Venice in Italy has been grappling with issues with over-tourism for many years with the affectionately dubbed “Floating City” taking matters into its own hands.
It has banned large cruise ships from entering its canals, authorised fines for noisy, wheeled suitcases in the historic city centre, littering and loitering on its bridges and, most recently limited tour groups to 25 people.
With overcrowded streets, canals packed with gondolas, damaged ecosystems, cheap souvenir shops replacing authentic artisan shops and thousands of residents being forced out each year, it may be time to leave Venice to rest and find alternative holiday destinations.
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, might just be the perfect dupe. Set between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, the city boasts a unique blend of architectural charm, green spaces and vibrant culture.
Its pastel-coloured buildings help exude a fairy-tale-like ambiance, a blend of Baroque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau buildings, watched over by a medieval castle. As an added bonus, its compact size means it is easily navigable on foot or by bike.
For those wishing to fulfil the urge to cruise on the water among the buildings, you can do so on the jade-coloured river that winds through the city. The Ljubljanica River is lined with picturesque bridges and riverside cafes.
Ljubljana also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The city centre is largely car free and is abundant with parks and green spaces, allowing residents and visitors alike to connect with nature.
It also serves as a fantastic base from which to explore the wider region of Slovenia, renowned for its natural landscapes including the emerald waters of Lake Bled and the Postojna Cave system. As the common saying claims: “all roads lead into (and out of) Ljubljana”.
The city is just a few hours from nearly all of the country’s main attractions, including the Triglav National Park, the Soča River Valley and the Primorska Wine Region.
It is also well-connected to many neighbouring countries and their capitals, making it easy to combine Ljubljana with trips to and from Zagreb, Croatia and Vienna, Austria. With major highways, bus lines and train routes, travelling around the region is fairly straightforward.
EasyJet and Wizz Air fly from Slovenia’s main international airport – Jože Pučnik – to London and Brussels. The airport is also just a half an hour’s drive from Ljubljana.
On Tripadvisor, visitors have not held back in the praises of Ljubljana. One said: “What a picturesque city and the Old Town certainly enhances Ljubljana’s reputation. You would easily spend hours strolling around soaking up its incredible atmosphere.
So many restaurants, cafe’s and shops to choose from and so many sights to see. You will want to stay out and about here all of the time.”
Another said: “A beautiful old European town with lots of charm, interesting sites to see and places to visit, and many delicious food options. Worth the visit!”