Spending Time in Slovenia’s Capital City

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is one of those European cities that quietly earns a good reputation without constantly demanding attention. With a population of around 300,000 people, it’s smaller than many European capitals, but that’s part of what makes it appealing. The city is compact, walkable, and built around the Ljubljanica River, which runs through the center of town.

One of the first things I noticed about Ljubljana is how clean and organized it is. The city has invested heavily in sustainability over the years and was named Europe’s Green Capital in 2016. Much of the downtown area is closed to vehicle traffic, which makes the center feel relaxed and easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.

The Ljubljana Castle overlooks the city from Castle Hill and dates back to the medieval era, though much of what stands today has been restored over time. The Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge are two of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Mark Edgington at the Dragon Bridge

The café culture is a major part of daily life there. The riverfront was filled with outdoor seating, local restaurants, and open-air markets. Despite being a capital city, Ljubljana doesn’t feel overly crowded or rushed.

Slovenia itself sits between Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary, and Ljubljana reflects some of that geographic mix. Italian food, Central European architecture, and Balkan influences all show up in different ways throughout the city.

Another advantage is location. From Ljubljana, it’s possible to reach Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, or the Adriatic coast within a relatively short drive. Slovenia is a small country geographically, which makes it surprisingly easy to experience a lot of different landscapes in a short amount of time.

For a European capital, Ljubljana feels approachable. It has the history, architecture, and culture people look for when traveling, but without some of the crowds and intensity found in larger tourist-heavy cities.

— Mark Edgington

This article also appears on Medium where you can learn more about Mark Edgington’s ongoing work.