Welcome to the ultimate guide to Ljubljana’s vibrant bar scene, where the options are as diverse as the city itself. While it’s true that clubs often steal the limelight when it comes to nightlife, the bars in Slovenia’s capital offer a rich tapestry of experiences beyond just partying. From riverside gems perfect for romantic evenings to cultural hubs that double as art spaces, Ljubljana’s bars are a microcosm of the city’s eclectic spirit.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a craft beer enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys a good cocktail, there’s a spot for you. And it’s not just about the drinks; many of these bars offer a culinary journey through Slovenia and beyond, featuring menus that range from traditional local fare to international delicacies.
Accessibility and affordability are other strong suits of Ljubljana’s bars. Most venues are centrally located, making them easy to reach, and many offer amenities like outdoor seating. Best of all, you’ll find that these bars are generally more budget-friendly compared to clubs, with many not charging an entrance fee.
So, whether you’re looking to dance the night away, engage in intellectual conversations, or simply unwind by the river with a glass of fine Slovenian wine, our curated list of bars offers something for everyone. Read on to discover the best places to enjoy a drink — or several — in Ljubljana.
Top 8 Party Bars in Ljubljana
1. Parlament Pub
Parlament Pub is the most popular student bar in Ljubljana due to its relatively cheap liquor. Although a pub by definition, some would say it transforms into a dance club every night with a DJ and a dancefloor. It’s a peculiar blend of a café and a bar, featuring books on the shelves and attracting a mix of students.
Known for its cheap beer and cocktails, the pub hosts lively international parties almost every night, making it a great place to either kick off or wrap up an evening. There is no entry fee, and people often stay there throughout the night, dancing to the tunes of the best hits.
It lies in the center of Ljubljana, near the Slovenian Parliament, which also inspired the pub’s name (parlament = parliament in Slovenian). The entrance and terrace are located at the back side of the building on Plečnikov Trg, offering a slightly secluded feel.
2. Harat’s Pub
Harat’s Irish Pub, part of the world’s largest chain of Irish pubs, is a lively spot that sits along the scenic Ljubljanica River in central Ljubljana. Known for its live music from Thursday to Saturday and almost daily during the summer, the pub also boasts a premium riverside location in the shadow of Ljubljana’s famed Dragon Bridge.
The pub’s spacious interior and inviting ambiance make it a perfect meeting spot for Pub Crawl Ljubljana, but it offers much more than that. With a selection of around 20 beers on tap, including perennial Irish and British favorites, local craft beers and even their own house brew, Harat’s is a haven for beer enthusiasts.
Multiple TVs ensure that patrons can keep an eye on the score of the match, adding to the pub’s appeal as a go-to spot for sports fans. The pub is also known for its tasty hamburgers and a collection of delicious draft beer and good whiskey. The staff is friendly and always ready to help, enhancing the overall experience.
3. Captain’s Cabin
Tucked away in Ljubljana’s narrowest street in the city center, Captain’s Cabin is a small underground cocktail bar that’s open every night, even when the rest of the city sleeps on Sundays. This sailor-themed haven offers more than just a cozy atmosphere; it’s a lively bar that truly shines when it comes to cocktails.
With a two-for-one deal on mixed drinks every night, it’s no wonder people keep coming back for more. But the offerings don’t stop there. The bar also serves a wide range of beers, both big-name and craft, and even provides free popcorn with every order on weekends.
The owners have thought of everything, from the nautical decor with ropes and flags to a menu of bar snacks, live music, and karaoke events. If you’re looking for a more private experience, Captain’s Cabin offers the option of renting the place for private parties, complete with your own music source.
4. Holidays’ Pub
Situated right next to the Hotel Slon in the heart of Ljubljana, Holidays’ Pub holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest bar. While it offers food and drinks throughout the day, the real excitement kicks in as the sun sets.
If you’re a fan of karaoke, you’re in luck; Holidays’ Pub hosts karaoke nights every Wednesday, and if you’re part of Pub Crawl Ljubljana during the summer, you can enjoy it every day. But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. On Fridays and Saturdays, the pub’s DJs spin quality music that takes you on a journey through the decades, from the ’70s to the present.
Adding to its rich history, the pub opened its doors back in 1992 and has been a staple in the city ever since. It’s not just about the drinks and music; the pub also boasts a selection of over 50 whiskies and more than 100 bottled beers. The pub is open almost around the clock, starting the day with morning coffee and closing the next day at 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., depending on the day of the week.
5. England Pub
Located in the heart of Ljubljana, England Pub offers an authentic English pub experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city. While the atmosphere is quintessentially British, the pub has its own unique twist: a love for Manchester United. A casual mention of the football club might even earn you a free drink, thanks to the owner’s passion for the Red Devils.
But the pub offers more than just a place for football fans to gather. It’s situated in a great location, making it easily accessible even during rush hours. The staff is known for their attentiveness and fast service, adding to the overall enjoyable ambiance. England Pub serves good draft beer and has a cozy atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating and Wi-Fi.
6. Cutty Sark
If you’re looking for a pub that combines the coziness of an English bar with the lively atmosphere of Ljubljana, Cutty Sark is your go-to spot. Known for its wild parties and live music events, this pub has carved out a niche for itself in the city’s nightlife.
The interior is designed to give you that classic English pub feel, complete with a wooden bar for customers to enjoy a wide range of local and imported beers and snacks.
The pub has a vibrant program of evening events that will keep you entertained throughout the week. On Wednesdays, prepare to laugh out loud at their stand-up comedy nights. If you’re a fan of live music, Thursdays are your night. And for those who love to groove to the hits of the ’80s and ’90s, Fridays are a blast. DJ sets on Saturdays round off a week full of entertainment.
7. Union Brewery
Union Brewery in Ljubljana is more than just a place to grab a pint; it’s an experience celebrating the rich history and culture of beer-making in Slovenia. The brewery complex houses the Union Pub, located in the former workers’ canteen, and retains a workingman’s feel, albeit with a modern twist.
Here, you can enjoy all of Union’s beers on tap, including unfiltered versions and specialty brews crafted by their brewing wizards. To accompany your drink, the pub offers beer-friendly food, making it a well-rounded experience.
8. Lajbah
Just a few steps from Gornji Trg, following the Ljubljanica River, you’ll stumble upon Lajbah Pub, a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. With a selection that includes 23 different beers on tap from local and foreign microbreweries, Lajbah aims to bring you good music, good food, and an extensive range of craft beers.
The pub even hosts a monthly ‘Tap Takeover,’ inviting some of the finest craft breweries to showcase their ales for the evening. Their menu extends to about 130 bottled beers from around the world, and if beer isn’t your thing, you can opt for Slovenian wine from the Zgonik winery or BrinGin gin from Materija.
The pub also offers a variety of events, including beer tastings and live music, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the craft beer scene in Ljubljana.
Top 8 Lounge Bars in Ljubljana
1. AS Aperitivo
Nestled in a secluded courtyard just off of Prešernov Trg, AS Aperitivo is a top destination for those who appreciate a more glamorous setting. The venue’s modern design has garnered numerous awards, and during the warmer months, it transforms into a large open-air terrace, offering a delightful blend of indoor and outdoor experiences.
The Italian head bartender crafts masterful creations, from cocktails to wines that are sure to quench your thirst. Live DJs often accompany the drinks, adding a lively yet sophisticated touch to the atmosphere. The menu is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, featuring homemade gresini, San Daniele prosciutto, canapés, olives, and crispy chips.
The venue aims to bring “la dolce vita” to Ljubljana, offering a relaxed evening in the company of friends. The architecture of the place is also noteworthy, featuring glass walls that can be completely hidden during sunny days, giving guests the feeling of being under a large tree canopy.
2. Pritličje
Pritličje is a multifaceted venue that defies easy categorization. Located next to the town hall in Ljubljana, this space serves as a café, bar, cultural center, and even a comic book shop. During the day, it offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy coffee, tea, and meals.
The café space also doubles as a venue for social events like lectures, round-table discussions, and public debates. As the sun sets, Pritličje transforms into a lively club, hosting DJ nights and concerts featuring urban electronic music.
The venue is not just about food and drinks; it’s a hub of creativity. The events’ schedule is brimming with cutting-edge activities, and the drinks list goes beyond the standard fare to include local and internationally branded-beers, sandwiches, and desserts.
The coffee is highly praised, making it a frequent spot for locals and visitors alike. Moreover, the venue has a comic book store, which is the only one of its type in the city center, adding another layer to its eclectic nature.
3. Dvorni Bar
Dvorni Bar is a wine lover’s paradise in the heart of Ljubljana. By day, it’s a pleasant café, but as the sun sets, it transforms into the city’s trendiest wine bar. With over 100 varieties of wine in stock, it’s an excellent place to sample local vintages and international selections.
The bar has a dual personality: one end is a swanky, jazzy area focused on wine, while the other side leans more towards a restaurant atmosphere, offering tapas and lunch specials.
It also hosts wine promotions every other Wednesday, where a winemaker personally introduces their wines, which are then featured in a special offer for the next two weeks.
They also host various cultural events like book presentations, music concerts, and dance events. For more intimate gatherings, they offer a 200-year-old wine cellar that can be rented for private events.
4. Sir William’s Pub
Nestled in the Art Nouveau part of Ljubljana’s city center, Sir William’s Pub is a haven for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. With a selection that boasts more than 160 different varieties of beer, including local crafts like Human Fish, this pub is a classier affair compared to most in town.
The atmosphere is warm and laid-back, perfect for a casual chat with the staff about your beer preferences or to catch a game on the big screen TV.
During the day, the pub takes on a coffee house-like atmosphere, offering guests a peaceful setting to read a book or browse through a newspaper. In the evenings, the energy picks up, especially when the pub hosts themed events and beer tastings. The last Monday of every month is particularly special, as it’s dedicated to beer-tasting events.
5. Makalonca
Makalonca is a riverside gem that offers a unique experience in Ljubljana’s city center. With its location right on the Ljubljanica River, it’s the closest you can get to the water while enjoying a drink in the city.
The venue itself is a cultural monument, originally designed as a wharf by the renowned architect Jože Plečnik. It was transformed into a bar about 50 years ago and named after the main character of a local folk tale, Princess Makalonca.
The menu features a variety of local beers, including their own brew crafted by the Central Slovenian microbrewery Mali Grad. International beer options like Heineken and Guinness are also available. If you’re not in the mood for beer, they offer a range of cocktails, hot dishes, and desserts.
They also have a summer garden for those sunny days and a winter garden for when the weather turns chilly. Live music and DJ nights are regular features, and they even have a screen for showing sporting events. If you’re planning a private gathering, Makalonca has a room available for private parties and meetings.
6. Lockal
Lockal is a charming bar on Petkovškovo nabrežje, right next to Butcher’s Bridge in Ljubljana. The bar’s name is a clever play on words, combining “lock” and “local,” which aptly describes its essence. The “lock” aspect is inspired by the love locks that adorn nearby Butcher’s Bridge, adding a romantic flair to the venue. On the “local” side, Lockal takes pride in offering a selection of Slovenian products, from beers and teas to lemonades.
The bar is designed to be accessible, featuring amenities like air-conditioning and an outdoor seating area. It’s a pet-friendly venue, so feel free to bring along your four-legged friends. Lockal is open from 8:00 am to midnight, making it a versatile spot whether you’re looking for a morning coffee or a late-night drink.
7. Wine Bar Šuklje
Wine Bar Šuklje is a haven for wine enthusiasts, located in an old bourgeois villa along the riverbank in Ljubljana. The bar offers an extensive selection of over 450 wine labels from Slovenia and around the globe.
What sets this place apart is its unique “Vino Music Mood” concept, where guests can choose a wine that matches their current musical mood, be it “easy pop” or “complex rock.”
Their menu is seasonally influenced and prepared from local, high-quality ingredients. They even feature a famous bread called “belokranjska pogača,” traditional from the Bela Krajina region.
For those who want to delve deeper into wine culture, Šuklje regularly hosts tasting events and offers a monthly menu of around 30 special wines. They also operate as a wine shop, allowing you to take home any of the Slovenian wines on their list.
8. Prulček
Nestled on the edge of the city center, Prulček is an alternative cultural venue that offers a platform for non-mainstream artists to express themselves freely. The bar is not just about drinks; it’s a space that encourages social dialogue and supports the arts.
The interior of Prulček is designed with waste material recycling in mind, giving it an innovative and eco-friendly vibe. But what truly sets it apart is its daily program of events. On any given day, you could find yourself enjoying a music concert, an exhibition, or even a theater performance. They also host workshops, making it a vibrant space for community engagement.
The musical program at Prulček is especially noteworthy. From jazz evenings that bring together performers and listeners in a high-quality musical event to rock and funk interpretations, the venue offers a rich tapestry of musical styles. They even have a series of concerts that blend world music and jazz fusion into a unique musical experience.
When it comes to beverages, Prulček offers an extensive selection of beers, both local and international. From Union and Laško to Weihenstephaner and the Sierra Nevada, the beer menu is as diverse as its cultural offerings. And if beer is not your thing, they also serve cocktails and snacks.
Visit the best bars in Ljubljana with us!
Ready to experience the best of Ljubljana’s nightlife? Don’t just read about these incredible bars — come and live the experience with us!
Join our Pub Crawl Ljubljana for a curated tour of some of the city’s top spots, or opt for a personalized adventure with our Private Party Guide.
Either way, you’re in for a night you won’t soon forget. So go ahead, make your plans and prepare to toast to an unforgettable evening in Slovenia’s vibrant capital. Cheers!
