| Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, is a charming city full of | | | | European cinemas, plays the majority of it's films in |
| galleries, museums, and art, and with a population of | | | | their original language with Slovenian subtitles. The |
| just 330,000. The Ljubljanica river flows through the | | | | main exception to this rule are animated films, which |
| centre of town and divides the city like a timewarp, | | | | tend to be dubbed for children. For a truly remarkable |
| with the modern city to the West, and the old city | | | | experience, take a walk round Ljubljana zoo, |
| & Ljubljana Castle to the East. These two city | | | | considered to be amongst the most beautiful in |
| halves are connected by several bridges, | | | | Europe. |
| Tromostovje (triple) bridge being the most famous. | | | | You'll probably want to eat at some point during your |
| The city is well connected, with a good bus network, | | | | trip, and you'll find a whole host of options on the |
| but the centre is small enough to walk everywhere | | | | streets of Ljubljana. If you need a quick, cheap fix, |
| should you choose. If you find yourself outside of | | | | there are seven McDonald's restaurants dotted |
| the city, grab a taxi – they are very | | | | around the city. For the slightly more adventurous, |
| affordable, and a convenient way of getting around. | | | | however, try Hot Horse, fast food with a twist |
| Old Ljubljana is a hotspot for monuments, historic | | | | – all the meat served is horse meat! For a |
| buildings, churches and museums. Keep your eyes | | | | more relaxed lunch, try Luka Gourmet Lunch Cafe, |
| open as you wander round for Zmajski Most (Dragon | | | | one of a line of cafes on Stari Trg with outside |
| Bridge), one of the most famous crossings on this | | | | seating. This cafe serves up tasty, mainly pasta |
| part of the Ljubljanica. The Dragon has become a | | | | dishes with reasonable prices and friendly service. For |
| traditional symbol of Ljubljana and four of them | | | | your evening meal, Gostilna Sokol deals up authentic |
| stand here, carved in stone, forever guarding the | | | | Slovenian cuisine, complete with all waiters and |
| bridge. Ljubljana castle, accessed by the 'tourist train', | | | | waitresses dressed up in traditional costume. |
| is another popular attraction in this area of the city. | | | | Alternatively, Manna, South from the main tourist |
| Entrance to the courtyard, chapel and gift shop is | | | | area, serves excellent traditional dishes for about |
| free, while there is a charge for access to the tower | | | | €20 for a full dinner. It boasts "Slow food", |
| and its fine views over the old city to the Sava River | | | | but in effect the service is both helpful and fast, and |
| and Julian Alps. The National Museum of | | | | has a friendly and artistic athmosphere. |
| Contemporary History charts Slovenia's turbulent | | | | Ljubljana really comes to life in the evening, with |
| history, passing from regime to regime. The | | | | locals and tourists all seeking a fun night out. Patrick's |
| immersive exhibits include a walk through WWII | | | | Irish Bar is the ubiqutous Irish Pub, with Guinness and |
| trench. For some natural history, take a trip to | | | | Local Beers on tap and a typical menu of Hearty |
| Postojna Caves – 20 km of underground | | | | Meals available. Also typical is the welcoming |
| galleries, chambers and corridors with a constant | | | | atmosphere that seems common to all Irish Pubs. |
| temperature of 8 C. A guided tour on special cave | | | | BI-KO-FE is a lively little bar that plays excellent jazz |
| train takes one and half hours. | | | | music, and the place the youngish locals hangout to |
| Cross the river to the new city for more modern | | | | drink the night away. Wine lovers must try Vinoteka |
| attractions and developments. This part of the city is | | | | Movia, a cosy, candlelit wine bar comes with |
| great for families, with fun attractions including Water | | | | knowledgeable barmen who can recommend a wine |
| City of Atlantis, a water park with 14 pools, thermal | | | | based on your tastes. Be careful, however – |
| baths, slides and saunas, and Laguna Fun & Spa, | | | | the prices can vary from modest to a remortgage! |
| with open air pools during the day and themed | | | | For clubbers and anyone else who'd like to dance the |
| parties at night. The Vodafone Live Arena offers | | | | night away, K4 is a nice spot at 4, Kersnikova Trg. |
| bowling, pool, laser games & a 3D Theatre, and | | | | National and international DJs play electronic music to |
| the Kolosej (Colosseum) multiplex cinema, unlike most | | | | an enthusastic crowd. |