Serendipity led me to Ljubljana. The scenery was lovely, with small towns and farms interspersed among drooping firs and silvery, shimmering broadleaves. Entering Slovenia was easy. The currency is the euro. Less than two hours after boarding the bus, we rolled into the capital, Ljubljana loo-BLAH-nah , an ancient city with a population today of around , I smiled. Well-manicured little Ljubljana gave a good first impression.
I still had concerns about the language. Slovenian appears impenetrable, with its dearth of vowels and curious diacritical marks. But most unders speak excellent English, as do many older people. I quickly became enchanted with Ljubljana and the surrounding area, so much so that I extended my stay.
You should begin your explorations of Ljubljana in the Old Town, parts of which date back to 35 B. Situated within a loop in the Ljubljanica River, and with a high hill located just outside the loop, Emona was easily defended. Cobbled streets sprout off in odd directions. Exploring the Old Town is a delight.
Buildings and storefronts—even the flagstones—are impressively clean. The river wraps around it all. People here sip coffee or wine, enjoy an ice cream, or simply wander. It may soon become more popular, and more expensive. Something of that sort is fast happening in nearby Croatia. Following a few best-practice tips will allow you to stretch your budget and extend your days in this lovely little city.
The surest way to lower lodging costs is to avoid the July-August high season. Locals maintain that May is optimal. Also, you should miss the late-afternoon thunderstorms of summer. Try to find a room near, but not actually in, the Old Town. Prices jump once you cross the river. Just ascertain whether a lodging is within walking distance of the Old Town and other sights, or if there is a bus stop nearby. While Ljubljana has an international airport, flight options are limited.
