In some ways, Ljubljana is the most perfect little European city we’ve visited. The capital of Slovenia possesses the glistening canals of Venice, the red roofs of Prague and the pedestrian areas of Istanbul. But all of this beauty came with virtually no crowds.
We arrived on a Sunday afternoon, enjoyed the weekend flea market and outdoor musical performances, and marveled that so few others had found this perfect fairy tale town. Our hotel was in the centre of the city, literally a minute from the pedestrian-only area of bridges, restaurants and stylish buildings.
The following day we visited the town marketplace. The market, open on weekdays and Saturdays, seemed to cater primarily to residents rather than tourists. It bustled with crafty locals carefully choosing fruit and vegetables – and a few hearty travelers carefully practicing their few memorized Slovenian phrases.
In the covered stalls, a few small shops sell cheese, meat and household goods. The market sits a few feet from the glorious Ljubljanica river and its lovely pedestrian bridges.
Of course, there were a few touristy stalls in the marketplace, and the occasional tourist felt the need to pose by them:
oh wow have to but this town on places to visit
This place is so close to Greece and yet I haven't had the chance to visit it. Great pictures.
I have never heard of this charming city. What a gem! I am always looking for places to visit that are off the beaten path. It seems like I've found one. Thank you for sharing. I hope you have a great end to your week!
beautiful market photos!
Looks like a very pretty place! Seems like the tourists are enjoying themselves 🙂 Looks like a very charming, small town!
Who wouldn't fall in love with such a cute little town? It looks really charming. Glad you guys had fun there.
I loved Ljubljana when I visited! Actually, pretty much all of Slovenia is quaint, adorable, and filled with very friendly people.
Amazing country.
Always such fun to come over and visit and be swept away to distant lands…love this one…and that snazzy tourist with her fun specs! Gorgeous photos…and I so want some of that produce right now. Thanks for sharing!
Beth – thank you for introducing us to that gem of a city. I just had a mini-tour away from home.
I learn something new in all your Thursday posts. Yet another place I'll add to my travel-wish list! 🙂
How beautiful! This might sound like the dorkiest thing ever, but I'm pretty much obsessed with market pictures from foreign countries – yours are just fantastic!
What an absolutely wonderful place! It really does seem to have it all. How great that your kids got to experience it. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us!
Cheers,
Jackee
Lovely photos. Those vegetables look dreamy.
What a beautiful place. Love the market photos.
I LOVE the way you write, it makes me want to visit/try everything you do! Beautiful pictures 🙂
Looks like a charming town and the markets here sound terrific!
You and your family are so lucky to get to travel to so many wonderful places.
Gorgeous photos. How lucky you are to see so many beautiful places. The colors of the squash and bell peppers are so lovely!
That market place looks so fresh! Love the sunglasses too 😀
I always like farmer markets loaded with all kinds of fresh produces. The town looks peaceful and nice.
What a charming little town! Wish I could see it…sounds like you had a wonderful visit. Street and green markets are always fun shopping.
Looks like you guys are having a good time! Love the pictures of that market!
A different kind of "souk", ha ha. Wonderful produce though. Love the vibrant colors of the squash.
What a wonderful little town! I love your posts of your travels!!
Hi Beth, thanks for visiting my blog:)
I love your photos, they really do a great job of illustrating the wonders of this lovely town. Have a nice weekend.
Wow. What amazing travels you've had! Love the sunglasses. I think I had a pair like that in 1985.
I love markets and this one sounds winderful.Love all your photos; what an interesting town.
I've never heard of it, but it definitely looks like a must visit!
I have to ask, how is it traveling overseas with your kids? Ours are still a bit young for such big travel but my husband and I would love to start taking them on bigger trips in a few years.
These pictures are so gorgeous! You are definitely making me want to visit.
Sounds like a wonderful place to visit. Hard to believe any place is not crowded these days:) That would be a big plus for me. Beautiful pictures.
Oh, looks like a dream. I'd love to spend more time in Easitern Europe. I've never really spent much time outside Prague, which isn't as untouched these days.
Love the pic of the little cutie in the heart shaped sunnies 🙂
Wonderful photos. Makes me want to travel again.
How nice to find such a beautiful place to visit with no crowds! Thank you for the tour.
looks like so much fun! now following you~
It's always wonderful to find a city that isn't overrun with tourists. This looks like a lovely place, and with such a beautiful market!
This sounds like such a wonderful city to visit, I am intrigued. Your photos are just beautiful (as is your child in the sunglasses!).
My husband went there for his work & he fell in love with this beautiful place.
Thanks for sharing, Beth!
I traveled throughout Yugoslavia with Hubby almost 20 years ago. We pretty much stuck around the coastline until the borders of Greece.
After reading your post, I realize, that as much as I love the coast…I missed out on this very charming place. If ever, we plan to visit Slovenia again…this spot will definately be on our itinerary.
Thanks Beth for sharing this place with us ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia