Dreaming about getting away for the weekend to the loveliest haven in Europe? Still wanting the full city experience, without the rush and the hustle? Say hello to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, a lush city filled with culture, art, and greenery.
DOBRODOŠLI (welcome)
Arriving to Ljubljana is fairly easy, due to its central location. Vienna is 384 km away, and a flight from London takes about 2 hours.
Immediately upon arrival, you feel as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. The incredible nature all around you makes you take it all in as never before. The greenery stretches into the city itself. You notice the charming old castle on the hill – looks like a medieval painting coming to life.
The loveliness continues when you decide to explore some more. The old town is a colorful mix of various influences. From baroque cathedrals and minimalist office buildings, to socialist structures and Sucessionist bridges.
Next, you will encounter the welcomeness and the general air of tolerance. Slovenians are friendly and open to new connections, which makes them the perfect hosts.
MEET THE DRAGON’S LAIR
The city abounds with history on every step of the way. The green hills that surround it turned the peaceful settlement into a powerful fortress throughout the centuries.
The river Ljubljanica that runs through the city has been its integral part forever. The locals cherish the river by keeping it clean and clear as best as they can. What enhances its vivid colors are the many bridges that connect the old town to the new.
A special mix of influences is best experienced from a higher perspective. The Ljubljana Castle is the place to be at all times, so head up for a hike to soak in the best views. (An inexpensive all-glass funicular will also take you there.)
The dragon is the symbol that catches the eye’s attention immediately. The legend says that Jason was the founder of Ljubljana, and he and his Argonauts killed a dragon.
The mythical animal then became a part of the medieval city’s coat of arms. This way it transitioned from a monster to a protector of the city.
In any case, the bridge with 4 dragon statues, Zmajski most, is what awaits you by the Vodnik square. It was built for traffic purposes, but today it is more popular because of its aesthetics.
PRETTY european ARCHITECTURE 101
Jože Plečnik is the famous architect who designed many of the open spaces that make Ljubljana’s vista so eye-catching. He helped the city transition from classic to modern. His work includes the Ljubljana Open Market and the Slovene National and University Library.
He managed to bring together the old and the new with the Triple Bridge construction. 3 bridges connect 2 worlds, just next to the Prešeren Square. You’ll know you’re there when you find yourself in front of the astonishing pink Franciscan Church.
The famous Romantic poet France Prešeren is immortalized in the form of a statue. He watches over the city from his square.
It is complete with a few palaces and an Art Nouveau gem: the Urbanc House, the first department store in Ljubljana.
WALK, BIKE, SWIM, HIKE
People don’t visit this part of Europe only for its culture & history. It’s home to many sports-related activities too.
Hiking is a popular pastime for many Slovenians (which isn’t any wonder when you get to know its natural riches). There’s always something new to discover. Pro tip: a barbeque usually awaits the ones persistent enough to reach their goal.
To bike or not to bike? Ljubljana’s residents seem to prefer the first option, taking their bikes everywhere. The city streets are more than equipped for this, so if you forgot your own, you could always rent one.
Paddling and kayaking are great ways to experience the Ljubljanica river. For a more relaxed approach, take a cruise and let go.
FEEL THE ROMANCE
Imagine this: a gentle melody reaches your ear as you notice the pastel-colored houses pass you by. The smell of a freshly cooked meal opens your appetite. You find yourself wanting a glass of wine or a little something to let you savor this moment…
The city’s playful architecture and easygoingness go hand in hand with discovering it with that special someone. Strolling around its lovely streets will make you feel like you’ve entered another world. Here, the only thing that matters is the two of you.
The evening confirms this and so much more, thanks to the sparkling lights. Watch how they glisten on top of the river’s emerald surface.
Slovenia has love in its name, so don’t be surprised to come back with a fuller heart. For the country or for a person in it, who’s to say?
A HEDONIST’S PARADISE
Slovenian gastronomy deserves a whole book, not a paragraph in a blog post. It is diverse and contains delicacies you might not dare to pair. But Slovenians do, and they do it with such ease.
Meat lovers will have an especially good time here. The country’s Alpine region is famous for Kranjska klobasa, a sausage that’s best enjoyed with some mustard and cabbage on the side. Prosciutto is not to be missed either – Kraški pršut goes particularly well with a glass of Teran, a fragrant red wine.
It’s no secret that the country produces much of its food. Potatoes even have their own festivals! This connection to the local cuisine is best experienced at the Odprta kuhna (Open kitchen). Each Friday, the Ljubljana Central Market sets the stage for a street food festival. A variety of cuisines appear, next to the more traditional dishes.
Štruklji is a baked or boiled rolled dough filled with something sweet or savory. You can enjoy it with walnuts, apples, poppy seeds or tarragon. For me, there’s nothing better than baked cottage cheese štruklji with sour cream = comfort food at its best.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Classics are never out of style. This goes for everything, from music to theatre (in my book – and it seems Ljubljana agrees). An amazing immersion into its cultural life is the city’s many festivals. Go for the jazzy ‘Summer in Old Ljubljana’ or the ‘International Street Theatre Festival’.
This is a very popular city with students, so there is no shortage of events. Don’t skip a visit to the park Tivoli. There’s always something happening in Ljubljana’s largest (and prettiest) green oasis.
The same goes for Kino Šiška, an old cinema complex turned urban arthouse. Exhibitions and concerts take place here, as well as the ‘Tinta Cartoon Festival’.
A more alternative approach is what awaits you in the Metelkova Cultural Centre. The graffiti-filled former army barracks are now the home to a few clubs, galleries, and bars. This is the spot to come and hang out with your crew. Even if you’re on your own, get ready to meet some colorful personalities within its chambers.
COVID DISCLOSURE
Many countries are now on the red list to visit Slovenia. This means that if you’re arriving from one of these countries, you’ll have to spend 14 days in quarantine. Check out the full list with all the new updates here: https://www.policija.si/eng/newsroom/news-archive/105468-croatia-on-the-red-list-as-of-21-august
Make sure you travel safe, always 😊
Cultourist 
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