TRAVEL TO THE MOST SUSTAINABLE DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD
During the last years the capital of Slovenia has been putting lots of efforts to become a city with high environmental standards offering its residents as well as visitors a wide number of green areas. The city center has been car-free for over 10 years. Slovenia ranks 13th in the 2019 Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index compiled by Solability, a sustainability think tank based in Switzerland and South Korea, among a total of 180 countries. And, was declared the winner of a World Legacy Award in 2019, awarded by National Geographic to companies, organizations or destinations encouraging sustainable tourism.
Ljubljana is an enchanting city, filled with history and culture, offering visitors a unique variety of activities and attractions ranging from sightseeing tours via paddle-boards down the Lubianica River to learning about the rich Slovenian tradition of beekeeping on guided be trail tours. Hop on the free buses and get lost in one of the numerous galleries.
In Ljubljana, arguably the main sustainable attraction is decidedly the food. Locally grown ingredients and recipes characterize the delicious gastronomy.
When To Go
The alpine northwest sees abundant snow from December to March, while warm, dry conditions from May to September are ideal for climbing, hiking, cycling and adventure sports. Snowmelt makes white water rafting a great option by late May.
How Many Days
For a quick visit, 1 day would be enough, but if you want to go to museums and take your time in the city, stay for 2-3 days.
How To Get There
When people travel to Slovenia, most fly into Ljubljana Airport (LJU), an international transportation hub that's located only a few miles from Slovenia's capital city.
Things To Do
Ljubljana Castle crowning a 375m-high hill east of the Old Town, dating from the early 16th century when it was largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake. It’s free to ramble around the castle grounds, but you’ll have to pay to enter the Watchtower and the Chapel of St George, and to see the worthwhile Slovenian History Exhibition, visit the Puppet Theatre and take the Time Machine tour.
Relax in Tivoli Park. Ljubljana’s largest park is located just steps away from the city center. It offers many activities including tennis courts, mini golf, a bowling alley, and several locations reserved for children. In the middle of the park, there is Jakopič Promenade, where large-format photographs are exhibited throughout the year. There are a few cafés and bars or enjoy a picnic on a sunny day.
Lunch at the Open Kitchen Market, Restaurant, Food Stall, Beer, Cocktails
Every Friday from early spring to the late autumn, Open Kitchen Market is the best option for lunch in Ljubljana. The Open Kitchen presents the best foods from Slovenia and around the world and wineries and breweries from all over the country offer their best drinks to compliment the food. Hugely popular among locals, visiting this market is a great place to get good food and make new friends.
Standup paddling on Ljubljanica River is becoming more and more popular in Slovenia Ljubljana is the only European capital that offers its visitors this unique way to explore the city. Stand up paddling provides an excellent way to see the city and its main attractions. For those who want the river views, but wish to see them in a more traditional way, there are also several boat tours offered.
The Triple bridge, as the name suggests, is a group of three bridges across the Ljubljanica River. This pedestrian bridge was the idea of an architect who did not want to destroy the old bridge but wanted to enlarge it. The area around it is the heart of the city, so you can go for a walk along the river and visit a market in the morning. I guarantee you will enjoy it. If you want to visit the Triple Bridge, as well as other main attractions in the city with a knowledgeable Ljubljana guide, I recommend this Ljubljana Walking Tour and River Cruise!
Spend a day visiting museums and galleries. Rainy (or sunny) days are a great opportunity to visit Ljubljana’s galleries and museums. Art lovers should stop by the National Gallery or Gallery of Modern Arts to admire some of the best Slovenian artwork. The Slovene Ethnographic Museum introduces Slovene people, their culture, and traditions. One of the more interesting museums is the Museum of Illusions, where visitors can learn how easily our brains can be tricked. These are just a few of the many museums and galleries where visitors can learn more about the history and culture of Ljubljana and Slovenia.
Attend a concert in Križanke. The most well-known outdoor venue in Ljubljana was a convent for priests and seminarians until the mid-twentieth-century. Križanke has hosted many great names from the world of music and theatre. For over thirty years this festival has been introducing the less “well-known” artists and their music from across the globe to the audience of Central Europe.
Metelkova Mesto is located in the old army barracks, Metelkova Mesto (Metelkova City) is a popular hangout for local youth and those young at heart. Events happening all year round at this Autonomous Cultural Center create the illusion that this city, within a city, never sleeps. Metelkova is home to an art gallery, bars, artists’ studios, designer’s spaces, offices of cultural organizations, concerts venues, and a youth hostel. Besides individual events, Metelkova also hosts annual festivals such as the International Festival of Contemporary Arts – the City of Women, which takes place every year in October.
Where To Stay
Grand Hotel Union - It is a magnificent Art Nouveau building dating back to 1905, about 50 metres from the Triple Bridge. It has been refurbished in the past decade. The bedrooms are spacious, light and comfortable with granite bathrooms. Be sure to ask for a room in the 'executive' wing. Hotel Lev - Historically a Tower built in 1964, it is the city's only five-star in the business district. Hotel Slovenska - A Best Western franchise that claims to be the only hotel in Ljubljana in which all the rooms have wooden floors. It is also the city's oldest hotel, dating back to 1552.