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.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
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
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
3. See the sights in Markovec
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
4. Admire Da Ponte Fountain
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
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
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
7. Learn more about Koper at Koper Regional Museum
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)
8. Take pictures of the magnificent Praetorian Palace
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
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
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
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
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
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
14. Enjoy fresh-caught seafood at Fritolin
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)
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)
16. Enjoy views of Koper from the top of the Bell Tower
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)
17. Come for a drink or two at Lord Byron Pub
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
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)
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
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
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
22. Explore the Baroque-style Gravisi-Barbabianca Palace
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
23. 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.
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.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
