"We're a small city, but we beat with the heart of a nation.”
Ljubljana is indeed pretty small but as Slovenia’s capital, its history, culture and the warmth of its people are on a grand scale.
So much here dates back years, and there's an obvious pride taken in caring for the city's heritage. Meanwhile, hip shops, bars and cafes keep things forward-looking.
A welcoming bunch, with an academic flair. They're skilled at languages and over 50,000 of the population are students.
Winter sees temperatures drop below freezing, while July and August average an agreeable 25 degrees.
If horse burger doesn't quite get your mouth watering, how's about skutina pecena - a cheesecake made with egg?
British royals Her Majesty the Queen and H.R.H Prince Philip have visited Ljubljana.
Slovenia had central Europe's first democracy, getting into the swing of power sharing in the 7th century. It was a model copied by Thomas Jefferson when he was writing the United States Declaration of Independence.
"The great museums and galleries, atmospheric bars and varied, accessible nightlife make it a wonderful, relaxed place to visit and stay awhile." - Lonely Planet
The majestic hilltop castle overlooks the city like something out of a Grimm's Fairy Tale. Park at the bottom and take the funicular railway to the top for awesome views.
There is no longer a car park, but street parking is available with a ticket.
This strikingly pink and ornate 17th-century building dominates the city's main Preseren Square. Next door, you'll find the monastery.
You can park in Wolfora Ulica.
Built to replace a wooden bridge, this Art Nouveau bridge is a focal point of Ljubljana - the guardian dragons are the emblem of the city.
You can park in Wolfora Ulica.
While not the original fountain - that's in the National Gallery to prevent it from eroding away - this replica outside the City Hall is still imposing.
Parking is available in Mestnitrg.
The oldest museum in Slovenia has artefacts dating back to the 5th-century BC. Of special interest are the Roman relics discovered in Ljubljana.
Parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the Museum, in Republic Square.
This unusual castle is perched on the side of a limestone cliff in the entrance of a cave. Startling from the outside, with an equally fascinating interior.
Head east on Petkovskovo Nabrezje toward Obrezna Steza and pick up the A1 A1/E70. Follow the A1 for about 30 miles and take exit Postojna toward llirska Bistrica/Reka/Rijeka. Follow signs to Postojna. The journey should take around 40 minutes.
Home to an impossibly beautiful island, on which the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary sits, Lake Bled has charm in abundance.
Take the A2 and follow this for around 30 miles. Exit onto Route 209 and keep left at Cesta Svobode. The journey should take about 45 minutes.
Less popular with tourists than the Postojna Caves, the Skocjans are further afield and all the better for it. Quiet and captivating.
Head east on Petkovzkovo Nabrezje toward Obrezna Steza and take the A1/E70 for just over 22 miles. Turn left at Route 212, following signs for Rakek/Cerknica. The journey should take around 40 minutes.
Named after Julius Caesar, this mountain range within the Triglav National Park offers jaw-dropping views and adventure sports for thrill-seekers.
Head east on Petkovskovo Nabrezje toward Obrezna Steza and follow the A2 for around 38 miles. Take exit Hrusica toward Jesenice/Kranjska Gora, turn left at Route 201 and again at Naselje Slavka Cerneta. Continue on route 206. The journey will take around one hour 40 minutes.
The majestic hilltop castle overlooks the city like something out of a Grimm's Fairy Tale. Park at the bottom and take the funicular railway to the top for awesome views.
There is no longer a car park, but street parking is available with a ticket.
This strikingly pink and ornate 17th-century building dominates the city's main Preseren Square. Next door, you'll find the monastery.
You can park in Wolfora Ulica.
Built to replace a wooden bridge, this Art Nouveau bridge is a focal point of Ljubljana - the guardian dragons are the emblem of the city.
You can park in Wolfora Ulica.
While not the original fountain - that's in the National Gallery to prevent it from eroding away - this replica outside the City Hall is still imposing.
Parking is available in Mestnitrg.
The oldest museum in Slovenia has artefacts dating back to the 5th-century BC. Of special interest are the Roman relics discovered in Ljubljana.
Parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the Museum, in Republic Square.