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Ljubljana Castle: The most important landmark in Ljubljana is the medieval castle that overlooks the old town from the top of a lushly green hill. Its current form dates back to 1511, while in the past it has served as a royal residence of the Hapsburgs, a prison and even as barracks for Napoleon's army. For a panoramic view of the city from the outlook tower, take the funicular or tourist train that connects it to the old town. Address: Grajska Planota 1, 1000 Ljubljana, ljubljanskigrad.si

Tivoli Park: The largest and most beautiful park in the city was designed in 1813 by French engineer Jean Blanchard and has since undergone several expansions and renewals, the most important being the creation of the Jakopič Promenade by Jože Plečnik between 1929 and 1939. There are numerous pathways through the park, winding beneath the horse chestnut trees and among the lakes, fountains, statues, greenhouses and Baroque mansions, where the National Museum of Contemporary History of Slovenia and the International Centre for Graphic Arts are located.Address: Ecke Bleiweisova Cesta and Erjavceva Cesta, 1000 Ljubljana

Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most): The most famous bridge in Ljubljana was built between 1900 and 1901 and is considered an exquisite example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its four corners are guarded by giant bronze statues in the shape of dragons, the symbol of the city. Locals like to say that if you have not been photographed in the shadow of the dragons, you have not visited Ljubljana.

Triple Bridge (Tromostovje): Another landmark work by the city's favourite architect, Jože Plečnik, is the impressive Triple Bridge (1929-1932), which resulted from the addition of two identical footbridges along the two sides of an existing stone bridge built in 1842. It is the first bridge that visitors to Ljubljana cross, as it is next to the central meeting point in the city in Prešeren Square.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral: Built between 1701 and 1708 on the site of an older 13th century church, the cathedral of Ljubljana is considered a masterpiece of Baroque art. The impressive interior is decorated with masterful frescoes by Giulio Quaglio, among other things, while the main entrance to the church features statues with scenes from Slovenia's history.Address: Dolničarjeva ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana

National Gallery of Slovenia: The most important art museum in Slovenia holds the largest collection of Slovenian art from the Middle Ages through the 20th century, as well as an extensive collection of works by well-known European painters. Don't miss the opportunity to admire the original "Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers", by Italian sculptor Francesco Robba, one of the masterpieces of Baroque art in Ljubljana. A replica of the fountain can be seen in front of the Town Hall. Address: Prešernova cesta 24, 1000 Ljubljana, www.ng-slo.si

National Museum of Slovenia: Housed in an 1885 Neo-Renaissance palace, the main museum of Slovenia's national history is a depository of archaeological findings dating back to prehistoric times. Here, you can see the oldest musical instrument in the world: a Neanderthal flute that is 60,000 years old. At the museum's Roman Lapidarium, you can also view more than 200 stone monuments with Latin inscriptions from the city of Emona (Roman Ljubljana) and other Roman territories in Slovenia.Address: Prešernova cesta 20, 1000 Ljubljana, www.nms.si

Emona: In 2015, the capital of Slovenia celebrates the 2,000th anniversary from the founding of the Roman city of Emona (1st-5th centuries), which made up the largest part of modern-day Ljubljana. Follow the traces of the erstwhile Roman settlement with a tour through the city's two magnificent outdoor archaeological parks, the ruins of the southernmost wall and the impressive interactive exhibit, iEmona.

Ljubljana offers a complete shopping experience for all tastes.

For international and name-brand clothing and accessories, the local fashion crowd heads for the ultra-modern department stores, such as the impressive Galerija Emporium housed in an Art Nouveau 1903 palace, or Nama.  Inexhaustible western-style shopping is available at BTC City, one of the largest shopping malls in Europe, with more than 500 stores and a huge recreational centre that includes a water park, a golf course, a cinema and more.

For shopping with local colour and pleasant surprises, look for the small specialised boutiques featuring the creations of talented young Slovenian designers, along with local crafts of outstanding quality. Most of these are located around the base of Castle Hill, around Mestni and Stari squares, and on the opposite bank of the river, along Trubarjeva, Wolfova and Miklošičeva streets. It is also worth exploring the area between the river and Slovenska Avenue. You can buy fine Idrija lace, Rogaška glassware and Ribnica wooden kitchen utensils.

Hard-core gourmands will discover a gastronomic paradise in the colourful Central Market open daily on Vodnik Square. You will find everything from exceptional foods and flowers to clothes and souvenirs at the stalls. For historical or antique items, don't miss out on a stroll through the Sunday flea market along the riverside pedestrian way of Cankarjevo Nabrezje. During the summer months, the Saturday Art Market next to the river offers unique opportunities to buy items like paintings, jewellery and ceramics created by local artists.

Ljubljana's cuisine is a mixture of cultural influences from the Mediterranean, the Alps, the Pannonian Basin and the Balkans, with an emphasis on local organic ingredients. At the local family eateries (gostilna), you can sample typical Slovenian specialities and delicacies such as Kranjska klobasa (spicy sausage from Carniola), Kraški pršut (Karst prosciutto ham), savoury or sweet Štruklji (dough rolled up and stuffed with tarragon, cottage cheese and poppy seed or walnut and apple, either baked or boiled), bograč (goulash from Prekmurje), along with famous desserts like Prekmurska gibanica (layer cake of poppy seeds, cottage cheese, walnuts and apple) and Potica (a cake roll with various fillings, such as cottage cheese, walnuts or honey). Try the select wines of the Slovenian vineyard at the modern vinotekas in the centre and don't miss the chance to sample the delicious street food at various locations around the city which offer the beloved burek (filled with cottage cheese, cabbage and sausage).

Follow the lead of Ljubljana's trendy students to the countless outdoor cafés and bars in the historical centre, where locals enjoy a leisurely drink al fresco, even in winter. The most popular places for a stroll are the romantic pedestrian walkways of Cankarjevo Nabrežje and Petkovškovo Nabrežje, along the banks of the river, and along the more sophisticated Mestni and Stari.

For late-night alternatives, look to the north of the centre in Metelkova City, the autonomous cultural zone with the numerous clubs where the city's free spirits pass the midnight hours listening to free jazz, garage rock and electroclash.

• Ljubljana Festival: This has been the top cultural event in Ljubljana for more than 60 years. Every summer, from June to September, the crème de la crème of the world's productions of opera, ballet, theatre and classical music gather here for a programme of high aesthetic quality and prestige. Look for headliners like the Beijing National Opera and the Mariinsky Ballet from St Petersburg. Performances take place at the Križanke open-air theatre, an architectural gem of the 13th century, and at other landmark locations such as Ljubljana Castle.
• Ljubljana Jazz Festival: One of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe with a history of almost 60 years and a worldwide reputation, it takes place at the Cankarjev Dom cultural centre and other musical stages around the city. Famous orchestras, jazz legends, musical ensembles and famous soloists from all over the globe fill four nights in early July with the seductive sounds of jazz. Crossover jams by virtuoso musicians and international premieres are the highlight of the festival.
• Druga Godba International Festival: One of the most important world and ethnic music festivals in Europe. Musicians and vocalists from all over the world reveal their talents at the Križanke outdoor theatre for three days in May, presenting a range of musical styles from Slovenian folk to African jazz and psychedelic beats.
• Young Lions: An international theatre and dance festival featuring rising artists and companies from the performing arts worldwide. Bold aesthetics, avant garde staging and contemporary themes promise an exciting theatrical experience for anyone who attends the performances that take place at Ljubljana's old hydroelectric station on the last week of August.

Getting from the airport to the city

Aegean Airlines lands at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), 26 km north of the capital city. This modern airport has three duty free & travel value stores, restaurants, cafés and bars, a bank, foreign exchange desks, ATMs and a post office. Wi-Fi is free throughout the airport. For those travelling with children, the airport has a children's play area specially equipped with stimulating toys and children's books. To reach the city centre, you can take the Alpetour bus that connects the airport with the main bus terminal. Buses depart daily (Monday-Friday) every hour from 5:00 to 20:00 and every two hours on weekends, from 10:00 to 20:00. Note that there is a morning run at 7:00 on weekends. The journey takes about 50 minutes.