Enjoy a European city escape that's a little less ordinary in Ljubljana

There it stands, the capital of Slovenia; a dot on the map of central Europe with over 2,000 years of history. A worthy destination for a long weekend of art and culture, history and heritage, food and fun? Yes, absolutely.

Ljubljana is certainly accessible. British Airways flies to it twice a week from London Heathrow. Helpfully for city-breakers, these two departures are on Fridays and Mondays, framing the weekend perfectly. Travel time is two hours. What's more, with British Airways Holidays, you can book your flights and hotel all in one place.

The city tells its tale with pride. Everything spreads out below the castle – the hilltop fortress that has protected Ljubljana since the 11th century.

Other parts of the past are visible too, some of them much more recent. Not least the buildings and structures crafted by Joze Plecnik, the Slovene architect who reshaped the centre in the 1920s and 1930s.

Plecnik’s imprint on Ljubljana is so significant that it’s been designated a Unesco Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. Rather than imposing a completely new vision, Plecnik’s designs harmoniously integrated with the city’s existing fabric. The result is a cohesive masterpiece, earning its place as one of the 20th century’s most important works of art.

You can see Plecnik’s touch on some of Ljubljana’s most significant landmarks: the elegant Triple Bridge over the River Ljubljanica; the vibrant space that is the Central Market; and the key resource of the National Library, where 1.3 million books fill the shelves.

But don’t be mistaken. Ljubljana is not trapped in some misty yesteryear. It is very much a modern European city – diverse, creative and, thanks to its university, often youthful in its outlook.

It also feels small – in a good way, its metropolitan issues tamed by clever initiatives that make it clean, green, and simple to explore. The centre is mostly pedestrianised, and closed to motor vehicles.

Some 140 miles of cycle paths radiate out from the heart of town. Even the river plays its part. Should you choose, you can canoe and paddleboard along the Ljubljanica – pursuits rarely available in bigger-name capitals.

Culture abounds in this artistically vibrant city. The National Gallery has artworks by Slovenian painters such as Ivana Kobilca, Ivan Grohar and Jožef Tominc. The National Museum explains the whole Slovenian saga within a palatial 19th-century building next to the leafy space of Tivoli Park.

Then there is Siska, a district in the north-west of the conurbation, which offers a unique blend of history and modern points of interest. Once a village with a brewing and craft tradition, today Siska has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. It’s home to the largest Slovenian brewery, called Union, where you can find out how beer is made and learn about the country’s brewing heritage. After a pint or two, you can wander over to the Computer History Museum to delve into digital history, and explore the 6,500 curios on display there.

Siska also embraces contemporary culture with Kino Siska, a centre that hosts concerts and events. The artistic side of the district spills out into its streets, where graffiti by the renowned 1107 Klan collective (a graffiti crew named after Siska’s postcode) adds a splash of urban colour to underpasses, walls and buildings. 

Yet culture in Ljubljana is not confined to institutions and particular corners of the map. It reaches out from the calendar, at every time of year, in a range of festivals. Beyond its museums and galleries, Ljubljana offers a vibrant calendar of events, from specialised tours to concerts, literary gatherings, street art installations, and creative handicraft workshops.

Visit in August to see Nights In Old Ljubljana, an extravaganza of concerts – classical music, jazz, and world music – held in the open air. December offers a bright swirl of Christmas markets, but not before taste buds have been tempted by November’s Gourmet Ljubljana – a big celebration of the city’s culinary scene.

In truth, you can eat well in Ljubljana whatever the month – whether you are picking up fresh produce at the Central Market, or dining at one of the capital’s many eateries.

The charming Ljubljanica River offers a picturesque backdrop for an alfresco meal or drink. Lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants, you can choose from a variety of options. Enjoy brunch with a view, or sip on a craft beer at one of the riverside bars. If you're looking for something more substantial, try a traditional Slovenian restaurant to sample some of the country’s diverse culinary heritage.

To book your city break to Ljubljana, please visit ba.com/ljubljana

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