Best Things to Do in Maribor: A Local’s Guide

Welcome to Maribor, the town where I was born and where so many of my most cherished memories were made. Nestled between the rolling Pohorje hills and the peaceful Drava River, Maribor may be Slovenia’s second-largest city, but it still feels like a cozy home. It’s a place of wine, festivals, hiking trails, cobbled streets and warm-hearted locals – and I’m thrilled to share it with you through this in-depth, personal guide to the best things to do in Maribor.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through day trips worth your time, what to see and do (with a mix of classics and hidden gems), where to eat and grab the best coffee, seasonal highlights and local tips you won’t find in most guides.

Well, let’s start with what to see and do in Maribor.

Lent – Where Maribor’s Soul Lives

Lent is the oldest part of the city and it’s still the most vibrant. As a child, I came here with my parents & grandparents to feed the ducks and watch boats pass under the bridge. As a teenager, I came for long talks by the river. Now, it’s where I take visitors to show them Maribor’s charm.

Must-see in Lent:

• The Old Vine House (Hiša Stare Trte) – Home to the oldest vine in the world. You can taste wines from local producers inside and learn about Maribor’s deep connection with viticulture.
• Judgement Tower & Water Tower – These medieval fortifications are remnants of a time when the city had to defend itself from invaders. Today, they’re photogenic landmarks that offer a glimpse into our past.

• Drava River Promenade – In spring and summer, locals gather here with friends, wine glasses in hand, watching the sunset over the water.

Local Tip: If you’re here in June, don’t miss the Lent Festival. It’s a lively celebration of music, theater, and street performances. Even if you’re just walking through, the energy is contagious. The event is spread across several venues, ensuring that there is something for every visitor. The Lent Festival takes place at the end of June.

Stara Trta – The World’s Oldest Grapevine

🍇 Nestled on the facade of the Old Vine House in Lent, the Stara Trta is not just a vine – it’s a living piece of Maribor’s history. Dating back to the late 16th century, this Žametovka variety has stood strong for over 400 years, earning its place in the Guinness World Records as the oldest vine still producing grapes.

The Old Vine House now operates as a museum and wine bar, offering tastings from over 55 local winemakers along with educational exhibits and virtual reality journeys through centuries of Maribor’s viticultural history. Guided tours are available daily (generally 9 AM–6 PM).

Visit early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy a moment of quiet appreciation. Then, indulge in a tasting in the courtyard or grab a glass at the nearby riverside café – no reservation needed, just soak in the centuries of Maribor heritage. Stara Trta is one of the must-see best things to do in Maribor.

City Park & Piramida Hill: Nature in the Middle of the City

City Park is where locals go to slow down. It’s peaceful, green, and perfect for all seasons – blossoming trees in spring, shady retreats in summer, golden leaves in fall and snowy magic in winter.

Things to do in City Park:

• Walk around the Trije ribniki (the Three ponds), which is a popular promenade among locals.
• Visit the Aquarium-Terrarium, especially fun for kids or on a rainy day
• Climb Piramida Hill for the best panoramic view of the city

Piramida is one of my favorite places in Maribor. It’s an easy 20-minute hike with big rewards – vineyards along the trail, a chapel at the top and an unbeatable view of the city skyline.

Local Tip: Bring a coffee to go and climb Piramida early in the morning. It’s quiet, beautiful and the perfect way to start your day.

Glavni Trg (Main Square)

Maribor’s Main Square is the perfect starting point for exploring the city. Surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, cozy cafés, and boutique shops, it’s the heart of local life. Don’t miss the striking Plague Column, built in gratitude for the end of the 1680 plague, and take a moment to admire the Town Hall, one of the city’s architectural highlights. Whether you’re enjoying a coffee in the sun or strolling through a market, Main Square is full of charm.

Local Tip: Walk around the surrounding streets – they’re full of cute boutiques, cafés and charming spots.

Maribor Castle

Located right in the heart of the city, Maribor Castle is a beautiful Baroque building that dates back to the 15th century. While it may not look like a fairytale fortress, it houses the Regional Museum, where you can dive into the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage from medieval artifacts to traditional fashion. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.

Stolna cerkev (Maribor Cathedral)

Located just a short walk from Main Square, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of Maribor’s most historically significant buildings. Originally built in the 12th century, this Romanesque structure has seen several additions over the centuries, including Gothic and Baroque elements.

Its bell tower, added in the 18th century, stands proudly over the city and houses one of the oldest bells in Slovenia. The interior features beautiful Gothic ribbed vaults, a 17th-century main altar and several side chapels that reflect Maribor’s religious and artistic heritage. The cathedral is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Maribor, making it the most important religious building in the city.

Local tip: Step inside during the day to admire the peace and quiet – it’s often overlooked by tourists but offers a lovely escape from the busy streets.

Pohorje: Ski Slopes, Hiking Trails & Forest Escapes

Pohorje is just a 15-minute drive (or a 20-minute city bus ride) from the center. Whether you love skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or simply forest walks, this is where Maribor comes alive with fresh air and adventure. Pohorje is definitely one of my favorite spots in Maribor and a place where I go to recharge my batteries. I can’t decide whether I prefer snow-covered trees and the view of a winter idyll or summers in Pohorje, when everything is green and full of life.

Whether you prefer winter or summer, you will find the right activity for you. Here are some of my suggestions:

❄️ Winter activities:

• Skiing or snowboarding at Mariborsko Pohorje
• Night skiing – one of the longest illuminated runs in Europe
• Mulled wine and warm food at Koča Luka

🌳 Summer experiences:

• Ride the Pohorje cable car for scenic views
• Hike to Črno Jezero (Black Lake) – a beautiful alpine lake
• Try the Bike Park Pohorje if you’re into downhill biking

Local Tip: Even if you’re not into sports, the cable car ride is worth it for the views. At the top, grab tea and štrudelj or Pohorska gibanica at a mountain hut.

Coffee Culture in Maribor

Slovenians love their coffee and in Maribor, it’s more than just a drink – it’s a ritual. Cafés are where we socialize, work, brainstorm ideas and people-watch.

My favorite coffee shops in Maribor:

• Rooster Coffee – Trendy, with fantastic brews and friendly staff. They are serving one of the best coffees in Maribor but you can also treat yourself with bagels and bowls (keep in mind that they only serve food till 2pm). Besides that you can have a croissant, cheesecake, brownie, etc.

• Polek | Coffee & Wine bar – At Polek, you will find selected coffees from around the world and you can also treat yourself to a glass of excellent wine.
• Moja Kavarna
• Slaščičarna Ilich – If you want to treat yourself to a coffee and something sweet, I can recommend the Ilich pastry shop, which has a long tradition in Maribor. In summer, you can also stop there for a scoop of ice cream.

Local Tip: Don’t rush. Order a cup of coffee (coffee in Slovenian is kava) and stay a while – locals will usually sit for over an hour.

Where to eat in Maribor: from traditional to trendy

In Slovenia, you will find excellent food no matter where you are and Maribor is certainly no exception. It all depends on what kind of food you prefer and whether you are looking for a local or more trendy option.

Here’s a mix of my personal go-to’s when it comes to food:

Traditional Slovenian

• Gostilna Poštela: this restaurant is offering traditional food. It’s located in Spodnje Radvanje near the lower station of the Pohorje funicular, but tucked away from the bustle. Signature dishes include: mushroom soup with buckwheat žganci, fried chicken, veal steak, chestnut cake, Prleška gibanica and winter-time koline.
• Gostilna Pri lipi: a Maribor institution famous for its pohana kura (fried chicken) served beneath a 400‑year‑old linden tree.
• Gostilna in Motel pri Lešniku: gastronomy focuses on local, seasonal and home-grown ingredients, with freshly baked bread, hearty goveja juha (beef soup), slow-roasted krača (pork knuckle), garden salads, elderflower juice plus dishes like file postrvi, stuffed pork ribs, etc.
• Mal’ca mimogrede: a small lunchtime concept located in the city centre focused on quick, healthy meals, ideal “for on the go” or to take away. Offers just 5 weekly-changing dishes, regularly including homemade žlikrofi, seasonal stews, grain bowls, risottos, pasta, whole‑grain dishes all made fresh in small quantities. Very affordable (6-9€), light, and loved by locals, especially at midday rush. Seating is minimal, so many take away.

Trendy & modern

• Fudo: a vibrant urban bistro blending local organic ingredients with global fusion cuisine in a cheery atmosphere
• Mandl Food & Bar: a scenic riverside spot for brunch or a gourmet burger lunch in Maribor. Best known for burgers made from daily‑baked buns and succulent ribs that fall off the bone. Also offers fresh breakfast/brunch and light salads.
• Sedem: this is Slovenia’s first school‑restaurant, run by hospitality students under expert mentorship. Recognized for excellence: consistently awarded The Plate Michelin, featured in Gault & Millau, praised for high culinary standards from an educational model
• Rožmarin: Fine dining but relaxed. Deep wine program: over 1,000 labels, 10,000 bottles in their wine chamber, with sommelier service for pairings.
  Atmosphere: lively, three-floor venue with communal and window seating; evening events and urban vibe. Local praise: “Rožmarin or Jack & Joe … for good food”.
• Jack & Joe: a lively and popular local pick for premium meats. Their Black Angus burgers, house-smoked ribs, and steaks are highly recommended by tthe locals. It’s also one of my fav places in the city.

Foreign cuisine

• Mr. Falafel: Middle Eastern cuisine, a small casual place, lots of vegetarian & vegan options, portions are generous & prices are affordable.
• Njami Sushi: a popular spot for sushi platters (also the best sushi in town!)
• Baščaršija – if you love Balkan grill, Baščaršija is a must. The name comes from the famous old bazaar in Sarajevo.
• Dobro jutro Vietnam (Vietnamese restaurant) – light, flavorful dishes, perfect for lunch or dinner, friendly service & relaxed setting. The pho bo (beef noodle soup) is a customer favorite.

For my pizza lovers

• Artisan Crust Pizza: this place is still less popular but it’s a true gem! Their pizzas are made with high quality ingredients and a perfect artisan crust. This place is a must for every pizza lover visiting Maribor.
• Poper: widely celebrated for its soft yet crispy dough, quality toppings and authentic Neapolitan approach. A classic Neapolitan pizzeria in the city centre. Thin, chewy crusts, flavorful toppings, excellent value and a central square vibe.
• La Pizzeria – A large, thin pizza that can easily be shared between two people. The pizza comes with scissors so you can easily cut it.

Quick bites

• Finesa – Finesa is a bistro on Koroška Street in Maribor, where you can enjoy a glass of excellent wine accompanied by a small snack – a cheese platter or a small cold cut platter. It is definitely a place where you can treat yourself to a little indulgence while exploring the city or enjoying a pleasant evening in the city.

Local Tip: Try the local wine with your meal, especially a white Laški Rizling or red Modra Frankinja.

Wine Tasting in & around Maribor

Wine is part of our DNA here. From the world’s oldest vine to boutique wineries in the hills, Maribor is the unofficial wine capital of Slovenia.

Where to go:

• Vinoteka Maribor – right by the Old Vine House, this wine cellar offers tastings and local advice
• Vino Gaube in Svečina – a lovely hilltop winery with breathtaking views
• Protner House – a family-run vineyard with homemade delicacies

Local Tip 🍇: Ask for jurka or šipon – lesser-known local varieties with rich flavors. And if you’re visiting in November, join the St. Martin’s Day celebrations! Every year on November 11, Maribor hosts the traditional Martinovanje celebration. This is an event marking the transformation of grape must into wine. The festivities commence at 11:11 a.m.

Events, Festivals & Seasonal Fun

Maribor isn’t always sleepy – quite the opposite! Here are some events I never miss:

• Lent Festival (June) – Cultural performances, concerts and theatre by the river
• St. Martin’s Day (November 11) – Celebrating new wine, often with food fairs and music
• Maribor Christmas Market – Hot drinks, handmade gifts and twinkling lights
• Opera night in City Park (May) – At the end of May, Opera Night is organised in the city park. Opera Night is organised in cooperation with the Opera of the Slovene National Theatre Maribor, the Maribor National Home, the EZL EK Association and the Maribor Tourist Board, under the patronage of the City Municipality of Maribor.
• Žametna večerja / Velvet Dinner – Velvet Dinner is the name given by the organizers to the longest table under the Alps, which has been considered one of the most prestigious outdoor dinners in the city on the Drava River for several years now.

Local Tip: Even small events in local squares are worth visiting – especially open-air wine tastings or student theater nights.

Hidden Gems & Alternative Spots

If you want to go off the beaten path, there are some places worth considering:

• Maribor Synagogue – One of the oldest in Europe, peaceful and moving
• Pekarna Cultural Centre – A former military bakery turned into a creative hub
• Magdalenski Park – Less popular than City Park, but equally beautiful in spring
• Račji Dvor – A quirky art studio hidden in an old industrial building

Day Trips from Maribor

You don’t have to travel far to experience more. I would definitely recommend traveling further afield and visiting other beautiful places in Slovenia, such as Ljubljana, the must-see Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, the wonderful Kranjska Gora, the charming Slovenian coast, etc. But this time, we are focusing only on places that are not too far from Maribor. Among these, I would recommend the following:

• Ptuj – Slovenia’s oldest town, full of history and charm
• Jeruzalem – Wine roads, endless hills, and picture-perfect landscapes
• Rogla – Treetop walk, zip lines, and forest wellness
• Drava Cycling Trail – Rent a bike and follow the river toward Austria or Ptuj

Local Tip: If you’re here for more than 3 days, rent a car and explore the Styrian countryside – think hilltop churches, pumpkin oil and vineyard-covered hills.

Getting to Maribor

Maribor is easily accessible and well connected to other parts of Slovenia and neighboring countries, making it a great stop on your Central European itinerary.

By Plane

Maribor doesn’t have an airport. Well, it does, but Maribor Airport does not currently have any commercial flights. The nearest international airport is Graz Airport (Austria), located just about 45 minutes by car from Maribor. It’s a convenient option if you’re flying in from other European cities.
Other nearby airports include:

• Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU, Slovenia) – 1.5 hours by car or with a public transport (combination of bus to Ljubljana & train to Maribor – bus from Ljubljana Airport to the city center takes about 30 minutes & the train from Ljubljana to Maribor about 2 hours ; you should keep in mind that trains are not really frequent at some hours)
  If you are going to take the train from Ljubljana to Maribor, you can check the timetables here.
• Zagreb Airport (Croatia) – 1.5 hours by car
• Vienna International Airport (Austria) – 3 hours by car or 4 hours by train (you can take the train from Vienna Airport to Vienna Hauptbahnhof / Vienna main station & then the train from Vienna to Maribor or train from Vienna Airport to Graz & then the train from Graz to Maribor)

From any of these airports, you can reach Maribor by rental car, shuttle, or a combination of train and bus.

By Train

Maribor has a well-connected train station with regular lines from:

• Ljubljana (2–2.5 hours)
• Graz, Austria (1 hour)
• Vienna, Austria (4 hours)
• Zagreb, Croatia (2.5–3 hours)

Trains are comfortable, affordable and a scenic way to arrive, especially if you’re traveling through the Alps or along the Drava River.

By Car

Maribor is located near the A1 highway, making it easy to reach by car. Driving times:

• From Ljubljana: ~1.5 hours
• From Graz: ~45 minutes
• From Zagreb: ~2 hours

Vignettes are required for highways in Slovenia, so be sure to purchase one before driving. You can buy it here.

By Bus

You can also reach Maribor by bus from various cities. Companies like FlixBus and Nomago operate connections from Ljubljana, Graz, Vienna, and beyond. The main bus station is located near the train station, close to the city center.

Where to Stay in Maribor

Whether you’re visiting Maribor for a quick city break or planning a longer stay, the city offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every travel style – from cozy guesthouses to boutique hotels and stylish apartments.

✨ For Boutique Charm: Hotel Maribor

Located right in the heart of the old town, this beautiful boutique hotel blends modern comfort with historic charm. The rooms are spacious and elegant, with some offering views over the Drava River or the rooftops of Maribor. Bonus: there’s a lovely in-house restaurant and wellness area.

💸 For Budget Travelers: UNI Youth Hostel

Just a few minutes’ walk from the main square, this hostel is clean, simple, and budget-friendly. Perfect for solo travelers, backpackers, or anyone looking to save without sacrificing location.

🏡 For Apartment Comfort: 4Flats

Modern, well-equipped apartments in central Maribor. Ideal if you’re staying a few nights or prefer to cook your own meals. Some units even come with small balconies or city views.

🌿 For Nature & Peace: Guest House Pohorska Kavarna

Situated near the base of Pohorje Hill, this charming guesthouse is great if you’re visiting for skiing, hiking, or just want a peaceful setting outside the city buzz. It’s only about 10 minutes from the center by car or bus.

If it’s your first time in Maribor, I recommend staying close to the old town, near Glavni trg (Main Square). You’ll be within walking distance of all the major sights, great restaurants and riverside strolls.

Getting Around Maribor: Public Transport Tips

🚌 Buses: Maribor has a somehow well-connected public bus network. You can buy tickets via mobile app (Marprom shop), on AP Maribor bus station and at some kiosks. A single ticket costs 1.30€ if you buy it in advance and 2€ if you buy it on the bus.

⏱ Frequency: Buses run regularly throughout the day, though less frequently in the evening or on weekends.

🎫 Short-term visitors: You can get a daily ticket or use the mobile app for contactless rides. If you get yourself a daily ticket you will pay 6€ for it.

But you shouldn’t worry too much about the public trasnport. The city center is compact and walkable – perfect for exploring on foot! There is no need to use the public transport if you’re exploring only the city center.

If you don’t feel like walking but you’re in the city center and you have to come from point A to point B, you can call yourself a mini electric vehicle called Maister. It can take up to 6 people at the same time.

Also you should know that Maribor is bike-friendly. Look for MBajk, the city’s bike-sharing system (register online for access). The best option for tourists is the Mbajk weekly subscription. For just 1€, it includes unlimited bike rentals. The first 60 minutes of use are always free.

🚡 Pohorje Cable Car: For mountain access, take the cable car (gondola) up Pohorje Hill. It runs year-round and is a great way to reach ski slopes or hiking trails. Return ticket is 16€.

Suggested Itinerary for Maribor

You can see the main sights of Maribor in just one day, but then you will definitely run out of time to visit Pohorje. As I am a proponent of slow travel whenever time allows, I recommend that you allow at least two or three days to explore Maribor. If you stay longer, you can add day trips to your itinerary and thoroughly explore Maribor and its surroundings. Here are my suggestions for 1 day, 3 days and 5 days.

1-Day Itinerary: Maribor at a Glance

Perfect for a quick city break or day trip!

• Morning: Start with coffee and breakfast at Rooster Coffee, then explore Glavni trg and the Old Vine House.
• Midday: Walk along the Drava River, then take the Piramida Hill hike for panoramic city views.
• Afternoon: Visit Maribor Castle and the Regional Museum, then grab a late lunch at Rožmarin.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner and wine in the old town or relax by the riverfront.

3-Day Itinerary: Wine, Nature & Culture

Follow the 1-day itinerary with more time for museums, shopping, or visiting the Synagogue and Judgement Tower.

Day 2: Wine & Countryside
Take a short trip to Špičnik and the heart-shaped road through the vineyards, or enjoy wine tasting at a local wine cellar.

Day 3: Pohorje & Wellness 🌿
Head to Pohorje Hill – ride the cable car up for hiking, skiing (in winter), or nature walks. End the day at a local spa or wellness center.

5-Day Itinerary: Full Experience

Extend your visit with more day trips and immersive experiences. Follow the 3-day itinerary and also add this:

Day 4: Visit Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia (just 30 minutes away), known for its thermal spa and medieval charm.

Day 5: Explore Maribor’s alternative culture – check out Vetrinjski dvor, art galleries, and local workshops. Or relax with a picnic in City Park and a visit to Three Ponds (Treh Ribnikov).

Souvenirs to Bring from Maribor

🍷 Local Wine: Especially from the Styria region. Look for Laški Rizling or Modra Frankinja.
🪵 Wooden Crafts: Handmade items from local artisans, especially from the Pohorje region.
🍇 Old Vine Products: Wine, soaps, and cosmetics made with grapes from the Old Vine – the oldest vine in the world
🫖 Herbal teas or honey from local markets
📚 Books or prints by Slovenian artists or poets as a cultural keepsake.

Local Tips

☕ Try kava z mlekom (coffee with milk) at a riverside café in Lent.
🍷 Ask for a local wine recommendation as Maribor is part of Slovenia’s wine country.
🥾 For stunning views, hike Piramida Hill early in the morning or at sunset.
💶 Carry some cash. Not all small bakeries or countryside spots accept cards.
💬 Most locals speak English, but trying a few Slovenian words will always be appreciated!

Useful Slovenian Phrases

English	Slovenian
Hello	Zdravo / Dober dan
Thank you	Hvala
Please	Prosim
Yes / No	Ja / Ne
Excuse me / Sorry	Oprostite
How much does it cost?	Koliko stane?
I would like…	Rad(a) bi…
Do you speak English?	Ali govorite angleško?
Cheers!	Na zdravje!

For me, the best things to do in Maribor are often the simplest: a walk along the Drava, coffee with friends, catching the evening sun from Piramida. It’s a city with layers – history, culture, nature, and friendly people.
Maribor isn’t showy. It’s not a postcard-perfect capital. But it’s genuine. And I hope this guide helps you experience it like a local.

Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or a full week – take it slow, stay curious, and let Maribor surprise you.

Planning your trip to Slovenia? Don’t forget to save or pin this guide on the best things to do in Maribor – written by someone who’s proud to call it home.