Sensitively refurbished to meld the building’s historic fabric with the latest in contemporary design, this apartment is an impeccable haven of calm from the bustling streets of picturebox Ljubljana below. And they’re literally right below. As cute as it is difficult to pronounce, Ribji trg (Fish Square) is the city’s smallest plaza, ringed with stylish eateries. Open the shuttered windows and the babbling chatter of alfresco diners drifts up along the breeze. Close them and you have a light-filled sanctuary where silence is only broken by tasteful jazz from the Bang & Olufsen media centre.
Everything has been carefully considered in the no-expense-spared renovation. A stainless-steel floor and walk-through shower stand comfortably alongside beautifully restored beams and ancient walls. Antique crockery in the minimalist kitchen is paired with a space-age cooker. And happily, the service is as considerate as the design, from the complimentary cupboard-full of snacks and drinks, and the carefully selected book collection, to a pre-paid mobile phone loaded with local numbers.
Highs
- Ljubljana itself; utterly charming with cobbled streets winding along the emerald-green river, overhung by weeping willows
- Chic yet comfortable, the airy apartment instantly feels like home
- An unbeatable, central location. There’s nothing like tumbling straight out into the heart of the city
- The choice of self-catering (handy for breakfast) or dining out (owner Matevž has compiled a personal almanac of his top tips)
- Perfect for a romantic break
Lows
- You'll need to climb 2 flights of stairs with all your luggage; pack light
- Though there's space for a child too, it's not really geared up for kids
- Bear in mind that the city centre is pedestrianised; the nearest car park is 300m away (but there are free electric carts to shuttle you!)
Best time to go
To avoid the crowds and the most oppressive heat, we'd recommend the shoulder seasons of May-June and September. May is warm enough for al-fresco dining; the end of June sees the capital's month-long festival, a city-wide cultural celebration with a rich programme of world-class music, art and opera. In autumn, the riverside trees are a riot of colour; in winter, temperatures drop and the city takes on a magical appearance under snow and ice.
Our top tips
Ljubljana is not just a 2- or 3-night city break: you can use it as a base to explore all of central and western Slovenia, except perhaps the Soca River Valley. Day trips to stunning Lake Bled, the quasi-Alpine scenery of Triglav, the amazing caves of Postojna, and the cliffside fortress of Predjama are all quite feasible; and even to the handsome coastal town of Piran (1.5 hrs each way). So consider staying longer - and if you can stretch to 6 nights, the owner will throw in a top-class dinner for two, with a bottle of excellent Slovenian wine!
- Boutique Apartment
- 1 bedroom
- Self catering; restaurants all around
- Welcome but not ideal.
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
Your living space consists of a double bedroom, bathroom, cosy lounge (with a convertible sofa) and open-plan kitchen/diner. The sunny bedroom is decorated in neutral tones with red accents and a jazzy light installation called ‘The Eclipse’ (we'll let you discover it for yourself). A kingsized marshmallow of a bed sits beneath 200-year-old ceiling beams; facing it, a desk with iMac is at your disposal, should business call.
Bags of storage space means you never feel cluttered, and the wardrobes double as a screen for the long, narrow bathroom with walk-through shower and delicious L’Occitane toiletries.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Safe box
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
Small but perfectly formed, the open-plan kitchen/diner is equipped with everything you need to make delicious meals, as well as lots of drinks and snacks for you (free of charge). The best place to find field-fresh produce is the daily market 2 streets away (cherries were in season when we visited, and were mouth-wateringly good: you're encouraged to try before you buy).
But if the coffee machine is as much as you can bear to operate, collect warm pastries from the nearby bakery for breakfast, or fall into one of the myriad cafes and restaurants in the streets fanning out from the door. The owner's foodie almanac will help you choose. On Fridays in summer, the Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna) outside your door is a melting pot of all the best the city has to offer: slow-roasted beef-cheek sandwiches and homemade lemonade infused with basil were our highlights.
A chef can be arranged, if you're here for a special occasion - owner Matevz knows the best (he has written 2 cookbooks)..
Features include:
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
- English-speaking caretaker
Activities
- Pretty Ljubljana is easy to explore on foot, or you can hire bikes to get around. Don't miss Prešeren Square, Robba Fountain and the triple Tromostovje bridge. Many of the riverside cafes have alfresco tables for regular refreshment
- A 15-minute stroll through narrow, winding streets will take you up to the castle; not particularly impressive in itself, but redeemed by sweeping vistas over the city. Dragons are Ljubljana's emblem so stroll past the iconic Dragon Bridge on your way back
- Take a boat trip down The Ljubljanica river
- Tivoli Park is close, with ribbons of paths criss-crossing through open grass and woodland. It's hands-down the best place to run if you’re feeling energetic
- Zoom up to the top of Nebotičnik for a glass of wine - a 70m-high skyscraper with stunning views
- On Sundays there's a flea market with knickknacks, vintage postcards and other quirky memorabilia
- Day trip to beautiful Lake Bled, Postojna cave or indeed almost anywhere in diminutive Slovenia
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Families are welcome, and there is a sofabed in the lounge or a baby cot to borrow. But, beyond that, the apartment is not equipped for children.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The apartment is in the centre of Ljubjlana, Slovenia's capital city.
By Air:
Fly into Ljubljana Airport (27km); click on the links below for a list of airlines. There's no need to hire a car on arrival - there are taxis and buses to shuttle you into town, from where the city is easy to navigate on foot. The apartment is 1km from the main bus/train station.
The owners can arrange a private transfer if you prefer, or Go Opti is a popular taxi-sharing service, which was recommended to us for cut-price transfers; book in advance.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you confirm a booking through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Slovenia and getting around
Airports:
- Ljubljana Jože Pucnik 27.0 km LJU
Other:
- Beach 100.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape