Top 23 Things To Do In Koper, Slovenia

things to do in Koper Slovenia
Vanna
Vanna 
Updated
| 12 min read

Located in the Mediterranean Coast of Slovenian Istria, Koper is quite the waterfront city. It’s one of the oldest settlements in the country, with a whole lot of international flavor. Chief among these influences is Koper’s Italian flair, with the city once under the rule of the Venetians. Italy is also just right across the border.

Italian influence aside, Koper feels very much like its own thing. The city presents a healthy dose of Slovene culture and identity, from some of the local food to the customs and traditions. And speaking of traditions, Koper’s winemaking practices make the city a must-visit destination for every oenophile. So, pack your bags for it’s time to go. Here are some of the things to do in Koper, Slovenia.

1. Soak in the pool at Aquapark Žusterna


Enjoy the sunny Slovenian coast by soaking in the freshwater and saltwater pools of Aquapark Žusterna. Find a lounge bed at a nice spot with a view and work on your tan under the Mediterranean sun. Aquapark Žusterna is actually a family-friendly attraction; there are two pools dedicated to kids, an indoor heated training pool, a wave pool, and an outdoor pool with massage nozzles to help you relax while you soak or swim some laps. Famished? Aquapark Žusterna has three areas where you can get food and drinks: Capra, Aquapark Žusterna hotel restaurant, and Mayflower Aperitif Bar. At the wellness center, you can sweat at the sauna, get a massage, and work out to burn some calories.

Aquapark Žusterna

Address: Istrska cesta 67, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Website: Aquapark Žusterna

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Prices vary

Visited this place?

2. Marvel at the grandeur of Assumption Cathedral


Another Koper gem, Assumption Cathedral and its Romanesque architecture is worthy to be admired for hours on end. It traces its history back to the second half of the 12th century and it underwent several changes since then. In 1392, a Gothic-style facade was added, then it was enhanced with Renaissance design elements in the 15th century when an earthquake struck the Assumption Cathedral. When Koper fell under Venetian rule in the early 18th century, Assumption Cathedral again underwent a makeover, this time with Baroque design and landscaping elements added. The walls were decorated with several important works of art from the time, the most important of being the Holy Conversation of Vittore Carpaccio, made in 1516.

Assumption Cathedral

Address: Titov trg 1, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Website: Assumption Cathedral

Price: Free

Visited this place?

3. See the sights in Markovec

Markovec Slovenia 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Doremo used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located about an hour’s drive away from Koper is the quiet town of Markovec, in the Inner Carniola countryside. At first glance, it’s a sleepy town, but it’s one of Slovenia’s more underrated offerings. If you’re a fan of wildlife photography, with bears as your favorite subjects, you might get a chance or two to click snapshots of Markovec’s resident brown bear population. You can join a brown bear observation tour as well if you’d rather learn more about these fuzzies. Not far from Markovec is Predjama Castle, a Gothic-style castle built in the mouth of a cave. Its location makes Predjama Castle quite the local attraction and sight. Explore the Postjona Caves first, then follow the tunnel until it opens to Predjama Castle.

Markovec

Address: Inner Carniola, Slovenia

Visited this place?

4. Admire Da Ponte Fountain

things to do in koper slovenia | admire da ponte fountain
Source: instagram

Da Ponte Fountain in Koper was built in 1666 to help supply water to the residents of the city. Baroque in style, it looks like a bridge at first glance. The coats of arms of the noble families who helped fund the construction of the Da Ponte Fountain are all engraved in each of the 15th pilasters that surround the water basin. Other notable design elements include the four pyramids with spheres on top, and mysterious deities and figures carved at the foot of the fountain. Da Ponte Fountain was used until 1898.

Da Ponte Fountain

Address: Prešernov trg 9, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Visited this place?

5. Explore Škocjan Nature Reserve


Another way to get to know Slovenia’s past is to visit its nature strongholds. For instance, Škocjan Nature Reserve, located just outside Koper, bears the traces of the coast’s island past, now considered as the country’s largest brackish wetland, where freshwater and saltwater mix. Škocjan Nature Reserve is a peaceful spot and a favorite among local bird-watchers. According to experts, there have been over 240 different kinds of bird species seen flying in and around Škocjan Nature Reserve in the past 10 years. This accounts for more than 60 percent of the bird species living in Slovenia! Other animals you might encounter at Škocjan Nature Reserve include cattle and horses (you can explore the park on horseback), foxes, hedgehogs, rabbits, dice snakes, pond turtles, the Italian wall lizard, and a number of freshwater fish species.

Škocjan Nature Reserve

Address: Sermin 50, 6000 Koper, Slovenia

Website: Škocjan Nature Reserve

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

Visited this place?

6. Wander around Tito Square


Considered as the crown jewel of Koper, Tito Square is usually the preferred meeting spot fof travelers and tour groups in the city. And why not? It’s a large square, surrounded by some of Koper’s most magnificent buildings, such as the Praetorian Palace and the Loggia, as well as the Carmine Rotunda Church. Tito Square echoes the time when Slovenia was ruled by the Venetians as this is a Venetian square, kept intact even as Socialist policies swept through the region in more contemporary times. The square now actually bears the name of Josip Broz Tito, the former Yugoslav president.

At Tito Square, you might chance upon live music and dance performances, as well as concerts, depending on the season. The best time to visit this Koper attraction is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light hits the square just right. Start and end your day in Koper right here.

Tito Square

Address: Titov trg 1, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Visited this place?

7. Learn more about Koper at Koper Regional Museum

things to do in koper slovenia | learn more about koper at koper regional museum
Source: instagram

Immerse yourself deeper into Koper culture and history at Koper Regional Museum, specifically the Venetian and Renaissance periods of the city. From the walls to the exhibit halls themselves, you’ll pick up a thing or two about this historic city. Founded in 1911, Koper Regional Museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions, all related to history and life at Istria. For the best kind of museum experience, sign up for a day with the curator and find out what it’s like to be Koper Regional Museum’s art custodian. You can be an archaeologist or art historian for a day and learn about the restoration and preservation of items with historic value. You can undergo the four- or six-hour program, depending on your preference.

Koper Regional Museum

Address: Kidričeva ulica 19, 6000 Koper, Slovenia

Website: Koper Regional Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 6.69 USD (entry to all venues)

Visited this place?

8. Take pictures of the magnificent Praetorian Palace

things to do in koper slovenia | take pictures of the magnificent praetorian palace
Source: instagram

Located in the south side of Tito Square, you’ll come face to face with Praetorian Palace, one of Koper’s most historically significant buildings. Built sometime in the 15th century, this impressive Venetian Gothic-style palace served as a municipal hall. Today, the Praetorian Palace is the seat of Koper’s city government and it also functions as a wedding hall (tidbit if you plan on getting married in Koper!) The Praetorian Palace was almost ruined following decades of decay and misuse. Fortunately, it was restored and renovated between 1991 and 2001 and once again served its role as Koper’s seat of government.

Praetorian Palace

Address: Titov trg 3, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

Visited this place?

9. Get some retail therapy at Planet Koper


With about 3.8 million visitors dropping by Planet Koper, this is definitely one of, if not the shopping Mecca in Koper. It has 65 stores, ranging from Slovenian brands to international chains like Bershka, Zara, Promod, and Springfield. You can also sample Slovenian and international flavors at the first level of Planet Koper, entirely dedicated to a variety of dining options, like Subway, Niammi, and Oshteria Peperonchino. There’s a cinema if you want to watch a movie during your trip, as well as a baby center for infants and toddlers. The little ones can also try their hand at driving at Planet Koper’s Little Drivers themed program.

Planet Koper

Address: 2, Koper, Ankaranska cesta, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Website: Planet Koper

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm

Price: Free

Visited this place?

10. Go sunbathing at Koper Beach


Koper Beach might not have the sandy shores typical of beaches (it has pebbles instead of sand), but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful or ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or relaxing. Lay your beach towel on a nice spot in one of the lawns reserved for sunbathing and get your fix of Vitamin D while you read a book, munch on your snacks, or chat with your friends. During the summer, the water is especially great for dips in the enclosed swimming area. The marina is located nearby, so you can watch the yachts and sailboats drift in and out of sight. Completing the facilities at Koper Beach are shower areas and changing rooms, a children’s playground, and a cafe and restaurant.

Koper Beach

Address: Semedelska cesta, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Price: Free

Visited this place?

11. Try out science experiments at Center Eksperimentov Koper

Od palčka do velikana

Posted by Center eksperimentov Koper on Thursday, 29 May 2014

Itching to try something new, perhaps a different kind of museum experience? Head to Center Eksperimentov Koper (Koper Experiment Center) to learn more about science and its different concepts in a hands-on and interactive setting. There’s a long list of experiments to try. Find out what polarization filters can do to double sunglasses in the binocular experiment. Determine what makes the egg and the chain similar. How can you raise yourself up to the ceiling using your own hands? At Center Eksperimentov Koper, you’ll be allowed to play and push the boundaries of what you know to come up with answers. This can be a great place to visit if you are traveling with kids.

Center Eksperimentov Koper

Address: Kidričeva ulica 17, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Website: Center Eksperimentov Koper

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 12pm (closed from Sat - Mon)

Price: 3.34 USD

Visited this place?

12. Take photos at the historic Muda Gate


Muda Gate is the last of Koper’s stone gates, standing at the southern tip of Prešernov trg. At first glance, Muda Gate doesn’t look like much– you might have already passed it as you walk around exploring the city. It is, however, one of Koper’s great ancient structures. Built in 1516, Muda Gate is a monument to history, when Koper was still a walled city with only 12 entryways. To learn more about Muda Gate and the significant role it played during the 16th century and onwards when Koper was still walled in, it’s best to take a guided walking tour from Praetorian Palace.

Muda Gate

Address: Pristaniška ulica 47, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Visited this place?

13. Visit the red Totto ex Gavardo Palace


With its red facade, it’s hard to miss the Totto ex Gavardo Palace. A short walk from Carpaccio Square on Kidrič Street, the remnants of the Totto ex Gavardo Palace consists of three structures, all of which were connected back in the 18th century. Inside, there are fading frescoes, a grand stone staircase, and stunning architectural features fitting what used to be an opulent residence. Although the Totto ex Gavardo Palace is slowly falling in disrepair, it remains one of Koper’s most stunning buildings.

Totto ex Gavardo Palace

Address: Kidričeva ulica 22b, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Visited this place?

14. Enjoy fresh-caught seafood at Fritolin

things to do in koper slovenia | enjoy fresh-caught seafood at fritolin
Source: instagram

When in Koper, you can’t miss the seafood! The best place to sample bounties of the sea is Fritolin, a local fast food restaurant quite well-known in Koper for serving fresh, affordable, and delicious seafood. Sit down for lunch or dinner, or order anything that catches your eye and take it with you on a picnic or back to your accommodation. Menu highlights include the octopus salad, anchovies in olive oil, sea bream, calamari, mixed fish (sardoni, squid, sardins), and crab claws. Order pomme frites or potatoes with chard on the side to complete the feast.

Fritolin

Address: Pristaniška ulica 2, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Website: Fritolin

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Visited this place?

15. Party the night away at Generation Bar & Club

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Experience Koper’s nightlife scene. Start making your rounds at Generation Bar & Club. During the daytime, it’s a lovely spot by the seafront if you’d like a cup of coffee and some afternoon cocktails. At night, it transforms into one of the hottest clubs in Koper, attracting long lines eager to get inside and party. Dance the night away to disco beats or house music, mingle with locals and tourists alike, and try out Generation Bar & Club’s cocktail and drinks menu.

Generation Bar & Club

Address: Cesta Zore Perello - Godina 2, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6:30am - 11pm; Fri: 6:30am - 2am; Sat: 8am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

Visited this place?

16. Enjoy views of Koper from the top of the Bell Tower

enjoy views of koper from the top of the bell tower
Source: instagram

See Koper from above when you climb the Bell Tower, which looms over Tito Square at 54 meters (177 feet). You probably might have seen the Bell Tower already, as it’s often the first thing that greets visitors to the city, being one of the tallest structures in Koper. Once upon a time, it was part of a much larger Roman fortification. Today, it’s mostly used to sound the bell for the Assumption Cathedral, with its present look the result of several makeovers between the 15th and 17th centuries. To get to the top, you’ll need to make your way through 204 steps.

Bell Tower

Address: Titov Trg, Koper 6000, Slovenia

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 3.90 USD (adults); 3.34 USD (students and seniors); 2.79 USD (kids ages 7 to 18)

Visited this place?

17. Come for a drink or two at Lord Byron Pub

come for a drink or two at lord byron pub
Source: instagram

Housed in a building at least over 500 years old, Lord Byron Pub is one of the few English pubs in Koper. You can swing by for a cup of Cremcaffee Exclusive coffee, sample their non-alcoholic and alcoholic cocktails, and taste some of the finest brews and liquor by European breweries here. The ambiance is quite fetching as well, with exposed brick walls, plush red curtains decorating the archways, old paintings on the wall, and warm lamp lighting. Stay at the bar for a good chat with the bartender or make yourself comfortable in one of the booths. You’re in for a treat.

Lord Byron Pub

Address: Repičeva ulica 2, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Website: Lord Byron Pub

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 12pm; Fri: 7am - 1am; Sat: 8am - 1am; Sun: 9am - 12am

Visited this place?

18. Taste Koper's best wines at Vinakoper


Koper is home to a 4,000-year-old winemaking tradition, and Vinakoper does a perfect job representing this part of the city’s culture and heritage. This history, along with Slovenian Istria’s ideal conditions for making wine, results in world-class, award-winning wines unlike any other. Visit Vinakoper for a wine cellar tour and wine tasting to learn more about Slovenian Istria’s rich viticulture traditions and the wines they have so far produced, such as the Refosco wine, known as Vinakoper’s pride and joy.

Vinakoper

Address: Šmarska cesta 1, 6000 Koper, Slovenia

Website: Vinakoper

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 7pm; Sat: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Visited this place?

19. Hang out at Plaža Žusterna


Koper Beach can get crowded on a summer’s day. If that’s the case, escape to Plaža Žusterna and its pebble beach. You can come out and swim in the water or in the seawater pool if you’re a bit afraid of the open seas. Plaža Žusterna is great for families, with a playground for kids. There’s also access features for the disabled so they can enjoy the pleasures of the beach as well.

Plaža Žusterna

Address: 6000 Koper, Slovenia

Price: Free

Visited this place?

20. Go shopping at Park Center Koper


In need of supplies? Perhaps a new outfit to wear as you continue to explore Koper? Visit Park Center Koper to refresh your wardrobe and re-stock your snacks, desserts, and wine supply. There are over a dozen or so shops in Park Center Koper, from Slovenian brands to other European retailers. Shopping can leave you a bit peckish, so after all that retail therapy, treat yourself at Interspar for cold dishes, hot bowls, salads– anything you like, they probably have it.

Park Center Koper

Address: Ankaranska cesta 3a, 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Website: Park Center Koper

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 3pm

Price: Free

Visited this place?

21. Treat yourself to ice cream at Sladoledarna


Whether it’s a cold winter day or a warm summer evening, ice cream is always a great idea. For a couple of scoops of home-made ice cream made from all-natural ingredients, you need to go to Sladoledarna. First, make your way through the classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, then try out the other, more unique flavors, such as tangerine, peach, gianduia, cardamom and almonds, basil, and more. Don’t be afraid to indulge– Sladoledarna makes vegan ice cream, so every spoonful of this creamy goodness is guilt-free.

Sladoledarna

Address: Pristaniška ulica 2, 6000 Koper, Slovenia

Website: Sladoledarna

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 11pm

Visited this place?

22. Explore the Baroque-style Gravisi-Barbabianca Palace

Koper (Titov trg) - loža in stolnica
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ced007 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

In Koper’s old town, you’ll find a music school housed in a grand building. This structure is actually the Gravisi-Barbabianca Palace, the former residence of the Barbabianca family, who once held the title Marquis of Pietrapelosa. It was constructed in 1710 in the Baroque style, which is quite fitting for its role today as training grounds for Koper’s budding musicians.

The Gravisi-Barbabianca Palace helps tell the story of the evolution of architectural styles in Koper, with the town’s buildings slowly changing from Romanticism to 19th-century styles. Inside, the Gravisi-Barbabianca Palace is a treasure trove of fine art. One of the most important portraits in the palace is that of the Polish King John III Sobieski, seen in the picture above.

Gravisi-Barbabianca Palace

Address: 6000 Koper - Capodistria, Slovenia

Visited this place?

23. Be a part of the Koper culinary and wine experience (from USD 184.31)

be a part of the koper culinary and wine experience

Discover and taste Koper, located in southwestern Slovenia and the oldest recorded urban settlement in the country. Due to its history and the many European influences that left a mark on Slovenia, Koper is quite a culturally diverse city. You might hear people speaking Italian (the second official language), with Koper sharing a border with Italy. Attractions to see include the Praetorian Palace, a Venetian Gothic-style palace, and the Vinakoper, an authentic Istrian wine cellar and vineyard.

The partner link below can take you on an amazing six-hour journey through Koper’s best sights, food, and wine (Koper has a 4,000-year-old tradition of wine-making!) You’ll get to sample different varieties of cold cuts and cured meats, as well as olive oil and cheese. You’ll also be given two hours of free time so that you can explore the wonders of Koper at your own pace.

Visited this place?

Koper: 6-Hour Culinary, Wine and Sightseeing Experience

Duration: 6 hour

Explore the fascinating Koper

Koper is undeniably one of Europe’s rising destinations. Make your way to this city before it hits the international spotlight. Include Koper in your European road trip or make it the starting point of an even longer and larger Slovenian adventure.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Vanna is born and raised in the Philippines and describes herself as a local tourist-- she's made it her mission to see as many of the country's 7,000+ islands. But that doesn't mean she's not...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Koper
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.