Sway the night away with Ljubljana’s favourite jazz clubs
Listening to some smooth jazzy beats is perfect for unwinding after a long day or simply elevating the mood. Luckily, there are places in Ljubljana to do just that. Did you know that jazz has been a staple in Ljubljana’s culture for a very long time? Why not explore the scene yourself?
The Ljubljana Jazz Festival
When I said jazz is a staple in Ljubljana, I had in mind a particular jazz festival, which is actually the oldest jazz festival in Europe. The Ljubljana Jazz Festival turned 60 in 2019 and in all these years it featured many great jazz musicians including Miles Davis himself. Be sure to check it out if you’re in town during the festival (check out the dates on the official website). If not, worry not, there are other venues that will hopefully satisfy your music taste.
Jazz Club Gajo
Or Jazz Paradise as it’s now called. Probably the oldest and most well-known jazz club in Ljubljana. It just recently moved to a new location, but it still features more or less the same cool repertoire. Check out Jam Sessions on Mondays, they sometimes even host open mic nights, so feel free to invade the stage and jam, if you’re the musical type. See their Facebook page for more information.
Sax Pub
You can’t really miss it, it’s the most colourful building in Trnovo neighbourhood that also doubles as a hostel. The insides are plastered with images of great jazz legends, some brass instruments are also hanging from the ceiling and there are live concerts happening occasionally. Its garden is quite popular during the summer months. Great for grabbing some drinks in the evening, but if you want to catch a live show, check out their Facebook page.
Soho Ljubljana
Jazz, blues and soul feel at home here. This place is within walking distance, just on the brink of Bežigrad neighbourhood with many live concerts by local and foreign artists. Cosy interior with good drink selection, what more could you want. Again, see their Facebook page for more info on concerts dates.
The Ljubljana Castle Jazz Club
This is jazz at higher altitudes. The Castle’s Rock Hall is just what the name suggests. It’s a hall with rocks sticking out from walls, floor and ceiling and has a cave-like feeling. Really cool! Of course, that means, the atmosphere is perfect for evening concerts and soulful music. It’s only open in the evenings, there is an admission, but you get a funicular ride in the price of the ticket. Not bad. It’s best to check out their official website for concert dates.
