Slovenia’s capital and largest city is one of Europe’s greenest and most liveable capitals; it was the European Commission’s Green Capital of Europe in 2016. Car traffic is restricted in the centre, leaving the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city’s heart, free for pedestrians and cyclists. In summer, cafes set up terrace seating along the river; it almost feels like a nightly street party.

Not many people can pinpoint where this city is on the map, nor pronounce it correctly. Ljubljana is home to beautiful bridges and buildings as well as dozens of urban design elements such as pillars, pyramids and lamp posts, which exist solely to make the city even prettier. Attractive cities are often described as ‘jewel boxes’, and here the name really fits. Some 50,000 students support an active clubbing scene, and Ljubljana’s museums and restaurants are among the best in the country.

Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Ljubljana:

1) For culture lovers

With its photogenic Old Town, you can spend hours wandering around and gawking at the architecture or chilling out at one of the quaint cafes. It is largely accessible on foot, so you can visit museums, galleries, castles all within a day. Get the Ljubljana card for free access to most of the city’s attractions, with guided tours, public transportation, bicycle hire and funicular ride to the castle. It is perfect to explore the city by bike as it is a bicycle-friendly city and you can explore off the beaten path.

2) For the environmentalist

The city centre has been traffic-free since 2008 and has the largest no-vehicle zone in Europe. Ljubljana is one of the greenest cities in the world and it was named the European Green Capital in 2016. From the lush green hill, you can see Ljubljana in the distance. Populations of deer, rabbits and turtles live here. The air is clean and the only signs that we are standing above a 24-metre deep landfill are the methane gas pipes rising from the grass.

3) For luxury lovers

From high-end hotels to world-class dining places, there are many ways to explore Ljubljana in style. Hotel Grad Otočec occupies an enchanting castle straight out of a Brothers Grimm story. It is the ultimate fantasy for a romantic forest getaway – and it’s also a dream come true for golf aficionados. Embark on the Ljubljana Wine Experience to sample nine different wines from three wine-growing regions. Slovenia may not be on the usual wine-growing regions but it does produce some exotic wines. Other unique experiences include having dinner river cruise (Dinner on River) along the Ljubljana River, prepared by a top chef.

4) For outdoor enthusiasts

Ljubljana is one of the greenest cities in the world. It offers you a unique opportunity to embark on hiking trips inside the city area. The network of hiking trails starts spreading out from the city centre and becomes more and denser as we move outwards. The green hearts of the city are the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski hrib Landscape Park, Golovec, Rašica and the popular Šmarna gora (Mt. Saint Mary), the scenic “roof of Ljubljana.

For a unique way to explore the city, try Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) guided tour. It will take you through one of the many Ljubljana’s landmarks – Plečnik’s market, the Three bridges & Dragon Bridge. You can try a fun new sport and get fit all at the same time while paddling down the river.

5) For gastronomes

Being at the crossroads of central Europe, the influence of neighbouring countries on the food of Slovenia can be savoured everywhere. Flavours from Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the east, and Croatia to its south collide in Slovenia to produce some very unique and delicious dishes like nowhere else on earth. Check out the Ljubljana Central Market to see locals in action, and also stock up on local food from cherries to cheese. Every Friday from March to October, local chefs would prepare various dishes with abundant wine and beer at the Open Kitchen set up in Pogracar Square.

What are you waiting for? Include Slovenia on your next Euro trip! It won’t disappoint you for sure.