Ljubljana’s best value places to eat, drink and party

With less than 300.000 inhabitants and an area of only 163.8 km², Ljubljana has nothing to envy to other bigger European capitals, in terms of places to eat, drink and party. However, as already mentioned in another post, it’s no longer the cheap Balkan city it used to be, before joining the EU in 2004. Therefore, if you visit this little gem for a couple of days and don’t want to get out of your budget, take a look at our list of the best value places to eat, drink, and party in Slovenia’s capital.

Where to eat

Tozd

We love to have a cappuccino and a chocolate brownie for a hipster breakfast at this place. It’s a cool venue, possibly the most hipster bar in town. It’s located right next to the river, and if you’re not a morning person, don’t worry, they also serve soups, snacks, tapas or you can just grab a beer, while observing the crowd passing by.

Druga Violina

Undoubtedly, this is our favourite classic restaurant in town for both lunch and dinner!

You might have noticed in other posts that we like to eat local and with a cause, while supporting the resident community. Well, this is the reason why we are big fans of this place (beside the fact that prices are very reasonable and the food is fresh and delicious). They grow their own products in a farm near Ljubljana as part of a social project to help local people with disabilities, who also help the waiting staff at the restaurant. Great value place to taste Slovenian classics, while supporting the local community.

Skuhna

This venue deserves a few extra words, since it was launched as a social project allowing immigrants and locals to learn from each other. In fact, every day a chef from a different country is invited to promote a different culture through its traditional cuisine. At the entrance they have a very cool sign, saying that their goal is to increase the employment opportunities for immigrants, while creating intercultural relationships. They also host debates, cooking classes, breakfasts and cultural events. It’s perfect for those looking for an alternative world cuisine.

Let your curiosity push you a bit further down on the same street and take a look at ROG the former bicycle factory that went bankrupt in the ’90s. Nowadays, this place hosts a controversial independent cultural and social hub with one of the biggest indoor skate parks in Europe. Despite there was an attempt by the authorities to demolish the site in 2016, the massive protests stopped the plan. However, the future of ROG is uncertain, so visit it now while it’s still alive, and enjoy the alternative culture, the music and the workshops that this community has to offer.

Pizzera Parma

This is your place in Ljubljana if you are a pizza lover. It claims to be the first and best pizza spot since 1973. Prices are friendly, their pizza is small and thick. Try the classic combo: pizza and blueberry juice.

Centralna Postaja

The name means “central station”, and it’s a hip bar where music and creativity perfectly merge. It’s located in Trubarjevica ulica, one of the most colourful and cute streets of the Old town.

Pro Tip : Don’t miss their dj sessions on weekends, and their special all-you-can eat breakfast on Thursdays, from 8am to 11am.

Barbarella Arkade Bistro

A vegan and gluten free paradise, the curry is delicious, the cakes look fab, and they taste even better than they look. This is the place to go if you want to eat healthy, regardless if you are a vegan or not.

Burek Olimpja

A 24/7 post party classic, it’s located just a short walk from the train station, in Slovenska Cesta. Burek is the traditional Balkan pastry filled with meat, cheese, potato or apple, and there is also a Slovenian burek pizza version.

WHERE TO DRINK

Capitain’s cabin

This nautical themed bar is renewed for the good cocktails. They give free pop corn on weekends when ordering your drinks, and they often have 2×1 promotions. Tucked beneath one of the bridges, it used to be the bar where captains would go for their coffee during the day. From 8am to 10am they have a coffee promotion for 1€.

Cin Cin

This good value place, located in a former tobacco factory, opened its door in 2018, offering more than 150 labels of spirits and concerts. Its name means “cheers” in Italian, and it’s connected to the culinary project Food Porn.

Daktari

The name means “doctor” in Swahili, and it definitely cures any bad mood, attracting an artistic crowd of all ages. Decorated with vintage furniture and book shelves, it also has a stage for live music sets, cabaret and eclectic events. It’s located near the funicular to the castle.

How to get to Ljubjana

By Air

The airport is very small and it’s served by about 10 different airlines. Find more info here. We found some very good deals flying to/from Trieste airport, which can be reached in less than two hours from Ljubljana city centre thanks to GoOpti shuttle services. They stop next to the bus station, and you can make your reservation on their platform.

Zmauc

This legendary pub, founded in 1996, is located in Rimska 21 and it’s always full of locals. Check on their Facebook the interesting events they offer or just grab a beer and let them surprise you!

Jazz Paradise

This place claims to be the first jazz club in Slovenia. Founded in 1994 by jazz drummer Drago Gajo, together with his wife and siblings, it offers great jazz performances Mon-Sat evenings (closed on Sunday).

Where to party

Klub K4

Although this controversial electronic club opened more than 25 years ago, it’s probably still the master spot for a late dancing night. It hosted the first Slovenian Boiler room broadcast. Go late and don’t leave before you can see the daylight.

Cirkus

Located opposite to the tobacco factory in the former cinema Kinoklub Vic, this is one of the most popular clubs attracting a student crowd, with their themed nights and live DJs. The morning after each party they post photos on their FB page, so watch out when you see someone around with a camera!

Cvetlicarna

This is more a weekend concert hall than a proper club. Take a look at their FB to know more about their upcoming events.

Gala Hala at Meltekova

Located in a former Yugoslavian army barrack, occupied by squatters since the ’90s, this is where you can spend your most alternative night in Ljubljana. The crowd is very mixed, from punk and heavy metal lovers to hipsters.

So, take a look at their events before you go, to make sure they suit your tastes.

And if you fell in love with this city too, don’t miss our suggestions about the Top 12 budget things to do in Ljubljana.

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