Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is one of Europe's most engaging cities. Situated in the Ljubljana river basin, at the juncture of the Alps and Dinaric mountain ranges, everything converges here: all major transport links, industry and commerce, culture, politics and power. However, with a population of less than 300,000, Ljubljana retains a distinctly languorous and provincial air and, while the city boasts a number of eminently enjoyable museums and galleries, its real charms lie outdoors. Ljubljana's central core is a showcase of princely Baroque and Secessionist edifices, while the legacy of magnificent buildings, bridges and pathways bequeathed by Jože Plečnik, Slovenia's greatest architect, is difficult to overestimate.

Geographically and socially, the heart of the city is Prešernov trg, a small, animated square located on the left bank of the River Ljubljanica. Several important streets converge here while just about all the major sights and points of interest are within comfortable walking distance.

Most people head straight for the magical Old Town on the right bank of the Ljubljanica: strewn with gorgeous Baroque townhouses and stately churches, all wrapped around a regal, castle-topped hill, it is easily the most appealing part of the city. The left bank too has more than its fair share of fine architecture, notably south of the main square Kongresni trg, beyond which are the delightful village-like suburbs of Krakovo and Trnovo.