A travel agency has found some of Europe’s cheapest holiday destinations, with one Central European country emerging as a standout thanks to its rich history, spectacular scenery and low prices compared with many of the world’s best-known cities. The spot is one of Europe's smallest capitals and is home to around 300,000 residents.
The European capital is known for its compact, walkable centre, where many of the streets are pedestrianised. The city's architecture reflects the influence of renowned architect Jože Plečnik, whose work helped shape the city's distinctive appearance. Meanwhile, the destination's currency is home to the Euro.
Ljubljana is both the capital and largest city in Slovenia, visitors may well find themselves pleasantly surprised by just how affordable a holiday here can be.
According to Kiwi.com, "As nearby Lake Bled continues to grow in popularity, Ljubljana is finally getting the attention it deserves.
"Even with one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes just down the road, the city itself can easily be explored on a tight budget. It’s clean, very safe, and straightforward to get around using city buses, with tickets costing around €1.30 (£1.10) for 90 minutes.
"Prešeren Square is a fun spot for people of all ages, and you’re able to visit Lake Bled for free if you skip paid attractions like the castle."
According to research that the average bottle of beer will set you back around €2.50, equivalent to approximately £2.10, while a three-course meal averages just €25 (roughly £21.35). When compared to typical prices back home in the UK, the savings are hard to ignore.
Despite being Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana remains one of Europe's better-value city breaks. Visitors can sip a cappuccino for less than €3 (£2.50) and explore the compact city by foot, while accommodation is generally cheaper than in many major Western European capitals.
Flights and accommodation can equally be secured on a shoestring, particularly for those with flexibility around travel dates. On average, discovered that return flights between London and Ljubljana come in at just £59.
If you're looking for direct flights from the UK to Ljubljana, your options currently include:
The flight time is typically around two hours 15 minutes from London and about two hours 30 minutes from Manchester.
Alternatively, if you'd rather depart from a regional UK airport, you can opt for a connecting flight.
Like most capital cities, Ljubljana boasts high-end, luxury accommodation choices, but that doesn't mean bargains can't be found.
For those who are on a budget a hostel dorm bed will set you back €20–€40 (£17-£34) per night. Meanwhile, a budget hotel at two to three stars, in the European capital would cost you €60–€100 (£51-£85).
