There are a few cities that have sat on my “must visit” list so long that they have changed and in some ways they are no longer the place I thought they were.
At the risk of offending my editor and many of you lovely readers, Berlin was one of those cities for me. By the time I visited it was no longer “up and coming”; it had come up as high as it possibly could get. I still loved my time there, but it wasn’t what I had hoped it would be seven or eight years ago when I wanted to visit originally.
I feared that Ljubljana would be the same as it has been on my radar for almost as long, certainly since before Slovenia joined the EU in 2004, and it felt like the world and his wife had been in the interim.
Thankfully, Ljubljana didn’t leave me feeling full of regret that I hadn’t visited sooner, instead I left the city eagerly planning my next visit. Here are eleven reasons why you should plan your first visit there.
2. It’s cheap
A member of the Eurozone, Ljubljana is exceptional value for money and will cater for all budgets. To give you some point of reference, you’re looking at around €2 for a glass of wine or a beer, a delicious gelato costs a little less and you can definitely eat well for less than €10, dessert included.
Accommodation is also cheap. While in Ljubljana I stayed in a private room in Hostel Tresor, which used to be a bank. I’m not really a hostel kind of girl but this place was clean and well designed, the staff were VERY friendly and helpful and there was also a decent buffet breakfast included. Also our location couldn’t have been better and I was able to walk everywhere. Private rooms start at €28 per night and a bed in a dorm costs from €18 (with prices higher in the summer season).
3. It’s less than an hour from skiing or swimming in the sea
One thing I didn’t know about Ljubljana until I was standing at the top of the castle, but the city is really close to the mountains. I pointed at them going “ooh snow!” and my guide indeed confirmed that in winter months you can be on the slopes in less than an hour from the centre of Ljubljana. As for summer months, when it’s warm enough, you can be on the nearby Italian beaches in about the same time. Or if you want to stay in Slovenia, you can get to the picturesque Piran in under an hour and a half.
I’m already planning my snowboarding trip there this winter.
4. Street art
I saw some of the funniest examples of street art in Ljubljana. Again, it was completely unexpected. And I didn’t even get a chance to explore the bohemian area of Metelkova Mesto where thee streets are lined in graffiti.
5. FOOD!!
I had no idea that Slovenian salt was so sought after (it’s Jamie Oliver’s seasoning of choice), or that Slovenian bees make such sweet honey. I also didn’t realise that prosciutto from the Karst region of Slovenia was just as good (if not better!) than those I’ve eaten in Spain and Italy.
6. Vintage shopping
Another unexpected surprise of my time in Ljubljana was how good the vintage shopping was. I wrote a guide to my favourite vintage shops in Ljubljana but in short, keep your eyes open and you’ll definitely find some great places to shop, including the arts market by the river on Breg every Saturday.
7. Open Kitchen Food Market
Every Friday Ljubljana has a street food market in Pogačarjev trg (central market square) in the shadow of St Nicholas Cathedral. Locals head there for their lunch or an after work apperitif and tourists – like me – walk around the many stalls marvelling at how many different types of international cuisine are on offer. You can see more pictures of the market here.
8. It’s a festival city
I was in Ljubljana for the Ana Desetnica International Street Theatre Festival, which was a brilliantly vibrant celebration of street performance spread over the centre of the city. Astonishingly it was free too and we enjoyed hours of entertainment for just the few Euros we tipped each performer. During the time we were in Ljubljana there were also two other big festivals happening – Ljubljana Festival and Ljubljana Jazz Festival. I even lucked out and got some tickets to see Gregory Porter as part of the jazz festival. It was held in Križanke Outdoor Theatre, an open air auditorium that was once a courtyard for a 13th century monastery.
9. It’s a cycling city
Even better than discovering that Ljubljana is a foodie city and a place to find vintage bargains, I was crazy happy to learn that Ljubljana is a cycling city. With bike lanes criss-crossing the city and a public bike scheme used by locals and tourists, I was thrilled to see a lot of people cycling. I did it myself on my one free day and loved how easy and safe it felt to cover more ground on two wheels, just be warned that the cycle paths do end suddenly and I did see a few people taking to the pavements.
10. It’s the perfect size for a weekend city break
Whoever said that good things came in small packages may have had a soft spot for Ljubljana. To put it in perspective, Stockport, Sunderland and Walsall in the UK are bigger cities and locals in Ljubljana were the first people to tell me how small their city is, as if this is a bad thing. Personally I don’t see this as a bad thing AT ALL.
I’ve just returned from a weekend in Hamburg and despite walking six miles in one day exploring the city, I still don’t feel like I even scratched the surface (I’ll just have to go back) but after just three short days in Ljubljana I felt like it was known to me. The city was no longer a stranger and that’s a really lovely feeling. That said, there’s still enough to make me want to go back… and not just for the prospect of snowboarding.
11. It’s a green city
Have you ever been to Ljubljana? If not, have I tempted you to maybe go?
All photos by Frankie except Gregory Porter by Nada Zgank.
This post was written by Frankie Thompson who was a Travelette from 2012 – 2015. Originally from London, UK, Frankie was nomadic for several years before settling in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where she lives with her Australian partner and baby boy. She spends her time buying vintage dresses, riding a rusty old bike around the canals and writing books inspired by her travels. Frankie blogs about travel, writing and motherhood at As the Bird flies blog.
I've been in Ljubljana thus summer and i loved it!
My husband & I visited Croatia & Slovenia back in March. We had a day in Ljubljana & it was the best part of the whole trip. I could've spent a few more days there! It is by far the prettiest city I've visited in Europe. You would never guess it is the capital city considering it's size & it doesn't have that "big city" feel. I absolutely fell in love with this precious town! I try not to return to places when traveling (I just feel there's so much to see!) but Ljubljana (well- Slovenia in general) is DEFINITELY a place I would love to return to spend a little more time. If I ever become an ex-pat, Ljubljana is where I'm heading! Thanks for this post. It brought back sweet memories & was exciting to visually revisit the town!
I see reviews and travel tips for Slovenia, especially Ljubljana, popping up almost weekly, which is awesome. I love that tourists like our capital city.
To be honest, quite a lot (most) of Slovenians like the fact that Ljubljana is not as big as other European cities. I do as well.
Oh, just one thing, Slovenia joined EU in 2004, but we got into Eurozone in 2007.
Great article and come back soon! :)
I feel like I've seen a bunch of articles online recently about what a great destination Ljubljana is, but your description and photos really make me want to book a ticket there immediately! Looks like such a beautiful (and yummy) city to explore. Thank you for sharing!
Great article! I was living in Ljubljana for 6 months! It isn't only great place to visit but also to live. But keep on mind, Slovenia isn't only Ljubljana, but plenty of other beautiful places. For example Piran, Bohinj, Bled and much more. If you want to get some "backpackers" tips about Slovenia feel free to contact me :-)
Awesome photos, Frankie! :)
looks perfect for a weekend away, really want to visit http://thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/volunteering-and-working-abroad.html
I really want to go here!! I'm kicking myself for being so close and not making it.
Oh, no... another place to add to my bucket list!!! It jus keeps growing! :) I didn't know Ljubljana was such a beauty!
xx,
E.
www.theslowpace.com
I've been there last summer! So adorable!! I'd love to go there - right now!
As a Ljubljana resident I agree with all the reasons. You even caught me on the picture at Open kitchen :) What are the odds :)
Looks really lovely! Love the look of the street art.
These photos are stunning - I hope I get to visit sometime soon!
Thank you all for your comments! I love that you all like Ljubljana as much as I do... or that you're keen to go - you should!!
Ljubljana is the best I agree. Some data: Slovenia is part of EU since 2004. And Spanish jamon is still better in my opinion.
I haven't been there yet, but I'm going in September! Been longing to visit Slovenia for soooo long now. I can't wait!
I've heard it is a little pearl of a town - quite charming and quiet and tucked away. yet absolutely perfect. i only drove through slovenia but i wish we stopped - I've seen such gorgeous photos.
Ljubljana is my favorite city of Europe.I have been there since 2005 almost every summer for at least a weekend. The city is beautifull, quiet and full of life. Every time I find something new to see, eat or be. And on every trip there I made new friends. The people or so nice and always in for a talk and a drink.
I hope to visit soon again!
That's so lovely to hear @Richard - I don't blame you for going back every year!
@Taylor - "a pearl of a town" - that's a great way to describe Ljubljana; it really is just that!
@Renate - enjoy your stay!!
@Nusa - yes, thank you, I have amended that error.
Frankie, you should definitely go to Metelkova!
I recommend you to go both during the day and night. With nightfall everything changes there! Hehehe...
That's a very nice alternative, cultural squat :)
I love Slovenia and personally I consider Ljubljana to be the best capital of Europe, according to its size. It's just PERFECT! :)
Similar with your 11th spot are my 7th and 8th from my article "9 reasons why I would settle in Slovenia" - http://www.worldwidehitchhiker.com/9-reasons-why-i-would-settle-in-slovenia/
Ljubljana is not just "green" as "clean city", it is also green because of the nature and parks. Tivoli, if you haven't visit it, is a huge park almost in the center of Ljubljana.
Nice collection of reasons!
All the best,
Bogdan Budai - WorldWideHitchHiker
http://www.worldwidehitchhiker.com/
thank you very much....a very informative one...we will be there from 27-29 April 2016....Slovenia here we come!!!
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Hi! I'm local and I can tell you, you will fell in love with Ljubljana and Slovenia. So if you plan to come, please take more than 2 days, you have sooo many to see and especially to do. Slovenia is TODO country, we are athlets in our hearths. :) If I need to recomend you one thing I would say you experience standup paddling in Ljubljana. Is totally new activity and Ljubljana is the only EU capital, where you can sup in the middle of the city centre! If you need someone to show you around, contact me. ;)