This pretty European capital isn’t one that Brits often think to visit, but it’s an underrated spot that’s easy to explore. Ljubljana in Slovenia has been named by Lonely Planet as one of Europe’s greenest and most liveable capitals.
Car traffic is restricted in the centre, leaving the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city’s heart, free for pedestrians and cyclists. As warmer weather is on the way, this city is the perfect place to book for a weekend away this spring or summer. The city is home to a thriving Old Town lined with an exciting array of cafes and restaurants which are bustling in the warmer months.
One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “This is a stunning area! Clean, safe and there is so much to see. The city is very walkable. Stroll through the open air market, take the funicular up to the castle and check out the exhibits, have a coffee in one of the many cafes.
“Have a Slovenian beer at a local pub. There are so many great restaurants and little shops to explore. Everything is very reasonable. The locals are very friendly and helpful. You can flag down the small yellow buses and get a free ride within the old city.”
You can get to Ljubljana from London in just two hours 15 minutes by plane making it a great short flight for a weekend away.
Another must-see spot in the city is Ljubljana Castle which is known for its spectacular views of distant mountains.
One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “A beautiful castle on a small hill above the city itself, from where there is a wonderful view of Ljubljana and the surrounding mountains. It is worth a visit to feel the breath of a bygone era and how people lived in the past.”
The forward-thinking city is home to beautiful architecture which has an Italian style.
Ljubljana owes some of its beauty to an earthquake in 1895 reduced whole neighbourhoods to ruins.
But this only gave free rein to visionaries like Jože Plečnik to build Art Nouveau masterpieces from the rubble.
Today, the city is a vibrant and refreshing city to visit with a variety of sights to see and culture to enjoy.
