Slovenia isn’t typically at the very top of people’s lists of locations to visit in Europe; however, if you’re looking for a charming travel destination that’s a bit off the beaten path, this country has a whole lot to offer. And, if you’re going to make your way to Slovenia, the first place you should visit is the beautiful city of Ljubljana. The area around the city has been inhabited since around 2000 BC and eventually became the Roman city of Emona, which was the site of many historic Roman battles. In the 6th century, the ancestors of the Slovenes moved into the area and it was during this time that the myth of the Ljubljana Dragon emerged. It was believed that the slaying of the dragon released the waters and ensured the fertility of the earth. The Ljubljana Dragon is now the symbol of the city.
While the city of Ljubljana was probably never actually terrorized by a dragon, it was reduced to rubble by an earthquake in 1895. However, this gave great architects the opportunity to rebuild the city to their visions. Today, Ljubljana is a beautiful metropolis and a shining example of several architectural styles. The city is also known for environmentalism and even earned the European Green Capital Award in 2016. There are also a ton of nightlife spots, live music venues, and public art installations. With so much to experience in the city of Ljubljana, the best way to see the city is to hire a motorcycle and drive around on your own schedule.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Ljubljana. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motor scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorbike in Slovenia
- The best places to find motorbike rental in Ljubljana
- The average price of motorcycle rental in Ljubljana
- Whether it’s safe to rent a motorcycle in Ljubljana
- The best things to do in Ljubljana by motorcycle
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Motorcycle in Slovenia?
If you’re from a country within the European Union, you do not need to get an international driving permit to rent a motorcycle in Slovenia. However, if you’re from a non-EU country, you are required by Slovenian law to get an IDP in order to hire a motor vehicle within the country. Chances are that you won’t be asked for it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you want to apply for your international driving permit, you can do so online here for an application fee of $20. The application takes about two weeks to arrive in the mail and, once you have it, it will be valid for one full year.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorbike Rental in Ljubljana?
If you plan on lying at Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport, the largest international airport in Slovenia, you should be able to find a company that will deliver a rental motorcycle directly to your airport terminal. However, you may not be able to find a motorbike rental upon arrival. So, if you want to find a motorcycle hire after arriving in Ljubljana, your best bet is to go to the center of the city.
If you want to rent a motorbike in Ljubljana, the best place to start your search is along Zaloska street, one of the main thoroughfares going through the east side of the city. The neighborhood of Mirje also has quite a few places where you can find motorbike rental.
What Is the Normal Cost of Motorcycle Rental in Ljubljana?
Prices for motorcycle rental are fairly high pretty much everywhere in Europe and Slovenia isn’t any exception. If you want to rent a decent motorbike, such as a BMW F750GS, you can expect to pay around €115 per day. However, if you want to upgrade to a more powerful motorbike, like a BMW R1250GS, you’ll be looking at paying around €160 per day.
Of course, you should be able to find a motor scooter for a much more affordable price than a motorcycle if you’re simply looking for the cheapest way to get around town. Also, regardless of the kind of vehicle you choose to rent, you should inquire with your rental company as to whether they offer reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals.
Is It Safe to Hire a Motorbike in Ljubljana?
First of all, they drive on the right side of the road in Slovenia, which should be easy for anyone coming from the United States. In general, the road conditions around Ljubljana are quite good and the drivers are fairly relaxed, making driving within the city quite stress-free. There are also many signs that make it easy to figure out which way you’re going.
The only issues with driving in Ljubljana are the traffic in the center of the city and the parking situation. Due to the fact that the city has tried to reduce the use of cars (for environmental purposes), the roads aren’t built to handle a lot of traffic and parking spaces can be hard to come by. Still, if you’re patient, you’ll have a pleasant and safe experience driving in Ljubljana.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Ljubljana by Motorcycle?
With so many amazing things to do in Ljubljana, it’s hard to know where to go first. Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in the city to get you started:
Preseren Square
The heart of all events and celebrations in the city, if there’s something going on in Ljubljana, there’s a good chance it’s going on in Preseren Square. Roughly shaped like a triangle, the square is at the intersection of several of the city’s main streets, making it easy to access and to find.
After the earthquake of 1895, Preseren Square was remade in the image of opulence when regal halls were built where medieval houses once stood. The square was named after the Slovenian poet who wrote the national anthem, so it doesn’t get much more representative of Slovenian culture than Preseren Square.
Ljubljana Castle
Towering over the city of Ljubljana is Ljubljana Castle, which is believed to have first been built during the 11th century. It served as a stone fortification until it became the property of the House of Sponheim in 1144. Over the next few hundred years, it changed hands between several of Ljubljana’s ruling families. Eventually, it was bought by the municipality of Ljubljana in 1905.
You can choose to walk the 1.5-mile trail up to the castle, which takes about 45 minutes, or you can take a train up there. You can enter the courtyard for free and visit the cafe and restaurants and admire the gardens. However, you will have to pay a small fee if you want to ascend the tower and get the best view.
Dragon Bridge
Standing tall over the four corners of Dragon Bridge are statues of, well, dragons. These iconic symbols of the city are both intimidating as well as fine works of art. They’re casted in sheet copper and sit atop a bridge designed by famed architect Jurij Zaninovic.
You can take a stroll across the bridge and snap some fantastic photos of the surrounding scenery. But don’t forget to get a photo of yourself next to one of these fearsome dragon statues.
Dive Into Ljubljana on a Rental Motorbike
While Ljubljana isn’t the largest city in Europe, it’s still difficult to get to all of the city’s amazing sites on foot. So, to make sure that you don’t miss a thing while you’re there, rent a motorcycle and give yourself the freedom to explore anywhere you want.
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