Ljubljana

A charming European city seemingly tailor-made for sightseeing, Ljubljana is extremely walkable. Pedestrians and cyclists meander along the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the heart of the city, sitting for a spell at one of the lively outdoor cafes or popping into one of the many cultural events held throughout the summer. Ljubljana’s graceful bridges and architectural whimsy culminate in the elegant Ljubljana Castle, which dates back to the Celts (ride the funicular, which starts in Old Town and goes all the way up to the castle). Music lovers appreciate the city’s jewel-like opera house, where Gustav Mahler once conducted. Pause at the Central Market to sample some of Ljubljana’s local delicacies before heading towards the magnificent Dragon Bridge. Finish out the day with a farm-to-table dinner, a trend that existed in Slovenia before it was fashionable anywhere else! Of course, a day trip on Lake Bled, to its tiny, iconic island and 17th-century church, is a must.