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Ljubljana's old city centre

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Ljubljana Nightlife

Ljubljana's large student population fuels an eclectic and buzzing nightlife scene. In summer, tables burst out on to the banks of the Ljubljanica River, while the locals cosy up inside in winter. Throughout the year, Ljubljana bustles with the arts, ranging from small-scale street theatre right through to grand opera performances, classical music recitals and the granddaddy of them all, the Ljubljana Summer Festival.

Ljubljana's tourist offices hand out the free leaflets with listings. For more alternative and small-scale events and happenings, ask in trendy bars like Café Maček or Café Galerija.

Bars in Ljubljana

Café Galerija

Super-stylish Café Galerija is a favourite of the local beautiful people with its swish Ottoman décor and chic cocktails. The entrance is often the scene of the art exhibitions that lend this café/bar its name. The interior is a warren-like escape that is ideal for a dangerous liaison or cosy hideaway.

Mestni trg 5, Ljubljana
Tel: (041) 728 818.
Website: www.cafe-galerija.com

Café Maček

Probably the most famous riverside café/bar in Ljubljana. ‘Meet me at Maček’ goes the often-heard local refrain. Everyone seems to end up here at some point on a night out, especially in summer. Their large terrace boasts seats right by the river as well as heaters and a cosy interior. Slovenian beer is the pick of the draughts, while they do some decent Scottish whiskies too and a mean coffee.

Krojaška 5, Ljubljana
Tel: (01) 425 3791.
Website: http://sobe-macek.si

Cutty Sark Pub

The Cutty Sark Pub is a bustling British-style bar and a firm favourite of expats and locals who want to meet foreigners. They have a decent range of British and Irish beers on tap, as well as some Slovenian brews. For the peckish, they also cook up tasty pizzas. A good place to catch live football matches too.

Knaflev prehod 1, Ljubljana
Tel: (01) 425 1477.
Website: www.cuttysarkpub.si

Clubs in Ljubljana

Bachus Center

This is a one-stop nightlife entertainment centre in Ljubljana. Dip into this city centre venue for a bite to eat, enjoy a drink in the bar, maybe shoot some pool and head to one of the many dance floors. The bouncers are notorious, but those making it past them with the right shoes on enjoy a consistently fun night out.

Kongresni Trg 3, Ljubljana
Tel: (01) 241 8244.
Website: www.bachus-center.com

Sub Sub

Boasting a slightly younger clientele than many of Ljubljana’s clubs, the DJs here tend to be of the talented and up-and-coming variety rather than just enthusiasts churning out popular hits. A head-down dancing venue for those looking to party until late on.

Celovška 25, Ljubljana
Tel: (01) 434 7555.

Top

Surely the best location of any club in Ljubljana. Zoom up the glass lift and soon epic views of the city skyline await. Clubbers can dine here first; though don’t expect that to win you a coveted place in the VIP section. The dance floor heaves to a popular house and R & B soundtrack and when the music dips, those views remain. Decent cocktails too.

Tomšičeva 1, Ljubljana
Tel: (040) 667 722.
Website: www.klubtop.si

Live Music in Ljubljana

Jazz Club Gajo

This long standing jazz club was set up by celebrated Slovenian jazz musician Drago Gajo. Today it has a global reputation and hosts both Slovenian and international jazz acts. Monday is a fun night to come when they stage jam sessions.

Beethovenova 8, Ljubljana
Tel: (01) 425 3206.
Website: www.jazzclubgajo.com

Metelkova Mesto

Metelkova Mesto is not much so much a concert venue as an autonomous republic housed in an old Yugoslav military base on the fringes of the city centre. It is on the fringes in every way, a left-of-centre collage of cultures and free living lifestyles that houses a number of gig venues. Acts tend to be as challenging and varied as the people who hang out in this squat-cum-nightlife hub.

Metelkova Mesto, Ljubljana
Website: www.metelkovamesto.org

Orto

A legendary wild and fun party place that bashes out some great concerts. The drinking is hard and the rock music hard too at a venue that is beloved of the locals and visiting rock fans alike. Strong spirits are the drink of choice. The generous happy hours (often until 2300) help get the party started.

Grablovičeva 1, Ljubljana
Tel: (01) 232 1674.
Website: www.orto-bar.com

Theatre in Ljubljana

Café Teater

This open and dynamic theatre is home to a number of performers from Ljubljana, but also stages performances from acts from around the country. Most performances are in Slovenian, though the quality and enthusiasm often transcends the language barriers. Art director Vita Mavrič Stražišar overseas the theatre and also the festivals that are staged here.

Miklošičeva 2, Ljubljana
Tel: (01) 252 7108.
Website: www.cafe-teater.si

Križanke

The city’s most engaging open-air venue is a highlight throughout the summer months and this is also the hub of the Ljubljana Summer Festival. Much of this spectacular venue was designed by seminal Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik and taking in a big gig or play here is one of the great Ljubljana experiences.

Trg Francoske Revolucije 1, Ljubljana
Tel: (01) 241 6026.

Music and Dance in Ljubljana

Cankarjev Dom

Cankarjev Dom is Ljubljana’s biggest and most flexible indoor venue. On the roster are myriad domestic and international theatre groups, classical orchestras and dance troupes. This thoroughly eclectic venue has had a beating heart on the Ljubljana cultural scene since it opened in the 1980s.

Prešernova 10, Ljubljana
Tel: (01) 241 7100.
Website: www.cd-cc.si

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