Family Travel Ideas in Slovenia

Have a look at these 5 excellent must-go sights in Ljubljana, a town which happens to bear the title of the European Green Capital 2016. Through its five-thousand year history, it’s grown into a contemporary, family-friendly capital while preserving a relaxed Mediterranean-like atmosphere.

 

1) Antique flea market  in old town

If you ever visit Ljubljana on a Sunday, visit the local flea market that takes place from 8am to 2pm between the Cobbler Bridge and the Triple Bridge. People say it’s like walking through an open air museum, with a lot of memorabilia from the former Yugoslavia, and off course many antiques and art pieces, and other not-so-usual items. {My favorites are vintage household items from the seventies or even older!}  I love this flea market and never get tired of it. Neither does our kid!

2) The Ljubljana Castle

This mighty medieval fortress is one of the main sights, featuring a number of events throughout the year. If you happen to visit Ljubljana during the yearly (free) Medieval Days’ Festival in September, you’ll witness one of the best events for kids on the courtyard of the castle. Think costumed medieval knigts, tournaments and fairs. All free. Don’t miss it!

BONUS HINT: It will only take you ten minutes to walk to the hill. However, with small children, you might want to skip the walk and take the one-minute funicular ride to the castle instead. (The return ticket for a family with 3 children will currently cost you EUR 10.) The funicular to the Ljubljana Castle departs every ten minutes.

3) The Spica embankment

It’s quite new, it was renovated and landscaped as park a few years ago. I still remember the old setting, and it’s an amazing improvement, a great place we love to visit as a family! With its pleasant green surroundings, a large wood-paved area and a newly open cafe, it’s become a go-to place for tourists and locals alike, so it’s good to visit before noon, so it’s not crowded. A lot of space for your kids to run around!

4) The Ljubljana Botanical Garden

And while you’re there, you might cross the Spica bridge and stop at Ljubljana Botanical Garden. We love coming there! It’s a small but a cute, refreshing detour especially during summer. You won’t see it in an advertisement, but let me tell you what’s one of its best features: in addition to a cute tiny cafe with excellent ice cream, it has a kids corner with an improvised sandpit! You may laugh, but the simple bricks placed around some regular sand do wonders! And there’s a lot of comfortable benches close by (for parents, obviously).

5) Ljubljana by Boat

Or you can decide to take a boat cruise (very popular!) along the Ljubljanica river, you’ll be able to see many sights! There are several private boats (licensed, off course!) so you won’t be searching long. Your kids will just love it!

Now when I think back, all the best parts of this cute city are just perfect for families! Honestly, we’ve never done so many things in the very center of Ljubljana than since we’ve had children!

If you’d like to know more, you can also check out the 5 unofficial favorite places for families in Ljubljana to see, where we regularly go with our kids. You might not find them among the top ten places from tourist guides, but trust a local – they are great to know about!

Damjana is a craft-loving sewing amateur, mom to a nearly 4-year old boy and a baby girl and a DIY wannabe. She blogs about easy crafts and DIY ideas at AppleGreen Cottage blog – have a look if you like easy step-by-step tutorials or follow her at Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram or her favorite, Pinterest.