by Venice, Italy has been struggling with the problem of overtourism for many years and the city affectionately known as the “floating city” is taking matters into its own hands.
For example, large cruise ships were banned from entering the canals, fines were imposed for noisy trolley suitcases in the historic city center and for throwing things away and loitering on the bridges, and recently the number of tour groups was limited to 25 people.
With crowded streets, canals crammed with gondolas, destroyed ecosystems, cheap souvenir shops replacing authentic artisan shops and thousands of residents displaced every year, perhaps it’s time to leave Venice for a rest and find alternative holiday destinations.
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, could be just the right counterpart. Located between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, the city impresses with a unique mix of architectural charm, green spaces and vibrant culture.
Its pastel-coloured buildings exude a fairytale atmosphere. They are a mix of Baroque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau buildings and are guarded by a medieval castle. An added advantage is that the city’s compact size means it can easily be explored on foot or by bike.
Those who want to give in to the urge to cruise on the water between the buildings can do so on the jade-colored river that winds through the city. The Ljubljanica River is lined with picturesque bridges and riverside cafes.
Ljubljana also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The city centre is largely car-free and has numerous parks and green spaces, allowing residents and visitors alike to get in touch with nature.
It also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the wider region of Slovenia, known for its natural landscapes, including the emerald waters of Lake Bled and the Postojna cave system. As the saying goes, “All roads lead to (and from) Ljubljana.”
The city is just a few hours away from almost all of the country’s major attractions, including Triglav National Park, the Soča River Valley and the Primorska wine region.
In addition, Ljubljana is well connected to many neighboring countries and their capitals, so you can easily combine Ljubljana with travel to and from Zagreb (Croatia) and Vienna (Austria). Thanks to major highways, bus routes and railway lines, traveling in the region is relatively straightforward.
EasyJet and Wizz Air fly to London and Brussels from Slovenia’s main international airport, Jože Pučnik. The airport is also just a half-hour drive from Ljubljana.
On Tripadvisor, visitors have been quick to praise Ljubljana, with one saying: “What a picturesque city, and the Old Town undoubtedly adds to Ljubljana’s reputation. You can easily spend hours wandering around and soaking up the incredible atmosphere.”
There are so many restaurants, cafes and shops to choose from and so many sights to see. You’ll want to be constantly on the move here.”
Another said: “A beautiful old European city with lots of charm, interesting sights and places to visit and plenty of delicious places to eat. Well worth a visit!”
