Shopping in Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a growing retail hub with an increasing number of shopping options within its bustling commercial centre. From modern shopping malls to charming old-world boutiques, the city has something for everyone.

Key areas

Slovenska cesta is the most popular shopping street in Ljubljana, especially with the locals, as it offers an array of bookstores and record shops, as well as big-name outlets and pan-European designers. Wandering the Old Town squares of Gornji Trg, Mestni Trg and Stari Trg, however, is a much more pleasant way to browse and buy. Baroque boutiques peddle everything from jewellery and perfume to cutting-edge threads and designer clothes.

Markets

The Old Town’s Central Market (Glavna Tržnica) is open Monday to Saturday, attracting locals and tourists who flock to the shops. Mountains of fresh fruit and vegetables stack up alongside farm produce from the countryside. You can also pick up traditional handicrafts here. The flea market on Cankarjevo nabrezje is the star attraction on Sundays, bringing a horde of stalls to the banks of the Ljubljanica selling trinkets, unique souvenirs and jewellery.

Shopping centres

The Nama department store (Tomšičeva 1) is a city centre institution that seems to stock almost everything you can think of. It has, in recent years, had serious competition from the massive and modern BTC mall (Šmartinska 152). Here you can find most staple international and Slovenian high street brands and small specialised shops; there is also a waterpark and cinema if you would like to make a day of it.

Opening hours

Opening hours in the city centre are usually Monday to Friday 0800-1900 and Saturday 0800-1300, though many shops now open fully on weekends.

Souvenirs

There is a venerable array of beautiful local crafts on sale in the Lectarija Museum Shop in the Slovene Ethnographic Museum (tel: +386 1300 8700; www.etno-muzej.si). The store is a reconstruction of Ljubljana's original Lectarija arts and crafts shop, whose interior furnishings were designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik.

The Ethno-Gallery Skrina at Breg 8 is a charming riverside gallery selling crafts from different Slovenian regions. For local cheese, olive oil, dried mushrooms and more, head to Kraševka at Vodnikov Trg 4, or Šnopc o'tecca, Miklošičeva cesta 2, for potent Slovenian liquors and schnapps.

Tax information

Only visitors from non-EU countries can apply for tax-free shopping allowances. Look out for the ‘Tax Free’ stickers in shop windows. Those wanting a refund must fill out the relevant paperwork in the shop and then make a claim on departure from Slovenia.