Traveling as a Black Woman in Slovenia

Travel & Safety

Mar 11

Imani, NC

I didn’t come to Slovenia for the Instagram photos. I came because I wanted quiet. Space. Somewhere to wander without expectations. I’d been feeling burnt out—by the noise of home, by the state of the world, and honestly, by the fatigue of traveling while Black in places that don’t see you, or worse, pretend you don’t exist. I didn’t know much about Ljubljana. I just knew it was safe, pretty, and affordable—and that most people who look like me probably hadn’t been. I was right about that.

Landing in a Place That Had Never Seen Me

As soon as I stepped off the bus into the city center, I felt it. The stares. Not cruel, not aggressive—just… stunned. Curious. The kind of stares that say “We weren’t expecting you.” A part of me wanted to shrink. I pulled my coat tighter around my shoulders and tried to act like I knew where I was going. But another part of me—maybe the part that’s grown a little louder each year—straightened my spine and thought: Let them look. I belong here, too.

A City That Whispered, Not Screamed

Ljubljana is calm. It doesn’t beg for your attention. It gently earns it. I wandered beside the Ljubljanica River, browsed in cozy bookstores, and sipped tea in cafés that felt like living rooms. The city was clean, walkable, and easy to navigate. And slowly, as the hours passed, I started to feel something I hadn’t felt in a while on a solo trip: Present. No pushing through crowds. No dodging aggressive street vendors. No catcalls or unwanted conversations. Just air, cobblestones, silence, and a soft feeling that—even if I was the only one of me around—I was safe.

Being Visible Without Being in Danger

Let me be clear: Ljubljana is not diverse. I didn’t see a single other Black traveler during my three days there. I saw maybe two people of color total. So yes, the stares happened.

But no one touched my hair. No one followed me. No one asked to take a photo “with the exotic girl.” And no one made me feel unsafe. That’s more than I can say for other places that claim to be inclusive.

The truth is, when you’re a melanated traveler in places like Slovenia, you carry dual awareness. On one hand, you want to blend in. On the other—you know your presence is a small revolution. Sometimes, just showing up is a statement. And in Ljubljana, that statement was met with stillness, not hostility.

What I Wish I Knew Before Going

I want to give you the emotional truth—but I also want to give you practical guidance:
You’ll get stared at. Have a response plan. I smiled back or ignored it. You decide your comfort level.
Bring your full routine. I didn’t find a single beauty supply or textured hair product. Pack for your hair and skin.
It’s walkable, so bring comfy shoes. I averaged 15,000 steps a day just wandering.
The silence can feel isolating. If you thrive on connection or community, this may feel a little too quiet.
It’s safe. Really. I walked back to my hotel at 10 PM and felt safer than I do in parts of my own city.
You can take a train ride to Zagreb, Croatia from the city.

Would I Recommend It? Yes, But not for everyone

Ljubljana isn’t the place to go if you need nightlife or constant stimulation. But if you’re looking for safety, solitude, and space to reflect—it’s an underrated gem.

For Black travelers—especially women—it won’t be the easiest trip emotionally. But it will be an affirming one. You’ll see yourself in every window reflection and remind yourself that your presence is powerful. Even in places that don’t expect you. Especially there.

JayTennisful .