Zagreb and Ljubljana
 

In about two weeks I will be visiting Zagreb for two days.
As I have already been there (four years ago) and as the city is quite small I was thinking about maybe making an excursion one of the days.
I had a look at a map and found that the Slovenian capital Ljubljana seems to be pretty close to Zagreb.
I have never been to Ljubljana or Slovenia so it would be fun with another country to add to my list, I have also heard it is a very nice city and not overly touristic which I appreciate.

Does anybody know how far it is from Zagreb to Ljubljana? Is it possible to go there as a day excursion?
What would be the best way to get there? Train, bus? Any idea of what price to expect?
My hotel is located next to the railway station (have a reservation at the Regent) so a train would be very convenient.

Any tips or advice are appreciated.
Thanks!

Last Sunday's (31 July) New York Times Travel section had an excellent article on Ljubljana, and so you really should go there! The NYTimes website requires free registration, then you can easily search for the article, which is very comprehensive: www.nytimes.com

I have friends outside LJU but haven't visited as of yet. I'd love to hear about your visit if you can repost once you're back from your trip.

Also have some friends working in Umag a few hours from Zagreb. I hear its lovely, beaches, etc.

No 1st hand experience yet tho...

It's nice to hear people have a positive attitude towards LJU.
Managed to find the timetable for the train (yes there is a train service) and there are seven daily trains Zagreb<>Ljubljana, journey time about 2 hours.
So I suppose it's possible to go there over a day.
And the tickets are so cheap, gosh a return ticket Zagreb-Ljubljana is cheaper than taking the Heathrow express one way in London.

I highly recommend a visit. Was there twice, most recently in 1998. City is very compact, very walkable. Don't miss the three-part bridge (can't remember the name) and the castle. Bonus: food is better than in Zagreb. Enjoy!
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13F

Depending on how many Eastern European cities you've been to, I might pass on Ljubljana. It's nice and somewhat quaint, but not anything particularly special. I've heard great things about Lake Bled, though - not sure how far that is from Ljubljana (my knowledge of Slovenian geography is minimal!)

Bled is less than two hours from Ljubljana. A delightful place. I like Ljubljana also. Have driven around Slovenia and Croatia quite extensively, and I think Slovenia is prettier, with the Dalmatian coast a close second.

I visited both Zagreb and Ljubljana earlier this year. I enjoyed Ljubljana much more - it reminded me of a much less touristed Prague.

I actually got some inspiration from your trip report and another one I read in the trip reports forum.

Is a day (around 7-9 hours) enough to see the city (well to see the most important sights)?
Any tips of what sights I definitely should visit if I have very limited time?

[QUOTE=Seat13F_AC_CRJ]I highly recommend a visit. Was there twice, most recently in 1998. City is very compact, very walkable. Don't miss the three-part bridge (can't remember the name) and the castle. Bonus: food is better than in Zagreb. Enjoy!
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Try to get to Lake Bled also if you have time.

hi Jacob_m, hope this post reaches you in time. i just returned from 4 days in slovenia and highly recommend at least 1 or 2 days there. ljubljana is a great day trip from zagreb. maybe consider staying overnight. if time is limited, i would rent a bike at the train station for 4 euros and cycle through the town all day. let me know if you want some restaurant suggestions for ljubljana.

if you stay longer, i would recommend lake bohinjski (sp?) over lake bled, as the former seemed less developed and more pristine. the julian alps are breathtaking.

Thanks for the info!!
Yes you just made it, I'm leaving for Zagreb tomorrow Friday, if everything goes as planned this Saturday will be spent in Ljubljana.
Unfortunately there is not time for more than one day in Ljubljnana, a lot to cover during the trip. Trip report will follow of course... :)
If you have any restaurant tips I would appreciate it, although it will probably be just lunch in Ljubljana, need to have time to go back to Zagreb in the evening.
But a tip for a nice restaurant is always useful, especially if you can recommend a place with good local food...

Too late for this trip, but I have to suggest another place to visit in Slovenia, especially for anyone even remotely interested in natural wonders - Postojnska Jama (Postojna Cave).
It's one of the largest / accessible caves in the world (that I'm aware off) and definitely worth a visit. It's located about 50km SSW of Ljubljana.

Some info:
http://www.postojnska-jama.si/
http://www.showcaves.com/english/si/.../Postojna.html

Thanks for the tip, but too late for my trip which ended two weeks ago, I have even posted a trip report in the trip reports forum now.

I really liked Ljubljana though, very small and cosy city with friendly people and lots of nice cafes and bars along the river.
Will definitely go back again, recommended!!

Zagreb restaurants?
 

Tentatively have a week's assignment in Zagreb 25-30 September, where does one eat? Who has the best sataras and cevapcici?