Explore further with Ljubljana’s original free walking tour · Since 2009
Free Old Town & Castle Tour of Ljubljana
Hidden lanes. Unexpected stories. A hilltop finale. Discover another side of Ljubljana with the best guides in town.
- No fixed ticket price · tip your guide
- 2 hours · English · includes the walk up
Highlights
Old Town secrets.
A castle above it all.
- Explore historic lanes and squares beyond the classic route.
- Hear unusual stories of Ljubljana’s people and past.
- Walk up Castle Hill and finish inside the castle courtyard.
There’s more to Ljubljana than its first postcard view. Our Free Old Town & Castle Tour takes you deeper into the historic centre, through tucked-away passages and some of the city’s oldest streets, before heading up to Ljubljana Castle.
This two-hour Ljubljana Old Town and castle walking tour is the ideal follow-up to our Classic Free Tour. Discover the Town Hall, Fish Alley and Locksmith Alley, the Hercules Fountain and Gornji trg, with local legends and unexpected details along the way.
Only licensed Slovene guides. Explore with Ljubljana’s original and largest walking tour company. Our guides combine first-hand local knowledge with additional presentation training, making the city’s history clear, engaging and fun.
The tour includes a short 10-minute climb to the castle. Entrance to the castle is free of charge. A few restricted areas are not included in the tour. These can be visited after the tour for a separate fee.
Choose your date
Schedule & booking
Use the calendar to see available Old Town & Castle Tour departures and reserve your place. Available dates are underlined in yellow.
Autumn departures
| Season | Start times |
|---|---|
| 1–31 October | Friday & Sunday at 15:00 |
| 1–22 November | Friday & Saturday at 14:00 |
This is a seasonal tour, and extra departures are often added. Check the calendar for the latest availability on your chosen date.
How does a free tour work?
There is no fixed ticket price. At the end, you choose how much to tip your guide.
Groups of 10 or more: contact us in advance.
Select your date, then your preferred departure.
Discover the route
Places & stops you will see
Explore Ljubljana’s atmospheric Old Town streets before walking up to its hilltop castle.
Ljubljana Old Town
Explore the atmospheric streets and historic buildings of Ljubljana’s Old Town.
Inside Town Hall
Discover the city’s historic seat of power, subject to access.
Old Town lanes
Explore small passages and stories beyond the main squares.
Old Town Square (Gornji trg)
Walk through one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods.
Castle Hill
Walk uphill with your guide, taking breaks along the way.
Old Town Panoramic Views
Put the streets and squares below into a wider perspective.
Ljubljana Castle
Arrive at the city’s landmark fortress and uncover its history.
Castle courtyard
Finish inside the courtyard, with time to explore further on your own.
Also along the way
- Fish Alley
- Locksmith Alley
- Old Square & Hercules Fountain
- Gornji Street
- The hangman’s residence
- St. Rosalia’s Church
- St. Florian’s Church
The order of stops may vary with local conditions. Town Hall access may vary; the castle visit covers the freely accessible areas.
Start here
Meet at the pink church
Meet on the steps of the pink Franciscan Church in Prešeren Square. Look for the large yellow umbrella and arrive a few minutes before your chosen departure.
We finish inside Ljubljana Castle courtyard. You can stay at the castle after the tour or make your own way back to the city.
Good to know
Before your walk
- Uphill walk included. About 10 minutes with breaks. There is no funicular option on this tour.
- Wear shoes with grip. Expect around 1.6 km, including cobbles and the climb to Castle Hill.
- Rain or shine. Check the forecast and bring an umbrella; uphill paths can be slippery when wet.
- Mobility needs? Contact us before booking to discuss the uphill route.
- Come prepared. Bring water and weather-appropriate layers.
- Check your departure. Confirm your date and start time in the calendar.
Prefer a flat route? Choose our Classic Free Tour. For a private guide and more flexible arrangements, see the private City & Castle Tour.
Your questions
A few things to know
Is this the same route as the Classic Free Tour?
It complements the Classic Free Tour with additional Old Town streets and stories, followed by the walk up to Ljubljana Castle. You can enjoy either tour on its own or join both.
Can I take the funicular instead of walking up?
No. This public tour follows the uphill walking route together, taking around 10 minutes with breaks. Contact us about a private tour if you need different arrangements.
Does the tour include a castle ticket?
The tour finishes inside the freely accessible castle courtyard. Ticketed exhibitions, the viewing tower and other paid attractions are not included.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Start at the pink church steps in Prešeren Square, by the yellow umbrella. Finish inside Ljubljana Castle courtyard.
How much does the tour cost?
There is no fixed ticket price. You decide how much to tip your guide at the end. Average tips are around 10-20 EUR
Can a group of 10 or more join?
Please contact us in advance so we can discuss suitable arrangements.