If you’re on the hunt for a picturesque and cultured city break that maybe isn’t on your radar already, then one European capital city is definitely worth considering this autumn.
Riviera Travel has recently dubbed Ljubljana in Slovenia as the ‘cosiest’ destination for an autumnal holiday. With its impressive food scene, easily navigable streets and rich history, it’s easy to understand why.
It’s also approximately two hours from the UK, making it ideal for a short holiday as the weather begins to cool down. You can soak up the season’s warmth and charm by wandering around the charming cobbled streets, savouring a hot beverage from one of the city’s numerous coffee shops – 75 to be precise.
The cruise and tour operator evaluated key aspects such as weather, shops, green spaces, and parks across popular destinations globally to identify the cosiest spots for the season, with Ljubljana emerging victorious, reports the Express.
According to I Feel Slovenia, Ljubljana is a ‘lively green city combining the charm of a small capital and the self-confidence of large European cities.’
It’s one of the greenest and most liveable capitals in Europe, and was honoured with the European Commission’s Green Capital of Europe in 2016.
Although it’s a scenic location throughout the year, autumn is when it truly shines, with the many picturesque parks like Tivoli becoming enveloped in the majestic hues of the season.
One of the city’s largest and most renowned parks offers winding paths, open-air exhibitions, a pond, statues and fountains, as well as the first Slovenian rose species planted in the park.
Ljubljana’s city centre has been car-free for some time now, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely autumn stroll. The Old Town is another must-see spot, where you’ll discover a striking medieval castle perched on a hilltop, overlooking charming cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured houses.
For the best view of the city, make sure to ride the Ljubljana Castle Funicular, an inclined cable car that whisks you up to the castle – 70 feet in the air – in just a few minutes.
History enthusiasts will want to visit the Ljubljana Cathedral, also known as the Church of St. Nicholas. With its massive green dome and twin clock towers, the cathedral’s opulent interior is equally impressive.
Almost every inch of the inside is adorned with art, from baroque-style frescoes and portraits to the splendid carved altar and bronze doors.
And naturally, no city break would be complete without tasting some local cuisine – and Ljubljana has plenty to offer in this regard. Slovenian cuisine is characterised by homegrown, high-quality, organically produced ingredients, which can be found at the city’s numerous market stalls.
Here, you can purchase top-notch cheese and dairy, honey – Slovenia boasts one of the most abundant apiculture traditions globally – cured meat and premium Slovenian wines. The most renowned Slovenian speciality dish is the Kranjska klobasa, also referred to as Carniolan sausage, so it’s certainly worth sampling one of these during your journey.
And for those with a penchant for sweets, you’ll want to taste potica – a yeast-dough cake offering a range of filling choices such as tarragon, walnut and poppy seed.