Ljubljana

The magnificent Cathedral of St Nicholas, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and built in the Baroque style, dates from the early 18th century but was renovated and had beautiful carved bronze doors added for the Pope's visit in 1996. The doors depict the development of Christianity in Slovenia and give way to a richly ornate interior below the impressive cupola and stunning Giulio Quaglio frescoes.

Address : Dolnicarjeva 1

Website : lj-stolnica.rkc.si

Slovenia's most popular destination, the charming town of Bled is located just 45 minutes' drive from the capital Ljubljana and is the base for many tourists holidaying in Slovenia. A town with gorgeous surrounds and an ancient history, Bled's foremost attraction is the glacial Lake Bled: a cobalt-blue expanse of water with a forested island in the middle, it's accessible by traditional rowboats known as pletnas.Overlooking the lake is the photogenic Bled Castle while the island itself is home to the spired Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, one of Slovenia's most impressive sights. Bled offers tourists a range of great outdoor sporting activities, such as golfing, fishing, and horse riding, while the nearby Triglav National Park has fantastic walking and hiking trails. Those looking for a cost-effective and richly rewarding European vacation should check out Bled, Slovenia's undisputed tourist jewel.

The imposing Ljubljana Castle towers over the city, offering spectacular views of the Ljubljanica River and old town skyline with the distant Alps providing a stunning backdrop. A steep cobbled street winds its way from the old town to the medieval fortress, which originally dates back to the 11th century.The castle complex includes a museum, restaurant, and chapel, and access to the castle is provided by a scenic funicular ride. Visitors can admire the view from the castle's impressive tower, stroll through the tranquil grounds, learn about Slovenian history at one of the museum exhibitions, or attend one of the many cultural events hosted at the fortress.

Address : Grajska Planota 1

Website : www.ljubljanskigrad.si/en/the-ljubljana-castle/

The quaint Ljubljana Zoo is situated in a forested area a short walk from the city centre. The small size of the zoo gives visitors a more intimate experience, with opportunities to handle some of the animals, particularly the scary ones such as snakes and scorpions. Other animals at the zoo include wild cats, lions, sea lions, giraffes, elephants, and over 100 other species.Feeding times and training exhibitions are staged throughout the day, a schedule for which is available on the website. The zoo offers a welcome break from all the cultural and historical attractions of Ljubljana, providing family vacationers with a wonderful way to entertain the children.

Address : Vecna pot 70

Website : www.zoo-ljubljana.si

The impressive National Museum of Slovenia is housed in a lovely neo-Renaissance style palace, the most interesting and popular of Ljubljana's many museums. Alongside fascinating temporary exhibits, the permanent exhibition consists of various artworks, alongside archaeological artefacts and displays, such as a 60,000-year-old "Neanderthal flute", ancient Palaeolithic artefacts discovered in karst cave sites, and the only Egyptian mummy in Slovenia.The National Museum is made up of three museums: the historic Presernova, the newer Metelkova, and the Natural History Museum. Visitors can explore just one or all three depending on their schedule, and combination tickets are available.

Address : Prešernova 20

Website : www.nms.si

Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the city of Ljubljana being as neat and well planned as it is, with his insistence on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The renowned architect's home and studio is open to the public a few days a week, furnished and equipped as he left it. However, his influence is everywhere in the city and can be admired at sites like the wide Shoemaker's Bridge and the colonnaded market beside the river.

Address : Karunova ulica 4, Trnovo

Slovenia's Postojna Cave is the most-visited cave complex in Europe and has welcomed nearly 200 million visitors to gape at its incredible karst formations, cavernous chambers, and interesting collection of cave animals.Stretching for 13 miles (20km), one of the best things about visiting the astounding Postojna Cave Complex is its top-class infrastructure: the cave is well-lit and visitors access the underground walkway by train.Guided tours of the cave last about 90 minutes, during which time visitors are treated to a wealth of glittering calcite formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, as well as an underground aquarium where an array of troglodyte creatures are displayed.The Postpojna Cave is also home to a subterranean concert hall with celebrated acoustics and classical music performances are common (especially in the summer). One of the very best things to see in Slovenia and in the whole of central Europe, a trip to the Postojna Cave Complex is highly recommended.

Website : www.postojnska-jama.si

Tivoli Park is a massive wooded area in Ljubljana and covers an impressive five square kilometres. The park is the perfect place for a picnic or evening stroll, boasting a number of ponds, playgrounds, sporting facilities, flowerbeds, grassy patches, and fountains.Tivoli Park is a popular spot in Ljubljana, allowing visitors to relax and really take in the beauty of this wonderful Slovenian city. Tivoli Park is also a wonderful place to take the kids, allowing them to run around and let off some steam.

The only national park in Slovenia, Triglav National Park is named after the highest peak in the country and the Julian Alps: Mount Triglav. Appearing on the Slovenian flag, the mountain is a symbol of national identity.Its craggy, snow-covered summit provides a wonderful backdrop to a holiday spent exploring quiet forests and hiking out to pristine waterfalls. The trail that leads out to the 240-foot (78m) Slap Savica Waterfall is particularly popular, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over the continent each year.Triglav National Park is also perfectly set up for mountain bikers and keen mountaineers who wish to get to grips with the rocky slopes. The park offers affordable camping, and its close proximity to Italy and Austria, makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers wishing to experience the Alps without having to shell out more than they can afford.

Website : www.tnp.si/national_park/