Once part of former Yugoslavia, the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is now a thriving destination of its own accord. Known as a melting pot of culture and history, this destination has a colorful past that is intriguing to learn.

Free walking tours in Ljubljana enable you to discover the enchanting architecture and fascinating monuments of the city with a friendly local by your side to guide you through the streets, and fill you in on each landmark. Best of all, there’s no fee for booking these excursions, making this an ideal activity to add to your itinerary.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing activities in Ljubljana.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours offer an affordable way to explore a destination and soak up its essence. These tours are led by guides who are not employed by a company, so it is customary to tip the guide. The term "free" refers to the tour having no fixed price.

These tours visit the city's famous sights while providing a brief overview of the region's history. A free walking tour is a great way to get to know the city while ticking off some of the sights on your must-see list.

How much should you tip?

In Ljubljana, free walking tours operate on a "pay-what-it's-worth" principle, so you can tip the guide accordingly to how much you enjoyed the experience. Your guide will appreciate any amount you may leave at the end of the tour. Usually, in Ljubljana you would leave between €10 and €15 per person, but the decision is entirely up to you.

What are the best free walking tours in Ljubljana?

Small group free walking tour in Ljubljana

Gain a thorough introduction to Ljubljana on this free tour with a born-and-bred local.

Itinerary

With an enthusiastic guide, you’ll set off to see the most celebrated landmarks in the city. These include the Triple Bridge, which has been recognized by UNESCO and is one of the most unique walkway designs in Europe. Gaze in awe at the Renaissance architecture of the 18th-century Ljubljana Cathedral, which is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron of many, including children and sailors, and learn about the Town Hall, which has been an important meeting point since the 15th century.

Discover several more expertly-designed bridges that arch over the Ljubljanica River, connecting both sides of the city and discover one of the most important educational buildings in Slovenia — the National and University Library, which is home to over 1.3 million books. Step into the history books at Congress Square where Yugoslavia’s independence from Austrian-Hungarian rule was announced after a large demonstration in 1918.

As you amble through the city with your local guide, you’ll learn secrets about the destination that tourists are usually not privy to and end your tour feeling as though you know the ins, and outs of Ljubljana.

Socialist Ljubljana free walking tour

If you’re more interested in the political regimes of former Yugoslavia, you should consider participating in a tour focused on the country’s socialist background.

Itinerary

After meeting your guide, you’ll wander in the direction of Republic Square as part of a small group, which makes for an intimate excursion. You’ll discover where history was made at Republic Square, where Slovenia was declared its own independent nation in 1991 after almost 90% of the population voted in favor of the movement. Listen to your guide as they fill you in on the history of the country’s government as you stroll past the meeting place for the 90 members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia.

Pay your respects to those who died in the resistance struggle of WWII at the Tomb of National Heroes before continuing through the open green space of Argentina Park, so named in honor of the friendly relations between the two nations at the end of the 20th century. The final landmark on this free walking tour in Ljubljana is Prešeren Square, which is surrounded by fascinating architecture and houses the Prešeren Monument, dedicated to the 19th-century poet of the same name.

Craft beer safari of Ljubljana

Those who are looking for a more light-hearted affair can explore the city’s best tipples on a beer tasting tour in Ljubljana.

Itinerary

On this free walking tour in Ljubljana, you’ll make your way to three of the city’s most celebrated pubs, each of which is famed for its craft beers. You’ll be able to sip on local brews as you connect with like-minded individuals and discover a little bit more about the country’s affinity with beer brewing.

As you ramble leisurely between bars, you’ll see several of Ljubljana’s most spectacular landmarks, including Congress Square, designed by Jože Plečnik, as well as Dragon Bridge, which features four intricate statues of the mythical beings and is said to be associated with the Greek legend of Jason and the Argonauts.

National Museum of Slovenia free walking tour

History buffs can discuss a colossal collection of ancient objects, from Roman inscriptions to suits of armor and noble portraits on a tour through the city’s most esteemed museum.

Itinerary

While other free tours in Ljubljana take you on an adventure through the city, checking out a wide variety of its landmarks, this excursion focuses on just one destination — the National Museum of Slovenia. You’ll follow your guide from room to room learning all about the worldly artifacts on display, which include musical instruments that date back 60,000 years, as well as an Egyptian sarcophagus featuring a preserved mummy.

You’ll also depict numerous historic paintings that date between the 16th and 20th centuries, and showcase the evolution of art over a period of 400 years. Spend an hour or so talking through some of the 1,000 paintings that are displayed in this fascinating museum, as well as relics from Slovenia’s own past, including a canoe from the city’s marshes.

In which languages is it operated?

The majority of free walking tours in Ljubljana operate only in English. However, some also offer additional languages, such as Spanish. These usually take place separately so that you won’t have to listen to commentary in two languages during your excursion. As the popularity of free walking tours grows in Europe, it is likely that the range of languages will expand to make them more inclusive for all nationalities.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Ljubljana start at a range of destinations across the city, from exact addresses to easy-to-reach landmarks, such as Congress Square or the National Museum of Slovenia. Either way, you’ll be able to see the meeting point before booking so that you can arrange transportation ahead of time. When you arrive at the location, you can expect your guide to be wearing or holding an item that makes them easily recognizable.

Ljubljana is a walkable destination, making it simple to make your way to your starting location. However, you can also make use of the wide network of buses and trains in the city in order to navigate its streets.

How long does it last?

Free walking tours in Ljubljana typically last between 1.5 and 2 hours. While you won’t be able to explore the whole of the Slovenian capital in this small time slot, you will have the opportunity to view its most iconic landmarks and learn more about the history of Yugoslavia. If you’re looking to extend your adventure, you should consider opting for a relaxing beer safari through the city, which lasts around 3 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While some free tours in Ljubljana are accessible to wheelchair users, others are not. Those with limited mobility should consider opting for an excursion that explores the National Museum of Slovenia or one that is centered around the city’s socialist history in order to have their needs met. You can consult the booking page of each tour to ensure it is suitable for all members of your party.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Ljubljana?

If it's your first time visiting Ljubljana, it’s best to take the free walking tours at the beginning of the stay so you can get a general idea of the city. You can take the tour in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and sun.

Should you book tickets online?

While you can wait until you arrive in the city to book an excursion, reserving your free walking tour in Ljubljana in advance is advisable. This will save you precious vacation time that would otherwise be spent roaming the streets looking for a guide. You’ll be able to see a rundown of each itinerary, as well as reviews for each tour to ensure that you book one that aligns with your group's requirements.

You can select a date and timeslot that suits your plans, and booking takes just a couple of minutes. Plus, there’s no need to input your credit card information, which means you’ve got nothing to lose.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Ljubljana?

Free Walking Tours in Ljubljana