Let’s discover the best things to do in Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia.
Very different from Ljubljana, Maribor is worth getting over the first impression and exploring to discover its rich history, beautiful buildings and charming surrounding hills.
Below is my guide to plan your visit to Maribor with tips, maps and photos.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Slovenia:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Slovenia: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Bovec: Kayak on the Soca River
My favorite excursion from Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle
My favorite places to stay:
- Lubljana, central – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Lesar Hotel Angel
- Bled, iconic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Vila Bled
- Bovec, outdoorsy – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Dobra Vila
- Piran, historic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Hotel Piran
Why visit Maribor in Slovenia?
Maribor is a large city.
At first glance it can look cold and uninviting, but give it a chance. Strolling around the city is quite enjoyable and there is a good vibe.
It is one of the best cities to visit in Slovenia.
Maribor History
- The area has been settled in the late Iron Age
- Its original name was Marchpurg which means the Castle in March
- The city was first mentioned during the 12th century
- It became an official city in 1254
- Its economic development is due to being part of the Vienna – Trieste Railway line
Maribor interesting Facts
- Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia, after Ljubljana
- It is known for international sporting events, especially a ski competition on the ski resort at Pohorje
- The region is rich in vineyards, and Maribor hosts every year the Old Vine Festival
- It is located by the Drava River
- It was named the European Capital of Culture in 2012
Video – Virtual Tour
Below is a short video to show you what a visit to Maribor looks like: river, old vine, churches, and the views from Pyramid Hill!
5 Best Things to do in Maribor Slovenia
Below is my selection of my favorite things to do in Maribor:
- Hike to the top of Pyramid Hill for magnificent views of the city and the region
- Walk along the river and appreciate the atmosphere
- Relax at one of the many terraces with a great selection of fruity drinks
- Admire the Franciscan church
- Check out the old vine
More about these activities and many others (with photos) after the practical information.
Planning Tips & Map – Maribor Slovenia
How to get to Maribor Location
- Located in the North East of Slovenia
- Ljubljana to Maribor – 1h30 drive (by motorway)
- Zagreb (Croatia) to Maribor – 1h45 drive
- Graz (Austria) to Maribor – 1h drive
- Below is a map to get your oriented and to locate Maribor:
This town is included (with GPS coordinates, map of location and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Slovenia road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
And if you don’t want to drive:
- By Train – Maribor is also easily accessed by train – From Ljubljana it is a 1h50 to 2h40 ride (depending on the train) – Check out times and tickets
- By Tour – You can book a day tour from Ljubljana that covers Maribor, Ptuj and the beautiful Zice Monastery – Check out program and book
Getting around Maribor
The best way to explore Maribor is by walking, especially with several pedestrian only areas. This way you can admire the many remnants of old houses and the square setting of the town.
Another option is to take the touristic train that departs near the visitor center. Sadly, there were no explanations given, but it is a nice way to get an overview of the city.
Practical Tips
- I recommend planning 1 day on your road trip to explore Maribor
- Parking in the old center is not free and limited
- Get a touristic map of the city at the visitor center (right next to the big red Franciscan Church)
- Regarding accommodations, you can find suggestions at the end of this article or you can already check out the best customer 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 a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
#1 – Best view: Piramida Hill Walk (Pyramid Hill)
So, my favorite thing to do in Maribor was to climb to the top of Piramida Hill. It is one of the 2 hills in the town.
It is quite a hike especially when the sun is shining brightly.
I recommend doing the walk in the morning or late afternoon, because for most of it, there is no shade at all.
In the photo below you can see the top of the hill from the city.
Its elevation is 386m (1266ft).
The hike from the visitor center to the top and return takes 1h15 if walking slowly.
Along the way you are in the middle of the vineyards…
At the top you can find the ruins of the old castle, a chapel from the 19th century, a bar open in Summer and these amazing views of Maribor and of the region.
#2 & 3 – Maribor Castle & Museum
#2 – Admire the castle form the outside
In the city center stands the Maribor castle, on Castle square (Grajski trg).
I don’t know what I did, but I don’t seem to have a proper photo of the castle… sorry
The Maribor castle was originally built in the 15th century but was modified and restored many times since.
It is not as impressive as other castles in Slovenia (my opinion).
#3 – Visit the Museum
Inside the castle is the Regional Museum of Maribor with many artefacts from the ancient city and the region.
Different rooms offer different decors with paintings, oval ceilings, statues and staircases… It is like a small city inside the city.
#4 – Maribor Cathedral
The Maribor Cathedral is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It is located on Slomškov Square.
It is a Romanesque building from the 12th century.
The decor is austere without many paintings and ornaments. It has a very classic shape.
The 57m high Bell Tower is from the 18th century. You can climb it during certain hours and on certain days (check here).
And don’t forget to turn around to admire the organ. It is a beautiful piece.
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
#5 – Maribor Franciscan Church
However, the religious building that stands out the most in the city is the Franciscan Church. With the red brick, you really can’t miss it!
It is the Basilica of Our Mother of Mercy.
It was built between 1892 and 1900. Before, the church of Our Lady used to stand there (dating back to 1613).
It is a magnificent neo-Romanesque building with 2 towers.
Inside the decor is elegant and not overwhelming.
My favorite part was the surprising flooring:
#6 to 16 – What to do in Maribor City Center
Walk down to the side of the Drava River for a vibrant scene.
#6 – Discover the Old Vine & Wineries
One of the main stops is the old vine along a house.
I have seen several times the claims of the oldest vines in Slovenia (with some subtle difference, some producing fruits every year for example). It is quite fun how it seems the be important to them.
However, Maribor has the most famous of the vine titles. It is more than 400 years old.
The House holding the vine has been restored and is now the Old Vine House Museum.
#7 – Stroll along Riverside for amazing views
I recommend you cross the bridge for some nice views of the old town and its orangy roofs.
Take time to walk along the river and soak in the views.
The Drava river is 710km long (440mi) and is a tributary to the Danube. Its source is in Italy, then it flows through Austria before crossing the Styria region in Slovenia. Learn more about the Drava River here.
#8 – Water Tower
You can walk quite a while along the river on the side of the old town. You will pass by the vine and several other historical buildings.
One is the Water Tower that you can see in the photo below.
#9 – Enjoy Main square (Glavni Trg) & Plague Column
Just above the waterfront is one of my favorite squares in the town: Glavni trg.
The series of old houses with interesting façades and orange/red rooftops is fascinating.
In the middle is a baroque monument in commemoration of the 17th century Plague.
#10 – Have a look at the Maribor Synagogue
The building is modest, but it is one of Europe’s oldest synagogues (on Židovska Ulica – Jewish Street). It dates back to the 14th century.Inside is a cultural center and museum.
#11 – Have a drink and enjoy the vibe of the city
Near the castle, you can find many places to sit outside and enjoy a drink or an ice-cream (or both…)
#12 – Have a break in nature at the Mestni Park
Next to Pyramid Hill you can find a large park with greenery, trees and 3 ponds.
Plus, there is an aquarium and a terrarium if you are looking for an activity.
#13 – Visit the National Liberation Museum
The museum covers the 20th century and the Germanization efforts during WWII: The Nazi occupation and how they were trying to reconquer it (as it was a German speaking town in the early 1900s).
#14 – Appreciate the Habsburg architecture
The Habsburg style (end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century) is typical of Central Europe. You can see its grand building in Vienna, Zagreb, Brno… and Maribor. You can find a few great buildings throughout the city (University, Post Office…)
#15 – Take a Drava River Boat Trip
In Summer, short cruises are offered on the Drava River.
#16 – Enjoy the Maribor Island Trail
The Island is a wooded nature reserve. There is a Nature trail around the island Mariborski otok.
Plus in Summer, there is an outdoor swimming pool
#17 to 21 – Excursions and day trips from Maribor
#17 – Visit the town of Ptuj
If you enjoy old towns, head to the nearby Ptuj. It is also along the Drava River and also offers a Castle Museum.
Learn more in my article about Ptuj.
#18 – Escape the city to the Pohorje Mountain
Maribor is also famous for its outside nature resort at Pohorje.
It is the South-easternmost part of the Central Alps, a mountain range rising to 1543m with lakes, waterfalls, and primeval forest.
In Winter it is a ski resort. It has the longest night skiing slope in Slovenia.
And in Summer it is an adrenaline hot spot with hiking, biking, adrenaline park and other activities.
Bus 6 takes you from the center to the bottom of the Cable Car in just 10 minutes!
#19 – Drive around the wine country
The area around Maribor has beautiful rolling hills with vineyards.
A drive without any plan could be really enjoyable.
#20 – Collect churches
Slovenia is full of small churches. In the Eastern region, they do stand out as there are less mountains.
They all have something interesting to offer and you could have fun driving around without any destination in mind and finding those little gems.
#21 – Go abroad – Graz, Austria
Graz, the 2nd largest city in Austria, in only 1h drive away.
So, if you are looking for a different cultural experience, it could be nice.
Where to stay in Maribor – Accommodations
Where I stayed
I opted for a modern style apartment at 4flats with a small kitchen and a lot of space. It is located right by the Cathedral so within walking distance of everything.
Photos of the building and the flat below. Check out latest prices and availability
Other Suggestions
- LUXURY – Hotel City Maribor is in Downtown by the Drava River with very spacious rooms – Check out photos and latest prices
- MODERN – If you are looking for very modern design, consider Hotel Maribor – Check out photos and latest prices
- LOCATION – Hotel Lent offers great location for price and intriguing decor – Check out photos and latest prices
- BUDGET – The Guesthouse Anna is centrally located with clean rooms and a friendly team – Check out photos and latest prices
- or check out the best customer rated accommodations in Maribor
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
- Most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful towns in Slovenia – read article
Planning a trip to Slovenia?
Check out my travel guide to help you:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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