The first difficulty that we bumped into when planning our trip to capital of Slovenia - Ljubljana was the challenges pronouncing its name.
Another challenge we had during planning the trip was lack of world famous attractions in Ljubljana, which is just great. We can finally take our time slow in this Green Capital of Europe 2016, exploring the beautiful landmarks via foot here and take a good rest in between our packed schedule in Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Austria.
Another challenge we had during planning the trip was lack of world famous attractions in Ljubljana, which is just great. We can finally take our time slow in this Green Capital of Europe 2016, exploring the beautiful landmarks via foot here and take a good rest in between our packed schedule in Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Austria.
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| The Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most) |
What to Expect in Ljubljana
Well, Ljubljana has more to offer other than the major attractions - Ljubljana Castle perched on a hill near to Old Town Square.
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| The rainy night at Ljubljana. Weather was overcast during our visit |
Having purged cars (except electric cars) from the capital compact core from more than a decade, majority of transportation noise are from the pattering of shoes on cobblestone and occasionally screeching of bicycle wheel on the gravel when making a sharp turns. This makes Ljubljana a perfect spot for city-cation, as walking from one side of old town to another side takes no more than 20 minutes.
This makes walking as the only viable option. Stroll through the narrow streets on the bank of Ljubljana river, enjoy the scenic view of Triple Bridge and have your taste buds appeased by the delicacies offered by cafe and restaurants along the river bank. Air was definitely fresher, and you should worry less about bumping into a group of tourists with a mini flag that identifies their purposes here.
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| A quiet but nice city |
I asked my friend who has vast experience travelling in Europe on how long should I spend on Ljubljana, as Internet search was futile. He recommended me 2 days maximum, and one day should be enough.
Places to visit in Ljubljana
1. Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle is most likely the highest building in the capital town of Slovenia. Over here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city especially at the outlook tower which is often cramped by visitors. Of course, history geeks may spend longer time lingering here, understanding bits of the historical elements electronically in different part of castle.
The castle also has a pretty interesting spot - spiral staircase, that leads to the top of the platform to have a field of the city. It may look like a daunting task to go all the way up, but in reality you can just stop and go in the process.
Truth is, there ain't many interesting spot such as majestic knight statues or grand coronation crowd that may captive your eyes here but Ljubljana castle is still worth the visiting. There are some museums or exhibitions within the castle compound that we gave a skip. You can treat you growling stomach in Sterlec restaurant in the castle, though reservation may be required.
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| View from the top of Ljubljana Castle |
To go up Ljubljana castle, we actually walk the way up there following the road sign available in old town. It was not physically tough and about 20 minutes should land you to the entrance gate. However, you can take the funicular railway that cost €4. Castle entrance fee is €10, and it will be another €3 if you need an audio guide.
Kindly note that Ljubljana castle has different operation hour in different time of the year:
January - April: 10am - 8pm
May - July : 9am - 9pm
August - November - 9am - 11pm
December: 10am - 10pm
2. Central Market
From fresh produces in the open market, flowers carts by the river bank and deli products indoor, the central market in Ljubljana is a great place to explore. Most of the fresh products are available in the morning only, so be there by noon if you need to grab some vegetables or fruits.
Perhaps not all sellers are well versed in English but simple hand gestures should be able to get your chores done.
3. The Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most)
Completed in 1901, the Dragon Bridge has 4 dragon statues guarding each of the column at the end of the bridge. Since then, it has become a must capture photo for visitors in Ljubljana, and you may capture the sunset view of the timing is right.
Be careful though as the bridge is one of the most busy street in Ljubljana, connecting the end of pedestrian street in central market to the open roads accessible by cars.
4. Robba Fountain
Robba Fountain, also known as the Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers is located in front of of Ljubljana Town Hall. It is one of the iconic symbol of the town, featuring 3 male figures with jugs to represent the gods of the 3 rivers of Carniola: the Ljubljanica, Sava and Krka.
5. Butcher's Bridge
The lover bridge in Ljubljana where lovers symbolically locked their love and dropped the keys into the Ljubljana river in awkwardly and oddly named as Butcher's Bridge.
Then this is not exactly a romantic bridge or romantic in an odd way.
First of all, it has some weird looking creature sculptures with sharp teeth where the locks are being placed.
Secondly, the bridge has 2 creepy statues - Adam and Eve shamed and banished from Paradise; and a disemboweled Prometheus running in punishment for giving men the knowledge of fire. We got no idea why these statues are made in such a way, but it is worth giving a visit to Butcher's Bridge for the sake of curiosity though.
6. Faces of Locksmith Street
Another street of odd street in Ljubljana is Faces of Locksmith Street, or known as Ključavničarskaulica. The cobblestone street has a center lane filled with odd faces, all with different expressions. Not the type of appreciation I know but it is worth to have a look. The artwork is the work by renowned Slovenian sculptor, Jakov Brdar.
The alley is small so you may miss it.
7. Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (Cerkev Marijinega oznanjenja)
The church architectural and design is just fascinating. It is located near to Preseren Square so will be easy to locate it.
8. Shopping at Emporium Gallery
Tired of lingering around in the town of Ljubljana? Then perhaps shopping will keep your momentu going.
Emporium Gallery near to Preseren Square is the perfect spot for shopping, housing the big brands such as Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY and etc.
9. Tivoli Park
It was a pleasure evening walking at Tivoli Park, the largest and most beautiful park in Ljubljana. Almost every item in this park is well maintained, from the trees, flowers, fountains to the floor. Even though it was a slight drizzle during our visit, we managed to continue the journey thanks to the partly shielding by the trees. In sunny day, you can sit at the bench at enjoy the sun.
There are restaurants Tivoli Park, and one of them is Hot Horse, a burger stall that sells horse burger. Dare to give it a shot?
Tivoli Park is located at the western end of the city, probably around 20-25 minutes walk from Ljubljana old town square. Most likely you would not have time to make it by foot if you are on a day trip to Ljubljana, so consider taking public transportation instead.
In the central of Tivoli Park is Jakopič Promenade, a well known outdoor venue for exhibition of large format photograph. It is open throughout the year so you may drop by anytime for a look.
10. Metelkova
Formerly a military headquarter, Metelkova has underwent major transformation into one of the hipster area of Ljubljana. The music rocks when the evening starts, and there are surely one clubs that fit into your personality if you are into music and drinking.
On top of that, graffiti painting filled up the wall all of the clubs, making here one of a great shot to get some modernized picture of Ljubljana, in contrast to medieval theme pictures you get in the old town.
Metelkova is located near to the main train station of Ljubljana.
Excursion from Ljubljana
Feeling you have explored the whole Ljubljana too quickly? That is exactly what we felt, having spent 2 days there.
As a matter of fact, we intended to go Kamnik on the second day but it has been raining for cats and dogs during our stay. Our wish is go to Velika planina and have a relaxing time seeing the herd's settlement and admire their unique architecture of cottage. Therefore we gave a skip to Velika Planina and spend another extra day in Ljubljana and explored Tivoli Park and Metelkova.
Then on the third day in Slovenia, we departed to Lake Bled, one of the most picturesque spot in Slovenia with a church in the center of the lake. This is one of the must visit in Slovenia if you have time!
By the time, we spotted another oddly designed apartment behind Ljubljana main train station. Nothing out of ordinary there but we just feel nice.
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Check out Shirleen & Ee Pin's Instagram for more beautiful photos we have taken.
Check out Shirleen & Ee Pin's Instagram for more beautiful photos we have taken.
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