Why Slovenia Should Be Your Next Winter Break
With flights from London to the medieval capital Ljubljana taking just over two hours and Lake Bled a destination which should be on everyone’s hit list, SUITCASE takes a look at some of the best things to do in Slovenia this season.
18 November, 2016
When
it comes to planning a winter weekend break, destinations
such as Prague and Munich with their Christmas markets spring to mind. Yet Slovenia
has that something else. Nestled between Italy, Croatia and
Austria, the former Eastern-bloc state has
abounding charm, spectacular scenery and a vibrant cultural scene.
With flights from London to the medieval capital Ljubljana taking just
over two hours and Lake Bled a destination which should be on
everyone’s hit list, SUITCASE takes a look at some of the best
things to do in Slovenia this season.
This image is on holiday
restaurant
Klobasarna
Kranjska klobasa is to Ljubljana what the croissant is to Paris.
This traditional sausage, typically served with bread and grained
mustard, is Slovenian fast food at it’s finest. One of the best can
be found at Klobasarna, easily identified by its oversized sausage
sign in the city centre. It’s open from 10 until 10 every day
(except Sundays) and is as tasty for a quick lunch as it is for a
post-night-out snack.
This image is on holiday
restaurant
Gostilna As
For something a little more special head to Gostilna As, a
favourite spot among locals. The restaurant prepares Mediterranean
dishes using only fresh ingredients and specialises in light and
delicious handmade pasta. The friendly staff will be able to help
you pair local Slovenian wines with your meal, perfect for whiling
away an afternoon with a long, late lunch.
This image is on holiday
bar
Tozd
Ljubljana’s coffee scene rivals that of cities such as London
and New York, where your choice of brew says as much about you as
your favourite band. With homegrown roasters popping up all over
the city, there’s plenty of places to escape the cold and warm up
over a latte. Try Tozd, a cozy, cool coffee shop-come-bar that sits
alongside the river. Enjoy a cup of ruster (its house blend),
listen to cult local radio station Radio NULA, specialising in funk
and disco beats, and take some time to soak up the atmosphere.
This image is on holiday
bar
Klub Daktari
If you are looking for something a touch stronger, head to Klub
Daktari, the perfect place to ease you into a night of dancing.
Walking into Daktari is much like walking into your great aunt’s
house (in the best possible way). Inspired by traditional Socialist
drinking spots, the bar exudes an old-time ambience and is filled
with restored antique furniture, shelves full of books and often
hosts a live piano player.
This image is on holiday
thingstodo
AKC Metelkova Mesto
Like any good capital, Ljubljana has a vibrant party scene –
although many of the city’s club nights cater to more niche tastes.
Locals will spend the nights and early mornings raving at AKC
Metelkova Mesto, a graffiti covered artistic hub where a dingy
house club sits next to the city’s LGBT hot spot, Tiffany. Both
spots pump out music until sunrise and largely cater to Slovenia’s
hipster crowd. The area is filled with artists, musicians and is as
buzzing by day as it is at night, so even if you don’t make it to
one of the clubs, it’s worth a visit.
Want something a little different? Look out for one of the
capital’s underground Yugoslavian Funk club nights where revellers
dance the night away to seventies funk and soul hits from the
Former Yugoslav republic. Our favourite is Tetkine Radosti, which
translates to mean ‘Auntie’s Pleasures’ – a night not to be
missed.
Address
Masarykova cesta 24
Ljubljana
1000
Winter Markets
A winter weekend break wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas
market, right? Ljubljana ticks that box too. Throughout the festive
season, as twinkling lights take over the city, the picture-perfect
streets surrounding the river and Mestni trg (town square) are
filled with stalls peddling handmade decorations, mulled wine and
other festive things you never knew you needed. Perfect for
grabbing any last minute Christmas presents
This image is on holiday
thingstodo
Jakopič Gallery
If you’re more a gallery hopper than a shopper, head to the
Jakopič Gallery, an underground collection of contemporary art
among which recent exhibitions have included sketches by
Picasso.
thingstodo
National Gallery of Slovenia
The National Gallery of Slovenia is an ode to historical and
culturally relevant art dating from Middle Ages to the early 20th
century. It’s definitely large enough to lose yourself for a few
hours and escape the cold.
thingstodo
Bled Castle
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most beautiful
spots. Just an hour and a half drive from the capital, a visit here
will make you feel like you have stepped into another world. Start
at Hotel, which sits adjacent to the lake, and sample a Bled
kremšnita (cream cake). This super-sweet delicacy has been served
at the hotel since 1953 and in high season around 3,500 slices are
sold each day.
After you’ve eaten your fill, take a cruise around the Soca
river or venture up to the medieval Bled Castle which sits on the
hills overlooking the lake. Take a look around the museum before
kicking back with a chilled glass of Rosé while you watch the
winter sun set across the valley.
thingstodo
Visit Piran
If you have a car and really want to explore, don’t rule out a
trip to the seaside town of Piran. This picturesque medieval
settlement is a maze of winding streets filled with traditional
eateries and coffee houses. It’s the ideal place to warm up at a
traditional restaurant with a large plate of charcuterie and a
glass of medica (honey liqueur).
