The Slovenian capital has some of the most active nightlife in the region, with several areas of different types of bars and discos where you can hear everything from techno music to live concerts, or you can simply enjoy a drink with a view of the river Ljubljanica.
Where to go to enjoy the nightlife in Ljubljana
There are several areas where you can find nightlife venues in Slovenia’s capital. The most popular area to have a drink is in the old town, as along its cobbled streets can be found some of its most traditional bars and cafés, along with a few pubs and cocktail bars with a great atmosphere as night falls. One of the most alternative spots is Pritličje where, in addition to a good beer, you can enjoy exhibitions and cultural events.
However, the area that is famous the world over for its parties and atmosphere is, without a doubt, Metelkova mesto, a self-managed centre where artists, squatters and people seeking to live an alternative lifestyle gather, and where you can also find lots of bars and venues that hold live music shows.
This district is one of the most popular with Ljubljana’s LGBTQ community.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something quieter, the area along the river Ljubljanica, near the Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge is packed with bars and clubs where you can order a drink on one of the terraces, whatever the time of year, and no matter how cold it is, and enjoy the incredible views.
Among the most trendy places at present is the area near the railway station, and specifically in Kotnikova Ulica Street, where the bars and discos are very popular with students, as is the Savska neighbourhood, with its electronic music bars, which has become extremely popular in recent years.
What to do at night in Ljubljana: a quiet walk or a full-on party
Slovenia’s capital is full of nightlife options for all tastes, so everyone can enjoy Ljubljana at night, almost at the same pace as during the daytime.
As well as going for a stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town, you could also call into a few of the bars by the river to enjoy a cocktail with amazing views, or to listen to live music on one of the terrace bars.
Another option is to go to a bar in Metelkova mesto for a different kind of experience. In this alternative centre, populated by artists and squatters, and full of urban art, electronic music holds sway in most of the bars, and you can also enjoy live music.
Ljubljana is one of the places on the itinerary of the biggest international DJs, so it is not unusual to find a calendar of important festivals or alternative shows in any of its many venues.
If you are the type who prefers something quiet but elegant, don’t forget to go for a drink on one of the rooftop bars, to appreciate the views of the city from above, or on an evening boat trip down the river Ljubljanica, gazing at the stars and enjoying a hot drink.
The best pubs and discos in Ljubljana that you won’t want to miss
The Metelkova mesto area has some of Ljubljana’s most legendary nightspots, such as Club Channel Zero, a temple to the most underground techno and house music in the area’s most diverse and friendly atmosphere, or Club Tiffany, one of the most diverse and laid-back establishments in the area, which is very popular among young Slovenians and tourists alike.
You can also find lots of bars within the self-managed centre itself with other types of music, such as Alcatraz rock.
Ljubljana’s most famous disco is, without a doubt, Top Six Club, a building several storeys high that hosts sessions by the most famous international DJs on their visits to the capital. It is one of the best-known clubs with an exclusive, but fascinating ambience.
Near the railway station you will find establishments such as Centralna Postaja, one of the city’s biggest discos, which holds Ljubljana’s best electronic parties.
And we must not forget the river Ljubljanica which, as soon as the good weather arrives, turns its floating vessels into proper open-air discos, full of music and people dancing and having fun on the deck — worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.