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Ljubljana

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Boats and paddle boarders travel down the tree-lined Ljubljanica River, which flows through the centre of Ljubljana.

©Justin Foulkes/Lonely Planet

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Overview

Slovenia's capital and largest city is one of Europe's greenest and most liveable capitals; it was the European Commission's Green Capital of Europe in 2016. Car traffic is restricted in the centre, leaving the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city's heart, free for pedestrians and cyclists. In summer, cafes set up terrace seating along the river; it almost feels like a nightly street party.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Panorama of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana at sunset.; Shutterstock ID 186963659; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Ljubljana Castle

    Ljubljana

    Crowning a 375m-high hill east of the Old Town, this castle is an architectural mishmash, with most of it dating from the early 16th century when it was…

  • Overhead of main Reading Room at National University Library.

    National & University Library

    Ljubljana

    This library is architect Jože Plečnik’s masterpiece, completed in 1941. To appreciate this great man’s philosophy, enter through the main door (note the…

  • Triple Bridge, Central Pharmacy.

    Triple Bridge

    Ljubljana

    Running south from Prešernov trg to the Old Town is the much celebrated Triple Bridge, originally called Špital (Hospital) Bridge. When it was built as a…

  • 500px Photo ID: 144389887 - Romantic Ljubljana city center. River Ljubljanica, Triple Bridge - Tromostovje, Preseren square and Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Ljubljana Slovenia Europe.

    Prešernov Trg

    Ljubljana

    The centrepiece of Ljubljana's wonderful architectural aesthetic is this marvellous square, a public space of understated elegance that serves not only as…

  • Central Market in ljubljana overlooking the canal, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Shutterstock ID 118174657; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Gillmore; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online-Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: 65050/ Online Design /LaurenGillmore/POI

    Central Market

    Ljubljana

    Central Market is Ljubljana's larder and worth a trip to stock up on provisions or just have a good snoop (and sniff) around. Go first to the vast open…

  • Ljubljana, Slovenia - December 29, 2017: Facade of Slovenian National Gallery on 100th anniversary. Building of National Gallery of Slovenia with 100th anniversary sign in front. Narodna galerija

    National Museum of Slovenia

    Ljubljana

    Housed in a grand building from 1888 – the same building as the Slovenian Museum of Natural History – highlights include the highly embossed Vače situla –…

  • Zale Central cemetery, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

    Žale Cemetery

    Ljubljana

    This cemetery, some 2km northeast of Tabor, is Ljubljana’s answer to Père Lachaise in Paris or London's Highgate. It is 'home’ to a number of…

  • SLOVENIA - JANUARY 01: The Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Ljubljana. Photography. Around 1990. (Photo by Imagno/Getty Images) [Domkirche St. Nikolaus in Leibach. Photographie um 1990.]

    Cathedral of St Nicholas

    Ljubljana

    A church has stood here since the 13th century, but the existing twin-towered building dates from the start of the 18th century. Inside, it’s a vision of…

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