EasyJet has announced a new route connecting London-Luton Airport to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, offering travellers an affordable and enchanting city break destination. With flight times under two and a half hours, this Central European gem is often overlooked but boasts fairytale castles, a medieval old town, and a car-free city centre perfect for pedestrians.
Route Details and Pricing
The new service begins on October 26, with one-way fares starting at £40.99. Autumn is an ideal season to visit this leafy city, or travellers can book later in the year to experience the Festive Fair Christmas market, where traditional sausages and mulled wine are sold from riverside stalls.
Ljubljana Castle: A Storybook Fortress
Dominating the skyline, Ljubljana Castle sits atop a green hill and resembles a medieval fortress from a children's storybook. Visitors can reach it via a forest trail or a funicular railway offering panoramic city views. Inside, highlights include an ornate chapel, vast formal gardens, and the quirky Museum of Puppetry. Restaurants with outdoor terraces provide a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Exploring the Car-Free Centre
Ljubljana boasts the largest car-free zone in the European Union, covering much of the city centre, making it ideal for walkers. Key attractions include Prešernov Trg Square, famous for the pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, and Področje lastnega vremena, an interactive artwork that simulates rain. Crossing the Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) leads to the medieval old town, with colourful baroque architecture and winding lanes. Alternatively, visitors can explore by wooden boat along the river, passing bourgeois townhouses and the Dragon Bridge with its dramatic sculptures.
Affordable City Break
Compared to major European capitals, Ljubljana is budget-friendly. According to Numbeo, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around £13, while local beers are about £2.60. Accommodation options range from the 5-star Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel (from £250 per night) overlooking the river to the budget-friendly Cacao Rooms (from £107 per night) near historic squares.
