(Views from the castle) Slovenia had never been a bucket-list destination for me. It wasn't until I saw a blog post, written by my friend and coworker, in 2016, that my interest in the country was sparked. Having crossed through three times (on my way to Croatia and back), I hated that I'd been...but I hadn't. A venture there became compelling. Budget traveling to the max, and with some time constraints, I took an overnight bus to Ljubljana, the capital city (also the most green city in the EU!) and arrived at 11 a.m. I spent the rest of the day there then took a short day trip to Lake Bled the next day before hoping on another overnight bus at 1:20 a.m. While two days is ample enough time to see the essential, I recommend a bit more to expand your horizons outside the center! I will most likely be returning! Here are 15 ways to spend your time in Ljubljana. 1. Climb up to the castle The 900-year-old medieval fortress towers over the city. You can see it from almost any point, beautifully overlooking the capital. You have two options to reach it; the funicular or the pathway. The walk itself took me 10 minutes. It was a pleasingly lush, nature stroll and not strenuous at all. Save your money, don't take the funicular, unless you are pressed for time. It is €2.20 for a single ticket or €4 round trip. You can also purchase a funicular ticket with entry to the castle as a package for €10. Entry to the castle is €7.50, on its own. Entry includes access to the outlook tower, exhibition on Slovenian history, a puppet museum, the chapel of St. George and the prison. However, you can wander a section of the interior, as well as all around the outside, free of cost. There is a cafe and two restaurants accessible within, as well. The castle surroundings offer spectacular views of the city. If you walked up one way, I suggest walking down the other to get the true panoramic picture! 2. Visit the central market This market, built between 1940 and 1994, was different than any I had ever been to. The stands outside sold everything from arts and crafts to flowers to spreads. I tried this creamy and flavorful hazelnut spread, dissimilar to Nutella, that I wish I bought. It was only €4 for a jar. In addition to the outdoor market, along the river you'll find the two-story indoor market- Plečnik's Covered Market- with restaurants and shops. Shop for breads, biscuits and pastries, local cheese, cured meats, dried fruits and nuts as well as local olive and pumpkin seed oil. I grabbed a seat outside of one of the restaurants- the weather still enjoyable in early October. There, I had my first Slovenian meal; cheese dumplings and cranberry sauce. 3. Walk along the river front Ljubljana has one of the most beautiful river fronts. Visiting in early fall, I got a true taste of autumn. Hanging over the sides, dripping to the water, is green, red and yellow vegetation. The riverside is also filled with bars and cafes. Enjoy a drink or a coffee on the water. I went to one place that offered a violet spritz! 4. Cross over the famous triple bridge This bridge is a unique landmark of the city. The central overpass was built in 1842 to replace an old wooden bridge that connected "the north-western European lands with south-eastern Europe and the Balkans." Between 1929 and 1932, the side bridges were added for pedestrians. What is left is a one of a kind design, leading up to Preseren Square. Additions were made because the center bridge used to be the only one wide enough for car traffic before the city closed vehicle access, so pedestrian crossings were necessary. Now all three are used as pedestrian bridges. Which will you choose to cross?! 5. Go dragon hunting Another famous bridge in Ljubljana is the dragon bridge. It crosses the Ljubljanica River to the market. The bridge itself is notable as an outstanding example of Art Nouveau architecture, a style that emerged at the turn of the 20th century. It was built between 1900-1901 as the city's first reinforced concrete structures and also, one of the largest bridges of its kind in Europe. More notable than the style, are the dragons. There are four large dragons on the bridge. The dragon has been a part of the city emblem since the Baroque era and continues to be a symbol and icon of Ljubljana, representing courage, grandeur and power. Stemming from two different legends, you can find dragons on many items around the city. This makes anything 'dragon' also a great souvenir. For me this bridge marked my entrance to the city center. I admired the dragons with an incredible view of the castle above them! 6. Do a blind wine tasting Slovenia isn't just underrated as a city, but for its wine selections! While this may seem lavish, priced at €35, its idiosyncrasy makes it appealing. In this experience, you can try seven Slovenian wines, along with appetizers, and a souvenir! Not to mention it is fun and interactive....you're blindfolded! The tasting is done in the wine cellar of Dvorni Bar, every day at 5 p.m. and lasts 2 hours. However, payment must be made in cash! (Jakopič Promenade) 7. Stroll through Tivoli park Spending so much time in the stone city of Florence, I loved the greenery Ljubljana provided me with. Along with the willows lining the river, there was this massive refreshing park for me to breathe in. The largest park in the city, it was designed in 1813 by combining the two parks surrounding two different mansions. In Tivoli, you'll find fountains, statues, chestnut trees, walking trails, and Jakopič Promenade, a popular outdoor gallery, designed by the famous city architect Jože Plečnik. 8. Check out the main cathedral The history of the church is enthralling, as it used to be the site of three different Romanic churches in the 1200s. It was revaulted in Gothic style in 1361, but burnt down again in 1469. The cathedral that stands today was built fairly recently, between 1701-1706. The inside is decorated with frescoes, and is alluring, but what really drew my attention was the door. It is considered one of the "most outstanding 20th century additions." 9. Eat something buckwheat Not really the first thing you'd expect to try in any country, or the most appetizing. But buckwheat, something that thrives in the climate of Slovenia, is a staple in the region, as well as the capital city. They are famous for buckwheat bread, buckwheat porridge, and more. I had really good buckwheat dumplings! 10. Get a cheap eat at Hot Horse Located on the edge of Tivoli park, is this fast food joint, serving burgers, hot dogs, and even salads that all incorporate horse meat. While horse meat is common in the northern parts of Italy and surrounding areas, it isn't necessarily a big part of Slovenian cuisine. Regardless, this is a highly recommended spot. I ordered the burger and liked that it was normal, and recommended, to fill your burger with several different sauce types. I got mayo, ketchup, mustard and nacho cheese! 11. Try some Slovenian craft beers at Sir Williams Pub While I chose, instead, to take some time to visit a local brewery (Union) if you are looking for a larger selection of Slovenian craft beers...come here! Along with food and wine, Slovenia has a booming craft beer scene, Ljubljana especially. At Sit William's Pub you'll find more than 120 beer varieties! Come at night, summer or winter, for events or beer tastings (they have one the last Monday of every month). Not a beer drinker? Come here during the day when it is more of a coffee shop. 12. See some cool art in Metelkova Similar to Christiania in Copenhagen, Metelkova is an autonomous social and cultural center filled with fascinating modern art covered buildings and sculptures. Known to many as Slovenia's "second capital" it was once the military headquarters of the Austo-Hungarian Empire, later the headquarters of the Yugoslav National Army. I took a stroll through, on a misty morning around 8. Its emptiness added an eeriness to it. Everything looked abandoned, which made it hard to believe that by night it is occupied as one of the largest urban squats in Europe. Its buildings are technically illegal, but host more than 1500 events, to all different types of groups and cultures, as a space to "socialize and learn". Unlike Christiania, which started as a anarchist commune in the early 70s, but has recently seen a change involving violence and many foreign visitors, Metelkova is overlooked by the government since it is mostly based around art and cultural. The only illegal aspects of Metelkova are the occupation of of abandoned buildings and the sale of unlicensed alcohol, which aren't big enough issues to bring in law enforcement. The government in some cases even funds it! It's spooky in its feels but the art amazes. It's a bit outside the city center, put worth venturing off your path to see. 13. Climb the skyscraper Right in the center of the city, the terrace gives alternative views from that of the castle, as well as views of the castle, in the distance. It was built in 1933, modeled after American skyscrapers, at about 70 meters high. Here, you'll reach the highest point in the city, and the 9th highest point in Europe. Enjoy a coffee or a drink a the top and enjoy the views! 14. Stay in prison Celica is a one of a kind hostel. I found out about it through the blog I started this post with. Built in 1882, it was a prison for over 100 years. After Slovenian independence, the building was abandoned, but became part of the Metelkova community. After 10 years of planning, approval was finally granted to turn the building into a hostel that encompasses the spirit of Metelkova. To create this vision, 80 different artists, both international and local, came together to create what is today Hostel Celica. It opened in 2003, giving backpackers and travelers of all kind the unique opportunity to pay to spend a night in prison! The building was renovated the summer before my visit, and from pictures it looks fairly different than how it was when my friend stayed. The hostel was clean, offered a cheap breakfast option, had a bar with inexpensive drinks and snacks and a nice lobby area to hangout in. The only minor issue I had, was the wifi. 15. Take a day trip to Bled or Postjona
Lake Bled is just a 40 minute ride north west of the capital. It is easily reached by bus and offers a day's worth of activities, from visiting the castle, to bled island, to hiking. Postjana, is a 40 minute drive south west, also easily accessibly by bus. Postjana is the second largest cave system in the country, offering magnificent views, a train ride and baby dragons! You can also visit the Predjama castle while you're there.
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