Ljubljana

The heart of the city is Prešeren Square, with the statue of the poet France Prešeren, the pink Franciscan Church and the famous Triple Bridge, much of it shaped by the architect Jože Plečnik, whose works in the city are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. A funicular climbs to Ljubljana Castle for views over the rooftops to the Alps.

The colonnaded Central Market, also designed by Plečnik, runs along the river next to the Cathedral of St Nicholas, and the Dragon Bridge, guarded by bronze dragons, the symbol of the city, is a short stroll away. Follow the tree-lined embankments past the Cobblers' Bridge, or escape to Tivoli Park, a large green space on the edge of the centre.

Ljubljana is the starting point of our Tour of Yugoslavia in 12 Days, which begins with a city tour on arrival, and the final stop of our All the Balkan Countries: A 16 Day Tour. It is also the gateway to Lake Bled and the Julian Alps, about an hour away by road.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport lies north of the city. The compact centre is easily explored on foot or by bike. Spring to autumn is ideal for riverside life, while in December the old town is decorated with festive lights.

Gallery photos: Petar Milošević (CC BY-SA 4.0), Tournasol7 (CC BY 4.0), Berthold Werner (CC BY-SA 3.0), Thomas Ledl (CC BY-SA 4.0), Tiia Monto (CC BY-SA 3.0), Marcel Haring from Tirol, Austria (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons