1. Fall in love with Ljubljana\u2019s old town<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/thesandyfeet-slovenia-01-1313x875.jpg\")
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Locks on Butcher’s Bridge\u00a0?:<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n On a whirlwind tour of Europe, its many historic towns can start to feel a bit familiar, but Ljubljana has a bit of added spice. Whether it\u2019s the castle standing guard on the cliff top, its pedestrian only cobbled streets, the bridges that crisscross the river, or the many cosy restaurants and bars hidden around town, there’s a reason Ljubljana makes it into the top things to do in Slovenia. It definitely knows how to charm… Oh stop it Ljublijana – you old flirt! If you’re stuck for things to do in Ljubljana, join a free walking tour to get a solid introduction to the city, learn some of its history and pick up a few insider tips from your stay to impress your mates back home!<\/p>\n Check out our hostels in Ljubljana<\/a>. The hippy Hostel Celica<\/a> is beloved by guests and is a previous HOSCAR winner!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t Looks like a weird crowd…\u00a0?:\u00a0<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Metelkova Mesto, a quirky and colourful neighbourhood in Ljubljana, is one of the best things to do in Slovenia, and quite possibly the wackiest place you\u2019ll ever encounter. Psychedelic murals adorn the walls, Gollum-like figurines hang from window frames and horseshoes and car parts come together to create surprisingly intricate art. It\u2019s a kooky, alternative space, perfect for getting lost with your phone in hand to snap that edgy Instagram. How precious…\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Artists are often at work here so you may be lucky enough to see a brand new piece come to life.\u00a0Or, pay a visit at night time when the colourful exteriors open up as a mix of galleries and bars, creating an alternative place to party in the Ljubljana. Celica Art Hostel<\/a>, a repurposed jail, now stylish hostel, sits in the same block, so you can dance the night away and wake up in the most comfortable jail cell ever.<\/p>\n Gorgeous Street Art at Metelkova Mesto\u00a0?:<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s not every day you see a castle built into the side of a cliff, right? Intriguing Predjama Castle is just that, sitting perched on a 123-metre cliff and standing guard over the surrounds.\u00a0 A curious network of tunnels links the main structure to the chambers of the Postojna Caves, just 9km away. You can take a small train through the massive karst system shuttling past impressive stalagmites and stalactites and through vast caverns beneath the ground.<\/p>\n Located near Postojna cave, this medieval castle has been looming over the cliffs for over 800 years. The castle actually broke a Guinness World Record for being the largest cave castle in world and is connected to Predjama Cave via several secret tunnels.<\/p>\n The Castle has a wild and romanticised folklore story that continues to draw in visitors and makes it a key thing to do in Slovenia. The Castle\u2019s legend suggests that when Knight Erazem \u2013 the Slovenian Robin Hood – came under conflict with wealthy Slovenian and Austrian high society, he barricaded himself in the castle for a year. He supposedly smuggled food from a tunnel that lead to the town (although this has still not been found). It\u2019s suggested that Erazem met his end while on the toilet, shot by a canon by one of his own men\u2026<\/p>\n The castle is known in the modern day for being a romantic spot and is a popular place for wedding photos, largely because of its history and general mystery.<\/p>\n Tickets<\/a> cost \u20ac13.80 for adults in the low season and \u20ac14.90 in the high season. If you plan on going to the Postojna Cave as well, you can save money by getting a joint ticket! Shuttle buses also run in the summer from Postojna Cave which takes around 20 minutes.<\/p>\n From June to September you can also visit the cave under the castle.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf8:@shadowgate<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Prepare to feel like you\u2019re in Harry Potter, as the underground tunnels take you deep into Slovenia\u2019s largest stalactite cave. Formed over millions of years by water droplets, bizarre but captivating rock formations have been created over time. Around half of the tour is by train and half by foot.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also something else truly wild here \u2013 baby dragons. Yep, you read that right. For centuries, tiny little creatures called Olms have lived in the caves and are native to the region. They have no eyes, extreme sensitivity to light, can go without food for up to 12 years and can live up to 100 years. All this makes the Cave a perfect place to call home. There\u2019s a glass tank on display for you to spot these fascinating creatures for yourself!\u00a0The Cave is located inside the Park Postojnska Jama, where you\u2019ll find heaps of restaurants and hippy-style gift shops.<\/p>\n This is a major attraction in Slovenia, so it\u2019s best to book your tickets in advance<\/a>. Tickets for adults cost \u20ac25.80 in the low season and \u20ac27.90 in the high season. Get to know the area in depth by staying at Proteus<\/a> hostel in Postojna. The hostel has a free shuttle bus service that can get you around the town. It\u2019s also on parkland with heaps of outdoor activities on offer!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t Views of Lake Bled\u00a0?:<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Lake Bled<\/a> is that beautiful ocean blue lake with the tiny island church that you see in every guide book and advertisement for Slovenia. It\u2019s basically the face of Slovenia \u2013 and for good reason! This lake inside Trivlav National Park is not only stunning, but there are heaps of activities to do all year round. Plus, it\u2019s virtually impossible to take a bad picture here (seriously, we tried).<\/p>\n Bled and its postcard-perfect setting is the kind of place that makes you feel you\u2019ve stepped straight into a fairy tale and so it should come as no surprise that it\u2019s a bit of a tourist magnet. One of the best ways to escape the crowds is to head up to the Mala Osojnica look out and gaze down on Bled from above. The narrow trail leads off the road on the far side of the lake and is a steep 45-minute jaunt, but as you can tell from the photos the view is definitely worth it.<\/p>\n Hiking is a big pastime around Bled, and there are trails suitable for all fitness types. The lake freezes over in winter, so if you\u2019re up for it you can walk or skate. You can do swimming, cycling, water sports and even ziplining! Hop on a Pletna boat to get to Bled Island, where you can get up close and personal with the iconic and charming church. The church was once a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess of life and fertility. Today, visitors can ring the wishing bell and express their wishes so that the Mother of God can hear them.<\/p>\n Overlooking the drop-dead gorgeous Lake Bled is Bled Castle<\/a> – reportedly the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to 1011. Complementing this romantic landscape, it\u2019s the perfect place to finish your dreamy exploration.<\/p>\n How to get there: you can get to Lake Bled and Trivlav National Park by bus from Ljubljana. It takes around 75 minutes and costs around \u20ac17.<\/p>\n Extend your stay and check out the hostels in Lake Bled<\/a>. Bled Hostel<\/a> is a fun and social choice with regular activities like karaoke, movie nights and outdoor activities like horseback riding and paragliding.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t OMG!\u00a0?\u00a0?: <\/em>\ud83d\udcf8:@tasteorwaste<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n With so many things to do in Bled, there will come a point when you’re craving something sweet to get your energy levels back up. Thankfully, Cream Cake is Bled\u2019s signature pastry, which features a layer of cream, custard, and puff pastry – finished off with a dusting of icing sugar.<\/p>\n Tasty slices are sold all around town but rumour has it the best can be found at the Sla\u0161\u010di\u010darna Zima.<\/p>\n Look at those colours! Lake Bohinj\u00a0?:<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/p>\n If you are looking for something to do in Slovenia away from the crowds pay a visit to Lake Bohinj. Rugged and untainted it is, if possible, the more beautiful little sister of Bled, although we’re not trying to start a cat fight! Although Bohinj is just a short bus ride away it receives few visitors.<\/p>\n Catch a bus to the tiny village of Rib\u010dev Laz and pop by the iconic church by the water. From there, a path encircling the lake leads you past mountain peaks, hidden waterfalls and shaded waterside benches \u2013 the perfect place to have a break.<\/p>\n The full loop is an easy 12km through the forest, though at the half way mark, you can opt for a scenic boat trip back to the village. For the more adventurous, a small detour will take you to the thunderous Savica Waterfall.<\/p>\n Just keep swimming!\u00a0?:<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/p>\n There is no shortage of things to do in Slovenia for nature lovers, and if you just can\u2019t get enough of the country’s jaw-dropping beauty\u00a0(and you have enough space left on your camera roll)<\/em>, then you need to devote a little extra time to Triglav National Park.<\/p>\n Though there are plenty of places to explore in the park, Mount Vogel overlooking Lake Bohinj is an easily accessible option. Be whisked up in a cable car for epic panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding peaks and if you\u2019re after something more active, there are several trails that fan out from this point.<\/p>\n \u0160um lovely scenes at Waterfall\u00a0\u0160um\u00a0?:<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Funnelling the brilliant blue thread of the Radovna River between its steep walls, beautiful Vintgar Gorge makes a great day trip from Bled. Walk 4 km through countryside villages and lush forests to reach the entrance gate. From there, a wooden boardwalk hugs the cliff and crisscrosses the turquoise river before leading to \u0160um Waterfall. If you happen to visit in autumn when in the forest blushes orange, you\u2019re in for an extra treat.<\/p>\n Looking down the waterfront at Piran\u00a0?:<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n This charming seaside village on Slovenia\u2019s tiny, blink-and-you\u2019ll-miss-it, coastline boasts a thriving alfresco dining scene, a labyrinth of cobblestone laneways and a deliciously slow-paced life.<\/p>\n Built on a strong fishing tradition, Piran is also the best place in Slovenia to dine on seafood. For lunch, head to the impossible to pronounce Okrepcevalnica Cantina, a friendly, open-air canteen-style restaurant set beneath a canopy of vines and tucked away in a small plaza. For an afternoon pick-me-up, pop by any caf\u00e9 on the main square and enjoy the people watching and laid-back vibes.<\/p>\n Enjoy your stay by the beach at one of the hostels in Piran<\/a>. Hostal Pirano<\/a> is right in the city centre, and they offer awesome activities like snorkelling, scuba diving and trekking so you can make the most out of this hidden wonder!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t The view from Piran’s bell tower looking down over the main square\u00a0?:<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/p>\n Grab your bathing suit, because the beach town of Piran is Slovenia\u2019s best kept secret, and it\u2019s all sunshine and blue seas. Formerly under Venetian rule, this charming coastal town features a medieval Old Town reminiscent of King\u2019s Landing, just an hour from Italy\u2019s Trieste.<\/p>\n With views overlooking the jigsaw of terracotta rooftops that make up Piran\u2019s old town, a climb up the bell tower is a must on any trip to this quaint village. If you have a fear of heights, the rickety staircases and somewhat flimsy banisters make the climb up a little nerve-wracking, but the views are well worth a bit of vertigo.<\/p>\n Be sure to hold onto your phones though \u2013 when the bell chimes, you\u2019re sure to get a fright and it\u2019s a long way down!<\/p>\n Soca River at Soca Valley\u00a0?: <\/em>\ud83d\udcf8:@aliciafischer_photography<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n As with many rivers in Eastern Europe, the So\u010da is painted a striking turquoise. Pouring from the Julian Alps through the stunning Triglav National Park, it\u2019s a veritable playground for adventurers with the biggest draw being a thrilling whitewater rafting experience.<\/p>\n Paddle your way between mountains and lush summer pastures while trying to stay on board. Be warned though, water temperatures are icy all year round, so falling in is anything but nice, nice baby!<\/em><\/p>\n Ljubljana’s central market has a pizza my heart!\u00a0?:<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8: Sandy Feet<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Many of the best things to do in Slovenia involved expending a lot of energy for the sake of stunning views, but here’s a more foodie-friendly option. With a bustling produce market at its core, a sprinkling of cute cafes and trendy bars lining the river and a weekly open-air market packed with delicious street food, Ljubljana is a place where all you\u2019ll want to do is eat and eat and eat. You can pick up local fruit and veg at the sprawling central market any day of the week or swing by on Fridays when the lively Open Kitchen event, combining local and international street food and excellent live music, is in full swing.<\/p>\n Slovenia has a lot of local delicacies including Kranjska Klobasa (smoked sausage), Prekmurska Gibanica (dessert with cottage cheese, egg, walnuts, poppy seeds and apple), Idrijski Zlikrofi (meat dumplings) and Kisla Jukha (pork soup with vinegar and vegetables).<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, stop by the lovely caf\u00e9 Lolita to sample beautifully prepared pastries by the river that will have others simply drooling over your Instagram feed.\u00a0Klobarsarna is also somewhat of an institution in town, serving up tasty morsels of the local delicacy, Carniolian sausage.\u00a0Or grab a bite at Druga Violina (Second Fiddle) \u2013 a restaurant in the old city centre that employs people with disabilities. This is also a great place to try some of their delicious local delicacies.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t Cheers to the oldest vine in the world\u00a0?\u00a0<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8:@natashadria<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Maribor can seem a little rough around the edges, but it oozes rustic, small town charm, despite being Slovenia\u2019s second largest city. The historic town wraps around the Drava River which feeds into the countryside laced with vineyards dotted with wineries. Arrive on the 11th<\/sup> of November to join in on the boozy festivities of St. Martin\u2019s Day, a celebration to bid farewell to autumn and mark the end of the Old Vine festival. Maribor is also home to the world’s oldest vine, don’t you know?!<\/p>\n A hike in the crisp air of the nearby Pohorje Hills is the perfect antidote for even the worst hangover and come winter, the area transforms into a playground for snow sports lovers.<\/p>\n Check into Uni Youth Hostel<\/a> after a busy day of sightseeing and wine tasting. A classy end to a classy day.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t The herders huts\u00a0?\u00a0<\/em>\ud83d\udcf8:@yanchi.k<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Nestled in the mountainous north of Slovenia, quirky Velika Planina is a community of herder\u2019s that bring their flocks to graze on the lush summer pastures.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a beautiful area for hiking during the warmer months and a stunning sight in winter when the traditional huts are covered in a light dusting of snow. Expect scenes straight out of a Christmas card!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf8:@leonskr<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Slovenian\u2019s REALLY love bees. Like a lot. They are the only European country to have officially protected their native bee species and beekeeping in Slovenia is one of their longest traditions, so preserving these crucial creatures has become a major governmental initiative. The country also created the United Nations recognised World Bee Day. Which we think is bee-rilliant!<\/p>\n So it can\u2019t be a surprise that Slovenia produces some top quality honey. Three types of Slovenian honey are EU protected, and they have a \u201cunique beekeeping method\u201d that creates types of acacia, lime, chestnut, fir, spruce, floral and forest honey.<\/p>\n Check out Medeni Zakladi<\/a> (Honey Treasures) in Ljubljana that\u2019s dedicated to all things honey.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re keen to learn more about the country\u2019s dedication to bee conservation, you can stop by Cebelarski Muzej<\/a> (Beekeeping Museum) in Radovljica.<\/p>\n Hostels in Slovenia<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Cheap flights<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Mountains, beaches and cities oh my! Can landscapes in Slovenia get any more diverse? While this country is on the rise with backpackers, there are still so many things to do in Slovenia that are undiscovered by the typical traveller. So go on\u2026 do your thing.<\/p>\n Have you been to Bled or\u00a0Ljubljana? What are some of your favourite things to do in Slovenia? Any places to visit we’ve overlooked?<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f The best places to visit in Eastern Europe for culture, cool vibes and cheap prices!\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Clubs, castles and cumil: the top ten things to do in Bratislava<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Where to stay in Venice – an insider’s guide<\/a><\/p>\n Freya and Chris are the writer and photographer duo behind the travel blog,\u00a0The Sandy Feet<\/a>. They’re always looking for the next adventure, whether it’s hiking the mountains of Central Asia, getting lost in a\u00a0historic town in Eastern Europe or lounging on a secluded beach in Tahiti.\u00a0By sharing their experiences in unconventional places, they hope to show that the less explored corners of the world can be just as beautiful as destinations we already know and love. You can follow their day-to-day adventures on\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A perfect mix of gorgeous natural scenery, vibrant historic towns, and a burgeoning food scene make Slovenia a winning destination no matter what you\u2019re after. For the outdoorsy folk, snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes and river rapids await, while those preferring cobbled lanes and cosy cafes will fall for Slovenia\u2019s lively historic towns. Though places like…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":138442,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9473],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-45384","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"\n2. Experience the kookiness of Metelkova Mesto<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/thesandyfeet-slovenia-02-1313x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Stop by Predjama Castle<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/rsz_thesandyfeet-slovenia-03.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4. Explore Postojna Cave<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Things-to-do-in-Slovenia-Postojna-Cave-@Shadowgate.jpg\")
<\/p>\n5. Get the best views of Bled at Mala Osojnica<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/thesandyfeet-slovenia-04-1313x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n6. Eat Cream Cake in Bled<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/18723597_1486038171417726_3088350209042808832_n.jpg\")
<\/p>\n7. Cycle or walk around Lake Bohinj<\/h2>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/thesandyfeet-slovenia-06-1313x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n8. Get lost in Triglav National Park<\/h2>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/thesandyfeet-slovenia-07-1313x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n9. Amble through Vintgar Gorge<\/h2>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/rsz_thesandyfeet-slovenia-10.jpg\")
<\/p>\n10. Indulge on seafood in Piran<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/thesandyfeet-slovenia-11-1313x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n11. Climb the bell tower in Piran and sunbake on the Slovene Riviera<\/h2>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/thesandyfeet-slovenia-14-1313x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n12. Tackle the rapids on the So\u010da River<\/h2>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Slovenia.jpg\")
<\/p>\n13. Experience the amazing food scene in Ljubljana<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Pizza-sandy-feet.jpg\")
<\/p>\n14. Celebrate all things wine in Maribor<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Things-to-do-in-Slovenia-wine-875x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n15. Pass by the herders\u2019 huts at Velika Planina<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/17663461_1139682369491954_3796460221593812992_n.jpg\")
<\/p>\n16. Try some Slovenian honey<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Things-to-do-in-Slovenia-honey.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\u00a0Keep reading:<\/h2>\n
Author Bio:<\/h2>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Things-to-do-in-Slovenia-851x875.jpg\")
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