Slovenian towns and cities have a special charm. You can measure them far and wide with steps – quite literally. The streets and squares offer the freedom to explore and experience them however you choose. You have enough room to breathe, enough opportunities for authentic experiences and enough room for connecting with the locals. Unlike bustling metropolises, these towns make you feel good, as they don't overwhelm you with a multitude of impulses. Instead, they let you drift effortlessly among your favourite moments, allowing you to choose them yourself. In your own way.
Youthful charisma and unique character shine through Bojan, Jan, Jure, Kris and Nace. These are the members of the Slovenian musical sensation JOKER OUT, which has captivated not only their home audience, but also fans across Europe with their shagadelic rock 'n’ roll. It’s clear their global breakthrough is just around the corner. How do these young musicians – each in their own way – experience the city in which they create and to which they happily return after intense recordings sessions and whirlwind tours abroad? How do the diverse characters of the city intertwine with theirs? Discover their favourite spots – where they hang out with friends, immerse themselves in art, indulge in great food and replenish their souls. And where they find their rare moments of tranquillity amidst the electrifying chaos of rock 'n’ roll life.
We met with NACE in Tivoli, Ljubljana's largest urban park, just a short stroll from the heart of the city. This green oasis is a haven for nature lovers, offering a network of trails, footpaths, playgrounds and tree-lined avenues that lead into the peaceful forests of the Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib landscape park. The park is bustling with strollers and their canine companions on a leash. Nace is no exception, accompanied by his adorable dachshund, PINO, who curiously gazes at passers-by with an endearing and unique look – one eye blue, the other brown, reminiscent of the legendary music icon David Bowie. “Our walks often bring Pino and me to Tivoli, probably the go-to spot for all Ljubljana residents,” says Nace. “What’s great about it is the variety it offers for dogs – from a long, leisurely walk to the dog park, to more secluded spots where Pino and I can play in peace, which we like the most. If we bump into a friend, we stop at one of the nearby cafés.”
From a bird's-eye view, Ljubljana – and other Slovenian cities—reveals a harmonious blend of green spaces and urban life. The city's streets are lined with trees and small urban parks, adorned with benches and drinking fountains, provide inviting spots for both locals and visitors to rest, chat, or simply soak in the vibrant city atmosphere. Nace and Pino often pause at one of these fountains in Zvezda Park next to Congress Square, during their walks to quench their thirst on a warm day. “Ljubljana has become increasingly dog-friendly in recent years. You can take your dog almost anywhere,” notes Nace, whose lifestyle benefits from this trend. “It’s true,” he adds with a chuckle, “that sometimes I wish there were more bins with dog waste bags. There are times I forget to bring one in all the rush... and then it’s a matter of improvising!”
What’s great about it is the variety it offers for dogs – from a long, leisurely walk to the dog park, to more secluded spots where Pino and I can play in peace, which we like the most. If we bump into a friend, we stop at one of the nearby cafés.
Nace reflects on the soothing green embrace of Slovenia’s parks
BOJAN, the charismatic frontman of the band, at the forefront of concert stages with his vocals and radiating charisma, rides past Nace and Pino on an elegant vintage bicycle. On the streets of the city, almost everybody also recognises him – from a group of eager elementary school kids asking for a photo to the friendly driver of the Kavalir, the small electric vehicle that shuttles passengers around town, who greets him with a handshake and a smile. Bojan is headed to the other side of the city, where his friends are waiting for him to play basketball on the iconic sky-blue court under the canopy of century-old plane trees in Tabor Park, just a stone’s throw from the museum quarter, home to the Ethnographic Museum, the National Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
“I spent many high school days here," Bojan recalls, having attended the nearby Poljane High School. It was here, at Tabor, that he and his classmates played basketball and football. Next to the court, where you can also find the Library under the Tree Tops in the warmer part of the year, stands the imposing Sokolski dom, designed by architect Ivan Vurnik. Once a hub for sports, it remains a beloved venue for both children and adults.
In addition to basketball, Bojan likes to play football, as well as darts and chess and he also surprises with two unusual sports that he is fond of: wakeboarding and horseback riding. Wakeboarding, an exciting water sport, has its most popular spot in Duplek, Štajerska, known as the prime location for water skiing in Slovenia. "But my favourite place to wakeboard is Bohinj," he says. “It’s where I ride horses on a ranch by Lake Bohinj.” This is perhaps why Tomačevo is close to him in his native Ljubljana, as there is a local hippodrome that offers the perfect spot for riding. He also likes to enjoys the tranquil atmosphere of Tivoli, which he describes as "a living room of sorts for the people of Ljubljana”.
It is like a living room of sorts for the people of Ljubljana.
Bojan about Tivoli City Park.
As dawn breaks, Ljubljana Castle is still shrouded in a morning fog and the Ljubljana Central Market beneath the famous Plečnik Arcades comes alive with vibrant activity. The green stands overflow with the rainbow hues of fresh, local fruits and vegetables, sold there by growers from nearby farms and beyond. Amidst this lively buzz, JURE – the band’s drummer and considered the main foodie in the band – can be found chatting with a vendor by a stand brimming with seasonal produce. With a practiced eye, he selects the finest ingredients, he’ll later transform into a delicious creation at home.
“I love to cook," Jure says while trying the autumn-inspired gastronomic creations at TaBar, a popular bar and restaurant located across the Ljubljanica in the renovated premises of the former Rog bicycle factory. “Idrijski žlikrofi dumplings – in all their variations – are probably my favourite Slovenian dish. Some štruklji are also nice,” he adds.
This summer marked his first visit to the Open Kitchen, an outdoor culinary market that left him with a lasting impression. What captivated him most was its unique blend of global flavours alongside traditional Slovenian cuisine, giving foreign visitors a chance to experience authentic Slovenian dishes in one vibrant setting.
Jure also loves exploring Slovenia and its hidden corners. And he does it in a truly unique way. “For the last few years, I've taken a week or two to travel around Slovenia on my moped, a vintage Tomos from 1978.” He has already explored the north of the Primorska region, as well as the Karst and Istria. If he had to recommend only one place, it would be a spot not far from his hometown of Logatec – the magical Planinsko Polje karst field. “You really have to experience Planinsko Polje in different seasons – when it is flooded and when it's dry, with only the Unica River meandering through it. It's stunning. The water is cold in the summer and nearby, you'll find the Planinska Cave, a perfect retreat from the heat where you can marvel nature's wonders.”
A few storefronts further on in the Rog Centre, the master goldsmith Peter welcomes KRIS in his jewellery design studio. Beneath the warm glow of a desk, he introduces Kris to the intricate tools used to craft delicate filigree pieces. Together, they begin the careful task of repairing a ring. Rings also adorn Kris’s hands, although he admits that he has not worn jewellery in a long time. Rings have grown dear to his heart during the many recordings and various style combinations that the members of Joker Out have tried in recent years. Beyond his role in the band, Kris is an artistic soul with a deep appreciation for design, from graphic creations to fine art. “As an engineer by training, today’s experience is the perfect blend of my technical and creative sides,” he says, visibly thrilled, as he makes arrangements to return to the Rog Centre soon for another hands-on creative workshop.
They are a perfect mix of urban and natural.
Kris reflects on the towns of Slovenia.
For Kris, Slovenian cities – especially his hometown of Ljubljana – offer "a perfect blend of urban and natural.” When he needs peace and a connection with nature, he goes to the Rožnik Hill, Tivoli Park or to the Castle Hilll, where he can enjoy one of the most picturesque views of the Trnovo neighborhood. Nearby Špica, a lively social hub at the confluence of the Ljubljanica’s two branches, is also close by. When it’s time for coffee or catching up with friends, Kris usually goes to Tozd Bar in the city centre.
In the Ljubljana City Museum, Kris finds himself captivated by the hall that blends layers of time and art, where he can closely examine statues and portraits of figures who were connected to the city in one way or another throughout history. The opportunity to experience art, architecture and creators intimately and authentically, from the front row, without waiting in queues, is another feature of Slovenian cities.
Not far from the museum, Kris enjoys visiting Vžigalica, one of his favorite galleries. “I visit it most often during the Lighting Guerrilla festival – every year I stroll around the city and discover hidden light installations.” His top gallery, however, is DobraVaga, tucked beneath the arcades of the Ljubljana Central Market, just above the Ljubljanica River. ““It's great that only young, contemporary artists exhibit here,” he says.
We say goodbye to Kris and stroll down the picturesque Križevniška Street, winding through one of the Ljubljana pictureque districts toward the Ljubljanica River. Crossing the Cobblers' Bridge, designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik, we find JAN flipping through vinyl records in a vintage record shop. It was his father who made him enthusiastic about vinyl records, as he had a gramophone and an interesting collection of records, "including a small collection of Avsenik vinyls and 'schlagers', from the 1970s," he recalls. He started building his own collection in high school, when he first came across legendary records such as Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis, and Jimi Hendrix’s greatest hits ... Today, Jan proudly owns around 150 vinyl records in his collection.
Slovenia boasts exceptional concert venues, from the historic Križanke Outdoor Theatre, designed by Plečnik, the Philharmonic Hall and Žiče Charterhouse to newer, urban venues. “Križanke holds a special place for me, both as a visitor and a performer. This is a legendary venue where I have attended many concerts. My favourites? Marcus Miller and Snarky Puppy.”
As a band, Joker Out also have fond memories of performing in Cvetličarna, the venue where they presented their first album. For fans of the alternative scene and foreign music enthusiasts, Jan would recommend Metelkova, "especially because there are several clubs there, allowing you to choose on the spot, depending on your mood or the musical genre you prefer”. And for jazz fans, he proposes they visit the jazz club above the city at Ljubljana Castle.
When asked about the most unusual concert venue the band has performed at, Jan answers, “Probably the Postojna Cave,” also noting Slovenian castles like Sevnica Castle or Bogenšperk Castle. “If I could choose the craziest, coolest spot for a concert, it would be Kredarica,” he says, referring to the iconic mountain lodge beneath Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak. This evening, Jan is headed to Kino Šiška for a concert. “It’s a fantastic venue where I get to see many of my favourite artists every year.”
As night falls, the boys gather backstage at one of their many concert venues, whether local or abroad. They grab their guitars, drumsticks and microphones, ready to step onto the stage to the roaring applause of their loyal fans. From the sold-out Stožice Arena, the largest concert venue in Slovenia, to intimate clubs across Europe, or even the glittering Eurovision stage, every performance is infused with their stage charisma and electrifying energy. It’s no surprise that in cities like Amsterdam, London, Milan or Belgrade, the crowd dances and sings along in Slovenian with them all night long (you know their Eurovision hit Carpe Diem, right?). This connection with their audience is one of the reasons why Joker Out proudly holds the title of the first cultural ambassadors of Slovenia.
Despite their world-class architecture and art, in Slovenian cities we are not just tourists who simply tick off the sights on must-see lists from various guidebooks. We are curious visitors who mingle with the locals as we wander through the city streets and squares, and we can walk freely among the sights. We do not stand in long queues to "meet" them. We have enough time and opportunities for an authentic experience and genuine contact. We can experience art, architecture and creators very personally. From the front row, up close, face to face. Discover the extraordinary places and experiences of Slovenian art and culture!
Visit interesting festivals and cultural events in Slovenia!
Indulge in the vibrant pulse of the cultural quarters of Slovenian cities.
Some of the most exciting locations for lovers of art, culture and creative industries.
From industry to culture – former factories and industrial areas that are today cultural centres, museums and galleries.
The capital of Slovenia and European Green Capital 2016. This charming and vibrant city will captivate and fascinate anyone keen to explore it.
Experience the handicraft and craft tradition of Slovenian towns and places.
Love is experienced through the stomach.
The allure of Slovenian cities and towns lies in their ability to evoke a sense of humanity and freedom in visitors.
Privacy settings