Ljubljana is a lovely city. Accommodation wasn't too cheap, but most everything else was. Totally non threatening. I though the nightlife was a bit limited. Well worth 2 or 3 days. Easy to get to Bled, or train to Zagreb or further. Much more a local city than an international destination.
Ljubljana is a nice capital city to relax in. You'll probably want to stay near the old town, as the rest of the city is pretty standard stuff. Try the walking tours from near the tourist center and also look for the antique sales that line the river on weekends. There are free concerts/events occasionally in the summer as well (every night in 2003) - very fun.
Bled is a vacation hotspot for a lot of old people from all over Europe and the world. If you're young and travelling alone, it may be boring. It is also more expensive than you would expect.
Ljubljana is an amazing city. Much of the old world charm is in this quaint little place. Yet it also caters to the international tourist market. There are plenty of souvenirs and gifts to choose from -- the toys for kids are a little bit pricey though. The delicacies that are available in the open market are great for gifts. For those who want music, booze, and kitsch art, check out Metelkova City.
Ljubljana is a great place to visit for short-break. It really does live up to it's tag of "Little Ljubljana" as the town is very compact and if you are not planning to visit any museums, you can easily walk around and see all of the sights in one day. It is very centrally located in Slovenia though so there are many day trips that could be made from the town. I would say that within a couple of hours in any direction from Ljulbjana you would be close to Slovenia's borders.
One of the easiest places to get to is Bled. A bus leaves the main bus station and takes about one and a half hours. The buses are often busy in summer so it's advisable to book in advance – the staff at the station speak very good English. The lake at Bled is very picturesque and a walk around it would take a couple of hours. Vintgar Gorge also a good place to visit, but it's a bit of a trek to get there if you miss the tourist bus which leaves Bled at about 9:30 a.m. and returns before lunch.
Ljubljana is one of the most surprising cities in Europe! I arrived there with no idea of what that city was about and I felt in love with it! It is a small city, easily walkable, and perfect to hire a bike and get lost into its pretty, cozy streets. There's music, artisans, and artists in every corner. There is good food at reasonable prices, super kind people, and lots and lots of party! You can choose between relaxing cafés, cool pubs, high level discos, and, for me, the best atmosphere in Ljubljana -- Metelkova street. If you like underground style -- but the real one -- and meeting interesting people, just go there! I totally enjoyed it! I wish I lived in Ljubljana just to party in Metelkova every weekend!
HI - Izola - Youth Hostel Old School Korte - Stara Sola in Izola … We came and entered this beautifully restored, old school building. The place has strong character, the rooms are very clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. Excellent!
Jakelj Backpackers House in Bled … I loved this hostel!! It's family-run, and they are very friendly and helpful. The rooms are nice, and the food is good. We used the free shuttle bus service, which meant we were able to spend the whole day around the lake and castle, and we were then picked up. They also arrange a great selection of activities. I would definitely go back!
HI - Ljubljana Youth Hostel / Bit Center Hotel in Ljubljana … This hotel is a very good value for the money. The rooms are spartan, but clean, with a small bathroom. Security is good, as you have a card to not only gain access to your room, but also to enable you to access the stair wells that lead from the reception area to your room. A basic buffet breakfast is available at the hotel for a reasonable sum. It is self-service, and you are required to take your cutlery, etc. back to the bar when you have finished. There is a nice bar in the hotel, with a neat garden and patio area. The staff are very helpful and speak English well.
The only drawback to the hotel is that it is a few kilometres into the town centre, so it is not really walkable into town. Three buses regularly run from the bus stop on the main road (Litijska Cesta) into town. Number 9 takes you to the bus and train station, the 13 takes you to Kongresni Trg and the 5 takes you to the outskirts of the town, where you can easily walk into the centre. A taxi fare from the…
HI - Piran - Youth Hostel Alibi B14 in Piran … we didn't get the room we had booked (a double room with a big bed), but a dormitory in another house. a family in the neighbouring room had problems with bedbugs.
Penzion Jagodic in Cerklje … This is a very good hotel of Europe, for me the best of the best.
Sobe pri Lovrizu in Kobarid … We thought Sobe pri Lovrizu was a superb hostel, situated in the lovely, quiet, unspoilt village of Dreznica surrounded by wonderful scenery. The rooms were spotlessly clean, neat and tidy, and the kitchen well equipped. Although we were self catering, milk, bread, cereal, honey etc. was provided. We were made to feel very welcome, and just wished we were staying for longer!
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