A Room with a View in the Heart of Ljubljana - Plus a Taste of Local Flavor
After a short drive from Trieste - about an hour, maybe a little more, I crossed the border and found myself in Slovenia’s capital. Back in Texas, driving for the same time barely gets me across town. But this was different. The scenery changed fast. One moment I was by the sea, and the next, I was weaving into a city that felt green, calm, and surprisingly alive for a capital.
I’d never been to Ljubljana before, so I figured I’d keep things simple and stay somewhere reliable. I booked a room at the InterContinental. You know, one of those hotels you can usually count on to be solid, clean, and in a good location. And it definitely delivered.
The hotel’s right in the middle of the city, which made it easy to get around on foot. Ljubljana isn’t a huge place and that’s actually one of the things I liked most about it. It has that classic European charm, with cobblestone streets and outdoor cafés, but you’re not stuck in traffic or dodging tourist mobs all day.
As for the room I picked, I was up on one of the higher floors - not quite at the top, but high enough to catch some killer views. Waking up and seeing the skyline with mountains in the background was something else. It’s also worth noting (if you’re into this kind of thing) that the InterContinental is the tallest hotel in Slovenia. A little detail, but kind of cool when you’re sipping coffee by the window and can actually see half the city laid out in front of you.
Speaking of coffee, the service at the hotel was friendly and super accommodating. When I asked for a decaf, they brought it up with zero fuss - which, honestly, not every hotel does. It’s a small, but nice touch.
I also made some time to check out their gym, which is on the 18th floor. The equipment is modern, but what really stood out was the vibe - calm, with a chill relaxation area and a full 360-degree view of Ljubljana’s skyline. It kind of makes working out feel less like a chore and more like a chance to soak everything in.
When you're done, you can head straight to the pool or out to the bar terrace. The views up there, especially on a sunny day, are stunning. I’d say if you’ve got work to do, doing it from up there definitely makes it feel less like work.
The room itself was just the right balance of cozy and stylish without being over the top. Soft earthy colors, big windows letting in plenty of light, and enough space to either relax or get some work done if you need to. There was a comfy sitting nook with a view, a desk for laptop travelers (which I always appreciate as a laptop traveler myself), and a bed that looked great and felt even better.
Plus, I loved that the hotel welcomes pets, so spotting a few dogs lounging around made the whole place feel way more homey and welcoming.
Ljubljana’s Calm Streets and a Gluten-Free Dinner Gem
After settling into the Intercontinental, I headed out for a walk. No plan, no map, just figured I’d see what Ljubljana had to offer. First impression? The city’s got this easy charm. Clean streets, pastel buildings, ivy climbing up balconies. Everything felt calm and effortless. It’s not trying too hard and that’s exactly why it works.
Being gluten-free, I’d asked Diana at the hotel for dinner tips, and she pointed me to Dežela Okusov which turned out to be such a gem. A fully gluten-free spot (yes, everything). That alone felt like a win, but it turned out to be much more than just “safe.”
The 25-minute walk there was perfect - enough to soak in the city without getting hangry. The place looked sharp. Clean interior, warm lighting, nothing flashy - just good taste. The staff were friendly in a real way. Not overly polished, just people who know what they’re doing.
The weather was amazing, so I grabbed a seat on the terrace.
Menu had some strong options, but I went straight for the black Angus steak. It came with mashed potatoes that were smooth as hell and some crisp root veg on the side. Beautiful plating, hearty portions.
I didn’t have room for dessert, but watching it land at nearby tables...next time, for sure. That’s the thing - I want there to be a next time. Whether you’re gluten-free or not, if you find yourself in Ljubljana, this place is definitely worth a visit.
A Day in Ljubljana: Castles, Dragons, and Damn Good Pizza
Woke up feeling rested and ready. Breakfast was a win. The hotel had this great buffet setup with fresh salads (finally, something green!), and an à la carte menu that didn’t disappoint. I grabbed a coffee and sat on the bar terrace for a bit. Slow jazz playing in the background, pretty views, and people chatting quietly. It was peaceful, but the explorer in me wasn’t ready to sit still. I’d already made a silent pact with myself - no more admiring the city from a hotel window. I wanted the real views.
So, off to the hill I went. Ljubljana Castle, the city’s iconic fortress, was calling. The place has worn a lot of hats over the centuries: fortress, royal residence, military post, even a prison. Now? A mix of history, art, and tourists with cameras.
The climb up was a bit of a workout (who needs a gym when you’ve got cobblestones and elevation?), but totally worth it. From the top of the watchtower, you can see everything - the rooftops of the city, the winding river, and even the Julian Alps if the sky’s on your side. I stood there thinking how wild it must’ve been to live up here back in the 11th century. Kind of felt like I’d stepped back in time, minus the sword.
There's also this legend tied to the place. Something about a dragon that used to live in the marshes below. Makes you wonder what kind of stories people needed back then to make sense of their world. I’m definitely not a dragon, but after that uphill trek, I was breathing like one.
Heads up: entry to the castle grounds is free, but if you want to see the exhibitions, climb the tower, or check out the escape room, you’ll need a ticket. Mine was around €15. Also, the castle’s a popular wedding spot - lovely for them, but if photobombing isn’t your thing, maybe skip weekends.
After admiring the views and doing a little time travel, I gave my legs a break and took the funicular back down. Short ride, but a fun one. Felt like a reward.
Pizza Stop: Because Culture Needs Carbs
Now, after all that medieval adventuring, I had one thing on my mind: food. I headed straight to Top Pizza in the city center. I mean, come on, “Pizza is art” was written across their sign. How could I not? The place was buzzing with locals and travelers alike. The staff? Super friendly. Jazz music softly playing. It had this cozy, unpretentious vibe. My gluten-free Margherita was next level. Crisp, flavorful, satisfying. Exactly what I needed to refuel.
With energy back in my system, I wandered the streets for a while. Ljubljana is such a walkable city - narrow cobbled lanes, colorful facades, cute little shops, and street art if you pay attention. I passed the famous Triple Bridge, stopped by Prešeren Square to people-watch for a bit, and ducked into a few random courtyards just because they looked interesting. You don’t even need a map here - just curiosity.
Dinner that night was at Raw Pasta – Pasta Fresca Bar. If you’re into fresh, handmade pasta that tastes like it was rolled by an Italian grandma who knows her craft, this is your spot. The atmosphere was chill, nothing too fancy, but it had character. What stood out was how open the space was - you can actually see them making the pasta right there.
After dinner, I walked back to the hotel slowly, the city glowing under warm lights. That kind of quiet contentment settled in. You know, the kind that only comes after a day well spent. I packed my bag for the next leg of the trip, feeling surprisingly productive for someone who mostly just walked, ate, and admired things.
Ljubljana left me with this feeling of calm curiosity - like it’s not a city that shouts, but one that gently invites you to look closer. And honestly? I’m glad I did.
