Sunday Special – Ljubljana, Slovenia

It was back in spring of 2015, on my Big Trip, that I visited Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana. I had not intended to visit until some hostel mates in Bratislava went on about how lovely it was. I must say that along with “Ljubljana”(loo-blee-ah-nuh) being fun to say, it was a darling of city to get to know. I arrived late in the evening with a fellow traveller via train from Budapest and we departed to our respective accommodations. The next day we met up to take a free walking tour about the town and then he was off to the countryside with a friend. No worries, as my hostel had people to meet, right? Weeelllll….I did meet people but we just didn’t click, so for the most part I wandered about on my own. Which, to be truthful, is something I do often anyway. However, during my time there I was wishing for some company after having met great people in my earlier travels. That being said I still enjoyed city. So much so that I’d enjoy a return trip with friends. In fact, I’m certain my BFF would like it there a great deal.

Ljubljana is quite a colourful city and the dragon is their city symbol. That in and of itself is very cool! There is plenty to see and enjoy. I stayed at the Tresor Hostel (which used to be an old bank) in the heart of the city centre — a perfect location. I was down the street from Prešeren Square which is the meeting place of the city. This capital city has made its city centre car-free, which of course means that foot or pedal power is the way to get around. I was on foot my entire time there and with the spring weather being amenable it made my wanderings that much sweeter. As I was relying on my feet for transport I did not meander much outside of the city centre. Additionally, I was budget travelling and took in the sights primarily from the outside.

What I did and during my few days in city of dragons:

• Free Walking Tour
  • Prešeren Square and Prešeren Monument
  • Triple Bridge
  • Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (outside only)
  • Central Market
  • Dragon Bridge
  • Ljubljana Cathedral and its portal door (outside only)
  • Town Hall (outside)
  • Congress Square
• Ljubljana Castle
  • It’s history dates back to the middle ages when a wooden and stone castle was built
  • Offers a great view of the city and the Alps
  • Can reach it by walking or by funicular
• Beer and Burger Festival (Pivo in Burger Fest)
  • A bi-annual festival in spring and fall at Pogačarjev trg Square
  • Stalls are set up outside serving local burgers and craft beers
  • It was a serendipitous find with most of my meals and drinks found there
• Metelkova
  • An autonomous zone within Ljubljana
  • It began as a squat roughly between 1991 – 1993 after the Yugoslav National Army vacated the buildings after the dissolution of Yugoslavia and several associations and groups wanted to use the buildings for creative endeavours
  • In 1995 it was recognized as an official autonomous zone
  • I visited a bar there with my hostel mates (with awkward conversation gaps) and during the day to wander about

Even though I had wished to spend time with new friends while I visited this place I will admit that it was Ljubljana and her dragons and colourful buildings that became my companions. I now wish that I has also added some other areas of Slovenia to visit. It looks like a lovely country. I guess I will just have to return.

Some restrictions may be in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

All photos owned and taken by Eeva Valiharju / Wanders the World