After wrapping up my Europe by train tour, I’ve been repeatedly asked what my favorite city was. There were so many amazing places that I visited that it was difficult to narrow it down to just one. While I still cannot narrow it down to just one, I did find a city that I thought was the prettiest town I had ever seen – the whole country for that matter! So what is this city I speak so highly of?
And the prettiest town is… Drumroll please…
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital of Slovenia is one of the prettiest towns I’ve yet to visit. Ljubljana has come onto the travel radar in the last few years and for good reason. It is insanely beautiful! As someone who loves city life but also nature, I found Ljubljana to have the perfect balance. The city center is easily covered on foot and you can quickly escape to the surrounding forests for a stroll through the park… or a castle if you fancy.
A Little History
After World War II, Ljubljana became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia, part of Communist Yugoslavia, a status it retained until Slovenia became independent in 1991. Ljubljana remains the capital of independent Slovenia, which entered the European Union in 2004.
The symbol of the city is the Ljubljana Dragon. It is depicted on the top of the tower of the Ljubljana Castle in the Ljubljana coat-of-arms and on the Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most in Slovenian). It symbolizes power, courage, and greatness.
Getting Here
Ljubljana is not the most easily accessible city as many Slovenians themselves will even complain. However, the train and bus station, conveniently located adjacent to one other, provide access to the rest of Europe.
I’ve heard a bunch of amazing things about Ljubljana already and I’m so eager to visit! And I love the fact it still haven’t become crowded with tourists.
My nominee for the pretties town in Europe is Colmar, France. (And Besancon, but probably I’m biased as a local) 😉
I have not been to Colmar but it looks stunning! Would love to visit someday. Yes, Ljubljana has not been overrun by tourists just yet but word is spreading quickly!
Is it?? Well, I might agree, I visited last year and … with the snow! It was so incredibly beautiful!
I could imagine in the snow it would be so pretty. Although, the locals I was staying with told me that winter can be quite a pain as street sweepers aren’t exactly on top of their game!
My favourite city has to be Prague; its so picturesque and unusually interesting. I was amazed with all that it had to offer.
I am dying to go to Prague! I missed it on my last visit to Europe. Will have to come back and see what all the rave is about… I’ve only heard amazing things!