Let’s discover the best things to do in Ptuj, the oldest recorded town in Slovenia, located in the East.
Its charming old center is protected by the Ptuj Csastle which offers stunning views and a great museum.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit to Ptuj Slovenia with tips, map and photos.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Slovenia:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Slovenia: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Bovec: Kayak on the Soca River
My favorite excursion from Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle
My favorite places to stay:
- Lubljana, central – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Lesar Hotel Angel
- Bled, iconic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Vila Bled
- Bovec, outdoorsy – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Dobra Vila
- Piran, historic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Hotel Piran
Why visit the town of Ptuj in Slovenia?
Ptuj is one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. It has a lot of charm with:
- Orange roofs
- A castle
- A river
- Old buildings
One of the best viewpoints is from the pedestrian bridge crossing the river:
Ptuj history in a Nutshell
- Ptuj is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia. There is evidence that it has been inhabited since the late Stone Age.
- It has a long and rich history because it is located at a strategic crossing of the Drava River
- In the Roman Empire, it was a Military fort. It was named Poetovium.
- Later it became part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire
- Read more about the history here
Ptuj Architecture
- At the top of the town is the Ptuj Castle protecting the 2 monasteries at the bottom: Dominican and Minorite
- The Drava River marks the limit at the bottom
- The town has a triangular silhouette
- Today the castle is a stronghold rebuilt in the 18th and 19th century
I think it is one of the best old towns and places to visit in Slovenia.
My favorite view is from the fortification walls of the castle. Look at the panoramas below with the red roofs, the river, and the greenery of the surrounding wine region:
Video – Virtual Tour
Below is a short video to give you a feel for what it is like to visit Ptuj Slovenia. You will see the river, the old streets, the castle and its museums…
5 Best things to do in Ptuj
I will share more about some of my favorite parts of Ptuj, but in a nutshell the best things to do in Ptuj are:
- Enjoy the views from the Pedestrian Bridge
- Walk up to the castle and enjoy the views over the city
- Visit the Regional Museum in the castle
- Stroll the old town and admire the historical highlights
- Enjoy an excursion to the Olimje Castle
More ideas and photos after the planning tips.
PLANNING TIPS & Map – Visit Ptuj, Slovenia
How to get to Ptuj Town – Location & Map
- Ptuj is located on the East of Slovenia, just South of Maribor
- Easily accessed by car
- Ljubljana to Ptuj = 1h30 drive
- Maribor to Ptuj = 35 min drive
- Celje to Pjuj = 45 min drive
- Below is a Map to help you get oriented and locate Ptuj:
This town is included (with GPS coordinates, map of location and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Slovenia road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
East Slovenia Tour
If you don’t want to drive, you can book a day tour from Ljubljana that covers Maribor, Ptuj and the beautiful Zice Monastery – check out program and book
Visiting Ptuj
- The old town of Ptuj is not that big. I recommend planning one day to explore the old town and visit the museum in the castle
- Plan more time if you enjoy wine and vineyards, because the region is famous for it
- There is limited parking space in the old town.
- If you are not spending the night, you can park across the river, and walk to the city
- Ptuj Castle opening hours – at least 10am to 4pm (closed on Mondays) – Entrance for a fee – see latest info
Ptuj Map
You should also take the time to walk around the town of Ptuj. It has charming streets with colorful building and other things to discover.
In the main street, not far from the City Tower, you can find the visitor center where you can get a map of the city.
It includes the location of all the points of interest and short explanations at the back – most are on the North side of the river
Need to rent a car in Slovenia?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Where to stay in Ptuj – Hotels & Accommodations
I stayed at one of the most famous hotel in the city: Hotel Mitra.
First written records date back to 1777. At the end of the 18th century, it became the first coffeehouse in town. It was modified in a neo-baroque style at the end of the 19th century and became a hotel.
After WWII it was the national officer’s home and it turned back into a hotel in 1988.
CHECK OUT more photos and availability
It was welcoming and charming. Loved the spa area, the inside terrace, and the delicious breakfast. Here are some of my photos:
Best places to stay in Ptuj – accommodation suggestions
- Apartments
Sobe Prostija is a boutique building with several apartments in the heart of Ptuj – great welcome
see photos and availability - Guesthouse
Great value option at Rooms Hisa Divino in the city center
see photos and availability - B&B
Bed and Breakfast Silak is in a historical house in the center of Ptuj
see photos and availability
You can also check out the best rated accommodations in Ptuj.
Where to stay in Slovenia?
My favorites ona road trip:
- In Ljubljana, to explore the vibrant city – see best rated accommodations
- In Bled, to admire the iconic lake – see best rated accommodations
- In Bovec, to enjoy the mountains – see best rated accommodations
- In Piran, to explore the coast – see best rated accommodations
- In Ptuj, to learn about history – see best rated accommodations
- Around the Logar Valley for amazing scenery – see best rated accommodations
The Castle of Ptuj
The medieval stronghold was first built in the 11th century under the archdiocese of Salzburg. But it was rebuilt to what it is today in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It is located at the top of the hill.
#1 – Enjoy the climb to the castle on the cobblestone path
You can reach the castle either from the center via a narrow street and a covered staircase.
Or you can use the side slope from the Dominican monastery. However, note that this path is not flat at all, it is made of round rocks and very bad for the ankles. I think the stairs are better.
Once inside the fortification wall, you must get your ticket from the museum shop in what looks like stables.
#2 – Appreciate the view from the Castle walls
Thanks to the high vantage point you can admire magnificent views over:
- the town’s orange roofs
- the Drava River
- and in the distance the lake Ptujsko Jezero
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
The Ptuj Castle Museum
#3 – Visit the Regional Museum inside the castle
And then you can enter the castle itself where the regional museum is housed. It has been turned into a Museum in 1945, one of the largest in the region.
Furniture and way of life
The first part of the museum allows you to visit the living quarters of the castle and imagine life as it was with some old pieces of furniture. Most pieces are from the Herbestein legacy spanning from 16th to 20th century.
Paintings
On the second floor is the Castle gallery with paintings from the 16th to the 18th century. They cover portraits of noble families, landscapes and religious or mythological scenes.
Musical Instrument collection
An entire section of the museum is dedicated to musical instruments of all ages. This is the richest collection in Slovenia with around 300 pieces. The collection is well presented in various rooms, with recordings playing in the background. It ends with the displays of stunning pianos.
There is even a Roman double flute from the 2nd or 3rd century.
Armory
At the end you have to find one of the museum persons, to open the access to the collection of arms room. Inside you can see more than 500 pieces with armors and weapons. They date back from the 15th to the 20th century.
What to see in the old town of Ptuj
Take the time to stroll in the old town. It has a lot of charm.
#4 – Pedestrian bridge over River Drava
One of my absolute favorite views (after the castle walls) is from the bridge over the Drava river.
One of the bridges is only for pedestrian and bicycles as it connects with a large carpark.
#5 – Turn around the City Tower
To get oriented, always try to find the top of the City tower. It is the most distinctive landmark (apart from the castle). It has an onion shaped rooftop and roman reliefs built into it.
Pay attention to it and you will see it has only 3 clocks despite having 4 sides. It is because the castle owner did not want to contribute to the building of the tower.
So, in the direction of the castle, there is no clock…
#6 – Appreciate the sculptures on the Orpheus Monument
At the foot of the City tower is the Orpheus Monument which is a Roman Tombstone from the 2nd Century.
It is a marble statue, a 5m tall monolith, erected for the mayor of Poetovio.
In the Middle-ages it was used for public punishment.
#7 – Appreciate the architecture of the Minorite monastery
Built in the 13th century, the Minorite monastery was heavily damaged in fires and war bombings. It is now reconstructed and houses a library. It has a great inner courtyard with arcades.
#8 – See life in pink at the Dominican monastery
Founded in 1230, the Dominican monastery was disbanded in 1785. It has a strange architecture with gothic and baroque elements. It is now a cultural venue.
#9 – See the massive Town Hall
The yellow town hall is one of the most massive buildings in Ptuj. It dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and was imagined by architect Max Ferstl.
Excursions and Day trips from Ptuj
If you want to visit the eastern region of Slovenia, Ptuj can be a good place to stay.
From there you can explore and…
#10 – Admire the Vineyards
Eastern Slovenia is a Wine region.
#11 – Head to Maribor
Maribor is the second largest town in Slovenia. You can visit its cathedral and climb up to Pyramid Hill for beautiful views.
Learn more on my article about Maribor.
#12 – Collect churches
Slovenia is full of small churches. In the Eastern region, they do stand out as there are less mountains.
They all have something interesting to offer and you could have fun driving around without destination in mind and finding those little gems.
Don’t miss Ptujska Gora, a pilgrimage location
#13 – Visit the Dvorec Statenberg Castle / Manor, 30min drive away
It is only a 30min drive from Ptuj
#14 – Visit the Olimje Monastery
This unique building is worth the drive. It is located more to the South, at the border with Croatia, 1h away from Ptuj.
It is home to the oldest pharmacy in Slovenia.
Just 15min East of Ptuj, you can also admire the Dornava Mansion where you can enjoy the garden and appreciate the Baroque architecture from the outside.
#16 – Change country
Or you can head to Croatia. The town of Zagreb is only 1h30 away by motorways.
Want to see more of the best Slovenia has to offer?
- Best things to do in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful landscapes in Slovenia – read article
- Best castles in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful towns in Slovenia – read article
Planning a trip to Slovenia?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
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- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
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