Festivals & events
Trg prekomorskih brigad 3 | Siska | +38630310110
Depends

My friend from Australia stayed at my place for a week and when I was telling her what to do in Ljubljana, I mentioned 2 art cinemas. She was really surprised that a small city like Ljubljana has 2 of them and Melbourne has none. I guess that we are lucky and I’m really glad, that I can spend some nice evenings in nice old cinemas with interior from the 30’s.

So those 2 cinemas are Kinoteka and Kinodvor, both in the center and really close to each other. I will present you the first one. I won’t say that it’s better but it sure has more movies on the program and it’s a bit cheaper

Kinoteka is located on the Miklosiceva Street, somewhere in the middle between the train station and Preseren square. They show movies from Europe mostly, but also from other parts of the world, like Japan or, of course, America, but never too commercial. You can find different genres, from dramas to black comedies and thrillers. At the moment, they are showing a lot of films from the 90’s and also a lot of SF. Usually they show 2 films per day and I think you can see only one film at the time, so be careful that you don’t miss your favorite movie on the big screen!

Cinema also has a nice café with some nice coffees and in the same building you will also find a French restaurant if you’ll get hungry during the movie.

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Kinoteka | Art & culture, Cinemas | Student fee € 1.50
Miklošiceva cesta 28 | Center | +38615471580
Check the program

Krizanke is an open air place for concerts and festivals, with „old Ljubljana” spirit and relaxed atmosphere. The final touch was made by city architect Joze Plecnik in 1956, who successfully created an environment that is popular among old and young.

During concerts you can see many people sitting around the wall under the trees, listening the music from outside with a bottle of wine from the nearest shop. I suggest you do the same, if you are lucky enough to catch a concert; it is the best way to spend easy summer evening and mingle among locals.

If you find something you would really like to hear and see you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to experience it from inside. Two best known festivals are Jazz festival and Festival Ljubljana, both going on in summer.

You can get information about program and tickets on the spot or in Cankarjev dom.

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Krizanke | Art & culture, Music | Ticket € 20.00
Trg francoske revolucije 1 | Center | +38612416026
See program

France Preseren’s art and cultural center is one of the most important locations of Ljubljana alternative scene. It is located in Trnovo, near Plecnik museum and Trnovo church. In the building of this center you will find a gallery, a bar and a stage.

KUD also houses the studio of radio Student. On the stage of the center there are a lot of different events going on throughout the whole year, for example improv theater, different concerts, workshops and movies.

Since the summer of 1992, KUD France Preseren hosts the international Trnfest festival on the courtyard of the center in August. It’s the main event in Ljubljana in that month. There, a lot of bands and theatre groups from Slovenia and abroad, are performing.

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KUD France Preseren | Art & culture, Bars, Music | Beer € 2.00
Karunova ulica 14 | Vic | +38612832288
Mon – Sat 10:00 -01:00, Sun 14:00 – 01:00

In this library I can get lost for hours. Especially if I try to find a book by myself (it’s so messed up! ) But usually I gave up on this idea pretty quickly, ask for  help to one of those “speedy” librarians and make better use of my free time in some other corner of this lovely place.

Really, it’s so much more than just a place for renting books and studying. In the ground floor there is a cross road of happening. Here you can get all the information about how to get around, rent books (there’s also an international section, where you might find something in your language!) or even buy them.

They have a small antique book shop – convenient for Slovenes, but maybe also nice souvenir for foreign travelers. Sometimes I come just for an exhibition or some lecture that they organize. If not that, maybe more persuading for you will be a chess corner or a cellar, where you’ll find a place for entertainment. Movies, music Cd’s, books about these arts, computer corner and a lovely place to rest!

And with rest, I literally mean taking a nap. I did it, just the other day! With lovely sounds of bossa nova in the background…

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Library Oton Zupancic | Art & culture, Relaxing
Kersnikova 2 | Center | +38616001300
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 20:00, Sat 08:00 – 13:00 (1st Tue in month 10:00 – 20:00)

Like many historically important cities, also Ljubljana has its castle. Situated in a small hill in the middle of the city and surrounded with nice green forest it represents a good relaxing point.

Don’t be lazy and walk up there. It takes only 15 minutes. Of course you can also take a funicular or a small train, but this is sooo touristy…

Recently they just finished the renovation of the towe, eventhough I can tell you the view from the lower walls is telling enough. If you’re a history lover, you can maybe see the virtual museum…

In the atrium the castle hosts events and weddings sometimes, but that’s more in the summer. For sure it will serve you with a lovely ambiance, even if you go up there just for a warm drink.

For a virtual tour by day see here and by night see here.

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Ljubljana’s castle | Art & culture, Bars, Relaxing | Tour prices € 3.30
Grajska planota 1 | Center | +38612329994
10:00 – 21:00 daily

Metelkova city is the home of Ljubljana’s alternative scene, home of artists, musicians and similar crowd. Created with transforming and rebuilding ex army barracks whose walls now serve as canvas for street artists and its outdoor space as contemporary forma viva, surprise me every time with new installations and creations. Here architecture has its own rules, which are worth to see.

People gather here mostly because of numerous music events, but also just to drink a beer and hang out with friends. There is always something going on, which is a nice contrast to the otherwise quite boring and plain Ljubljana night life.

The place itself is a conglomerate of different clubs
See website for program

MGLC is situated in Tivoli park, at the end of famous Plečnik’s promenade, where our grandpas were seducing potential grandmas with flower bouquets in their hands 50 years ago. The former Tivoli castle is now home to many different exhibitions and workshops. Every year it also hosts the biennial of graphic arts.

The center certainly effects our visual senses, so after exhibition, I recommend you to lie down in grass in the park, close your eyes and with company of bird singing brainstorm about what you have seen. I love that kind of „after cultural education” chillin’, and this place has the perfect location to try it out!

In the wintertime the nearby hill becomes sledging place no. 1 in the city centre. Equipped with a plastic bag you can have a lot of fun competing with small children who are faster and more furious.

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MGLC | Art & culture, Festivals & events | Entrance adults € 3.40
Pod turnom 3 | Siska | +38612413800
Wed – Sun 11:00 – 18:00

Our oldest and most well known gallery is located on the main city promenade that leads from Preseren’s square to park Tivoli. It’s close to the National museum, Opera and Modern gallery.

In the National gallery you can see one of the most important art pieces of Slovenian artists from baroque to the first half of the 20th century. Works that are younger than 60 years are exhibited in the Modern gallery, which is at the moment being renovated.

Till 20 September you can check a new exhibition: Works of art from Prekmurje, from Romanesque art to Modernism.

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National Gallery | Art & culture | Regular price € 7.00
Presernova cesta 24 | Center | +38612415418
Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 20:00

As morbid as it can sounds this cemetery is actually a really nice place to visit. I bet that more than half of the natives haven’t even been here so you might find this as a challenge.

Built just before Second World War architect Plecnik had the idea to create a monumental shrine housing tombs of the most deserving Slovenians, also called a Slovenian pantheon, was given the name Navje, derived from Slavic mythology.  It consists of an open arcaded classical building rebuilt from an old pavilion and a surrounding memorial park.

Just behind the main train and bus station this calming and relaxing place invites you to go for a short stroll between the tombs. There is no problem to sit on the grass and read and when it gets dark it can be a perfect place to play hide and seek.

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Navje | Art & culture, Relaxing
Robboca Ulica | Bezigrad
Winter 09:00 – 17:00, Summer 08:00 – 20:00

Preseren square is the main square of Ljubljana and an excellent meeting point. Also for us, locals. When we get bored sitting under the statue of Preseren – our national poet, who wrote the toasting anthem – and waiting for friends, we may even notice how many sites you can actually see from this point.

The castle, the triple bridge, Plecnik’s flea market, the pinky Franciscan church, and Julia (Preseren’s muse) somewhere on a window…

Aside from vibrant movement of the people on the square, I also like it for its cultural happenings. It often hosts festivals, singers or street performers, painters or just weird installations and from time to time even sport events.

See a virtual tour here.

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Preseren Square | Art & culture, Relaxing
Preseren Square | Center
24 hours daily

This used to be a bicycle factory ROG, founded after the Second World War. It is today in temporary use by whomever is in need of a working and creation place. Big halls are offering a lot of space even for dance practices. But for me and for most of you this is another really cool place to hang out. I could easily say this is the real alternative place to go to.

There are mainly three options, first and the most permanent is a gallery Kljub vsemu (Nevertheless), which is on the left hand side after you enter the Rog walls. On the other, right hand side there is small building that has smaller events, like debates, film projections, alternative Erasmus hanging spot (the first one is usually in main stream bars and organized), smaller concerts and whatever you can think of.

But if you go towards the tallest building, that looks like factory halls and you follow the noise you will enter the concert hall. In this biggest hall they sell also drinks in case of an event, but you are always allowed to bring some with you. Next to the entrance to the concert hall new bar/club emerged named Trotsky. It looks like this is the liveliest place at the moment in Rog. Lately, the rumour is spreading that sthere is another one opening… I’ll let you know soon.

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ROG | Art & culture, Music, Theaters | Beer € 1.50
Trubarjeva cesta 72 | Center
24 hours daily

So here’s my opinion. If there is any museum that you have to visit (we’re talking about museums…not galleries), you have to go to SEM.

I think this is the best museum in Ljubljana, maybe Slovenia, because it’s something different. It shows you the way of life of our ancestors and they don’t do it in a boring way but with a fresh and interactive approach. You will see this immediately when you stand in front of the museum with it’s nice architecture; a mixture of modern and old.

At the moment there are 2 exhibitions, 1 permanent and 1 temporary. Between Nature and Culture has been the permanent exhibition since 2006 and I really like it. It’s divided into two parts. The first one shows you everything about Slovene way of life in the past. The second one is dedicated to other parts of the world. Current temporary exhibition, which is opened till end ofMarch 2010 is called Sudan mission and it talks about Ignacij Knoblehar, missionary and explorer of the White Nile.

There are also some other activities in the museum. You can try yourself in weaving or at a pottery workshop. Who knows, maybe you will discover a new thing you’re good at! There is also a workshop about the proper way of preparing and drinking tea like they do it in Japan.

On the ground floor you will find a nice café, where you can sit down and enjoy the view of the castle and adorable neo-Gothic church.

If you have the chance, visit SEM on the last Sunday of the month: you can get in for free.

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Slovene Etnographic Museum (SEM) | Art & culture, Coffee & tea | Admission (adults) € 4.50
Metelkova 2 | Moste | +38613008700
Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

What used to be a Roman wall 2.4 meters wide and 6 to 8 meters high was renovated less than a century ago by the architect Joze Plecnik, who knew how important nature is. He designed a park inside the wall and built a stone pyramid over the gate using old roman stones from the neighborhood.

During the warm half of the year the wall is quite popular, mainly with high school students that come here to enjoy sun or maybe play guitar, rather than spend time in the classrooms, and students from the neighboring faculties.

Because of its stone structure free climbers are spending hours here, hanging on the wall, trying to learn grips. On the top of the wall you can relax, have a beer or just watch shirtless climbers training their muscles. One gets even a better view from the pyramid so don’t hesitate to climb it. Just be careful not to fall!

You can also try to play didgeridoo under the arcades of the gate, it has good acoustic. During July and August this place tends to be much calmer, because students are on their well deserved vacations.

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The roman pyramid | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
along the Mirje street | Vic
24 hours daily

The restaurant is decorated with a traditional Turkish decor; throw rugs, seats, various cultural artifacts and even the staff themselves wear traditional garb.

Besides offering meat and vegetarian dishes, they occasionally host belly dancing performances which typically take place in the evening. As it should be, one also has an opportunity to smoke some Narghilé – the famous Turkish pipe.

During the day, until 15:00, a three course lunch is served for € 7.00. It is not uncommon to smell Turkish-style coffee wafting out of the typical Slovenian home, however in the bars and cafes it is typically espresso that is served. Perhaps this is why Yildiz Han is so liked by locals here in Ljubljana. Here can you get proper Turkish coffee.

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Yildiz Han | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Music, Restaurants (Turkish) | Lunch € 6.00
Karlovska c. 19 | Center | +38614265717
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 00:00