Slovenia’s natural beauty is overwhelming. Snow-capped mountains loom over villages, turquoise rivers rush through gorges, and wildflowers bloom in meadows. Thankfully, Slovenia is tiny. So whether you want to chill on the Adriatic coast, hike in Triglav National Park, or swim in the tranquil waters of Lake Bled, you can do it all in 10 days with this Slovenia itinerary.
10 Days in Slovenia Itinerary
Although 10 days isn’t enough time to see everything, this Slovenia itinerary will guide you through some of the country’s sparkling highlights.
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Ljubljana (3 days)
Slovenia’s compact capital is a delight to explore. Serene in comparison to most other capital cities I’ve visited, Ljubljana’s green ethos is refreshing. The streets are clean, the locals take recycling seriously, and there’s a ban on cars in the historic centre. But Ljubljana is far from boring. From the charming Old Town to the lush Tivoli Park, you’ll find plenty to fill a couple of days here.
Ljubljana is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the country. If you’re short on time, you could stay in the capital and still fit in a day trip to Postojna or Bled. But if you’re lucky enough to have 10 days in Slovenia, I’d recommend spending two or three nights in the capital. It’ll give you enough time to explore the city and take a day trip before you move on.
Things to Do in Ljubljana
Wander around the Old Town
Ljubljana’s Old Town is the beating heart of the capital and there’s no better place to start your Slovenia itinerary. A pretty area on the right bank of the Ljubljana River, the Old Town is all cobbled streets, ornate churches, and cosy restaurants. Elegant bridges criss-cross the river, historic buildings stand in pristine rows, and outdoor terraces come alive in summer.
Wander across the celebrated Triple Bridge, admire the historic Prešernov trg Square, or stroll along the leafy banks of the River Ljubljanica. When the sun fades, stop off for a candlelit dinner or riverside drinks at one of the Old Town’s many restaurants.
If you’re in the mood for post-dinner fun, head to Metelkova Mesto – the city’s alternative cultural centre. An autonomous artists’ commune, Metelkova Mesto is all about creativity and hosts regular gigs and exhibitions.
Take time out in Tivoli Park
Although Ljubljana is one of Europe’s greenest cities, it’s still a city. So if you crave nature-time as much as I do, head for the capital’s largest park. Tivoli, the lungs of Ljubljana, is an expanse of tree-lined paths, velvety lawns, and forest trails.
You could easily spend a couple of relaxing hours here. There are endless places to stop for a picnic and the leafy slopes of Rožnik Hill offer clear views of the city.
Tivoli Park also has a few cultural centres up its sleeve. The International Centre of Graphic Arts is housed in the 17th-century Tivolski Grad (Tivoli Mansion) and you’ll find the Museum of Modern Art just across the road. There’s also an outdoor photography gallery inside the park at Jakopič Promenade.
Visit Ljubljana Castle
For some of the best views of the city, take a stroll up to Ljubljana Castle. Perched on a hill, overlooking the Old Town, the castle has undergone various transformations throughout history.
Today, it’s mostly used as a cultural and social events venue. But as well as exhibition spaces, there’s a puppet museum and historical rooms to explore. You can wander freely around the grounds, but you’ll need to pay to enter the Watchtower and the Chapel of St. George.
Explore Postojna Cave
Within easy reach of Ljubljana, Postojna Cave is an intricate underground world. Stretching for 24 km, this spectacular kasrt cave system is one of the most popular attractions in the country. And although I usually try to avoid crowded tourist spots, Postojna is one that’s definitely worth adding to your Slovenia itinerary.
Each tour begins with a short train ride, which rattles through huge subterranean chambers and narrow passageways. You’ll be walking for the rest of the 90 minute-long guided tour.
On our tour, we wandered past glittering columns, ancient stalagmites, and the rippling Pivka river. We searched for signs of the aquatic salamander, or ‘Baby Dragon’, that lives in the exhibition aquarium. And we did our best to keep up with our guide. Photography, strictly without flash, is allowed, but you won’t have much time to stop.
Getting to Postojna: Travelling to Postojna from Ljubljana is straightforward. A daily bus runs from Ljubljana to the Postojna Cave car park. There’s also a direct train to the town of Postojna and it’s a 25-minute walk from the station to the cave.
Where to Stay in Ljubljana
- Hotel Cubo: A four-star boutique hotel with crisp, modern rooms, Cubo is an ideal base for exploring Ljubljana. Check availability and read reviews.
- Elegant Central Apartment: Located in the historic city centre, these lovely apartments are spacious and stylish. They’re also just 200 yards from Ljubljana Castle, so you can sightsee as soon as you walk out the door. Check availability and read reviews.
Where to Eat in Ljubljana
Open Kitchen: For sizzling street food and cold beer, head to Ljubljana’s coolest food market. On Fridays, chefs from local restaurants set up open-air stalls near the river.
Central Market: The sprawling Central Market, set in the heart of the Old Town, has an impressive selection of fresh produce.
Organic Garden: Stop by Organic Garden for vegan burgers, dairy-free paninis, and satisfying smoothies.
Julija Restaurant: For a romantic night in the Old Town, Julija is a cosy choice. Expect excellent service and a mix of fish, meat, and pasta dishes on the menu.
Cacao: A decadent dessert cafe overlooking the river, Cacao is a delight. Choose from an array of rich ice cream flavours, creamy cakes, and sweet teas, and prepare for a serious sugar rush.
Bled (3 days)
Bled is a mesmerising highlight of Slovenia. A picturesque alpine town, Bled’s the kind of place where fresh air, relaxation, and dramatic lakeside sunsets come as standard.
Backed by snow-capped peaks and rolling hills, it’s hardly surprising that this iconic lake town draws crowds during the summer months. So to enjoy Bled at its tranquil best, try visiting during late spring or autumn and get outdoors as much as possible.
Things to do in Lake Bled
Walk around Lake Bled
An emerald lake with a church-topped island, Lake Bled looks too dreamy to be real. Framed by trees and overlooked by a medieval castle, the lake has become a symbol of Slovenia’s natural beauty.
To explore Lake Bled in full, stroll around the 6 km circuit path. You’ll need about an hour and a half to walk it and there are lots of gorgeous viewpoints along the way. For extra romance, wait for sunset, when the pastel-streaked water reflects the sky.
Hike the hills
Lake Bled is lovely from every angle, but it looks extra-impressive from above. To get the best perspective, you’ll need to explore the surrounding hills. It’s hard to beat the views from Ojstrica, a hill on Lake Bled’s western shore. From the bottom of the trail, it only takes 20 minutes to get to the top. And although the summit is steep, the fairytale views are worth the effort.
Meanwhile, the nearby Osojnica trail takes about 45 minutes to walk. The trail is windy and steep in places, but it’s clearly marked and very doable with good shoes. Ladder-style steps lead to a viewpoint at the top and there’s a bench to flop down on after all your efforts.
Row a boat
Rowing is one of the loveliest ways to explore Lake Bled. You can hire small wooden rowboats at various points on the lakeshore. And on sunny days, a cluster of boats bob in the gentle waters surrounding Bled Island. Once you hire a boat, you’ll have the option of making your own way to the island or going for a leisurely adventure around the lake.
Where to Stay in Lake Bled
- Castle Rock Bled: We loved staying in this bright and airy apartment. Just a five-minute walk from the beach, Castle Rock is an ideal base for exploring Bled. Check availability and read reviews.
- Grand Hotel Toplice: Set on the shore of the lake, Hotel Toplice has a thermal pool and spa. If you’re looking for a wellness-themed break, it’s a great choice. Check availability and read reviews.
Where to Eat in Bled
Public Bar & Vegan Kitchen: Vegan Kitchen is a cosy, laid-back cafe in Bled’s town centre. Bled doesn’t have a ton of plant-based options, so if you’re vegan, this place is likely to become your go-to spot. Expect huge, hearty burgers, a selection of vegan cakes, and a relaxed vibe.
Ostarija-Restaurant Babji Zob: A cosy restaurant with an outdoor terrace, this is the place to go for a delicious slice of Bled cream cake. Or for something a little less sugar-filled, order a slice of their traditional prekmurska gibanica cake. There’s also a mix of hearty local dishes on the menu – perfect walking fuel.
Bled Castle Restaurant: For dinner with a spectacular view, treat yourself to an evening in the grounds of Bled Castle. Overlooking the lake, this elegant restaurant puts a contemporary twist on traditional Slovene recipes. You’ll need to book ahead though, as you can’t enter the castle grounds without a ticket.
Bohinj (2 days)
Much less touristy than Bled, Bohinj is an alpine paradise. In Bohinj, you’ll find sleepy villages, tumbling waterfalls, and flower-filled meadows. It’s also home to the largest lake in Slovenia – a glittering expanse of water surrounded by forested slopes. If you’re looking for some serious nature time, or the chance to reconnect with yourself, Bohinj is the place to do it.
Things to do in Bohinj
Walk around Lake Bohinj
A huge glacial lake in the heart of Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj is a beauty. And walking the 11.8 km lakeside trail, which will take you about 3.5–4 hours, is one of the best ways to experience it. The trail begins in the village of Ribčev Laz, next to the bridge and opposite St John the Baptist church.
Hugging the lakeshore, the path curves through tranquil sections of forest and past small, secluded beaches. In the shallows, the lake is clear with a turquoise shimmer. And there are no designated swimming areas here, so you can wade in from anywhere.
Hike to Mostnica Waterfall
Once you’ve explored the lake, it’s time to head for the hills. Just a short distance from the lake, the Mostnica Gorge and Voje Valley trail winds through the lush landscape of Bohinj. The rocky gorge, carved by the emerald Mostnica River, slices through forest-covered hills.
Keep walking because, beyond the gorge, it’s a scene straight out of Sound of Music. Wildflower meadows, dotted with mountain huts, are overlooked by soaring peaks.
If you’re lucky enough to arrive when it’s open, the Voje Waterfall Alpine Hut offers blueberry strudel in a postcard-perfect setting. And just beyond, a signposted rocky path leads to Mostnica Waterfall. The full trail takes about 3.5 hours to hike and make sure you have some cash – there’s a €3 entrance fee at the start of the trail.
Ride the Mount Vogel Cable Car
For the best views of Bohinj and the Julian Alps, make your way to up to the top of towering Mt. Vogel. Hiking will take you about four hours in total, but if your legs can’t handle it, embrace the cable car.
Even if you take the cable car to Vogel’s upper plateau, you can stretch your legs at the top. The Vogel Trail is easy to explore and offers information on the nature and history of the area. Or if you’re looking for something more strenuous, try hiking to Vogel’s summit.
Bring a picnic or stop for a traditional lunch at Viharnik Cafe or Orlove Gave Mountain Inn. But don’t forget to plan your visit according to the season. Although you can expect green pastures and clear views in summer, Mt. Vogel transforms into a ski resort in winter.
Where to Stay in Bohinj
- Hotel Jezero: We stayed at the peaceful Hotel Jezero, a four-star hotel overlooking the lake. Aside from our spacious room and two balconies, the swimming pool and sauna were perfect for chilling out in after a day of exploring. Check availability and read reviews.
Piran (2 days)
A pretty town on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, Piran is all terracotta roofs and sea salt air. Here, you can wander cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted buildings. You can have your pick of seafood restaurants, watch glowing sunsets, and slow down to the seaside pace of life. Piran is a charmer, so if you have time in your itinerary, spend a couple of days here.
Things to do in Piran
Stroll the Seafront Promenade
Settle into your surroundings with a stroll along Piran’s seafront promenade. Begin at the harbour, where fishing boats bob gently in the water. Follow the rock-lined walk to the tip of the peninsula, passing busy seafood restaurants and ice-cream shops. And in summer, you can swim from the rocks along the way.
Walk the Walls of Piran
Soak in Piran’s medieval magic with a walk along the old town walls. Beautifully preserved, the huge stone walls stand on a hill overlooking the town. To reach the entrance, you’ll need to follow the road uphill from behind Tartini Square. There’s a €2 entrance fee and then you’re free to climb the steep, narrow steps and enjoy the best views of Piran.
Rambling across the peninsula, and surrounded by vivid blue sea, Piran looks its most impressive from above. From the walls, the sweeping view takes in everything from private gardens to the elegant Church of St. George.
Explore Strunjan Nature Reserve
End your Slovenia adventure on a high note by exploring Piran’s coastal landscape. Strunjan Nature Reserve stretches along a 4 km section of unspoilt coastline near Piran. And if you’re staying in the town, you can walk the coastal path connecting the two peninsulas.
Located in the Gulf of Trieste, Strunjan is rich in biodiversity. The steep cliffs and pebbled shores are teeming with coastal life. And to reach the park, you can stroll through the Strunjan Salt Pans and watch salt-making in action.
Where to Stay in Piran
- Hotel Piran: With its seafront location, wellness centre, and roof terrace, Hotel Piran is a refreshing place to stay. Check availability and read reviews.
- Memento B&B: If a stylish interior and boutique experience is what you’re after, try the Memento B&B Piran. Check availability and read reviews.
Where to Eat & Drink in Piran
Cafe Teater: For breakfast with a view, head to Cafe Teater. Perched on the water’s edge, this lovely cafe serves light breakfasts, cakes, and drinks.
Cantina Klet: Small and cosy, this local restaurant serves reasonably-priced fish and seafood dishes. The friendly, relaxed vibe means it’s as lovely for a morning coffee as it is for dinner. Cantina Klet is cash only.
Cafe Galeria: Cool and colourful, Cafe Galeria is a fun place to hang out. With regular live music and a friendly atmosphere, this is an ideal spot for weekend drinks. There’s a good selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, so you’ll have lots to choose from.
If you like the outdoors, then you’ll love Slovenia. From coastal trails to mountain lakes, this tiny country has a huge amount going on. And whether you have 10 days, three days, or one week in Slovenia, I hope this itinerary will help you make the most of your trip.
You might also like: 10 Beautiful Things to Do in Bled
