After I introduced I used to be visiting Ljubljana on one among my exceedingly uncommon child-free weekends away, the most typical reactions was: the place? Not a shock maybe however with so many causes to go to Ljubljana, it ought to actually be on everybody’s wishlist.
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I’m unsure how this attractive metropolis, Slovenia’s capital no much less, has managed to remain fairly this far beneath the radar. A part of me appears like retaining it a secret so it doesn’t find yourself swamped with vacationers.
However I’m a pleasant individual. In addition to, Ljubljana deserves to be a lot a lot better identified – these are my 13 causes to go to Ljubljana, to start out you off.
1. Ljubljana is extremely fairly
It’s uncommon it’s important to be thankful for an earthquake, however the tremors of 1895 which flattened complete sections of the town meant that a variety of rebuilding was performed within the then fashionable Artwork Nouveau fashion. Even higher, the previous city escaped just about unscathed.
Meaning twisty cobbled streets courting again to medieval instances, attractive pastel colored buildings and elegantly grand structure, all divided by a river.
2. It’s simply the precise dimension for a metropolis break
Not too small, not too large, however good (as Goldilocks may need stated). There’s loads to do and see in three days however not a lot it’s overwhelming, whereas the remainder of Slovenia – and even neighbouring Austria, Croatia and Italy – are a possible day journey away you probably have extra time.
The inhabitants of beneath 300,000 (by comparability, round a dozen London boroughs have a much bigger inhabitants) makes it very welcoming too. And the centre is helpfully pedestrianised so you possibly can wander simply.
3. There’s a citadel
With sections which can be 500 years previous, the citadel towers over the city from its vantage level on the hill – and as I like a citadel, that might be sufficient cause to go to Ljubljana alone.
One of the best views are from the highest of the tower, flying the dragon flag, however there’s additionally exhibitions and eating places inside to find – and a funicular to take you up the hill when you don’t fancy the stroll.
You may prebook your ticket right here, together with the funicular journey up the hill, or through GetYourGuide
4. Right here be dragons
Most famously on the dragon bridge, constructed notionally to commemorate one Austro-Hungarian emperor’s anniversary. The sculptures, with their curled tails, are nonetheless there lengthy after the empire and subsequent ones have collapsed.
Cross the river and also you’ll spot a couple of extra dragon sculptures too. Legend has it that the town was settled by Jason and the Argonauts, after valiantly defeating a dragon, so that they’re symbolic of its founding.
5. The improbable meals
It’s onerous (when you’re not Slovenian) to level to a selected Slovenian dish. The truth is, the nation has loads you may recognise however with its personal twist.
Regardless of its small dimension, there’s a coastline for recent fish, vineyards for beautiful wine, conventional hearty dumplings, sausage and apple strudel plus fashionable natural, native, sustainable dishes.
The eating places and cafes are additionally impressively good at highlighting allergens, so when you’re allergic to lactose or gluten, you’ll nonetheless have a variety of alternative.
6. And many riverside eating places
Cafe after cafe after bar after restaurant stretch alongside the banks of the Ljubljanica river, and even within the October chill, it’s a improbable place to take a seat with a drink, a cake or a meal with heaters and blankets as you calm down.
I extremely recommned the ‘kuhano vino’ when you’re there in autumn – scorching wine, however extra surprisingly there’s white mulled wine which is good in opposition to the chilly.
7. Uncover festivals galore
Regardless of being there out of season and solely visiting Ljubljana for a couple of days, we stumbled throughout the final Open Kitchen – an enormous set of meals stalls, with numerous dishes cooked by completely different eating places.
Lining the sq. across the central market, it runs from spring to the tip of October, if the climate permits and we made a couple of circuits earlier than narrowing down the distinctly scrumptious decisions.
A day later, there was a chocolate competition in the identical place, full with truffles and chocolate wine. Yum.
8. Uncover turbulent historical past
Somebody born simply earlier than the First World Struggle may have seen half a dozen states come and go, from empire to newly shaped state by way of wars, communist years and the delivery of Slovenia in 1991.
We took a communist historical past strolling tour, which gave a captivating glimpse into life within the former Yugoslavia and the way these days differed from international locations behind the Iron Curtain, however are nonetheless impacting on politics as we speak.
9. And extra historical past courting again to the Romans
And that’s solely the final century. Return additional and also you’ll discover tales that includes Napoleon and ultimately all the best way again to the Romans who created the city of Emona right here over 2,000 years in the past.
Statues, stays of partitions and former homes nonetheless stand and there’s a strolling path you possibly can comply with which incorporates the Metropolis Museum.
10. Ljubljana’s quirky excursions
I do love seeing one other aspect to a metropolis with somebody who is aware of it properly. And in addition to the usual free strolling tour (run by the identical firm that gives the communist tour), we took a wonderful bike tour and personalised meals strolling tour.
Try my full opinions of the three excursions on this publish…
The previous was nice to move out of the centre slightly, and discover extra of Ljubljana’s surroundings. The latter was a improbable method to guzzle within the identify of analysis.
11. Ljubljana avenue artwork
Metelkova is avenue artwork central, house to bars and eating places (with erratic opening hours) and squats plus galleries in a former navy barracks.
There’s an eclectic combine from work to mosaic collages and a complete host of various types – you can even ebook completely different excursions of Metelkova.
12. The river – and its crossings
I’ve already talked about the cafes which line the banks, and it’s frankly beautiful always of day. However an additional bonus is a few attractive bridges, from the triple bridge to the colonnaded shoemakers’ (or cobblers’) bridge in addition to one infested with padlocks, these dragons and so forth.
You’ll discover a flea market on Sundays, boat excursions and fabulous views every method.
13. The nice and cozy welcome
Slovenian shouldn’t be a straightforward language – I managed to choose up sufficient in a couple of days to say whats up, please, thanks and order scorching wine. Everybody appears to have just about impeccable English, be delighted when you make any stumbling makes an attempt at their language, and be usually very pleasant.
With my mum hat on, there have been youngsters and infants galore within the markets, festivals and cafes, and the relaxed ambiance meant they had been simply as welcome.
*First printed 2015, up to date 2026*
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All photos copyright MummyTravels/Cathy Winston
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