7 things to do in Ljubljana
Europe is one of the most popular spots in the world, with hundreds of thousands (if not millions) flocking to various countries there to spend their vacations and such. One of the best places to visit in Europe is the country Slovenia, its capital to be precise which we absolutely can’t hope to pronounce correctly, known as Ljubljana. The city is Slovenia’s capital as we talked about earlier, and is the largest city in the country. It has everything to make for a memorable city break. Here are the top 7 things to do in Ljubljana:
Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most):
Starting off our list we have this very cool and majestic sounding bridge, that dates back all the way to the year 1901. The bridge was built for the 40th anniversary of Emperor Franc Jožef I’s rule and it symbolizes the history, beauty and architectural style of Ljubljana. The dragons from the bridge have had such an impact on the city as they have been integrated into the city’s coat of arms, and are found all over the city.
Central Market:
The local market is always the best place to meet locals, find out about the goods that the city has to offer and to restock on the supplies. Ljubljana Central Market is open daily (except Sundays). You can buy all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products, flowers and plants, spices, medicinal herbs, textiles and footwear, local arts and crafts.
Tivoli Park:
Sometimes you need to just sit back and relax, and the Tivoli Park is the best place of that. It’s the green heart of the city, and it’s the biggest park in the city. Where can you find it? Its located on the northern outskirts of the Central District and offers facilities for the whole family such as playgrounds, fountains, ponds, exhibitions, and sports facilities.
Ljubljanica River:
Casually known as the divider of the city that runs through the old town, it separates the medieval centre with the rest of the city. You’ll find plenty of things to do at the river as the whole area is filled with cafes and restaurants, so you can just sit back and watch the world go by. In the mood for a walk? Want to stretch your legs? A walk alongside the river is perfect as you’ll catch the sight of many beautiful bridges of the city.
Preseren Square:
This is one of the major hubs of the city, where numerous events take place. Located in the old town, Prešeren Square is the central square of Ljubljana. Surrounded by exquisite architecture (such as the salmon pink Franciscan Church), the cobbled plaza is a major meeting point, where Ljubljana’s carnival, concerts, and festivals take place. At the eastern side of the square, you will find a bronze statue of the influential Slovenian poet France Prešeren, after which the square is named and is famous for. If you’re out of ideas for things to do in the city, then just come to this place and you’ll find something happening.
Ljubljana Castle:
Europe is famous for its castles, as having a rich medieval history. The castle is a hard to miss symbol of the city, situated on a small hill in the centre of the city, about 60 meters above the old town. Some parts of today’s structure date back to the 15th century; this mighty medieval fortress has served as military housing as well as the royal residence for several centuries. Nowadays the castle represents an oasis in the middle of the Ljubljana’s old town, where people can relax or go for a walk. Moreover, it serves as a venue for cultural and entertaining events.
Cathedral of St. Nicholas:
Other than castles, Europe is filled with churches and cathedrals that depict old architecture and art and are some of the best-preserved buildings. The cathedral is a magnificent Baroque cathedral with its twin towers and the green coloured dome was built to honour Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen and boatmen. It dates back to the early 18th century, but was renovated and had beautifully carved bronze doors added for the Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1996.
What are your favourite things to do in Ljubljana? There are of course lots of things to do and this is just scraping the surface, perhaps you can add yours in the comments section?