Europe’s ‘Metropolis of Dragons’ is a Prague different with an ‘unbelievable’ road meals market

You’ve eaten tapas in Madrid, wandered the Colosseum in Rome, and visited the salt mines in Krakow — so the place subsequent?

For those who’re after a lesser-known European city break, it’s time to place Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, in your radar.

With its quaint streets and historic appeal, it’s been likened to Prague — however with out the stag dos and crowds of vacationers (a staggering 8 million guests headed to the Czech metropolis final yr).

Situated within the coronary heart of Slovenia, Ljubljana has been praised on TikTok for being ‘one of many cleanest, prettiest, and most secure cities ever’, with many saying it’s an ‘underrated’ gem.

And, throughout summer season, Lonely Planet says town seems like ‘a nightly road celebration’ because of the laid-back revellers having fun with drinks within the cafes that line the river.

Tempted to e book these flights? Right here’s all the things you want to know.

The place is Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is the capital and largest metropolis of Slovenia. You may not have heard of it, not to mention pronounce it (Bathroom-joob-leana).

In Central Europe, Slovenia shares borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. In the meantime, Prague is round 280 miles north of Ljubljana.

Often called one in all Europe’s greenest and most habitable capitals, guests gained’t have to fret about preventing for restaurant tables or tripping over vacationers right here — Ljubljana noticed simply 1.2 million vacationers final yr. 

Nonetheless, although, town is probably the most visited in Slovenia, and worldwide visits are on the rise, so it may not keep hidden for too lengthy. 

Issues to do and see in Ljubljana

Very like Prague, Ljubljana is brimming with stunning buildings, cafes, and medieval appeal. Each had been as soon as a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, so their similarities are onerous to disregard. 

Ljubljana has a river operating via it, scattered with stunning bridges, connecting the outdated metropolis and the brand new metropolis.

Considered one of its most well-known, The Butcher’s Bridge, connects Ljubljana Central Market and Petkosvek Embankment, a energetic road full of bars and eating places.

Town’s Dragon Bridge, in-built 1901 includes a design referencing the parable that Ljubljana was based by the Greek mythological hero, Jason, who fought and defeated a dragon there. You’ll see dragon imagery scattered round Ljubljana, also called the Metropolis of Dragons.

There’s additionally Tromostovje, or The Triple Bridge, a gaggle of three bridges that are utterly pedestrianised, and run from town’s central sq. to the Outdated City. 

With its cobbled and slender streets, the Outdated City can be a terrific place to take a seat down and luxuriate in some meals, with loads of eating places scattered about. 

Foodies visiting between March and November gained’t wish to miss out Open Kitchen, an outside road meals market hosted each sunny Friday between 10am and 9pm within the Outdated City. You’ll discover an array of choices on provide, with Slovenian delicacies a combination of Northern Italy (suppose seafood and pasta) and extra conventional Balkan dishes that includes buckwheat and recreation.

Tripadvisor reviewers mentioned ‘the sheer quantity of several types of delicacies that had been accessible was unbelievable’, and added that the pricing was ‘truthful’ too.

For extra foods and drinks reccom,endations, Metro‘s Viewers Tendencies Editor, Ellie Hutchings, visited town just lately and located some nice bars.

‘The Nebotičnik rooftop is a superb spot for a drink with a view of the snow-capped mountains within the distance,’ she says.

‘Or, if you wish to strive Slovenia’s well-known orange wine, be certain that to take a look at Vinoteka Movia.’

After filling up, Ljubljana’s Museum of Trendy Artwork (Moderna Galerija) is a superb place to whereas away a day. It’s additionally positioned subsequent to Tivoli Park, the biggest, and arguably probably the most stunning, within the capital.

For those who’re after one thing a bit adventurous, although, you may trek to Ljubljana Fort from the Outdated City, an Eleventh-century fortress which stands on a hilltop above town. Right here, you’ll get a terrific view of town beneath. 

Learn how to get to Ljubljana

It’s in all probability not the primary vacation spot you seek for when contemplating a metropolis break, however each EasyJet and British Airways provide flights to Ljubljana from London. 

Return tickets in June may be discovered from £160 on Skyscanner, and the journey takes simply over two hours. 

It’s additionally conveniently positioned subsequent to Lake Bled, a well-liked vacationer spot that’s been in comparison with the extra well-known Italian Lakes.

The picturesque lake is surrounded by mountain peaks, coated in snow, and lots of seek advice from it because the pearl of Slovenia. 

Guests can admire the brilliant blue lake by taking a standard picket boat trip, or you may also stroll round it, which takes just below two hours to finish. 

For those who’re seeking to take some pics of the lake, Bled Fort is a superb spot. Situated on a clifftop overlooking the lake, guests can stroll or take a bus to admire the Gothic fortress. 

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Get in contact by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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