15 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Slovenia (Complete First-Time Travel Guide)
- rachnamone
- Jul 24, 2019
- 7 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
Planning a trip to Slovenia? This beautiful, underrated European gem is full of lakes, mountains, castles, caves, and picture-perfect towns—but there are a few essential things to know before visiting Slovenia to make your holiday smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, solo or with kids, this first-time Slovenia travel guide covers everything from safety, transport and food to visas, weather, etiquette and budgeting.
👉If you are still wondering why should you visit Slovenia? Read our blog -
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Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Slovenia
Visa Essentials for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders require a Schengen Visa to visit Slovenia. If your Slovenia trip also includes countries like Italy, Austria, or the Czech Republic, you must apply through the country where you will stay for the longest duration (your main destination). All applications are submitted through VFS Global, at the visa application centre closest to your city. Processing times can vary—from 2 weeks to up to 1 month, depending on demand and documentation—so make sure to apply well in advance of your travel dates.
👉Planning a family trip to Slovenia?
Bookmark this 7-day itinerary and follow @passportcubs for more kid-friendly travel guides!
How to Get There
There are no direct flights from India to Ljubljana, so travellers typically fly via major European hubs like Vienna or Frankfurt. Both cities have excellent onward connections to Slovenia, either by short flights or comfortable trains.
Because Vienna, Frankfurt, and even Munich are large and beautiful cities with great connectivity, many travellers choose to explore one of these destinations as part of their Slovenia trip. Trains to Ljubljana are efficient, scenic, and well-timed, making multi-country itineraries very convenient.
For our trip, we flew from India to Frankfurt, then took a connecting flight to Salzburg. After exploring Salzburg, we boarded the RailJet train to Ljubljana—a comfortable and scenic journey. We ended our trip by flying out of Vienna, which is only a few hours from Slovenia by train.
Currency
Slovenia uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. 1 EUR = 102.60 INR (Nov 2025). The good news is—you’ll rarely need cash here. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including cafés, supermarkets, trains, and tourist attractions.
Slovenia is also surprisingly affordable compared to its neighbours like Italy and Austria, so your money stretches much further. Whether it’s food, transport, or accommodation, you’ll find excellent value for the quality you get.
If you love places that feel untouched and magical, Logar Valley is the hidden gem you cannot skip. Read our full Logar Valley guide
When to Visit
Slovenia experiences hot summers and cold winters, so your travel experience can vary a lot depending on the season. Popular destinations like Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj get extremely crowded during the summer holidays, and prices also tend to peak.
For the best combination of pleasant weather, lighter crowds, and beautiful landscapes, we highly recommend visiting in late spring (May) or early autumn (September). These shoulder months offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and a more relaxed travel atmosphere.
We visited Slovenia in late September, just as the foliage was beginning to change colour—and it was absolutely stunning. Autumn brings golden mountains, crisp air, and peaceful lakes, making it one of the most magical times to explore the country.
Food
Eating out in Slovenia is much cheaper than in most European countries, making it a great destination for budget-conscious travellers and families. A typical restaurant meal costs around €14 to €25 per person, depending on what you order and where you eat.
If you're staying in an Airbnb or hostel, you can easily save more by buying groceries from local supermarkets. Stores like Mercator, Spar, and Hofer offer everything from fresh produce to ready-to-eat sandwiches, salads, and hot meals—perfect for quick lunches or packed travel days.
Ljubljana also has a few Indian restaurants if you're craving familiar flavours after days of European cuisine. Alcohol is readily available in supermarkets and is reasonably priced compared to neighbouring countries.
And of course, don’t leave without trying the iconic Bled Cream Cake (Kremšnita)—a delicious local speciality you’ll find around Lake Bled.
Accommodation
Ljubljana offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget—from affordable hotels and hostels to boutique stays and family-friendly apartments. If it's your first time visiting Slovenia, we recommend staying in Ljubljana’s city centre. Most major attractions, restaurants, cafés and even the railway station are within easy walking distance, helping you save on transport while enjoying the charm of the capital at a relaxed pace.(We stayed at Hotel Emonec, right in the heart of Ljubljana.)
Slovenia’s countryside is equally beautiful, and one of the most unique accommodation experiences you can have here is staying at a tourist farm. These are real, working family farms that offer rooms, home-cooked meals, and hands-on farm experiences. They’re perfect for travellers who want to experience Slovenian culture, local cuisine, nature and rural life in a peaceful setting. The views from these farms are often breathtaking!
You can book tourist farms via Booking.com or directly with the hosts. To explore more options, visit the Association of Tourist Farms of Slovenia website.
We stayed at two such beautiful farms—one in Selo near Bled and another in Robanov Kot—and both stays were absolute highlights of our trip.
👉Love slow travel? Save this list of Slovenia’s best farmstays for your next family holiday!
Transport
Ljubljana is an incredibly walkable city, and exploring it on foot is one of the best ways to enjoy its charming streets, riverside cafés, and historic buildings. For day trips, the city is well connected by buses to popular destinations like Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, making it easy and affordable for travellers.
However, public transport to more remote regions—such as the Logar Valley, the countryside, or smaller Alpine villages—can be infrequent and time-consuming. This is why we highly recommend renting a car if you want the freedom to explore Slovenia at your own pace.
Slovenia follows right-hand driving, and tourists can legally drive using an Indian driving licence for up to 3 months, as long as the licence is in English. Roads are well-maintained, fuel stations are frequent, and driving through Slovenia’s scenic landscapes is truly a memorable experience.
Activities
Slovenia is quickly emerging as a top adventure travel destination, offering everything from hiking, canyoning, and kayaking to paragliding over Lake Bled. But even if adventure isn’t your style, Slovenia has plenty to offer every kind of traveller.
Explore fairytale castles, wander through the charming old town of Ljubljana, relax in the laid-back coastal city of Piran, sip world-class wines in the Vipava Valley, or soak in the dramatic beauty of the Julian Alps. Whether you love nature, culture, food, or scenic drives, Slovenia has something for everyone.
Simply put—Slovenia is stunning, and you’ll never run out of beautiful places to explore.
Want to add one more unforgettable stop to your Slovenia itinerary?
Don’t miss our family guide to Predjama Castle -
Is Slovenia Child-Friendly?
Absolutely—Slovenia is a fantastic destination for families with kids. The country is safe, clean, easy to navigate, and full of nature-based experiences that little travellers will love. Many tourist farms offer hands-on animal interactions, open spaces to run around, and fresh homemade meals—making them perfect for families.
Kids can enjoy easy treks, boating on Lake Bled or Bohinj, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, exploring caves, and simply playing outdoors in some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether your children love animals, nature, or adventure, Slovenia offers plenty of fun, memorable, and age-friendly activities.
Is it safe?
Yes—Slovenia is one of the safest countries in Europe, making it an excellent destination for families, solo travellers, and first-time visitors. Most locals speak English, are friendly, and are always willing to help tourists.
Petty theft can occur in busy areas of Ljubljana, especially around tourist hotspots or public transport. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
Overall, Slovenia feels calm, welcoming, and very safe for travellers.
Ljubljana Is Compact and Walkable
The capital is small, charming, and perfect for exploring on foot—ideal for first-time visitors. You can spend two days in the capital city, exploring castles, cafes, museums etc.
Tap Water Is Safe and Delicious
Slovenia has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world—carry a reusable bottle. No need to buy water from the supermarkets. However, just remember that tap water , even in restaurants is chargeable.
English Is Widely Spoken
Most people—especially younger Slovenians—speak fluent English. People associated with hospitality can ususally converse in english, making communication easy.
Plan for Day Trips—Slovenia Is Small
You can visit mountains, lakes and the coast within a single trip—perfect for first timers. Some great day trip options are - Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Piran, Postjama caves and Predjama castle.
Sundays and Public Holidays Are Quiet
Shops close early, and many local restaurants shut by evening. The frequency and routes of public transport might be reduced, so plan accordingly.
Slovenia is one of Europe’s most picturesque and stress-free destinations, especially for first-time travellers. With these essential things to know before visiting Slovenia, you’ll be better prepared for transport, weather, food, and cultural nuances—making your holiday smooth, enjoyable and memorable.
Planning a family trip to Slovenia?
Bookmark this 7-day itinerary and follow @passportcubs for more kid-friendly travel guides!
FAQs About Visiting Slovenia With Kids
1. Is Slovenia good for a family vacation?
Yes! Slovenia is extremely family-friendly. From lakes and castles to easy hikes, farms, caves, and coastal towns — there’s plenty to keep kids entertained and parents relaxed.
2. Do Indians need a visa to visit Slovenia?
Yes. Slovenia is part of the Schengen Zone, so Indian travelers need a Schengen tourist visa. You can apply through VFS with documents like flights, accommodation, insurance, and financial proof.
3. How many days are enough for Slovenia?
A 7–10 day trip is ideal. It gives you time to cover Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Bohinj, Piran, and the mountains without rushing — perfect for families traveling slow.
4. Is Slovenia safe for kids?
Absolutely. Slovenia is one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is rare, locals are helpful, and most people speak English. Basic precautions for petty theft are enough.
5. What is the best time to visit Slovenia?
The best time to visit is April to October. Summer is great for lakes, hiking, and road trips, while spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
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