Ljubljana City Breaks 2012

Stari Trg Street, Ljubljana

A True Gem of a City

A hidden gem of Eastern Europe, Ljubljana has a more subtle attraction than the grandiose architecture of other cities in the region.

Though it is one of the smallest cities in the area, it boasts a wealth of culture and activity that will surprise and delight any traveller.

Capital of Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital city, is situated in the midlands of the country, with the Ljubljanica River flowing through the city center.

Nearby are the Ljubljana Marshes, a region of peat bogs and wetlands, the forests of Polhov Gradec, and the Velika plane in the Kamnik Alps, renowned for its excellent skiing.

Visit in summer for vibrant street performances and live music; or in December to enjoy the magical and festive celebrations.

The city is accessible within Slovenia by bus and train, both inexpensive and comfortable. Flights land at Jože Pučnik Airport, about 27km north of Ljubljana. Within the city, much of the center is accessible on foot, or you can rent a bike for the day.

What To Do

Visitors to Ljubljana will not go short of things to do and places to see. The city offers many fascinating museums and galleries, including the Architecture Museum of Ljubljana and the National Gallery.

For those seeking some dramatic architecture, look no further than the spectacular Ljubljana Castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city, offering magnificent views. The Triple Bridge, the work of Jože Plečnik, comprises three beautiful bridges alongside one another.

The Old Town mingles medieval architecture with fashionable designer shops, restaurants and cafés. For children, Ljubljana Zoo, one of Europe’s most beautiful zoos, is a must-see.

Eating Out

Local Slovenian cuisine is in abundance, offering local specialties. Try traditional Slovene dishes such as Carniolan sausage, Kras prosciutto, and Pekmurje layered cake, a dessert consisting of layers of cottage cheese, poppy seeds, walnut and fruit. Alternatively, visit the vibrant Central Market for local produce and wine.

The University and Old Town

The city is dominated by its university, which comprises twenty faculties, three academies of art and three colleges. Its student community – nearly 57,000 – brings with it a diverse and youthful atmosphere, particularly focused around Metelkova’s alternative-living center, and a buzzing scene after dark.

For an exciting taste of Ljubljana’s nightlife, try a pub-crawl through the city’s Old Town, taking in some of the subculture and alternative clubs in Metelkova. Alternatively, take in some opera or theatre at one of the city’s culture centres, or arthouse cinema at a Ljubljana Kinoteka.