LjubljanaA city of culture and cuisine, boutiques, bars and hidden treasures
Ljubljana, capital of
Slovenia, exudes the confidence of an architecturally beautiful city that has 5,000 years of fascinating history tucked under its belt. The magnificent Baroque, Renaissance and art nouveau edifices of, in particular, its old town center, and the many charming squares, exude the intimate atmosphere of a small town, while its lively cultural, scientific, educational and business communities leave no doubt that this is a modern city in tune with the times.
Ljubljana devotes itself mainly
to cultural events, with many thousands of these gracing its calendar each year, including the Summer Festival, Jazz Festival and the Druga Godba Festival of Alternative Music. Music is the lifeblood of the city, which boasts one of the oldest established Philharmonic orchestras in the world, not to mention some accomplished street musicians. It is not all classical culture, however. With its large student population Ljubljana knows how to rock, and you are just as likely to hear the throbbing beat of club music emanating from buildings after nightfall, as you are the strains of violins.
Food is a big factor in any visit to Ljubljana, where all the best of Eastern European cuisine seems to have merged into a smorgasbord of delights, from delicate Viennese-style pastries to hearty Hungarian goulash.
Getting Around: Ljubljana is a small, compact city that is easy to explore on foot, especially for those intent on appreciating the architecture. The next best option is the inexpensive and efficient bus service. Exact change is required for fares paid on boarding, or tokens can be bought at any newsstand. Cars are a liability in the city, which is largely pedestrianized, and parking is at a premium. Bicycles are a fun and convenient way of getting around, available for rent for a nominal fee and small deposit. Taxis are available and a good option after dark, when the bus service is radically reduced.
Climate: Ljubljana has a climate influenced by its situation in a large basin, surrounded by sub-Alpine and Karst regions. Summers are warmed by the balmy breezes from the Mediterranean, making the weather usually sunny and hot. During winter temperature inversions cause the foggy air to hang heavy over the city, bringing cold, moist conditions.
