Best Budget Hotels in Ljubljana, Slovenia (2026)

Slovenia as a whole is one of my favorite countries in Europe, and I recommend it pretty much every time the subject comes up. We passed through Ljubljana for two nights between Budapest and Lake Bled as part of a larger backpacking trip, and I absolutely loved the city.

It’s compact, walkable, and completely charming. The river runs right through the centre with cafes spilling out along cobblestone streets.

I’ve done the research and stayed here myself, so you don’t have to scroll through 47 Booking.com tabs at midnight. Here are the best budget hotels in Ljubljana that are actually worth booking.

This guide brings all the best budget hotels in Ljubljana together in one place, so you can quickly find a stay that fits your needs. Every hotel on this list is highly rated (at least 8+ on Booking.com and 4+ stars on Google) and offers great value for the price.

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Best Budget Hotels in Ljubljana at a Glance

The Best Budget Hotels in Ljubljana

Apartments Maria — Best for Location

If you want to wake up and be in Ljubljana, like properly in it, this is the one. It sits right on the riverside walkway connecting the old town to the rest of the city, about two minutes from the Dragon Bridge and a five minute walk from the castle funicular.

A few things worth knowing before you book: there’s no lift in the building, so if you end up on an upper floor, you’re carrying your bag up a few flights of stairs. There’s also no front desk. Check-in runs through a door code, which a handful of reviewers mention catches them off guard, but it’s standard for this style of property now and honestly not a big deal once you know to expect it. There is no parking included, which is common for the majority of these on this list. So if you have a car, factor in parking costs. Last time I checked parking in the area can be around 30 euros per day.

Best for: Couples, anyone who wants to walk everywhere and not think twice about transport. 

Watch out for: No lift, no reception if you need help in person, parking fees.

Check current prices for Apartments Maria →

AMS Rooms — Best for Clean and Comfortable

This property is in a great location on the castle side of the river. It’s a 24-room property with a shared kitchen area stocked with coffee, fruit, and basic breakfast items. The train station is about a 15-minute walk away. There are friendly and helpful staff on site, if you prefer this style of accommodation over self check in.

Best for: Couples, families.

Watch out for: No elevator.

Check current prices for AMS Rooms →

Hostel Celica — The One Everyone Talks About

I saved this hostel to a list of “cool hostels in Europe” before I even ever was planning on traveling here, and this is where I ended up staying! Staying in the private rooms feels like a hotel with shared bathroom facilities.

As a former prison, this is a really unique hostel. Each of the 20 cells was handed over to a different local or international artist and redesigned from scratch, so no two rooms look alike. There are also dorm rooms, if you prefer.

You’re about 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the old town and just five minutes from the train and bus stations, and breakfast and parking is included with your stay.

Book this one early. It does sell out, especially the private cells in peak season.

Best for: Solo travelers, friends, anyone who likes a hostel with an actual story attached to it. Traveling with a car.

Watch out for: It’s still a hostel at its core, but honestly felt more like a hybrid between a hostel and a hotel staying in the private rooms.

Check current prices for Hostel Celica →

Aparthotel Cross Street 4 — Best for Families

This property is in a great location in the city center. Rooms come with a kitchenette, and guests note the kitchen is fully equipped, with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. There’s no front desk: check-in runs through a keycode system. The property sits in a pedestrian zone, so there’s no on-site parking.

Best for: Families, anyone who wants to self-cater.

Watch out for: No on-site parking.

Check current prices for Aparthotel Cross Street 4 →

Tips for Booking Budget Accommodation in Ljubljana

Book Celica early. It’s a smaller property with only 20 cells and limited dorm beds, and it has a devoted following. Check availability as soon as you know your dates.

Check shoulder season prices. Ljubljana’s peak season is June–August and prices reflect that. Come in April, May, or September and you’ll often find the same rooms at 20–30% less, with better weather than mid-summer and fewer crowds.

Read the fine print on parking. Many of the hotels are in pedestrian zones and don’t include parking. You could end up paying 30 euros per day to park. So if you have a car I would book somewhere with free parking.

Final Thoughts

Ljubljana is absolutely worth putting on your Slovenia itinerary, or your wider Balkans trip if you’re doing a longer route.

The old town is easy to fall in love with, and the day trips from here are fantastic. Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are unmissable. I’ve written a full guide on how to visit Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle without a car from Ljubljana if you want to do it on a budget.

Give Ljubljana at least two nights. I know I wish I had at least one more.

Prices listed are approximate and based on 2026 research — always check Booking.com directly for live availability and current rates. All Booking.com links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you book through them at no extra cost to you. I only ever recommend places I’d genuinely stay in (or have).

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