Eastern Europe has so many wonderful cities to visit. Of course, the first thing that will no doubt spring to mind is stag-dos and cheap beer. However, this area of the world is much, much more than that, and brimming with history and stunning architecture.
Slovenia is not somewhere you would think of travelling to at first glance, however its capital, Ljubljana, is a fantastic choice for a city break, with a beautiful, picturesque backdrop to fill up that camera memory card.
You can get many low-cost flights over to Slovenia, and to lower cost even further, I’d recommend pre-booking airport extras prior to travelling. Birmingham Airport Parking is a great choice when flying out of the Midlands, and you’ll find great deals too. Alternatively, if you’re heading out of the capital, check out Parking at Gatwick .
Ljubljana is like something out of a fairytale, with its cotton candy castle looking down over the city. For me, this is somewhere you must visit, so jump on the tram up to the castle and explore, taking in the panoramic views. There’s also a museum to learn more about the city and country as a whole.
The city itself is really easy to get around and I’d suggest you do it on foot – it’s not nearly as energetic as it sounds and you’ll see so much more this way, such as St Nicholas’ Cathedral, Dragon Bridge, and the quirky street entertainers on Preseren Square. For art lovers, definitely head to the National Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art, which should while away a few hours.
Whilst Ljubljana isn’t exactly New York or London in the shopping stakes, there are many quaint stores selling traditional souvenirs to take home. I love shopping, it’s one of my favourite things in life, and I think the best holiday gifts are always traditional fare, and reminders of the place you’ve just visited. Save pounds with pre-booking airport parking, such as Airport parking Manchester and take a few more gifts home!
Once you’ve done wandering around this pretty, fairytale city, it’s time for a hearty meal, and you’ll find plenty to choose from. There are many different influence on cuisine, so whatever your palate, there’s something for you. And if all else fails, there’s always McDonalds!
If you’re after full on partying, then Ljubljana isn’t really for you. There are a few clubs and bars but nothing major; the night-time vibe is much more low-key, with many music venues around.
Ljubljana is great for couples, as the whole vibe is romantic, think an alternative to Prague. It’s also cheap to eat and drink, which is always a positive in these times of belt-tightening!
So why not think out of the box when it comes to your next city break? Slovenia is a beautiful country, and its capital is certainly begging to be seen.