2 hours ago
3
October 29, 2025 — 5:00am
At first glance, Ljubljana’s open-air Central Market in Slovenia looks like any other European fresh produce market – a maze of covered stalls selling a colourful array of seasonal fruits and vegetables. But then I spot an unusual-looking vending machine on the square’s periphery and discover that it dispenses fresh, unpasteurised milk from a nearby farm.
Not only is it a deliciously creamy thirst-quencher on a hot summer’s day, but it’s an unexpected innovation in a city that’s known more for being one of Europe’s prettiest capitals, thanks to its cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture and photogenic setting straddling the Ljubljanica River.
When you visit somewhere for the first time, there’s an almost obligatory urge to tick off the headline attractions. For Ljubljana, this means catching the funicular to its medieval hilltop castle, hopping on board a sightseeing river cruise and visiting some of the numerous galleries and museums.
While all of these are rewarding experiences, I’m curious to see what else the city has to offer. Is the milk vending machine a one-off or is it indicative of a more widespread quirky streak?
I start with the Moustache Tour, a three-hour guided cycle tour run by Ljubljana Tourism that explores the city through three of its most influential and extravagantly moustachioed men – architect Jože Plečnik, writer Ivan Cankar and painter Rihard Jakopič.
Plečnik’s influence is the most obvious, given he was the architect behind many of Ljubljana’s most notable buildings, bridges and squares (seven of which were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2021). But we also visit the National Gallery and the Swiss House in Tivoli Park to learn more about the cultural impact of the other two men.
All in all, it’s an inspired premise for a tour, and it’s by no means the only one. Bananaway offers a paddleboard tour through the heart of the city on the Ljubljanica River and the cute Urban electric train shuttles visitors around many of the city’s most popular sites. Even the castle has several innovative experiences, including an escape room-style adventure quest, a history-themed culinary tour and an immersive 4D virtual presentation.
Venture beyond the touristed riverfront district, and you’ll find edgier neighbourhoods, like Metelkova, a former army barracks that’s now a bohemian collection of galleries, bars and nightclubs. It’s also home to Hostel Celica, a former prison that’s been converted into a colourful hostel where every room has been designed by a different artist.
Even within the city centre, there are unexpected delights. Prise your gaze away from the gorgeous Baroque facades and romantic Italianate fountains and you may notice the striking Adam and Eve sculptures on Butchers’ Bridge by local artist Jakov Brdar.
He’s also responsible for the 700 expressive bronze faces peering up from a gully in Locksmith Street, a narrow alleyway near the Town Hall. Other interesting public artworks include a giant sliced potato outside the Museum of Modern Art and a mirrored cyanometer on Slovenska Street that measures air pollution by analysing the colour of the sky.
In 2016, Ljubljana was named European Green Capital and its ongoing sustainability initiatives put many other cities to shame. It pedestrianised most of the city centre in 2007, banishing cars and providing a fleet of free electric carts called “Kavalirs” to shuttle people around. It also implemented a strict recycling program (there are colour-coded bins all over the city) and hopes to be a zero-waste metropolis by 2035.
The result is a rare civic pride. There’s a noticeable absence of litter, people refill bottles using the city’s 30-plus water fountains (the kangaroo-shaped one near the funicular is a hit with kids) and there’s an unusual abundance of free public toilets.
But perhaps Ljubljana’s most endearing quirk is its inhabitants. Everyone I encounter – from the 80s-pop-loving bus drivers to the enthusiastic guides, wait-staff and receptionists – speaks excellent English and is friendly, patient and welcoming. If you’ve visited any other European capital during peak season, you’ll know that too often this is the exception rather than the rule.
THE DETAILS
TOUR
Intrepid Travel’s eight-day Cycle Slovenia trip starts and ends in Ljubljana. From $4445 a person, twin share. See intrepidtravel.com
FLY
Singapore Airlines flies to Ljubljana via Singapore and Zurich. See singaporeair.com
The writer was a guest of Intrepid Travel and Ljubljana Tourism.
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