LANGUAGE

Slovenian

CURRENCY

Euro

BEST TIME TO VISIT

April to September

NEAREST RAILWAY STATION

Ljubljana Railway Station (LJR)

NEAREST AIRPORT

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

EMERGENCY HELPLINE NUMBER

112

INTERNET ACCESS

Many cafes and restaurants provide free wi-fi for customers, and WiFreeLjubljana (www.wifreeljubljana.si) offers visitors one hour of free internet access a day. Most hostels and some hotels have a public computer for guests to surf the internet. The Slovenian Tourist Information Centre has computers on hand to check email.

VISA

Generally not required for tourist stays up to 90 days (or at all for EU nationals); some nationalities will need an entry visa.

Citizens of several developed countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the US, only need a valid passport (no visa) if entering as tourists for up to three months within a six-month period.

Nationals from other countries may need an entry visa. Visa applications must be filed with a Slovenian embassy or consulate, and visas are valid for stays of up to 90 days.

HOTEL

Since Slovenia became independent in 1991, the local hotel scene has blossomed with a wide choice of accomodation for every taste and budget available today.

Luxury (over €150).

Mid-range (€75 to €150).

Budget (up to €75).

LUXURY

Grand Hotel Union Executive

Hotel Cubo

MID-RANGE

Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa

Best Western Premier Hotel Slon

City Hotel

Hotel Park

BUDGET

Adora Hotel

Celica Hostel

Hotel Emonec

Slamič

COST OF LIVING

Ljubljana is yet another small European capital with a lovely Old Town center, and not many checklist attractions beyond that. Slovenia itself is known mostly as a nature destination, with Lake Bled, the original Karst rocks, and some famous caves. So the fact that it’s modest capital city is cheap and pleasant is just a bonus.

Hotels in Ljubljana are predictably affordable by European standards, yet quality is generally high. Hostels are also quite cheap, although the cheapest ones are a bit away from the city center so it’s probably worth paying a bit more for a central location.

Ljubljana is also known for its cuisine, as an enjoyable blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences. Bosnian food is a highlight here, and a good bargain. Local beer and wine are also very affordable by European standards, and you won’t have to search far to find a cheap pint.

Peak season here is in the summer when the city comes to life with lots of different events and shows. During this time of the year you’ll also find higher hotel prices. If you’re looking for a more budget minded vacation, you might want to consider visiting during the spring or fall when prices even out a bit. Winter holds the lowest prices of the year.