Ljubljana

Ljubljana

I LOVE Ljubljana!

0
Walking around Ljubljana. Taken by Kirstie.

Often referred to as a “hidden gem” in Europe, the capital and largest city of Slovenia has many things to offer visitors.

For English speakers, it can be difficult to pronounce…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=six6HllA4Gk

Slovenia Is Actually Pretty Old…

Slovenia is one of the “youngest” countries in Europe, only gaining independence in 1991. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have history, however. People living in the Ljubljana Marshes, just south of modern-day Ljubljana, have inhabited the area since 2000 BC.

Ljubljana’s central, strategic location has also allowed it to develop into the cultural, economic, gastronomical, political and educational hub it is today. Plus, you can take great day trips in just a few hours to sites such as Lake Bled or the Karst.

The central part of the city is built around the Ljubljanica River, which cuts through the city center. Development was emphasized along the river and you can find tons of cool bars, restaurants and shops- all with a beautiful view!

Both day-

Ljubljanica River. Taken by Kirstie.
Ljubljanica River. Taken by Kirstie.
Ljubljanica River. Taken by Kirstie.
Ljubljanica River. Taken by Kirstie.

-and night!

Ljubljanica River. Taken by Kirstie.
Ljubljanica River. Taken by Kirstie.

What To Do In Ljubljana

Visiting there on a warm sunny day, you can also see that the riverside is a favorite hangout place among the locals. There were tons of people just hanging out, having some drinks and relaxing along the grassy banks. There is also a Sunday Market that opens along the river from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm where you can find antiques, interesting postcards and fun memorabilia to remember you time in this cool capital city!

One of my favorite parts about it, however, was just being able to stroll around the streets. Ljubljana is so beautiful! Each turn of the corner brings a new discovery of a mix of Roman, Boroque-style and more modern architecture, trendy artistic bars, boutique shops selling handmade products and, of course some super delicious food!

Walking around Ljubljana. Taken by Kirstie.
Taken by Kirstie.
Walking around Ljubljana. Taken by Kirstie.
Taken by Kirstie.
Walking around Ljubljana. Taken by Kirstie.
Taken by Kirstie.
Walking around Ljubljana. Taken by Kirstie.
Taken by Kirstie.

We went during the summer time, so the streets were lined with umbrella-covered tables, and many people sitting out enjoying food and the warm weather. The main section of the old city center is also pedestrian zoned, so you can totally just lose yourself in the magic that Ljubljana has to offer as well as visit the famous bridges such as the Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge.

Dragon bridge, Ljubljana. Taken by Guillaume Speurt via Flickr.
Dragon bridge, Ljubljana. Taken by Guillaume Speurt via Flickr.
Dragon at the Dragon Bridge, Ljublana. Taken by Maik-T. Šebenik via Flickr.
Dragon at the Dragon Bridge. Taken by Maik-T. Šebenik via Flickr.

Besides spending some time just walking around the city, there are also some important sights to see such as the Ljubljana castle (dating from the 16th century), the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the roman walls, museums such as the City Museum or Museum of Modern Art.

For a more alternative spot, check out the Metalkova City, an autonomous social area in the center of Ljubljana. This is a former military barrack where the Yugoslavia army was based. Once Slovenia gained independence artists squatted there and now its home to some really cool bars, clubs, hostels, live music and some super cool street art and graffiti.

[Travels of Adam], [Wikipedia], [Lonely Planet]

My favorite small European cities (#10-5)

6
City street in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Taken by Kirstie.

Europe is full of magical cities to be discovered!

Although I love visiting world famous cities such as Paris, Madrid or Berlin, there is something special about smaller, more local and charming small cities. You can easily explore them in a short period of time as well as the prices tend to be a bit lower and the locals a bit friendlier.

Here are my 5 of my 10 favorites thus far:

  1. Heidelberg, Germany

Nestled into the Rhine Rift Valley along the River Neckar in southwest Germany, Heidelberg is a really charming small city. With lots of winding, small stone streets in the Baroque style Old Town, you could spend the afternoon wandering around stopping for coffee at one of the many cafes or simply just enjoying the romantic atmosphere. Heidelberg is also famous for the Heidelberg Castle, which stands over the city, with great views of the landscape.

The Heidelberg Hauptstrasse (main street). Taken by Nelson Minar via Flickr.
The Heidelberg Hauptstrasse (main street). Taken by Nelson Minar via Flickr.
View of Heidelberg from the Heidelberg Castle, Germany.
View of Heidelberg from the Heidelberg Castle, Germany.

 

  1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

If I’ve ever been anywhere that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard it’s Ljubliana, Slovenia. The old city center features a mix of architectural styles, and the older buildings are kept up in great condition. The Ljubljanica River also runs through the old city center, creating a really cool, calming feeling over the city. It is a popular Erasmus destination for students, so expect there also to be a great nightlife!

Shoes hanging in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Taken by Kirstie.
Shoes hanging in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Taken by Kirstie.
River in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Taken by Kirstie.
River in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Taken by Kirstie.
City street in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Taken by Kirstie.
City street in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Taken by Kirstie.

 

  1. Lagos, Portugal

Right on the Algarve coast of southern Portugal, Lagos is more of a town than a city with only 22,000 inhabitants. Despite its small size, Lagos attracts tons of visitors in the warm weather for its beautiful beaches, many cliffs and caverns as well as the many bars, restaurants and especially nightlife. As well, it has a huge historical significance for not only Portugal but for Europe in general, as it was a vital port and, at one point, center of the European Slave Trade.

Cliffs in Lagos from boat, Lagos, Portugal
Cliffs in Lagos from boat, Lagos, Portugal
Boats at the bottom of the cliffs, Lagos, Portugal
Boats at the bottom of the cliffs, Lagos, Portugal
View from the cliffs, Lagos, Portugal
View from the cliffs, Lagos, Portugal
Beach in, Lagos, Portugal
Beach in, Lagos, Portugal
Market street, Lagos, Portugal
Market street, Lagos, Portugal
City street, Lagos, Portugal
City street, Lagos, Portugal
Harbor in Lagos, Portugal
Harbor in Lagos, Portugal

 

  1. Niš, Serbia

After attending an amazing wedding for a friend from Niš last weekend, I may be a little bias, but in any case, it is a really great city to visit! You can easily walk around the city center in a few hours, and visit some of the main sites such as the Niš Fortress or Tinker’s Alley. As one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and Europe, it is full of history too! Make sure to visit one of the “kafanas” or traditional restaurants where you can try common foods, drink some “rakija” (a fruity brandy popular in the Balkans) and listen to traditional live music. We went to this really cool one Nislijska Mehana during our trip there.

Niš skyline. Taken by Monika via Flickr.
Niš skyline. Taken by Monika via Flickr.
Entrance to the Niš Fortress, Niš
Entrance to the Niš Fortress, Niš
Nislijska Mehana in Niš.
Nislijska Mehana in Niš.
Nislijska Mehana in Niš with live music.
Nislijska Mehana in Niš with live music.

 

  1. Annecy, France

With charming small stone streets, mountains in the backdrop, turquoise crystal clear canals intersecting the city and draining into a beautiful lake, Annecy is nothing short of a fairytale. It is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the Alps” and I wouldn’t disagree! It’s a really popular destination in the warmer weather, when you can take advantage of water activities such as swimming, sailing, water-skiing and diving as well as cycling and mountain exploration.

Lake Annecy, France. Taken by Pug Girl via Flickr.
Lake Annecy, France. Taken by Pug Girl via Flickr.
Annecy, France. Taken by Daniel Jolivet via Flickr.
Annecy, France. Taken by Daniel Jolivet via Flickr.
Streets of Annecy, France. Still charming in the rain!
Streets of Annecy, France. Still charming in the rain!

Still to come: numbers 5 to 1!

Every year in April more than 5 million people attend the Feria de Abril de Sevilla or known in English as the Seville Fair. Upon...

Just south of the picturesque small resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze, at almost 3,000 meters high. It offers not only word-class...

Did you ever think of Copenhagen as a shopper’s paradise? Well, add it to the list… Milan, Paris, and you guessed it, Copenhagen! In the...

Located in the border areas of northern Spanish and southern France, the community of the Basque people is truly unique. The culture has a rich...

Just a short walk from Madrid’s iconic Puerta del Sol is another center of life in the Spanish capital: the Plaza Mayor. What Can You...

Did you know that the Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella’s Castle? Nestled in the hills of Bavaria, this is one spot you...

Maintaining a daily fitness routine is hard enough at home base. Yes, you can make your own meals, go to the gym, go for a...