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15 Things to do in Ptuj (Slovenia) – Tips + photos of Castle and Town

Last updated on August 22, 2023 by Claire - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission (more)

Let’s discover the best things to do in Ptuj, the oldest recorded town in Slovenia, located in the East. 
Its charming old center is protected by the Ptuj Csastle which offers stunning views and a great museum. 
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit to Ptuj Slovenia with tips, map 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
s Visit Ptuj Castle - things to do in Ptuj Slovenia Travel Guide
Contents
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Slovenia:
Why visit the town of Ptuj in Slovenia?
5 Best things to do in Ptuj
PLANNING TIPS & Map – Visit Ptuj, Slovenia
Where to stay in Ptuj – Hotels & Accommodations
The Castle of Ptuj
The Ptuj Castle Museum
What to see in the old town of Ptuj
Excursions and Day trips from Ptuj

Why visit the town of Ptuj in Slovenia?

Ptuj is one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. It has a lot of charm with:

  • Orange roofs
  • A castle
  • A river
  • Old buildings

One of the best viewpoints is from the pedestrian bridge crossing the river:

Town of Ptuj, Slovenia
Town of Ptuj, Slovenia

Ptuj history in a Nutshell

  • Ptuj is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia. There is evidence that it has been inhabited since the late Stone Age.
  • It has a long and rich history because it is located at a strategic crossing of the Drava River
  • In the Roman Empire, it was a Military fort. It was named Poetovium.
  • Later it became part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire
  • Read more about the history here

Ptuj Architecture

  • At the top of the town is the Ptuj Castle protecting the 2 monasteries at the bottom: Dominican and Minorite
  • The Drava River marks the limit at the bottom
  • The town has a triangular silhouette
  • Today the castle is a stronghold rebuilt in the 18th and 19th century

I think it is one of the best old towns and places to visit in Slovenia.
My favorite view is from the fortification walls of the castle. Look at the panoramas below with the red roofs, the river, and the greenery of the surrounding wine region:

best view of Ptuj Slovenia 1

Video – Virtual Tour

Below is a short video to give you a feel for what it is like to visit Ptuj Slovenia. You will see the river, the old streets, the castle and its museums…

5 Best things to do in Ptuj

I will share more about some of my favorite parts of Ptuj, but in a nutshell the best things to do in Ptuj are:

  1. Enjoy the views from the Pedestrian Bridge
  2. Walk up to the castle and enjoy the views over the city
  3. Visit the Regional Museum in the castle
  4. Stroll the old town and admire the historical highlights
  5. Enjoy an excursion to the Olimje Castle

More ideas and photos after the planning tips.

best view of Ptuj Slovenia 4

PLANNING TIPS & Map – Visit Ptuj, Slovenia

How to get to Ptuj Town – Location & Map

  • Ptuj is located on the East of Slovenia, just South of Maribor
  • Easily accessed by car
  • Ljubljana to Ptuj = 1h30 drive
  • Maribor to Ptuj = 35 min drive
  • Celje to Pjuj = 45 min drive
  • Below is a Map to help you get oriented and locate Ptuj:
Map - Ptuj in Slovenia - Location
Map – Ptuj in Slovenia – Location

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
eBook Slovenia
  • 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
Discover it!

East Slovenia Tour

If you don’t want to drive, you can book a day tour from Ljubljana that covers Maribor, Ptuj and the beautiful Zice Monastery – check out program and book

Visiting Ptuj

  • The old town of Ptuj is not that big. I recommend planning one day to explore the old town and visit the museum in the castle
  • Plan more time if you enjoy wine and vineyards, because the region is famous for it
  • There is limited parking space in the old town.
  • If you are not spending the night, you can park across the river, and walk to the city
  • Ptuj Castle opening hours – at least 10am to 4pm (closed on Mondays) – Entrance for a fee – see latest info

Ptuj Map

You should also take the time to walk around the town of Ptuj. It has charming streets with colorful building and other things to discover.
In the main street, not far from the City Tower, you can find the visitor center where you can get a map of the city.
It includes the location of all the points of interest and short explanations at the back – most are on the North side of the river

Things to do in Ptuj - Map
Things to do in Ptuj – Map
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!

See all my tips

See available cars

Where to stay in Ptuj – Hotels & Accommodations

I stayed at one of the most famous hotel in the city: Hotel Mitra.

First written records date back to 1777. At the end of the 18th century, it became the first coffeehouse in town. It was modified in a neo-baroque style at the end of the 19th century and became a hotel.
After WWII it was the national officer’s home and it turned back into a hotel in 1988.

CHECK OUT more photos and availability

It was welcoming and charming. Loved the spa area, the inside terrace, and the delicious breakfast. Here are some of my photos:

Slovenia Ptuj hotels accommodations

Best places to stay in Ptuj – accommodation suggestions

  • Apartments
    Sobe Prostija  is a boutique building with several apartments in the heart of Ptuj – great welcome
    see photos and availability
  • Guesthouse
    Great value option at Rooms Hisa Divino in the city center
    see photos and availability
  • B&B
    Bed and Breakfast Silak is in a historical house in the center of Ptuj
    see photos and availability

You can also check out the best rated accommodations in Ptuj.

Where to stay in Slovenia?

My favorites ona road trip:

  • In Ljubljana, to explore the vibrant city – see best rated accommodations
  • In Bled, to admire the iconic lake  – see best rated accommodations
  • In Bovec, to enjoy the mountains – see best rated accommodations
  • In Piran, to explore the coast – see best rated accommodations
  • In Ptuj, to learn about history – see best rated accommodations
  • Around the Logar Valley for amazing scenery – see best rated accommodations
See our article on where to stay
Hotel in Slovenia

The Castle of Ptuj

The medieval stronghold was first built in the 11th century under the archdiocese of Salzburg. But it was rebuilt to what it is today in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It is located at the top of the hill.

#1 – Enjoy the climb to the castle on the cobblestone path

You can reach the castle either from the center via a narrow street and a covered staircase.

Access to Ptuj Castle Slovenia 1
Access to Ptuj Castle Slovenia 2

Or you can use the side slope from the Dominican monastery. However, note that this path is not flat at all, it is made of round rocks and very bad for the ankles. I think the stairs are better.

Access to Ptuj Castle Slovenia 3

Once inside the fortification wall, you must get your ticket from the museum shop in what looks like stables. 

Ptuj castle entrance

#2 – Appreciate the view from the Castle walls

Thanks to the high vantage point you can admire magnificent views over:

  • the town’s orange roofs
  • the Drava River
  • and in the distance the lake Ptujsko Jezero
View over Ptuj
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…

Claire, I pay you a coffee!

The Ptuj Castle Museum

#3 – Visit the Regional Museum inside the castle

And then you can enter the castle itself where the regional museum is housed. It has been turned into a Museum in 1945, one of the largest in the region.

Courtyard of Ptuj Castle
Courtyard of Ptuj Castle

Furniture and way of life

The first part of the museum allows you to visit the living quarters of the castle and imagine life as it was with some old pieces of furniture. Most pieces are from the Herbestein legacy spanning from 16th to 20th century.

Slovenia Ptuj Castle interior - furniture 1
Slovenia Ptuj Castle interior - furniture 2

Paintings

On the second floor is the Castle gallery with paintings from the 16th to the 18th century. They cover portraits of noble families, landscapes and religious or mythological scenes.

Slovenia Ptuj Castle interior - paintings

Musical Instrument collection

An entire section of the museum is dedicated to musical instruments of all ages. This is the richest collection in Slovenia with around 300 pieces. The collection is well presented in various rooms, with recordings playing in the background. It ends with the displays of stunning pianos.
There is even a Roman double flute from the 2nd or 3rd century.

Slovenia Ptuj Castle interior - music collection

Armory

At the end you have to find one of the museum persons, to open the access to the collection of arms room. Inside you can see more than 500 pieces with armors and weapons. They date back from the 15th to the 20th century.

Slovenia Ptuj Castle interior - Armory

What to see in the old town of Ptuj

Take the time to stroll in the old town. It has a lot of charm.

Visit Ptuj old town Slovenia

#4 – Pedestrian bridge over River Drava

One of my absolute favorite views (after the castle walls) is from the bridge over the Drava river. 
One of the bridges is only for pedestrian and bicycles as it connects with a large carpark.

View from Pedestrian bridge over River Drava
View from Pedestrian bridge over River Drava

#5 – Turn around the City Tower

To get oriented, always try to find the top of the City tower. It is the most distinctive landmark (apart from the castle). It has an onion shaped rooftop and roman reliefs built into it.
Pay attention to it and you will see it has only 3 clocks despite having 4 sides. It is because the castle owner did not want to contribute to the building of the tower.
So, in the direction of the castle, there is no clock…

Ptuj City Tower
Ptuj City Tower

#6 – Appreciate the sculptures on the Orpheus Monument

At the foot of the City tower is the Orpheus Monument which is a Roman Tombstone from the 2nd Century. 
It is a marble statue, a 5m tall monolith, erected for the mayor of Poetovio.
In the Middle-ages it was used for public punishment.

Orpheus Monument
Orpheus Monument

#7 – Appreciate the architecture of the Minorite monastery

Built in the 13th century, the Minorite monastery was heavily damaged in fires and war bombings. It is now reconstructed and houses a library. It has a great inner courtyard with arcades.

Ptuj Minorite monastery
Ptuj Minorite monastery

#8 – See life in pink at the Dominican monastery

Founded in 1230, the Dominican monastery was disbanded in 1785. It has a strange architecture with gothic and baroque elements. It is now a cultural venue.

Ptuj Dominican monastery
Ptuj Dominican monastery

#9 – See the massive Town Hall

The yellow town hall is one of the most massive buildings in Ptuj. It dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and was imagined by architect Max Ferstl. 

Ptuj Town Hall
Ptuj Town Hall

Excursions and Day trips from Ptuj

If you want to visit the eastern region of Slovenia, Ptuj can be a good place to stay.
From there you can explore and…

#10 – Admire the Vineyards  

Eastern Slovenia is a Wine region. 

#11 – Head to Maribor

Maribor is the second largest town in Slovenia. You can visit its cathedral and climb up to Pyramid Hill for beautiful views.
Learn more on my article about Maribor.

#12 – 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 destination in mind and finding those little gems.
Don’t miss Ptujska Gora, a pilgrimage location

Marijna Romarska Pot
Marijna Romarska Pot

#13 – Visit the Dvorec Statenberg Castle / Manor, 30min drive away

It is only a 30min drive from Ptuj

Statenberg Castle
Statenberg Castle

#14 – Visit the Olimje Monastery

This unique building is worth the drive. It is located more to the South, at the border with Croatia, 1h away from Ptuj.
It is home to the oldest pharmacy in Slovenia.

Olimje Monastery
Olimje Monastery

#15 – Admire the Dornava Mansion

Just 15min East of Ptuj, you can also admire the Dornava Mansion where you can enjoy the garden and appreciate the Baroque architecture from the outside.

#16 – Change country

Or you can head to Croatia. The town of Zagreb is only 1h30 away by motorways.

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:

Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
eBook Slovenia
  • 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
Discover it!

And keep track of your own trip!

Slovenia road trip Journal

Want to see more of SLOVENIA?

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THINGS TO DO IN MARIBOR SLOVENIA

Slovenia Travel Guide - Slovenia Tourism

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