Ljubljana In Your Pocket N°36 - June/July 2014

Maps Events Restaurants Cafés Nightlife Sightseeing Shopping Hotels

Ljubljana June - July 2014

Highlights of Slovenia

The best of what to see, do and eat outside of Ljubljana

World Cup 2014

Find the best places to watch the biggest event of the year

FREE COPY

Issue N°36

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Argentino / Ĺ martinska 152 (BTC) / 1000 Ljubljana / Slovenija

Typical style of an Argentinian hacienda. Always fresh meat, best quality beef from Argentina. Indulge yourself with our grilled specialities. Old Argentinian recipes, on typical grills imported from Argentina. Wine Cellar with over 130 Argentinian Wines

www.argentino.si / mobile: +386 31 600 900

OD / FROM:

5 €*

A CITY OF THE EMPIRE EXHIBITION AT THE CITY MUSEUM OF LJUBLJANA 30. 5. 2014 - 31. 5. 2015 Being the first town in the Ljubljana Basin built according to a plan, Emona was a showcase for the

LJUBLJANA FESTIVAL NA KONGRESNEM TRGU

Roman Empire’s spectacular power which significantly changed the appearance of the world and everyday life of the people who had lived here for millennia.

Welcome to Emona!

LJUBLJANA FESTIVAL ON KONGRESNI SQUARE

21. 6.

7. 7.

Pesmi o Ljubljani / Songs About Ljubljana

REKVIEM / REQUIEM

Koprodukcija / Coproduction:

Dirigent / Conductor:

POLETNA NOČ / SUMMER NIGHT

giuseppe Verdi:

RICCARdO MUTI

1. 7.

Odprtje 62. Ljubljana Festivala

/

Opening of the 62nd Ljubljana Festival

Carl Orff: CARMINA

8. 7.

BURANA

ELĪNA GARANČA

Koncert opernih arij / A concert of opera arias Dirigent / Conductor: Karel Mark Chichon

Sponzor / Sponsor: Medijski sponzor / Media Sponsor:

3. 7.

Sponzor / Sponsor:

OgeNj & Led / FIRE & IcE

VLATKO STeFANOVSKI, kitara / guitar VASKO ATANASOVSKI, saksofon, flavta /

*Na dan dogodka možnost nakupa vstopnic za stojišča po 5 oziroma 9 €, otroci do 14. leta brezplačno na stojiščih / Standing-room tickets available for 5 or 9 € only the day of the event; standing-room-only for children under 14 for free.

saxophone, flute

Lead partners

Partners

Sponzorji / Sponsors:

Vstopnice in informacije / Tickets and information: www.ljubljanafestival.si, www.eventim.si, blagajna Križank, Info točka Ljubljana Festivala (Mestni trg 17), prodajna mesta Eventima, Petrolovi servisi, poslovalnice Pošte Slovenije / Križanke Box Office, Info Point of the Ljubljana Festival (Mestni trg 17), Eventim sales points, Petrol service stations throughout Slovenia, Pošta Slovenije post offices Sponzorji / SponSorS:

Glavni medijski sponzor / General media sponsor:

Medijski sponzorji / Media sponsors:

Media sponsors Uradni prevoznik / Official carrier:

Železniški prevoznik / Railway tRanspoRteR:

Uradna vina / Official wines:

Hvala / Thanks:

Ustanoviteljica Festivala ljUbljana / LjubLjana FestivaL was Founded:

www.avtohisamalgaj.si

Častni pokrovitelj ljubljana Festivala 2014 je župan Mestne obČine ljubljana Zoran janković. / The honorary sponsor of The LjubLjana fesTivaL 2014 is The Mayor of CiTy of LjubLjana Zoran janković.

Contents E S S E N TI A L C I TY G U I D E S

Arrival & Transport 10 Planes, trains, buses, taxis and transfers

Culture & Events Music, festivals and exhibitions Cultural centres and venues

15 15 22

Restaurants 24 Everything from A to V(egetarian)

Cafés 45 Enjoy one of Ljubljana’s favourite pastimes

Nightlife 49 Dance and drink the night away

Sightseeing 56 Bridges, museums and the castle

Emona 61 Ljubljana turns 2000 (sort of)

Shopping 69 Where to go and what to buy

Hotels 74 Business suites to hostel bunks

That’s not a painting or a film set, it’s just a typical summer evening in the centre of Ljubljana, photo by Kemal Taner / Shutterstock

Embassies & Expats 80 A special feature for foreign residents

Around Ljubljana - Southwest 83 Vrhnika, Polhov Gradec and Logatec

Bled, Bohinj, Radovljica 86 Explore the Slovenian Alps

Škofja Loka 92 A medieval town 20km from Ljubljana

Brdo Pri Kranju 96 The domain of delights

Slovenian Istria 98 46.6km of glorious Mediterranean coast

Postojna 104 Home of the world famous cave

Celje 108 Experience living history at Celje castle

Slovenian Spas 111 The ultimate relaxation

Directory Maps & Index For breathtaking panoramic views of the city, climb to the top of the vertigo-inducing lookout tower at Ljubljana Castle, photo by Anže Mulec / Shutterstock

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Country map City map City centre map

114 116 118 120 June - July 2014

7

Foreword

In the News

We’ve pulled out all the stops and included all kinds of bells and whistles (and other idioms) for our massive new summer issue - the 36th time that Ljubljana In Your Pocket has rolled off the presses since our launch in 2008. While our largest guide ever undoubtedly packs enough up-to-date info from our local writing and research team to keep you busy in the Slovene capital well beyond your intended stay, we’ve also gone ahead and included nearly three dozen pages of highlights from elsewhere in the country (p 85) should you choose to venture beyond Ljubljana. From Bled’s fairy tale island in the north to the still functioning salt pans of Sečovlje on the Mediterranean coast to Medieval days at Celje castle in the east, we’ve got the best of our small but exceedingly diverse country covered - all of which is within a relatively short drive of Ljubljana.

Of course there’s no need to leave the city at all, as in addition to the numerous museums, parks, shops, restaurants and other attractions in town, the summer season guarantees a ridiculously full schedule of diverse events taking place on a daily basis. From world-class classical music and opera productions on open-air stages to always entertaining street theatre performances throughout the old town, as well as numerous wine, art and culinary events, there’s truly something for everyone, even fans of Billy Idol and Deep Purple!

All this and we haven’t even mentioned the biggest event of the year. Despite the noticeable lack of a spunky Slovene team being involved, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will still be watched by some one billion people, with a proportionally large number of them doing so on the projection screens and TVs that will be set up at virtually every bar, café and pub in Ljubljana.

Whether you’re a football fan or not, we hope you enjoy your stay in Ljubljana and elsewhere in Slovenia this summer, and as always we welcome any and all feedback, be it on Facebook, Foursquare, Twitter, Pinterest or even old-fashioned email.

Best of Summer 2014 in Ljubljana Publisher E S S E N TI A L Ljubljana In Your Pocket C I TY G U I D E S Drenikova 33, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Tel. +386 30 316 602 ljubljana@inyourpocket.com, www.inyourpocket.com Director Niko Slavnic M.Sc., niko.slavnic@inyourpocket.com ISSN 1855-3486 ©IQBATOR d.o.o.

Printed Evrografis d.o.o.

Published Published six times per year

Nebotičnik

Billy Idol

Which CAFÉ has the best summer terrace?

Editorial Editor Yuri Barron Writer John Bills, Will Dunn, Craig Turp, Richard Schofield, James Cosier, Yuri Barron Design Vaida Gudynaitė Consulting Craig Turp Photography Ljubljana Tourism, Branka Jovanović, Dunja Wedam, Tadej Mulej, Urša Culiberg, Shutterstock Cover photo © Chrupka / Shutterstock Sales & Circulation Sales & Operations Management Irena Jamnikar, Karmen Hribar, Stanka Parkelj Rozina, Leon Šlajpah Copyright notice Text and photos copyright IQBATOR d.o.o. Maps copyright cartographer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, without written permission from the publisher and copyright owner. The brand name In Your Pocket is used under license from UAB In Your Pocket (Bernardinų 9-4, Vilnius, Lithuania, tel. (+370) 5 212 29 76).

Schengen Fest

Which RESTAURANT has the best summer terrace?

What’s the best SUMMER CONCERT?

Which BAR/PUB has the best summer terrace?

What’s the best SUMMER FESTIVAL?

Who has the best ICE CREAM?

Who will win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?

Maps Monolit d.o.o.

About IYP ESTONIA RUSSIA

LATVIA LITHUANIA

NORTHERN IRELAND IRELAND

BELARUS NETHERLANDS BELGIUM

POLAND UKRAINE

GERMANY CZECH REPUBLIC AUSTRIA

SWITZERLAND ITALY

HUNGARY

SLOVENIACROATIA BOSNIA SERBIA MONTENEGRO

ROMANIA

GEORGIA

BULGARIA

FYR MACEDONIA ALBANIA GREECE

DUTCH CARIBBEAN SOUTH AFRICA

8 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

We have come a long way in the 22 years since we published the first In Your Pocket guide - to Vilnius in Lithuania - so much so that we are today the largest publisher of locally-produced city guides in the world. The recent publication of a guide to the islands of the Dutch Caribbean - our first in the Western Hemisphere - has taken the number of guides published each year

by In Your Pocket to well over five million, spread across more than 100 cities on three continents. And there is more to come: make sure you keep up with all that’s new at In Your Pocket by liking us on Facebook (facebook.com/inyourpocket) or following us on Twitter (twitter. com/inyourpocket). ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Cacao

Druga Violina

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Centralna Postaja

June - July 2014

9

Arriving & Getting Around Officially part of the Schengen zone since late 2007 and nearly completely surrounded by other Schengen-agreement countries, entering Slovenia has never been easier.

With a well-developed system of buses, trains and highways throughout the country, getting around is also fairly easy. The centre of Ljubljana is relatively small, meaning public transport is rarely, if ever, needed when in town.

Arriving & Getting Around A Word From Our Mayor

Arriving in Ljubljana Arriving by plane Ljubljana’s cosy little Jože Pučnik Airport is 26km northwest of the city, near Brnik. Getting there takes about 30 minutes by taxi (€35-45) or shuttle (€5-8, schedule is coordinated with flights) and roughly twice as long by bus (€4.10, up to 16 per day between 05:00-20:00). Check the airport’s website for a complete schedule.

Arriving by train Once you’ve worked out the tunnel and stair system and made it to the main train station building, find everything you need including an ATM and press stand selling top-up cards (but alas no SIM cards) for prepaid SIM accounts. Left luggage is provided courtesy of 80 coin-operated lockers with instructions in English on platform Nº1, with the toilets conveniently located next door. Getting to town depends as always on where you’re planning to stay and how fit you are. Many central hotels are within reasonable walking distance. Alternatively, find taxis outside, and make sure the meter is running before you depart.

Arriving by bus All national and international buses arrive at the central bus station which is located directly in front of the main train station. The ‘temporary’ prefabricated station building features little in the way of facilities for recent arrivals, making a trip to the train station almost compulsory. Perhaps the only one of its kind in the world, the bus station does however contain a Sixt car rental kiosk, with the only other

Public Transport For me, Ljubljana is the most beautiful city in the the world – unique for its special position in the heart of Slovenia.

As a city with rich history and cultural heritage, it attracts ever more visitors every year from near and far. The most important ambassadors for Ljubljana are undoubtedly our residents, who live the intercultural dialogue and with their openness, kindness, and hospitality always ensure a touch of comfort and warmth.

Welcome to Ljubljana!

Zoran Janković Mayor

useful facility being a small internet café for which tickets can be acquired from ticket window Nº1. Getting to town is the same as described above.

Arriving by car Driving to Ljubljana is a joy due to the good roads and excellent signposting. The city is circled by a ring road from where it’s easy to get to the centre. Simply follow the parking signs for convenient places to leave your car near the city centre. Once in the city, it’s best to walk the short distances rather than drive through the heavy traffic and narrow street. Also, if you’re staying in Old Ljubljana be aware that it is largely a pedestrian only zone.

Vinjeta - A Ticket to Drive

Goopti

www.dars.si. Slovenia requires all motor vehicles travelling on Slovenian highways to have a vinjeta (veen-yehtah) sticker. This system exists in lieu of tolls, and the vinjeta can be easily obtained at nearly all gas stations and kiosks. Yearly/monthly/weekly stickers are €110/30/15 for cars, €220/80/40 for larger vehicles (ie with a height of over 1.3m above the front axis) and €55/30/7.50 for motorcycles. Also be aware that border police will likely not remind you to purchase a vinjeta when entering the country, but are highly likely to issue you a steep fine when leaving if you’ve failed to do so. For more info check www.dars.si.

This new low cost airport shuttle service offers transfers to and from airports in neighbouring countries.

Departures can be booked between Ljubljana to nearly 20 airports in the region, including Venice, Munich and Vienna, using GoOpti’s novel online booking system.

Rates begin at as little as €9 per person.Qtel. +386 (0)1 320 45 30, info@goopti.com, www.goopti.com.

10 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

01-320-45-30

GoOpti.com Low cost shuttle to Slovenia

Venice from Ljubljana 14 € ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Although most of Ljubljana’s sights are within easy walking distance for even the most unfit and/or laziest of people (and you can trust us as we’re proud card carrying members of both groups), there is a far-reaching and fairly efficient bus network for reaching attractions farther afield, such as the Zoo, BTC shopping centre or even distant Šmarna Gora, or for those interested in seeing what the city looks like outside the city centre. Although you may be lucky enough to see some Tito-era antiques plying the roads, the entire fleet is currently being modernised, so most of the time you can expect a comfortable ride. Schedules are displayed at all stops, and fares can only be paid using an Urbana Card or a Slovene mobile phone.

LPP (Ljubljanski Potniški Promet) Ljubljana’s urban and suburban public transport company. There are LPP ticket sales offices at Slovenska 56 (Bavarski Dvor), Celovška 160 and the central bus station.QD-2, Slovenska 56, tel. +386 (0)14 30 51 74, mail@lpp.si, www.lpp.si.

Open 07:00 - 19:00. Closed Sat, Sun.

Urbana Card The city bus operator, LPP, has finally introduced the long-awaited Urbana Card, a form of electronic ticketing that will eventually replace the previous hodge-podge system of payment that included tokens, coins and photo ID cards. The credit card-sized smart card is similar to those already used in other cities, such as London’s Oyster Card and Paris’ Navigo Pass. The cards can be purchased for a one-time fee of €2 at many locations including various tobacconists and news-stands, tourist offices, the central bus station and LPP offices at Bavarski Dvor and Celovška Cesta 160. Credit can be added for any amount between €1-50 at these same locations as well as some three dozen green Urbanomati machines scattered around town. When getting on the bus simply touch the card to one of the green card readers at the front entrance and €1.20 will be deducted from the card allowing 90 minutes of travel, including unlimited transfers. facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

Na Letališče Getting to and from the airport is always a source of consternation for many travellers. Na Letališče is here to take that anxiety away, offering a comfortable shuttle service to and from Ljubljana airport, as well as many others in the area including Trieste, Venice and Vienna. Prices are fixed, starting at €8, and discounts are on offer for larger groups. A free bottle of water is even provided.Qtel. +386 (0)40 93 53 85, info@ naletalisce.si, www.naletalisce.si.

Trains Slovenian Railways (Slovenske Železnice) does an admirable job of running an efficient network with clean modern trains that are usually on time. Their website (www.slozeleznice.si) contains a wealth of information in English, including live information on train delays as well as an online timetable. See the national and international train schedules in this guide for the main destinations.

Train Station (Železniška Postaja) Full of nice touches such as little conveyor belts for taking heavy bags up to the platforms, Ljubljana’s reasonably central train station is just north of the main action. See Arriving for information on several of the station’s facilities, plus, if you’re planning on leaving town, the ticket office straight out of a 1970s disco movie is to the left of the main entrance, with signs and departure screens in English.QE-1, Trg Osvobodilne Fronte, tel. +386 (0)1291 33 32, potnik. info@slo-zeleznice.si, www.slo-zeleznice.si. Open 05:00 - 22:00.

Buses Ljubljana Bus Station (Avtobusno Postajališče) Essentially a large caravan without any wheels, Ljubljana’s temporary central bus station couldn’t be easier to use. Enter through one of the doors at either end, buy a ticket from one of the kiosks, and away you go.

Some tickets can be bought directly from the driver, but you should always check in the bus station to make sure.

The bus station operates many national routes as well as regular international services.QD/E-1, Trg Osvobodilne June - July 2014

11

Arriving & Getting Around Fronte 4, tel. +386 (0)1 234 46 00, fax +386 (0)1 234 46 01, avtobusna.postaja@ap-ljubljana.si, www.apljubljana.si. Open 05:00 - 22:30, Sat 05:00 - 22:00, Sun 05:30 - 22:30.

Car Rental The speed limit is 50km/hr in built-up areas, 90-100km/ hr on main roads, 130km/hr on highways. Cars must use headlights at all times and must have a spare wheel, warning triangle, spare lightbulb, first aid kit and, in winter, either snow chains or winter tyres. The alcohol limit is 0.05%, and EU residents should be aware that any fines and/or driving license points incurred whilst in Slovenia will theoretically follow you home. The traffic information centre has road webcams and maps of current traffic problems at www.promet.si.

Budget Rental price higher without prior reservation online.QD-3, Miklošičeva 3 (Grand Hotel Union Executive), tel. +386 (0)14 21 73 40, info@budget.si, www. budget.si. Open 08:00 - 16:00, Sat, Sun 08:00 - 12:00 Airport office tel. (04) 201 43 00, open 07:00-23:00.

Airport Ljubljana Airport (Letališče Jožeta Pučnika) Well connected to the Balkans and most major European destinations, Ljubljana’s Jože Pučnik Airport, 26km northwest of the city, is as small and efficient as the rest of the country. There’s free Wi-Fi for internet addicts, a buffet-style restaurant, a couple cafés, a bank (with ATM) and currency exchange office (open 07:00 - 19:00) and a post office (open 08:00 - 18:00, Sat 07:00-12:00, Sun closed).

Getting there takes about 30 minutes by taxi (€35-45) or shuttle (€5-8, schedule is coordinated with flights) and roughly twice as long by bus (€4.10, up to 16 per day between 05:00-20:00). Check the airport’s website for a complete schedule.QZgornji Brnik 130a, tel. +386 (0)4 20 610 00, fax +386 (0)4 20 212 20, info@lju-airport.si, www.lju-airport.si. Open 00:00 - 24:00.

Taxis Ljubljana’s taxis are safe, clean and generally reliable. The starting rate is usually between €0.80-1.50 with a per kilometre rate of €0.70-1.70, depending on the company, time of day and number of passenger. Waiting usually costs €1520 per hour. Ordering a taxi by phone will get you lower rates for longer distance trips.

Laguna TaxiQJ-1, Celovška 228, tel. +386 (0)31 492 299/+386 (0)1 511 23 14, fax +386 (0)1 511 23 14, taxi. laguna@siol.net, www.taxi-laguna.com.

Metro Taxi QM-3/4, Litijska 16, tel. +386 (0)80 11 90/+386 (0)4 124 02 00, taxi@metroprevozi.net, www. metroprevozi.net/TaxiPrevozi.htm.

12 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

City Basics Taxi Rondo With nearly two decades in the transportation business, the friendly folks at Rondo know what it takes to please demanding foreign clients.

Their large fleet of mid-range and high-end vehicles (Audi, BMW, Mercedes) guarantees a quick response time, while the fixed tariff of €0.75/km is also one of the lowest in the city. Additional services include school transport, longer-term rentals, courier delivery and free return trips on longer journeys.Qtel. +386 (0)70 900 900/+386 (0)31 225 588, info@taxi-rondo. si, www.taxi-rondo.si.

Parking Garages PH Kapitelj Located along the Ljubljanica River beneath the modern Kapitelj and Urban Villa complex, which houses both shops, offices, residences and two embassies, the garage is only 100m or so from the famous Dragon Bridge and Tržnica market. While there are only 261 spaces, you can normally find a free one.QE-3, Poljanski nasip 4, tel. +386 (0)1 360 36 48/+386 (0)51 366 510, phkapitelj@kranjska-id.com, www.parkiraj.si. Open 00:00 - 24:00.

PH Meksiko Only opened in 2010, the Mexico Parking Garage is a large modern facility situated adjacent to the Slovenia’s main medical facilities and just down the street from the central bus and railway stations. There are a total of 624 spaces, and the ground floor is home to a popular German supermarket.

QF-2, Njegošova 4, tel. +386 (0)1 600 40 38/+386 (0)51 366 510, phmeksiko@kranjska-id.com, www. parkiraj.si.Open 00:00 - 24:00.

PH Šentpeter Situated near the University of Ljubljana Medical Centre at the intersection of Zaloška and Njegoševa Streets, Šentpeter Parking House boasts some 500 parking spaces.QF-3, Zaloška 1, tel. +386 (0)1 430 59 02/+386 (0)5 136 65 10, phsentpeter@ kranjska-id.com, www.parkiraj.si. Open 00:00 24:00.

PH Trdinova Located in the very centre of the city, only a short walk from the Ljubljana Stock Exchange, main courthouse and various corporate head offices, the Trdinova Parking House has near 1200 spaces.QD2, Trdinova 9, tel. +386 (0)1 230 96 00/+386 (0)5 136 65 10, phtrdinova@kranjska-id.com, www.parkiraj. si. Open 00:00 - 24:00.

From 07:00-19:00 €2 per hour, from 19:00-07:00 the first four hours are €1 per hour, while additional hours are €0.50. The daily rate is €32, while monthly fees are as low as €150.

Much more transportation info online at ljubljana.inyourpocket.com ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

SYMBOL key

Climate Temperature, °C

Rainfall, mm

30

150

20

120

10

90

0 -10 -20

J

F M A M J

J

A

S O N D

B Outside seating

H Conference facilities

T Child-friendly

U Facilities for the disabled

F Fitness centre

L Guarded parking

R LAN connection 6 Pet-friendly

60

K Restaurant

J Old town location

30

D Sauna

C Swimming pool

I Fireplace

W Wifi

Crime and safety Ljubljana is one of the safest capital cities in the world, with the only prevalent crime being bicycle theft, which is unlikely to affect short term visitors. Nowhere in the city is unsafe to walk at at any hour, although if you’re by yourself it’s probably best to avoid certain parts of Tivoli Park in the middle of the night. The only real threat to safety in the city comes from out-of-control cyclists and negligent drivers not paying attention to pedestrians. Perhaps a secondary menace are slow-to-react automatic doors that seem to be installed in shops across Ljubljana - causing hurried consumers much grief and the rare minor injury.

Drinking Alcohol is only sold to people over 18, and sadly after 21:00 it cannot be bought in stores.

Money Slovenia adopted the euro in January 2007. Euro coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1 and 2 eu-

basic data Population Slovenia 2,048,951 (2011 estimate) Ljubljana 280,140 (2011 estimate) Area 20,273 square kilometres Ethnic composition Slovenian 83%, Former Yugoslav minorities 5.3%, Hungarian, Albanian, Roma, Italian and others 11.7% Official languages Slovenian, Italian, Hungarian Local time Central European (GMT + 1hr) Longest river Sava (221km in Slovenia) Highest mountain Triglav 2,864m.

Borders Austria 318km, Italy 280km, Hungary 102km, Croatia 670km facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

P Air conditioning A Credit cards accepted

ros, while banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. The Slovenian side of the euro coins are decorated with among other things storks, Mount Triglav, Lippizaner horses, a man sowing stars and a Jože Plečnik design.

Smoking Cigarettes can’t be sold to people under 18. Slovenia recently banned smoking from public indoor spaces except in special smoking areas in offices, hotels and bars.

Toilets Clean and pleasant public toilets can be found at Dragon Bridge (07:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun), in the Plečnik Passageway west of Zvezda Park (07:00 - 20:00. Closed Sun) and at Triple Bridge (07:00 - 21:00).

Exchange rates 1 EUR € = 1.35 US$ = 0.84 UK£ = 1.22 CHF = 8.28 CNY = 132 ¥ = 115 дин = 50.5 руб (30 May 2014)

Market Values Compared to the rest of Western and Central Europe, prices in Slovenia are still fairly competitive despite noticeable increases since the introduction of the Euro in 2007. Here are some typical everyday products and prices:

Product Price McDonald’s Big Mac €2.40 Slice of pizza € 1.80 Slice of burek € 2.00 Cup of coffee € 1.10 Bottle of name brand vodka € 12.50 Decent bottle of local wine € 3.50 Bottle of local beer in a shop € 1.10 Pint of beer in a pub € 2.70 Pack of cigarettes € 3.20 Single bus ride € 1.20 Movie ticket € 4.90 Litre of petrol € 1.49 Taxi ride across town € 5.00 June - July 2014

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Culture & Events

Culture & Events events in June 6 - Franja Cycling Marathon @ BTC City

1 - Carl Orff - Carmina Burana @ Kongresni Trg

6 - Bajaga i Instruktori @ Križanke

2-5 - Ljubljana Jazz Festival @ Various Venues

7 - Medieval Day @ Stari Trg & Gornji Trg

2-5 - Ana Desetnica Street Theatre Festival @ Old Town Streets

7 - Ljubljana Pride Parade @ Various Venues

2 - Belarus Chamber Orchestra @ Union Hotel

9 - Queens of the Stone Age @ Križanke

3 - Chicago Master Singers @ St Nicholas Church

10 - The Frog King (puppets) @ Kongresni Trg

3 - Vlatko Stefanovski & Vasko Atanasovski @ Kongresni Trg

11 - A Chrysanthemum on the Piano @ Kongresni Trg 12 - Doctor Rabbit (puppets) @ Kongresni Trg 13 - Canoe Slalom World Cup @ Kayak Centre Tacen

02.07 Wednesday - 05.07 Saturday Ana Desetnica 2014 The Ana Desetnica international street theatre festival, held at various outdoor venues across Ljubljana for the 16th year running, will bring together a large number of street artistes, clowns, circus performers, jugglers, tightrope walkers, fire-eaters, musicians, ‘provocateurs’, dancers and actors from Slovenia and abroad, including world famous street theatre groups such as Cie. Maboul distorsion (France), Teatr Minyatur (Russia), Cia La Tal (Spain), Kud Ljud (Slovenia), Faber Teater (Italy), Ana Monro theatre (Slovenia) and many many more.

The Ana Desetnica festival, which showcases contemporary trends in street theatre creativity, is remarkable for its well-defined artistic concept and its organizers’ efforts towards complementing the vibrancy of city life in Ljubljana with the vibrancy of the festival.QVarious streets, parks and squares in the city centre, tel. +386 40 439 482, www.anamonro.org.

21.06 Saturday - 29.08 Friday 62nd Ljubljana Festival The summer Ljubljana Festival is easily the country’s premier cultural event each year, with nearly three months of classical music concerts, opera and ballet events, theatrical performances and much more. The invited artists are 14 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

both international and Slovene, and frequently include some of the most prestigious names in the world of music and performing arts. The venues are almost as impressive as the performers themselves, with concerts taking place on open-air stages at Kongresni Trg and the exquisite Križanke Summer Theatre, as well as indoors at some of the city’s top cultural spaces. A full schedule of the almost daily events can be found on the official festival website.

QVarious Venues, tel. +386 (0)1 241 60 26, blagajna@ ljubljanafestival.si, www.ljubljanafestival.si.

Exhibitions 21.03 Friday - 28.02 Saturday The Mummy & The Crocodile Not many people are aware of it, but Slovenes have a rich history when it comes to African exploration. Learn more about this fascinating history at The Mummy and The Crocodile, an exhibition allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of three Slovene Egyptologists responsible for a lot of the collection available to view. The main event is the only human mummy in Slovenia, Amun-A-kewsy, who was originally brought over with a number of stuffed crocodiles.

Workshops and lectures are also on offer.QF-2, National Museum of Slovenia - Metelkova, Maistrova 1, tel. +386 (0)51 38 48 88, arheozabava@nms.si, www.nms.si. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

4 - Gregory Porter @ Križanke 4 - Odprta Kuhna Open Kitchen @ Pogačarjev Trg 5 - Ljubljana Art Market @ Breg Embankment 5 - Souljazz Orchestra @ Cankarjev Dom

13-20 - Live Literature Festival @ ŠKUC Gallery

5 - The Necks @ Cankarjev Dom

13 - Linkwood @ Klub K4

7 - Giuseppe Verdi - Requiem @ Kongresni Trg

14 - Ljubljana Wine Road @ Old Town

10 - Richard Wagner - Lohengrin @ Križanke

14 - Pride Parade 2014 @ City Centre

11 - Odprta Kuhna Open Kitchen @ Pogačarjev Trg

14 - Dance Beneath the Stars @ Ljubljana Castle 15 - Macbeth (theatre) @ Kongresni Trg

Festivals

2 - Jaga Jazzist @ Križanke

7 - Roman Camp in Emona @ Kongresni Trg

11 - Gogol Bordello @ Cvetličarna

Clockwise from top left: Syrian music legend Omar Souleyman performs in Gala Hala’s summer garden on 27 June, the Ana Desetnica street theatre festival takes over Ljubljana’s old town the first week of July, British rock pioneers Deep Purple will rock Kongresni Trg on 16 July, and the Ljubljana Wine Road makes drinking all day in the sun socially acceptable on 14 June.

events in July

12 - Ljubljana Art Market @ Breg Embankment 15 - Boris Berezovsky @ Slovenian Philharmonic

17 - Snow White (puppets) @ Kongresni Trg

16 - Deep Purple & Gibonni @ Kongresnit Trg

18 - Triada: Art on the Stree @ Kongresni Trg

18 - Odprta Kuhna Open Kitchen @ Pogačarjev Trg

19 - Open-Air Salsa @ Plato Café 20-22 - Slovenia in 3 Days (orienteering) @ Various Venues

18-27 - Let’s Meet in Front of ŠKUC @ ŠKUC Gallery 19 - Ljubljana Art Market @ Breg Embankment

21 - Tour of Slovenia (cycling) @ Various Venues

21 - World Stars of Ballet @ Križanke

21 - Museums on a Summer Night @ Various Venues

22 - Qingdao Symphony Orchestra @ Križanke

23 - Steven Seagal Blues Band @ Cvetličarna

23 - Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka Choir @ Slovenian Philharmonic

24 - Billy Idol @ Hala Tivoli 25 - Flogging Molly @ Gala Hala

24 Jul - 16 Aug - Film Under the Stars @ Ljubljana Castle

25-27 - Summer Cinema on Kongresni Trg

25 Jul - Odprta Kuhna Open Kitchen @ Pogačarjev Trg

26 - Flavours of Ljubljana @ Novi Trg

26 - Artish Creativity Festival @ Gornji Trg

26 - Betontanc: Track of the World @ Stara Elektrarna

26 - Ljubljana Art Market @ Breg Embankment

27 - Omar Souleyman @ Gala Hala

1 Aug - Odprta Kuhna Open Kitchen @ Pogačarjev Trg

28 - Artish Creativity Festival @ Gornji Trg

2 Aug - Joss Stone @ Križanke

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April - May 2014

15

The picturesque Slovene landscape in early summer evenings.

Culture & Events Seviqc 22.06 Sunday - 06.12 Friday Seviqc Brežice Festival The Seviqc Brežice Festival is synonymous with early music in Slovenia and one of its most important cultural events. Most of the distinguished invited artists perform a carefully selected programme, which shows the colourfulness of musical styles from different European countries, from the middle ages right up to the beginning of the 20th century. This diverse programme is the very aim of the Seviqc Brežice Festival, whose name comes from the abbreviation of the Latin expression Semper Viva Quam Creata, which means ‘Always live as created’.

One of the most important early music festivals in Europe, the performances will take your mind and soul back through time and space in some of the most beautiful and atmospheric concert halls in the country. To make getting to the concerts easier, the festival also arranges direct transportation - a so-called ‘Festibus’ - to each venue from Ljubljana. More information can be found in English on the official website.

QVarious venues across Slovenia, tel. +386 (0)1 242 08 12/+386 (0)51 30 30 40, info@k-ramovs.si, www. seviqc-brezice.si.

15.05 Thursday - 24.08 Sunday Brain: The Inside Story Ever wondered just how our brains work? Well, wonder no more. In cooperation with the American Museum of Natural History, the exhibition Brain: The Inside Story will be running in Ljubljana until the end of August, and as the title suggests it focuses on the organ that is responsible for everything we experience. Delving deep into our senses, be prepared to explore the expanding limits of the brain on a journey into our most inner of selves. Full of interactive models, games and much more, the exhibition has plenty to offer to people of all ages. If all of this wasn’t intense enough, the future of the brain is also investigated.

The exhibition truly gives a feel of how immense, intricate and important our brains truly are.QLjubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, Dunajska 18, tel. +386 (0)61 81 38 79, teja@brains.si, www.brains.si. Open 09:00 20:00. Admission €39/15/10 family/adults/children and students.

Special Events 14.06 Saturday Ljubljana Summer Wine Route Ljubljana’s traditional St Martin’s Day outdoor wine tasting in November has become so popular in recent years that the organisers had to add an additional summer tasting to the annual calendar.

The June event will follow the form of its November incarnation, only with warmer weather and later hours, as 16 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

dozens of Slovene producers set up stalls throughout the old town, offering generously poured glasses of their carefully crafted beverages for around €1 each (although for special vintages, reserve selections, etc. the price can be higher). Local farmers also get in on the action, offering homemade cheeses, meats, honey and other treats to hungrier than usual passersby.

The only danger in attending such a glorious event, is that you’re almost guaranteed to end up stumbling home with 8-10 bottles of wine when it’s all said and done - or at least you are if you’re anything like us. One other word of advice: bring your own glass if you don’t want to risk losing a €10 deposit on a rental one.QLjubljana Old Town, www. ljubljanskavinskapot.si. Open 12:00 - 21:00.

21.06 Saturday Museums on a Summer Night One of our favourite annual cultural events, this year on 21 June all of Ljubljana’s museums and galleries will not only offer free admission, but also extended opening hours with some institutions keeping their doors unlocked as late as midnight. In addition to the numerous venerable

EXHIBITIONS IN June/July until 21 Jun - Made in China Project @ International Centre of Graphic Arts until 27 Jun - Božidar Dolenc: Self-Portraits @ Bežigrajska Gallery 1 until 29 Jun - Vinko Tušek: Space of the Image @ Bežigrajska Gallery 2 until 30 Jun - Living Treasure of Our Waters (photography) @ Tivoli Park

The majestic architecture of castles and churches. The glow of evening fires. Tasting wonderful wines. These exciting

and emotional moments are accompanied with music

played on authentic instruments by the finest musicians from all over the world.

www.seviqc-brezice.si

2014 22. june - 6. december arly

e

music festival

until 18 Jul - GRAM: Reenactmedia @ Photon Gallery until 17 Aug - Light as Colour (photography) @ Museum of Architecture and Design 1 Jul - 1 Sept - Remains of a City (photography) @ Tivoli Park until 3 Sept - Josef Koudelka: Vestiges 19912012 @ Jakopič Gallery until 14 Sept - Urban Development of Ljubljana @ Ljubljana Castle

v

until 15 Sept - Long Live Evolution! @ Museum of Natural History until 26 Oct - Aquae Iasae (archeology) @ Cankarjev Dom until 1 Nov - Doors: Spatial and Symbolic Passageways @ Slovene Ethnographic Museum until 31 Dec - Mummy and the Crocodile @ National Museum - Metelkova ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Festibus transportation from Ljubljana to all the concert venues.

More information: Ars Ramovš zavod za umetnost, marketing, promocijo in investiranje T: +386 (0)1 242 08 12, M: +386 (0)51 30 30 40, E: info@k-ramovs.si

Culture & Events permanent collections and tons of noteworthy current exhibitions (June is also officially photography month), there is also an organised programme of free workshops, demonstrations, film screenings, lectures, concerts and more to entice visitors to stay out late.QOpen 10:00 - 24:00.

Admission free.

Odprta Kuhna Every Friday from March to October this year Pogačarjev Trg in Ljubljana’s old town will be transformed into one large ‘open kitchen’ featuring the mouthwatering culinary creations of many of Slovenia’s top restaurants, as well as a diverse selection of tourist farms, local food and beverage vendors and even individual chefs. The irresistible sights, smells and tastes will be accompanied by the festive sounds of various musical and other performances making for a lively atmosphere that’s not to be missed.

The event is also a truly ‘open’ affair, so if you’ve always fancied yourself a master in the kitchen then this is the perfect opportunity to try to hand at cooking next to Slovenia’s best - contact the organisers to find out how you can participate. A full list of all current participants can be found on the official website, but be warned that after viewing the names and the photos it will be impossible to stay away from Pogačarjev Trg on Fridays this summer!QPogačarjev Trg, tel. +386 (0)41 968 491, info@odprtakuhna.si, odprtakuhna.si. Open 08:00 19:00. Free admission.

Outside Ljubljana 20.06 Friday - 05.07 Saturday Lent Festival The Lent Festival - held every year for two weeks between the end of June and early July - is in many ways Maribor’s pride and joy. It attracts tens of thousands of people from

near and far and gives them a belting time, with its unbelievable programme of music and art, both classical and contemporary. Everyone goes: families with small children, young couples and artistic loners staring at the water with yet another beer-in-hand. But the main achievement of the festival is that most of the activity takes place on the slim strip of terra firma that is the Lent embankment, also the oldest part of the city. How it can cram the throngs gathered without shoving half of them kicking and screaming into the nearby River Drava takes some doing.

QVarious Venues, tel. +386 (0)2 229 40 11/+386 (0)31 479 000, vstopnice@nd-mb.si, www.festival-lent.

www.festival-lent.si

Schengenfest How can you not like a festival whose motto is to be “bigger and sexier each year” - especially when this goal has actually been accomplished in full for over half a decade?

When Schengenfest first began in 2008, it was little more than a one-day concert with only half a dozen performers taking to the stage.

Now in just a few short years it’s grown into a full-fledged music festival, with dozens of musicians playing over three days, including some of the biggest names in pop and rock music from Slovenia and neighbouring countries, including Siddharta, Big Foot Mama, Dan D, Riblja Čorba and Parni Valjak, as well as well-known international bands such as Kaiser Chiefs, Parov Stellar and Leningrad Cowboys - and this was only the line-up for 5th anniversary festival.

While Croatia finally joined the EU on 1 July 2013, the offical Schengen border looks to remain in place for some time to come. There’s no word what will happen when/ if the Kolpa river loses its status as a Schengen border, but we have faith that the organisers will find a way keep the “sound, sun and fun” going well into the future.

The festival is held around the first week of August each summer near the village of Vinica. Three-day passes are between €49-65 depending on how early they’re purchased, and single day tickets are also available.Qwww. schengenfest.si.

bUY Tickets Eventim Online ticket sales for more than 3,000 events per year, including concerts, sports, and cultural events across Slovenia and Central Europe. Check the offer of events and buy tickets before you even arrive in Slovenia.QB-1, Celovška 25, tel. +386 (0)14 30 24 05, info@eventim.si, www.eventim.si/portal/en.

This rebel will be yelling in Hala Tivoli on 24 June

18 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Tourist Information Centre The helpful staff at Ljubljana’s main tourist information centre can answer pretty much any question you have about the city, provide you with maps and countless other brochures, and also sell tickets for concerts, shows and various other events.QD-3, AdamičLundrovo Nabrežje 2, tel. +386 (0)13 06 12 15, tic@ visitljubljana.si, www.visitljubljana.si. Open October-May 08:00-19:00, June-September 08:00-21:00. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

20. VI. – 5. VII. 2014 Maribor • Slovenia

Hey good lookin’, what’s cookin’?

Taste, smell and see what Slovenia has to offer, each Friday from 8:00 to 20:00 at Pogačarjev trg square at Open Kitchen food market. Set sail on a culinary adventure around the world, crisscrossing the Ljubljana central market, and indulge in everything from traditional Slovenian dishes to international culinary classics. And while you’re at it, why not making a toast to new-found “taste buds”?

“Dó-bèr-ték!”

www.odprtakuhna.si www.facebook.com/odprtakuhna

Culture & Events Cinemas Foreign films are screened in the original language with Slovenian subtitles, except for children’s films which are usually dubbed. Aside from the largest blockbusters, films tend to open with significant lag with respect to larger markets, so don’t be surprised to see posters advertising something released months earlier in you own country.

Tickets cost approximately €5.

KinodvorQD-2, Kolodvorska 13, tel. +386 (0)1 239 22 17, info@kinodvor.org, www.kinodvor.org.

Kino KomunaQCankarjeva 1, tel. +386 (0)1 241 8400, www.kolosej.si.

KolosejQM-3, Šmartinska 152, tel. +386 (0)15 20 55 00, www.kolosej.si.

Slovenska KinotekaQD-2, Miklošičeva 28, tel. +386 (0)1 43 42 524, www.kinoteka.si.

Concert Halls Centre StožiceQL-1, Vojkova Cesta.

Hala Tivoli QA/B-1, Celovška 25, tel. +386 (0)1 430 67 50, justina.gosak@zavod-tivoli.si, www.zavod-tivoli.si.

Opera & Ballet LjubljanaQB/C-3, Župančičeva 1, tel. +386 (0)1 24 11 766/+386 (0)31 696 600, blagajna@ opera.si, www.opera.si.

Slovenian Philharmonic (Slovenska Filharmonija)QC-4, Kongresni Trg 10, tel. +386 (0)1 241 08 00, info@filharmonija.si, www. filharmonija.si.

Conference Venues Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre (Gospodarsko Razstavišče) GR, as it is known in Slovene, is the largest convention centre in Slovenia, and is the location of nearly all of Ljubljana’s major conventions, fairs and trade shows. With 20 multifunctional halls and rooms it can accommodate thousands of visitors, and also has 1,500 parking spaces within short walking distance. For those arriving by public transport, it is located only 300 metres from the main train and bus stations.QD-1, Dunajska 18, tel. +386 (0)13 00 26 11, luka. zajc@gr-sejem.si, www.gr-sejem.si.

Cultural Centres To be informed on what’s going on in town, cultural centres provide up to date information on events, festivals, workshops and more.

Cankarjev Dom This complex from the early 1980s is a major venue for concerts, theatre, dance, film, exhibitions and congresses.

QB-3/4, Prešernova 10, tel. +386 (0)12 41 71 00, info@ cd-cc.si, www.cd-cc.si.

22 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Culture & Events Centre of Sonorous Arts Vodnik Manor House Despite being only a short bike/bus ride or walk from the city centre, a trip to the the birthplace of Slovenia’s first poet Valentin Vodnik feels like visiting a countryside village. Tucked away in a leafy residential area of Šiška, since 2012 the beautifully restored 17th century manor house has been home to the Centre of Sonorous Arts, which organises a wide variety of cultural events and activities including exhibitions, installations, concerts, children’s workshops, research, lectures, music lessons, guided tours and of course sonorous theatre performances. QJ-3, Vodnikova 65, tel. +386 (0)59 03 75 10, info@vodnikova-domacija.si, www. vodnikova-domacija.si. Open Tues & Thur 10:00-13:00 & 16:00-18:00, Wed & Fri 10:00-13:00, and Sat-Sun by prior arrangement. Closed Mon.

Arts - a non-profit cultural institution based in Ljubljana - the gallery is interested in projects that take advantage of new technologies in order to investigate and discuss the structures of (post)modern society. Exhibitions usually concentrate on artistic production that explores social, political, aesthetic and ethical concerns.QD/E-2, Komenskega 18, tel. +386 (0)590 54 360/+386 (0)590 17 010, projectspace@aksioma.org, www.aksioma. org. Open 12:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sat, Sun.

Metelkova Mesto (Alternative Culture Centre) Ljubljana’s famous artists’ colony hosts a number of clubs, most of which play thrash style music to a dreadlocked black-clad audience of all ages. Unfortunately little of the website is in English so it would be a case of try it and see, but what we can say for sure is that it provides a refreshing and alternative alternative to the dance music found in most other clubs and attracts a crowd who probably care more that you’re ‘cool’ as in non-judgmental than ‘cool’ as in what you’re wearing and how you sip your drink. Well worth checking-out both for itself and for the philosophy behind the whole set-up.QF-1/2, Masarykova 24, www.metelkova.org.

BeArtAngel This little gallery on Gornji Trg in Ljubljana’s old town is the peaceful sanctuary of local Slovene artist Božidar A. Kolerič, who paints under the name BeArtAngel. Kolerič has spent his life exploring creativity and life energy, and BeArtAngel represents his latest artistic endeavour. The paintings, which are known around the world, are said to represent unseen energies and support people in achieving inner peace. If it sounds confusing don’t worry, Kolerič is on hand at the gallery and happy to explain the meaning behind BeArtAngel and each painting’s energies.QD-4, Gornji Trg 19, tel. +386 (0)41 764 352, beartangel@gmail.com, www.beartangel.si. Open 16:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00 - 13:00. Closed Mon, Sun.

Galleries

Galerija EqurnaQC-4, Gregorčičeva 3, tel. +386 (0)1252 71 23, equrna@volja.net, www.equrna.si. Open 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 13:00. No admission.

These are some of the city’s more established smaller galleries - most of which have art available for purchase. For info on larger galleries and museums please refer to the Sightseeing section.

Aksioma Project Space Operated by the Aksioma Institute for Contemporary

Kino Šiška Kino Šiška (Urban Cultural Centre) After nearly a year of renovation, one the city’s most iconic cinemas reopened its doors in 2009 as an urban cultural centre featuring several state-of-the-art preformance halls and exhibition spaces. Dedicated to promoting contemporary music, theatre, dance and experimental events, it already attracts big-name regional and international artists, and is scheduled to hosts around 200 events per year. Most concerts are held in its largest multi-purpose hall, dubbed ‘the Cathedral’, which can fit over 932 people. Check out their English language website for more info and a full schedule of events.QK-3, Trg Prekomorskih Brigad 3, tel. +386 (0)30 310 100, info@kinosiska.si, www. kinosiska.si. PHLEB ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Alkatraz Galerija QF-2, Masarykova 24, tel. +386 (0)1 434 0345, fax +386 (0)1 432 3378, galerija. alkatraz@gmail.com, www.galerijalkatraz.org. Open Mon-Tues 11:00-15:00 and 16:00-20:00, and Fri 15:0023:00.

Jakopič GalerijaQC-4, Slovenska 9, tel. +386 (0)1 24 12 500, info@mestnimuzej.si, www.mestnimuzej.si.

Open 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. Little Black Gallery (Mala črna galerija) QD-4, Mestni trg 9, tel. +(386) 51 370 769, incognito.n@ gmail.com, www.incognitodesign.si. Open 10:00 19:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Mestna Galerija (City Gallery) QD-3/4, Mestni Trg 5, tel. +386 (0)1 241 17 70, mestna.galerija-lj@ siol.net, www.mestna-galerija.si. Open 11:00 - 19:00, Sun 11:00 - 15:00. Closed Mon. Škuc GalleryQD-4, Stari Trg 21, tel./fax +386 (0)1421 31 40, galerija.skuc@guest.arnes.si, www. galerija.skuc-drustvo.si. Open 12:00 - 20:00. Closed Mon. Vžigalica Galerija QC-4, Trg Francoske Revolucije 7, info@mgml.si, www.mgml.si. Open 11:00 - 18:00.

Closed Mon.

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The unique creations at the BeArtAngel Gallery

Theatres Most plays are in Slovenian, though every now and then there’s a company visiting from abroad. Times given are the box office opening hours.

Gledališče GlejQC-4, Gregorčičeva 3, tel. +386 (0)1 251 66 79, info@glej.si, www.glej.si.

Mini TheatreQC-4, Križevniška 1, tel. +386 (0)1 425 60 60/+386 (0)41 314 414, info@mini-teater.si, www. mini-teater.si.

Puppet Theatre (Lutkovno Gledališče) QD/E-3, Krekov Trg 2, tel. +386 (0)1300 09 70, www.lgl. si. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00, and during the hour prior to each performance.

Slovenian Youth Theatre (Slovensko Mladinsko Gledališče) QE-1, Vilharjeva 11, tel. +386 (0)1 425 33 12, info@mladinsko-gl.si, en.mladinsko.com. Main box office at Trg Francoske Revolucije 5 is open Mon-Fri 12:00-17:30, Sat 10:0013:00.

Stara ElektrarnaQE-2, Slomskova 18, tel. +386 (0)51 269 906, info@bunker.si, www.bunker.si.

June - July 2014

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Restaurants

Restaurants the menu makes room for various refined fish, pastas, salads and other gourmet dishes. On weekdays there are lunch specials on offer that can be seen in advance on their website.QH-5, Tržaška 330, tel. +386 (0)1 423 11 11, info@gdesignhotel.si, www.gdesignhotel.si. Open 11:00 - 22:00, Sun 11:00 - 17:00. PTALW Gostilna Na Gradu Decidedly upmarket in appearance and service, the prices are surprisingly modest - especially given the truly unique location and dining experience that goes along with it. Na Gradu’s award-winning chefs pride themselves on the expert preparation of Slovenia’s diverse range of traditional dishes, which have been developed over the centuries in the country’s 24 separate gastronomic regions, with nearly all of the ingredients being locally produced.QD-4, Grajska Planota 1, tel. +386 (0)8 205 19 30/+386 (0)31 301 777, leon@ nagradu.si, www.nagradu.si. Open 10:00 - 24:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00. (€3.50-14). PTJA6ULBS

Druga Violina was voted as having the Best Summer Restaurant Garden in the city, and it’s not difficult to see why

Ljubljana’s restaurant scene continues to flourish with new and more exotic offerings opening all the time. Be sure to sample some local cuisine when in town, and do get yourself outside at least one legendary kremšnita cream cake, which can be found in abundance throughout the city (although Bled is considered to the spiritual home of this sticky, gooey delight).

Those not in town for its culinary excellence and who plan to do plenty of walking will be pleased to discover that almost every street has at least one burek and pizza place on it. Eating on the hoof in Ljubljana is a treat not to be missed.

Slovenian In a way, there’s no such thing as Slovenian food - with sheep and cows on its mountain pastures giving meat and milk products, the Mediterranean providing fresh seafood, and with influences from the Balkans, Austria and Italy, you might as well call it world cuisine. One thing that is unique is the gostilna, the traditional, rustic, family-owned Slovenian inn providing affordable and honest homemade food that would make your granny grin.

Aroma Located in the city’s oldest house, dating from 1528, this newly opened restaurant has already become a popular choice for visitors to Ljubljana. Aroma has a diverse menu offering traditional Slovene dishes as well as almost anything else you might fancy - from steaks and pizzas to salads and desserts - as well as a good selection of quality 24 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Slovene wines. Breakfast specials look good too. Almost as hard as choosing what to order is deciding whether to sit inside under the beautiful vaulted ceilings or outside in prime position besides the Ljubljanica river.QD-3, Ribji Trg 2, tel. +386 (0)31 30 70 30, www.aroma-ljubljana.si.

Open 08:00 - 24:00. PJABW

Gostilna Pečarič This family-run establishment has gone through more than a few changes since it was originally opened back in 1969, along what was then one of the city’s most popular beaches - serving as a bar, bowling alley, pool hall and night club before finally settling as a restaurant in 1995. A popular spot for weddings, large celebrations and other events, it’s an equally pleasant place to enjoy a traditional Slovene meal in what feels like the countryside, but is still within the confines of Ljubljana’s ring road. Best reached

by car or taxi, bus number 14 also terminates a few minutes’ walk away.QH-4, Pod Jezom 47, tel. +386 (0)1 256 31 03, j.pecaric@pecaric-sp.si, www.pecaric-sp.si. Open Mon-Thur 10:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-03:00, Sun 10:0017:00.

Gostilna Pod Vrbo This traditional Slovenian gostilna is located in one of Ljubljana’s oldest neighbourhoods, just metres from the former home of famed architect Jože Plečnik. On sunny days the name Pod Vrbo (under the willows) takes on a literal meaning with tables out in the garden, while in winter you can cosy up beside the fire. The kitchen turns out excellent Slovenian and Mediterranean dishes - some served in traditional copper pots and earthenware bowls - whilst the daily menus and seasonal specials, like homemade chestnut gnocchi with porcini mushrooms, are a great value.

QZiherlova 36, tel. +386 (0)1 280 88 92/+386 (0)41 712 806, www.podvrbo.si. Open 11:00 - 22:00, Sat 12:00 22:00, Sun open by prior arrangement.

Gostilnica Rimska XXI With its low arched ceilings, moody red walls and touch of rustic furnishings this homey low-key restaurant has already become one of our favourite places to come when we’re in the mood for traditional Slovene cuisine it a great setting. Fresh homemade dishes of all sorts are are the speciality here, including deer, fish and wood-baked meats, and the menu changes daily depending on the season and whims of the head chef. Even the beer, juice

Druga Violina Good locally grown produce, a simple short menu of Slovene classics, top location in the city’s old town, but there’s a twist in the tale with the ‘other violin’ (as the English translation of the name goes). It’s actually a project for people with special needs, who produce much of the food on farmland near Ljubljana and also work as waiting staff in the restaurant itself. Come and see what it’s all about, while enjoying one of the fresh local dishes either in the rustic dining room or on the delightful cobbled pavement outside.QD-4, Stari trg 21, tel. +386 (0)82 05 25 06, druga.violina@center-db.si. Open 07:00 - 24:00.

PJAUBW Gostilna Gorjanc With over two centuries of tradition (it was officially opened for business in 1813), Gorjanc is one of the longest running traditional Slovenian restaurants around Ljubljana, but at the same time it’s also one of the newest, as it underwent extensive restoration and modernisation at the same time the G Design Hotel was built next door.

Along with the standard hearty Slovenian fare, such as blood sausages and sauerkraut with pork fat cracklings, ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

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June - July 2014

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Restaurants

Restaurants meats and pizzas from a wood-fired oven. Upstairs there are five fully equipped modern rooms, which are convenient if you’ve got an early morning flight to catch or have just eaten (or drunk) too much to make it very far from the table.

QCelovška 462, tel. +386 (0)1 5161 545, info@pensionjelen.eu, www.pension-jelen.eu. Open 07:00 - 23:00, Sun 07:00 - 22:00. €3.80-16. PTAUBSW Kuhinja Krušič Aside from the Euro, nothing has stirred up more disagreement amongst Europeans in recent years than horse meat - Slovenia being one of the countries where people largely have no problem with horses finding their way onto kitchen tables. Like-minded visitors in Ljubljana will thus surely want to add the family-run Krušič to their itinerary. Operating a butchery for over a century, it’s one of the country’s top suppliers of horse meat, which also dominates the menu in various different forms at the restaurant on the same premises. Various appetisers, stews, cured meats and of course steaks from horse are on offer here, all of which can be enjoyed in the charming little dining room or taken away.QL-3, Bezenškova 11, tel. +386 (0)1 544 61 41, info@mesarstvo-krusic.si, www.mesarstvo-krusic. si. Open 08:00-16:00 Mon-Wed, 08:00-22:00 Thur-Fri. Closed Sat-Sun and holidays. LS

and brandy is homemade, and there’s also an excellent selection of Slovene wines.QB-4, Rimska 21, tel. +386 (0)1 256 56 54, gostilnica.xxi@gmail.com, www.r-g.si/ xxi. Open 11:00 - 23:00, Sat 12:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. (€6-20). PTJA6IB Güjžina Voted by our readers as the best Slovenian restaurant in Ljubljana for 2013, Güjžina offers traditional cuisine from the region of Prekmurje, which is situated in the far northeastern corner of the country and heavily influenced by neighbouring Hungary, Austria and Croatia. One of the most typical dishes is the award-winning bograč, a thick meaty stew that comes served in a large copper kettle, while the multi-layered cake known as gibanica is easily the best in the city and an absolute must for dessert. Check the chalkboard or ask your waiter for the daily specials.

QD-4, Mestni Trg 19, tel. +386 (0)8 380 64 46, info@ prekmurska-gostilna.si, www.prekmurska-gostilna.si.

Open 08:00 - 24:00. PJAB Hiša Kulinarike Manna Set in a colourful little house on one of Ljubljana’s prettiest (and most overlooked) streets, Manna offers a divine selection of contemporary Slovene cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are complimented with some tasty homemade desserts and large choice of both Slovene and foreign wines, as well as a sophisticated selection of spirits (aged rums, cognacs and whiskeys) and cigars for 26 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

after dinner. A large garden and terrace in the back is open all year, and many people come here to enjoy a coffee, sweets or light snack.QC/D-5, Eipprova 1a, tel. +386 (0)5 992 23 08, info@kulinarika-manna.si, www.kulinarikamanna.si. Open , Mon, Tue, Wed 08:00 - 24:00, Thu, Fri 08:00 - 01:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 24:00. Holidays 08:0022:00. (€5-20). PTJA6UGBS Hiša Slovenskih Domačih Jedi Pomf Just around the corner from Ljubljana’s famous Dragon Bridge, this place is refreshingly the opposite of a tourist trap: preparing high-quality authentic Slovene cuisine at reasonable prices. It also has a cosy unassuming cosy interior that is much larger than it looks from the street, and includes a separate dining area in the cellar with an exposed brick vaulted ceiling - a perfect retreat for couples.

There’s even live music in the evenings. Of course it’s the food that brings people here, and the house specialities include game goulash (with deer and wild boar), bograč and jota (classic Slovene stews), various grilled dishes and something called Emperor’s fingers.QTrubarjeva 40, tel. +386 (0)40 727 919, Hisa.Okusov.Ljubljana@gmail.com.

Open 12:00-24:00. €3.50-11.50.

Jelen Located in Šiška some 5km from the city centre, this guest house and restaurant has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1878. There’s a full menu of traditional Slovene dishes as well as an assortment of tasty Balkan-style grilled ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Oštarija Petrinka Hidden away in the warren of socialist-era blocks known as Župančičeva Jama just north of the central train station, Petrinka is as local as they come. The family-run restaurant may be decidely off of the tourist radar, but it’s guaranteed to be packed with Slovenes come lunch time - most of whom make the daily pilgrimage here from neighbouring office buildings to tuck into one of a dozen or more mouthwatering lunch specials for as little as €5. The low prices don’t come at the expense of quality however, as the same family conveniently runs the butcher shop just across the street.QL-3, Štihova 14, tel. +386 (0)1 431 31 28, ostarija. petrinka@siol.net, www.ostarijapetrinka.si. Open 10:00 20:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. €. PAB

as well as excellent Slovene dishes, whilst the daily menus are a great value, and for vegetarians there is a wide range of meatless dishes and perhaps the best salad bar in town.

Located in the Ajdovščina underpass it may be a bit tricky to find, but is well worth seeking out.QC-3, Ajdovščina 4, tel. +386 (0)1 430 22 06, info@restavracija-skritikot.si, www.skritikot.com. Open 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun. PTA6UGBXSW Špajza An exceedingly classy affair with chunky, creaking wooden floors, a number of different rustic-feel rooms to eat in, an extensive menu of Slovenian and international dishes, and an antique silver cash register in the entrance. Located on one of the old town’s quaintest most photogenic streets, it’s popular with many people including business professionals, tourists and couples. During the summer months they have one of the most romantic courtyards in Ljubljana.QD-5, Gornji Trg 28, tel. +386 (0)1 425 30 94, info@ spajza-lj.si, www.spajza-restaurant.si. Open 12:00 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. (€7.50-15). JA6GBS Stari Tišler Only a short walk from the main train station - in the direction of the moustachioed General Meister atop his trusty steed - Old Tišler’s has been serving up traditional Slovene cuisine for over a century. They specialise in hearty soups, stews and goulashes, which means it’s a good place to try bograč, a Slovene favourite that is es-

Pri Škofu Hidden down a small side street in Krakovo, Pri Škofu is a long-time favourite of cash-strapped university students who still like to enjoy a proper meal from time to time, and you’re virtually guaranteed to see at least a couple bespectacled hipsters seated at a table nearby. The €8 lunch specials come in obscenely large portions and are one of the best values in town. Although there’s no menu it’s also possible to order à la carte, and an English-speaking waitress will gladly rattle off what’s availableQC-5, Rečna 8, tel. +386 (0)1 426 45 08, priskofu@gmail.com. Open 10:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. (€6.5-23). TJA6UBW Skriti Kot If you want to eat like a local, Skriti Kot (or the Hidden Corner) is a good place to start. Popular with suits and students alike, this family-owned subterranean restaurant serves up hearty lunches. On offer is a varied menu with pastas prominent facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

Authentic Slovene cuisine in a pleasant setting at Gostilna Pod Vrbo

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Restaurants

Restaurants cent remnant of the former occupant. Quite fittingly for a place called Beli Labod (Slovene for White Swan), the inner beauty here shines through, with excellent food and genuinely friendly service. There’s also a huge sunny terrace out front and free parking in the back. Among the many house specialties the so-called ‘hot plates’ stand out, since it’s a well-known fact that food just tastes better when it’s served on a sizzling iron dish. A second location is at Bizantova 22 in Medvode.QF-1, Masarykova 21, tel. +386 (0)30 318 377/+386 (0)64 198 748, info@belilabod.com, www.beli-labod.com. Open 10:00 - 22:00.

PTJALB Chuty’s This small Thai takeaway located on a small side street in the city centre may very well cook up some of the best Asian food in the Ljubljana. They have all the Thai staples covered from starters like chicken satay and spring rolls to our favourite noodle dishes Pad Thai and Pad see ew. If you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick, the spicy green or red curry will do the job. While you wait you can watch the chef at work through a large picture window looking into the kitchen, and there’s also plenty of barstyle seating if you’d prefer to eat in.QGregorčičeva 10, tel. +386 (0)83 899 772, info@chutys.com, chutys.com.

Open 11:00 - 21:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 22:00. Closed Sun. €.

sentially a bowl of meat masquerading as stew. Daily lunch specials are a good value starting at €5, and there are also half dozen rooms available upstairs if you’re looking for a place to stay.QD-2, Kolodvorska 8, tel. +386 (0)1 430 33 70, info@stari-tisler.com, www.stari-tisler. com. Open 09:00 - 21:00, Sat, Sun 11:00 - 19:00. (€5-15).

PJA6UGBXS Vander Restaurant More than a hotel restaurant, Vander Urbani is a top destination for exquisite dining in Ljubljana’s old town. Head chef Benjemin Launay adds a modern touch to traditional Slovenian favourites, with dishes such as štruklji, jota and žlikrofi undergoing 21st century transformations that result in some truly delectable (and beautifully presented) cuisine. The so-

called ‘deep dish’ lunch menu changes weekly, while the à la carte dinner menu is seasonal with only the freshest ingredients sourced from local markets, farmers and forests. We also like to stop by for breakfast when we get the chance, as the international atmosphere gives us the feeling of being on holiday.QD-4, Krojaška 6-8, tel. +386 (0)1 200 9000, info@vanderhotel.com, vanderhotel.com. Open Mon-Sat 07:00-11:00 (breakfast), 12:00-15:00 (lunch), 19:00-23:00 (dinner). PJAEW Vodnikov Hram Named after Valentin Vodnik, who’s widely regarded as one of the first Slovene poets and journalists and also lends his name to the adjacent square, it’s one of the better known places to sample traditional Slovenian cuisine in Ljubljana. Dining under its vaulted brick ceilings is a recommended experience, as is grabbing a coffee or ice cream on the terrace while you’re waiting for the nearby funicular railway to ferry you up to the castle.

QD/E-3, Vodnikov Trg 2, tel. +386 (0)12 34 52 60, vodnikov.hram@gmail.com, www.vodnikov-hram. si. Open 07:30 - 24:00, Sun 10:00 - 24:00. (€4.50-24).

PTAULGSW

Asian Sample traditional Slovene cuisine in the heart of the old town at Vodnikov Hram

28 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Beli Labod Located a short walk east of the train station, don’t be put off by the fact that the sign outside advertisers both a Chinese restaurant and pizzeria, as the latter is an innoljubljana.inyourpocket.com

CHINESE RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA Masarykova 21, 1000 Ljubljana 00 386 (0) 30 318 377

Shambala Not only does Shambala’s kitchen turn out some of the best (and spiciest) Asian cuisine in Slovenia, but the tranquil, almost meditative, ambience of the place allows you to enjoy your meal in a state of perfect relaxation - with some of the best service in town thrown in as an added benefit. During the warmer months, diners can also take advantage of the pleasant little garden that is tucked away in one of the buildings inner courtyards. Situated down a narrow alleyway off Breg, this hidden gem is definitely worth finding.QC-4, Križevniška 12, tel. +386 (0)1 426 30 14/+386 (0)31 843 833, info@shambala.si, www.shambala.si. Open 12:00 24:00. Closed Sun. (€3.50-9.50). PTJAGBK

Maru Tucked away in the northwest corner of the city amongst the green spaces and residential streets of the Šiška neighbourhood, this excellent Japanese restaurant makes the most of its surroundings with two spacious yet intimate terraces overlooking the park opposite, while the minimalist interior has an equally tranquil ambience. With a kitchen run under the watchful eye of Japanese chef Yoshihiko, in addition to a selection of expertly prepared classic sushi dishes, the menu features mouthwatering main courses such as baked Barbarie duck and grilled white fish - all of which goes great with the house wine from Ščurek, one of Slovenia’s top producers.QJ-2, Vodnikova 155, tel. +386 (0)30 200 222, restavracija.maru@ gmail.com, www.maru.si. Open 09:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. PALB

Sushimama The first - and for a long time only - Japanese restaurant in Slovenia, the small and intimate Sushimama’s interesting little touches beyond the actual food include a subscription to Wallpaper magazine and the brave act of putting the sushi chef on display as he works in the restaurant. The extensive menu features every Japanese favourite from soups to noodle soups, a number of delicate rice- and noodle-based dishes to of course the sushi itself. Complimented by an extensive list of cocktails and wines, the restaurant is marking its territory as the first and finest of its kind.QC/D-3, Wolfova 12, tel. +386 (0)40 70 20 70, www.sushimama.si. Open 11:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. (€11-24). PJARGBXS

Moysushi The prospect of a reasonably priced sushi bar in the heart of the old town had us well and truly excited when we first heard about it. Call us crazy, but there’s just something fun about snatching colour-coded plates of raw fish and other morsels from a conveyor belt in a futuristic faux-Japanese setting! It’s also nice to know that their head chef is actually from Japan. While we prefer to linger over several bottles of sake and perhaps order a main dish or two off the á la carte menu, the set-up makes for a quick lunchtime option and prepared takeaway boxes are also available chopsticks optional.QD-4, Mestni Trg 17, tel. +386 (0)59 93 55 40, www.moysushi.com. Open Mon-Wed 10:3022:00, Thur-Sat 10:30-23:00, Sun 10:30-17:00. (Plates €1.90-3.70, mains €5-10). PJABS

Shambala’s hidden garden is one of our favourite places to dine during the summer months

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Restaurants

Restaurants

One of a kind! 120 years of tradition 120 years or premium quality ...........................................................

Opening time- Every day 11:00-23:00 phone +386 (0)1 251 34 46 www.gostilna-cad.si

Tokyo Piknik Despite what the name may suggest, Tokyo Piknik offers a whole range of Asian cuisine as well as more recognisable Western dishes. With plenty of outdoor seating by the river, it represents another excellent option for a casual afternoon lunch or an atmospheric evening meal, another string to Ljubljana’s growing bow of Asian food. Regardless of the time of day, the desserts are wonderful, both the taste and the aesthetics.QD-4, Cankarjevo Nabrežje 25, tel. +386 (0)30 60 88 08, romeo.plus@siol.net, www. tokyopiknik.com. Open 09:00 - 00:00.

Many more Restaurants online at ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

As Aperitivo is perfect for a business lunch, or an afterwork drink

30 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Gostilna Vrbinc Part of the cosy Alohotel resort, the Vrbinc restaurant is renowned for its grilled meat dishes and excellent Balkan cuisine. Summer is the time for the best of Balkan, and Vrbinc has a purpose built area at the front of the building for roasting pork and lamb over an open fire, to be enjoyed in their laid back dining room or lively conservatory.

Guests of the hotel receive their complimentary freshly cooked breakfast here in the mornings.QL-6, Peruzzijeva 105, tel. +386 (0)8 205 82 50/+386 (0)40 62 18 62, info@ alo-hotel.si, www.alo-accommodation-ljubljana.si.

refined approach to the cuisine, with a noticeably upscale atmosphere. Head chef Nihad Mameledžija, whose cookbook is proudly displayed on the front counter, watches over a menu of traditional Bosnian favourites with a wide selection of both hot and cold starters, main courses and desserts. In addition to the standard čevapčiči and pljeskavica (made from 100 per cent beef), there are lots of lamb dishes, soups and more. Multi-course daily specials start from only €8.QF-2, Bohoričeva 1, tel. +386 (0)1 234 04 22. Open 10:00 - 24:00, Sun 11:00 - 22:00.

PJALBS

Gostilnica Rio-Momo Situated between the central post office and Kongresni Trg on the city’s main thoroughfare, we’ve never found the exterior to be the most inviting but once you get inside it’s actually quite warm and cosy. The thick leather covers on the menus portend the ample selection of grilled meat dishes within, although vegetarians have a handful of a pastas and salads to choose from as well. On your way in don’t forget to check the table outside for flyers entitling you to a free glass of wine.QC-3, Slovenska 28, tel. +386 (0)31 751 751/+386 (0)14 25 32 26, portalm@ siol.net, www.riomomo.si. Open 11:00 - 23:00. (€6-19).

PJAUSW

Fish

Saraj Ljubljana is not lacking in Balkan restaurants, but the newly opened Saraj is one of very few that take a bit more

Valentin Taking its name from the famed Slovene priest, poet and journalist, Valentin Vodnik, the restaurant is situated opposite his statue just north of the central market, and shares its premises with a fish mongers from which fastidious diners can select their own fish. The main dining area has been carefully restored, with attention given to seemingly every detail - from the copper covered wiring to the heavy wooden furniture to the low arched brick ceiling. Aside from the expectedly wide variety of fish, our favourite dish is the fresh succulent calamari (easily amongst the best in town), while unbelievably cheap lunch specials (€3-7) can be ordered to take away all day.QD-3, Vodnikov Trg 5, tel. +386 (0)1 434 94 45, info@rival-junior.si. Open 10:00 22:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00.

NEW The Wok A new addition to quick eats in and around Prešernov Trg, The Wok is the latest ‘wok in a box’ type eatery to make the rounds. The style has proved immensely popular all over Europe, and with the quality it provides it is easy to see why. While it can initially seem a little on the pricey side, the portion size more than justifies it, as well as the sheer quality. Three easy steps are all you need to follow and a box packed full of Asian goodness is yours.Q Čopova 4, tel. +386 (0)59 90 05 55, info@thewok.si, www.thewok.si.

Balkan Gostilna Čad When you ask locals to name there favourite Balkan restaurant in Ljubljana, Čad is one of the most frequently heard answers. Situated by Rožnik Hill around corner from Tivoli Park, it’s also the longest-running restaurant of its kind in town, and guests can dine in the shady garden surrounded by nature or in the rustic homey interior. Specialising in spit and grilled dishes, the beefsteaks, grilled peppers and raznjici skewers all come highly recommended.QJ-3, Cesta Na Rožnik 18, tel. +386 (0)1 251 34 46, info@gostilna-cad.si, www. gostilna-cad.si. Open 11:00 - 23:00. (€5-15). PT� JAUILEGBXSW ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Namaste was the first Indian restaurant in Slovenia, and boasts an unbeatable atmosphere in the old town, photo by Edi Biščič

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Restaurants

Restaurants As Aperitivo The more casual dining wing of the legendary Gostilna As next door, Aperitivo is one of the top choices for business lunches, light snacks and afterwork drinks in the city centre. Inspired by the giant tree that still grows through the middle of it, the building was completely rebuilt in 2011, now consisting of a large airy space on the ground floor with a ‘floating’ terrace above, all of which is furnished with creations by some of the top names in design. For price-conscious diners there are gourmet daily set menus starting from only €8, while the excellent full à la carte menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and steaks.QC-3, Čopova 5a, Knafljev Prehod, tel. +386 (0)1 425 88 22, gostilna.as@siol.net, www.gostilnaas.si. Open 10:00 01:00. JAEBW

Indulge in traditional Indian cuisine at Taj Mahal, just down the street from Dragon Bridge

Indian Maharaja A wide variety of excellent, authentic Indian cuisine, with some genuinely friendly service included at no extra charge.

Choosing between the various dishes can be a challenge on your first visit, especially if you opt for starters and side dishes, but for those not familiar with Indian cuisine, the menu is full of extremely helpful (and realistic) photos of the individual dishes. Discounted lunch specials are available on weekdays, and include an all-you-eat buffet for €8.90 per person. Free parking is available for guests, and can even accommodate buses with prior notice.QJ-2, Vodnikova 35, tel. +386 (0)30 605 560, www.maharaja.si. Open 11:0022:00, Thur-Fri 11:00-23:00, Sat & holidays 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:00. Mains €6.90 - 16.90. PAVBS

Taj Mahal Ljubljana’s culinary scene continues to gain a bit more diversity, with Taj Mahal being the city’s third Indian restaurant to date. Run by a passionate expat from Punjab, the menu offers all the standard dishes from the subcontinent, from tandoori to biryani and everything in between, as well as a selection of crispy crepe-like dosa from south India. Those on a budget should stop by for lunch on weekdays, when the all-you-can-eat buffet is only €8.50 (or €6.50 for vegetarians).QE-3, Poljanska 14, tel. +386 (0)59 034 390, info@tajmahal-ljubljana.com, www.tajmahalljubljana.com. Open 11:00 - 22:00. €€. PJABS

Namasté Set along the beautifully redeveloped Breg riverside walk in the old town, Namasté is the longest running Indian restaurant in all of Slovenia, and offers one of Ljubljana’s most romantic dining experiences of any flavour - with soft yellow hued lighting, hand-painted walls and a relaxed cosy atmosphere.

The house specialties are dishes from the Rajastan and Punjab regions, which are prepared individually with spices directly imported from the subcontinent and can be ordered mild to extra hot. Sometimes we like to stop by just to savour a cup of spicy masala chai.QC/D-4, Breg 8, tel. +386 (0)14 25 01 59, fax +386 (0)1 236 20 27, info@restavracija-namaste. si, www.restavracija-namaste.si. Open 11:00 - 24:00, Sun 11:00 - 22:00. (€5-21). PTJA6UGBXS

Argentino The journey out to BTC is well worth the effort, for Argentino really needs to be experienced to be believed. Huge and based on a classic Argentinean hacienda on two levels with further seating outside, the interior designer had a great time thinking this one up. Featuring vast paintings, enormous mirrors, video projectors, a fabulous bar and an even lovelier open kitchen, which turns out a dizzying array of mouth-watering Latin American dishes including some of the best steaks in Ljubljana. There’s also an excellent wine cellar with some 130 different Argentinean wines.QM-3, Šmartinska 152 (BTC), tel. +386 (0)1 523 36 30, www.argentino.si. Open 09:00 - 23:00, Fri-Sat 09:00 - 24:00, Sun and holidays 12:00 - 17:00. (€5.2045). PTAR6UILGBXSW

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International

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Café Romeo Red leather seating with some very strange lighting indeed and the pinkest walls you ever did see, makes Romeo easy to spot along the narrow cobbled streets of the old town. A great place for good value Mexican and fusion food for all the family during lunchtime or, later on, for a buzzy little cocktail adventure with the great and the good of the city. They also happen to make some of the best crepes in town.QD-4, Stari Trg 6, tel. +386 (0)1 426 90 11, romeo.plus@siol.net, www.caferomeo.si. Open 10:00 - 01:00. PJA6UGBXSW

Maxi, Trg republike 1, 1000 Ljubljana.

Austria Trend The hotel is undeniably focused on the business traveller and this, their four-part restaurant and lounge follows in the same spirit. The stylish lounge is found just as you enter with full coffee and spirits offerings. Inside the restaurant is divided into three parts which range from wide open bistro style to more formal intimate settings. The food is a mix of continental fare with some Slovenian flourishes, and the meals are inexpensive enough that your company’s expense account won’t feel a thing.QL-1, Dunajska 154, tel. +386 (0)1 588 25 00, ljubljana@austria-trend. at, www.austria-trend.at. Open 10:00 - 23:00. (€8-20).

POTAULEGDSW

The floating garden terrace at Gostilna As has to be experienced to be believed

For more than 40 years Maxi has been the largest department store in the centre of Ljubljana.

Offering a comprehensive range of products and additional services, Maxi successfully works to develop shopping culture in Slovenia, whilst satisfying the needs and desires of discerning customers. Its range of apparel is amongst the largest in Slovenia and boasts renowned fashion labels that are synonymous with quality.

Apart from excellent shopping, Maxi also features a wide range of gastronomic options. On warm summer evenings, it is particularly pleasant at restaurant Romansa, where the summer garden is open every day (except Sundays) until 10pm and the kitchen spoils guests with a range of delicious meats off the grill.

Meet you at Maxi!

10 %

off at restaurant Romansa

Get 10% off your bill using this coupon at restaurant Romansa (valid until 31.8.2014)

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Restaurants

Restaurants

Promenada

Marley & Me Acres of stripped pine, friendly professional service and one of the best kitchen smells in the city, this intimate bistro-type restaurant is comes highly recommended. Standouts from the small yet varied menu include the large and tasty salads, delicious pastas and some truly memorable meat and fish dishes. Be warned though, the place is immensely popular, and waiting for a table during the day is a common occurrence.QD-4, Stari Trg 9, tel. +386 (0)8 380 66 10/+386 (0)40 564 188, info@marleyandme.si, www.marleyandme.si. Open 11:00 - 23:00. (€3-22). €€.

PJA6UGBXSW

restaurant & pizzerija

www.restavracija-promenada.si

Čupiterija Ljubljana funkiest bar (and we mean that in a good way) is also a great old town destination for lunch or dinner, especially if you appreciate a bit of personality with your meal. The menu is straight to the point, offering a small but varied choice of Slovene, Spanish, pasta and grilled meat dishes, with the latter being the most recommendable of the lot for our tastes - the young pork in cream sauce is simply delectable! If you’re feeling especially adventurous you can try the frog legs with polenta, an old Ljubljana specialty.QD-4, Mestni Trg 4, tel. +386 (0)59 712 369, cupiterija.hdp@gmail.com. Open 09:00 - 03:00.

Gostilna As One of Slovenia’s first truly world class restaurants when it opened its doors in the centre of Ljubljana more than a quarter century ago, in the years since it hasn’t missed a beat, still serving some of the very best Mediterraneaninspired cuisine in the city. For us the true standouts on the menu are the fantastic seafood specialties (both starters and main courses), but you also can’t go wrong with the steaks, grilled to order on an open-fire. When in doubt, you can rely on the friendly and professional staff for recommendations, as well as guidance with the equally superb wine list. A must for lovers of extravagant dining!QC-3, Čopova 5a (Knafljev Prehod), tel. +386 (0)1 425 88 22, gostilna.as@siol.net, www.gostilnaas. si. Open 12:00 - 01:00. PJAGB 34 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

*** Odprto: pon-ned 09-03 ***

Maxim In the heart of the city centre this modern, business-orientated restaurant provides a fine menu of dishes including duck breast with mashed potatoes, soups, seafood, and a galaxy of fabulous puddings. There’s a huge wine list too, and a nice terraced area complete with water features for quality outdoor summer dining. Popular with professional locals and foreigners alike.QC-3, Trg Republike 1, tel. +386 (0)51 28 53 35, maxim@mercator.si, www.maxi.si.

Open 12:00-23:00 Mon-Fri, and Sat by prior agreement.

Closed Sun. (€19 and more). PJALGBS

Authentic grilled dishes, Pizzas from wood-fired oven, Pasta & Salads, A large selection of fine Slovenian wines reservations: +386 8 383 10 82 / +386 40 716 476

Krojaška 8, 1000 Ljubljana t : 00386 / 1 25 11 749 e: info@staramacka.si www.staramacka.si

Petkovškovo nabrežje 9, Ljubljana / open 12:00 - 24:00

Hotel Cubo Restaurant For fine modern dining right in the heart of the city centre, look no further than the ground floor of Hotel Cubo. Just steps away from some of Ljubljana’s top cultural venues (Cankarjev Dom, Drama Theatre and the Slovenian Philharmonic) Cubo is a popular choice for a pre- or post-performance dinner. The tranquil interior and professional service also makes it a common destination for important business lunches, while gourmet cuisine is creatively prepared with the freshest ingredients, and complimented by an exquisite wine list. Free kerbside valet service and shuttles for groups of four or more guests are added bonuses.QC-4, Slovenska 15, tel. +386 (0)1 425 60 30, www.hotelcubo.com. Open only for lunch until April. PJALW JB Firmly entrenched as one of the best restaurants in town, this fine dining experience comes courtesy of founder and head chef Janez Bratovž (hence the name). Located in one of Jože Plečnik’s more imposing secessionist-style buildings, JB attracts a mix of well-to-do locals and visiting businessmen guaranteeing you the chance to eavesdrop on conversations in a variety of languages. The menu is comprised entirely of seasonal specialities and changes daily, with exotic offerings such as bear meat appearing from time to time. The only downside is the price, easily topping €50 per person for a proper meal with wine.QD-1, Miklošičeva 17, tel. +386 (0)1 433 13 58/+386 (0)1 474 72 19, www.jb-slo.com. Open 12:00 23:00, Sat 18:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. PJA ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Meta in Bazilika Situated next to several faculty buildings in the city centre, Meta in Bazilika is exceedingly popular with the university crowd, and could perhaps best be described as upscale student dining at it’s finest. Large portions, low prices and a lively atmosphere keep the place buzzing throughout the day, especially at lunchtime and in the evenings, when pints of Hirter beer flow liberally and the large terrace is sure to be packed.

In addition to all this, the food itself is also generally excellent, with a large selection of pizzas, pastas, salads and what may very well be the best panna cotta in the city.QB-4, Rimska 25a, tel. +386 (0)1 425 40 45/+386 (0)31 250 247, info@ metainbazilika.si, metainbazilika.si. Open 07:00 - 23:00, Sat 12:00 - 03:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. PJABW Plato Located right in the centre of town next to one of Ljubljana’s most recognisable modern buildings - a twisting white office tower that takes some interesting architectural liberties - this restaurant is something of an oasis above the bustling square below. The lunch-time only menu is international with a focus on light and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and can change daily depending on what is in season or just especially fresh that day at local markets. If you’re not too keen on the day’s set menus you can also order à la carte.QC-2, Ajdovščina 1, tel. +386 (0)1 230 84 80, plato@ siol.net, plato.si. Open 11:00 - 17:00, Sat 12:00 - 17:00.

Closed Sun. (€4.5 - 22). PTJAGBXSW Plaza Hotel Restaurant The hotel restaurant at the magnificent towering Plaza Hotel in BTC is an expectedly resplendent affair, befitting of its four-star home and largely business clientele. The menu is short and focussed, ensuring freshness while facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

also offering enough variety to satisfy most tastes. Dishes include Slovene specialities (such as Idrija’s famed žlikrofi and various homemade cured meats), as well as international standards.QM-3, Bratislava 8, tel. +386 (0)1 243 00 00, info@plazahotel.si, www.plazahotel.si. Open for dinner 19:00-22:00. PALW Pri Levu When the world-class Hotel Lev was constructed in 1964, it was built on the site of what had been a well-known local restaurant called Pri Levu. In 2009, the restaurant was finally reopened (or at least re-imagined) within the hotel itself, and has since become one of the city’s top spots to dine. The wine list is also one of the most impressive around, as are the beautifully presented desserts, while the ambience is decidedly elegant without being pretentious.QC-2, Vošnjakova 1, tel. +386 (0)1 308 7600, info@prilevu.si, www.prilevu.si. Open 11:30 - 23:30, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. PJA Promenada Just steps from Prešeren Square, Promenada restaurant (and the café of the same name next-door) occupies a prime riverside location with great drinking and eating options. The menu features a fine selection of Slovenian wines complemented by spiced Balkan grills, hearty Slovenian fare and delicate seafood dishes, while the restaurant’s wood-fired oven doesn’t just provide a cosy atmosphere, from it emerge some very tasty pizzas.QPetkovškovo Nabrežje 9, tel. +386 (0)8 383 10 82, info@restavracija-promenada.si, www. restavracija-promenada.si. Open 12:00 - 24:00.

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Restaurants Sputnik Cosmic Caffe Modern and trendy, yet welcoming and unpretentious, Sputnik may be more known as a nightlife venue for Ljubljana’s up and coming elite, but during the day it’s a popular breakfast and lunch time stop for out-of-town businessmen, white collar workers with offices nearby, and even the odd student who appreciates a subtle ambiance. The menu changes daily, but it tends to lean towards lighter Mediterranean fare with pastas, soups, salads and the like. One of the warm breakfasts accompanied by a strong espresso is a great way to start a day.QJ-5, Tržaška 128, tel. +386 (0)1 42 32 372, fax +386 (0)1 25 66 795, dobrodosli@sputnik.si, www.sputnik.si. Open MonThur 06:30-24:00, Fri 06:30-02:00, Sat 08:00-02:00 and Sun 09:00-22:00. PALEBW Stara Mačka Ljubljana’s original steakhouse has occupied some prime real estate along the Ljubljanica river just steps from Prešeren Square for longer than we can remember. The mouthwatering steaks come in various different sizes and cuts, and are complimented with equally well-prepared side dishes. They also offer lighter fare such as seafood dishes and some incredible salads, while the outside terrace is a popular spot to linger over cocktails during the warmer months of the year. In the autumn and winter the interior dining space offers a cosy retreat from the elements.QD-3/4, Krojaška 8, tel. +386 (0)1 251 17 49, info@staramacka.si, www.staramacka.si. Open 09:00 03:00. €€€. PJA6UEGBW Štern The sprawling country-style restaurant located within the premises of the Ljubljana Resort in the north of the city frequently hosts celebrations, reunions and other such large jovial gatherings. Another option for groups in search of fresh air is arranging a picnic in advance, which includes food, drinks and use of the resorts facilities. The menu is focussed primarily on grilled and fried meat dishes with healthy heaps of side orders, but the fish is also excellent - it is located next to the Sava River after all. Try to visit on Saturday nights, when there are themed culinary nights with live music and the doors stay open late.QL-1, Dunajska 270, tel. +386 (0)1 589 01 28/+386 (0)51 348 994, info@gpl.si, www.gostilna-stern.si. Open 08:00 - 22:00.

TAL The Union Garden From June to mid-September the Union Garden restaurant and café is an oasis of tranquillity right in the heart of the city centre. Located in a leafy courtyard behind the Grand Union Executive Hotel, the menu emphasises fresh organic ingredients and many dishes have a distinctly Mediterranean flavour to them. Open every day, during the week guests can take advantage of several summer-only specials. The à la carte menu has too many mouthwatering dishes to name, and there are also daily lunch specials.

QD-3, Miklošičeva 1, tel. +386 (0)1 308 1295, info@ unionskivrt.si, www.unionskivrt.si. Open 09:00 - 23:00.

June-September. €7-25. JAUBXW

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Romansa 1971 This restaurant on the ground floor of the Maxi Market shopping centre still manages to exude a small bistro-like ambiance, thanks in large part to its pleasant soft lighting, beige tones and open kitchen. Floor to ceiling windows and ample seating on the terrace also offer some prime people watching for those who are interested. The menu tends towards light and fresh international dishes, and the place is exceedingly popular for business lunches - which can be viewed in advance on the restaurant’s website.QC3, Trg Republike 1, tel. +386 (0)51 285 339, romansa. maxi@mercator.si, www.maxi.si. Open 07:30 - 20:00, Sat 08:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. PJALB Za Pumpo The creatively named Za Pumpo, which means ‘behind the gas station’, is located (surprisingly) behind a petrol station in the vicinity of several university faculties, and consistently tasty food, generous portions and low prices make it a popular choice with students and other locals alike. The huge menu has something for everyone including Balkan and Italian classics as well as hearty Slovene dishes, all complimented by a fine selection of quality Slovenia wines. There are also some good looking breakfast offerings.QJ-4, Tržaška 46, tel. +386 (0)41 777 772, zapumpo@siol.net. Open 07:00 - 22:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 22:00.

Latin American NEW Casa Mulata Casa Mulata is like nothing you’ve seen before. The dream-turned-reality of three of the most infectiously passionate people we’ve met, the explosion of colour and joy as you enter immediately opens up each sense. Classic Brazilian (and Dominican) dishes are given new spins, with the shared platter options particularly good value.

An immense buffet (it must be seen to be believed) is on offer during the evening, and a lunch menu provides the perfect choices for a light afternoon eat at a good price.

The cocktails are perfect, and we don’t throw that word around lightly. With Latin music and dancing in tow, Casa Mulata is happiness within four walls.QNazorjeva 4, tel. +386 (0)59 03 51 52, casamulata.slovenija@gmail.com.

Open 11:00 - 00:00, Fri 11:00 - 01:00, Sat 16:30 - 01:00.

Closed Sun. TJEBK Rodizio do Brasil Slovenia’s first Brazilian restaurant has quickly became one of Ljubljana’s top dining destinations since it opened in December. Modelled after Brazil’s traditional rodízio style steakhouse restaurants, patrons pay a fixed price for unlimited quantities of high quality grilled meat that is brought to the table on large skewers hot from the grill and accompanied by a huge selection of hot and cold dishes from the buffet (many of which are even vegetarian). For the full on Brazilian experience come on a night when there’s a dance performance and orfacebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

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der a few extra rounds of Caipirinhas - just make sure to reserve a table in advance.QTrg Mladinskih Delovnih Brigad 1, tel. +386 (0)40 316 341/+386 (0)31 250 247, info@brasil.si, www.brasil.si. Open 11:00 - 23:00, Fri 11:00 - 24:00, Sat 12:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. €€€.

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Mediterranean Allegria Tucked away in a courtyard behind a large terrace, this long-running Ljubljana eatery prepares exemplary Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on dishes from Slovenia’s coastal regions. Seasonal specials are regularly offered, and the entire menu is naturally complimented by an excellent wine list. The steaks and homemade gnocchi are among our favourite dishes, but for something really unique try the Kraški risotto, which is made using Jamar sir (a cheese aged in a cave 70m underground).QC-3, Nazorjeva 8, tel. +386 (0)1 426 74 02, info@allegria.si, www.allegria.si. Open 11:00 - 23:00, Sat 12:00 - 22:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. (€7-19).

PTJA6UEGBSW TaBar This ultra-modern new concept restaurant and bar combines Slovenian-style tapas with an excellent selection of wines from some of the country’s top producers. The menu has a strong Mediterranean influence, featuring everything from tender prosciutto and salami to roasted octopus and baked shrimp - all prepared with fresh local June - July 2014

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Restaurants ingredients in an open kitchen, where you can watch the magic happen if you’re lucky enough to find an open seat.

For those adverse to making decisions, there are threeand five-course tasting menus selected by the chef (our preferred option), while many patrons simply drop in to sample a few glasses of wine.QD-3, Ribji Trg 6, tel. +386 (0)31 764 063, info@tabar.si, www.tabar.si. Open 10:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. PTJA6UGBW

Middle Eastern Arabska Kuhinja v Ljubljani Amongst the various butchers, bakers, winemakers and Slovene grandmothers selling their homemade agricultural products at Ljubljana’s lively Central Market (Centralna Tržnica), you can also now pick up authentic Arabic cuisine at this small kiosk run by an friendly Arab expat. There’s always a selection of classic cold Levantine dishes such labane, baba ganoush, makdus, humus and balkava, while countless other warm starters and main dishes can be ordered with advanced notice. Catering is also possible.QD-3, Pogačarjev Trg, tel. +386 (0)41 512 534. Open 09:00 - 14:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. €. S NEW Skuhna A truly unique culinary and social venture, Skuhna is the result of a joint-effort by two Slovene non-profits to help better integrate the country’s vibrant migrant community, while at the same time offering locals the opportunity to experience diverse foods and cultures from around the world.

The project initially provided training for several full-time chefs, who now organise an ongoing programme of lunches, dinners, workshops and catering services. You can taste authentic cuisine from around the world for lunch everyday, while on Saturday evenings dinner is available, which is usually accompanied by music, presentations or other cultural elements. A full calendar of upcoming events and lots of other info can be found on the official website and Facebook page.QE-3, Trubarjeva 56, tel. +386 (0)41 339 978, skuhna@skuhna.si, www.skuhna.si. PTJE Yildiz Han Set on the ground floor a beautiful century-old villa just behind castle hill, the city’s only Turkish restaurant is just a few minutes’ walk from the old town, yet is still something of an undiscovered gem for most residents and tourists alike.

Decorated in traditional Turkish style, with low tables and cushy seating, carpets on the walls and Ataturk above the door, as impressive as it all looks, the food still manages to exceed expectations. An already lengthy menu is supplemented with regional specialities on a regular basis, and complimented with a surprisingly good selection of Turkish wines. At the weekends diners are treated to bellydancing shows, and a resident fortune-teller is often on hand to read what your coffee grounds tell about your future. It’s always a good idea to book ahead.QE-5, Karlovška 19, tel. +386 (0)1 426 57 17, yildiz@siol.net, www.yildiz-han.com. Open 13:00 - 24:00. Closed Sun. (€6-12). PJAUGBS 38 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

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Foculus Magnificently decorated once you’re through the slightly out of place automatic doors, with autumn leaves painted on the vaulted ceilings and red, yellow and orange plates built into the roof of the large wood-fired pizza oven. The large and busy Foculus specialises in 66 varieties of pizza, including 20 for vegetarians and eight with seafood. The salads are also particularly good. The place can get rather hectic in the evenings, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait a few minutes for a table.

It was also recently named Best Pizzeria in Ljubljana by IYP readers.QC-4, Gregorčičeva 3, tel. +386 (0)1 421 92 95, foculus@siol.net, www.picerija.net/foculus.htm.

Open 11:00 - 24:00. (€5.70-8.40). PTJAUG� BS

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+386 (0)1 426 58 72, info@osmica.si, www.osmica.si.

Open 11:00 - 23:00, Sat 12:00 - 22:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00. (€5.50-8.30). PTJA6UBSW Trta Trta is the most frequently heard answer to the question: Who makes the best pizza in Ljubljana? - and not without good reason. Its wood-fired oven churns out some truly delectable pies, which tend to be a bit more substantial than most of the thin-crusted competition. Our personal favourite is probably the Toskanska, with rocket and pancetta among other toppings, but with over 40 different pizzas crowding onto the menu you won’t be left wanting for choices. Located in a yellow house along the right bank a

Parma A quirky little one, this. As well as a couple of ordinary tables, most dining here is done at the large bar from where the food is cooked and served. Find an empty stool, make your order and away you go. And while you’re waiting for your pizza to arrive, take a look at the large photographs on the wall of the construction of the area you’re eating in. Find it hidden away down the stairs and on the right at the southern end of Maxi Market.QB/C-4, Trg Republike 2, tel. +386 (0)1 426 82 22, foculus@siol.net, www.picerija.net/parma.htm.

Open 10:00 - 21:00, Sat 11:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. (€3.90-6.20). TJA6ULGBXSW Pizzeria Osmica Located on the pedestrian street that runs parallel to Čopova, Osmica is essentially the pizza annex of the longer-running Allegria in the courtyard around the corner. The menu boasts over two dozen pizzas, and several choice of salad, lasagna and tortillas are also on offer in the comfortable rustic setting - think lots of wood and exposed stone with an open kitchen. We stop by for lunch or grab a pizza to go on the way home quite often, but if we were forced to choose a favourite it’d have to be the Tartufo, which comes heaped with prosciutto, salami, parmesan and of course truffle oil.QC-3, Nazorjeva 8, tel. facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

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Burrito Loco The concept of this newly opened Mexican takeaway in the centre of town will be immediately familiar to anyone who has eaten at one of the widely popular Chipotle Mexican Grills whilst in the United States, namely, huge mission-style burritos prepared to order with your choice of fresh ingredients. The menu also includes quesadillas, soft tacos and salads, but for us the real standout here is the pulled pork burrito with guacamole. If you like what you taste, ask for a stamp card - collect ten stamps and the eleventh burrito is free.QC-4, Slovenska 6, tel. +386 (0)31 897 694, www. facebook.com/burritolocoLJ. Open 10:00 - 22:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. €. JNS

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Falafel A tiny little place churning out delicious falafel-based delicacies plus the usual array of pizzas and burgers. An excellent choice for vegetarians on the move, expect long queues during the busy lunchtime period.QE-3, Trubarjeva 40/+386 (0)41 64 01 66, www.alja-shaar.com/ falafel.htm. Open 10:00 - 24:00, Sun 13:00 - 22:00. (€17). JA6UVGS

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Don't miss out the opportunity and give it a try while you are in Ljubljana! short walk south of the city centre, Trta comes highly recommended.QD-5, Grudnovo Nabrežje 21, tel. +386 (0)1 426 50 66, trta@s5.net, www.trta.si. Open 11:00 - 22:00, Sat 12:00 - 22:00. Closed Sun. PAGBS

Quick Eats Burger King After being more or less raised on fast food in the US, we consider ourselves something of an expert on the subject, and as such we can say unequivocally that Burger King easily comes out ahead when compared to any other internationally known burger joint (not naming any names of course). If you don’t believe us, head to the food court on the first floor of CityPark and try a Whopper for yourself.

QM-2, Šmartinska 152 (Citypark), tel. +386 (0)1 520 01 47. Open 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 08:00 - 21:00, Sun 09:00 15:00. (€2.80-5.80). PTAULGS

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Hitra Žlica If you’re in hurry at lunchtime, but would still like to sample some traditional Slovene fare, make your way to Hitra Žlica (the Fast Spoon) in the city centre just off Slovenska Cesta. As the name implies, they specialise is Slovene dishes that eaten with a spoon, such bograč (goulash), ričet (rice stew), pasulj (bean stew) and our personal favourite jota (sour cabbage and sausage stew). The menu also includes other light meals, some tasty seasonal soups, fresh mixed salads and traditional Slovene pastries - all of which can be eaten in the modern orange and white dining area or taken away.QC/D2, Dalmatinova 2, www.hitrazlica.com. Open 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sat, Sun. €.

Hood Burger Hood Burger was a revelation for Ljubljana’s fast food aficionados when it first began operating out of a simple food truck in the parking lot of the Interspar shopping centre in Vič back in 2012, quickly earning a reputation as one of the best burger joints in town and shortly thereafter moving into new premises nearby. The key to the American-style burgers’ popularity begins with the homemade potato buns and ends with a mandatory side-order of real French fries, while the mouthwatering images frequently posted to their Facebook page don’t hurt either.QJ-5, Jamova 105, tel. +386 (0)40 540 411.

Open 10:00 - 22:00. Closed Sun. €. LBS Hot Horse A true Ljubljana institution, a stop at Hot Horse is a must for all first-time and returning visitors. The legendary horseburger is not only an original Slovenian creation, but is also healthy, low in fat and rich in protein and iron, and the menu now boasts a wider variety than ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

ever before, including wraps, steaks and hot dogs, all of which come with your choice of toppings and condiments. Hot Horse was also twice selected by our readers as the Best Fast Food restaurant in Ljubjana. Visit their large modern kiosk near the arena in Tivoli Park, or their other outlets in BTC and Rudnik near Rutar.QB-2, Tivoli Park, tel. +386 (0)1 521 14 27, master@hot-horse.si, www.hot-horse.si. Open 09:00 - 06:00. (€1.50-5.50).

J6UBXS Klobasarna It’s not often you find a restaurant where the menu consists largely of one item, but when the famed Kranjska Klobasa is the dish in question then that’s really all you need. Taking its name from the city of Kranj, this hearty sausage was at the centre of so-called ‘klobasa wars’ between Slovenia and Austria (and later Croatia) over the rights to the EU-protected name. History and politics aside, this trendy takeaway opposite the Cathedral is the best place to taste what all the ado is about. They also serve the traditional Slovene dishes jota and ričet, hearty stews that go great with the famed sausage.QCiril-Metodov 15, tel. +386 (0)51 605 017, info@klobasarna.si, www.klobasarna.si.

Open 10:00 - 23:00, Sun 10:00 - 15:00. JS Surf’n’Fries We recently began noticing people carrying around boxes of fries (or chips as we would say) in the city centre, and it turns out that this place is the culprit. We’re still not sure where the ‘surf’ part of the name comes in (as seafood is not on the menu), but they do offer heaping portions of fries prepare in a variety of ways and accompanied by a selection of sauces, as well as some deep fried chicken dishes to satisfy the non-vegetarians. Open late, because everything fried tastes better after a night of drinking.QC3, Plečnikov Trg. Open 06:00 - 04:00, Sat 08:00 - 04:00, Sun 16:00 - 24:00. €2.10-4.50.

Tandoori Such is the lack of good, reasonably-priced ethnic food in Ljubljana that rumours of this place’s imminent opening were swirling excitedly around the city’s expat community for months before the smells of curry finally began filling the air near the eastern end of Trubarjeva Ulica. Thus it was with high expectations that we shortly thereafter joined the line of eager patrons outside Ljubljana’s first Indian takeaway, and emerged happy to report that all is as it should be: fresh, spicy, fragrant cuisine from the subcontinent for under €5. If we had to choose one standout it would likely be the chicken curry naan wraps, but we have yet to be disappointed by anything on the menu.QE-3, Trubarjeva 60, tel. +386 (0)40 549 472/+386 (0)40 549 161, lokal.tandoori@gmail.com. Open 11:00 - 24:00, Sat 12:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. JS

Many more Restaurants online at ljubljana.inyourpocket.com facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

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Restaurants Žak Located under the hulking Ajdovščina building just off a busy crossroads, this French-style bakery whips up tasty snacks that, judging by the constant lines, tempt a fair number of workers from the surrounding offices to extend their smoke breaks. Their freshly-prepared viennoiseries, gourmet bread, sandwiches and salads cost slightly more than the pre-packaged brands found in all the supermarkets, but are well-worth the premium. There’s also a second location at Njegoševa 6 near the hospital.QC-2, Dalmatinova 2, tel. +386 (0)1 230 84 74, fs-lj@siol.net, www.pekarna-zak.si. Open 07:00 - 19:00, Sat 07:00 13:00. Closed Sun. €0.50 - 3.00. JS

Vegetarian Bazilika Bistro A Mecca for lovers of fresh, healthy, organic foods, Bazilika is located in a beautiful high-ceilinged space in the city centre opposite the Presidential Palace and just around the corner from the Academy of Fine Arts. While countless proprietors claim to use only fresh locally-sourced ingredients, Bazilika actually posts photos of daily visits to local farmers, markets and gardens to their social media pages, assuring patrons that the various sandwiches, sweet and savoury pies, salads, soups, smoothies and other vegetarian and vegan-friendly treats that they turn out are as authentic as they are delectable.

Daily 3-course lunch specials are written on the roll of brown recycled paper behind the counter.QB-4, Prešernova 15, tel. +386 (0)1 244 62 75, druzina@bazilika.si, www.bazilika.si.

Open 07:00 - 23:00. Closed Sat, Sun. JABSW Govinda’s Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood just north of the city centre, this oasis comes complete with a peaceful garden and is steeped in good karma. As well as being family friendly, students are looked after with generous portions, pregnant women get a 25% discount and its animal friendly aka vegetarian.

The daily buffet features a range of cuisines including excellent Indian, and even meat-lovers will enjoy the wholesome and delectable vegetarian (vegan & gluten free) delights.QŽibertova 23, tel. +386 (0)59 058 381, www.govindas.si. Open 11:00 19:00, Sat 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. €2-9. PT Loving Hut The world’s fastest growing (and perhaps only) international vegan fast food chain, Loving Hut has finally opened an outlet in the city centre two years after setting up a takeaway stand in Mestni Log. Located opposite the main bus and train station, stepping inside this oasis of peacefulness and serenity makes us feel healthier and more relaxed before we even order. Offering an assortment of vegan dishes, including surprisingly delicious kebaps, burgers and Wiener schnitzel, Loving Hut is an attractive alternative to the usual fast food options found in these parts - even for non-vegans like us.QD-1, Trg Osvobodilne Fronte 14, tel. +386 (0)68 126 970, lovinghutljubljana@gmail.com, www.lovinghut.si. Open 07:30 - 22:30, Sat 10:00 - 22:30, Sun 10:00 - 21:00. €.

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Bazilika Bistro proves that healthy organic food can be quite tasty

Around Ljubljana If you’re looking to get out of town and enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal in the countryside - and we highly suggest that you do - the restaurants listed below are a great place to start!

Evergreen Located at the prestigious Diners Golf & Country Club in Smlednik just northwest of Ljubljana, Evergreen is the flagship restaurant of the Kaval Group, which operates over a dozen restaurants in and around the capital. Even for those not with no interest in golf, Evergreen’s idyllic setting makes an attractive destination for lunch or dinner, especially when the weather permits dining outside. The gourmet menu is a feast for the eyes (and wallet), while the daily lunch specials during the week are a great value starting at only €10.QSmlednik 200, Smlednik, tel. +386 (0)5 921 17 43/+386 41 366 249, evergreen@kavalgroup.si, www.evergreen-restavracija.si. Open 08:00 - 22:00. PTALB Gostilna Mihovec Only a short drive from Ljubljana, this family-run restaurant with more than a century and a half of tradition offers an unbeatable combination of excellent modern Slovene cuisine and genuine rural hospitality. Most of the ingredients are not only organic and locally-sourced, but come from the family’s own farm or from their neighbours, a fact facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

which led to Mihovec being one of the original members recognised under the Gostilna Slovenia brand. There is often live traditional music in the evenings, while we usually stop by for a long lunch at the weekends whenever we have the time.QZgornje Pirniče 54, Medvode, tel. +386 (0)1 362 30 60/+386 (0)31 684 434, gostilna.mihovec@ siol.net, www.mihovec.com. Open , Wed, Thu 12:00 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 01:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue. TLEB Gostilna Skaručna Opened in the village of the same name just north of Ljubljana by Slavko Žagar Sr back in 1975, to this day Skaručna has the reputation of satisfying each and every guest, which goes far beyond what is on the plates and in the glasses. The owner, Slavko Žagar Jr, is a jolly fellow and exceptional host, but also takes his cuisine very seriously.

Fresh ingredients come directly from the nearby fields and forests, and even the wood that fires the open-air barbecue is carefully selected. In short, every meal at Skaručna is a unique, and often unforgettable, experience.QSkaručna 20, Vodice, tel. +386 (0)1 832 3080/+386 (0)40 799 810, gostilna@skarucna.si, www.skarucna.si. Open 13:0022:00. Closed Sun-Mon and holidays. Groups of 12 or more can make reservations for Sun with prior arrangement. A6ILB

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Taste Kamnik Gostilna Repnik Located in the village of Vrhpolje just a short walk outside of Kamnik, Gostilna Repnik is a special, special place.

This part of the world is famed for hospitality, and Repnik stand tall as one of the places taking this to new heights.

The staff are simply beyond excellent, welcoming and passionate about the food they serve without being overbearing. And the food? Wow. The focus is on traditional Slovene fare in the most genuine of ways, complete with a fine selection of wines to compliment every meal. It has perfected the feel of a family inn in the classiest manner, juxtaposing a formal atmosphere with the comforts of home perfectly. By the way, they also provide romantic horse and carriage rides around the area after your meal. QVrhpolje 186, Kamnik, +386 (0)1 839 12 93, info@gostilna-repnik.si, www.gostilna-repnik.si

Part of the Taste Central Slovenia project, Taste Kamnik is hell-bent on bringing traditional Kamnik food back into the public mouth, as well as providing a modern day spin on a number of the dishes. So far, 14 restaurants in the area are taking part, and the variety of the food on offer is astounding. The social diversity of Kamnik through the centuries is truly represented with a number of amusing historical anecdotes to boot.

The shepherds of Velika Planina provide the most amusing of these, with their salty Trnič cheese. Resembling a tiny crown or a baby’s hat, depending on what angle you are looking from, they are supposed to resemble the breasts of a woman. It was lonely up in those hills, but the boob cheese was traditionally given from a boy to a girl as a sign of affection. A strange sign of affection we’ll admit, but who doesn’t love tasty cheese?

At the other end of the scale is the delightful Princely Venison Goulash (firštov divjačinski golaž). A favourite of the noblemen of the 16th century, it is tied particularly to Archduke Charles II and his hunting expeditions. Charlie and his imperial entourage ate near Predaselj Gorge in the Kamniška-Bistrica valley in 1564, with the table coming to be named the Prince’s Table. The honourable nature of the dish is reflected in its name.

What better way to finish all of this off than with some liquor? Pinecone liquor (rušovc) no less. Combining the shepherding tradition of the region with more modern medicinal herb picking, the pinecone liquor is sweet but not too sweet, strong but not too strong and a genuine joy. They say it is helpful with colds, and that is good enough reason for us.

Taste Kamnik is a continually evolving project, meaning the recipes will change and grow as the project moves further forward. It is a great way to get a feel for Kamnik through the centuries, experienced through your taste buds.

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Pri Planinskem Orlu Some years ago we got lost trying to take a shortcut through the mountains in a heavy rain storm and ended up following a convoy of cars, which serendipitously led us to this traditional family-run restaurant on the road to Kamniška Bistrica. Seeing that the parking lot was packed despite the weather, we vowed to return in the near future, and when we did so several weeks later, we weren’t disappointed. Popular with hikers, tourists and locals, Pri Planinskem Orlu (or the Mountain Eagle) specialises in local cuisine prepared according to traditional recipes, and is especially known for its venison and other game dishes. If you fall in love with the idyllic natural surroundings and would like to make a holiday of it, there are several new guest rooms upstairs.QStahovica 20, Stahovica, +386 (0)1 83 25 410, info@priorlu.si, www.priorlu.si

The newly opened Flancat boasts a great location, delectable homemade sandwiches and tasty sweets

Ljubljana’s café culture has always been one of our favourite things about the city. When the weather’s nice the entire old town is abuzz with activity at the pavement cafés that line nearly every street. During the colder months things move indoors, but thanks to the national smoking ban you’re still apt to find a fair amount of patrons outside huddled under heat lamps and blankets puffing away on coffee’s significant other.

The most popular places can be found along the Ljubljanica river on Cankarjevo Nabrežje and Petkovškovo Nabrežje on the opposite bank, but with so many options to choose from just wandering around until you find a place you fancy is never a bad option. And since the line between cafés, bars and pubs can sometime be less than obvious, we’ve included the latter on the pages below (and vice versa) if they’re somewhere you can comfortable get a coffee or tea during the day.

Bazilika Shop & Cafe Right next to the courthouse and in one the busiest areas of Ljubljana, this café is one of the closest things you’ll find to an oasis in the city. As soon as you enter, you feel how you leave the bustle, noise and grey of the city behind and are welcomed by very soothing music and décor. A great place to come and study, use your laptop or just surf the net. Try the excellent coffee and sandwiches. Great service too.QD-2, Miklošičeva 22, tel. +386 (0)41 530 539, druzina@bazilika.si, www.bazilika.si. Open 07:00 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun. PJSW

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Café Plato A stylish café offering a wide selection of great ice creams, cakes and tiny tarts in a unique glass-walled space right in the centre of town, its outdoor seating area is a fine place for some people watching on a sunny afternoon. There’s also a restaurant upstairs, so if you’re feeling like a bit more than a snack you may want to inquire about what’s on offer that day.QC-2, Ajdovščina 1, tel. +386 (0)1 230 84 80, plato@ siol.net, plato.si. Open 07:00 - 23:00, Sat 08:00 - 22:00.

Closed Sun. (€2-3). PTJA6GBKSW Caffe Promenada Having a drink along the banks of the Ljubljanica is a quintessential Ljubljana experience, and one of the best spots for it is at Café Promenada just across the river from the central market. Sitting at Promenada represents the city’s laid back lifestyle at its best - relax over a morning coffee or enjoy a glass of wine in the evening while watching the river and pedestrians flow by.QPetkovškovo Nabrežje 9, tel. +386 (0)8 383 10 82.

NEW Flancat This trendy little café bar is the newest edition to the Petkovškovo promenade, one of Ljubljana’s favourite drinking spots. Flancat is not alone in offering a pleasant riverside setting with the castle as a backdrop, though it stands out from the crowd with a solid drinks list featuring quality Slovenian wines and good beers including draught Weihenstephaner - very tasty beer from the world’s oldest June - July 2014

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Cafés brewery. A great selection of cocktails is available as well as Flancat’s speciality and namesake sweet - a delicate Slovenian pastry which goes fabulously with coffee.QD-3, Petkovškovo Nabrežje 23, flancat@siol.net. Open 08:00 - 23:00.

NEW Hawa Mahal Not nearly as famous as the Taj Mahal, the intricate pink sandstone Hawa Mahal (or ‘Palace of the Winds’) of Jaipur, India is nevertheless an impressive sight. It also lends its name to Ljubljana’s first Indian café, which is tucked away in the corner of Levstik Trg next to the Church of St James. Serving up a variety of drinks from the subcontinent, including tea, sweet coffee and even beer, as well as some light snacks of varying degrees of spiciness, it’s a cosy enough place with a large covered terrace and friendly owners eager to show guests authentic Indian hospitality.QD-4/5, Gornji Trg 4, tel. +386 (0)51 790 298, hawamahal.coffeebar@gmail.com. Open 11:00 - 22:00.

The best coffee in Ljubljana :) fresh sendwiches, croissants, fresh cakes, selected wines

Coffeeshop Kapuciner Kongresni trg 15, Ljubljana www.kapuciner.si E-mail: kapuciner@markov.si www.facebook.com/kapuciner.kavarna

Open: mon. - sat. 7.00-24.00, sun. 8.00-22.00

Oglas_Kapucinear_60x90_1.indd 1

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A Slice of Culinary Heaven.

Daily fresh and with contemporary recipe, Cake Ljubljana is made from traditional Slovenian ingredients.

Cake Ljubljana is one of the “Tastes of Ljubljana”- dishes typical for the capital of Slovenia. Bon appetit-Dober tek!

www.facebook.com/TortaLjubljana info@tortaljubljana.si +386 (0)41 272 433 / + 386 (0)30 300 618 46 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Kapuciner Sitting alone on the south side of Kongresni Trg, Kapuciner is a relaxing spot to grab a drink especially when the sun is shining down on the large promenade. This sleek all day café and bar satisfies caffeine cravings all day long, whilst they also have a selection of tasty sweet treats. Kapuciner’s drinks list is better than most around town with some fine local wines and a few good beers to choose from.QC-4, Kongresni Trg 15, tel. +386 (0)83 815 604, kapuciner@markov.si, www.kapuciner.si.

Open 07:00 - 24:00, Sun 08:00 - 22:00.

Kavarna in Slaščičarna Maxi The café and pastry shop on the ground floor of the Maxi Market shopping centre is one of the more regal places in town to enjoy some coffee and cake. It’s central location makes it a popular spot for meetings, and the proximity to the National Assembly, the headquarters of the country’s largest bank and various embassies guarantees that you’ll be rubbing elbows with some of Slovenia’s

Torta Ljubljana This takeaway cake shop in the Plečnik Arcade has much more to it than meets the eye. To begin with its eponymous Ljubljana Cake is the only sweet we know of in town that comes with its own creation myth, which involves a fickle lord living in Ljubljana Castle, a beautiful daughter waiting to be wed, and a plucky local chef who concocts the perfect recipe. The retrostyle cake has been recreated using only typical Slovenian ingredients (including gluten free 100% buckwheat flour) and can be purchased in several sizes, all of which come in custom designed reusable packaging. The cakes can now also be found at Kavarna SEM, Nebotičnik and Platana.QD-3, Adamič-Lundrovo Nabrežje 1, tel. +386 (0)30 300 618/+386 (0)41 272 433, info@tortaljubljana.si. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Indian drink and snacks Gornji trg 4, 1000 Ljubljana | Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11h - 22h real power brokers.QC-3, Trg Republike 1, tel. +386 (0)5 128 53 42, slascicarna.maxi@mercator.si, www.maxi. si. Open 07:00 - 21:00, Sat 08:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. PAUBSW Kavarna Tromostovje Here near Plečnik’s famed Tromostovje (Three Bridges), alongside the river, you can get a real feeling of the pulse of the city.This open-air café is blessed with perhaps the best location in the city and as such it seems to always be full with locals and tourists sitting with a coffee, enjoying great ice cream, soaking up local color, and sometimes even watching a daytime concert on the square.QD-3, Prešernov Trg 1, tel. +386 (0)1430 12 18, www.damajanty. si. Open 08:00 - 01:00. TJ6UENBXSW NaKavo With 10 cents from every cup of coffee sold going towards the Anina Zvezdica Foundation (Ana’s Little Star), we are fully behind this little stall on Prešeren Square. Opened at the beginning of 2014 with the help of SiMobil and providing coffee-to-go, Nakavo is a non-profit organisation doing its bit to help those in need. If that isn’t enough to convince you to pick up a cup, the coffee itself is also excellent. Delicious coffee with great ethics is the order of the day.QD-3, Prešernov Trg 2, tel. +386 (0)41 66 64 63, nakavo.si. Open 07:00 - 20:00, Fri and Sat 07:00 - 21:00, Sun 08:30 - 16:00.

Nebotičnik Café After being shuttered for nearly a decade, the best views in the city are once again open to the public. Occupy-

ing the top floor of Ljubljana’s famed Nebotičnik (or Skyscraper) building - which was the highest residential structure in Europe when it opened in 1933 - the terrace’s 360 degree views from the Alps to the castle to the hills in the south are truly breathtaking, and the coffee, cocktails and homemade cakes are worth trying as well. This is a must see stop for all visitors.QC-3, Štefanova 1, tel. +386 (0)40 60 17 87, info@neboticnik.si, www.neboticnik. si. Open Sun-Wed 09:00-01:00, Thur-Sat 09:00-03:00.

PA6USW Plaza Café More than just a space for guests to wait for morning taxis to enjoy a morning coffee on the terrace, the ground floor café at the Plaza Hotel is popular meeting place for local businessmen, as well as shoppers looking for a more sophisticated atmosphere than afforded elsewhere in Ljubljana’s massive BTC retail district. In addition to coffee, drinks, cocktails and snacks, daily lunches are also offered.QM-3, Bratislava 8, tel. +386 (0)1 243 00 00, info@ plazahotel.si, www.plazahotel.si. Open 07:00 - 23:00.

PALW STA Travel Café Connected to the Ljubljana branch of STA travel via a doorway at the back, this centrally-located café is a popular destination in its own right - and it’s not hard to see why. A huge first floor terrace is loaded with comfy wooden furniture including wicker couches and even a couple of sun beds, and despite the proximity to Ljubljana’s main road you can still enjoy quiet drink in the

Cankarjevo nabrežje 25, 1000 Ljubljana Tel.: +386 (0)40 700 370 www.fetichepatisserie.com

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sun. Inside is just as comfortable, and they’ve recently added hot sandwiches, pizzas and other light snacks to the menu. It also wouldn’t be a travel café without the bi-monthly presentations of exotic locales around the globe - check the chalk board for upcoming events.

QC-2, Ajdovščina 1, tel. +386 (0)1 439 16 90, fax +386 (0)1 439 16 95, info@staljubljana.com, www. staljubljana.com. Open 08:00 - 24:00. Closed Sun. PTJ6GBXW

Coffee & Ice Cream cacao Boasting an unbeatable location just steps from Ljubljana’s famed Prešernov Trg, Cacao is the city’s top destination for ice cream lovers - overwhelmingly voted as having the best ice cream in town in each and every In Your Pocket Best of Summertime competition to date.

It’s large tree-shaded terrace along the banks of the Ljublajanica also gets top marks for atmosphere, while the laid-back chocolate brown interior is a great place to chill out with a mouthwatering slice of gourmet cake or freshly prepared fruit smoothie. One of our, and seemingly everyone else’s, favourites.QD-3, Petkovškovo Nabrežje 3, tel. +386 (0)1 430 17 71, info@cacao.si, www.cacao.si. Open 08:00 - 22:00. Summertime 08:00 - 00:00. PTJA6UGBSW

Zvezda A bustling café frequented by a battalion of clients from students to pearl-laden old ladies. Zvezda’s décor leans in the direction of your classic Buddha lounge, with a scattering of Oriental statues and some fine brown velvet wallpaper. Not the cheapest café in town, your money is at least well spent.

The coffee is strong enough to wake the dead, and the cakes are some of the best and stickiest in town. They also have a second location on the ground floor of Hotel Slon, and another in Hala 12 in BTC.QC-3, Wolfova 14, tel. +386 (0)1 421 90 90, www.zvezdaljubljana.si. Open 07:00 - 23:00, Sun 10:00 - 20:00. BTC Hala 12 open 08:00-22:00, Sun 10:0020:00. (€2.80-4.50). PTJAUGBSW

Coffee & Cakes NEW Fetiche Patisserie The old adage goes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We aren’t sure where we stand on that, but a top quality homemade croissant is more than welcome at any time of the day. Made fresh daily using original Parisian recipes and an overwhelming variety of fillings, this riverside patisserie is lucky enough to have an expert Japanese confectioner with Parisian experience within their ranks. Cankarjevo nabrežje might be swamped with options, but look no further for your pastry fix.QD-4, Cankarjevo Nabrežje 25, tel. +386 (0)40 70 03 70, www.fetichepatisserie.com. Open 09:00 - 01:00.

petkovškovo nabrežje 3, ljubljana

If you can’t find an open seat inside at the super hip Tozd, don’t fret, they have a cool tree-shaded terrace along the river outside

Ljubljana likes to party hard, and party late. The place goes positively Mediterranean during the summer, with cafés, bars and restaurants staying open well into the early hours as locals and visitors alike simply forget to go home. All of the city’s squares bustle into the early hours too, with the city’s main square, Prešernov Trg, often still packed with revelers until 03:00. Indeed, Prešernov Trg is something of a focal point for Ljubljana nightlife, with most of the city’s best bars, clubs and cafés nearby.

Also note that this is by and large a very easy going city, and is no such thing as a no-go zone. Do not worry about walking home on your own late at night.

In Ljubljana there’s a bar for everyone’s taste. While we’ve decided to give Pubs and Wine Bars their own categories, you’ll find pretty much every other kind of bar in town listed here - from dive bars and hipster hangouts to some truly classy affairs, and everything in between. Note that as in most European cities there is a fine line between a café and bar, with plenty of establishments easily fitting into either category, which means that most of the places here open early and serve coffee, and you can also get a beer or spirits at most cafés.

Bi-Ko-Fe Situated on a sloping cobbled lane in Ljubljana’s old town, BiKoFe is something of a Mecca for hipsters, students, artists, designers, musicians and the like. The winner of an award for design, the interior was entirely renovated using recycled and refurbished furniture and materials, and we can honestly say that it’s one of the cosiest places to relax with a drink (or a coffee) in the city. Live DJs keep the place bumping on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, and from time to time musical acts (some quite well-known) perform cover-free shows for the cool crowd. They also now offer light snacks, including some of the best sandwiches in LJ, which are made daily by a local Japanese woman.QC-4, Židovska Steza 2, tel. +386 (0)14 25 93 93, bikofe@gmail.com, www.bikofe.com. Open 07:00 - 01:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 01:00. Holidays 18:00-01:00.

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Bar Kljukec Nestled between Daktari and Čokl, Kljukec more than holds its own so close to such popular competition. Whilst the interior of Kljukec is too small to even be considered

Centralna Postaja Centralna Postaja, aka ‘central station’, brings a bit of big city style to Ljubljana - with its trendy pared back décor and hip vibe you may feel like you’re in London or New York. Designed as an all-

Bars portorož - ljubljana - prague

obala 14, portorož

v celnici 1031/4, prague

48 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

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pint-sized, when summer comes round the floweradorned tables and chairs outside are perfect for sunny socializing and enjoying the hourly show from the puppet theatre clock, where Kobilica the horse is chased by the knife-wielding Krpan. The usual selection of coffees, beers and wines are available.QD-3, Krekov Trg 8, tel. +386 (0)31 59 59 03. Open 06:00 - 22:00, Sun 09:00 - 20:00.

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Nightlife day hangout Centralna has affordable offerings from morning to late including all-you-can-eat breakfasts (only €2.50!) and international classics: pastas, pizzas and some of Ljubljana’s best burgers (or sliders actually). At night the place turns into a fullon lounge bar, with house DJs often providing the soundtrack.

QD-3, Trubarjeva 23, tel. +386 (0)41 889 882, mismo@ centralnapostaja.com, www.centralnapostaja.com. Open 08:00-01:00, Thu-Sat 08:00-03:00. Closed Sun.

FUD & DRINK

Šmartinska 3, Ljubljana eat + 386 (0)1 4305195 www.dasistvalter.si 10:00 -23:00 drink + 386 (0)1 4313277 08:00 - 02:00 500 m2 garden under the trees!

ALL FOOTBALL GAMES fa 2014 ON BIG SCREEN OUTDOOR Most popular Balkan grill in town

inexpensive

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Čupiterija Hijo De Puta This place may be located on Mestni Trg in the heart of Old Ljubljana, but don’t let that fool you: it’s the epitome of funky - in a good a way. First of all it also goes by the name Hijo de Puta, a mildly vulgar Spanish phrase (if you’re not sure what it means we don’t want to ruin the surprise).

Then there’s the interior, a dizzying hodge podge of Gaudi-inspired colours and textures spreading through several rooms and multiple levels. It’s also one of the only places in town where we feel obligated to forego our usual beer and whiskey and order cocktails to go along with the nightly tapas.QD-3/4, Mestni Trg 4, tel. +386 (0)59 712 369, cupiterija.hdp@gmail.com. Open 09:00 - 03:00, Sun 09:00 - 01:00. PJAGBS Druga Pomoč Sharing space with čevapčiči heaven Das ist Valter and just a short walk from the hospital, Druga Pomoč is a popular bar with space to spare. The orange and pink interior might be a little gaudy for some tastes, but it is balanced out with the table football and splendidly pleasant staff. A small selection of toasted sandwiches are also available, as well as a selection of spirits that definitely wouldn’t be described as small. Free hugs included.QF-2, Šmartinska 8, tel. +386 (0)1 431 32 77. Open 07:00 - 02:00, Sat 09:00 - 02:00, Sun 09:00 - 01:00.

Hiša Športa Opened in time for EuroBasket 2013, Hiša Športa provides exactly what you’d expect for somewhere with such a name. It literally means ‘House of Sport’, and in the centre of town there aren’t many better go-to places for sporting needs, wants and views. Tickets, promotional material and more are available, whilst the indoor projector is a great place to watch whatever competitive game tickles your fancy. The usual selection of coffees and alcoholic beverages are on offer, and there is also plenty of outdoor seating.QBreg 2, tel. +386 (0)31 39 08 38, sport-ljubljana.si. Open 07:00 - 01:00.

Fétiche A dark and moody, space-age cocktail bar on two levels complete with everything a cocktail bar should possess. Sit in the company of wannabe supermodels and young boys with their expensive trousers falling down and gaze in wonder at the vast model pictures, retro furniture and the obligatory huge mirror ball. There’s outside seating near the river too, and a French style patisserie next door. Wine by the glass starts at €2, with cocktails from €5.QD-3, Cankarjevo Nabrežje 25, tel. +386 (0)40 70 03 70, www.fetiche.si. Open 09:00 - 01:00.

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Kavarna Maček Reassuringly scruffy after so many good-looking places in the area, gurgle down some tea, coffee or something a little stronger in the safe confines of four bright orange walls decorated with some nice black and white photographic portraits of both people and Ljubljana itself. Extremely popular with families toting young children during the weekends.QD-4, Krojaška 5, tel. +386 (0)14 25 37 91, info@sobe-macek.si, www.sobe-macek.si. Open 09:00 - 00:30, Sun 09:00 - 23:00. TJA6UG� BSW Klub Daktari Sharing its name with the Swahili word for doctor, we’re not sure if there’s a connection, but the place always cures us of any bad mood we’re in. Located next to several other bars near the entrance to the funicular railway, Daktari reopened in 2012 after more than a year of renovations - a labour of love from the sociable owners, who are usually on hand chatting with customers. The bar exudes an old-time ambience and charm that is a rarity these days: restored antique furniture, shelves full of books, a player piano in the corner and a stage that is occasionally used for live music sets, jam sessions, theatre, cabaret and an eclectic mix of other cultural events.QD-3, Krekov Trg 7, tel. +386 (0)64 166 212, info@daktari.si, www.daktari. si. Open 08:00 - 01:00, Sun 09:00 - 24:00. PJAE� BX Lepa Žoga Ideally situated for basketball and hockey fans without tickets for the events in neighbouring Hala Tivoli, you can grab a drink at this sports bar and cheer on your team in action on three TVs and a big screen. With autographed T-shirts of local sports heroes, this is can be any fan’s local.

QK-2, Celovška 43, tel. +386 (0)14 32 31 09. Open 07:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. A6GBXW Podvodni Mož Owned by a former professional diver, it appropriately shares a name with France Prešeren’s three-part ballad ‘Water Man’. One of the highlights here is the large creaky wooden terrace in the back, which juts out over the Ljubljanica river and is covered in various types of foliage, while inside there’s an ample smoking room and sturdy stone walls covered in an assortment of aquatic and medieval paraphernalia. Friendly service and low prices round things out at one of our favourite watering holes.

QG-3, Zaloška 6, podvodni@gmail.com. Open 07:00 23:00. Closed Sat, Sun. €. 6BX Prulček Bar Surrounded by apartment blocks in the residential neighbourhood of Prule, this spunky outfit is yet more evidence of why you should never judge a book by its cover (or in this case a bar by its uninspiring social-era façade). Since it opened in 2012, Prulček has quietly become one of the city’s foremost venues for live music, with its Wednesday night jazz sessions routinely packing the house and carfacebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

Watching the 2014 World Cup After coming agonisingly close to making it out of the group stage in South Africa in 2010 (we will always remember the goal by the US in the 92nd minute against Algeria that awkwardly cut short the celebrations that had already begun in Ljubljana), the Slovenian national squad failed to qualify for a trip to Brazil for this year’s tournament. However, this won’t stop World Cup fever from coming to Ljubljana, with virtually every bar, pub and café in town showing matches on large screens from the opening kickoff on 12 June till the final whistle on 13 July. While the options for watching the world’s biggest event are quite numerous, some of the more atmospheric venues include Lepa Žoga near Tivoli Park and Hiša Športa on the Breg Embankment, which are Ljubljana’s only two true sports bars. However, all of the pubs listed in this guide are also great options, especially for those that enjoy quality beer as much as football. Just make sure to pace yourself, as most of the matches begin between 18:00 and midnight Slovenia time. rying on well past the time when responsible working people have gone to bed. And to top things off, their beer selection is on par with any other bar in town. Check their frequently updated Facebook page for more info about upcoming events.QD-5, Prijateljeva 2, bar@prulcek.si, www.prulcek.si. Open 06:30 - 23:30.

Sputnik Suave, dark and moody, featuring 60s retro furniture with lots of beautiful-looking people sitting on it, ice-cold beer and cocktails, a long, long bar and waitresses with even longer legs. A nice café during the day, Sputnik transforms itself during the evenings into a much buzzier place with occasional special events.QI-4, Tržaška 128, tel. +386 (0)51 627 000, fax +386 (0)12 56 67 95, dobrodosli@sputnik.si, www.sputnik. si. Open 06:30 - 24:00, Fri 06:30 - 02:00, Sat 08:00 - 02:00, Sun 09:00 - 22:00. PA6ULEGBXW TOZD A favourite destination for Ljubljana’s cool crowd from seemingly the day it opened (if not even earlier), TOZD’s carefully crafted interior boasts brick walls, red leather benches, original photography from contemporary Slovene artists, a number of fixed-gear bikes, and a bar designed to June - July 2014

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Nightlife

Nightlife KMŠ If you’re young and a student (or at least look like one), here’s a great place to have some fun with the rest of Ljubljana’s dynamic youth. Numerous concerts and DJ nights are programmed for the weekends and the occasional weekday. Drink to your heart’s content as the booze is by far the cheapest in town.QA-3, Tržaška 2, tel. +386 (0)1425 74 80, info@klubkms.si, www.klubkms.si. Open 08:00 - 05:00, Sat 21:00 - 05:00. Closed Sun. Closed June-August. Admission €1.50. PJA6EGW

resemble a kitchen counter. There’s also a large library of books (including many in English) to keep you busy on rainy days, whilst sampling gourmet coffee or something from the impressive wine list. On nice days take a seat outside under some giant trees along a quieter stretch of the Ljubljanica river.QD-4, Galusovo Nabrežje 27, tel. +386 (0)40 699 453. Open 08:30 - 24:00. TJABS Žmauc Ask any tuned-in local to make a list of their favourite bars and they’re almost certain to put this place on the list. Covered in quality graffiti outside and always featuring a huddle of interesting-looking individuals smoking suspiciously large cigarettes by the entrance, the exterior is but a mild prelude to what’s inside. A smallish L-shaped bar is packed day and night with more strange characters amidst an interior design scheme straight from the pages of a Manga comic. Excellent for coffee or something a little stronger. Highly recommended.

QB-4, Rimska 21, tel. +386 (0)1 251 03 24, zmauc@siol.net.

Open 07:30 - 01:00, Sat 10:00 - 01:00, Sun 18:00 - 01:00.

PJA6GB

Go Karting Rollbar-Karting BTC Another reason to visit the huge BTC complex is this extraordinary place. Taking the gimmick of the racecar-theme-drinking-hole to its logical conclusion, this subterranean boozer not only comes complete with enough racing paraphernalia to start your very own F1 museum, it’s actually got a go-kart racing circuit.

There are no drink-driving laws here, just a bunch of electric go-carts and a hangar-size space to wiggle them through. Not quite as tame as it sounds, these go-carts when running on full power have a top speed of 120km/h, restricted for obvious reasons here to a more sensible albeit still stupidly fast 65km/h.QM-2, Šmartinska 152 (BTC Hala 18), tel. +386 (0)1 585 25 70/+386 (0)51 603 333, info@indoor-karting.com, www.indoor-karting.com. Open 07:30 - 23:00, Fri 07:30 - 24:00, Sat 08:00 - 24:00, Sun 08:00 - 22:00.

AUEGBXW 52 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Clubs En Pub If you’d like to experience the best of Belgrade’s legendary party scene without the hassle of a ten-hour train ride south, then En Pub in Šiška is one of the best options for an all-night Balkan-style party in the Slovene capital. Friday nights feature live bands and DJs playing a mix of fun Balkan music and international hits, while Saturdays see Serbian bands and DJs come to town. Both nights just about guarantee a packed house dancing away until the place finally closes at six in the morning. For a totally different take on Ljubljana, En Pub simply has to be experienced to be believed.QH-1, Celovška 150, tel. +386 (0)1 514 11 27, info@enpub.si, www.enpub. si. Open 07:00 - 23:00, Fri 07:00 - 06:00, Sat 09:00 - 06:00, Sun 09:00 - 23:00. PTA6UGBXW Gala Hala As the main concert venue in Metelkova - Ljubljana’s regionally renowned independent cultural centre - Gala Hala hosts an eclectic range of performances several times per week, including many well-known acts, while functioning as a club on other nights. The state of the art sound system and acoustics make it a popular venue for both performers and audiences, and from May till October a summer stage and garden is also opened behind the main venue, which can accommodate nearly 1000 people. Check their website for a complete list of upcoming shows.QF-1, Masarykova 24, tel. +386 (0)1 43 17 063, drustvo.kapa@gmail.com, www. galahala.com.

Klub K4 Twice voted the best club in Ljubljana by In Your Pocket readers, if you’re staying in a hotel in this part of town and your bed starts bouncing across the room in the middle of the night, the chances are the culprit can be found inside Klub K4. A very student-oriented club indeed, it’s hot and sweaty and the DJs play some of the weirdest, hardest stuff in the country. Brilliant stuff. Klub K4 also offers Roza (Pink) Party nights for the gay community. Check out their Facebook page or website for detailed programme info.QB-2, Kersnikova 4, tel. +386 (0)40 212 292, info@ klubk4.org, www.klubk4.org. Open , Wed 23:00 - 04:00, Thu 21:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 23:00 - 06:00. PJAG ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Mr Stefan Braun First opened in Belgrade in 2003, this now legendary nightspot has somehow managed to remain one of the hottest clubs in Europe’s top party city ever since - and is guaranteed to be found on the itineraries of serious Slovene clubbers during their trips to the Serbian capital. To the delight of this same crowd, Mr Stefan Braun recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by opening a new club in Ljubljana, which can be found in BTC next the Kolosej cineplex. Check out their official Facebook page for the most current info.QŠmartinska 152, BTC City.

Orto Bar A combined bar and live music venue dedicated to the glorious and mostly unpretentious world of rock music, filled nightly with a well-behaved crowd in leather jackets etc, drinking the night away and taking advantage of one of the few regular live music venues in the city. The bar is worth visiting on its own. Long and thin, there’s a line of old turning ventilators along one wall, giving the place a futuristic, Mad Max feel.

QE-1, Grablovičeva 1, tel. +386 (0)1 232 16 74, info@ortobar.com, www.orto-bar.com. Open Tue-Wed 21:00-04:00, Thur-Sat 21:00-05:00. PALEGBX Top Six Klub Located six floors above Ljubljana’s main thoroughfare (hence the name), outside it offers some of the best views in the city, while on the inside the contemporary interior design provides an exclusive ambience that can’t be found elsewhere. There is a full slate of parties throughout the

If you’d like to party well into the morning, En Pub in Šiška is one of your top choices

facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

week, and some of the most sought after VIP sections in the city.QA-3, Tomšičeva 2, tel. +386 (0)40 66 77 22, info@klubtop.si, www.topsixclub.si. Club open WedSat 23:00-05:00 and by prior arrangement. Lounge open Mon-Fri 08:00-19:00. Closed Sun. Admission: Free before 24:00 and €6 after. PJAEGBKW

Pubs Beer Pub Galilej Galilej Pub is just down the street from the IYP office (lucky us), although it’s well worth dropping by even if you don’t live in Bežigrad. Despite being perhaps one of the smallest pubs in town - basically just one cosy bar and a little beer garden - it’s a favourite of local beer aficionados. On offer is an excellent beer selection, more than 100 from around the world at last count, including some interesting local brews, and there’s also an organised beer tasting every Saturday. Galilej is also a beer shop offering bottles to go whilst loyal patrons are rewarded with every 11th beer free.QL-2, Dunajska 101, tel. +386 (0)59 0 335 339/+386 (0)51 640 169, info@pivoteka.si, www.pivoteka. si. Open 11:00 - 23:00, Sat, Sun 15:00 - 23:00.

Guinness Pub Enough Guinness mirrors to keep everyone in town high for a week, plenty of comfortable cubby holes and a splendid little summer courtyard on the small street behind the main university building. Draught beers include Guinness and Kilkenny, as well as Tag from the popular Austrian/Slovene craft brewery Bevog. Friendly and different enough to be worthy of at least a little plaudits, put this one on your pub-crawl list for sure.QB-3, Gosposka 3, tel. +386 (0)1426 62 93, www.guinnesspub.net. Open 07:00 01:00, Sat, Sun 18:00 - 01:00. PJA6UGBX Patrick’s Irish Pub Ljubljana’s quintessential Irish pub is popular with locals, expats and tourists alike, and over the years we’ve personally spent many a night entertaining visitors, watching sports on the big screen and generally drinking too much here. They’ve got (arguably) the largest selection of beer in town, with some 90 varieties to choose from, and often host events such as live Irish music concerts, pub quizzes and beer tastings. Find it down a small cobbled alleyway just off Trubarjeva Ulica.QD-3, Prečna 6, tel. +386 (0)1 230 17 68/+386(0) 41 581 333, info@irishpub-ljubljana. si, www.irishpub-ljubljana.si. Open 17:00 - 01:00, Sat 12:00 - 01:00, Sun 17:00 - 24:00. PTJA6EG� SW June - July 2014

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Nightlife

Nightlife

Parlament Pub Knowing neither whether it’s a café or a bar, this peculiar oddity with its books on the shelves, shady characters and (you’ve guessed it) students is nonetheless a popular stop for the heavy drinking younger crowd. Known for cheap beer and cocktails (with 3 of the latter had for the price of 2), and lively international parties almost every night, it’s a great place to both start or end an evening out. The entrance and terrace are at the back side of the building on Plečnikov Trg.QC-3, Šubičeva 1, tel. +386 (0)1 251 32 43.

Open 08:00 - 04:00. PJA6UEGBXW Sir William’s Pub An all together classier affair than most other pubs in town, Sir William’s clientele is largely a reflection of its location in the city centre between the national courthouse and Radio Television Slovenia, as well as several business hotels. Boasting one of the largest beer selections in Slovenia, there are over 110 different varieties to choose from, and the country’s best craft beer, Human Fish, is always on tap. The atmosphere is generally warm and laid-back, with patrons chatting to the staff about beer or watching something on the big screen TV. Follow their Facebook page for info about beer tastings and other events.QD-2, Tavčarjeva 8a, tel. +386 (0)5 99 44 825, sirwilliamspub@ gmail.com, sirwilliamspub.webs.com. Open Mon-Fri 08:00-01:00, Sat 10:00-14:00 and 19:00-01:00, Sun 17:00-24:00. PJABSW

Wine Bars Viticulture in Slovenia has been refined over the centuries in the country’s three wine growing regions producing a vast selection of excellent quality wines, predicate wines and sparkling wines. You can encounter all pleasures at any of the traditional gostilnas or wine cellars found in almost every street in Ljubljana. To make your choice easier try wines such as Teran, Rumeni Muskat, Malvazija and Rebula from the coastal region. Cviček, a Slovene wine with a light taste and low alcohol is a specialty of the Posavje Region along with wines such as Renski Rizling, Traminec, Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Ranina.

Dvorni Bar This large L-shaped adventure is a pleasant café during the day and the city’s trendiest wine bar by night. There’s a swanky jazzy area at one end for more wine-oriented patrons, while the other side is a little more geared towards

OPEN UNTIL 4AM EVERY DAY DJ 54 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

the restaurant crowd, with tapas and lunch specials on offer. With upwards of 100 varieties of wine in stock it’s a great place to sample local vintages if you don’t have time to trek out to one of Slovenia’s wine growing regions.QB3, Dvorni Trg 2, tel. +386 (0)1 251 12 57, info@dvornibar. net, www.dvornibar.net. Open 08:00 - 01:00, Sun 09:00 - 24:00. (€4.50-15).PTJHA6UEGB� KXSW Movia The Slovenian Movia vineyards have been producing quality plonk for longer than anyone can remember, and this, their little showcase wine bar in the old town, is a fine place to come and try some of their excellent products. Found slightly hidden away inside a little covered courtyard, Movia is barely bigger than a telephone box, features extremely friendly staff, and even serves a selection of food especially prepared to compliment the wines on offer.QB-3, Mestni Trg 2, tel. +386 (0)1 425 54 48, vinoteka.movia@siol.net, www.movia.si. Open 12:00 23:00. Closed Sat, Sun. PYJ6UGBX Vander Urbani Set down a narrow alleyway on the street level of the Vander Urbani Resort in the old town, the wine list at this modern lounge bar dwarfs the full menus found at many of the city’s restaurants. Focussed primarily on Slovenian wines, there is also an ample selection of foreign bottles, but don’t let the sheer scale of choice overwhelm you, as the staff sommelier is glad to make recommendations, and every glass is accompanied with some traditional homemade snacks. Wine tastings and other related events are frequently held, and usually tied together by month-long themes.QD-4, Krojaška 6-8, tel. +386 (0)1 200 9000, info@vanderhotel.com, vanderhotel.com. Open 07:00 - 24:00. PJAEW

Billiards, Bowling, etc.

Biljardna Hiša Ljubljana’s most popular billiards place is a few minutes walk north of the city centre in Bežigrad. Consisting of one large open space underneath exposed wood rafters the interior feels rather barn-like, which is pretty much exactly what we look for in a pool hall. There’s also a large glassenclosed self-service smoking area and a summer garden area in the front, while quality rock tunes will have you humming along between shots. You can expect at least a short wait for a table at the weekends, so don’t forget to get your name on the list.QC-1, Parmova 25, tel. +386 (0)12 36 20 12, biljardnahisa@gmail.com, www.biljardna-hisa.com.

Open 08:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 01:00. ALX

Turbo Folk Klub 12 Turbo Folk’s classic Ljubljana after-party venue is a good few kilometres from the city centre and doesn’t see a single client until around 02:00, but that’s all part of the fun really. After the other venues have closed their doors the ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Rack ‘em up at Biljardna Hiša

deal is to pile into this dark underground cavern with its strange red lighting, pictures of naked women with bows and arrows on the walls and excruciatingly loud music and carry on with the party.QPrušnikova 95/+386 (0)41 67 85 77, info@klub12.si. Open 07:00 - 05:00, Sat, Sun 18:00 05:00. PALEGX

Pub Crawls Party in Ljubljana Run by a young local team of self-described party animals, which guarantees customers ‘A night you won’t remember, a night you won’t forget’, Party in Ljubljana can arrange everything from a party guide to show small groups what a typical night out in the Slovene capital is like, to the full VIP treatment with limo rides and VIP tables. The standard pub crawl can be supplemented with prepaid alcohol packages based on what kind of drinker you are (ie pussy, normal or heavy), while perhaps their most interesting service is a crash course in picking up Slovene girls with the help of a ‘bad-ass’ wingman for the night. Booking and enquiries can be made on their very user-friendly website.Qtel. +386 (0)31 339 393, info@partyin.eu, www. partyin.eu/ljubljana.

Adult Entertainment Although Ljubljana is a relatively small city, it does make space for sexy and sinful late night entertainment for facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

adults, gays, lesbians, transvestites and so on. There are several strip clubs in Ljubljana that have recently sprung up around the city displaying a diversity of foreign girls for escorting, table-dancing, stripping or just to keep you company if you buy them an (expensive) drink, and we mean €100 for the cheapest bottle of champagne. Clubs usually provide a dance show, often being quite explicit.

Escorts in Ljubljana are limited but your hotel can advise you where to find a companion for the night. Although prostitution is not illegal in Slovenia, you would have to look very hard to find any girl working the streets. Of course, we don’t advise that you try as these girls do not necessarily undergo any medical examination. It is best to stick with the more ‘refined’ selection we have on offer in Ljubljana.

Hard Core Club With a name like that you can’t help but smile and get in a taxi and head here. The concept is simple: outstanding erotic entertainment provided by prefessionals in a safe environment for groups of lads of all ages and backgrounds. Nobody pesters you to buy them extortionate ‘lady drinks’, there is always something worth watching on stage, and entrance is free. Drinks are reasonably priced - even the erotic ones - and the girls who perform here are on the whole of a far higher phwoar category then elsewhere.QG-3, Dolgi Most 4, tel. +386 (0)41 71 66 12, info@hardcoreclub.si, www.hardcoreclub.si. Open 17:00 - 05:00, Fri 17:00 - 07:00, Sat 21:00 - 05:00. Closed Sun. PJAG June - July 2014

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Sightseeing

Sightseeing top 10 sights Zmajski Most (Dragon Bridge) One of the most photographed sights in Ljubljana, Zmajski Most, or Dragon Bridge, is also one of our personal favourites, topped with four ferocious dragons.QE-3, Resljeva Cesta.

Kongresni Trg Completely renovated in 2011, Kongresni Trg is home to some impressive buildings, and also frequently hosts events.

The name is often used by locals to refer to both the square and the adjacent Zvezda Park.

Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers whilst you’re enjoying your time along the Ljubljanica, photo by Anastasios71 / Shutterstock

Ljubljana Castle is arguably the main attraction for visitors to the city, but all that lies beneath it from the Old Town to Ljubljana’s multitude of museums and galleries are more than worthy of further investigation. The extraordinary combination of treats, from the architecture of Jože Plečnik’s to the historic atmosphere of the Old Town to the occasional blast-to-the-past burst of retro-Yugoslav city planning all work together in harmony to create the most unique of cities.

Bridges Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) Perhaps Ljubljana’s most characteristic structure(s), the triple bridge is a curious merger of a 19th century road bridge (itself replacing a medieval wooden bridge), with two 1930s pedestrian bridges designed by Plečnik, who took the opportunity to do up the whole ensemble with lamps and stone balustrades.QD-3.

Zmajski Most (Dragon Bridge) Since it opened in 1901, Zmajski Most has been locked in a fierce competition with the castle and the conspicuously pink Franciscan Church for the title of Most Photographed Sight in Ljubljana. At any given moment during daylight hours (and only slightly less frequently at night) there is sure to be at least a person or two clicking away at one of the four large dragons guarding either side of the bridge 56 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

or the smaller griffins that adorn the bottom of its eight lamp posts. Of course we’re no exception, as we still remember the fog shrouded photo we snapped on our first trip to the city way back in the forgotten days of analogue film. More recently some amateur artiste apparently felt that the mythical beasts were lacking a certain je ne sais quoi and took it upon themself to add a smattering of red paint to their mouths and claws. The jury is still out on whether or not this is an improvement but it does amuse us whenever we walk past.QE-3, Resljeva Cesta.

Buildings Mestna Hiša (Town Hall) The 15th century Town Hall was dramatically altered over the ages, and given a Baroque facelift in the early 18th century. Note the original medieval coat of arms on the building.

Inside, you can view the Grand Council Chamber, wedding hall and banquet hall. Tours are available by appointment at the tourist office.QD-3/4, Mestni Trg 1, tel. +386 (0)1 306 11 71, galerija@ljubljana.si. Open 09:00 - 19:00.

Nebotičnik (Skyscraper) Believe it or not, this lovely little skyscraper was, at 70 metres, one of the highest buildings in Europe when it was built in 1933. The rooftop café and lounge has also finally reopened after being shuttered for nearly a decade - providing some of the best views in the city.QC-3, Štefanova 1. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Križanke Consisting of several venues located inside a former monastery complex, the summer theatre is another Plečnik creation and one of the most atmospheric concert venues in the city.

Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski Grad) Definitely the most dominant sight in the city, in addition to its extremely photogenic appearance Ljubljana’s famed castle is home to a couple of excellent restaurants, exhibitions spaces and other venues. QD-4, Grajska Planota 1.

Metelkova Mesto F-1/2, Masarykova 24. Since squatters moved into these former army barracks in 1993, Metelkova has slowly grown into an established nightlife centre with various bars, clubs and arts spaces. QF-1/2 facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

Prešernov Trg It’s no exaggeration to say that Prešeren Sqaure is not only the centre of Ljubljana, but truly the spiritual centre of the Slovene nation - and more practically the de facto meeting point in the city. QD-3, Prešeren Square.

River Boat Cruises Slowly meandering through the old town, the Ljubljanica river offers an interesting angle from which to take in the many sights, with a number of tourist boats obligingly plying its waters.

Tivoli Park Ljubljana’s central park, Tivoli offers countless paths, fields and play areas, as well as forest trails on Rožnik hill.

Facilities includes sports centres and a couple museums.

QA/B-2.

Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) Arguably Plečnik’s most famous work (though we would argue otherwise), the famed Triple Bridge connects Prešeren Square with the old town on the other side of the river.QD-3.

Tržnica Ljubljana’s large open-air central market is at its liveliest on Saturday mornings, when seemingly half of the city comes here to buy a week’s supply of fruit and vegetables directly from local farmers.

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Sightseeing Ljubljana castle

Perched on top of Castle Hill (Grajska Planota) and dominating the city skyline to the south, Ljubljana’s magnificent castle stands on the site of several former defensive buildings in a hilly area of land stretching away to the south of the old town. The current ensemble of buildings originates from necessary 16th-century reconstruction work following the earthquake of 1511, with several later additions.

The main points of interest for the visitor are the Outlook Tower (Razgledni Stolp), built in the 19th century and raised a further 1.2m by the government in 1982. The tower’s Virtual Castle screens a 12-minute film showing the interesting and informative history of the castle.

On the same floor find a small door that takes you to the top of the tower up some 100 red cast-iron steps, each individually decorated with an image of the tower and the city’s dragon. A door at the top leads to a small viewing platform (not for the faint hearted) with wonderful views of the city.

Underneath the tower, tucked away through a doorway in the corner of the courtyard, is the diminutive St George’s Chapel (Kapela sv Jurija), which is one of the oldest parts of the castle. It was renovated in Baroque style and in 1747 decorated with the coats-of-arms of over sixty rulers, including Herman and Ulrich of Celje, Henrik of Gorizia County, and Krištof Rauber, a bishop of Ljubljana.

A new and beautifully presented permanent Exhibition on Slovene History is now also open for visitors - see more info under Museums & Galleries. The castle also has a small art gallery featuring temporary exhibitions, a café, restaurant and souvenir shop. It’s also a popular place for local weddings, and during the summer puts on concerts and, in July, hosts a popular outdoor cinema. To reach it, several small paths lead up from the old town, or take the funicular next to the Puppet Theatre and open market.QD-4, Grajska Planota 1, tel. +386 (0)1 306 42 93, info-center@ ljubljanskigrad.si, www.ljubljanskigrad.si. OctoberMarch 10:00-21:00, April-September 09:00-23:00..

Full combined ticket €5-8, half combined ticket €36, Guided tour €6-10. Special discounts for families.

58 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Sightseeing Cemeteries Žale Cemetery (Pokopališče Žale) Built on the site of a much earlier cemetery attached to the neighbouring (and still standing) Holy Cross Church, what’s arguably Plečnik’s Ljubljana masterpiece was completed in 1940. The grand arched entrance complete with stark white colonnades supposedly represents the gateway between the lands of the living and the dead.

Between them and the cemetery itself are a series of peculiar buildings, chapels and monuments including the Žale funeral home. Architectural styles abound, reflecting Plečnik’s vision of equality among religions. The cemetery itself, once you get there, is a pleasure to behold and is worthy of a good hour’s stroll. The final resting place of many Slovenian greats including Plečnik himself, also find a small area given over to the Jewish population of the city.QL/M-2, Med Hmeljniki 2, tel. +386 (0)1420 17 00, info@zale.si, www.zale.si. Open 07:00 - 19:00. AprilSeptember 07:00-21:00.

Churches As you may have already noticed, the old town boasts a number of famous churches dating far back to the Baroque period under the influence of Venetian architecture.

Aside from during mass, most of the main churches are open to the public from 15:00-18:00.

Cathedral (Stolnica Sv. Nikolaja) With its classic twin towers and trademark single, weather-worn green dome, the city’s cathedral, more properly known as St Nicholas’ Church, encapsulates everything that is Ljubljana. Small and interesting, but not too exciting at first glance, a longer look at its history and finer details reveals its hidden charm and beauty. Built on the site of a much earlier church, the cathedral’s main structure and appearance dates from the first half of the 18th century. Inside the Baroque masterpiece is a cavalcade of classic creams and golds, littered with extraordinarily detailed frescoes and possessing that calming feeling that only a great church can bring.QD-3, Dolničarjeva 1, tel. +386 (0)1234 26 70, lj-stolnica@rkc.si, lj-stolnica. rkc.si.

Franciscan Church (Frančiškanski Samostan) Built in an instantly recognisable, mildly swirly Baroque fashion, Ljubljana’s mid-16th-century Franciscan Church dominates Prešernov Trg like a big pink birthday cake. Part of a larger complex with an additional Franciscan monastery, if you’re lucky enough to find the doors unlocked expect a few treats inside including Robba’s 18th-century altar, some charming frescoes dating from 100 years or so later and a chapel notable for containing a cross designed by none other than Jože Plečnik. For those who don’t appreciate the finer points of ecclesiastic architecture, the front steps do at least provide a nice place to sit and watch the world go by on a gloriously sunny day.

QD-3, Prešernov Trg 4, tel. +386 (0)1242 93 00. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Orthodox Church (Pravoslavna Cerkev) Built alongside the southwestern perimeter of Tivoli Park in 1936 to serve the city’s Serbian community, this wholly unremarkable church complete with all the usual ostentatious details, is worth visiting during services, daily at 10:00.QB-2, Prešernova, tel. +386 (0)1252 40 02.

Museums & Galleries While Ljubljana’s museums and galleries are likely not the top reason for most visitors coming to the city, the breadth and scope of what’s on offer is more than enough to keep you busy for days on end.

City Museum (Mestni Muzej Ljubljana) A magnificent museum run by a team of historians who know how to show people a good time, showcasing Ljubljana in all its good and bad colours throughout history.

Featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions, this is the best place in town for a crash-course in city history. Find scale models of unfulfilled Plečnik creations, elaborate costumes, old photographs and much more besides. Check out the fabulous little website for upcoming exhibitions.QC-4, Gosposka 15, tel. +386 (0)1241 25 00, info@mestnimuzej.si, www.mestnimuzej.si. Open 10:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 21:00. Closed Mon. Admission €4/2,50. English-language guided tours last Sun at 11:00.

Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzej Sodobne Umetnosti Metelkova) Along with the Slovene Ethnographic Museum and a branch of the National Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art rounds out Ljubljana’s newly christened Museum Quarter located between Metelkova and Tabor in the centre of the city. Nearly two years of renovations has transformed the former administrative building into the city’s most dynamic arts space, with rooms of all shapes and sizes situated around a vaulting central atrium. The museum is focussed on works from the 1960s to the present day, and boasts a permanent collection devoted to Eastern Europe’s postwar avant garde movement, as well as a selection of works from its sister institution, the Museum of Modern Art. Definitely a must-see for art fans.QF-2, Maistrova 3, info@mg-lj.si, www.mg-lj.si. Open 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. Admission €5 adults, €2.50 students/pensioners, €3.50 groups.

Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Galerija) Following a lengthy renovation, the doors of Edvard Ravnikar’s Plečnik-inspired building have finally reopened to the public. Continuing on from where the National Gallery stops, the city’s excellent Museum of Modern Art houses a fine collection of Slovenian and international 20th-century art.QB-3, Tomšičeva 14, tel. +386 (0)12 41 68 00, info@mg-lj.si, www.mg-lj.si. Open Tues-Sun 10:00-18:00. Closed Mon and holidays. Admission €5 for adults, €2.50 for students/pensioners. No admission fee first Sunday of every month. facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

National Gallery (Narodna Galerija) Inside Czech architect František Edmund Škabrout’s fabulous late 19th-century neo-Renaissance masterpiece with an additional modern wing thrown on for good measure, this above-average gallery features the very best in Slovenian art from the 13th century up to the first half of the 20th century, including paintings by such notable artists as Ivan Grohar (1867-1911), Richard Jakopič (1869-1943) and Ivana Kobilca (1861-1926). The other permanent exhibition in the building focuses on European painting, and includes some really fine examples of the Renaissanceperiod Italian painting through to the more modernist work of the early 20th century. The gallery also contains a small gift shop, which has several good books and postcards.QB/C-2, Prešernova 24, tel. +386 (0)1 241 54 18, info@ng-slo.si, www.ng-slo.si. Open 10:00 - 18:00.

Closed Mon. Admission €3.5-7.

National Museum of Contemporary History (Muzej Novejše Zgodovine Slovenije) If you needed a reason to visit Tivoli Park, it’s here.

This fascinating museum inside a wonderful 18th-century mansion presents the history of Slovenia from the period around the start of WWI until the Slovenian Presidency of the EU in 2008. Using a combination of well-presented exhibits including old photographs, clothing and household items the museum charts the often wobbly path of the nation through and between the two world wars and

urbana card

Urbana Ljubljana Tourist Card Rated as one of Europe’s best city cards, Tourism Ljubljana’s Urbana offers free admission to all of the city’s main sights as well as free unlimited transport LPP’s extensive urban bus network. The card can be purchased at most hotels and all three of Ljubljana’s Tourist Information Centres (on Adamič-Lundrovo Nabrežje, at the main train station and on Krekov Trg). Prices are €23/30/35 for 24/48/72 hours, and the card - which contains RFID chip - is activated upon its first use. Order online and save 10% of the regular price!Qwww. visitljubljana.si. 24-hour card €23, 48-hour card €30, 72-hour card €35.

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Sightseeing the difficult and truly fascinating post-war communist years. The building itself is worth seeing alone, being a marvellous combination of original Baroque and the interesting modernist work of the Slovenian architect Jurij Kobe, dating from 1991.QB-1, Celovška 23, tel. +386 (0)1 300 96 10, uprava@muzej-nz.si, www.muzej-nz. si. Open 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. Open Tues - Sun 10:00-18:00. Closed Mon. Admission €3.50 for adults, €2.50 for children, €8 family.

National Museum of Slovenia (Narodni Muzej) Found lurking inside another of the city’s fine, late 19th-century neo-Renaissance buildings complete with fine painted ceilings and elaborate sculptures on the stairs, this is the oldest museum in country, founded way back in 1821. Permanent displays include an intriguing collection dedicated to the Slovenians and the Slovenian language alongside the usual bits and pieces of interest dug out of the ground, plus a large ensemble of almost 200 examples of carved stonework dating from Roman times excavated in the city and surrounding regions.QB3, Prešernova 20, tel. +386 (0)12 41 44 00, info@nms. si, www.nms.si. Open 10:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 20:00.

Admission €4-8.5.

ljubljana zoo Ljubljana Zoo (Živalski Vrt) Located to the west of the city centre, and surrounded by the natural forests at the edge of Rožnik hill, the zoo is easily reached by public transport (bus 23), taxi (€34) or on foot (25-35 minutes). Thanks to its position it stays refreshing cool here during the summer months, and is completely insulated from the noise and commotion of the city throughout the year.QI-3, Večna Pot 70, tel. +386 (0)1 244 21 88, info@zoo.si, www. zoo.si. Open daily 09:00-16:00 in Jan-Feb, 09:0017:00 in Mar & Oct, 09:00-18:00 in Apr & Sept, and 09:00-19:00 May-Aug. Admission €7 for adults, €6 student/seniors, €4-5 children, €2 persons with disabilities, €1.5 dogs. Free for children under 2.

National Museum of Slovenia - Metelkova The newest wing of the National Museum can be found in Metelkova, the subversive beating heart of the city. Being Metelkova it was always going to have an artistic spin with what it offers, and we aren’t disappointed.

The Slovene Ethnographic Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Slovenian Cinemateque and the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage are all here, as well as a permanent exhibition showcasing the heritage of applied art throughout the country.QMaistrova 1a, tel. +386 (0)1 230 70 30, info@nms.si, www.nms.si. Open 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. Slovenian Natural History Museum (Prirodoslovni Muzej) Attached to Ljubljana’s National Museum, the Natural History Museum isn’t the best in the world by a long way but it does offer an assortment of oddities to beat the rainy blues away or to simply keep the children amused for a while. Among the many peculiar displays of shells, rocks and an almost complete set of mammoth bones, the human fish is perhaps the museum’s strangest display. Known so for its pinky human flesh appearance, the little Proteus anguinus is a blind amphibian found exclusively in a relatively small area including parts of Slovenia, Italy, Croatia and Herzegovina. The gift shop features a handful of fun things for the kids including small build-your-own dinosaur kits.QB-3, Prešernova 20, tel. +386 (0)1 241 09 40, uprava@pmslj.si, www2.pms-lj.si. Open 10:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 20:00. Admission €2.5-3, combined admission with National Museum of Slovenia €3-5.

Parks & Gardens Botanical Gardens (Botanični Vrt) Nearly 200 years old, this garden is part of the biology department of Ljubljana University and has 2 hectares of protected landscape, with over 4500 species of native and foreign plants. Guided tours of groups over 15 people are possible for a small fee and when booked 10 days in advance.QL-4, Ižanska 15, tel. +386 (0)14 27 12 80, botanicni.vrt@siol.net, www.botanicni-vrt.si. Open 07:00-19:00, Jul-Aug 07:00-20:00, November-March 07:00-17:00. Admission free for individuals, €1-2,5 guided views (€35-50/group).

Tivoli Park Tivoli is where the people of Ljubljana who don’t leave the city spend the weekend. Laid out in 1813 as a place for the general health and recreation of the city’s population, at some five square kilometres, Ljubljana’s gargantuan bucolic lung - literally two streets west of the city centre - is so packed with good things to see and do that it’s almost worth visiting the Slovenian capital just to come here.

Set amidst rolling hills, Tivoli Park is a pleasant mixture of lawns (picnics encouraged: something of a shock in this part of the world), pastures, wooded areas and fun adventure playgrounds for the kids (who will love the mini-golf best of all). The best way to enjoy the park is by bike, and

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ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Ljubljana celebrates 2000 years of Emona Exactly 2000 years ago, in what is now the city centre of modern Ljubljana, the Roman colony of Emona was constructed. As first urban settlement in the Ljubljana area, the outpost played an important role in the defence systems of the Roman Empire, and flourished until the 5th century. This year Ljubljana celebrates its 2000th anniversary with a special cultural programme. Visitors can discover and experience Emona on special guided tours, which even include tastings of ancient Roman cuisine. In museums, galleries and open-air sites there will be various interesting exhibitions, including costumed performances that will carry spectators back to the 1st century, workshops for children and adults, as well as lots of other events, more info about which can be found at www.visitljubljana.com.

Exhibitions

Josef Koudelka: Vestiges 1991-2012

20 May - 3 Sept, Jakopič Gallery The exhibition features a series of photographs by renowned photographer Josef Koudelka, depicting the ancient monuments of the Mediterranean region.

Aquae Iasae

21 May - 26 Oct 2014, Cankarjev Dom Gallery This exhibition will present the latest archeological discoveries from the Varaždin spas in Croatia.

Ljubljana Urban Development

11 June - 14 Sept, Ljubljana Castle Mutlimedia exhibition presenting the diverse history of urban development in the Ljubljana area.

Emona: A City of the Empire

30 May 2014 - 31 May 2015, City Museum of Ljubljana This exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the Roman city of Emona. Learn about the city’s birth, life and ultimate decline, as well as the everyday life of its residents, and the heritage they left behind.

Events

Ave, Emona!

22-24 Aug 2014, Kongresni Trg & Zvezda Park For three days in August Emona will come to life in Kongresni trg and Zvezda park, with Roman citizens, legionnaires and indigenous people settling there. Costumed societies from Slovenia and abroad will recreate events from the time of Emona. You will witness life in a Roman camp, displays of arts and crafts, dances and culinary skills as well as roman military skills and gladiator fights. You will also be able to buy artisan products from the roman market and sample Roman refreshments in an ancient tavern.

Guided Tours

Experiencing the Roman city of Emona

Experience the remnants of Roman Emona accompanied

by Roman legionnaires and a Roman guide. Visit archeological parks, take a look in the City Museum of Ljubljana, and try old Roman specialities.

Schedule: 1 May - 30 Sept, Wed and Fri at 16:00 (except in the case of rain). Price: €15, children (4-12) €7.50

Experiencing the Roman city of Emona by torchlight

Go 2000 years in the past and discover life Roman Emona at night by torchlight. Visitors are accompanied by a Roman legionnaire and led by a Roman guide, who will unveil the rich heritage of Roman Ljubljana at archeological sites and hidden corners of the city, where you can also try old Roman specialities.

Schedule: 1 May - 30 Sept, Thur and Sat at 20:00 (except in the case of rain). Price: €16, children (4-12) €8 All tours are in both Slovene and English, and start at TIC on Stritarjeva Ulica, lasting 2hrs. Group tours in Slovene, English, German and Spanish can also be arranged on request starting at €10 per person. For more information and tickets contact TIC at tel. 01 306 1215, email tic@ visitljubljana.si, or see www.visitljubljana.com.

Ljubljana OLD TOWN

Ljubljana EXPERIENCE

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Sightseeing

Sightseeing Archeological Parks

bicycles are available for rent from various points throughout the park during the summer. You will need to leave ID as a guarantee you will bring the bike back.

As well as its reputation as the top nature spot in the area, Tivoli Park also houses a number of cultural sights including the International Centre of Graphic Arts in the glorious 17th century Tivolski Grad (Tivoli Mansion), the Museum of Modern History and, in the park’s far southwestern reaches, in an area designated as a nature reserve, the city’s half-decent zoo. Also look out for the monument to Primoz Trubar at the entrance to the park. Truboz was an early force in Slovene literature and the creation of a Slovene national identity.QA/B-2.

River Cruises Barka Ljubljanica No trip to Ljubljana is complete without taking a waterbased tour, and the handmade wooden boat operated by the young team at Laker Craft is easily the most attractive of all the crafts plying the waters of the Ljubljanica. Even for those who live here, it’s like viewing the city for the first time, drawing ones attention to details that are invisible from solid ground. A standard ride lasts just under an hour, and offers views of most of the old town’s major sights from a unique vantage point, and private trips can also be arranged, offering a unique way to impress business clients or have an unforgettable romantic evening. The 10m flat-bottomed vessel is constructed of solid larch and oak wood, and can host up to 50 people at a time, while catering can also be arranged through a number of local restaurants. Moored just next to Novi Trg along the redeveloped Breg waterfront, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from parking garage at Kongresni Trg.QBreg 2, tel. + 386 (0)31 662 348, info@ barka-ljubljanica.si, www.barka-ljubljanica.si. Operates 11:00-20:00 from May-Oct and 15:00-21:00 from Nov-Jan. Rides €8 per person, children under 12 free.

Private hire from €120.

Squares Mestni Trg (Town Square) The centre of medieval Ljubljana, the town’s main square was damaged in the 1511 earthquake and subsequently re64 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

built in Baroque style. The square houses the Town Hall, City Art Museum, the decorated 16th century Lichtenberg house and the Souvan house with its Empire façade.QD-3/4.

Prešernov Trg (Prešeren Square) Formally a meeting place for several roads in front of one of the old entrance gates to the city, and a public square since Ljubljana’s original defensive walls were torn down in the middle of the 19th century, this is one of the city’s most important landmarks. Named after Slovenia’s national poet France Prešeren (German, Franz Prescheren, 1800-

Tourist information Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre (TIC) A small but extremely well equipped resource with plenty of maps, brochures galore in English, information about what’s on in the city and a range of information on what to see and do in the region. They also organise tours, can help with accommodation, and should be one of your first ports of call when you arrive. Their website is one of the best we’ve seen in Central Europe and is well worth further investigation. Friendly, informative staff too.QD-3, AdamičLundrovo Nabrežje 2, tel. +386 (0)13 06 12 15, fax +386 (0)13 06 12 04, tic@visitljubljana.si, www. visitljubljana.com. Open daily Oct-May 08:00-19:00, June-Sept 08:00-21:00.

Slovenian Tourist Information Center (STIC) Ljubljana’s central tourist office is a bit larger and usually less crowded than the main branch located a few hundred metres away opposite Prešeren Square, and they also helpfully stock heaps of maps, brochures and general information for the entire country. Tickets for most events in and around town can be purchased, and the staff will gladly give you a run down of the various tours and excursions on offer. Bicycle rentals are also available for only €8 per day, and are a great way to see more of the city.QC-3, Krekov Trg 10, tel. +386 (0)1 306 45 75, fax +386 (0)1 306 45 80, stic@visitljubljana. com, www.visitljubljana.com. Open Oct-May 08:0019:00, Sat, Sun & holidays 09:00-17:00, Jun-Sept 08:00-21:00 daily. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

In 14 AD Jesus was in the middle of his awkward teenage years, Tiberius became the 2nd emperor of the Roman Empire upon the death of his stepfather Augustus, widespread famine hit China forcing many people to turn to cannibalism, and the Romans founded a permanent civilian settlement along a picturesque river in the shadow of the Alps called Emona, which of course would later grow into a quaint little world capital called Ljubljana.

In addition to lending its name to various 21st century establishments (see hotel Emonec, restaurant Emonska Klet and the Emona train to Vienna), this early Roman settlement left its mark on - or rather under - modern Ljubljana in the form of well-preserved ruins located within the city’s original 435m by 523m ground plan. Of all the remnants that this early civilisation left behind, three separate sites have been extensively excavated and opened to the public: the Emonan House, an early Christian centre and the Roman wall - all of which are comprise the City Museum of Ljubljana’s archeological parks.

Early Christian Centre The Early Christian Centre is situated on Erjavčeva Cesta, just behind the Cankarjev Dom cultural centre. Excavations unearthed a Roman residential building, which, like the majority of Emonan houses, was built at the beginning of the 1st century. During its nearly 500 years of existence it was rebuilt several times, with the first major rebuilding undertaken in the early 4th century, when it was likely turned into private baths. In the second half of the 4th century, one section of the house was rebuilt as an early Christian chapel, and shortly thereafter a rectangular baptistery was built alongside the central courtyard. The baptistery floor is covered in a multi-coloured mosaic with still visible inscriptions bearing the names of the Emonans who donated the funds for its construction, which confirms that there was already a strong community of Christians residing in Emona at that time.

QB-4, Erjavčeva 18, www.mgml.si. Open from April till October. Appointments and information in the City Museum. Admission €4/2.50.

A mosaic from the Early Christian Centre

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Emonan House

Emonan House A short walk south of the City Museum, at the edge of the present-day city centre, is the Emonan House archeological park, which was only discovered during excavations in the early 1960s. The remains date from the late 4th and early 5th centuries, and judging from various amenities it was likely home to a wealthy and respectable Roman family.

The central dwelling place was what is termed a summer room, with a floor made up of a two-coloured geometrical mosaic, which only the rich could afford at that time. On the other side, the passage led to the so-called winter room, featuring a preserved hypocaust heating system. The building was also connected to a sewage system: waste water left the building through small drains covered by stones into a larger collection sewage drain (sewer) flowing below the nearby road and leading to the Ljubljanica River.QC-5, Mirje 4, www.mgml. si. Open from April to October. Appointments and information in the City Museum. Admission €4/2.50.

Roman Wall Perhaps the most impressive of all the Emona monuments are the former city walls, which can be found along Mirje just south of the city centre. Originally surrounding the town, the walls were nearly uniformly 2.5m thick and reached heights of between 6-8m, with four main gates. In a period of rapid urban expansion following the first World War, the Ljubljana city council made the decision to tear down the last remaining section of the walls so they could sell off the land for development and alleviate traffic congestion. However, thanks largely to the efforts of France Stelé, who was then head of the city’s monuments office, there was a public outcry against the proposal, leading the council to reverse its decision and restore the walls. The design of the restoration works was awarded to famed Slovene architect Jože Plečnik in 1926, and although his blending of modern and classical elements are now considered one of the Ljubljana’s top attractions, at the time it proved quite controversial and the project was not completed until 1934. Explore the wall’s passageways, pillars and pyramid on a sunny day and decide for yourself.QB-5, Mirje, www.mgml.si. Open 00:00 - 24:00.

Admission free.

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Sightseeing Lipica Stud Farm

Treasure trove of impressive history

Lipica Stud Farm has flourished tremendously since its conception over 400 years ago. Set amongst beautiful natural surroundings,it is not only home to more than 350 Lipizzaner horses, but also very rich in history. Since its foundation by the Habsburg Archduke Charles II in 1580, Lipica has become one of the most prominent attractions Slovenia has to offer.

One of the many reasons this stud farm stands so proudly today is the origin of the Lipizzaner. These capable and distinguished horses have taken a major part in the development of this amazing establishment since the very beginning, and are reputed for having an eagerness to learn. Best of all they have been particularly well-trained in the art of riding, which has enabled a large assortment of activities and events to occur frequently, making now more than a fine time to pay a visit.

To put it simply, Lipikum museum excels in portraying the amazing Lipizzaner through modern presentations, with both interactive displays and classical exhibits. It will leave you knowing more than you could hope to, and all through a pleasant and amusing experience for both adults and children. The Stud Farm also offers a nice and informative tour (available in English, Italian, German, Croatian, French and Slovene), where friendly guides will see that you are well informed about Lipica’s most beloved beast, and extensive history how of how it came to be.

For centuries Lipizzaners have incorporated carriage drawing into their area of expertise. Now, you can take a carriage ride through Lipica’s colourful and peaceful atmosphere of groomed grounds, with your own friendly carriage driver.

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All you need to know about where to sleep, eat, drink, visit and enjoy Online

To get a little more active, Lipica Stud Farm hosts a variety of invigorating horse riding programmes, as well as lessons for more advanced riders. If you ever imagined yourself as a brave knight of old then you just might want to seize the days and give it a try! On a side-note, they also offer pony riding lessons for kids between three and seven years old, where, for a very reasonable price, the little one will learn the basics of riding horses, and more importantly, how to treat them.

At the end of a tiring and eventful day, retreat to the comfort of your accommodation, where you can enjoy various delicacies of the Karst, and relay in the peace of the secluded location, resting up for the next day’s learning, riding, show or indeed onward journey. By virtue of the ample facilities in the main centre, Lipica in as excellent destination either for all manner of conferences, or to get married.

And last but not least, it would be folly not to mention the classical riding school! The pride of the Lipica Stud Farm the cream of the crop stallions training their elegant trots, turns and other skills. The training sessions are open to spectators and of course there is a busy programme of equestrian events and shows to be considered when planning your visit, including the following: FEI International Driving Competition (27-29 June) and Days of the Lipica Stud Farm (12-14 September).

Event or not, anyone with even a passing interest in the long faced beauties should not leave Slovenia without paying Lipica a visit!QLipica 5, Sežana, tel. +386 (0)5 739 1580, fax +386 (0)5 739 1730, info@lipica.org, www.lipica.org. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

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Sightseeing 1849), it’s both a popular meeting place (notably under the large statue of the man after whom the square is named) and a site for concerts and events during the summer.

The charming little public space is ringed by a number of interesting sights including the magnificent Art Nouveau façade of the Urbanc House, an extraordinary piece of early 20th-century flamboyance and site of the soon to be reopened Centromerkur department store.QD-3.

Tours The Tourist Information Centre should be your first stop if you’re interested in any kind of city tour. They offer a variety of scheduled tours for individuals, and can arrange even more for groups with a bit of advanced notice. Prices and itineraries are also clearly listed on their site, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Almost every hotel in the city offers guided tours of one sort or another as well. Some are good, others just a way of making money. You should be able to spot the scams without too much difficulty.

Cook Eat Slovenia One of the most enjoyable aspects of travelling has always been to taste the diverse range of foods that the world has to offer. Slovenia is no different, with traditional food that goes back as far as people do. Cook Eat Slovenia offer culinary workshops in English (€60) as well as a fascinating food tour of Ljubljana (€38). The workshops are as hands-on as you wish them to be, but you don’t need to be a ‘foodie’ to appreciate the

tours

Slocally.com In much the same way that the Slow Food movement revolutionised the way people view the experience of enjoying a good meal, the cleverly named Slocally.com aims to promote a wider movement of Slow Tourism in Slovenia, and offers dozens of unique activities for visitors to participate in - from tasting locally produced foods and wines on family-run farms to experiencing traditional local events and fairs to taking part in a diverse variety of handson workshops. We’re not exaggerating when we say that there’s likely no better or more convenient way to get to know Slovenia. Detailed descriptions and clearly indicated prices can be found on the very informative website, and the passionate creator of the project, Vesna Velišček, is always happy to answer any questions you may have.

QFrankopanska 29, tel. +386 (0)41 432 488, vesna@ slocally.com, www.slocally.com.

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Shopping Swimming poola Laguna City Beach This large water park is located on the northern outskirts of town, but is easily reached by several city bus lines (6, 8, 11), and has been named the best pool in Slovenia seven years in a row. It boasts two pools with over 500m² of surface area, and a smaller third one specially designed for kids. The complex also contains a full-sized wellness centre with various spa and massage treatments (including a hydro-massage pool and jacuzzi), and a sports and fitness centre. Admission prices vary depending on the time and day of the week as well as one’s age, and seasonal passes are also available.QDunajska 270, tel. +386 (0)15 68 39 13, info@laguna.si, www.laguna.si. Pool facilities open daily 09:00-20:00 from May to Oct. Opening times vary for spa and sports facilities. Admission €7.50-16. tastes. The tours take you to some of the best spots in town, with all food and drink covered in the price.

Qtel. +386 (0)40 50 35 04, info@culinaryslovenia. com, www.culinaryslovenia.com.

Ljubljana Free Tours The cult of the free tour has well and truly taken over Europe, and Ljubljana is in. There aren’t many better ways of getting a great introduction to the city from a diverse group of passionate and engaging guides. Meeting on Prešeren Square every day at 11:00, the tour covers everything from the city centre to the medieval old town to spooky (okay, not spooky) hidden alleys and a whole lot more. It also has a number of paid tours available by prior booking, such as a Communist tour and a Mystical tour.

Maybe the future will hold a Mystical Communist Tour. For now, the free tour is the best in town.Qtel. +386 (0)40 55 58 43/+386 (0)40 60 44 76, ljubljanafreetour@gmail. com, www.ljubljanafreetour.com.

Ljubljananjam This project is best described as a hub for foodies in Ljubljana, helping both locals and visitors discover all the great things that the city’s dining scene has to offer: the best food, craft beer, wine and more. The attractive userfriendly English language website, is a great place to find upcoming events, read interviews and generally get a good overview of Ljubljana’s burgeoning culinary initiatives. However, perhaps most interesting are the food and drink walks, which can be tailored to individual tastes.

Kept small and intimate with a maximum of five people, they are guided by Ljubljana natives and highlight independent, local restaurants, small inns, eateries, pubs and cafés that use fresh seasonal and mostly organic ingredients (in other words, the opposite of the usual tourist traps that are inevitably found in every city centre in Europe).

Qwww.ljubljananjam.si. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Find high-quality handmade leather goods at the family-run Viktor Barlič on Mestni Trg

Department Stores

Fashion

Maxi Slovenia’s most storied department store recently received an extensive interior makeover, bringing the modern shopping experience to the heart of the city centre while still maintaining the building’s landmark façade.

Cosmetics, accessories, men’s and women’s fashion – including collections from several noted Slovene designers - are spread across the top three floors, whereas the basement level is home to arguably the country’s best supermarket. Several other shops, boutiques and restaurants are located in the brightly lit underground arcade on the same premises.QC-3, Trg Republike 1, tel. +386 (0)1 476 68 00, info@maxi.si, www.maxi.si. Open 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 08:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.

Ljubljana is home to a selection of renowned international brands, unique boutiques and its very own Slovenianmade designer clothing, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something surprisingly original.

Nama Set in the heart of the city centre, just opposite the central post office, this modern department store offers several floors of clothing for men and women, with brands ranging from sporty to trendy to sophisticated. A large selection of household items can be found on the fourth floor and a supermarket stocked with an appetizing variety of ready meals, salads, produce and other quick eats is in the basement, while the ground floor is where you will find cosmetics and accessories.QC-3, Tomšičeva 2, tel. +386 (0)1 425 83 00, info@nama.si, www.nama.si. Open 09:00 - 20:00. Closed Sun. facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

Betty Barclay With a newly opened store on Ciril Metodov Trg, Betty Barclay continue to provide contemporary clothes for the women of the modern world, with their internationally respected brand adding that extra gravitas desired. A collection for summer 2014 focuses on elegance and sophistication, all the while keeping a close eye on the latest trends.

Betty Barclay is for those who want a genuine enjoyment of fashion of the most current designQCiril Metodov Trg 2, tel. +386 (01) 439 37 90, tkan.mackova@siol.net, www.bettybarclay.com. Open 09:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00 13:00. Closed Sun. Forma F+ One of Ljubljana’s largest fashion and sporting good megastores, in addition to the individual approach and personal advice from resident professional athletes - Jure Košir, Drago Grubelnik, Rene Mlekuz - Forma F+ also offers an exclusive range of top brands, including Quiksilver, Roxy, Rossignol, SuperDry, Columbia and Nike. It’s located on three floors of the Crystal Palace building in BTC City, and there’s also a Forma F+ Outlet in Hala 11, where items June - July 2014

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Shopping sincere happiness and endless comfort. Since 1893 the brand has been an indispensable companion for children and adults for whom quality and comfort are important.

QD-4, Stari Trg 30, tel. +386 (0)5 993 49 89, petitbateau@siol.net, www.liliinroza.si. Open 09:00 - 19:30, Sat 09:00 - 14:00. Closed Sun. Quiksilver The Ljubljana branch of the well-known international sporting apparel shop, stocks a variety of fashionable casual and sportswear for both men and women, whether your destination is the beach, the ski slopes or the mountains.QD-4, Mestni Trg 10, tel. +386 (0)1 251 10 73/+386 (0)51 222 069, boardridersclub.lj@gmail.com. Open 10:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 15:00.

FORMA F+, BTC Kristalna palača, Ljubljana

Shirts from 39.95 € Shorts from 49. 95 € Flip-flops from 19.95 €

from last season can be bought with a significant discount.QM-2, Ameriška 8, BTC City, tel. +386 (0)5 994 61 80/+386 (0)1 300 08 26, info@fplus.si, www.fplus. si. Open 09:00-20:00. Closed Sun and holidays.

Krznarstvo Eber This small boutique, located just metres from Prešeren square, has been trading in the finest furs for nearly 100 years. Fourth generation Milena Eber carries on the family tradition, lovingly repairing fur coats as well as producing one of a kind pieces using sustainablysourced pelts of every ilk. ​K rzanstvo Eber sell everything from gifts and home wares to accessories and apparel such as stunning fur coats - a big trend this season. Whilst we’re no fur experts, Krzanstvo Eber’s century-long history and large number of Russian customers certainly vouch for the quality of their products.QWolfova 6, tel. +386 (0)1 421 57 00, info@ krznarstvo-eber.com, www.krznarstvo-eber.com.

Open 09:00-19:00, Sat 09:00-12:00 and by prior arrangement. Closed Sun. Mandarina Duck Mandarina Duck is an innovative designer brand that offers simple, unique and creative solutions for people who are ambitious, curious, positive and always up-to-date on the latest trends. The brand’s range includes handbags, business bags, wallets and luggage.veQC/D-3, Wolfova 1, tel. +386 (0) 1 251 10 10, www.bags.si. Open 09:30 19:00, Sat 09:00 - 14:00. Closed Sun. 70 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Marina Yachting Ideally located on Novi Trg in Ljubljana’s old town, Marina Yachting brings the fashions of the sea to the city. Using lightweight materials allowing for maximum comfort, the traditions of the sailors are respected at every turn as modern twists are developed creating clothes to be worn for every occasion. Nothing is rushed, and the care taken over each garment is obvious to all. The brand is constantly evolving, producing fashionable and classy attire with ease.QC-4, Novi Trg 6, tel. +386 (0)1 425 1107, marina. yachting@amis.net, www.liliinroza.si. Open 09:00 19:30, Sat 09:00 - 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 14:00.

Max&Co MAX&Co. is all about style and glamour: a perfectly calibrated blend of typically Italian quality and creativity. Sartorial tradition and state-of-the-art technology is applied to fashion design, and MAX&Co.’s collections are the fruit of a constantly evolving attitude and the desire to experiment and innovate, which constitutes the pioneering ethos of the brand. MAX&Co. are distinguished by a fresh, contemporary international flair and purposefully designed to be reinterpreted according to one’s moods and whims.QD-3, Miklošičeva 1, tel. +386 (0)1 241 47 45, maxandco@siol.net, www.liliinroza.si. Open 09:00 - 19:30, Sat 09:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun. Petit Bateau Petit Bateau is a century-old tradition based on the things that should be a part of everyday life: Youthful playfulness, ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Viktor Barlič This family-run enterprise has been producing high-quality handmade leather goods since first opening its doors on Mestni Trg back in 1954. Nowadays the third generation of the Barlič family specialises in the design and creation of original handbags and other leather accessories, combining traditional handmade methods with modern fashion trends. No two bags are exactly alike and the selection changes weekly, making this is the perfect shop for those who take pride in being unique. A carefully chosen range of imported women’s footwear is also available. The shop is a winner of the prestigious Ljubljana Quality Selection, so you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands.QD-4, Mestni Trg 8, tel. +386 (0)1 251 2908, info@barlic.si, www.barlic. si. Open 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 15:00.

Slovenian Designers Cliché Shop Gallery Ljubljana-based Cliché Jelena Leskovar is one of the most intriguing fashion labels in the so-called ‘new Europe’. The designs are all created using a principle of FQ, or Fashion Intelligence Quotient, which promotes the longevity of forms and compatibility of pieces from new collections with previous ones. Cliché’s shop and gallery on Novi Trg offers both collections from its own brand, as well as complimentary accessories from designers based in Europe, the US and Japan.QC-4, Novi Trg 6, tel. +386 (0)1 42 63 152/+386 (0)31 372 990, info@cliche.si, www.cliche.si.

Open 12:00 - 20:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 14:00.

Second hand/vintage

Moje Tvoje A unique concept shop, Moje Tvoje (or ‘mine is yours’) offers a great selection of reasonably priced vintage and second-hand clothing, as well as some original jewellery created by young Slovene designers. Just for good measure the place also doubles as gallery space for locals artists, with exhibitions changing every month or two. Find it down a small passageway off Mestni Trg not far from Town Hall.QD-4, Mestni Trg 8, tel. +386 (0)40 127 973, mojetvoje-secondhand.si. Open 10:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 17:00. exclusively from Slovenia and have received various quality awards. A second location can be found in the Plečnik Arcade at the central market, and their products can also be purchased at Domača Vas in Kranj.QL-3, Bezenškova 11, tel. +386 (0)1 586 24 37, www.mesarstvo-krusic.si. Open 08:00 - 18:00, Sat 08:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun.

Gifts & Souvenirs Take a little something of Ljubljana home with you or for your family. Keep an eye out for products carefully made by local artists and designers often depicting the beauty of Ljubljana within paintings, crafts, embroidery, ornaments, photography, clothes and much more. Čokoladnica Cukrček A charming, family-run business with four shops in the city, Čokoladnica Cukrček has been delighting adults and making children happily sick for a decade and a half. Among the many fine examples of chocolate for sale include

Food & Drink Mesarstvo Krušič For those looking try a distinctly Slovene culinary staple, the family-run Krušič Butchery is the country’s top provider of horse meat and assorted products. While the thought of eating horse will strike visitors from certain countries as an odd practice, from a nutritional point of view the high protein and low fat meat is much healthier than the more widely consumed alternatives. Using old family recipes, Krušič produces everything from pâtés to dry salami, and of course has a wide selection of fresh raw cuts, all of which come facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

Fresh meat and meat products made by traditional recipes. www.mesarstvo-krusic.si

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Shopping shop. A family-run business, Kraševka provides an outlet for local produce that until recently was only sold directly from the farmer to the passing food-a-phile. It started off specializing in produce from the sea but has now expanded to include all manner of Slovenian delicacies from pumpkin-seed oil to Tiran wines to jams, cheeses, vinegars and dried meats. Catering to the inner gourmet lurking in most of us, Kraševka well lives up to its mission statement of selling ‘home-made foods that are produced with love’.

QD-3, Ciril Metodov Trg 10, tel. +386 (0)12 32 14 45, info@krasevka.si, www.krasevka.si. Open 09:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun. Old Town Souvenirs Situated directly between Prešeren Square and Dragon Bridge, you’re guaranteed to pass by this well-stocked souvenir shop on any walking tour of Ljubljana. In addition to the usual assortment of souvenirs, from magnets and shot glasses to chocolate and schnapps (and of course all manner of dragons), they also offer uniquely designed high-quality t-shirts, which conveniently come in their own gift bag. If the weather is nice, you can even grab a beer or soda to drink along the riverside promenade while writing the obligatory postcards.QD-3, Petkovškovo Nabrežje 27a, tel. +386 (0)1 620 0851, info@old-town. si. Open 09:00 - 19:00.

special Ljubljana dragons in souvenir wooden boxes, fruit covered in chocolate and even chocolate flavoured with salt. In addition to the main location on Mestni Trg, you can find Cukrček in the Nebotičnik passageway, opposite Hotel Union and in Mercator Centre Šiška.QD-3/4, Mestni Trg 11, tel. +386 (0)1 421 04 53, info@benedict.si, www. cukrcek.si. Open 09:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 19:00.

Galerija Rustika Featuring the largest selection of high-quality Slovenian handicraft products in the entire country, Rustika is indeed equal parts gallery and shop. Perusing the collection with the help of a knowledgeable staff member feels a bit like taking a guided tour through all of the many diverse regions and cultures found within Slovenia’s borders. Highlights include traditional beehive panels produced by an awardwinning local artisan, world famous Idrijan lace, and various different seasonal specialties. In addition to their beautiful premises just inside the gates of Ljubljana Castle, there’s a second location near Tromostovje Bridge.QD-4, Ljubljanski Grad, tel. +386 (0)1 251 17 18/+386 (0)31 383 247, www.galerijarustika.si. Open 10:00 - 18:00.

Galerija Rustika QD-3, Stritarjeva 9, tel. +386 (0)1 251 17 18/+386 (0)31 459 509, www.galerijarustika. si. Open 09:00 - 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 20:00.

Kraševka ‘Food glorious food’ goes the song and you may well find yourself humming it as you scan the shelves of this tasty 72 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Piranske Soline Times have changed since Roman soldiers were paid in salt but this mineral still ranks as one of life’s essentials. Here at Piranske Soline the canvas bags that fill the windows and the shelves are full of the stuff. There is salt for cooking, including the famous Piran salt, hand-scraped from coastal deposits, along with salted chocolates and a wide range of salt-related accessories such as salt mills and containers.

And if all the walking you’ve done has made you a little weary, you can pick up some pick-me-ups in the form of bath salts and scrubs.QD-4, Mestni Trg 19, tel. +386 (0)1 425 01 90, piranske.soline@soline.si, www.soline.si.

Open 09:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00 - 15:00, Sun 10:00 - 15:00.

Trgovina Ika Ika puts the creativity of local Slovene artists and fashion designers in the forefront of its shelves, exhibiting a wonderful selection of products such as paintings, ceramics, jewellery and fashion. You can pick up great souvenirs here as a lot of the products represent the beauty of Ljubljana in artistic forms, or if you’re looking for a unique garment or piece of art, you’ve come to the right place.

QD-3, Ciril-Metodov Trg 13, tel. +386 (0)1 232 17 43, info@trgovina-ika.si, www.trgovina-ika.si. Open 10:00 - 19:30, Sat 09:00 - 18:00, Sun 10:00 - 14:00.

Home & Design 1001 Dar While we’ve never personally counted, the name Tisoč in En Dar (Slovene for 1001 Things) seems just about right for this chain of home and design shops, which stock everyljubljana.inyourpocket.com

thing from pillows and blankets to gardening supplies to sushi rolling set and Thai spices. A family-run company for more than 25 year, each product is carefully selected from top international brands for both its usability and aesthetics, as well as personal taste, many of which can’t be found elsewhere in Slovenia. Visit the original shop in the Plava Laguna underpass, or one of four others, including at Citypark in BTC and Mercator Centre in Šiška in Ljubljana, as well as Europark in Maribor.QM-2, Šmartinska 152g (Citypark), tel. +386 (0)1 541 17 30, www.1001dar.si.

Open 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 08:00 - 21:00, Sun 09:00 - 15:00.

Shopping Centres Citypark Boasting over 120 stores of all shapes and sizes, Citypark is Slovenia’s largest shopping centre, and the best place to find pretty much whatever you need while in Ljubljana.

Besides the massive variety of stores - such as XYZ, K&O, Big Bang, Desigual, Hervis, H&M and an Interspar hypermarket - there is a terrific choice of places to eat, from Burger King to Thai food to traditional Slovenian. Unlike the city centre parking is never a problem, and there’s even a large children’s play area to keep the kids occupied. Find the Citypark page on Facebook to stay up to date with new openings and events.QM-3, Šmartinska 152g, tel. +386 (0)1 587 30 50, info@citypark.si, www. citypark.si. Open 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 08:00 - 21:00, Sun 09:00 - 15:00.

Wine, Spirits & Beer Pivoteka Za Popen’t Za Popen’t may be hidden away in a small courtyard off of Stari Trg, but it’s selection of specialty beers is the largest in the country. At last count some 250 different beers from around the world were weighing down the shelves here, nearly all of which can be explained in detail by the friendly and knowledgeable owner or her staff. For those who don’t know much about beers (like us), don’t worry - simply tell them what kind of flavours you like and they will be able to find a beer for you to try!QD-4, Stari Trg 5, tel. +386 (0)1 256 59 16, zapopent@hotmail.com, www. zapopent.si. Open 11:00 - 20:00. Closed Sun. Šnopc o’ Tecca The most amazing thing about this newly opened little shop just off Prešernov Trg is that it’s the first and only venture in Ljubljana dedicated exclusively to selling schnapps, which along with wine and beer is the third member of the holy trinity that has kept the Slovene nation a lively, sociable and extraordinarily friendly bunch over the centuries - not to mention the positive effect it’s had on the reproductive rate! All (half) joking aside, this is the best place to pick up a bottle of traditional spirits for whatever the occasion may be, with some 70 different varieties from more than 200 of the top producers in Slovenia and Serbia.QD-3, Miklošičeva 2, tel. +386 (0)1 425 17 06, info@snopcotecca.si, www. snopcotecca.si. Open 10:00 - 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 15:00. facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

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NEWEST, HIGHEST AND MOST MODERN HOTEL IN LJUBLJANA

Hotels Not surprisingly for a popular tourist and business destination, Ljubljana provides a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. As you’d expect, prices creep up the closer you get to the centre, but the cost of a night here still remains relatively low in comparison with western Europe. The city’s popularity does mean however that places do book up for the summer. Ensuring you get yourself the room you want in the location you want and for the price you want during the summer is highly recommended.

Hotels Over €170 Cubo This relatively new boutique hotel has a great location right in the heart of the city opposite beautiful Kongresni Trg and Zvezda Park. In its couple short years Cubo has already won a host of awards for excellence, including our own IYP Best Business Hotel competition. Its 26 rooms are modern, elegant islands of tranquility, with gorgeous views of the castle and old town, and a friendly professional staff that is always eager to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible. The street-level restaurant serves equally praiseworthy cuisine, and is a popular spot for business lunches.QC-4, Slovenska 15, tel. +386 (0)1 425 60 00, fax +386 (0)1 425 60 20, reception@hotelcubo.com, www. hotelcubo.com. 26 rooms (singles €140, doubles €180, suites €350). PJALKW hhhh Grand Hotel Union Business Attached to its sibling Executive hotel and sharing some but not all of the facilities on offer, accommodation comes in a choice of rooms and suites. Shared facilities include a grand total of 21 conference and banqueting rooms, secure parking and the pleasing fact that the best sights and leisure activities in the city are all close at hand. Check out their extensive website for further information.QD-3, Miklošičeva 3, tel. +386 (0)1 308 1170, business@union-hotels.eu, www. union-hotels.eu. 133 rooms (singles €178-212, doubles €193-227, suites €372-446). PTJHAR6U� FLGKDXCW hhhh Grand Hotel Union Executive In a great location in the heart of the city centre, the Executive offers fine accommodation in a range of tastefully decorated rooms, suites and apartments. Complete with a lovely old world, Art Nouveau ambience, expect an excellent choice of facilities for both business and leisure. Extras include two restaurants, a small bar, airport shuttle service and a decent gift shop. In keeping with its reputation, the hotel also hosts the local bridge club, who meet every Monday at 18:00.QD-3, Miklošičeva 1, tel. +386 (0)1 308 1270, grand@union-hotels.eu, www.unionhotels.eu. 194 rooms (singles €194-233, doubles €209-248, suites €455-546). PJHAR6UFLGK� DXCW hhhh Lev Opened in 1964, Lev boasts a pedigree that has managed to entice notable celebrities, such as Agatha Christie, Kirk 74 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Hotel Listings Policy Hotels are listed strictly by price band, and then by alphabetical order within that band. The price band refers to the rack rate for a double room.

Douglas, Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Dylan and countless others.

A glistening marble lobby serves as a fine overture to 173 high quality, air-conditioned rooms, ranging from singles to suites. All come complete with amenities every guest looks for, including complementary wireless internet access. Hotel Lev offers also conference services and high-end Mediterranean cuisine, served in the award-winning á la carte Restaurant Pri Levu.QC-2, Vošnjakova 1, tel. +386 (0)1 308 7000, lev@union-hotels.eu, www.union-hotels.eu. 173 rooms (singles €200-286, doubles €240-312). PJHA� R6UFGKXW hhhh

Hotels €100-170 Antiq A superb location in the heart of the old town with a host of rooms to suit all tastes and budgets. Featuring a welcoming little lobby with lots of nice feminine touches, the rooms have been given a distinctly boutique hotel feel, with huge wooden beds, patterned carpets, interesting paintings on the walls and some really smart pieces of furniture. Even the small budget economy rooms have been approached with a tasteful eye, whereas at the other end of the spectrum the superiors come with bags of space, lovely chandeliers and magnificent bathrooms. Room 13 on the other hand takes a different, more modernistic approach, with wooden floors and minimalist furniture.

QD-4, Gornji Trg 3, tel. +386 (0)1 421 35 60, fax +386 (0)1 421 35 65, info@antiqhotel.eu, www.antiqhotel.eu.

Open 00:00 - 24:00. 16 rooms (singles €85-110, doubles €156-206, extra bed €50). PJAR6IGW hhhh Austria Trend Near the ring road 2km north of the city centre, this vast business class hotel provides high quality rooms in four different categories, plus a range of other excellent services and facilities including a wellness centre, conference rooms, restaurants, a fine cocktail bar and a fun oyster and sushi bar. Popular for both relaxing business stays as well as a variety of different functions, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better hotel of this type in the city.QL-2, Dunajska 154, tel. +386 (0)15 88 25 00, fax +386 (0)15 88 25 99, ljubljana@austria-trend.at, www.austria-trend.at/ lju. Open 00:00 - 24:00. 214 rooms (singles €100-125, doubles €140-220, suites €130-210, apartments €225).

POHA6UFGKDXW Best Western Premier Hotel Slon On the site of the oldest hotel in Ljubljana, the Slon is the best value stay in the city. For a very reasonable price you get a ton of luxury, from a pillow menu (yes, really) to sheets ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

HIGHLIGHTS OF PLAZA HOTEL LJUBLJANA 236 modern, comfortable and spacious rooms Free Wi-Fi and tness Superb cuisine and a large selection of wines Free admitance into Atlantis Water Park (swimming pools) Great location and accessibility Parking space on the hotel parking site and in garage for only 8 EUR per day Special prices for transfer to the City Centre (5 EUR per car) and to the airport (25 EUR per car) Immediate proximity to shopping centres and entertainment areas

Where to stay

Where to stay of only the purest cotton. The breakfast is a buffet affair of the highest quality; you should turn up early if you want to have time to taste everything. Add in a small fitness centre and sauna, free Wi-Fi, home entertainment centres in every room, tremendous service and a location in the very heart of the city, and you have one hell of a package.QC-3, Slovenska 34, tel. +386 (0)1 470 11 00, fax +386 (0)1 251 71 64, sales@hotelslon.com, www.hotelslon.com. Open 00:00 - 24:00. 168 rooms (singles €75 - 134, doubles €110160, triples €165-180, suites €201-335). PJHA� R6UIGKDXW hhhh Central The classic three-star hotel experience, the Central is the little brother of the three Union hotels in the city. Geared up exceptionally well for the tourist market, the reception is crammed with the latest useful information about the city and surrounding region. There’s a popular on-site bar and café, and the rooms feature everything you need for a good value stay right in the heart of the city centre. Excellent value accommodation indeed.QD-2, Miklošičeva 9, tel. +386 (0)1 308 4300, central@union-hotels.eu, www.union-hotels.eu. 74 rooms (singles €90-167, doubles €100-197, suites €286-343).

PJHAR6UFGKDXCW hhh

Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons Pot za Brdom 4 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia T +386 1 47 02 700 FOURPOINTS.COM/LJUBLJANAMONS

opening soon june 30, 2014

Always a great stay

• Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel • Selected house beer with Best BrewsTM • Weekly after-work BBQ parties • Great food at the Atrium Restaurant and cozy

atmosphere at The Bar

©2011–2012 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Four Points and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

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G Design The exceedingly modern G Design may be one of Ljubljana’s newest hotels, but it also boasts over two hundred years of tradition, as the still functioning (and beautifully restored) Gostilna Gorjanc restaurant has been serving travellers at the same location since the end of the 18th century. The large well-furnished rooms feature soft lighting and super comfortable beds, with panoramic views of Ljubljana castle in the distance. Well-equipped conference facilities and meeting rooms are available, and for a real treat you can dine ‘in bed’ at the unique G Super Club. The hotel is conveniently situated just off the Brezovica exit on the motorway, at the edge of the forest just a short drive south of the city centre.QH-5, Tržaška 330, tel. +386 (0)1 200 91 00, fax +386 (0)1 200 91 30, info@gdesignhotel.si, www.gdesignhotel.si. 22 rooms (singles €85-115, doubles €120-150, suites €220-250).

HAULKW hhhh Ljubljana Resort Just a few kilometres out of the centre, Ljubljana Resort offers an inspiring oasis for the entire family with accommodations in the form of hotel rooms (with breakfast), campers, and space to set up your own tents. There are also two large restaurants; the Laguna swimming facility with pools and hot tubs; and quite a few indoor and outdoor sports facilities. In the evenings, the resort regularly holds concerts and other night time entertainment. The staff is small but exceedingly friendly and is available 24 hours a day to make sure that you enjoy every minute of your stay.QL-1, Dunajska 270, tel. +386 (0)1 568 39 13, fax +386 (0)1 568 39 12, ljubljana.resort@gpl.si, www.ljubljanaresort. si. 62 rooms (singles €60-115, doubles €70-130, triples €99-160, family €135-200). PTHAULEG� BKXCSW ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

No wonder that the Hotel Ljubljana is known as the prime address for elegant lodging in Ljubljana! Our hotel awaits you with all the amenities you would except from a modern high-end hotel: an inspiring atmosphere, exclusive comfort, state-of-the-art facilities, stunning design, elegant details, professional service, international flair and the most spacious hotel rooms in Ljubljana (measuring from 30 m² minimum to 160 m²)! And let us not forget about the spacious wellness area and our highly professional conference service.

A true highlight of our hotel is the perfect location! The main attractions and the Ljubljana city centre can easily be reached by public transport. The Old Town, the Convention Centre, the Faculty of Economics, the BTC shopping centre, the Krvavec skiing resort, several golf courses and Center Stozice are situated in the vicinity of the hotel as well.

Our 214 rooms await you with understated, elegant design and offer every conceivable comfort. All our rooms feature a bathroom, air conditioning, a safe, a minibar, a hairdryer, an LCD television, cable television and free WLAN. For our guests, who stay in our Executive room or in a Prestige or Presidential suite, we offer a free shuttle service to the Ljubljana city centre and complimentary access to the "Sense Wellness Club".

Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons A stylish hotel located in natural surroundings next to the Ljubljana Brdo exit of the A2 motorway, Mons was designed by the famous architect Boris Podrecca. It offers elegant, modern rooms with air-conditioning and views of the pine forest, as well as free Wi-Fi and a shuttle service to the city centre. The hotel features a self-service restaurant offering various soups, grilled food, wok dishes and all sorts of salads and fruits, and a second à la carte restaurant serving gourmet dishes and Slovenian wines. Breakfast consists of a wide selection of cereals and hot dishes.QI4, Pot Za Brdom 4, tel. +386 (0)1 470 27 00, fax +386 (0)1 470 27 08, info@fourpointsljubljana.com,www. fourpointsljubljanamons.com. 114 rooms (singles € 99 - 209 , doubles € 119 - 229, suites € 235 - 390).

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Vander Urbani Resort Down a narrow cobbled alleyway connecting Mestni Trg with the riverside, an urban oasis has been constructed inside of four centuries-old town houses. Extensively renovated by Sadar Vuga architects in the most contemporary of styles and a member of Design Hotels, the resort (which is not an inaccurate term) is comprised of a restaurant and lounge bar on the ground floor, with exquisite and uniquely-designed guest rooms located on the floors above. However, perhaps the most impressive single feature is the rooftop terrace, which boasts an infinity pool, yoga studio and glorious views of Ljubljana’s medieval old town.QD-4, Krojaška 6-8, tel. +386 (0)1 200 9000, fax +386 (0)1 200 9001, info@vanderhotel.com, vanderhotel.com. Singles from €120, doubles from €165. PJHAKCW hhhh

Plaza Hotel Ljubljana Reaching nearly 60m into the sky, the Plaza Hotel is one of the tallest - and dare we say most elegant - buildings in Slovenia. It boasts a total of 236 spacious luxuriouslyappointed rooms, a first-rate restaurant and café, a 400m2 conference room on the 15th floor, and a rooftop lounge bar with cocktails that are almost as good as the view.

Even if you live in Ljubljana you may want to consider booking a room for the night just to experience it all for yourself - we already have!QM-3, Bratislava 8, tel. +386 (0)1 243 00 00, info@plazahotel.si, www.plazahotel.si.

236 rooms. PALKW hhhh

Hotels €70-100

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Azur This small welcoming hotel takes a personal approach to guests’ needs and accommodating their desires. Ideally situated near both the city centre and the motorway, it is also within walking distance of the city’s largest green space, Tivoli Park. Rooms are individually decorated, and come with all the modern amenities standard in larger hotels. They also offer family rooms with extra space for little ones and small kitchens, and an on-site shop sells regional gourmet products. Perhaps best of all the rooms are located next to a great restauJune - July 2014

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Hotels

Hotels Pri Cesarju This charming little guesthouse offers cosy accommodation in the heart of medieval Kamnik, making it a great base for hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter, or those who’d like to enjoy a relaxing stay outside of the capital in any season. The large rooms come in several different sizes, all of which boast modern furnishings, refrigerators, LCD televisions and lots of wood from floor to ceiling. Two of the rooms also have balconies with views towards the majestic Kamnik-Savinja Alps.QTunjiška 1, Kamnik, tel. +386 (0)41 629 846, info@cesarski-dvor.si, www.pricesarju.si. 11 rooms (singles €36, doubles €48-58, family rooms €7492). Breakfast €4 per person. PTJLW

fully-equipped kitchenettes, while the larger of the apartments and both rooms also have great views of the Ljubljanica and old town below. All units feature brand new LCD TVs and free internet,QD-4, Cankarjevo Nabrežje 27, tel. +386 (0)51 268 288, info@ljubljana-apartments.eu, www.ljubljana-apartments.eu. Apartment 1 (2-3 people) €93, Apartment 2 (6-8) €176, ensuite rooms (2-4) €78-85. PTJA6GXW MartaStudio These three self-contained studios and one large 106m² apartment are reasonably priced alternatives to booking a hotel.

All fitted with modern facilities, including kitchenettes, the family-run accommodation is just a short 10-minute walk from the city centre, or an even shorter bus ride from the stop just a few metres away (lines 1 and 6). A supermarket, restaurants and banks are all nearby, and airport pick-up can be arranged for little more than the cost of a bus. The entrance is in the same building as the shop Mavrica, look for the house in the courtyard with the red façade.QJ-4, Tržaška 24, tel. +386 (0)5 9020 452/+386 (0)41 874 400, fax +386 (0)5 9060 012, info@ martastudio.eu, www.martastudio.eu. (3 studios €60, 1 apartment €137). TA6L

rant of the same name.QJ-4, Sattnerjeva 2, tel. +386 (0)59 333 600/+386 (0)40 636 205, fax +386 (0)59 333 608, azur. ghbooking@gmail.com, www.garnihotelazur.si. 7 rooms.

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Hotels Under €70 Pension Jelen Located on the old road leading to Medvode and onwards to Austria (Celovška Cesta is Slovene for Villach Road), Jelen has been hosting travellers since the late-19th century, and is also a popular restaurant and pizzeria. Rooms are modernly equipped and the location offers easy access to Ljubljana’s sights as well as airport, and for those without their own transport, Jelen can be conveniently reached by three different bus lines from the city centre (1, 8 and 25).

QCelovška 462, tel. +386 (0)1 516 15 45, info@pensionjelen.eu, www.pension-jelen.eu. 16 rooms from €38.

Old Town Rooms and Apartments These newly opened rooms and apartments in a renovated house along the Ljubljanica allow guests to both enjoy an authentic old town experience, while also having the comfort of modern accommodation - all just steps from Prešeren Square, Dragon Bridge and all the other sights in Ljubljana’s medieval centre. All units are bright and airy with wooden furnishings, heated ceramic tile floors, and modern necessities such as large flat screen TVs and wireless internet. The upstairs apartment offers a fully-equipped kitchen, cosy living room and dining area and a separate bedroom. Discounts are offered for longer stays.QD-3, Petkovškovo Nabrežje 27a, tel. +386 (0)1 620 0851, info@old-town.si, www.old-town.si. Rooms from €50, apartments from €80. PJAW

Hostels AdHoc Hostel Despite the name, budget conscious travellers can rest assured that every aspect of this newly opened hostel

Tržaška 24, 1000 Ljubljana

Apartments Kollmann Apartments These beautifully renovated luxury apartments and rooms right in the centre of the old town are truly a sight to behold. The highlight of the smaller unit is the king-sized waterbed located in a loft bedroom separated from the living room below, while the larger apartment is absolutely huge, with two bedrooms, a full bathtub and a washing machine. Both apartments and one of the rooms have 78 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Phone/Fax: +386 (0)5 9020 452 +386 (0)41 874 400 fax:+386 (0)5 9060 012 info@martastudio.eu

www.martastudio.eu

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Camping

Old Town Rooms and Apartments location along the banks of the Ljubljanica is hard to beat!

Camping Ljubljana Completely renovated in 2005, the campground at Ljubljana Resort is open year round and is easily the cheapest accommodation you’ll find in the city this side of free. The modern facilities cover some three green hectares along the banks of the Sava River and the popular Laguna City Beach is just steps away. There is a total of 177 pitches, all of which have electrical hookups, and you can even rent a tent or mobile home if you don’t have your own. From October to April they even heat the bathrooms. To get there take buses 6, 8 or 11 north from the city centre and alight at the Ježica stop.QL-1, Dunajska 270, tel. +386 (0)1 589 01 30, www.ljubljanaresort.si. Tents €4.50-6.50, caravans/ campers €8.50-9.50, €4-7 per person, pets €4.50.

has been thoroughly planned and executed - including all the small touches that backpackers are sure to appreciate, such as ample common space, plenty of showers and shelves for the top bunks. However, it’s the unbeatable location in the heart of the old town just below the castle and only steps from all the major sites (and popular nightlife venues) that makes AdHoc a winner. A total of 92beds are spread across several floors and a combination of dorms and private rooms.QCankarjevo Nabrežje 27, tel. +386 (0)51 268 288, info@adhoc-hostel.com, www. adhoc-hostel.com. 8-bed dorm €16-20, private quadruple €17-23/person, private double €19-27/person.

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Around Ljubljana Penzion na Klancu For those who’d like to avoid the bustle of the city centre, but still have easy access to sights and activities in Ljubljana, this 100 year-old but newly renovated guest house is perfectly situated in the town of Medvode some 11km from the capital. The spacious, smartly decorated rooms are complimented by an excellent restaurant, and the staff can recommend numerous activities and off the beaten path excursions in the surrounding countryside.QGorenjska 13, Medvode, tel. +386 (0)1 361 82 55/+386 (0)31 673 068, info@naklancu.com, www.naklancu. com. Open 07:00:22:00. 13 rooms starting from €38.

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Embassies & Expats With a population of approximately 280,000 inhabitants, Ljubljana is somewhat smaller than Coventry, England or Białystok, Poland and just larger than Brașov, Romania or Münster, Germany - closer in size to a village than a metropolis. However, with all due respect to these other undoubtedly fine cities, Ljubljana boasts a cosmopolitan feel well beyond what the simple numbers would imply, thanks to factors including its status as an EU capital, its position at one of the continent’s main geographical and historical crossroads, strong connections with the former Yugoslav states, a long tradition of culture and the arts, its quick establishment of a (more or less) market-oriented economy after independence, its popularity as a destination for foreign students, and its relatively high quality of life, especially for families and nature-lovers. All of this adds up to a thriving expat community, which we’ve tried to feature just a bit of on the following pages.

Expat Organisations International Club of Slovenia A fun club for (mostly professional) expats living in Slovenia. The organisation is open to anyone who wants to meet new people and all their events are advertised on their website, and most are free to attend, including the popular Friday Night Drinks.QICS@sloveniawelcomes.com, www. sloveniawelcomes.com/expats.

InterNations InterNations is the world’s number one online expat community, which offers a platform to easily meet other expats in Ljubljana. In addition to a lively online community, members regularly get together at events or take part in planning trips together.Qwww. internations.org.

real estate

Interview with darko svilar Nationality: Serbian Age: 27 How long have you lived in Ljubljana? 2 years What do you do? I’m an Architecture student and editor of the web magazine mooponto.com How’s your Slovene? Intermediate

STOJA TRADE d.o.o.,

What do you like most about Ljubljana? Its diversity

Dolenjska cesta 242C, SI-1000 Ljubljana T: +386 1 2800 860, F: +386 1 2800 861 E: info@stoja-trade.si

What do you like least about Ljubljana? There are not enough partyyy places!

Favourite restaurant? Paninoteka+ Favourite café? Bi-Ko-Fe Favourite bar/club/pub? Kino Šiška Favourite Slovenian gifts to take to friends/family back home? Salt from Piranske Soline, and some nice Slovenian wine Favourite day trip from Ljubljana? Everywhere near the Alps Slovenian International Ladies Association The Slovenian International Ladies Association, or SILA, is a dynamic organisation of women from nearly 40 countries currently or permanently living in Slovenia.

Founded in 1993 as a non-profit, SILA dedicated to social, cultural and educational exchange among its members.

Its main event of the year, is the annual charity bazaar held each winter.Qwww.sila.si.

APARTMENTS I HOUSES I BUSINESS PREMISES I LAND

FOR RENT I FOR SALE I WE RENT I WE BUY Stoja Real Estate Agency is the most popular real estate agency in Ljubljana for foreigners, diplomats and local buisness people.

Stoja has been operating in Slovenia since 1996, and specialises in both residential and commercial rental properties in the Slovene capital. We have a huge selection of houses, apartments and business premises. Our agents will happily assist customers with all aspects of the rental process, as well as buying and selling property around the country.

International Schools Stoja Real Estate Agency The most popular real estate agency in Ljubljana for foreigners, diplomats and local buisness people, Stoja has been operating in Slovenia since 1996, and specialises in both residential and commercial rental properties in the Slovene capital. They have a huge selection of houses, apartments and business premises, and will happily assist customers with all aspects of the rental process, as well as buying and selling property around the country.QDolenjska 242c, tel. +386 (0)1 28 00 860/+386 (0)41 652 141, fax +386 (0) 1 28 00 861, info@stoja-trade.si, www.rent-a-realestate. com. www.rent-a-realestate.com, www.dcs.si.

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British International School of Ljubljana The British International School of Ljubljana opened its doors in September 2008. Based in the Bežigrad area, to the north of the city centre, the school has a current enrolment of around 170 children aged 3 to 18. The Pre-School and Primary Section use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the Secondary Section prepares both Slovenian and foreign students for University of Cambridge ESOL and IGCSE exams, with A-Level following later.QK-2, Podmilščakova 24, tel. +386 (0)40 486 548, enquiries@ britishschool.si, www.britishschool.si.

QSI International School of Ljubljana QI-4/5, Dolgi Most 6a, tel. +386 (0)1 244 17 50, ljubljana@ qsi.org, www.qsi.org. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

www.stoja-trade.si I www.rent-a-realestate.com I www.dcs.si

Around Ljubljana - Southwest

Embassies & Expats Embassies & Consulates All embassies and consulates in Ljubljana. The opening times and the second listed telephone number is of the consular departments.

Austria QB-3, Prešernova 23, tel. +386 (0)1479 07 00, fax +386 (0)1252 17 17, laibach-ob@bmaa.gv.at, www. bmaa.gv.at./laibach. Open , Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 8:00 12:00, Fri 8:00 - 10:00. Closed Sat, Sun. China QL-3, Koblarjeva 3, tel. +386 (0)1420 28 55, fax +386 (0)1282 21 99, kitajsko.veleposlanistvo@siol.net.

Open 08:00 - 11:00. Closed Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun. France QC-5, Barjanska 1, tel. +386 (0)1479 04 00, fax +386 (0)1425 04 10, contact@ambafrance-si.org, www. ambafrance-si.org. Open 08:30 - 12:30. Closed Sat, Sun. GermanyQB-3, Prešernova 27, tel. +386 (0)1 479 03 00, fax +386 (0)1 425 08 99, germanembassy-slovenia@ siol.net, www.laibach.diplo.de. Open , Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 09:00 - 12:00, Fri 09:00 - 11:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Italy QB-4, Snežniška 8, tel. +386 (0)1 426 21 94, fax +386 (0)1 425 33 02, archivio.lubiana@esteri.it. Open 09:00 - 11:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Russia QA-2, Tomšičeva 9, tel. +386 (0)1425 68 75, fax +386 (0)1425 68 78, ambrus.slo@siol.net, www. veleposlanistvorusije.mid.ru/. Open 08:00 - 17:00.

Closed Sat, Sun. UK QB-3, Trg Republike 3/ 4, tel. +386 (0)1 200 39 10, fax +386 (0)1 425 01 74, info@british-embassy.si, ukinslovenia.fco.gov.uk. Open 09:00 - 12:00. Closed Sat, Sun. USA QB-3, Prešernova 31, tel. +386 (0)1200 55 00, fax +386 (0)1200 55 55, usembassyljubljana@state.gov, slovenia.usembassy.gov. There is no opening hours, but you have to announce.

Useful Websites The following are a list of useful Slovene websites that we personally use on a regular basis. Not all of them are in English, but that’s not something Google Translate can’t help with.

Real Estate www.nepremicnine.net Online Marketplace www.bolha.com Electronics www.mimovrste.com Ride Sharing www.prevoz.org Live Bus Schedule bus.talktrack.com English Language News www.sloveniatimes.com Local Foodie Hub www.ljubljananjam.si Events Calendar www.napovednik.com Cultural Info Centre www.kic-ljubljana.si GLBT Sports & Recreation www.outinslovenija.com Event Tickets www.eventim.si 82 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Diplomatic Corporate Services D ipl o matic C o rp o rate Services Slovenia Operated

by Stoja Real Estate, as the name suggests Diplomatic Corporate Services is a web portal and associated service agency that aims to provide foreigners (primarily from the diplomatic and business community) living and travelling in Ljubljana and elsewhere in Slovenia with all the relevant information they could possibly need - from hotel and restaurant recommendations to real estate services and medical care. Their dedicated multi-lingual team is only a phone call or email away, while their website also provides a wealth of information.QDolenjska 244c, tel. +386 (0)1 2800 860, info@dcs.si, www.dcs.si. www.dcs.si.

Language courses Cene Štupar This long-running public institution operates under the municipality of Ljubljana, and is one of the leading providers of Slovene language courses in the country.

New classes begin regularly, and include an accompanying programme of workshops, excursions and other cultural activities, all of which are led by young enthusiastic instructors and come at very reasonable prices.QL-3, Linhartova 13, tel. +386 (0)1 234 44 00/+386 (0)1 234 44 21, fax +386 (0)1 234 44 28, info@cene-stupar.si, www.cene-stupar.si.

Centre for Slovene as a Foreign Language Courses in the Slovene language are available throughout the year, including free 180-hour courses for foreign nationals holding valid residency permits (depending on availability).QC/D-4, 12 Kongresni Trg, tel. +386 (0)1 241 86 77/+386 (0)1 241 86 48, center-slo@ ff.uni-lj.si, www.centerslo.net.

Veris Veris is both one of Ljubljana’s top translation and interpretation companies, and most professionally-run language schools. In addition to offering Slovene language courses for foreigners of all levels, they also teach English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian and some half dozen other languages. Their modern facilities are located in the Stegne business park in the northwest of city.QJ-1, Stegne 7, tel. +386 (0)1 5000 579, info@veris.si, www.veris.si.

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The Technical Museum of Slovenia is a must-visit destination near Ljubljana for history aficionados or those with curious kids

VRHNIKA Some 20km from Ljubljana we find the attractive little town of Vrhnika. Known as Nauportus in Roman times, it blossomed as a strategically important fort, remains of which can still be found near the cemetery. The area nearby is scattered with the remains of a Roman defensive wall system from the second half of the 3rd century, as the town was a key point of protection for the heart of the empire.

The birthplace of the Slovene Kafka, Ivan Cankar, Vrhnika reached its peak in the early 18th century, proudly sitting as one of the wealthiest towns in all of Carniola. A period of decline followed, but its geographical position meant it was never ignored for too long. Cute villages, the Ljubljana moors and a mass of archaeological finds from as far back as the Paleolithic era surround it, as well as the vast Technical Museum of Slovenia, a must-see for the technically minded.

Technical Museum of Slovenia (Tehniški Muzej Slovenije) It might not be the easiest to get to, but for the technically minded this museum 20km from Ljubljana in Bistra near Vrhnika is worth every step on the journey. The sheer variety of exhibitions on display is astounding; covering the history of printing in Slovenia, agriculture, fishing, hunting, forestry, woodwork, electricity, textiles and of course motor vehicles, there is something for everyone here. A new permanent exhibition focuses facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

on the first century of motoring in the country, containing within the oldest preserved car in Slovenia, dating back to 1906. Sundays see children’s workshops, Tesla’s experiments, as well as demonstrations and much more, allowing children and adults alike the chance to truly feel the technological spirit of the past.QBistra 6, 1353 Borovnica, tel. +386 (0)1 750 66 70, info@tms.si, www.tms.si.

Open 08:00 - 16:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00.

Closed Mon. July, August Tuesday-Friday 10:00-18:00.

Admission €2.40-4.5.

IVAN CANKAR MEMORIAL HOUSE The most translated of all Slovene authors, Ivan Cankar rose from poor beginnings to become arguably the most important writer to come out of the nation. His work defended the oppressed and attacked the oppressors, causing much controversy in the late 19th century. His first published work was so controversial that the Bishop of Ljubljana actually bought all available copies and had them burned. His first-hand experiences of poverty added elements of realism and sympathy to his work, focusing as it did on alienation, unrequited love and war. Vhrnika was the town of his birth, and the house in which he was born now plays host to a memorial room in his honour. Guided tours are available by prior appointment. - Na Klancu 1, 1360 Vrhnika, +386 (0)1 755 10 54, tic@zavod-cankar.si, www. zavod-cankar.si.

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Around Ljubljana - Southwest FISHING IN THE LJUBLJANICA Vrhnika is surrounded by the Ljubljana moors, and through part of them runs the Ljubljanica itself. As well as being aesthetically beautiful, it also happens to be a great area for float fishing. The waters are full of pike, rainbow trout, grayling and many more interesting aquatic beasts, even chubs! Whilst some prospective fishermen may see it as a hindrance, the lush aquatic greenery adds an element of beauty to the occasion. Get in touch with the local fishing association for more information. +386 (0)3 186 28 56, info@dvrhnika.si, www.ribiskekarte.si.

Mantova Combining modern accommodation and small town hospitality, Mantova is located in the centre of Vrhnika about 16km southwest of Ljubljana, which are connected by frequent buses and can also be reached quite easily by bike for those feeling a bit sporty. In addition to twenty-two well-kept rooms there is also a popular café and restaurant serves up a steady stream of inexpensive Slovene dishes to both visitors and locals. While most guests stay here to be close to the capital, Vrhnika itself has a number of noteworthy sites and is well worth exploring.QCankarjev Trg 6, Vrhnika, tel. +386 (0)1 755 75 24, fax +386 (0)1 755 31 30, info@mantova.si, www.mantova.si. 22 rooms (singles €60, doubles €75, triples €91, suites €88-108).

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POLHOV GRADEC Nestled amongst low hills stretching to the middle heights of the Polhograjske hribovje, this picturesque village would

The castle in Polhov Gradec is home to two fine museums, photo by Žiga Četrtič / Shutterstock

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definitely be on the list of our preferred places to raise a family in Slovenia. Quiet, being set in beautiful natural surroundings and not far from Ljubljana. The area has been settled since the Iron Age, and the Romans were here too.

The castle from which it gets its name (Gradec means ‘little castle’) was first mentioned in the 14th Century, and is nowadays a cultural monument, housing the Local Museum of Polhov Gradec and the Technical Museum of Slovenia’s Museum of Post and Telecommunications. Its fountain of Neptune and four nymph statues was added in the 17th Century, and there are also the attractive walled gardens to stroll around, after sampling some Slovenian wines in the Neptunova Klet wine cellar. The village church, dedicated to Mary’s birth, is from the 1700’s and houses a Baroque altar, along with Baroque paintings. Aside from hiking, the most famous local hill, Gora (824m), was the site of the said Iron Age settlement and also where a rare species of mountain plant was discovered by Count Blagaj (who lived here in the 19th Century): the spurge laurel (Daphne Blagayana), also known as the ‘king’s flower’.

LOGATEC The centre of Inner Carniola between Ljubljana and Postojna, Logatec is a small place with a large history. The earliest mentions of it come from Roman times, and its history is shaped by its position on the important trade routes of the past, be it the Roman road from Aquileia to Emmona or the Southern railway. Before the railway was built Logatec was a town of old-timey truck drivers, men who rode wagons with a variety of animals in tow. The railway put an end to that, but the development of the town is intrinsically linked with traffic and transport.

The area is full of traditional rural architecture, pretty churches and tourist farms, providing respite for the most weary of traveller. There are numerous caves and ponds nearby, as well as Roman remains and watermills showing the human influence on Logatec. Most strikingly though is the almost 2km long tree-lined Napoleon’s Avenue, one of the most romantic walks in all of Slovenia, and Planina Polje, as scenic a karst field as you will find in the country.

The towns Military Museum is also worth more than just a casual look, holding almost 3,000 items from all over the world in its collection.

MILITARY MUSEUM Opened in 1998, the military museum in Logatec is made up of Janez J. Švajncer’s personal collection, and what a collection it is. Containing some 2,800 items, a huge amount by continental standards, everything from the Copper ages through the Roman times to the World Wars and the present day is represented. The entire military history of the Slovene area is on display, with items such as a rare 12thcentury iron helmet, rifles from World War Two and uniforms from the 1991 war of independence making this as good a military museum as any we’ve seen. Groups should make prior arrangements before paying it a visit. - Tržaška cesta 81/a, 1370 Logatec, +386 (0)1 754 27 90. Open Sun 10:00 - 12:00. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Picture perfect Piran is only an hour’s drive from Ljubljana, photo by Xseon / Shutterstock

Highlights of Slovenia Bled, Bohinj, Radovljica, Škofja Loka, Brdo Pri Kranju, Koper, Izola, Piran, Portorož, the Karst, Postojna, Celje and Slovenian Spas

Bled, Bohinj & Radovljica

Bled, Bohinj & Radovljica Skriti Vrt The perfect place for folks a genuine love of food, Vila Istra’s on-site restaurant is mouth-watering in every sense of the term. Whilst the balconies have all of the romance and grace you would expect from a balcony meal on Lake Bled, it is the indoor dining area that really wins out here.

It’s positively dripping in style. A large table dominates the room, and loath as we are to lavish praise on a table it is a gorgeous piece of work. A menu that changes on a daily basis allows the passionate and enthusiastic chef to really explore his skills, using fresh produce hand picked from the wild.QCesta Svobode 35, tel. +386 59 0808 08, book@skritivrt.si, vila-istra.info.

Slaščičarna Šmon A heralded local pastry shop since 1880, Slaščičarna Šmon is still the place to go for sweets when in Bled. It offers a wide range of freshly made pastries and desserts, as well as some delicious homemade ice cream. As with many places in Bled, the Kremna Rezina (Slovene Cream Cake) is the main event.

When this is added to a gorgeous coffee and a seat outside in the sun, yet another slice of perfection is created in this most idyllic of places.QD-2, Grajska 3, tel. +386 (0)4 574 16 16, info@smon.si, www.smon.si. Open 07:30 - 21:00.

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Hotels

Take a walk on Bled’s wild side, photo by Dohtar / Shutterstock

Much more than just the iconic castle and island, Bled and the surrounding mountains offer a multitude to see and do.

si. Open 12:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. (€6.60-20). PT� JAULEBKSW

BLED

Okarina Slovenes are still slowly but surely discovering Indian food, and when the penny drops the Okarina Restaurant in Bled will be at forefront. The classic Indian dishes are represented, from samosas to pakori to a selection of curries. With a vast menu covering everything from sophisticated fare through to Balkan grilled meat and the aforementioned Indian selection, the hardest part really comes down to choosing what to eat. The great selection available to vegetarians makes Okarina a most excellent group option in Bled.QD-3, Ljubljanska 8, tel. +386 (0)45 74 14 58, leo@okarina.com, www.okarina.com. Open 12:00 - 15:00, 18:00-23:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. (€8-30).

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Restaurants Arbor Pizzeria Shopping centres aren’t usually the places to head for a good meal, but the so-called ‘Gaddaffi Centre’ in Bled isn’t any ordinary shopping centre. Hidden within is Arbor Pizzeria, which has a plethora of outdoor seating, as well as an elegant interior that is the more atmospheric option. A circular marble bar is the dominant feature, with quietly dignified seating throughout. The food is excellent too, with grilled dishes, fish, enormous salad platters and of course pizzas all available.QLjubljanska 4, tel. +386 (0)4 574 30 33, www.arborbled.si. Open 10:00 - 22:00.

Labod At the top of the hill leading from the bus station down to the lake itself, Labod offers plenty of space and plenty of choice. Mains start at €10 and feature the usual specialties: meat, fish and pasta dishes. It also has a Pokemon Plate for the kids. A daily tourist menu of three courses for only €12 is also available, featuring excellent soups, a main dish and a dessert. The pancakes in particular are excellent. It also has plenty of outdoor seating looking over the lake.QD-2, Cesta Svobode 8a, tel. +386 (0)45 79 84 53, info@restavracijalabod.si, www.restavracijalabod.

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Penzion Mlino Known as a favourite amongst gourmands and connoisseurs of fine food, this place rates five stars for its menu of typical Slovene cuisine. From season to season the four walls of the guesthouse buzz with a warm, lively atmosphere and even just outside the front door, the fun doesn’t stop as guests enjoy wonderful views of the castle, lake activities, walks and cycling around the area.

QC-4, Svobode 45, tel. +386 (0)4 574 14 04, fax +386 (0)4 574 15 06, mlino@mlino.si, www.mlino.si. Open 08:00 - 23:00. (high season); 08.00 - 22.00 (low season) an. T6UILGBKW ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Bled Apartments Only 800m from the lake on the main road into town, Bled Apartments offer self-catering accommodation just a short walk away from everything. With studios and apartments for up to four people, it has free on-site parking and plenty of amenities just a stones throw away. Frequent last minute special offers are available, including such gems as a free boat ride out to the island on the lake. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout as well.QLjubljanska 32, tel. +386 (0)41 66 76 61, bled. apartments@gmail.com, www.bledapartment.si.

Garden Village Resort It’s a point that’s been rammed home to the point of fatigue, but Bled is a beautiful place, the hotels are beautiful, everything is beautiful. For somewhere to stand out it must truly be special, and we’re still not sure if the term ‘special’ really does Garden Village Resort justice at all. Opening this in the summer of 2014, it’s a romantic’s dream. The simple exteriors mask the most stylish interiors in this dream-like accommodation. Tree houses, a garden restaurant with a small stream dissecting it, it even provides a studio apartment with a Jacuzzi in the living room.QCesta Gorenjskega Odreda 16, tel. +386 (0)41 61 63 02, info@gardenvillagebled.com, www. gardenvillagebled.com.

Jelovica Located just a leisurely stroll through a park from the lake itself, Jelovica is a large and well established hotel with excellent facilities. Rooms are well appointed, coming with en suite facilities, hair-dryers, cable television, balconies and safes. Comfacebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

If there’s a summer toboggan with better views, we have yet to find it

munal extras include a restaurant, bar, billiards club and indoor swimming pool. Its grand size means that large groups are catered for with ease and there’s plenty of parking (also for buses).QD-2, Svobode 8, tel. +386 (0)45 79 60 00, fax +386 (0)4 579 60 10, jelovica@hotel-jelovica.si, www.hotel-jelovica. si. 100 rooms (singles €47-77, doubles €30-70, apartments €95-140). AFLGKDXCW hhh Jezerska Hiša This small family run inn offers homey accommodation amidst the lush greenery of the Bled golf course (4km from Lake Bled) - the perfect place for a peaceful retreat or, depending on how you play, a relaxing golfing weekend. The staff are very helpful, whilst rooms are comfortable and spacious with balconies looking out to the mountains. Guests also receive an excellent complementary breakfast and exclusive access to the immaculate golf course. The inn’s restaurant serve very good local specialities with decent value set menus.QBled Golf Course, Alpska 114, tel. +386 (0)4 53 73 305/+386 (0)41 762 636, lakehousebled@gmail. com, www.lake-house-bled.com. 3 rooms (doubles €6090, triples €90-135).

Pletna TOurs Pletna Tours In our humble opinion there is no better way than to get to Bled Island than via the traditional Pletna boat.

The vessel most associated with the lake and island, its origins go back to the 1590s. A flat-bottom wooden boat with a pointed bow and widened stern, it can transport as many as 20 people from shore to island at one time. It also offers it name to a group providing tours of the region. For €65 you get a three hour guided tour of the town and the lake, (plus €12 transport costs to the island via a Pletna boat of course). Also on offer are guided tours of Bled and nearby Bohinj, for €120.

Head to the website for more information.Qtel. +386 (0)41 94 81 68, pletna@siol.net, www.pletna.si.

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Bled, Bohinj & Radovljica

Bled, Bohinj & Radovljica Aside from the predictably gob smacking views on offer, the castle also has a number of attractions to entice longer visitors, among them a small museum showing the history of Bled from the beginning of time to the present day, a wine cellar, an old printing press, a castle forge, souvenir shop and a restaurant. The castle is reached via a fairly steep 15-minute climb. Forming the most dramatic of backdrops to the life affirming romance of the lake, Bled Castle is a must-visit.QC-2, tel. +386 (0)4 572 97 82, fax +386 (0)4 572 97 72, blejski.grad@zkbled.si, www. blejski-grad.si. Open 08:00-21:00 Jun-Aug, 08:00-20:00 Apr-Jun & Sep-Nov, 08:00-18:00 Nov-Mar. Admission €9/7/4.50 for adults/students/children, with discounts for groups of 10 or more.

Sport & Activities Public Lido Just below Bled’s castle rock, a grassy beach awaits those that want to go swimming in beautiful Bled lake.

The swimming area is protected and kept clean for the safety of guests, and you can also rent a sun-bed, umbrella or mat for a small fee, or you can just bring your own and hide under the shade of the trees along the beach. A water slide on the premises is perfect for those coming with kids.QA-3, Veslaška Promenada 1, tel. +386 (0)4 578 05 28, turizem@ibled.si, www. kopalisce-bled.si.

Refined elegance and amazing views at Labod restaurant in Bled

Vila Istra This grand 19th century villa has been transformed into a boutique design hotel combining majestic old world style with contemporary comforts. Located just across the road from the lake, Vila Istra’s luxurious rooms are a romantic choice with stunning views. Not just catering to love birds, the hotel is a great option for families with kids sure to enjoy the in-room 3D TVs and Playstation gaming room. The villa’s garden café and restaurant is a great spot for a coffee and/or sweet (perhaps a kremšnita), whilst innovative seasonal dishes highlight the menu at lunch and dinner.QCesta Svobode 35, tel. +386 (0)59 0808 08, book@vila-istra.info, vila-istra.info.

Sightseeing Bled Castle The oldest castle in Slovenia as well as the one with arguably the most dramatic location, Bled Castle is yet another iconic feature of this glorious destination. Perched protectively some 120m above the lake, the first written mention of it dates all the way back to 1011, when the German King Henry II ceded it to the Bishops of Brixen. It has seen many changes of ownership since, and has thus become something of a huge mish-mash of architectural styles. The walls are Romanesque, where as the majority of the other buildings making up the castle hail from the Renaissance.

The grounds are made up of two courtyards, connected by a staircase.

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Summer Tobogganing If you’d like to spice up your stay in Bled, then consider a visit to Straža Hill, which offers remarkable views and favourite recreational ground, only a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Bled. From spring to autumn you can enjoy in adrenaline-drenched sledding (ie summer tobogganing). The 520m track has an elevation difference of 131m, with sleds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h - a real rollercoaster ride! A chairlift takes you on the top of the hill, and you can also take a relaxing walk on one of the many marked pathways or do some serious exercise along the Rikli Fitness Trail.QD-3, Pod Stražo, tel. +386 (0)4 578 05 30/+386 (0)31 330 647, turizem@ibled.si, www.strazabled.si. Open 10:00-20:00 every day from 22 June to 1 Sept, 11:00-18:00 Sat-Sun only from 27 April to 21 June and in Sept, and 11:00-17:00 Sat-Sun only in Oct. €5-14.

bled island Of the many aesthetic wonders of Lake Bled, it is Bled Island (Blejski Otok) that is without doubt the most iconic. It adorns the cover of this and pretty much every other guide dedicated to Bled, and a large chunk of guides for the entire country, and with good reason.

It is the only true island in the entire country after all. It certainly isn’t huge, but the phrase ‘small but perfectly formed’ has never felt more apt. It is only accessible by boat, but we truly can’t think of any mode of transport we’d rather use to reach it.

The Church of the Mother of the God on the Lake (mouthy name, but rather poetic in Slovene) dominates the landscape, both visually and culturally. First mentioned in the 12th century, it has a history that stretches way before that and has undergone many renovations since. Thousands head to ring its Wishing Bell annually, which is purported to bring luck to those that ring it. USA Today included it in its list of the most beautiful churches in the world, for quite obvious reasons.

Elsewhere on the island we find a Bell Tower with a renewed Pendulum Clock at the top, not a spark of electricity in sight. There is also an exhibition house showcasing some of the finest Slovene art from past and present, as well as a fascinating permanent exhibition focused on traditional dress. Wrap up your visit by tasting Potica, a sort of nut roll made with all sorts

Potica When it comes to sweets, Bled is first and foremost known for its famous cream cakes, which originated here in the 1950s. But in Slovenia as a whole, the nut roll cake known as potica is the traditional dessert of choice during most holidays and other important events. Regardless of the holiday, no Slovene celebration is complete without Potica. A traditional pastry-based nut roll baked in a bread oven using a round baking dish made of clay called a Potičnica, each region does it slightly differently keeping this centuries old dessert fresh. Walnut potica is the most common but the truth is that the number of fillings is left up entirely to the imagination of the person baking it. Everything from hazelnut to chocolate to even sausage and fish, there really are no limits to what can be put inside. The variety doesn’t end there, as it can be eaten hot or cold, with cutlery or (obviously the best option) with your hands. Baking demonstrations and packages are available in the café on Bled Island. Email ahead to organize.QBled Island, tel. +386 (0)4 576 79 01, info@blejskiotok.si, www. blejskiotok.si. Open 09:00-16:00 (Nov-Mar), 09:0018:00 (Apr & Oct), 09:00-19:00 (May-Sept).

Blejski otok

Slovenija

Wellness Essense Bled Lake Bled is possibly the ultimate place for relaxation, and there isn’t a better option to indulge in this than Wellness Essense Bled. Located in the Penzion Alp guesthouse, a traditional Alpine pension itself, a wide range of treatments are available to suit all desires. Of particular interest is the Hay Sauna, a unique combination of traditional sauna and aroma-therapy with the added leisure of the countryside. It is a strangely enjoyable experience that we wholeheartedly recommend.

Reservation is necessary for all services available.

QCankarjeva 20c, tel. +386 (0)4 5767 450, info@ essense.si, www.essense.si. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

of fillings, in the attractive café before returning to the shore.

www.blejskiotok.si info@blejskiotok.si T: +386 4 576 79 79

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Bled, Bohinj & Radovljica

Bled, Bohinj & Radovljica cious deserts. It’s a hit with both the locals and tourists who are staying in the village of Ukanc for good reason.

QU-7, Ukanc 20, tel. +386 (0)5 995 57 87/+386 (0)41 600 056, info@donandro.si, www.donandro.si. Open 12:00 - 22:00. AVBXS Gostilna Mihovc This authentic family-run restaurant has been serving up delicious local fare for more than a century. Located in the centre of Stara Fužina, the restaurant is housed in a traditional old Gorenjska-style house, the interior has the same rustic feeling - during winter grab a table besides the central hearth whilst in summer the courtyard is the place to be. The menu features a wide range of tasty local specialties and the lunch menus are great value.QStara Fužina 118, tel. +386 (0)5 922 67 86/+386 (0)51 899 111, info@gostilna-mihovc.si, www.gostilna-mihovc. si. Open 09:00 - 23:00. TILB

See stunning views of Triglav National Park on the cablecar ride to Vogel

Bohinj Bohinj Boat Tours What better way to see all that Lake Bohinj has to offer than via a guided panoramic boat tour? The tours on offer won’t fail in providing inspiring scenery as you get to know the lake from its very heart. A choice of two boats is on offer (the Bohinj and the Zlatorog), with the first departures leaving at 10:00. There are two entry and exit points, one at the pier in Ribčev Laz and the second at camp Zlatorog in the village of Ukanc. The final boat from Ribčev Laz leaves at 17:30, with its equivalent in Ukanc departing 30 minutes later at 18:00. Whilst individuals could be able to turn up for a spot due to the frequent departures, groups are recommended to reserve in advance.

The Bohinj boat has a capacity of 52 people, and the Zlatorog 75. Qtel. +386 (0)4 57 47 590, +386 41 644 986, info@bohinj.si, info@tourist-boat.eu, www.bohinj.si, www.tourist-boat.eu.

Restaurants Don Andro A small part of Italy in the heart of the Julian Alps! It’s a pleasure to eat in this fine but simple restaurant where they prepare large and satisfying pizzas of all varieties.

Be aware that a small pizza is actually sufficient enough for two to share, while a large is just ridiculous. The service is top-notch with staff speaking excellent English.

Other dishes worth trying are the pastas, salads and deli90 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Gostilna Pri Hrvatu Located in the pretty little village of Srednja Vas, this long-running eatery has been preparing fine traditional Slovenian dishes for over 20 years now. The menu is frequently freshened up, so don’t be afraid to ask your waiter what the current specials are. The recommendation is never less than great. A popular social point for the older folks in the village, it also has a new terrace, new parking and a great little games room for the kids.QSrednja Vas 76, tel. +386 (0)4 572 36 70/+386 (0)31 234 300. Open 10:00 - 23:00. Closed Tue. TULGB

Sightseeing Lake Bohinj (Bohinjsko Jezero) Lake Bohinj, the jewel at the centre of this scattering of villages in eastern Gorenjska, is absolutely breathtaking.

Come early in the morning out of season, just before the sun has risen over the adjacent peaks to experience its awe. Mist shrouds the banks of this still and flat alpine wonder. The pure quiet of this location really brings nature to life once more. Only birdsong emanates from the surrounding Eden, the splash of one of Bohinj’s ‘yellowbellied’ fish, or the crash of Savica waterfall in the middle distance. Perhaps the only other detectable sound is the flap of the wings of large birds in flight over this crystal clear lake. By Bohinj you can be at one with yourself, and peace is unavoidable.

Savica Waterfall (Slap Savica) Your time spent in Bohinj would not be complete without a day trip to one of Slovenia’s greatest waterfalls. To reach the waterfall it’s a roughly one hour walk up a thickly forested slope. The waterfall itself drops a towering 78m into a large water sink, which is located at an altitude of 500m.

An inspirational sight, it has often been written about by well-known Slovenian poets and writers. A small entrance fee is required at the entrance to the site.QU-7, Bohinjsko jezero, tel. +386 (0)4 574 60 10, info@bohinj-info.com, www.bohinj-info.com. Admission €1.10 - 2.50. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Named for an 18th-century playwright, Linhart Square is one of the most picture-perfect public spaces in Slovenia

Radovljica Vila Podvin Opened in 2013, Vila Podvin is set in a beautifully restored 14th-century castle some 2km east of Radovljica, and just a short drive north of Ljubljana. There are seven comfortable guests rooms and suites available, but the real highlight here is in the kitchen, which is run by one of Slovenia’s top chefs, Uroš Štefelin. Renowned for transforming traditional Slovene cuisine using modern culinary techniques, Štefelin prepares his own unique dishes with local ingredients and ample creativity. Already a popular venue for weddings, the Podvin estate also hosts other private events, offers horseback riding and cooking workshops, and even has a selection of souvenirs representing Slovenia’s rich cultural heritage.QMošnje 1, tel. +386 (0)41 747 636, info@vilapodvin.si, www.vilapodvin.si.

Open 12:00 - 22:00, Sun 12:00-17:00. Closed Mon.

Wine Bars Vinoteka Sodček While the largely mountainous Gorenjska region is not one of the Slovenia’s major wine growing areas, that doesn’t mean that the locals are any bit less enthusiastic about drinking the stuff - as evidenced by this combination wine shop and bar at the edge of Radovljica’s main square. If you’d like a liquid souvenir there’s a fine selection of bottles from across Slovenia, and there’s also the option of filling up multi-litre jugs for those staying at a nearby campsite or apartment. However, our favourite option is the wine tasting menu, which includes five different wines along with a plate of Slovenian prosciutto, cheeses and olive oil for only €12.QLinhartov Trg 8, tel. +386 (0)4 531 59 71/+386 (0)41 678 408, info@vinoteka-sodcek.si, www. vinoteka-sodcek.si. Open 09:00 - 21:00. Closed Sun. facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

Hotels Leški Dvor Whilst not winning many points for style, Leški Dvor is a modest pension and restaurant in Lesce that plays a great hand in homemade food, in particular the great old Balkan grilled specialties. Twelve en-suite rooms are also available, all comfortable and simply furnished. The garden surroundings are also a pleasant venue for a drink from the well-stocked bar.QBegunjska 9, Lesce, tel. +386 (0)4 530 21 40, info@leski-dvor.com, www.leski-dvor.com.

Singles €40, doubles €60, triples €75.

Tourist information Hop-On Hop-Off Radol’ca While the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus concept is a familiar sight in most of the world’s major cities, it’s not often that you see such a thing in rural areas and small towns.

However, Radovljica’s forward thinking tourist office has realised that this is the perfect way for visitors to discover some of the region’s hidden corners and off the beaten path venues. Operating from the beginning of July till the end of August, every Tuesday the bus makes four circular journeys along a route covering Bled, Radovljica, Begunje, Podvin and Brezje, before returning to Bled via Radovljica, taking in all the sights along the way, while on Thursdays the route is Bled, Radovljica, Kamna Gorica and Kropa.

Special guided tours and other activities can also be arranged in advance. For more info and full programme see the website of Tourism Radovljica.QLinhartov Trg 9, tel. +386 (0)4 531 51 12/+386 (0)40 460 675, info@radolca. si, www.radolca.si. All day tickets are €5 for adults, free for children under 10.

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Škofja Loka

Škofja Loka plan dates from just after this time.

Since 1959 the castle has been the home of the Loka Museum, which makes great use of the space to present a collection ranging from history and archeology to ethnology and natural history to fine arts and local crafts. Highlights include artefacts from the Palaeolithic Era, a copy of the founding deed in which German Emperor Otto II granted Loko and the surrounding lands to Freising Bishop Abraham, scale models of Škofja Loka’s development from the middle ages to modern times, well-presented exhibitions of the town’s early guilds and industries, and a great collection of modern art in a unique basementlevel exhibition space. The panoramic views of the rugged snowcapped mountains in the distance, green fields and forests all around and the old town directly below is worth the price of admission alone.QGrajska Pot 13, tel. +386 (0)4 51 70 400, www.loski-muzej.si. Open 10:00 - 17:00.

Closed Mon. In summer open 10:00 - 18:00, Mon 10:00 - 16:00. Admission €3/5 or only €4/5.20 with a guide.

The mysterious medieval town of Škofja Loka is only a short train or bus ride from Ljubljana, photo by Marko Pleško

One of the oldest settlements in Slovenia, Škofja Loka (Slovene for Bishop’s Meadow) is a picture-perfect medieval town that is both one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Ljubljana. The incredibly well-preserved old town is the main attraction here, followed by the great museum collection contained in the enormous castle ensconced on the hill above. But the devil is in the details, as seemingly every building, bridge and alleyway in the old town has a story to tell, and it’s well worth engaging a local guide through the tourist office to provide a more in-depth explanation of the town’s intriguing history, culture and legends than we can fit within the following pages - you can also find out why the coat-of-arms somewhat bizarrely depicts an African man wearing a crown! In this section we’ve also included information on the nearby municipalities of Železniki, Gorenja Vas - Poljane and Žiri, which covers the area of the adjacent Poljanska and Selška valleys as well as the surrounding hills and mountains.

Mestni Trg Unlike some other old towns in Slovenia, Škofja Loka’s main square is still the active centre of the city’s social life, where even during summer month locals going about their daily business outnumber camera-toting tourists such as yourself (and us). This fact, coupled with the colourful façades of the buildings facing the long narrow 92 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

square, have led the town to be affectionately nicknamed ‘colourful Loka’. Most of the buildings on the square exhibit late Gothic architectural elements and were constructed in the early and mid-16th century, as a powerful earthquake in 1511 destroyed nearly everything that had previously been built.

The most notable individual building is likely Homan House, which sits at the far north end of the square. The imposing manor house is actually composed of three separate buildings, and once counted the painter Ivan Grohar as a resident - his work Loka in the Snow captures the view from one of the upper floor windows. Other points of interest include a very active cultural centre, a still-working cinema, several art galleries and of course a so-called Plague column built after the last bout of Black Death in 1751 and dedicated to Mother Mary. Škofja Loka Castle & Museum Dominating the town below and visible from the entire surrounding countryside, Loka Castle is not only one of the finest castles in all of Slovenia, but also houses one of the country’s most impressive museum collections.

First officialy mentioned in the early 13th century, it served as the administrative seat for the vast feudal estates that were under the domain of the powerful Bishops of Freising from Bavaria for more than eight centuries. As with the rest of the old town, the castle had to be completely restored after the great earthquake of 1511, so the current ground ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Trgovina Ika Ika puts the creativity of local Slovene artists and fashion designers in the forefront of its shelves, exhibiting a wonderful selection of products such as paintings, ceramics, jewellery and fashion. You can pick up great souvenirs here as a lot of the products represent the Škofja Loka in artistic forms, or if you’re looking for a unique garment or piece of art, you’ve come to the right place.QMestni Trg 13, tel. +386 (0)4 512 30 23, www.trgovina-ika.si. Open 09:00 - 12:30, 15:30-19:00, Sat 09:00 - 12:30. Closed Sun. Nace’s House (Nacetova Hiša) In 1755, Ignacij Homan - who was known as Nace to his neighbours - had his home extensively renovated in the village of Puštal just across the river from Škofja Loka, and since then the house has remained almost unchanged.

In fact, it is not only the best preserved Slovene homestead from this time Škofja Loka, but all of central Slovenia. Although the mid-18th century renovations gave the exterior an unmistakably Baroque appearance, evidence suggests that structure had actually been built some 200 years early, with rare late Gothic stone detailing in the cellar and two still functioning ‘black kitchens’ the most obvious testament to this. The interior still includes furniture and other personal objects collected by its occupants over the centuries, and is open to the public as a highly authentic ethnographical museum. With advanced reservations, groups can arrange to try a meal prepared in the 400 yearold oven.QPuštal 74, tel. +386 (0)41 756 955/+386 (0)41 769 425, info@nacetovahisa.com, www.nacetovahisa. com. Open by appointment only. Admission €2-3.50.

ing of the railway line in the middle of the 19th century, and was then burnt almost entirely to ground by children playing with fire in 1901.

Nowadays, with only some 1300 people calling the town home, there is not an overwhelming amount to see or do here, but it is probably the best place to organise a guided tour of the overgrown bunkers and fortifications that comprise Rupnik’s Line. There’s also one fine museum dedicated to photography - the Vlasta Photo Museum - and the Krvina Gallery, which exhibits and sells works by both Slovene and foreign artists.

Rupnik’s Line Of all the lessons learned in the aftermath of The Great War, one of the simplest was that employing old military tactics despite the advent of new technologies directly led to a massive increase in the number of casualties suffered by both sides - or to put it another way: charging into machine gun fire and fighting in muddy trenches for years on end was not a lot of fun.

This knowledge, coupled with a pessimistic outlook of a peaceful future, led many European states to construct fortifications along their borders in the years following the war, and the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was no exception.

The Treaty of Rapallo had left nearly 1/3 of Slovene territory under the control of Italy in 1920, with the newly created border running just west of Gorenja Vas - Poljane and nearby Žiri. As the Poljanska Valley was seen as the easiest route to Ljubljana were there to be another major conflict, the most extensive fortifications were planned for this area.

Although proposals for a series of bunkers, tunnels and large subterranean forts were first discussed in 1926, actual construction didn’t commence until 1937 under the command of General Leon Rupnik, and was supposed to have been completed in 1947.

The pace of construction quickened as war broke out in other parts of Europe and by early 1941 over 60,000 men (both soldiers and civilians) were working on the project.

However, when Axis forces finally invaded on 6 April 1941, the work abruptly stopped and the fortifications that had been built were never actually used for military purposes.

Today these eerie remnants of darker times in European history can be visited on guided tours, and make for one of the more interesting experiences to be had in the region.

Gorenja Vas - Poljane The central settlement in the Pojanska Valley, Gorenja Vas (which makes up half of the municipality of Gorenja Vas Poljane) is roughly halfway between Škofja Loka and Žiri.

For years it was a popular place to stop on the road from Vienna to Trieste, but saw much less traffic with the openfacebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

One of the many bunker’s along Rupnik’s line, photo by Denis Bozovičar

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museum, which details its rich historical, cultural and industrial heritage, is reason enough to visit, but the municipal region also extends high up into the mountains to the idyllic village of Sorica, which was the birthplace of famed Slovene impressionist painter Ivan Grohar.

ŽIRI

The colourful hills of Dražgoše, photo by Jana Jocif

Železniki With some 7000 inhabitants Železniki is the main town of the Selška Valley, and has a long proud history dating back to the middle of the 10th century when the German Emperor donated it to the Bishops of Freisburg. It’s not a coincidence that the town’s name is derived from the Slovene word for iron, as Železniki owes its existence to the rich deposits of iron ore in the surrounding hills and the related ironworks industry that dates back nearly 700 years.

While the ironworks was shuttered at the beginning of the 20th century, the town’s most recognisable sight is the perfectly preserved smelting furnace that still stands defiantly in the main square - the only remaining structure of its type in Europe and now a protected technical monument.

Nowadays Železniki is thriving once again, and is home to several leading Slovenian firms, most notably the furniture maker Alples, and Domel, which manufacturers electronic motors and other components. The town’s

If Slovenia is situated at the geographical crossroads of Europe - with the Alps, great eastern plains and Mediterranean all converging within its borders - and Žiri is at the crossroads of Slovenia, then by our calculation this small town of just under 5000 inhabitants is the unofficial centre of Europe! While this may be a slight exaggeration, Žiri is set in an enviable location in a small basin at the end of the Poljanska Valley, just a short drive away from Škofja Loka to the east, Vrhnika to the south and Idrija to the west.

But Žiri wasn’t always in the centre of things, in fact for much of it’s history it has been a border town between the great empires of the east and west - most recently during the period between WWI and WWII, when it was only a couple of kilometres from the border separating Italy and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. In the years immediately following the Second World War, the borders once again receded and gave Žiri a bit more breathing room. It was at this time that the town’s most recognisable company, Alpina, began to grow from a small cooperative of local shoemakers into the international firm that it is today. A repeat winner of the prestigious Red Dot award for design, many of Alpina’s award winning models can be seen in a special exhibit at the city museum.

Festival zgodovine Festival of History

21. junij / 21st June 2014 9.00 - 21.00

Škofja Loka

Semenj bil je živ / The Fair was Alive Mestni trg / Town Square / 9.00 – 20.00 Kulinarična ponudba / Culinary Fare Mestni trg / Town Square / 9.00 – 20.00 Promenada meščanov v historičnih oblačilih / Procession of Town Folk in Historical Clothing / Mestni trg / Town Square / 10.00 Osrednji dogodek – dramska igra: »Kamniti most« / Central Event – Drama Play: The Stone bridge Mestni trg / Town Square / 11.00, 18.00 Nastopi glasbenih in plesnih skupin ter vitezov iz Freisinga, rokodelske delavnice v Centru DUO / Performances by music and dance groups and the Knights from Freising, Handicraft Workshops in the DUO Centre Mestni trg / Town Square / 10.00 – 18.00 Rokodelnice in igrarije za otroke Handicrafts and Games for Children Prostor pod Loškim gradom / Area beneath Loka Castle / 10.00 – 19.00

GENERALNI POKROVITELJ GENERAL SPONSOR:

Turizem Škofja Loka / Tourist Board Škofja Loka +386 4 517 06 00, www.skofja-loka.com

www.historial.si ZLATI POKROVITELJI / GOLDEN SPONSORS:

SREBRNI POKROVITELJI / SILVER SPONSORS:

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Jahanje konj / Horse Riding Hrib pod Loškim gradom / Hill beneath Loka Castle / 10.00 – 17.00 Brezplačen ogled Kapucinske knjižnice Free Guided Tour of the Capuchin Library 13.00 – 14.00 Brezplačen ogled Nacetove hiše z ustvarjalnimi delavnicami in igrarijo Free Guided Tour of Nace's House with Creative Workshops and Games Puštal / 15.00 – 17.00 Ugodnejši obisk Loškega muzeja Reduced Price Entry to the Loka Museum 10.00 – 17.00 Otvoritev Bralnice na prostem Opening of the Outdoor Reading Room Vrt Sokolskega doma / Garden of Sokol Home 17.00 – 21.00 Večerni koncert s pevci Glasbene šole Škofja Loka / Evening Concert with Singers from the Škofja Loka Music School Sokolski dom / Sokol Home / 20.00

Prost vstop.

Free entry.

The shoe exhibition at Žiri Museum, photo by Franc Temelj

Pravljice za otroke / Fairytales for Children Vrt Občine Škofja Loka / Garden of the Škofja Loka Municipality Building / 10.00, 11.30, 17.30

Discover Železniki’s industrial heritage, photo by Jana Jocif

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Program prireditve Historial Škofja Loka 2014 bo izpeljan v vsakem vremenu. / The programme of the Historial Škofja Loka 2014 event will be held in any weather.

Brdo: Domain of Delights horses and picnics in the park to the the modern conference centre and of course tours of the castle itself. Recent renovations have bestowed the hotel with all the modern comforts, and the premises also include a fine restaurant, new wellness centre and two conference halls. The rooms and suites are a great value, while the 200m2 presidential suite is true to its name, having accommodated a certain US leader during his stay in Slovenia in 2001.QPredoslje 39, tel. +386 (0)4 260 1000, hotel.brdo@gov.si, www. brdo.si. 78 rooms. PHARLKD Fairy tale weddings are one of the many unique happenings at the Brdo Estate

One of the grandest estates in all of Slovenia, Brdo was originally built at the beginning of the 16th century by Habsburg nobleman Georg Egkh, and in the five centuries that followed it was home to several notable owners including the Zois family and the last monarchs of Serbia, the Karađorđević family. In more recently history, the estate served as one of the favourite residences of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito and also famously hosted the first meeting between the then newly elected presidents of the United States and Russia, George Bush and Vladimir Putin. In 2008 a modern conference centre was built to accommodate the numerous high-level events that were held during Slovenia’s six month Presidency of the Council of the EU. The 500-hectare estate is administered by the Protocol Office of the Republic of Slovenia, and is the main venue for the state’s diplomatic events. However, for most of the year the well-kept grounds and it various facilities, including Brdo Castle itself, are open to the public. The site also includes the newly renovated four-star Hotel Brdo, which boasts a new wellness centre and fine restaurant.

Depending on visitors’ interests, the most impressive site at Brdo is either the magnificent grounds or Brdo Castle. In addition to its amazing location at the foothills of the Alps, the estate is criss-crossed with pathways that wind through pastures and gardens, around several lakes and through a large forested area. To traverse the park in style a carriage drawn by white Lipizzaner horses can be hired, as can small golf carts for those who prefer practicality to romance.

Meanwhile in the middle of it all sits the indelible castle.

Relatively modest in size and with an unembellished façade, the interior stands in stark contrast, as it was completely renovated and refurnished after WWII to reflect the tastes of Tito. It has been left more or less unchanged since his death in 1980, offering an intimate look into the life and times of one of the larger than life figures of the 20th century.

HOTEL Brdo Set just outside the entrance of the Brdo estate, Hotel Brdo offers unfettered access to all of the attractions within, from carriage rides drawn by famed white Lipizzaner 96 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Hotel Brdo Restaurant This newly renovated restaurant on the ground floor of Hotel Brdo (formerly Hotel Kokra) is a perfect place for lunch on a family trip to the adjacent Brdo Castle and Park.

Decidedly high-end in appearance, service and cuisine, the menu boasts surprisingly affordable prices, especially during lunch at the weekends. If you’re looking for a more romantic and/or relaxing getaway, you can combine your meal with a trip to the onsite wellness centre, or a horsedrawn carriage ride through the park grounds.QPredoslje 39, Kranj, tel. +386 (0)4 260 1000, +386 (0)4 260 1672, hotel.brdo@gov.si, www.brdo.si. Open 07:00 - 22:00.

PTALBW Strmol Castle Along the road connecting the villages of Češnjevek and Dvorje you will find the fairytale-like castle Strmol and its park. Of the twelve medieval castles in the Cerklje municipality this is the only one which survived the ravages of time and is still in tip-top condition, and is also one of the only castles in all of Slovenia that still includes its original furniture. Since 2004 it has been a registered object of the Republic of Slovenia and used as a guesthouse and conference site by the government.

First mentioned in literature in 1287, Strmol Castle is among the oldest in the area and in essence medieval, but the castle was renovated in Renaissance and Baroque style resulting in an interesting architectural mixture. The castle park has an aesthetically pleasing design dating from the 17th century. Currently it consists of an artificial lake, nonnative trees, grass fields and a fountain, with Dvorjanski hill in the background. Around the castle and the hill are some nice paths for enjoyable strolling, and it has recently opened as a luxury boutique hotel.QTel. +386 (0)4 260 15 01, brdo-eu@gov.si, www.brdo.si. Open for guided tours by prior arrangement.

Vrelec Brdo Wellness This wellness centre is one of the many facilities found at the magnificent Hotel Brdo, which is itself situated on the grounds of the Brdo Castle and Park - an historic estate just north of Kranj, some 30 minutes by car from Ljubljana.

Vrelec offers a wide variety of massages and body care treatments, as well as Finnish and Turkish saunas, a whirlpool and a cold pool for those who are daring enough to take an invigorating dip.QPredoslje 39, Kranj, tel. +386 (0)4 260 18 16, vrelec.brdo@gov.si, www.brdo.si. Open 16:00 - 22:00, Sat, Sun 15:00 - 22:00. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Prestige created over Centuries F O R Y O U TO EN J O Y TO D AY

Awaiting your visit in the rays of sunshine, crowned by glorious past, and carrying the tradition into present. Venues where the finest encounters of today’s business world and diplomacy have found its home. Our unique castles and villas are located in Slovenia, the very heart of Europe. With years-long experience of organising protocol events of the highest level, conferences and celebrations – we remain a trusted partner, always ready and honoured to host your event with the outmost of care and the highest quality of services.

Castle Brdo at Brdo Estate Signed with the seal of excellence.

Strmol Castle

Experience beyond compare.

Vila Bled

Timeless elegance.

JGZ Brdo – State Protocol Services of the Republic of Slovenia, Predoslje 39, SI-4000 Kranj, Slovenia Tel: +386 4 260 10 00 Fax: +386 4 202 15 51 email: brdo-eu@gov.si www.brdo.si

Slovenian Istria

Slovenian Istria Restaurants Gostišče Obala Located in the Jadranka Avtokamp along the waterfront just east of town, this no frills restaurant offers a relaxed and authentic dining experience without the crowds of the city centre, with free parking and panoramic views of the old town offering further enticement. Grilled meat and vegetable dishes are well-represented on the menu, as of course are fish and other seafood specialities, while the awardwinning pizza is what draws many a local family here. Fresh locals ingredients from surrounding countryside are used, and prices are incredibly reasonable. It’s open year-round for lunch, and dinner as well during the high season.QPolje 8 (Avtokamp Jadranka), tel. +386 (0)41 528 787, camp. jadranka@gmail.com, avtokamp-jadranka.si.

Not as well-known as some other coastal towns, for us Izola is truly a town with a soul, and one of our favourite day trip destinations

KOPER The somewhat kitsch slogan used by Slovenia’s neighbours to describe their coastline is “the Mediterranean as it used to be.” Slovenians are more clever than that. That’s why one local of the gorgeous seaside town of Koper told Koper In Your Pocket that the Slovenian coast is in fact, simply, “the Mediterranean as it is.” Brilliant, as is Koper, a town of not all that many people just an hour from Ljubljana, yet in attitude and outlook it might just as well be one million miles away. If Ljubljana reeks of Austrian influence, Koper is Slovenia’s Italian connection. “It’s Slovenia, Jim, but not as we know it.”

Wandering around Koper’s Old Town, all narrow streets and Venetian-style houses, you could be forgiven that you had indeed crossed the border into Italy. You are as liable to hear Italian spoken as Slovenian, there are Italian signs everywhere, and it’s all a reminder that the border between one country and another has never really mattered all that much in these parts. Always something of a blur, it disappeared forever three years ago when Slovenia joined the Schengen block.

Tourist information Koper Tourist Information Centre Koper’s well-stocked tourist information centre is located in the centre of town on Tito Square. The friendly multilingual staff will gladly make recommendations for what to see and do both in Koper and the surrounding countryside, and free brochures and maps can be found for pretty 98 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

much everything there is to see and do in the region.

QB-4, Titov Trg 3, tel. +386 (0)5 664 64 03, tic@koper.si, www.koper.si. Open daily 09:00-20:00 (June-Sept), and 09:00-17:00 (Oct-May).

IZOLA Still an easygoing fishing village at heart, Izola doesn’t get nearly as much love as some of Slovenia’s other coastal towns and is often overlooked by tourists racing by on their way to Piran for a day trip. However, as far as we’re concerned it’s a beautiful little Venetian port town with enough amenities to keep you comfortable, windy old streets to wander and sights to see to make it a worthwhile destination in its own right.

Hiša Torkla Situated in a beautifully restored traditional 19th-century Istrian house in the charming hilltop town of Korte, the cuisine at Hiša Torkla is just as exceptional as the setting.

Prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients from local farmers, hunters and fishermen, many of the dishes are based on age-old Slovene recipes with a little bit of modern innovation from head chef Sebastijan Kovačič. In addition to the main dining room, there is a large terrace that can be transformed into an enclosed winter garden during colder months, and a small private salon with a fireplace that can be reserved for special occasions. After dinner you can head to the equally grand wine cellar downstairs.QKorte 44b, tel. +386 (0)5 620 96 57, info@hisa-torkla.si, www. hisa-torkla.si. Open 12:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon. Manjada Set high above the road overlooking the San Simon Resort and Adriatic sea in the distance, Manjada is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner, combining the modern dining experience with a homey traditional-style. House specialties included meat and seafood dishes from a charcoal grill, fresh fish from the Adriatic, and every kind of pizza imaginable, with the daily lunch specials always a good choice. For a real treat, come for dinner and try one of the excellent (and very reasonably priced) five-course tastings menus, with each course accompanied by a perfectly matched Slovene wine.QMorova 25d, tel. +386 (0)5 64 16 321, www.gostilna-manjada.si. Open 10:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 23:00. Closed Mon.

Pergola Open only during the peak tourist season, you can be assured of fresh ingredients and a crowded house at this seafood restaurant found at Hotel Delfin near the entrance to the marina. Free parking for guests in another added benefit, and another likely reason why the place is popular amongst locals and others who aren’t staying at the hotel or even visiting its pools.QTomažičeva 10, tel. +386 (0)5 6607 421, www.hotel-delfin.si. Open 09:00-21:00 from April till October. PTAL Vila Raineri Located next to the Hotel Delfin complex just outside the town’s modern marina, Vila Raineri makes for a good family-friendly destination after a day spent cruising out on the Adriatic, or just splashing around at the hotel’s pools or private beach. Some two dozen pizzas come in four different sizes, so everyone should be able to find the perfect size and variety.QTomažičeva 10, tel. +386 (0)5 6607 426, www.hotel-delfin.si. Open 11:00 - 23:00. TAL

Wine Bars Kantina The wine bar in the cellar of Hotel Delfin, attracts a boisterous mix of visitors during the peak months of the summer season, it’s cool air and authentic Istrian stone walls providing a much needed respite from the scorching sun. Of course there’s also a wide selection of both Slovene and international wine to choose from, and various meats, cheeses and other light snacks to ensure that it all doesn’t go to your head too quickly.QTomažičeva 10, tel. +386 (0)5 6607 426, www.hotel-delfin.si.

Wine Vina Božič The Božič family has been tending their vineyards in the hills surrounding Izola for well over a century, 1902 to be exact, with the current generation combining the age-old knowledge acquired from their ancestors with modern production, bottling and storage methods in order to produce some of the highest quality wine in the area. Primarily growing the local Istrian grape varieties Malvasia and Refosco on some 12 hectares of lands, the family launched a new label in 2005, which has already been awarded multiple gold

Apartments Bele Skale Tourist Agency Can arrange rooms and apartments in and around Izola, as well as the rest of the Slovenian coast and even in Croatia. Advanced booking is always a good idea (especially during the high season), but with a bit of luck same day arrangements can also be made. In addition to accommodation, they also offer various excursions as far afield as Venice, and boat trips lasting from 3 hours to an entire day. Detailed info and photos of all their accommodation can be found on their website.QE-2, Cankarjev Drevored 2, tel. +386 (0)5 640 35 55, www.beleskale.si. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

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Slovenian Istria medals at several prestigious wine festivals. Their still very reasonably priced bottled can be purchased at their shop in the city centre (located one street south of the main roundabout) or on a visit to their wine cellar in Jagode just west of town.QPostojnska 7, tel. +386 (0)41 784 719, kristjan@ vina-bozic.com, www.vina-bozic.com.

Boat Charters Adria Service Yachting There’s no better way to experience the Adriatic sea than on a private boat. However, if like us you’re not fortunate enough to have your own vessel, don’t worry, Adria Service Yachting have a fleet of nearly two dozen sail boats, power boats, luxury yachts and catamarans on which you can experience your dream holiday. Standard charters are by the week, especially during the peak summer season, but day and weekend charters are also possible, as are excursion, business trips and team-building activities. Adria Service Yachting is also a fully licensed travel agency, which means they can arrange accommodation and airport transfers, as well as organise your participation in one of the many regattas that take place in the Adriatic each year, including the most famous of them all, Trieste’s Barcolana.

QTomažičeva 4a, tel. +386 (0)5 640 1102, booking@ adriaervice-yachting.com, adriaservice-yachting.com.

Boat hire Ampelea Hiring a boat to cruise around the Adriatic Sea is hands down one of the most enjoyable activities that can be undertaken on Slovenia’s petite coast - a sentiment that we’ve often heard repeated by many a Slovene as well. Not only does this afford you and your fellow sailors the luxury to go where you want when you want, but you can also avoid the crowded beaches during the summertime and explore sights off the proverbial beaten path. While the harbours of Slovenia’s coastal town are full of boats for hire, one of the most unique experience you can have is on the Ampelea, which offers a passengers the same convenience of the rest, along with some authentic charm and history.

The Ampelea is a type of sailboat called a štilac, which was commonly used as a cargo vessel in the eastern Adriatic during the second half of the 19th century. The boat itself dates back to 1930, and underwent more than a year of renovations after being purchased from a small Croatian fishing village by the current owners in 2004. It can comfortably accommodate up to eight people on longer journeys, and shorter half-day, fullday and romantic evening cruises are also available.

Further details, prices and more info about the boat’s history can be found on the website.Qtel. +386 (0)40 794 216, ampelea@gmail.com, www.ampelea.com.

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Slovenian Istria Piran Piran is to the Adriatic what Bled is to the Alps and Slovenia as a whole is to Central Europe: tiny, friendly and overwhelmingly picturesque. It’s a town that is almost impossible not to fall in love with on your first visit, and if you only have time for a day trip you’ll likely want to make plans to return. We also only halfjokingly added “family residence in Piran - preferably renovated” to our list of things we now look for in potential significant others, but that’s only because we’re superficial.

Despite it’s modest size Piran is awash in superlatives. It boasts what is undeniably the country’s finest square, the 19th-century Tartinijev Trg named after the composer Giuseppe Tartini, and what has to be one of the most dramatically situated churches anywhere in Europe, St George Cathedral and its spectacular bell tower perched on the hill overlooking the town and the sea. In addition, its numerous restaurants not only turn out some of the best seafood we’ve ever eaten but also serve it in some equally unforgettable settings.

Restaurants La Bottega dei Sapori A relative newcomer to Piran’s culinary scene, Bottega nevertheless boasts one of the finest locations of any restaurant on the coast - occupying a sizeable swath of the town’s famed Tartini Square. With 40 years of experience, head chef Sergio Vuk sees to it that each and every dish coming from the kitchen is a worthy compliment to the venue, and the menu features traditional Istrian dishes with hints of Italian and French influence. Perhaps best of all the reasonable prices here belie the high quality, so ordering multiple courses and lingering over a bottle of prized Slovene wine is definitely recommended.QKajuhova 12, tel. +386 (0)59 920 474, labottegapirano@ gmail.com. Open 10:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon. PJB

An Italian-style ‘beach’ just south of Piran, photo by Istvan Csak / Shutterstock

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Piran’s Tartini Square is one of the finest in Slovenia, photo by Matej Kastelic / Shutterstock

Gostilna Pri Mari This cosy, rustic restaurant is just your typical story of a girl from Venice falling in love with a Slovene boy, moving to Piran and sometime thereafter opening a restaurant specialising in Istrian and Venetian cuisine fresh from the sea. Okay perhaps that’s not the most typical of stories, but now more than a decade on, the little restaurant near the entrance to town has built a reputation as one of the coast’s top dining destinations, as much for the convivial atmosphere and genuine hospitality of the hosts Mara and Tomi, as for the excellent cuisine they serve.QDantejeva 17, tel. +386 (0)41 616 488/+386 (0)5 673 4735, www.primari-piran.com. Open 12:0022:00, Sun 12:00-18:00. Closed in January, and 16:0018:00 in summer. PA Tri Vdove Boasting a well-deserved reputation for friendly and efficient service, Tri Vdove (or the Three Windows) is an excellent spot to stop for lunch or a sunset dinner along Piran’s main waterfront promenade. It should come as no surprise that the menu is dominated by page after page of fish and other seafood dishes, however, various steak and grilled meat dishes are also available for those who have already had their fill of sea-based creatures.

The house wine has the benefit of being both high quality and inexpensive, giving you an extra reason to linger after the meal and appreciate the views.QPrešernovo Nabrežje 4, tel. +386 (0)5 673 02 90/+386 (0)41 507 653. Open 10:00 - 01:00. €€. facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

Sightseeing Brodarstvo Gorjan This family-run maritime company has been in the passenger transport business for three decades, nowadays catering primarily to foreign and Slovene tourists with sightseeing trips along the Slovene coast. In addition to regular return services between Portorož to Izola in the summertime, they also offer dining excursions with several different seafood meal options for 30 or more guests, with the larger of their two vessels accommodating up 147 people. On requests, longer excursions to can also be arranged to destinations as distant as Grado in Italy and Rovinj on the Croatian coast. More detailed info can be found on their website.QRegenta 13, tel. +386 (0)5 6730 780/+386 (0)41 664 132, info@brodarstvo-gorjan.si, www. brodarstvo-gorjan.si.

portorož With only 47km of Adriatic coast Slovenes have to make the most of every centimetre. The result is a coastline dotted with half a dozen or so notable towns, each with its own unique character, strengths and weaknesses. The poetically named Portorož, or Port of Roses, is home to one of the largest modern marinas on the Adriatic and is the undisputed king of Slovenia’s coastal tourism trade. Although it lacks the Venetian old towns that can be found else where along the coast, its numerous hotels, restaurants, conference centres, spas and casinos make it a popular destination for both foreigners and Slovenes, and an excellent base June - July 2014

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Slovenian Istria Sečovlje Salina Once upon a time, salt was one of the most soughtafter commodities in the world. The phrase ‘not worth his salt’ had to have come from somewhere, and it turns out that origin dates back to when a Roman soldier had his salary cut. In the Roman times of course, part of the soldier’s wage was paid in salt because of its high value. It may not play such a vital role economically these days, but it still happens to be something we can’t live without. It is of great interest then that less than 10km from Piran, Sečovlje Salina Nature Park plays host to one of the only still funcitioning traditional salt flats in the Mediterranean, as well as a truly unique mix of flora and fauna that have come to thrive in the salty lands.

The glory years for Sečovlje were between the 15th and 18th centuries, when the Venetians controlled the area. With the change of ownership moving to Austria, the salt-lands began to experience a cycle of prosperity and recession and were frequently on the verge of bankruptcy. Italy took over again after World War I, but the business side of things continued to decline until the decision was taken to make it into a national park.

The park, established as such in 1989 by the municipality of Piran, is split into two parts, called Lera and Fontanigge. The Drnica River separates them, and you should be aware that they both have separate entrances. Markedly different in their functions now, both Lera and Fontanigge are fascinating and well worth a look.

Lera, on the northern side, still harvests salt to this very day, using the most traditional methods, methods that have only gone under the slightest change in seven centuries. Salt is produced all year round, but June through to September are far away the most interesting times, which is when crystallized salt gets collected from the salt pans. There is also a salt shop on Lera, housed in a restored salt flat building.

Fontanigge, in the south, is an entirely different beast.

Salt production here was abandoned in the 1960s, but it is here you can find the museum of salt making, housed in a number of renovated salt workers houses. Tools, salt stores and the history of salt making are all explored.

The most fascinating aspect of Fontanigge might not be the salt however. The abandonment of salt production created some unusual ecological conditions, allowing a number of rare species to thrive here. Not only does halophyte (plant life adapted to live in salty conditions) fauna dominate it, but a number of strange beasts also reside here. One of these is the Etruscan shrew, otherwise known as the smallest mammal on the planet. It has also provided refuge for numerous birds, making for some of the most special bird watching available on the continent.QSoline Pridelava soli d.o.o. Seča 115, +386 (0)5 672 13 30, info@kpss.si, www.kpss.si. Open 08:00 - 21:00. Admission: €6 (Apr - Oct €7) adults, €4 (Apr - Oct €5) students and seniors, free for children under age six, €14 (Apr - Oct €16) family ticket.

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Slovenian Istria for day trips and excursions farther afield.

Portorož has been a tourist destination as far back as the 13th century, when it developed a niche as a health resort, and towards the end of the 19th century it became widely known for the healing properties of its mud and salt water baths. This reputation has persisted till today, with the city currently home to no less than six different wellness spas and resorts. Aside from spas, Portorož alsoplays host to various national and international conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs, which enables the city to maintain a bustling vibrant air throughout the entire year. One of its largest annual events is Internautica, an international boat show held every May, which attracts over 400 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors - it’s a sight to see even if you’re not in the market for a new luxury yacht.

Restaurants Cacao A modern, stylish café that’s as well-known for its homemade ice cream and cakes as it is for its coffee. The interior is done up in the minimalist nouveau Euro-style seems to be as popular in Slovenia as it is elsewhere on the continent, while the staff are generally attentive and fast. The place also functions as a bar once the clock hits a reasonable hour for drinking - what time this is exactly is not for us to say, but we can highly recommend the cocktails.QD-2, Obala 14, tel. +386 (0)5 674 10 35, www.cacao.si, www.cacao.si.

Open 08:00 - 03:00. PTAR6UGBX Padela Set near the Portorož Marina at the far end of the main seaside promenade, Padela is one of the few places in town that is both patronised and recommended by locals.

The interior is modernly renovated, but in the classic Istrian style, with wooden ceilings and limestone walls, while there’s also a large outdoor terrace. Highlights of the menu include classic Istrian dishes like homemade pasta with truffles, seafood from the Adriatic and local Karst prosciutto, with much more reasonable prices than the majority of the more centrally located establishments.QObala 99, tel. +386 (0)5 902 36 59, gostilna.padela@gmail.com.

Sightseeing boats Barka Regina There’s no better way to see Portorož, Piran or the rest of the breathtaking Slovenian coast than from the sea! If you’re not one of the lucky few who have their own boats, no need to worry, the Barka Regina tourist boat offers various type of trips at reasonable prices. Panoramic sightseeing trips lasting up to three hours cost only €15 per person, while other organised itineraries cruise for almost twice as long and also include full seafood feasts with drinks. The so-called Queen of Portorož can also be chartered for extended fishing trips, birthday parties, romantic dinners and more. Amenities on the classic wooden boat include a bar, full kitchen, an entertainment system and even wireless internet.Qtel. +386 (0)31 518 338/+386 (0)31 662 348, regina@zlatecan.com, www.barka-regina.si. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Hotels Hostel Europa Portorož The Slovene coast’s newest hostel provides a much needed option for budget travellers visiting glitzy Portorož. And it’s not just the prices that are great, the hostel is located in the centre of town 50m from one of Portorož’s most popular beaches. Its nine themed rooms are clean and comfortable, and the dorms with en suites are particularly good as they have two toilets. Dorms can also be converted into family rooms and even pets are welcome (with advanced notice). Although there is no kitchen guests won’t go hungry as the hostel serves an excellent breakfast and in the afternoon their bar offers reasonably priced local wine and delicious bar snacks.QE-2, Senčna Pot 2, tel. +386 (0)5 90 325 74, info@ehp.si, ehp.si. 9 rooms with 49 beds (dorms from €22 with breakfast, €24 in July/Aug €24).

PJBKW

THE KARST Still an easygoing fishing village at heart, Izola doesn’t get nearly as much love as some of Slovenia’s other coastal towns and is often overlooked by tourists racing by on their way to Piran for a day trip. However, as far as we’re concerned it’s a beautiful little Venetian port town with enough amenities to keep you comfortable, windy old streets to wander and sights to see to make it a worthwhile destination in its own right.

Restaurants

Slovene wine, and optionally followed by a post-meal cigar on the terrace. For lovers of good food, it is truly an experience not to be missed. Reservations highly recommended.QDol pri Vogljah 16, Dutovlje, tel. +386 (0)5 734 17 20, peter.patajac1@siol.net. Open 10:00 - 22:00.

Closed Mon, Tue, Wed. €€€.

Sightseeing Hrastovlje The Istrian village of Hrastovlje is most famous for its Church of the Holy Trinity, which dates back to the 13th century. The entire interior of the the church is covered in frescoes by the 15th century Slovene artist Janez of Castua, including the eerily enchanting Dance of Death or Danse Macabre [editor’s note: this is also the title of a great album by an indie dance punk band from Omaha called The Faint].

Most of the equally impressive other works take their themes from the various parts of the Old Testament, and some include inscriptions in Glagolitic - the oldest known Slavic alphabet, developed by Saints Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century. The church is surrounded by 16th century walls with two defence towers, originally built to fend off the Ottomans.

The quaintly picturesque Hrastovlje village, with its traditional Istrian architecture, is also worth a stroll, and as with many of the village in the area it’s a popular starting point for hiking, cycling and motorcycle trips into the surrounding countryside. For art lovers two galleries in the centre of the village are also worth perusing, the Jože Pohlen Gallery and the Victor Snoj Gallery.

Gostilna Skok An excursion into the Karst countryside is a must during any extended stay at the Slovenian Coast, and the charming family-run Skok guesthouse in the hills above Sežana makes an excellent destination. The menu here focuses exclusively on local seasonal dishes, with house specialties including jota stew with sausage, homemade gnocchi, hand-cut prosciutto, venison steaks and other dishes. In 2011, Skok was one of the founding members of the Gostilna Slovenija brand, which has strict criteria for guaranteeing the authenticity Slovene cuisine and wine at establishments proudly displaying its trademark bell. If the the village setting takes your fancy, there are seven spacious modern guest rooms available for overnight stays.QŠtorje 27, Sežana, tel. +386 (0) 768 54 09/+386 (0)41 725 504, gostilna.skok@gmail. com, www.gostilna-skok.com. Open 10:00 - 22:00.

Closed Mon. PTALB Ruj Set in an unassuming stone house just steps from the Italian border, Ruj is perennially on the shortlist of Slovenia’s best restaurants and fittingly named after the Slovene word for Sumac - a small nondescript shrub that produces a brightly coloured fruit, which is ground into a tangy crimson spice. Despite the modest surroundings, a typical meal at Ruj features course after course of exquisitely prepared dishes, using only the freshest of local ingredients, each plate accompanied by the perfectly matched facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

Taste classic Istrian cuisine at Padela in Portorož

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Postojna

Postojna northwest of the town centre. Built in the 13th century and partially situated under enormous natural stone arch, it’s not only a fine castle in its own right, but also sits atop another tourist cave and is also associated with several fascinating legends.While the vast majority of visitors come to Postojna just to see one or both of its star attractions, with three proper hotels and many other guesthouses and private accommodation options located in and around the town, it makes a good base for exploring parts of central Slovenia as well as the Karst region that extends towards the Adriatic Sea and Italy - Trieste actually being closer to Postojna than Ljubljana (35km and 54km away respectively).

The Proteus Restaurant

With less than 10,000 inhabitants Postojna is barely one of the 20 largest towns in Slovenia, but arguably none are more well-known throughout that world (including the capital Ljubljana) than this relatively nondescript settlement in the southwest of the country that wasn’t even officially recognise until 1909. The reason of course it not so much the town itself, but the amazing network of karst caves that lie just below its surface. First opened to the public in 1819, the world-famous Postojna Cave is said to have attracted more than 35 million visitors over the past two centuries, with one of its first being AustroHungarian Emperor Francis I the year before it opened.

If this were not enough, Postojna is also blessed with another popular sight in its immediate vicinity, the magnificent Predjama Castle located some 11km to the

Where to stay Mirjam Penzion, Camp & Wellness Set just underneath one of Slovenia’s most unique natural sights, the white limestone cliffs at the southern edge of the Nanos plateau, Mirjam is mini resort with budget accommodation in both standard guest rooms and a shared hostel-style dormitories, as well as a small campground with hookups for motorhomes, shower facilities and plenty of space for pitching a tent. The family-run place also includes billiards, a football pitch and a swimming pool among other amenities, while a full wellness and medical treatment centre rounds out the offer. All in all, it’s a great place for cyclists, campers and other budget travellers to break their journeys on the way to or from the coast.

QRazdrto 19, tel. +386 (0)41 684 988/+386 (0)5 75 77 200, mirjam.pavlin@mirjam.si, www.mirjam.si. Singles €35, doubles €44, dorms €12, campground €11/two persons (tent or camper). T6FLEKDCW

Where to eat Avio Pub Found just off the runway at Postojna’s small recreational airport, there’s a large garden out back where diners can watch the planes take off and land - many of which are taking visitors on panoramic flights. Despite the name, this place is a fullfledged pizzeria, steakhouse and wine bar, with pizzas coming crispy and hot from a wood-fired oven, steaks grilled to perfection and a wide selection of Slovene wine from the cellar.

From Tuesday to Friday there are multi-course lunch specials starting from only €6. Of course the cosy wood-covered interior is very pub-like in appearance, and there are four types of draught beer on hand for those who are thirsty.QRakitnik 1a, Prestranek, tel. +386 (0)5 720 13 10, info@aviopub.si, www. aviopub.si. Open 10:00-23:00, Sat-Sun and holidays 11:0023:00. Closed Mon. TLBS Proteus Restaurant After a day spent exploring Postojna’s famous cave and other sights, treat yourself to a first-class meal at the newly renovated Proteus. Set in a old house that is typical for the region, the restaurant combines the traditional and modern with homemade local cuisine served in an elegant interior. Tables are separated by curtains of fine white string, which are meant to resemble the geological formations 104 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

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found inside the cave, and the walls are decorated with works of acclaimed Slovene painter Leo Vilhar.QTitov Trg 1, tel. +386 (0)8 161 0300/+386 (0)40 457 483, info@ postojnska-jama.eu, www.postojnska-jama.eu.

Restaurant & Pizzeria Čuk This humble restaurant and pizzeria keeps things simple with good food and friendly service. Located on the edge of town, Čuk is popular with locals and visitors alike. On offer are a range of hearty Slovene dishes and excellent wood-fired pizzas as well as tasty daily specials. The restaurant is great for families with a selection of kid’s meals and a playground to occupy the little ones before or after eating. If you are staying in town and don’t feel like heading out, Čuk also delivers.QPot v Pivki 4, tel. +386 (0)5 7201 300, pizzeria.cuk@siol.net, www.pizza-cuk.si.

Open 10:00 - 23:00, Fri 10:00 - 24:00, Sat 11:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. PTLV

Around Postojna Dolenčevi Tourist Farm Slovenes are a rustic down to earth bunch with many families still growing their own veggies and producing homemade delicacies from salami to plum brandy. The Dolenčevi tourist farm, an ecological family-run estate 10km from Postojna, is the perfect place for visitors to experience this strong connection to the land and taste the fruits of their labour - the homegrown and prepared food at Dolenčevi is excellent, with the house-cured prosciutto and gnocchi with local game coming especially highly recommended. The farm is located in a tranquil forested area with great opportunities for hiking and riding (bike rental available), and the must-see Postojna and Škocjan caves are just a short drive away.QSajevče 8, Hruševje, tel. +386 (0)5 756 20 22, dolencevi@gmx.net, www. dolencevi.si. From €20/person, €24 with breakfast, €34 with half-board.

Morski Konjiček Found near the town of Pivka just off the main PostojnaPivka-Ilirska Bistrica road (some 15 minutes south of the A1 motorway), this sprawling countryside restaurant is a popular stop for Slovenes and tourists after a day at the coast. Given that its name translates ‘seahorse’ in English, it’s not surprising that fish and other seafood specialities are the main focus of the menu here, but for those who have already had their fill of such fare, there are plenty of other dishes and some fine pizzas. For families there’s a children’s playground for a before or after dinner romp, and for those who’d like to stay for a drink or five the place is open till the wee hours at the weekends.QMala Pristava 10, Pivka, tel. +386 (0)5 753 20 55/+386 (0)41 523 325, darija.hrvatic@gmail.com. Open 11:00-24:00, Fri 11:00-04:00, Sat 09:00-04:00, Sun 09:00-24:00. Closed Mon except for holidays.Restaurant Proteus Postojna

Read more about Postojna online at postojna.inyourpocket.com facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

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Postojna Postojnska Jama

Postojna Cave (Postojnska Jama) The largest cave in the karst region and most visited show cave in all of Europe, words on a page can hardly do justice to the majesty of Postojna. So far, more than 20km of galleries have been found, of which barely a fraction are open to the public. All the same, a visit here still takes up much of a morning or an afternoon, as you make your way through the most spectacular parts of the cave, at first by a dinky little narrow-gauge train, and then on foot. There are no stairs or difficult climbs along the path to or inside the cave, so visitors with limited mobility should not have any difficulties.

Formed over millions of years by the Pivka river, the cave was discovered in the 13th century, though never properly explored until the early 1800s. They opened as a tourist attraction in 1819, with Franz I, Emperor of Austria, among the first to visit. Bizarrely, so popular did the caves become that electric lights were fitted in 1884: some years before such technology was first deployed in Ljubljana itself.

Highlights of the cave include the enormous stalactites and stalagmites, and the quite sensational concert hall, which can (and does) hold 10,000 people. The acoustics down here are said to be sensational. Note that the temperature of the cave is a chilly 10°C, so bring a jumper. The caves are also home to olms (or white salamanders), a blind amphibian endemic to the subterranean waters of caves of this part of Europe. The olms can be seen in some of the pools of water as you make your way around the cave. Though blind they are sensitive to flash photography and if you do spot one you should refrain from taking any photos.QJamska 30, Postojna, tel. +386 (0)5 700 01 00, fax +386 (0)5 700 01 30, info@postojnska-jama.eu, www.postojnska-jama. eu. Open every day, all year. From Nov to March tours at 10:00, 12:00 and 15:00, in April and Oct at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00.

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Predjama Castle (Predjamski Grad) Located some 10km north of Postojna is one of Europe’s finest castles. Predjama Castle (or Predjamski grad, Höhlenburg Lueg and Castel Lueghi in Slovene, German and Italian respectively), was built in a Gothic style by the Patriarch of Aquileia sometime during the 13th century and first mentioned in the historical record in the year 1274. Perched under a natural archway 123m up a sheer cliff face and surrounded by a thick stone wall, throughout the centuries the castle has gained a well-deserved reputation for being virtually impregnable.

This fact was most popularly demonstrated during the 15th century by the more than year-long siege of Erazem Lueger, who was a knight and the son of the Imperial governor of Trieste, but had also a gained a reputation as a rather proficient robber baron throughout the Habsburg empire. It is said that in 1483, Erazem fled to the castle from Vienna after killing a Marshall of the Imperial Army who had insulted one of his friends, which brought about the wrath of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who laid siege to the castle. However, thanks to a secret cave leading from the bowels of Predjama to Postojna Cave and then on to the nearby village of Vipava, Erazem was able to secure an steady supply of fresh food and water. Unfortunately for Erazem, his luck ran out when he was betrayed by one of his servants and unceremoniously killed by the shot of a single canon ball while on the toilette. In the years that followed, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times, before acquiring a Renaissance style in 1570, which has remained virtually unchanged to this day.

Nowadays the castle is open to the public and serves as a museum. It has been completely restored to its original grandeur, and among other sites visitors can see the residential quarters, the chapel and of course the dungeon. It is also possible to see the legendary cave below the castle, although some climbing and a minimal level of fitness is strongly encouraged if not required. QJamska 30, Postojna, tel. +386 (0)5 700 01 00, fax +386 (0)5 700 01 30, info@postojnska-jama.eu, www. postojnska-jama.eu. Open every day, all year. From Nov to March open from 10:00 to 16:00, in April and Oct from 10:00 to 17:00, in May, June and Sept from 9:00 to 18:00, during July and Aug from 9:00 to 19:00.

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CAVE A K S GROTTE POSTOJN JAMA HÖHLE

Visit the Queen of all Caves Admire the splendour of the largest cave in Europe aboard the unique cave train

Celje

Celje parties, and those looking to for a longer stay in nature would be well-advised to nearby Celjska Koča eco-hotel, which offers comfortable accommodation and glorious views of the countryside below. Groups of 10 or more, can also arrange visits outside of the normal operating hours.QPečovnik 31, tel. +386 (0)59 070 400/+386 (0)41 718 274, info@celjska-koca.si, celjska-koca.si. Open SatSun and holidays 10:00-18:00 (April-June and Sept), every day 10:00-19:00 (July-Aug), and Sat-Sun and holidays 10:00-17:00 (Oct). Adults €7, children under 7 €2.50, children under 14 €5, families €15-17.

Lake Šmartinsko The largest reservoir in Slovenia, covering an expansive 1.07 km², lake Šmartinsko lies north of Celje, close to the town of Vojnik. The lake offers a lot to those looking for some outdoor recreation, with many places around the lake to eat, drink, rent boats or kayaks, and picnic areas are also available for hire - contact Celje’s tourist info office for more details (tic@ celje.si). Originally created to kill two birds with one stone: contain potential city-centre floods due to the Savinja - and ease a burgeoning water supply problem - the Koprivnica stream (a tributary to the Savinja) was dammed and thus the lake was born. The south-western bank is home to a boathouse and restaurant. Boat rides on the lake are operated throughout the summer months, as are angling activities and swimming competitions. To get here, head north on a minor road from north-western Celje (Nova Vas), continue for about 10 minutes (by car) or 35 minutes (on foot) until you reach the southern embankment of the lake.Qtic@celje.si, www.smartinsko-jezero.com.

History comes alive at Celje castle this summer!

A quaint central European town that proudly celebrates its long turbulent history and rich cultural heritage, with 50,000 inhabitants Celje is the third largest city in Slovenia and an increasingly popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Over the past two millennia the city has seen its fair share of ups and downs. After becoming a boom town during Roman times, it was virtually absent from the historical record until the 12th century, and then a regional powerhouse under the rule of the ill-fated Counts of Celje, only to take an historical backseat again until its re-emergence during the 20th century.

Nowadays the city manages to perfectly blend its laidback provincial spirit and wealth of cultural sights and activities, with modern development and an ample selection of hotels, restaurants and shopping centres, as well as a flourishing arts scene and active nightlife.

Summer is a great time to visit Celje, as in addition to the nice weather, a multitude of events take place, such as the season long Summer in Celje festival and Living History at the Old Celje Castle. One great way to experience all that the town has to offer is by taking a special summer tour with a guide from the local tourist office (TIC Celje, tic@celje.si). It’s €9 per person including a drink, and should be booked at least one day in advance. Located less than an hour’s drive from Ljubljana, Celje is a day-trip or weekend excursion just waiting to happen.

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Celeia: A town beneath today’s town While the area of present-day Celje was first settled as far back as the Iron Age between the 9th and 6th centuries BC, it first flourished after being annexed by the Roman Empire and given the status of an independent town during the 1st century AD. However, after several hundred years the town had sunk back into relative obscurity by the 6th century. This long and rich history of settlement has left Celje with quite an archaeological legacy, some of which can be viewed on an underground tour through the cellars of the Princes Palace on Trg Celjskih Knezov.QTrg Celjskih Knezov 8, tel. +386 (0)3 428 09 50/+386 (0)41 622 907, fax +386 (0)3 428 09 66, info@ pokmuz-ce.si, www.pokmuz-ce.si.

Celjska Koča Adventure Park Opened in the spring of 2014, the Celjska Koča Adventure Park offers fun for the whole family. Set amongst the lush forests in the hills directly to the south of Celje, the park’s various obstacle courses and stations were built in an environmentally friendly way, and participants can also learn about nature whilst getting their adrenaline flowing. Of course safety is the number one priority here, so even if you lose your balance while scurrying across a narrow balance beam at the top of the canopy, you’ll be able to defy gravity with your snuggly secured harness.

Special packages are available for children’s birthday ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Events Summer in Celje The season-long festival will include more than 200 events at many uniquely atmospheric open-air venues in and around the city, including the Old Castle, the Water Tower, Šmartinsko Lake and the so-called Urban Beach along the river Savinja. The events run the gambit from music and theatre to puppets and fortune telling to yoga in the park - in other words, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone. See the programme opposite for a partial listing of events.Qtic@celje.si, www.celeia.info.

Tourist Information TIC Celje Celje’s tourist information centre is housed in the 100 yearold Celjski Dom, conveniently located directly opposite the central train station. The small but helpful office is stocked with free brochures, maps and monthly events listings, as well as books and souvenirs for sale. The friendly staff are more than happy to make recommendations for everything from accommodation to restaurants to sights, and will gladly look up any further info you need on the web or even make local phone calls.QB-2, Krekov Trg 3, tel. +386 (0)3 42 87 936/+386 (0)31 610 537, fax +386 (0)3 42 87 931, tic@celje.si, www.celeia.info. Open 09:00 - 17:00, Sat, Sun 09:00 - 13:00. facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

OLD CELJE CASTLE Old Celje Castle Arguably the grandest castle in all of Slovenia, while it isn’t as completely restored as Ljubljana castle in the capital and doesn’t possess the breathtaking alpine cliff top location of that in Bled, its sprawling grounds, eventful history, sweeping views over the city and surrounding countryside, and the generally imposing appearance of its partially restored fortress walls and towers are truly unique amongst any and all of its domestic rivals.

Originally built by the Heunburg family on the hills to the southeast of the bustling medieval market town of Celje in either the late 12th or early 13th centuries, it eventually came into the possession of the Lords of Sanneck in 1333, who became known as the Counts of Celje from 1341 onwards and were the most important medieval aristocrats in the territory of present-day Slovenia. Over the next hundred years the Counts rebuilt, expanded and greatly improved the castle and its grounds, however, when their rule ended with the murder of the last male heir in 1456, the property was bequeathed to the Habsburg monarchy in accordance with a previously signed inheritance agreement.

Today the castle is the most visited tourist site in Celje with over 70,000 visitors per year, and is also popular with locals, especially during the weekends and for weddings. The grounds are entered from a gate in the southernmost fortifications, where there’s a fullystocked branch of the Celje Tourist Infomation Office and a little further along a pleasant café. The central part of the site is dominated by the rebuilt Fredrick’s Tower and an open air theatre, which is the main venue for the various performances that take place during the summer long Living History medieval festival. After crossing a wooden bridge over the one-time inner moat, you reach the upper part of the castle, where most of the buildings are located and where you’ll find mesmerising views of the city below and rolling hills and valleys stretching to the alps in the distance. The entire grounds, including some dozen or more sites, are well marked with informative signs giving information and history in both Slovene and English.

To reach Celje’s old castle, take the first turn south of the main train station passing under the tracks, cross the bridge and at the roundabout go right and follow the signs up into the hills. QCesta na Grad 78, tel. +386 (0)3 544 36 90, tic@celje.si, stari.grad@celje.si, www. grad-celje.com. January Mon- Thur 10:00-16:00, FriSun 10:00-17:00. February, November 10:00-17:00.

March, October 09:00-18:00. April 09:00-19:00. May, September 09:00-20:00. June, July, August 09:0021:00. December 10:00-16:00. Admission €2, which includes a €1 discount at the café. Group tours starts, by prior arrangementstart from €40 and last around 45 minutes. TJULBK June - July 2014

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Slovenian Spas

LIVING HISTORY

at the OLD CASTLE CELJE Welcome to our castle where you can experience life in medieval ages!

On Saturdays and Sundays visitors can meet different characters from the great history of the Counts of Celje!

A weekend of pampering and relaxation is calling you

Programme in JUNE is dedicated to »MONTH OF THE BATTLE OF NICOPOLIS« In the year 1396, Hermann II., count of Celje, rescued Sigismund of Luxemburg. Showing his gratitude, Sigismund promised Hermann II. the right to marry his firstborn daughter. Old Castle Celje offers you the unique opportunity to see the preparations for this important battle.

Activities: medieval workshops at camp, Fencing tournament for adults and kids, culinary and costume workshops, workshops for children – make your own crown!

Programme in JULY is dedicated to Barbara of Celje. She was 9 years old when she was engaged to Sigismund of Luxemburg; it was the year 1401. Her mother, Catherine of Celje, organised big preparations for the wedding reception and education for the castle’s Chambermaids regarding womanly secrets and intimacy.

ACTIVITIES within LIVING HISTORY programme on Saturdays & Sundays: • Tournaments – Archery, Fencing, Dancning & Music,… at Castle Central Courtyard • Medieval workshops at Medieval Camp – costume and culinary workshops. Visitors will have the opportuni ty to make princesses, knights, little crowns, swords and shields.

• Castle tour with Knight Please check detailed programme on www.grad-celje.com TIC OLD CASTLE CELJE, Cesta na grad 78, 3000 Celje, Tel. 00386 3 5443690, open daily from 9.00 to 21.00

An abundance of natural thermal springs, coupled with the beneficial effects of sea and mountain climates have made Slovenia a top destination for spa tourism in Europe, with a total of 15 natural spas located in the country, all of which are within a relatively short distance of Ljubljana. They offer a diverse range of facilities and are a great way to spend your whole vacation, a long weekend, a day-long excursion, or even just a few hours, whether you’re young, old, have kids or are a young couple. In any case, you will be following in well-trodden footsteps, as Slovenia’s thermal springs have been attracting visitors since Roman times, with more organised development and infrastructure already being built some four centuries ago. We’ve included a selection of spas on the following pages, but for much more info you can visit the official Slovenian Spas website at www. slovenia-terme.si.

Terme 3000 This sprawling complex of swimming pools truly offers every type of water fun. The highlight of the spa is its natural “black” water, which is a blistering 72 degrees Celsius at the source but thankfully cools down to a tolerable 34 degrees in the pools. If the black water isn’t hot enough for you, check out the saunas or solarium. Not the most stylish or modern spa in Slovenia, but Terme 3000 still creates a fun, family atmosphere. Catering mostly to German-speaking facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

tourists, most information is only in that language, but the staff will do their best to make you feel at home. Located about 200km east of Ljubljana in the Prekmurje region, it about as far as you can get from the capital without leaving the country.QKranjčeva 12, Moravske Toplice, tel. +386 (0)25 12 22 00, fax +386 (0)25 48 16 07, info@ terme3000.si, www.terme3000.si.

Terme Čatež Located in Southeastern Slovenia near the town of Brežice, Terme Čatež is a well-known wellness, business and recreational centre, featuring one of the Slovenia’s most impressive water parks, which includes the largest indoor thermal pool with over 2300m² of surface area. In December they also open a large ice skating rink, accompanied of course by stands selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and other sweets, as well as music. Many special holiday packages are available over the Christmas and New Year period, with significant family discounts - check their site for the most up-to-date offers.QTopliška 35, Čatež ob Savi, tel. +386 (0)74 93 50 00, fax +386 (0)74 93 50 05, info@terme-catez.si, www.terme-catez.si. Daily tickets for the Winter Thermal Riviera are €12/15 for children/ adults with discounts available depending on the time and day. Accommodation at one of the complex’s three hotels or 400 apartments ranges from €57 - 100 per night.

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Slovenian Spas Terme Lendava It may be a small resort, but Terme Lendava manages to fit a lot of things within. Accommodation exists for all tastes, be it a hotel, apartment village or even a campsite. There is an Olympic sized swimming pool with separate area for children, and a water part that screams recreation. Surrounded by the vineyards of Lendavske gorice (which produce some exquisite wine) we find walking and cycling trails of varying difficulty.

Truthfully though, it is the healing qualities that bring in the guests, in particular the paraffin water, which has proven beneficial effects on musculoskeletal system disorders. The resort also has a track record of helping with rheumatic diseases. Not bad for a small resort in Northeastern Slovenia.Qtel. 080 35 33, info@termelendava.si, www.terme-lendava.si.

Terme Olimia Nestled along the meandering Sotla river that divides Slovenia from neighbouring Croatia in the far east of the country, Terme Olimia may not be the easiest spa to get to from Ljubljana, but it is undoubtedly one of Slovenia’s most popular - in fact, it was the top finisher in our Best Spas Poll for 2012. One look at both the facilities and the picturesque surroundings and it’s not difficult to see why - different accommodation options radiate out from the pools, spas, wellness centres and water parks that have been built up around the natural thermal spring over the preceding decades. The newest part of the complex, the Orhidelia Wellness centre, was one of the finalists in the World Architecture Festival in 2009, and that same year the nearby village of Olimje was names as the most beautiful village in all of Europe.

See their multi-lingual website for more information on accommodation, package offers and admission prices,

or to make an online booking.QZdraviliška 34, tel. +386 (0)3 829 70 00/+386 (0)3 829 78 36, info@termeolimia.com, www.terme-olimia.com.

Terme Ptuj Conveniently situated, with a view of a river and the oldest town in Slovenia, Ptuj, this spa and wellness center is suitably well equipped. Escape, relax, unwind and refresh in it’s swimming and massage pools, jacuzzis and little sauna village. It attracts locals and foreigners all year round, despite being relatively compact in the winter, when the large outdoor adventure waterpark (with the biggest water-slide in Slovenia) is closed. Indoors it may not have the most opulent surroundings, but you do still get the immensely comfortable lounge chairs and it is great value: €13 per adult for the day, including sauna entrance.QPot v Toplice 9, Ptuj, tel. +386 02 74 94 100, info@terme-ptuj.si, www.termeptuj.si. Open , Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 07:00 - 22:00, Sat, Sun 08:00 - 22:00. €13 adults. €7 children.

More on healthy living at: www.slovenia-terme.si

Terme Zreče Going by the imaginative name of Idila, the wellness centre in Terme Zreče is unsurprisingly idyllic. Bringing various kinds of far-eastern therapy to Slovenia, you can choose from such delights as Thai massage with herbs and/or oils, Sawaddee massage, Ayodhaya, Hanakasumi or Ayurveda.

That being the first program, the second comprises a series of enticingly named treats for two; ladies shall undoubtedly melt upon sight of a ‘Divine Bath’ or at the thought of ‘Chocolate Dream Luxury’ (they also host weddings). Not content with how you look? The ‘Water Lily Pampering’ or ‘Green Coffee & Firm Skin’ are a couple of the many beauty offerings here.QCesta na Roglo 15, Zreče, tel. +386 (0)3 75 76 000, fax +386 (0)3 57 62 446, unitur@unitur.eu, www.terme-zrece.eu.

A story about healthy living There is a long tradition of Slovenian spas that has been taking care of your health.

Visit the Caribbean without leaving Slovenia

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The decision for a healthy lifestyle waits for you in more than 15 resorts throughout Slovenia. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Directory

Directory Express Mail DHLQŠpruha 19, Trzin, tel. +386 (0)1588 78 00, si.info@dhl. com, www.dhl.si. Open 09:30 - 16:00. Closed Sat, Sun. KurirčekQtel. +386 (0)80 1881/+386 (0)51 44 45 55, narocila@kurircek.si, www.kurircek.si. Open 08:00 16:00. Closed Sat, Sun.

Fitness 4P Fitness Living or visiting Slovenia can be hard on the body knocking back local schnapps and tasty ‘kremsnita’ cream cakes certainly takes its toll on us. Whilst Martin Strel might be able to swim a marathon (seemingly) without working out, we need to hit the gym for our health and vanity. One of Ljubljana’s best gyms is 4P fitness club, offering excellent modern facilities, expert advice and a range of group or personal training options. You don’t need to be a member to visit with everything from single to yearly passes available - student and pensioner discounts also available.

QVerovškova 55a, tel. +386 (0)1 513 64 48/+386 (0)40 332 203, office@4p-fitness.com, www.4p-fitness.com.

Open 06:00 - 24:00.

Hair Salons RokSalonQStari Trg 4, tel. +386 (0)59 921 826, info@ roksalon.si, www.roksalon.si. Open 09:00 - 19:00, Sat 08:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun. Stevo QC-2, Trubarjeva 44, tel. +386 (0)1 431 51 38, stevo@siol.net, www.stevo.si. Open 08:00 - 20:00, Sat 08:00 - 14:00. Closed Sun.

Hospitals & Clinics Barsos-MC QB/C-4, Gregorčičeva 11, tel. +386 (0)12 42 07 00, fax +386 (0)1 242 07 44, www.barsos.net.

Open 08:00 - 20:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Health Centre Metelkova QF-2, Metelkova 9, tel. +386 (0)1472 37 00, fax +386 (0)1472 38 90, center@ zd-lj.si, www.zd-lj.si.

Kirurški Sanatorij Rožna Dolina QJ-4, Rožna Dolina IV/45, tel. +386 (0)1477 94 00, info@ Monolit2GO.pdf 1 22.10.2012 14:57:04 kirurski-sanatorij.si, www.kirurski-sanatorij.si.

C

M

Y

CM

PEŠPOT

MY

KOLESARSKA POT

CY

VINSKA CESTA

CMY

TURISTIČNA CESTA

K

114 Ljubljana In Your Pocket

Address: Verovškova 55a Phone: 01 513 64 48 040 332 203 web: www.4p-fitness.com e-mail: office@4p-fitness.com

University Medical Centre Ljubljana QF/G-2, Zaloška 2, tel. +386 (0)1522 50 50, info@kclj.si, www.kclj.si.

Laundry & Dry Cleaning Femiks QE-2, Kotnikova 18, tel. +386 (0)1230 18 20, femiks@amis.net. Open 08:00 - 19:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Operi in Posuši Ljubljana’s first self-service laundry facilities are located in the Mercator centre shopping complex opposite the main northern entrance to BTC City. Washing cost €3, and drying is €1 for 20 minutes, and there’s even free WiFi. QM-2, Beblerjev Trg 2 (TC Mercator), tel. +386 (0)64 116 341, info@operiinposusi.si, operiinposusi.si. Open Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00, Sat 08:00-17:00 and Sun 08:00-12:00.

As the old saying goes, all roads lead to Ljubljana, photo by Chrupka / Shutterstock

Mobile Phones

Libraries City Library (Mestna Knjižnica) The regional library for central Slovenia is the most popular library in the country, and has a wide range of English literature.QC-2, Kersnikova 2, tel. +386 (0)1 600 13 00, www.mklj.si. Open 08:00 - 20:00, Tue 10:00 - 20:00, Sat 08:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun. Narodna In Univerzitetna Knjižnica (National & University Library) Home of Slovenia’s written cultural heritage, this well-organised library is every researcher’s dream.QB-3, Turjaška 1, tel. +386 (0)1200 11 88, info@nuk.uni-lj.si, www.nuk.uni-lj.si.

Open 08:00 - 18:00, Sat 09:00 - 14:00. Closed Sun.

Massage Ban Thai Whether you’re jet-lagged, sore from skiing or stressed out from work, nothing is more relaxing than a good massage, and from what we hear Ban Thai have some of the best masseurs in Ljubljana. Ban Thai as the name alludes specialise in the ancient art of Thai massage which like a good Thai curry strikes the perfect balance between pain and pleasure, deeper and more rigorous than other massages it’s the perfect remedy for stress and an aching body.QK-5, Barjanska 56, tel. +386 (0)64 142 142/+386 (0)59 045 870, salon@banthai. si, www.banthai.si. Open 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 09:00 - 19:00.

Closed Sun. ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

Debitel QŽelezna cesta 18, tel. +386 (0)1306 01 00, center@debitel.si, www.debitel.si.

Hotpoint chargerQtel. +386 (0)70 797 700, info@ hotpoint.si, www.hotpoint.si.

Mobitel QD-1, Vilharjeva 25, tel. +386 (0)1472 23 20, info@mobitel.si, www.mobitel.si. Open 08:00 - 19:00, Sat 08:00 - 12:30. Closed Sun. Tušmobil QJ-2, Brnčičeva 49, tel. +386 (0)80 700 700, www.tusmobil.si.

Vodafone SimobilQB-3, Prešernov Trg, tel. +386 (0)1426 71 02, info@simobil.si, www.simobil.si. Open 08:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun.

Pharmacies Central Pharmacy (Centralna Lekarna) QD-3, Prešernov Trg 5, tel. +386 (0)1230 61 00, lekarna. ljubljana@lekarna-lj.si, www.lekarna-lj.si. Open 07:30 19:30, Sat 08:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun 1.5.-15.9. open Mon. Fri 07:30-20:00.

Lekarna Ljubljana (Lekarna pri polikliniki) QF-2, Prisojna 7, tel. +386 (0)1230 61 00, lekarna. poliklinika@lekarna-lj.si, www.lekarna-lj.si. Open 24hrs.

Lekarna Miklošič QD-2, Miklošičeva 24, tel. +386 facebook.com/ljubljana.inyourpocket

(0)1230 61 00, lekarna.miklosic@lekarna-lj.si, www.lekarnalj.si. Open 07:30 - 19:30, Sat 07:30 - 13:00. Closed Sun.

Shoe repair Aleš Cevljar We can’t honestly say we know much about the art of mending shoes, but we’ve been going to this guy for years now and he’s never let us down. He also charges so little that we almost feel guilty. Definitely recommended!QE-2, Barvarska Steza 5, tel. +386 (0)40 241 282, ales.beljan@gmail.com. Open 08:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun.

Spas & Wellness Hiša Ayurveda QZabretova 9a, tel. +386 (0)31 639 408/+386 (0)51 649 711, info@ayurveda.si, www.ayurveda.si.

Translators Alkemist QJ-2, Obirska 4, tel. +386 (0)1 514 16 78, info@alkemist.si, www.alkemist.si.

KibordQStranska Vas 17b, Dobrova pri Ljubljani, tel. +386 (0)40 747 447, info@kibord.si, www.kibord.si.

ljubljana.inyourpocket.com June - July 2014

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MONOLIT

Dubrovnik and Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr

First and the oldest department store

NAMA Ljubljana, Tomšičeva 1 NAMA Škofja Loka, Kapucinski trg 4

Opening hours Mon - Fri: 8.30 - 20.00 Saturday: 9.00 - 20.00

When you purchase a product present this coupon and receive a

10% discount.

www.nama.si

-10%

Discount is applied at the checkout and is valid only for textile products.

Coupon is limited to one-time use only.

The discount is not cumulative with any other offer (items on sale or on promotion).