Wander & Wonder Travel Newsletter

Hey StoryHunter

For many of us, the summer holiday is the perfect – and sometimes only – time of the year to travel the world.

But it’s typically also the most overcrowded time of the year - especially if you’re visiting the popular European capitals.

But there’s a quick fix to that: go to a lesser-known capital.

Like Ljubljana in Slovenia, with its car-free historic center, café tables stretching along the river, and many fascinating historic attractions.  

So why get an elbow in the face trying to snap a photo at Rome’s Trevi Fountain, when you instead can get a picture of your head stuck in a dragon’s mouth in Ljubljana?

Read on to learn about:

🐉 Dragons and castles

👹 700 strange faces

💦 The best free water

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Destination of the Week

So much of the Ljubljana’s charm comes from how easy it is to move between its best bits: Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, the embankments, the Central Market and the castle hill.

It’s simply not overwhelming to stay in Ljubljana – and that’s the point.

And then there’s the more fascinating and mythical version of Ljubljana.

Dragons is a big part of the city’s symbolism and identity.

And the Ljubljana Castle – which has both served as a seat of power and mysterious prison - hangs over the old town like a watchful presence.

Don't Miss

For one of Ljubljana’s strangest little detours, slip into Kovaška ulica – also known as the “Locksmith Street”.

It is a short alley, where a long bronze gutter is filled with hundreds of eerie bronze faces.

Yeah, it’s weird.

You’ll find around 700 strange faces created, and the effect is genuinely unsettling: part artwork, part crowd scene, part fever dream.

And if you’re up for some quirky city exploring, try to see if you can find more of the sculptor’s work around town - Jakov Brdar’s bizarre bronze figures can be found throughout Ljubljana.

Did You Know?

Ljubljana was largely shaped by one architect: Jože Plečnik.

He redesigned bridges, embankments, markets and public spaces, and it’s recognised as a major example of human-centred urban design.

That means the city was shaped to feel good for people on foot:

• One bridge was turned into three - The Triple Bridge - making it easier and more pleasant for pedestrians to cross.
• The riverbanks were redesigned so people could sit and spend time by the water.
• The Central Market was designed as part of the riverfront, so shopping, walking and public life all blend into the same urban space.

The Trendy Traveler Tip

Always carry a water bottle and refill it as you go.

The city has dozens of public drinking fountains, which makes it ridiculously easy to stay hydrated while wandering the old town, the riverbanks and the castle area.

And here’s the best part: the water in Ljubljana tastes excellent.

It is naturally clean and drawn straight from deep underground sources.

It’s the kind of practical, low-key detail that turns a hot city break into an enjoyable trip this summer.