Velenje City Guide

The food scene is straightforward with local Slovenian dishes and some pizza and grill places. A few spots do vegetarian options, but vegan offerings are rare. Places usually close by 10 or 11 PM.

Nights are mostly quiet, with a handful of bars and pubs. No real club scene.

Coffee is central to social life, served in most cafés. No specialty scene, but espresso drinks are standard.

Tipping is not expected but is appreciated. Round up or leave 5–10% for good service, mostly in restaurants.

Buy SIMs at main provider stores, larger kiosks, or supermarkets. Telekom Slovenije, A1, and Telemach all work well. eSIMs are available. Bring your passport or ID for registration.

The city is generally clean, with good waste and recycling systems.

Very few 24/7 options. Petrol stations may offer snacks and drinks overnight.

Supermarkets like Mercator, Spar, Hofer, and Lidl have a good range of local and some international foods. There’s also a fresh produce market. Most shops close on Sundays and holidays.

Card payments work at supermarkets, restaurants, and most shops. Cash is good for small purchases and markets.

ATMs are easy to find in the city center and near major banks. Expect extra fees for international cards, depending on your bank.

Velenje has public schools and a university, but international schools are in Ljubljana. Local schools teach in Slovene.

Not a hotspot for digital nomads. Most visitors are locals or passersby. Networking is limited.

Parks and large grassy areas are everywhere. The lake and riverside paths make it easy to get outdoors.

Running routes circle the lake and follow the river. The city is safe and air quality is good.

A few fitness centers operate in town and are open to short-term visitors.

Tennis courts at sports centers and the lake area, usually bookable direct.

Padel is less common, but some sports centers may offer it.

A few fitness centers and small studios offer yoga. English instruction may be limited.

A few clubs offer judo, karate, or taekwondo. BJJ and newer styles are rare. Most classes in Slovene.

Ski resorts like Golte and Rogla are within an hour's drive. Equipment rental is easy at the slopes.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are all popular at Lake Velenje, with rentals on-site.

No ocean here. Lake offers windsurfing and paddleboarding, mainly suited to beginners.

Lake Velenje’s submerged village is a draw. Good for lake diving, especially in warmer months.

Velenje has a local health center and pharmacies. The nearest big hospital is in Celje, about 40 minutes away. Public care is good and private clinics are quicker for appointments. Some English spoken at larger facilities.

Tap water is clean and safe to drink everywhere in Velenje.

Families will find many playgrounds, easy parks, and a few kid-friendly cafés. Attractions like Velenje Beach and Castle are popular with locals and visitors.

Slovenia is progressive, but Velenje is more reserved. Legal protections are strong, but open LGBTQ+ scenes are mostly in bigger cities.

Outdoor areas and many green spaces are open to pets. Some restaurants and accommodations are pet-friendly. Check in advance.