Ljubljana: economic center of Slovenia

A picturesque old town, a young and vibrant cultural scene and a quality of life that combines a Central European and Mediterranean feeling. The Slovenian capital is the new star among Europe's city break destinations. Ljubljana's flair has long been an open secret for business travellers and congress participants.

Congress venue with a long tradition

From Ljubljana Castle the old town looks like a picturesque and sleepy Central European city. But appearances can be misleading. The Slovenian capital is not only the most important business location in the country but also a vibrant metropolis notable for its art, architecture and scientific activities. There are more than 15,000 companies in Ljubljana, most of them in the tertiary sector. Along with the port of Portorož and the island Bled, Ljubljana is the most popular congress venue in Slovenia. A modern infrastructure for the organization of international congresses and symposiums has been gradually put into place and half of the congresses held in Slovenia are now located in Ljubljana.

Easy access by road or air

The well developed Slovenian motorway network makes the city quick and easy to access by road. Every hotel in Ljubljana has a car park for guests. Ljubljana airport - recently renamed after the celebrated Slovenian architect Jože Plecnik - has good flight connections to Vienna, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Dublin, Manchester, Helsinki, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Skopje, Zurich, Paris, Brussels and many other destinations. There are also regular flights to Moscow, Istanbul and Tel Aviv. The taxis at the airport can also be booked for travel to other towns. It takes 30 minutes to get to the city centre, somewhat longer during the rush hours from 7 to 9 a.m. and 2.30 to 5 p.m.

Good centrally located hotels

Most traditional four-star hotels are in the city centre (Hotel Slon, Grand Hotel Union Executive and Business and Grand Hotel Union Garni). Away from the centre two hotels have been built in the last three years: Domina Grand Media Hotel near the World Trade Centre and the newest office buildings and the Mons Hotel and Congress Centre, designed by the Viennese star architect Boris Podrecca. Hotel Lev is the only five-star hotel in Ljubljana. All hotels have Internet access. 

Lively cultural scene

After a busy day, visitors can enjoy Ljubljana's lively cultural scene. The Cankarjev Dom Culture and Congress Centre has concerts, plays and exhibitions on a daily basis. Ljubljana is famous for its innovative and dynamic theatre scene, although most plays are in Slovenian. There are also 14 museums and 39 galleries, as well as numerous music and theatre festivals in late spring and summer (Festival Ljubljana, Mladi Levi, Trnfest, Ana Desetnica, Druga Godba) that are gaining increasing international renown.

Best shopping addresses

The BTC shopping centre is ideal for shopping expeditions and all purchases. Souvenirs can be bought either in hotels or smaller shops in the city centre.

Restaurant and bar tips

Traditional Slovenian dishes, a mixture of Italian, Austrian and Hungarian cuisine, are available in the Sokol, Zlata Ribica, Figovec and Špajza restaurants. Da Bu Da offers typical Thai cuisine, and Mexican food can be found at Joe Penas and Cantina Mexicana, Sushi Mama promises the best sushi in town. The As and Julija have a wide selection of salads and pasta dishes, while the Harambaša and Sofra are known for their Bosnian specialities. The Don Felipe, famous for good Spanish tapas, and the Namaste Indian restaurant round off the international scene.




Beneath the castle on the banks of the Ljubljanica are numerous bars and restaurants catering to all tastes. Slovenia is famous for its wines. The best wine bars are the Dvorni Bar, Vinoteka Movia, and Vinoteka and Café Breg 2. A relaxing evening can also be had at the Macek, Cutty Sark, As, Bachus, Global, Opera Bar and Le Petit Café.

Further information: Lovely Ljubljana

More city portraits can be found under "My City". City portraits for business travellers published so far: Prague, Belgrade, Krakow, Bucharest, Sofia, Budapest, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Moscow and Bratislava.

Link-Tipp

Hotels: www.gh-union.si www.hotel-lev.si www.hotelslon.com www.mons.si/en/ Airport www.lju-airport.si Events www.cd-cc.si www.ljubljana.si Ljubljana Tourist Office www.ljubljana.si