Solo Summer 2025 Days 59-61: Three Days in Ljubljana: Castles, Cream Cake, and Thai Massages

After a lovely and laid-back morning in Zagreb, I checked out of my hotel and made my way to the train station for the next leg of my European adventure—Ljubljana, Slovenia. Unfortunately, the journey didn’t start off quite as smoothly as I’d hoped. The train was about 30 minutes late, and the station lacked both seating and air conditioning. On a sweltering summer day, that combination is less than ideal.

Once the train finally arrived, I ran into another snag—my cabin was locked. After a bit of wandering and tracking down a railway employee, I was finally able to get in and settle down. The AC wasn’t working onboard either, but luckily, the seats were comfortable and I shared the space with just one other traveler, a friendly young woman from the UK. Despite the heat, the 2.5-hour ride passed easily as we chatted and enjoyed the scenic views.

As soon as I arrived in Ljubljana and stepped outside to wait for my Uber, the skies opened up in a classic summer downpour. Thankfully, my ride came quickly and whisked me away to my hotel for the next three nights: the Grand Union Hotel.

The Grand Union Hotel

Located in the heart of Ljubljana’s city center, just a short stroll from Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge, the Grand Union Hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury. Built in 1905 in Art Nouveau style, the hotel has long been a symbol of elegance and comfort in the city. My room was spacious, stylishly appointed, and, most importantly after my hot train ride, equipped with a gloriously cold shower. After refreshing and grabbing a short nap, I was ready to explore.

I wandered around the charming city center and had every intention of sitting down for dinner at a restaurant. But the irresistible smell of Thai food from a nearby kiosk derailed my plans—in the best way. I grabbed a takeout container brimming with noodles and curry, headed back to the hotel, and settled in for a cozy night of Netflix and takeout.

Day 2: Slovenian Countryside Adventure

The next morning began bright and early with a full-day small group tour of Slovenia’s stunning countryside. First stop: Savica Waterfall. After climbing 440 steps (yes, I counted) through a beautiful forested path, we reached the waterfall. Though relatively small, Savica is unique—it splits in two near the top and tumbles into a turquoise pool. Tucked into the Triglav National Park, it’s one of Slovenia’s most famous and most photographed falls, and definitely worth the hike.

From there, we made our way to Lake Bohinj, the largest permanent lake in Slovenia and far less crowded than the more famous Lake Bled. Surrounded by the Julian Alps and dense pine forests, Bohinj has a serene, untouched feel. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming—or simply admiring the breathtaking alpine views.

Next up was Bled Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking Lake Bled. The castle itself is gorgeous, with medieval architecture, museum exhibits, and incredible panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. But the highlight for me was the wine tasting experience. It wasn’t your average pour-and-sip—I got to make my own bottle! I filled it, corked it, added the label, and sealed it with wax using a stamp. A fun, hands-on experience—and a great souvenir.

Before leaving the castle, we sampled Bled’s famous cream cake, known locally as kremšnita. Layers of flaky puff pastry, custard, and whipped cream—need I say more?

We wrapped up our day with some free time in the town of Bled. I grabbed a light lunch at a lakeside café and browsed the local shops before heading back to Ljubljana. That evening, I had dinner at a restaurant just two blocks from my hotel with a lovely view of the Ljubljanica River—great food, peaceful vibes, and perfect for winding down after a full day.

Day 3: Strolling, Spa Time, and a Decadent Dinner

I started my final full day in Ljubljana with a quiet morning walk through the Old Town. Ljubljana is compact and walkable, with cobblestone streets, colorful baroque buildings, and whimsical bridges. I snapped photos of the Dragon Bridge, strolled past the Central Market, and lingered in leafy squares before heading to my late morning treat—a 2-hour spa session.

I booked a Thai massage and a spa pedicure. The massage? Absolute heaven. It was the perfect remedy for sore legs after all those stairs the day before. The pedicure wasn’t quite as luxurious—shorter than expected—but it did the trick. My feet felt refreshed and ready to take on more exploring.

That evening, I went all out with a seven-course tasting menu at Georgie Bistro. Each course was a creative blend of Slovenian ingredients with international flair, beautifully plated and full of flavor. It was one of those slow, indulgent meals that makes you fall in love with travel all over again.

The next morning, I packed up and headed to the airport for my flight to Copenhagen, where I’d be attending the Academy of Management Conference. My time in Ljubljana was short but full—of nature, history, amazing food, and charming city strolls. I’m already dreaming of coming back. Slovenia, you were an unexpected delight.