For castles in the clouds and picturesque lawns and ponds, this is how to spend 48 hours in Ljubljana
The fairy-tale capital of Slovenia makes for a perfect mini-break, says writer Helen Ochyra
THINK you've seen all Europe has to offer?
Ljubljana will make you think again...
Climb the castle
Hop aboard the glass-sided funicular, £3.50 return, up Castle Hill, and as you whizz from the Old Town’s cobbled streets to the , snap the pastel-painted churches and terracotta roofs below.
You can climb the 95 steps up to the 19th-century watchtower here, too, to get an even better view of the city, £6.50. Still feeling energetic?
Get out and about early for the hike up Šmarna Gora. It takes less than an hour to reach the church at the top of the mountain and you can spy the Julian Alps.
Lick pumpkin treats
With no cars allowed in the city centre and trees aplenty, Ljubljana is one of Europe’s greenest cities.
Stroll along the Ljubljanica river and grab one of the city’s £2, from Cacao.si. Try even more creative flavours at – roasted pumpkin, anyone? – from £2.
Later, hit Tivoli Park – it’s all beautiful lawns, ponds and promenades.
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Feast on meat
Feeling brave? Rabbit, veal and even horse are all fair game here. Try large plates of traditional meaty mains at homely , from £15.
Or head out to the leafy suburb of Krakovo, where the local allotments send veggies and herbs straight to Pri Škofu to make into salads and soups.
Lunch specials cost from better of you when you see the craft beer list – there are more than 30 types, from £3, including plenty of Slovenian tipples.
Along the river is , all exposed brick and bikes hanging from the ceiling.
Ask the waiters to help you pick a glass of Slovenian wine, from £1.50. Later, hit for cocktails, from £7, atop an art deco skyscraper.
Kip with perks
Get a chic sleep at , just steps from the river in the heart of the Old Town. The compact rooms feel futuristic with glass walls and space-grey decor, and bike rental is free so you can pedal around the city.
There is even a plunge pool on the roof. Rooms cost from £104 B&B . Flights from the UK to Ljubljana start from £43 return with .
Fancy something a little more relaxing? Try these kid-free European beach breaks.