Two 1/2 days in Ljubljana Itinerary for Someone with some Mobility Issues

Hi Sylvia, Sorry to hear you’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Two years ago, I was getting ready to board a flight to Norway and had extreme pain into my right leg after walking to the airport terminal. The trip continued as planned anyway. After returning home, the orthopedist diagnosed spinal stenosis!

We did a one-month trip through Norway, Denmark and Spain. The biggest adjustment was when the leg pain became overwhelming— I would need to sit down for 5-15 minutes before continuing. It was a nuisance, but we were able to see most everything we wanted and the itinerary was accomplished as scheduled.
I found trains preferable to buses because I can get up and walk around as needed.

The great thing about Ljubljana is that it is quite small. The highlights are in the old town by the castle extending across the Triple Bridge through Preseren Square and down to Tivoli Park. It’s also mostly flat— except for the castle—and that will prove to be helpful.

Budapest is far more spread out, but has a great metro system along with trams and buses. It, too, is almost all flat except for the historic area of Buda Hill where Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion is located. Plan on taking public transit to get around because it’s a large city geographically. I’m also sure there are tours available to hit the key points of interest, if that is of interest to you.

Be sure to take a day off to visit the Gellert or Szechenyi Baths in Budapest and relax your back! Spending most of one day at the thermal spa really is worthwhile.

Now, a year following spinal surgery, we’re flying to Milan next week for a monthlong trip to Italy. Slovenia and Croatia.

Have a great trip!

Thank you so much, Kenko. I feel relieved by your response; much appreciated! This struck from nowhere and is very humbling to someone such as myself. I have always been so fastidious about caring for my body in every way possible.

I know what you mean because the only health issue I have had was this spinal stenosis! My doctor said it’s due to genetic causes— nothing I did caused it. And I now know it’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Happy Travels, Sylvia!

My husband and I travelled to Ljublijana in March 2025 after flying into Venice. He had surgery for spinal stenosis in 2022 and still struggles with stairs, walking on hills and neuropathy. That said, we have taken trips to Switzerland, France, Arizona and Germany since his surgery. Walking sticks are very helpful and a cane is good for cobblestones. Ljjublijana is fairly walkable, as is Budapest. Rely on Uber or public transportation for longer distances in each town and don’t be shy about requesting a wheelchair at the airports. Save your energy for the sightseeing and have a wonderful trip! Just pace yourself.

Also, in Budapest, don’t miss St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You take an elevator to the top for great views over the city. If you like music/opera, the opera house in Budapest is beautiful and the ticket prices are so reasonable.

Thank you so much! You have allayed my concerns. Happy travels!