25 Nov 2014
You may not know it but Ljubljana is cool. Peel back the city's surface and you'll discover a vibrant line-up of bars, restaurants and green spaces to compete with any European destination. We invited renowned travel bloggers The Travel Mob to come and experience the city for themselves - here are their ten top picks of the coolest places in Ljubljana...
(Address: Ižanska cesta 15)
Slovenia's oldest cultural, scientific and educational institution is home to more than 4,500 species from Slovenia and beyond, and is also the oldest botanical garden in South Eastern Europe. No visit is complete without exploring the tropical glasshouse, built to celebrate the Garden's 200th anniversary.
Metelkova mesto alternative culture centre
(Address: Masarykova 24)
What was once a squat in a former army barracks is now home to a vibrant programme of art performances and exhibitions, festivals and underground DJs and artists. A must for anyone looking to experience the city's cool, alternative side.
(Address: Židovska steza 2)
Hidden away down a sloping cobbled lane in Ljubljana's old town, BiKoFe is an unofficial mecca for students, designers, musicians and other creative types. By day, relax with a coffee and appreciate the award-winning interior. By night, groove to live DJs and assorted musical acts into the early hours.
(Address: Gallusovo nabrežje 27)
A trendy bar-cum-exhibition space where many of the furnishings and accessories are available to buy. There's a good bring-and-take library, local beers on tap, tasty cocktails served behind the kitchen counter bar, gourmet coffees and live music and DJs playing throughout the year.
(Address: Ribji trg 6)
A Slovenian tapas and wine bar looking to celebrate local Slovenian cuisine by giving it a Spanish twist and throwing in a comprehensive wine list for good measure. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal produce but always reflect the cultures that have had such an impact on present day Ljubljana.
(Address: Gornji trg 23)
A lively jazz bar and restaurant with plenty of outdoor space for lounging around alongside the city's creative elite. Predictably, there's also a lively nocturnal programme of jazz concerts, DJ club nights and assorted live music. Great selection of local beers on tap.
(Address: Miklošičeva cesta 2)
A treasure trove of traditional Slovenian schnapps or 'šnopc', each of which has been lovingly created using top quality local ingredients. There are some 70 different pure distillates and liqueurs to take home, plus around 200 other local Slovenian beverages to discover.
(Address: Cankarjevo nabrežje 1)
Some of Ljubljana's tastiest cakes are served in his riverfront patisserie near the Triple Bridge. As you might expect, the riverside patio is an extremely popular destination when the sun is shining. What was once a disused warehouse has now become one of the city's culinary highlights!
(Address: Metelkova ulica 8)
Believe it or not, Hostel Celica has been converted from a former military prison and is now home to 20 rooms that were once the prison's cells. Having been voted by Lonely Planet and Rough Guides as one of Europe's top accommodations, this is an absolute must if you're visiting the city.
(Address: Pogačarjev trg square)
A testament to the variety of cultures that have informed modern Slovenian cuisine, this food market is open on Fridays and is your best option for getting your hands on fresh local delicacies. Expect independent chefs, traditional gostilnas, tourist farms plus assorted music and entertainment.
-ENDS-
For media information and images, please contact:
Mrs. Špela Golčer, 00386/1-306-45-93, spela.golcer@visitljubljana.si
