The beautiful old buildings in the back streets of Slovenia. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Getting to Ljubljana
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On stepping off the bus in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, fresh from Trieste, we were in search of a taxi. I’ll admit I was shocked and a little suspicious when, within a minute a cab drove past, cut across traffic to do a u-turn and collect us.
It was that sense of urgency and enthusiasm that continued as we slid into the back seat. Our driver wanted to know all about us; where we were from, how long we were staying and exactly what we had planned.
Growing more cagey I was vague with the details, watching for landmarks out the window in case this was the day we were kidnapped while travelling. I was prepared. But as we drove, it became more apparent that he was just a very proud Slovenian who wanted to ensure we were going to have an amazing time visiting his country.
He gave us suggestions of what we shouldn’t miss while we were in town, creating a list a mile long. As he dropped us off, we offered him a tip to add to the already tiny taxi far, to thank him for all of his tips. He refused it and simply wished us well.
It was the same friendly, welcoming attitude we experienced everywhere we went during our short stay in the country and just one of the ways Slovenia won us over.
The Central Market Building is just one of the beautiful 20th Century designs created by renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik you’ll find in Ljubljana. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Weaving between the buildings on the cobblestones to the Ljublianica River. Image © Skye Gilkeson
What to See in Ljubljana
Start your Slovenia stay in the capital, Ljubljana. It is, without doubt, one of the best places to visit in Slovenia and the perfect place to get your bearings. Be warned, you may want to extend your stay; this city is as enchanting as they come.
You will be reaching for your camera the moment you hit the cobblestones, not just for the beautiful buildings but for the stunning Slovenian people too. Model scouts would be working overtime on the streets of Ljubljana.
For a country with a population of just 2 million people, we saw a lot of extraordinarily good looking and very fit and healthy locals on the streets of the capital but when it comes to what to see in Ljubljana there is so much more on offer.
Love locks hang on the Butcher’s Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Bikes line the streets of Ljubljana’s old town, a popular way for locals to commute around the city. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Ljubljana Castle | Strelec
When it comes to what to see in Ljubljana, Ljubljana Castle is a must. It’s the perfect spot to start crossing off your Ljubljana sightseeing list. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb up the hill. The castle is beautifully preserved and now houses historical exhibitions, including an in-depth and very interesting permanent exhibit where you can learn all about the history of Slovenia. We also went to a temporary exhibition during our visit too and would highly recommend paying the extra to do so. Grab a coffee, sit on the grass and enjoy a little people watching or climb the fortress walls to get a better feel for the layout of Ljubljana below and of course snap some stunning photos. For something even more special, book a table for a long lunch at Strelec. Located in the formers archer’s tower, Strelec is led by one of the country’s top chefs, Igor Jagodic and serves up medieval-inspired fine-dining fare with a modern twist.
The Ljubljanica River snakes its way up between the old town and the commercial centre with the Ljubljana Castle looking on from the hill. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Ljubljanica River
The Ljubljanica River snakes its way up through the city, splitting the old town and the commercial centre. We used it as a guide to take us into the city, every morning. Ljubljana’s bridges are each unique and beautiful. Use them to zigzag your way back and forth between both sides of the city. Leave a love lock on the Butcher’s Bridge, admire the famed Central Market Building, designed by renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik and make sure you stop and take in the view from the Triple Bridge, dating back to 1842. In the afternoon, you will notice the seats, steps and riverside restaurants begin to fill up with locals and visitors. Stop and join them with a glass of Slovenian craft beer or cviček, their local red wine. On weekends, pick up a coffee and stroll through the market stalls selling antiques on the Breg Embankment.
Tivoli Park | 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tivoli Park is the city’s largest park and it’s the perfect place for a morning run or walk. Run north of the city all the way up to Tivoli Castle and stop on the way back through the park to admire the statues and artworks you’ll find along the way (about 20 minutes walk each way, depending on where you are staying).