Maribor City Guide

Local dishes like Styrian sour soup and Pohorje stew are a must. The city offers Italian, Asian, and Balkan cuisines. Vegan and vegetarian options are growing. Late-night food is limited to fast food and pizzerias.

Nightlife centers around the Lent district with bars and some clubs popular with students.

The city has a good coffee scene with several specialty and third-wave cafes. Coffee is a social ritual here.

Tipping is optional but appreciated. Around 5-10% in restaurants is common. Taxi drivers expect rounding up.

Buy SIM cards at provider stores like Telekom Slovenije, A1, Telemach, or larger kiosks. Registration needs ID or passport. eSIMs are available.

The city is generally clean, especially downtown. Waste management and recycling work well.

Few 24/7 services. Night clinics exist in the hospital, but late-night food and pharmacies are limited.

Supermarkets have good international selections. Fresh markets offer local produce. Shops usually open 7-9 AM to 8-9 PM weekdays, shorter on weekends, and many close Sundays.

Card payments are widely accepted in most places, but keep cash for markets and small shops.

ATMs are easy to find in the city, mostly at major banks like Nova KBM and NLB. Use bank-affiliated machines to avoid extra fees.

Local schools mainly teach in Slovene. International schools are limited; nearest is in Ljubljana.

The digital nomad scene is small but growing, with community events mostly in coworking spaces and cafes.

Large parks and riverside paths provide shade and good spaces to relax or run.

Popular running spots include the Drava embankment and Pohorje trails. Routes are safe and scenic.

Several gyms are available across the city for various fitness needs.

Tennis courts are common at sports clubs with bookings and rentals available.

Padel is growing but still less common than tennis.

Several yoga studios offer different styles with drop-in and membership options. Some have English-speaking instructors.

Active martial arts scene offering judo, karate, taekwondo, BJJ, boxing, and kickboxing, with some English-speaking instructors.

Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort is very close with slopes for beginners and advanced skiers. Season runs December to March with equipment rental onsite.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on the Drava River. Rentals and guided tours available during warmer months.

No surfing available since Maribor is inland.

No diving spots due to inland location.

The University Medical Centre Maribor is the main hospital with English-speaking staff. Public healthcare is good, private clinics offer faster service. Pharmacies are common but 24/7 ones are rare.

Tap water is safe and high quality.

There are many playgrounds and family-friendly cafes. Attractions include the aquarium, funicular, and parks.

Maribor is generally accepting and safe for LGBTQ+ people, with legal protections and inclusive venues.

Many pet-friendly places and parks. Veterinary services and pet stores are available.