Ljubljana is not a city about specific sights and attractions. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana. It's also a city defined by seasons. During the fall months the city will be overflowing with university students. They will keep the city energized, enthusiastic, and filled with culture. The winter months can be cold and long, but come spring, the city is ready to open back up. After months indoors, the city comes to life with events and festivals that fill the plaza. There are concerts and festivals that linger through the summer months, when the weather is at its prime. During the summer you'll see street performers who provide entertaining outdoor shows for both adults and kids. Streets will be shut down for festivals that bring residents and tourists alike into the downtown area. This is a wonderful time to come and be part of the city. It's about atmosphere and culture, not checking attractions off of your list.
If you're in town during the warmer months, a nice way to explore the city center is on foot. You can pick up at detailed map at the tourist information center which is beside the Central Market. They also have bikes for rent, which is another fun, and more efficient way to explore the city. Some hotels also have bikes for rent. The price is typically about five euros for the day or one euro for two hours. If you're not up for biking or walking, or the weather isn't ideal, the bus system is generally efficient and cheap. Taxis are also in abundance and offer a good way to reach your destination quickly.
If you're looking to grab a bite to eat, the downtown area has plenty of cafes with outdoor seating during the summer months. There are many restaurants around town that offer traditional Slovenian food. One quintessential Slovenian experience is to try a horse burger at the Hotel Horse. It's cheap and good, particularly after a late night out.
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The Town Squares
Positioned between the castle hill and the Ljubljanica river is the city's old town. It includes two squares. The first, Mestni trg has the Robba fountain as well as the city hall. There's also the Gornji trg with several medieval buildings. Now you'll find several shops and cafes on the square. The squares with their narrow lanes are wonderful to wander around and explore.
Renting a Bike
You can rent bikes at the Slovenian tourist Information Center. The center can be found next to the Central Market. Often hotles also have bikes available for rent. Prices can be as low as one euro for two hours or five euros for the entire day. Also do a little research into the Bicikelj program. This is designed so you can rent bikes by the week for incredibly low prices. You pick up the bikes at stations around town.