Ljubljana

A city of culture, cuisine, boutiques, bars, and hidden treasures, the capital of Slovenia exudes old world charm. Ljubljana is a fusion of tradition and modernity: the magnificent Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture of the old town centre speaks to Ljubljana's 5,000 years of fascinating history.

Alternatively, its lively cultural, scientific, educational, and commercial scenes leave no doubt that this is a sophisticated city in tune with the times. It is also one of Europe's most environmentally friendly capital cities and was awarded the coveted Green Capital of Europe title in 2016.

Ljubljana is a devoted centre of culture, with thousands of art and music events gracing its calendar each year, including the Summer Festival, Jazz Festival, and the Druga Godba Festival, a celebration of world music. Indeed, music is the lifeblood of the city which boasts one of the oldest established philharmonic orchestras in the world, not to mention some very accomplished street musicians.

Classical culture is not all that's on offer, however. With its large student population, Ljubljana knows how to party and after nightfall, you are just as likely to hear the throbbing beat of club music or rock and roll as you are the strains of violins.

Ljubljana is also home to an expanding culinary scene, where all the best of Eastern European cuisine seems to have merged into a smorgasbordof delights, from delicate Viennese-style pastries to hearty Hungarian goulash.