Every year while visiting Croatia, I’ve been told I must travel to Slovenia. So, before heading to Portugal, I booked myself a week to explore this country. Slovenia is situated in the heart of Europe, bordered by Hungary, Austria, Croatia, and Italy. Ljubljana is the capital; a charming, picturesque city, The perfect blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Ljubljana offers something for every type of traveler- historic architecture, a vibrant culinary scene, and lively street art.
I stayed at the “Best Western Sloan,” located right in the city center. Sloan means “elephant” in Slovenian. There is a rich history of this hotel, dating back to the days of Maximillian (1459-1519.) It was considered the “best” Inn and Maximillian stayed there with an elephant named Suleiman, who was to be a gift for his new bride. The hotel “Sloan” was later built on the site.
The location is great, but the regular type rooms are very small so I would suggest upgrading to a superior type-I can’t imagine two people co-existing in the smaller rooms. The beds are very comfortable and the sheets are a luxurious cotton blend. The room price included a buffet breakfast offering anything you could want- fresh fruit, eggs, pancakes, breads, meats, cheeses, sausages, bacon, and on and on! My waistline was happy I was only there for three nights.
Ljubljana is very walkable. There are lots of green spaces and many people walk and bike. It feels very environmentally friendly, clean, and safe. For my vegetarian friends, I have noticed a lot of vegetarian restaurants and fresh fruits that arrive straight from a farm.
An afternoon spent in Tivioli Park, Ljubljana’s largest green space was refreshing and relaxing. Easy walks, beautiful green space, perfect to inhale the green!
I discovered an amazing vending machine that dispenses fresh milk! For 0.30 Euro you are dispensed a plastic bottle that you can then fill up with fresh milk directly from the cows! It tasted cold, sweet, and delicious.
The culinary scene in Ljubljana is diverse and exciting. There’s a wide range of restaurants that showcase the best of Slovenian cuisine. One of the must-visit restaurants in the city is “Figovec Slovenian Restaurant, serving contemporary Slovenian dishes made with fresh, farm-to-table, locally sourced ingredients. I started with a goulash soup loaded with fresh vegetables, potatoes, and various meats. Next, was a hearty traditional dumpling dish, stuffed with succulent meats and a delicious gravy.
For a more traditional dining experience head to “Restaurant Sestica,” operating since the 1800’s, they serve classic Slovenian dishes. The prices are very reasonable and it’s in a beautiful garden setting.
“Klobasarna” is another restaurant I must mention. They serve traditional Slovenian food that is more typical of what farmers and local field workers would eat; Klobasa (sausage) with a sauerkraut stew of beans, potatoes. It’s worth a visit. My favorite part …the mustard!
I’m not really a dessert person, but when I walked along the river and came to the dessert cafe, “Cocoa,” I had to stop. I literally couldn’t resist a delectable chocolate sundae! Their selection of homemade ice creams and delicious chocolates make it the perfect spot to indulge guilty pleasures! *I’ve been told calories don’t count when they’re consumed in a foreign country.
In addition to its culinary foodie delights, Ljubljana is also home to several iconic landmarks and attractions that are worth exploring. One of the city’s most famous site is the Dragon Bridge. It’s a stunning art nouveau bridge adorned with dragon statues that protect the city.
Taking a boat cruise along the Ljubljanica River offers a unique perspective of the city. You will pass under charming bridges and historic buildings, offering even more of Ljubljana's unique beauty.
For art lovers, a visit to the graffiti part of town is a “must-do.” Located in the Metelkova district, this vibrant neighborhood is filled with colorful murals and street art that add a creative and edgy vibe to the city. Wander through the streets and alleys of Metelkova to discover a variety of art installations and graffiti pieces that showcase the creativity and talent of local artists.
No visit to Ljubljana would be complete without a trip to Ljubljana Castle. This historic defense fortress has breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding landscape. Climb to the top of the castle hill to enjoy panoramic vistas of Ljubljana and the Julian Alps. After eating so much delicious food, the uphill climb was both necessary and not too difficult. There is a museum, a gourmet restaurant, along with galleries and exhibits.
Whether you're a foodie looking to indulge in delicious cuisine, an art enthusiast eager to explore the city's vibrant street art scene, or a history buff keen to uncover Ljubljana's past, this dynamic city has a lot to offer.
Next up! The real reason I came to Slovenia…Lake Bled.
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