Yesterday I’ve read a Condenast Traveller list of 51 cool city breaks in Europe, and travelling to Ljubljana was mentioned as pocket site adventure and I found the description hilarious. But it reminded me that I haven’t shared my pocket size weekend trip to Ljubljana via Trieste. We met our friends there so I would add that it is a perfect reunion spot. One where you can have a look at nice spots, but still would not feel as if you are missing out on something.

Flightst between Berlin and Trieste are quite cheap, and they are the perfect connection to Italy, Slovenia and even Istria in Croatia we took the friday afternoon one, then hopped on to a two hour bus ride with Flixbus to Ljubljana.
We’ve both been before several times to the city so we were not “stressed out” about exploring the city further, but however we visited all the nice spots just by walking in the city centre.
Ljubljana is famous for their weirdly decorated christmas Lights which always have two connotations, Christmas one and a bit on a sensual-sexual size one.

The first time that we went in Ljubljana we visited the Ljubljana Castle and the rooftop bar – Neboticnik which literally translates to skyscraper. And in both of our visits we went through the Prešerensquare, Tromostovje, Dragon Bridge and Mesni Trg, actually my favorite street in the city. Not only because of the fact that Klobasarna is placed there, but it kind of has every cute thing in the city.

When it comes to food and drinks this time we went to the following spots: Forum it is a place by the river, nothing special if you ask me but I’ve been here two times and both of them with a local, if I were to choose I wouldn’t sat exaclty here, but if it is a local favorite, then you have kind of an idea where you can sit in case you want to meet one of them.

Another favorite where I’ve been two out of three times is TOZD, coffee/ wine bar plus art space it is worth going there checking out the atmosphere and the nice street where it is located. Then we followed an expat advice and went to Lajbah Pub – craft beer pub a little bit further from the bustling streets but still very central. Here we spent more than 4 hours they have extensive list and very cozy atmosphere. Since it was Christmas period we’ve strolled a round along the stalls but again ended up a bit further from the crowds in Rina Bistro.

Hotel: Cacao Rooms
Recommendation: Great location, spacious rooms
Breakfast included: NO
Price: $$$
Payment: card

The next day we went to Trieste, and experienced what happened to be the windiest day ever. We wanted to start at Pasticceria La bomboniera, kind of the trademark of the city producing the typical cake of Trieste – La Carsolina. As we reached the Grand Canal of Trieste it was blowing so much, that we were just looking for a place to hide, and ended up going in the San Marco Cafeteria, another signature place in the city dating back a full century. Here we enjoyed the local atmosphere, had cappuccino and a bagel and observed the people. I really like places like these, where there is place for everyone, and everyone feels welcomed.

Since it was our first time in Trieste we wanted to at least see some of the sights and neighbourhoods if not all, so our next spot was the Borsa area, that lead us to the Piazza Unita, the main square of Trieste, and boom the sea.
Continuing a few steps further we’ve reached the jewish quarter. We spotted the Eataly food mall and went inside bought some souvenirs, and decided to have lunch in one of the many eateries on Via Torino.

The food in Turin reminds more of the food in SLovenia rather than what we know as typical Italian food. A lot of cooked meat, beans, cabbage. And the best of all the sweet plum dumplings, it kind of fit this cold windy weather.
We did a second attempt of trying the Trieste cake, at this time it was already sold out, so we just went in the next open cafe and had a calm afternoon tea before our flight.

As a last and one of the most important stops on every trip it is obviously the supermarket which luckily was openedo n a sunday evening, having in mind that most of the spots that i wanted to visit were closed. As one avid Italy traveler told me: Italy is bad place to be on Sunday or Monday, meaning not everything will be working.

Hotel: Sophia Boutique Suites
Recommendation: directly at the sea and central location with modern rooms
Breakfast included: YES
Price: $$
Payment: card

We took the train that runs two to three times per hour (4.60 euro )and reached the airport. The airport is pretty small and there arent that many things to do but there is nice cafe where you can enjoy aperitivo before your flight.

Of course visiting in spring-summer with opportunity to see the Miramare Castle would have been a better option, but I prefer to find cheap ticket and make reunions with friends no matter the season. And for a weekend trip the Ljubljana and Trieste combination was a great one.