Weekender: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Laid-back Ljubljana has been called the 'new Prague' thanks to its handsome baroque buildings lining cobbled squares and slender, willow-lined central river.

Headline attraction
Make for the statue of national poet Prešeren in the main square, a popular meeting point for the city's inhabitants. From here you can admire the strawberry pink Church of the Annunciation, or follow the poet's gaze to the figure of his true love Julija Primic, inset in an alcove across the street.

Best of the rest
Wander across Triple Bridge, pausing to people watch on the riverside benches, then turn left for the busy market square, right for the Old Town. For a taste of Slovenia's socialist past head to Metelkova, a former army barracks now home to a vibrant ghetto of clubs and bars.

Chow down
Food in Slovenia is cheap and top-notch. Pick up a slice of pizza or try the local speciality of horse burgers. Relax over lunch on Mestni Trg, a cobbled street in the Old Town lined with restaurants, or head to the riverside bars for a morning espresso or evening drinks.

Other options
Park Tivoli is a green retreat on the edge of the city that's ideal for a picnic or to explore by bike. Pop into the Modern Art Museum for a culture fix, or catch a performance at the open-air theatre.

Get the camera out
Ride the funicular up to the castle (€3 return) for a bird's eye view over the city's red roof tops backdropped by the distant mountain peaks. Or stroll along the emerald green Ljubljanica for shots of elegant Triple Bridge.

Try the local tipple
Slovenian wine is delectable: try it while you're here. Fiery borovnica (schnapps infused with blueberries) is another popular tipple. The local beers, Laško and Union, have a light, tangy flavour.

Out of town
You can visit any of Slovenia's prime spots on a day trip from the capital. Scenic Lake Bled is a popular choice, as are the coastal resorts of Piran and Portorož on the Adriatic.

A bit of history
Ljubljana is a young city in European terms, becoming Slovenia's capital only when independence was declared in 1991. But according to legend, it was first founded by Jason (and his Argonauts) after he defeated a monster in the nearby marshes – hence the city's dragon emblem.

Need to know

When to go: The city is pleasantly warm from May to September

Getting there: Find cheap flights

Currency: Euro - Check out our Currency Converter for the latest rates

Language: Slovenian, but most people speak English

Getting around: Hire a bike for €5 a day, or walk. Buses cost €1 per journey

Accommodation: Search for hotel deals