An introduction to Ljubljana
In Slovenian, the word ‘Ljubljana’ means ‘beloved’. And this sums up how many Slovenians and visitors alike feel about their city.
The city is bite-sized, with a population of only 200,000 residents, most of whom travel around by bike, so I immediately felt at home. The City recently underwent an at-the-time controversial project to pedestrianise the entire city centre. Today cars are not allowed in the central district, and park and ride buses ferry people around the periphery of the city centre.
The city centre itself is focused around the Ljubljanica river, which is essentially the heart and soul of the city. Summer days and evenings bring visitors and locals alike flocking to the cafe- and restaurant- lined river banks.
The relatively small scale of Ljubljana is also part of its charm – with distances that are easily walkable, historic and colourful buildings, and the beautiful Tivoli park on the outskirts of the city is still walking distance away. I was lucky enough to be in Ljubljana in autumn and spent a good few hours walking around the park and admiring the changing colours.
Towering over the city on a hill, Ljubljana Castle is modern on the inside, but affords great views over the city.
In Slovenian, the word ‘Ljubljana’ means ‘beloved’. And this sums up how many Slovenians and visitors alike feel about their city.
The city is bite-sized, with a population of only 200,000 residents, most of whom travel around by bike, so I immediately felt at home. The City recently underwent an at-the-time controversial project to pedestrianise the entire city centre. Today cars are not allowed in the central district, and park and ride buses ferry people around the periphery of the city centre.
The city centre itself is focused around the Ljubljanica river, which is essentially the heart and soul of the city. Summer days and evenings bring visitors and locals alike flocking to the cafe- and restaurant- lined river banks.
The relatively small scale of Ljubljana is also part of its charm – with distances that are easily walkable, historic and colourful buildings, and the beautiful Tivoli park on the outskirts of the city is still walking distance away. I was lucky enough to be in Ljubljana in autumn and spent a good few hours walking around the park and admiring the changing colours.
Towering over the city on a hill, Ljubljana Castle is modern on the inside, but affords great views over the city.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpZEGPijptU
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