Discover 15 of the most beautiful cities, towns and villages in Slovenia: charming old centers, castles, rivers and surrounding mountains... They offer great experiences!
Below is my guide to help you decide where to go in Slovenia: Map, tips and photos of best cities, beautiful towns and charming villages.
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Most beautiful cities in Slovenia - Map & Facts
In the article below I will introduce all my favorite cities, towns and villages in Slovenia. My criteria area:
- Scenery
- Charm
- Historical buildings
- Good vibe
My top 3 best towns in Slovenia are:
- Ljubljana - this is one of my favorite capital cities in Europe - There is such a great vibe, and you can easily walk around
- Piran - its location on a peninsula, its great views and its history create a unique place
- Skofja Loka - this town has a great balance of everything, in my opinion. It is a great first stop from the airport to get acquainted with Slovenia.
But there are many more listed below in this article.
Largest Towns
If you are wondering:
- Ljubljana - around 300,000 inhabitants
- Maribor - around 100,000 inhabitants
- Kranj - around 40,000 inhabitants
- Celje - around 40,000 inhabitants
- Koper - around 25,000 inhabitants
Cities and towns in Slovenia - Map
And below is a map to help you get oriented and located all those towns:
Best towns in Slovenia map
All my favorite towns, as well as amazing natural places, are included (with GPS coordinates, map and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Slovenia road trip:
Plan your dream road trip around Slovenia!
Plan your perfect trip to Slovenia with:
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to get inspired
2 largest cities in Slovenia
#1 - Ljubljana
Ljubljana
Why I love it
Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia. It is large but not too big.
This city has a lot of charm with a castle on a hill, a river and the mountains in the distance.
Strolling the pedestrian city center is so relaxing!
Best things to do:
- Stroll in the old town
- Enjoy the views from the building Skyscraper
- Relax on a river cruise
- Eat ice cream - there are so many shops and flavors!
- Have fun at the Museum of illusions or the museum of puppets
- Hunt for dragons
- Learn more on my article about Ljubljana
Where to stay
- Luxury and cosy - Lesar hotel in the pedestrian area - See photos and availability
- Modern design with castle views at Cubo Hotel - See photos and availability
- Unique - enjoy a night in one of the cells of the old prison at Hotel Celica Art - See photos and availability
- Or check out the best rated accommodations in Ljubljana
#2 - Maribor
Maribor
Why I love it
At first glance, Maribor does not look the most welcoming. But stick with it. Go to the center and enjoy walking all around.
There is a great vibe in the city, and it is an easy gateway to wineries, mountains and Croatia.
Best things to do:
- Climb Pyramid Hill for beautiful views of the city
- Visit the castle, the cathedral and the Franciscan church
- Walk along the riverside
- Learn more on my article about Maribor
Where to stay
- LUXURY - Hotel City Maribor is in downtown by the Drava River with very spacious rooms - Check out photos and availability
- MODERN - If you are looking for very modern design, consider Hotel Maribor - Check out photos and availability
- LOCATION - Hotel Lent offers great location for price and intriguing decor - Check out photos and availability
- BUDGET - The Guesthouse Anna is centrally located with clean rooms and a friendly team - Check out photos and availability
- or check out the best rated accommodations in Maribor
Need to rent a car in Slovenia?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose the car and company you prefer
- Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
10 Most beautiful towns in Slovenia
#1 - Piran
Piran
Why I love it
Piran is one of the most fascinating towns in Slovenia. It has had a long history with the nearby salt pans and used to be a rich city.
Plus, its location on a tiny peninsula creates many amazing angles to look at it.
Best things to do:
- Explore the Piran Fortification Walls
- Visit the charming Piran Monastery
- Climb to the top of the Piran Bell Tower
- Watch sunset on the waterfront
- Learn more on my article about Piran and the coast
Where to stay
- IN THE CENTER - Guesthouse PachaMama Pleasant Stay has small but modern rooms (many old buildings in Piran) - Check out photos and availability
- SEA VIEW IN PIRAN - Hotel Piran with fantastic sea views right by Tartini square and with cozy rooms - Check out photos and availability
- or check out the best rated accommodations in Piran
#2 - Skofja Loka
Skofja Loka castle
Why I love it
Skofja Loka is just the perfect size and balance for a half day stop on your way to Bled.
The typical orange roofs, the castle, the museum, the river... It is a pleasure to explore the old medieval town.
Best things to do:
- Visit the castle and its great museum to learn about life in the area
- Stroll in the city center and admire the river
- Enjoy the relaxing vibe of the old town
- Learn more on my article about Skofja Loka
Where to stay
- OLD TOWN - right by the river, Hotel Garni has a convenient location - Check out photos and availability
- MODERN - a little bit further (but not far) is the Turisezm Koka B&B with sauna and jacuzzi - Check out photos and availability
- GREAT FOR FAMILY - The Mini Hotel is built on high grounds, offering a garden and clear views of the region - Check out photos and availability
- or check out the best rated accommodations in Skofja Loka
#3 - Bled
Why I love it
The town itself is not the best, it is very touristy. However, its location is unbeatable: right on the shore of the famous Lake Bled.
From the town you can see the mountains, the lake and the castle right on top of a cliff. It is picture-perfect!
Best things to do:
- Climb Mala Ojstrica at sunrise for amazing views of the lake opposite the town shore (picture above)
- Climb to the castle and enjoy the views from its fortifications
- Take a Pletna boat to the Island
- Explore the magnificent Vintgar Gorge
- Learn more on my article about the Lake Bled area
Where to stay
- CHARM AND CHARACTER - Old Bled House with a charming country decor, only a couple of minutes from the lake - Check out photos and availability
- LUXURY BY THE LAKE - Grand Hotel Toplice is located right on the lake, difficult to do better in terms of location! - Check out photos and availability
- BALCONIES WITH VIEWS - The Best Western is very close to the shore and has rooms with balconies overlooking the lake - Check out photos and availability
- LUXURY & QUIET - Relax at Vila Bled right on the lake but away from the crowds. Quite a romantic setting - Check out photos and availability
- LAKE BLED HOSTEL - Back Hostel is not as central as the other options but it has fantastic reviews and hostel prices - Check out photos and availability
- ORIGINAL GLAMPING - further away from the lake but quite an experience! It gets booked very fast - Check out photos and availability
- or check out the best rated accommodations in Bled
#4 - Izola
Izola
Why I love it
Izola is a charming fishing town with a great vibe and good seafood restaurants.
The smallest of the towns used to be an island. In fact, the name Izola means island...
Best things to do:
- Get up to the Izola Bell Tower
- Relax at the beach
- Explore the marina
- Admire the view with Italy in the background
- Learn more on my article about Piran and the coast
Where to stay
- IZOLA SEA VIEWS - Hotel Marina to appreciate the fishing port and marina - Check out latest prices and availability
- or check out the best rated accommodations in Izola
#5 - Celje
Celje Castle and town
Why I love it
Celje is so underrated. It is a great town with mountains and rivers. Plus, the castle is one of the best castles in Slovenia with incredible views of the region.
Best things to do:
- Go up to the castle and enjoy the views over the town and the mountains
- Explore the city center and riverside
- Enter the visitor center to see the remains of the old Roman town
- Learn more on my article about Celje
Where to stay
- IN THE CITY - to stay in the old town, you can sleep at Hotel Evropa, on the main square - Check out photos and availability
- BUDGET - for a cheaper option, the MCC Hostel is also conveniently located in the center - Check out photos and availability
- B&B - for something smaller and cozy not too far from the center, consider the Bed & Breakfast Dvorec - Check out photos and availability
- or check out the best rated accommodations in Celje
#6 - Ptuj
Ptuj
Why I love it
Ptuj is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia. There is evidence that it has been inhabited since the late Stone Age.
Today it just feels so peaceful. The old center has a lot of charm with the river at its foot.
Best things to do:
- Enjoy the views from the wall around the castle
- Visit the castle and its museum. Don't miss the armory!
- Enjoy the views from the river and bridges
- Learn more on my article about Ptuj
Where to stay
- FAMOUS hotel - Hotel Mitra's first written records date back to 1777... Check out photos and availability
- or check out the best rated accommodations in Ptuj
#7 - Novo Mesto
Town of Novo Mesto
Why I love it - When a town has a river, I often love it. Plus, here it is very lush with charming houses
Best things to do - Stroll around the old center and visit the Dolenjska Museum
Where to stay - check out the best rated accommodations in Novo Mesto
#8 - Kamnik
Why I love it - Mostly because of the surrounding mountains...
Best things to do - Relax with views of the mountains (go to the castle ruins for some of the best views) and head to the magnificent valleys around Logarska Dolina, not far away.
Where to stay - check out the best rated accommodations in Kamnik
#9 - Bovec
view from Town of Bovec
Why I love it - Mostly because of the surrounding mountains...
Best things to do
- Go explore nature around the town - Bovec is at the center of the Soca Valley (see my guide to the area)
- Enjoy water activities on the Soca River
- Discover Slap Virje, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia
- Go hiking
Where to stay - check out the best rated accommodations in Bovec
#10 - Koper
Town of Koper
Why I love it - it is quite different from the other towns. It is the main harbor in Slovenia with interesting buildings
Best things to do
- Visit the cathedral
- Go up the bell tower for great views
- Stroll the narrow streets of the old center
- Learn more in my article about Piran and the coast
Where to stay - check out the best rated accommodations in Koper
3 Most charming villages in Slovenia
#1 - Smartno - most beautiful village
Why I love it
The Brda region is a perfect mixture of rolling hills, trees, lines of vines and old villages. It is often overlooked compared to other regions of Slovenia, but it is absolutely charming. And Smartno is the jewel at its heart.
Best things to do:
- Explore the old village
- Taste wine
- Enjoy the view from the Gonjace tower not far from it
- Learn more on my article about the Brda region
Where to stay - check out the best rated accommodations in Smartno
#2 - Kanal ob Soci
Why I love it - perfectly niched in the mountains with colorful houses, the river, rocks and more...
Where to stay - check out the best rated accommodations in Kanal ob Soci
#3 - Most na Soci
Why I love it - peaceful with the great colors of the Soca River
Where to stay - check out the best rated accommodations in Most na Soci
Want to see more of the best Slovenia has to offer?
- Best things to do in Slovenia - read article
- Most beautiful landscapes in Slovenia - read article
- Best Castles in Slovenia - read article
- Best waterfalls in Slovenia - read article
- Best off the beaten path attractions in Slovenia - read article
Planning a trip to Slovenia?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream road trip around Slovenia!
Plan your perfect trip to Slovenia with:
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to get inspired
And keep track of your own trip!
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