The highlight of the Architecture Museum of Ljubljana is the Plečnik Collection, which is devoted to the great Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. This annex of the museum not only contains examples of his architecture but also houses his original furniture and personal objects, archives of his sketches and plans, clay, plaster and wooden models made by him, his library and personal correspondence, a photo archive, thesis projects undertaken by his students and an archive of the Academy of Architecture Collection. The great architect lived here from 1921 to 1957.

The city is surrounded by many areas that are famed for their natural beauty. There are also many historic locations that bear witness to Ljubljana's dynamic history. Walking, hiking and cycling are popular activities and help to work up an appetite for the many traditional culinary delights that Slovenia has to offer.

Ljubljana, with its central location, is the perfect base for exploring different places in Slovenia. The distances are short, so in the span of a single day you can visit the coast and the high mountainous regions, thereby experiencing all three types of climate - Mediterranean, Alpine and Continental.

The Kolosej, or Coliseum, is Ljubljana's main cinema multiplex. It plays mostly English movies with Slovenian subtitles. However, children's movies may be dubbed in the local language. Tickets range from €3.94 to €4.95.You can get special discounts on Tuesdays.

There are many ways to get to Ljubljana Castle. Fitness enthusiasts can choose to trek up a steep hill to the castle. There is also a Tourist Train that leaves from the Triple Bridge. Another option is to take the Funicular Railway from the lower station, which is situated at the top of the main Open Market. The train fare for adults is €3, and the concessional fare is €2. Access to the Castle Courtyard, Chapel and Gift Shop is free, but an entrance fee is charged if you want to enter the tower, which provides a magnificent view of the city. You can even see the Kamnik Alps and Sava River in the distance. The entrance fee also entitles you to watch a 3-D Movie that showcases the history of Ljubljana from pre-historic times to the present day.

Ljubljana Zoo is considered to be one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe. Tickets range from €5.00 to €6.00, and it is a must-see, especially for children.

The city has three main museums, which are all situated in the north of the Trg Republike (Republic Square). The National Gallery showcases the largest art collection in the country and has pieces that date back to the twentieth century. The National Museum has an impressive display of Slovenian art and also includes archaeological artefacts dating back to the Palaeolithic period. The highlight of its collection is the Divje Babe, a 45,000-year-old flute dating back to the Neanderthal period. This instrument is considered to be one of the oldest musical instruments in the world.

Those with a slightly more contemporary taste in art should visit the Moderna Galerija, which is located in Tomsiceva. This museum houses many works of art from 1950 onwards. It is the venue for many exhibitions of contemporary art and international retrospectives. It is also affiliated to Metelkova, an alternative arts community that is located inside ex-Yugoslav army barracks. Do keep in mind that the museum is closed on Mondays.

The National Gallery at Presernova 24 is a must-see for those who are passionate about art. Its permanent exhibits include the works of many renowned Slovenian Impressionist painters, including Jama, Grohar, Jakopic and Azbe. It is also home to the original Robba Fountain, a monument of great importance in Slovenian history and culture.

The National Museum of Contemporary History showcases the tumultuous history of Slovenia during the twentieth century under different regimes. It has a WWI trench that you can actually walk through. There is also an exhibit that details the freedom struggle of Slovenia, including the Declaration of Independence from Yugoslavia and the Ten Day War. All these exhibits have been translated into English and German for the benefit of the tourists. The museum is easily accessed by a short walk through Tivoli Park.

Downtown Ljubljana has many outdoor cafes and fine restaurants. In addition to local Slovenian cuisine, the restaurants also serve ethnic food from all around the world. The pizza in Ljubljana is especially recommended. The city also has an active nightlife, with many nightclubs and discotheques that host popular events and parties. Do keep in mind that some clubs enforce a strict dress code and may not serve underage customers.

A short distance west from the town centre, you will come across Roman Ruins. These ruins include the remains of the Roman City Walls and a number of pillars that bear testimony to Slovenia's Roman heritage.

Ljubljana is a wonderful weekend romantic getaway with its beautiful architecture, cosy restaurants and cobbled avenues that are lined with many quaint cafés. The Ljubljana Castle, which dates back to the twelfth century, dominates the skyline of the city. This castle, which has had a chequered and interesting history, is now a hub of arts and culture. The castle courtyard provides a sweeping view of the city and is also home to many exciting events in summer.

The Ljubljana Festival, which is held in the months of July and August, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with many concerts and displays by street performers. The Annual Culture Day is celebrated on 28 October every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Slovenia's greatest poet, France Preseren. This day is marked by numerous art displays and other activities that are jointly hosted by Ljubljana's libraries, museums and galleries.

Ljubljana, and the rest of Slovenia, has great variety contained in a small area. Travelling is a breeze due to the presence of good roads, easy rent-a-car services, and a cheap, reliable and well-connected train network.

The Square of the Republic has played a significant role in Slovene history, as this is the place where crowds gathered when Slovenia declared its independence in 1991. It was also the site of many important public gatherings and demonstrations. Across the road from the square is the Slovene Parliament, with a beautiful facade decorated with artistic nude statues representing the citizens of Slovenia at work and play. The International Business Centre is also situated in the square.

Tivoli Park is located at the western end of the city centre and is the main park of the city. It is the perfect spot to enjoy the sun in the summer months. Mt. Rožnik, which calls for a short hike through the woods, is a popular weekend destination.

The Zmajski Most, or Dragon Bridge as it is more popularly known, is one of the symbols of the city. This bridge guarded the city in the ancient days with four beautifully detailed dragon statues. In fact, this dragon motif can be seen throughout the city of Ljubljana. Even now, it is one of the main bridges of the city and experiences a lot of traffic. Tourists are advised to be careful when sightseeing in this area as it is prone to many traffic accidents. The Zmajski Most is located approximately a block or two from the Triple Bridge in a north-east direction, at the end of the Ljubljana Open Market.