Top 11 things to do in Ljubljana

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• published: 10 Feb 2016
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Swooning first time visitors often coo about how much Ljubljana looks like Prague. You'll find a similar mix of Roman, Italian, Art Nouveau and Baroque buildings, minus the stag parties and rowdy weekenders you'd expect to stumble across in Prague. But Ljubljana has a unique character, with plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants and independent shops for you to splash out in. Slovenia's capital is fast becoming the hottest city break destination in Europe, whether you're after a romantic escape, or a weekend away with mates. Check out these 11 top things to do in Ljubljana: 1. Climb up to the castle 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!' Look out for fairytale princesses at the city's magical castle. This iconic landmark sits atop a hill and is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of the city. If you're feeling fit, take the short but steep hike along the path to reach the top, or cheat and take the funicular or the tourist train. 2. Explore the old town Step across the city’s elegant Triple Bridge and you're instantly transported back in time. Head along Mestni Trg and then Stari Trg, admiring the baroque and medieval buildings - it's at this point that you'll have to remind yourself that you’re not in Prague! The Idrija Lace Gallery at Mestni Trg 17 features intricate fashion creations from the country’s south. 3. Cruise the Ljubljanica Hop on a boat and cruise along the willow strewn banks of the Ljubljanica. Of the flurry of options, we recommend the graceful handmade wooden Ljubljanica – she’s the best looking boat in these parts. 4. Wag that dragon’s tail If it's mythical reptiles you're after, then head to the iron bridge across the Ljubljanica. The slain dragon has become the symbol of the Ljubljana and, adorning the crossing, you'll find the most fearsome fire-breathers in the city. Although they're made of metal, local legend has it that these dragons will wag their tails if a virgin strolls across. 5. Pay homage to Plecnik Plecnik is largely responsible for making Ljubljana look as pretty as it does today. This seminal Slovene architect totally redesigned the city, giving it a new riverfront, canals, buildings and a grand cemetery (Zale). His finest work, though, is the National University Library. 6. Go on a culture crawl As the country’s capital, Ljubljana boasts a wide range of cultural attractions. Our top picks are the elegant old world National Gallery, the funkier Modern Art Gallery and the City Museum, the latter shedding light on Ljubljana during the Roman period. 7. Take a Jugenstil jaunt Ljubljana sports some of the finest Jugenstil, or Art Nouveau, architecture in Europe. The best of it is on Miklošičeva street, so it’s eyes up as you wander along to admire all sorts of lavish architectural flourishes. 8. Savour local food Slovenes joke that there is no word in their language for organic as everything is! It certainly seems like it at the Central Market. Held in the city centre, in the shadow of Plecnik’s landmark arcades, every day bar Sunday, this bountiful market sees old ladies bringing in vegetables grown within sight of the castle 9. Go gourmet On the other end of the scale, Ljubljana has plenty of fine dining options for gastronome’s to gorge on. Top spots include multi award-winning JB’s, cosy couples haven Spazja, which serves seasonal Mediterranean delights, and Strelec up at the castle, where creative cuisine is coupled with epic views. 10. Escape ground level Ljubljana is mercifully free of skyscrapers, but the city is home to what was the tallest building in Yugoslavia when it opened in 1933. Thirteen stories high, the Neboticnik building is full of eateries, shops and private residences. 11. Be a hipster in Trnovo Ok, so Ljubljana may be creeping on to the city break hitlist, but the hipsters are yet to hear about super-cool Trnovo, a favourite with local's in-the-know looking to escape tourists in summer.