The Best Markets to Visit in Ljubljana

Central Market in Ljubljana was designed by Slovenia’s most renowned architect Jože Pelčnik. The market is divided into three areas. On the riverbank side, the daily catch is sold in the fish market. The adjacent building is the covered area of the market. Inside, butchers offer their cuts and local farms and small businesses sell homemade bread, Slovenian cheese, local organic honey, wine, traditional pumpkin oil and more. In the outside part of the market, the stands are full of locally produced fruit and vegetables. There is also an area where flowers and traditional Slovenian wooden products are sold.

On Saturdays, local artists can present their work at Art Market Ljubljana. Since 2000, this market has been promoting art as a process, and not just as a finished piece. Organizers encourage interaction between visitors and artists where the latter can explain about their work process and materials they use. The artists exhibiting at this market vary from those who just started creating, to those who are a well-known in Slovenian art circles. Between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, the artists display anything from paintings and sculptures, to jewelry and other accessories.

Every Friday, from spring to autumn, Ljubljana hosts the Open Kitchen Market. The market stands present traditional Slovenian food and food from all around the world. Restaurants, individuals, and organized groups prepare food for different tastes and price ranges. For thirsty visitors, local wineries and breweries are also present, and they will gladly recommend their best products. The delicious Open Kitchen Market is located in Pogcarjev Trg and is open on Fridays between 10:00 am and 9:00 pm. Having lunch or an early dinner at the market is popular with the locals, so meeting new friends there should be easy.

Every Sunday morning the stands are set up for the weekly Antique and Flea Market. Sellers present their collections on the river bank, Cankarjeveo Nabrežje, between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. When strolling through the market, visitors can find anything from furniture and memorabilia to old pins and badges. Whether looking for something specific or just browsing through, the market is a great place to stop by when on the way to the city center for a morning cup of coffee.

ARTish Festival started as a four-day event in 2011. What started as a festival is now a market that takes place every last Saturday of the month between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm. From the beginning of May to the end of September ARTish is located in Gornji Square, and from October until the end of April it takes place in the ZRC Atrium. This market is a great place for artist and crafters, to present and sell their unique work. The atmosphere at ARTish is relaxed, and visitors are encouraged to interact with the artists at the market. Besides market stands, the festival also offers workshops, clothing exchange, and occasional small concerts.

The lighting of the Christmas lights in the streets, at the end of November, signals the beginning of Christmas holiday related events and activities in Ljubljana. One of the most important things happening is undeniably the Christmas Market. Small decorated stands on the river bank offer handmade Christmas presents and souvenirs, roasted nuts and sweets, and food and drinks. The Christmas market is also a favorite meeting place for locals on festive December evenings. They browse through the stands, meet their friends and enjoy a cup of mulled wine to keep them warm.