Ljubljana is the dream ship of a European capital. Compact but filled with character, the Slovenian capital combines ease of residing and pleasant locals with a formidable cultural scene, all wrapped up in an extremely lovely package deal that pulls comparisons with cousins like Budapest and Prague. Whereas it nonetheless flies beneath the radar, that is altering quick — now’s the time to plan a household getaway earlier than everybody else arrives.
Ljubljana for households: a very powerful issues to do and see
Discover the center of the town
Strolling via the middle of Ljubljana, which is just for pedestrians, is an actual pleasure. It’s anchored by Prešerno Sq., residence to the Franciscan Church with pink curls and the statue of Slovenian nationwide poet France Prešerno; close by, the forked Triple Bridge connects the medieval Previous City with the newer districts. Slender terraced homes with tiled roofs comprise craft retailers and conventional eating places, whereas different buildings bear the hallmarks of Artwork Nouveau and post-war modernism. Though the little ones would possibly lose this enchanting combine, they may have enjoyable chasing pigeons and leaping on the cobblestones whilst you search for.
ADVICE: You can’t go to Ljubljana with out listening to the title of Jozo Plečnik, an architect from the start of the twentieth century who transformed the town in his personal distinctive means. The imprint of his hand could be discovered everywhere in the metropolis, from the classical balustrades of Tromostovlje to its magnificent Nationwide and College Library. If in case you have older kids, it is price becoming a member of a strolling tour to know its huge affect.
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Calm down within the cafe
Irrespective of how engaging the streetscapes are, Ljubljana’s best attraction lies in its wealthy café tradition and pleasant spirit. When the climate is sweet, it looks like everybody on the town is gathered across the out of doors tables and smooth benches that line the river, sipping a cappuccino or a glass of wine whereas socializing with mates. Decide one that appears inviting and settle in for a day of people-watching, maybe with a slice of the ever present Slovenia kremnitsa (cream cake) or apple pie.
Browse the Central Market
Open-air markets fascinate most youngsters, and you could possibly simply spend half a day at Ljubljana’s venerable Central Market. Situated proper subsequent to the Triple Bridge, it presents row upon row of stalls piled excessive with native items, from intricately carved picket ornaments to the area’s signature honey liqueur. Farmers, cheese makers and fishmongers supply desserts, encouraging clients to style; if it is the season of the well-known Slovenian cherries, you’ll want to take the sellers for a pattern. On Fridays from mid-March to the tip of October, the market hosts an Open Kitchen with native cooks making ready dishes from all over the world — the right place for lunch.
Dragon looking
Dragons are a logo of Ljubljana, due to a neighborhood legend that revolves across the beast, and their snarling faces seem in every single place. You’ll discover them carved on the town’s coat of arms, woven into iron fences, engraved on manhole covers and, most significantly, situated on the 4 corners of the well-known Dragon Bridge within the outdated city. Problem the youngsters to see what number of they will discover!
Take a river cruise
On a sunny day, gliding alongside the Ljubljanica River in an open-air boat is an excellent option to tour the town. Indicators alongside the riverbank point out boarding factors for half a dozen completely different boats, every providing 30-minute and one-hour excursions (some guided, some not) that meander south from central Ljubljana. All excursions are fairly related, so select primarily based on comfort moderately than content material. Reservations aren’t required; simply pay a small price and look ahead to the following crusing.
Play within the park
On this small city, you’re by no means removed from a inexperienced space. The biggest park is Tivoli, an exquisite expanse within the shade of timber within the middle of the town and the middle of Ljubljana’s social scene. Broad paths invite a leisurely stroll; kids can follow their twirls on the playground, throw just a few snacks to the geese within the pond or play a recreation of mini golf. In the summertime, a number of native parks host an outside program known as Libraries beneath the Canopies, the place the grass is strewn with deckchairs and surrounded by cabinets filled with books. You might even discover some choices in English.
Ascent to the Fortress
It’s unimaginable to overlook the Ljubljana Fortress from the fifteenth century, which crowns the town middle on high of a wooded hill. Its turbulent historical past contains transformations right into a fortress, arsenal, jail and almshouse; at the moment, the inside has been utterly restored and incorporates a handful of artefacts, though the town’s views in the direction of the Julian Alps are the principle motive to go to. Guided excursions with costumed actors, together with English-language excursions, happen each day in late spring, summer time and early autumn (weekends solely throughout the remainder of the 12 months). There may be additionally a restaurant, in addition to a small museum of puppetry. You possibly can attain the fortress on foot, a few 10-minute hike up the hill, or separate your legs and take the funicular for just a few euros.
Hop museum
Ljubljana’s museums, whereas not locations in themselves, are surprisingly various for such a small metropolis. The Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, devoted to the preservation of Slovenian customs and tradition, presents hands-on kids’s workshops, in addition to demonstrations of crafts akin to weaving, beehive portray and pottery. Budding historical past buffs will benefit from the Metropolis Museum, which features a reconstructed Roman avenue, and the Nationwide Museum of Slovenia, filled with archaeological treasures from historic instances. There are additionally a handful of kid-oriented museums which are price trying out on a wet day, such because the Home of Experiments and the Home of Illusions.
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Pictures by Lisa Frederick.
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