Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 19 / 20

  Ljubljana’s compact, largely car-free center and 94/100 walkability rating make most areas easy to reach on foot.

  Sources:

  • MapSorted – Ljubljana walkability 94/100
  • EU Urban Mobility – pedestrianisation case study
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 7.3 / 10

  Ljubljana is Slovenia’s main rail hub, with frequent intercity and international services linking major regional cities.

  Sources:

  • Slovenske železnice – Ljubljana station info
  • Slovenske železnice – timetables and routes
  • Eurostat – Rail transport statistics Slovenia
• Public Transitⓘ 7 / 10

  Ljubljana has an integrated bus network with 40+ routes and contactless Urbana card ticketing covering most urban trips.

  Sources:

  • Ljubljana Public Transport (LPP) – bus lines
  • LPP – Urbana card information
  • CityMatch – Ljubljana public transport score 7/10
• Affordability 7.3 / 10
• Safetyⓘ 9 / 10

  Ljubljana ranks as a low-crime, high-safety city with safety index around 77 and crime index around 23.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Ljubljana Crime and Safety indices
  • MapSorted – Ljubljana safety 85/100
• Air Qualityⓘ 8 / 10

  EEA data show Ljubljana’s PM2.5 levels generally within EU limits, supporting an environment score of 9/10.

  Sources:

  • EEA – Air quality in Europe, Slovenia country data
  • CityMatch – Ljubljana environment and air quality 9/10
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 8 / 10

  Ljubljana scores about 82/100 for quality of life, with strong healthcare, green space, cleanliness and infrastructure.

  Sources:

  • Global City Intelligence – Ljubljana quality of life 82/100
  • CityMatch – Ljubljana overall livability 7.6/10
• Food Cultureⓘ 8 / 10

  Ljubljana offers a strong dining scene, with food rated 82/100 and diverse local and international cuisine.

  Sources:

  • MapSorted – Ljubljana food score 82/100
  • Slovenia.info – Ljubljana gastronomy overview
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 9 / 10

  A 10-hectare pedestrian zone, major car-free streets and reduced motorised modal share make car-free living highly practical.

  Sources:

  • EU Urban Mobility Observatory – pedestrianisation of Ljubljana city centre
  • MapSorted – Ljubljana transit and walkability ratings

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €1,450 – €1,700
• Monthly transit pass €37

Typical prices

• Inexpensive meal €11
• Dinner for two (mid-range) €55
• Cappuccino €2.4
• Beer (0.5L) €3.5
• Groceries / month €260

Prices are indicative and vary by season and venue.

Food guide

Ljubljana’s food culture blends traditional Slovenian comfort dishes with Mediterranean and Central European influences, served in relaxed riverfront eateries and market stalls. Seasonal produce, farmers’ markets and initiatives like Taste Ljubljana and Open Kitchen highlight local ingredients and contemporary twists on classics.

Signature dishes

• Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage)Smoked pork sausage seasoned with garlic and spices, typically served with mustard, bread and sauerkraut.
• JotaHearty soup-stew of sour turnip or sauerkraut, beans, potatoes and often smoked pork, common in winter.
• ŠtrukljiBoiled or baked rolled dough with sweet or savoury fillings such as cottage cheese, tarragon, walnuts or apples.
• Prekmurska gibanicaRich layered dessert cake with poppy seeds, cottage cheese, walnuts, apples and pastry, considered one of Slovenia’s most iconic dishes.
• PoticaYeast-dough roulade traditionally filled with walnuts or other nuts, the best-known Slovenian festive dessert.
• Kraški pršut (Karst prosciutto)Dry-cured pork leg thinly sliced, often served with local Teran red wine.
• BurekFlaky Balkan-style pastry filled with meat, cheese or spinach, popular as inexpensive street food in Ljubljana.
• Beef tongue (Ljubljana-style)Fresh or smoked beef tongue, boiled and served with various sauces or vegetable sides, once a sought-after city delicacy.

Where to eat

• Central Market (Ljubljana) farmers’ marketJože Plečnik–designed riverside market with stalls for fresh produce, local cheeses, meats and snacks.
• Gostilna Sokol traditional restaurant (gostilna)Rustic eatery near the Triple Bridge known for wild game, stews and classic Slovenian comfort food.
• Gujžina regional and vegetarian-friendly restaurantMaribor-influenced spot in the old town serving Prekmurje specialities and options for vegetarians and vegans.
• Vander Restaurant contemporary Slovenian restaurantModern riverside venue offering refined seasonal Slovenian cuisine and tasting menus.

Markets & food shopping

• Central Market (Ljubljana)
• Šiška Market