Ljubljana’s Central market

Open from Monday to Saturday, this colourful market has been selling fresh local produce since the days of old. It spans between two of Ljubljana’s most famous bridges, the Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge on the Ljubljanica River.

The market also includes the covered section designed by Slovenia’s prominent architect, Jože Plečnik, between 1940 and 1944. Embellished by lovely stone arcades, some parts of which have been turned into cafes, restaurants, galleries, the design reflects Renaissance style architecture and was conceived as a two-storey market hall that follows the river’s curve with large semi-circular windows overlooking the Ljubljanica. The colonnade at the Triple Bridge traditionally contains stands selling herbs, spices, and arts and crafts.

The locals, especially those living in the centre, crowd the open market stands on Saturday and flock to the butchery and bakery as well as the fish market down by the river. In recent years, the Central Market area has been the venue of the Odprta kuhna (Open Kitchen), a “temporary” open market that hosts stands from a diverse selection of different restaurants. Popular among locals and tourists alike, Odprta Kuhna is open from mid-March till the end of October.