Ljubljana takes second place on the Lonely Planet’s list

Lonely Planet, the world`s leading travel guide book publisher, has listed lovely Ljubljana at No. 2 on its Best of Europe 2014 list, which includes ten European destinations considered by Lonely Planet editors as the most worth visiting this year. They also find Slovenia as picture-perfect as Switzerland, but much easier on the wallet.

Ljubljana made it to the list as one of Europe’s greenest and most livable cities, with a vibrant cultural, café and nightlife scene that gives it the feel of a perpetual street party. In explaining their choice, Lonely Planet pointed out the celebrations of the 2000th anniversary of the Roman city of Emona on the site of the modern-day Ljubljana, which include Roman-themed events and exhibitions held throughout the year and the showpiece event Ave, Emona! (22–24 August), which will transport the city’s central Kongresni trg square back in time. Ljubljana, with its plentiful, inexpensive buses radiating out of the city, is also praised as an ideal base for exploring Slovenia, which is, according to Lonely Planet, as picture-perfect as Switzerland, but much easier on the wallet.

This is the second year that Lonely Planet has compiled its Best of Europe list. The list includes both up-and-coming destinations, which have only recently aroused interest in the United States and elsewhere in the world, and those that are perennial favorites with travelers, but have a new or timely angle that makes them prime for visitors in 2014. Ljubljana is placed second after Greece. Next on the list are South West England, Italy and Denmark with its Viking heritage. The full list can be found here.

Ljubljana is situated about halfway between Vienna and Venice. Its character and appearance have been shaped by diverse cultural influences and historical events. While in winter it is remarkable for its dreamy Central European character, in the summer it is its relaxed Mediterranean feel that stands out. Slovenia’s capital is a picturesque city full of romantic views, with a medieval hill-top castle towering over its historical city center and a calm river spanned by a series of beautiful bridges running right through it. The city owes a great deal of its architectural appeal to the famous Ljubljana-born architect Jože Plečnik (1872–1957), whose soul and vision are imprinted on Ljubljana just like Gaudí`s are on Barcelona.

Visit Ljubljana and make sure not to miss the events in celebration of the 2000th anniversary of Emona. Apart from visiting two large and several smaller museum exhibitions on Roman history, you should by all means join one of the guided Emona-themed city tours, which include a performance by a living history group and a tasting session of Roman dishes. The year`s main Roman-themed event, Ave Emona!, will be held from 22 to 24 August, when the city’s central Kongresni trg square will be occupied by costumed members of Slovenian and international historical societies doing whatever it takes to recreate the atmosphere of Roman times.

The lifestyle in Ljubljana is refreshingly relaxed and the city life always vibrant due to Ljubljana`s large number of cultural events and excellent culinary offerings, which have, over recent years, been increasingly discovered by the world. Despite being vibrant throughout the year, Ljubljana is never crowded, which makes it a great place for visitors to relax and rest from the hustle of daily life – just as the locals do on a regular basis, getting together at the city`s countless cafés with outdoor seating. To really feel the pulse of the city, it is perhaps best to go to the Central Market, which sells all kinds of Slovenian specialties, or visit the Open Kitchen, a Friday street food market where delicious food is freshly prepared by different Slovenian chefs right in front of you.

Apart from being included in Lonely Planet`s Best of Europe 2014 list, Ljubljana is also one of the best hidden gems featured in Lonely Planet`s brand new e-book titled Secret Europe, intended for those inspired to take a trip to Europe this year. You can download the e-book here.

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