The compact capital of Slovenia brims with self-confidence. And rightly so, for Ljubljana is one of the most amiable of European capital cities. This is a great place to explore on foot as the main sights are all within easy reach of each other. Make first of all for the square known as Presernov trg; this atmospheric space is the hub of Ljubljana life (locals say it’s the hub of all Slovene life). From there it’s easy to strike out to explore the Old Town with its superb baroque churches and excellent museums.

The main railway station, just a short walk north of the city centre, is a handsome Habsburg-era building. There’s a small memorial to James Joyce who evidently once spent a night in the waiting room. Few travellers today linger so long. There are direct daytime trains from Ljubljana to destinations across Slovenia and to Rijeka, Vinkovci and Zagreb in neighbouring Croatia. Other international destinations served by direct day trains include Belgrade, Budapest, Frankfurt, Munich, Salzburg, Stuttgart and Vienna.

There are direct night trains from Ljubljana to Belgrade, Munich and Zurich. Some international tickets to and from Ljubljana can be booked here on our site, particularly journeys to, from or via Germany. If you are looking to escape the capital, then the lakeside resort of Bled is just an hour away by fast train.