Ljubljana

Slovenia

Things to do in Ljubljana:

View the Gallery River and Market

Ljubljana Restaurants

Cheap (24)

Falafel

Steer away from all that lovely-but-fattening local food and enjoy a fresh and good-value falafel instead. read more
Affordable (17)

Sushimama

The best Japanese food in Slovenia is on offer at this great wee restaurant in the city centre, as well as thirst-quenching Japanese beer. read more
Good quality (19)

Rusalka

A city-centre hotel restaurant that is actually worth staying in for. On the menu you'll find an array of Slovenian specialities, including fresh dandelion! read more

Ljubljana Nightlife

Chilled (25)

Salon

Perhaps Salon is not quite as trendy as it once was, but this just means that you have the stylish surrounds without the crowds. It does some great cocktails and a range of coffee and hot chocolate... read more
Live Music (16)

Klub 4

The buzzing local student community keeps things lively at this friendly and informal venue. Don't expect world-class names, but do expect fun local talent trying to break through, or at least... read more
Clubbing (20)

Global

You couldn't ask for a better located club - high above the city streets with sweeping views of the castle to boot. The playlist is not too painfully hip, and there are themed nights for all tastes. read more

This Month in Ljubljana (March):

By Robin McKelvie

Shopping: Slovenian lace is world famous and the finest comes from the little town of Idrija. Head to Idrian Lace Sales Gallery in the Old Town, where you can buy the creations of local producers (17 Mestni Trg).

Sightseeing: Urban kids Slovenia-over are in raptures this month as a certain Curtis James Jackson III comes to town. Better known as 50 Cent, this global �ber-rapper is flying over from the US to bring some of his particular brand of style on 3 March (tel: 01 431 5155, zavod-tivoli.si).

Key areas: Tivoli is the city's favourite green lung and a great place to be as the first signs of spring start to appear. Take a relaxed stroll around the English-style garden or head into the hilly woodland behind to make use of the fitness trail.

Day trips: A half-hour bus ride to the north brings you to the lovely town of Kamnik. Huge mountains crowd all around and the historic buildings are alive with caf�s and restaurants.

Ljubljana News & Gossip

Trieste Film Festival

21-28 JANUARY, 2010

What's it all about?
A leisurely 90-minute drive from the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, sits the beautiful Italian coastal city of Trieste, just over the border. The picturesque seaport was both one-time home and inspiration to literary giants Jules Verne and James Joyce and philosopher Sigmund Freud. Now it plays host to the 17th Trieste Film Festival, an event that showcases features, documentaries and shorts from central and eastern Europe to an audience of more than 15,000.

Where to watch the films
Festival films are screened in several of the city's eight theatres and subtitled in both English and Italian. The pick of the festival cinemas are the Excelsior (2 Via Muratti) and the Ariston Cinema (14 Viale Romolo Gessi) in a more subdued part of town that's a popular destination for locals.

Where to spot the stars
Trieste doesn't do nightlife in the same way as Rome or Milan. But it has a casual charm that means famous faces can mingle in intimate caf�s and bars without hassle. Boston Blvd (41 Viale XX Settembre) is a popular spot for actors on the festival circuit as it's located near all the city's main cinemas. www.triestefilmfestival.it

Ljubljana Trivia

March: Local legend has it that the city was founded when Jason and his legendary Argonauts stopped by and slayed a dragon.
February: Ljubljana is home to the only statue of Napoleon you will find outside France.
January: Slovenia has its very own tragic national poet - Preseren. Legend has it that he died of a broken heart, although the woman accompanying him on his statue is not his unrequited love, but another, mystery lady!