18/09/2007 A capital city by name, but not by nature. That's Ljubljana. Being heralded as a the 'new Prague', it won't be long until this gem of Eastern Europe is invaded by hoards of stag and hen parties. So our advice is go now!
IT’S A FACT!
Slovenia is a great wine producing country so be sure to sample a glass or two.
Outside of Ljubljana, Lake Bled is one of the country's greatest tourist attractions and host to all manner of watersports.
OUT AND ABOUT
The first things that'll strike you about the place is it's size. To put things in perspective, the population of Slovenia is only 2 million. Yep, that's the country as a whole. Relative to this is the size of Ljubljana. It's a small place which is easily covered on foot but with no shortage of things to see and do. Most cities have road signs to other cities, but with the borders only an hour or so away by car, you'll see signs to Italy and Austria!
First stop should be the castle with sits on a hill dominating the city skyline. Take the newly installed finicular to save climbing and you'll be rewarded with a view over the city.
The National Museum of Contemporary History (Clevoska 23) covers the 20th century, one of the most dynamic periods of Slovenian History. During this time, the Slovenians have changed states and state regulations several times, survived two world wars and won 'independence'. Whether it was at the hands of the Nazis or the hands of the Soviets, these people have suffered. It was only in 1991 that Slovenia secured independence and for many, the memories remain.
In the city centre you'll still find a statue of Yugoslav leader, Tito, while the Republic of Slovenia Parliament Building in Republic square still stands as a monument to Socialism. Peppered by figures, on closer inspection you'll see they're all involved in manual tasks in a nod to Soviet values. Many Eastern European cities ripped out and attempted to erase all traces of their Socialist past following independence, but not in Slovenia. Here the attitude is, “it happened. Deal with it.”
The Modern Art Museum (Cancarjeva 15) is nothing much to look at from the outside but contains a permanent collection of 20th Century Slovenian art - lots of surrealism, expressionism and multimedia. Impressive. Alternatively the SKUC Gallery (Stari trg 21) is the centre of alternative (sub)culture in Slovenia where you'll find work of young nationals as well as top internationally established names.
Fancy spending a night in a former prison? Then the Celica Hostel (Metelkova 8) is the place for you. The former prison barracks for the Yugoslav army has been transformed with the help of local artists. Each cell has now become a one-off and original artwork sure to inspire some interesting dreaming. If you don't fancy checking in, if you ask nicely at reception they might just show you around.
Feeling peckish? No joke, but one of the most popular fast foods in town is a horse burger. Really. Find out for yourself what it tastes like at Hot Horse (Trubarjeva 31).
Plecnik is architecturally to Ljubljana what Gaudi is to Barcelona. Regarded as one of the pioneers of European modernist architecture from 1921 until his death in 1957, he left his mark everywhere. Highlights include the Three Bridges in the city centre (two foot bridges were added to the original crossing to avoid pedestrians being run over by traffic. Genius!), and the  National and University Library.
To gain an insight into the man behind the work, pay a visit to the Plecnik Collection in his house (Karonuva 4). Eerily everything has been left, just as it was when he died. But visitors can access an archive of plans, sketches, photos and models. It makes for a novel and interesting few hours.
IT’S A DATE!
November - Ljubljana International Film Festival. More than 100 films from around the world are screened across the city
December - Xmas market. Takes place throughout December, by the banks of the Ljubljanica
TONGUE-TIED?
I need help – Potrebujem pomoc
Where is the toilet, please? - Kje je stranisce, prosim?
I understand - Razumem
Thank you - Hvala
Beer - Pivo
WATERING HOLES
Sharing coffee by day and cocktails by night makes for a cool crowd at Fraga (Mesti 15). Another favourite is Macek (Krojaska 5). The word means ‘cat’ and the bar is a mix between a Slovenian bar and British boozer, but still draws the crowds. BiKoFe (Gosposke 5) is a small and smoky joint with jazz and soul in the mix.
SWEAT BOXES
Bad news for gayers. You may not be the only gay in the city, but it can be hard to hunt the others down. Plan your visit carefully - the big night is on a Sunday at Klub K4 (Kersnikova 4). Boys and girls come out to play at Metelkova, a two courtyard block that's home to a number of venues playing everything underground and wonderful. Think Glastonbury in the city!
For more information on Ljubljana call the UK Slovenia Tourist Office on 0870 2255 305 or visit www.slovenia.info
GET AWAY AND STAY
Adria Airways flies from Gatwick to Ljubljana, for information visit www.adria-airways.co.uk or call 0207 734 4630.
EasyJet flies daily from Stansted to Ljubljana, www.easyjet.co.uk
The City Hotel (Dalmatinova 15) is a hop, skip or stagger from the city centre and main watering holes. Its great location means you're right on top of things, be it sightseeing or partying. A double room costs from 119 Euros a night with breakfast, and a single from 79 Euros.
For more information and bookings visit www.cityhotel.si
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