Ljubljana, that cute city that you can’t pronounce, let alone spell.

Ljubljana (pronounced Lube-Lee-ahna) is the capital of Slovenia and has been on my list of places to see ever since I read Paulo Coelho’s book, “Veronika Decides to Die”, many years ago. Despite the depressing book title, the story is actually uplifting. Veronika, the main character, lived in Ljubljana, and even though it isn’t described as typically beautiful or exciting, I just had to see this city for myself- even if it was only for one night.

As we drove closer to the main town, my excitement grew and my anticipation to explore mounted. This anticipation was delayed by almost 45minutes while we tried to navigate towards our hotel. Our GPS directed us in circles, over and over around the main part of town and each “right” would take us to a cobblestone street with no pedestrian access. We finally parked the car and wheeled our suitcases through Stari Trg, one of the main streets and the street that led to our hotel.

We stayed at the Vander Urbani Resort, a member of the Design Hotels. An ultra-modern boutique hotel located smack bang in the city centre, which is filled with cafes and bars all lined along the river. Breakfast was included, and one of the best things about the hotel was the rooftop (albeit small) pool, which gave us a chance to unwind. We were also informed that we could park our car in a selected car park that offered rates to the hotel’s guests.

For a somewhat sleepy town, (yes, I am aware the photos hardly show any people) it was purely luck and the right timing as the Cankerjevo Nabrezje comes alive at night time. It’s a strip along the water filled with bar after bar, and patrons in each one enjoying a drink.

We explored the Sunday markets, fulfilled my schnitzel craving at Gostilna Sokol (see below), opted out of exploring the castle at the top of the hill as we were in the middle of a European heatwave and took refuge in our hotel pool instead. Come late afternoon, we created our own bar crawl along the water until we were ready for dinner, choosing a fun Mexican restaurant to continue the summer vibes.

Ljubljana is a really pretty city, perfect for a weekend get away. It is definitely not as busy as other capital cities but that just adds to the charm. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to experience some of the finer restaurants as a lot are closed on Sundays, but below are a few restaurants that are highly recommended .

We left Ljubljana early next morning for our road trip down to Croatia. You can read about what we saw on the way to Rovinj HERE

Recommendations

To Eat

Gostilna Sokol -Ciril-Metodov trg 18| 1000 Ljubljana
Our first stop for lunch after I spied the large schnitzels which I had to have right then.

Cantina Mexicano -Knafljev prehod 2, 1000 Ljubljana. Located in the Preseren Square.
Portions were HUGE, cocktails were yum, Great Mexican food with a great atmosphere

Nebotičnik
Located in the Neboticnik skyscraper- Štefanova 1 | 1000 Ljubljana
A 1920s New York-styled fine dining restaurant offering the best views over the city.
They also have a terrace bar open till 1am and a cafe open for breakfast.

Gostilna Na Gradu –  Grajska planota 1, 1000 Ljubljana
Located in the castle, it offers traditional Slovenian food in an elegant setting

Cacao –Amazing ice cream bar Petkovskovo Nabrezje 3, Ljubljana, Slovenia. Walk along Cankarjevo Nabrežje, just off Preseren Square, a main meeting point in the center of Ljubljana.

To stay

Vander Urbani Resort – Krojaska Ulica 6–8, 1000 Ljubljana
A member of the Design hotels, Funky boutique hotel located in the centre.

Lesar Hotel -Gornji trg 7, 1000 Ljubljana
A gorgeous looking boutique hotel right in the heart of Ljubljana

Allegro Hotel -Gornji trg 6, 1000 Ljubljana
A charming elegant looking boutique hotel opposite the Lesar Hotel.

To See/ Do

Metelkova is currently the coolest part of town. A former military barracks, it is now home to an abudance of boutique hostels and cool bars. By day explore all the street art and by night hang with the cool kids and one of the many bars and clubs.

• Browse the Flea Markets held every Sunday from 8:00am to 14:00 along the river and perhaps a boat tour after. Finish with a cocktail along the Cankerjevo Nabrezje by the river in one of the many bars.
• Visit Ljubljana Castle and finish with lunch at Gostilna Na Gradu.
  You have a choice of hiking up, the funicular from the old town or the tourist train departing from the tourist information office in town.
• Hire a bike and explore the town*** This article can now be downloaded at GPSmy City HERE ***