Ljubljana is the lively Slovenian capital, with the magical emerald-green Ljubljanica River winding its way through the heart of the city. It was named as Europe’s Green Capital in 2016 with its tree-lined riverbanks, historic bridges, medieval streets and 12th-century castle dominating the skyline. This destination is truly a fairytale setting for a romantic getaway, incentive travel program or corporate meeting. Its charm incorporates different influences from the neighboring regions and combines them in a exciting collection of Eastern European experiences. While visiting Ljubljana, you can explore the city’s architectural highlights created by the renowned architect Joze Plecnik, enjoy evenings in unique venues, feel the buzz of activity with the locals in the urban parks or have a wonderful dining experience in one of the Michelin starred restaurants.
Must experience in the City
- Take a foodie walking tour through the Old Town tasting local delights.
- See the city from up high – during the day take the funicular up to Castle Hill and by night enjoy a fine dining dinner at the Castle restaurants.
- Pass under Triple Bridge as you enjoy one of Europe’s finest inner-city river SUP group experiences.
Must experience out the City
- Lake Bled with its fairytale ambiance and the magical Bled island in the middle of the lake. Taking a sailing trip to the island and ringing the Bell of Wishes is a must.
- Lake Bohinj is a destination known for pristine outdoor adventures and water sports. You can challenge yourself to white water rafting, kayaking or canoeing on the lake. Alternatives are hikes and biking experiences along the pristine mountain pastures alongside the lake.
- Postojna Cave with a specialised private group tour is a highlight. Embarking on a train journey into the heart of the cave and enjoying a champagne toast in the concert hall is a unique experience.
- Piran, the pearl of the Adriatic, located in the southern part of Slovenia and set on a spectacular bay is one of the oldest towns and has Venetian influences in its architecture. It’s a perfect destination for private events and sailing trips along the Slovenian Coast.
- Discover the wine regions of Slovenia. Slovenian wines, distinguished by their natural flavors, are known worldwide and are produced in many boutique wineries in the countryside. Private wine tastings, taking part in a harvest and visiting the world’s oldest grapevine – a 400-year-old Žametovka vine – will delight wine lovers.
Must eat
- The Alpine region is known for mushroom soup and sausages. The Kransky sausage is a traditional Slovenian sausage served with roast potatoes and cabbage.
- Central Slovenia is known for the dessert called Potica (Slovenian Nut Roll). This circular bread-based sweet cake can be found in as many variations as there are days in a year.
- The Mediterranean region relies on seafood like black mussels and seabass along with olive oil and wine.
- The Karst region is known for Pršut, an air-cured thinly sliced ham that is not unlike Italian prosciutto. The ham is salted and hung outdoors to dry in the autumn.
Best nightlife: There are many different cafes on the Ljubljana riverbanks for a vibrant and lively nightlife. Try Strelec Restaurant for dinner, perched up in the ramparts of Ljubljana Castle. The five-course tasting menu with matching wines at Atelje in the city center is also a real treat. After dinner, enjoy the sounds at Jazz Club Gajo or dance the night away at the Circus Klub.
Best time to visit: Slovenia is a country of 4 seasons, each one offering a different experience. Winter is known for sporting activities on the slopes in the Alpine regions. Spring is a beautiful sight when all the trees start to bloom and there are plenty of outdoor activities. Summer months are wonderful at the seaside, lakesides and for lazy lunches on the banks of the Ljubljana River. Autumn is the season when Ljubljana is at its best.
Top tip: Experiencing Slovenia is filled with adventures. You can be hiking in the mountains in the morning and enjoying a seaside Adriatic swim in the afternoon. Come and enjoy Ljubljana’s traditional Dragon (Shrovetide) carnival parade through the city’s streets in February or the Ljubljana Jazz Festival held in June every year.
Our recommended DMC: Atlas Express DMC – Janez Maček leads this friendly team of travel professionals in Slovenia.