Sitting in the shadow of a 15th Century hilltop castle, the Slovenian capital is often described as a smaller, less touristy version of a notorious tour destination in Eastern Europe (here’s a clue, it begins with a ‘P’). This is a back-handed compliment as Ljubljana has its own identity. The vibrant Old Town gazes up at The Ljubljana Castle, connected to the cobbled streets by a funicular railway constructed in 2006, and free to tourists seeking a better viewpoint of this exciting city. Despite a rich heritage, this is not a place in is thrall to the past; the University and its 35,000 students (in a population of 330,000) ensure a young, spirited atmosphere. From the lush, park-lined river banks to the numerous pubs and clubs, Ljubljana has something for everyone, from brash beer boys to sightseeing scholars.