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The best of Ljubljana
Written by: Anita Lišková & Todd Shaw
Photo by: www.isifa.com
Since its break from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, Slovenia is
no longer the well-kept secret for travelers it once was. Nevertheless,
its persistently peaceful capital, curled under its castle-topped
hill, is still a wonderful antidote to much of Europe's crowds
and high prices.
Robert Castelein
Director, Assurance and Advisory, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Favorite hotel: Grand Hotel Union, Miklošiceva 1,
tel.: +386 1 308 1270
Favorite restaurant: Chez Eric, Mestni trg 3, tel.: +386 1
251 2839
Favorite attraction: The architecture in the old town, especially
the work of the architect Joze Plećnik.
Best-kept secret: Red wine from Capo d'Istria.
Advice: Don't limit yourself to Ljubljana - there is wonderful
countryside to be seen one hour's drive in the Alpine mountains
(e.g. Bohinj Lake) and the coast (e.g Piran). |
Matjaz
Puc
Minister counsellor, Slovenian embassy
Favorite hotel: Grand Hotel
Union, Miklošiceva 1, tel.: +386 1 308 1270
Favorite restaurant: Gostilna Lovec, Trg MDB 1, tel.:
+386 1 426 5708
Favorite attraction: Sunday morning walks in the flea
market.
Best-kept secret: Little Plečnik's church on Barja (south
from Ljubljana).
Favorite shop: Maximarket, Trg republike 1, tel.: +386
1 476 68 00
Advice: Don't drink too much Slovenian beer.
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Davor Nikolič
director for outgoing services, Kompas Praha
Favorite hotel: Grand Hotel Union, Miklošiceva 1, tel.:
+386 1 426 4508
Favorite restaurant: Pri Škofu, Rečna Cesta 8, tel.: +386
1 426 4508
Favorite night club: Bachus center, Kongresni trg, tel.:
+386 1 241 8243
Favorite attraction: Old part of Ljubljana including the
castle
Favorite shop: Emporium, Letališka 3, tel.: +386 1 584 4800
BTC, Šmartinska 152, tel.: +386 1 585 1100
Best kept secret: Café Maček, Krojaska 5, tel.: +386 1 425
3791
Have a coffee in the Maček café during the late afternoon.
Advice: Visit Ljubljana during the summer, or on the contrary,
in December, when the atmosphere in the streets is magic
and the city is full of festivals. The best option is to
rent a room in Ljublana and to make trips to the other parts
of Slovenia. |
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Basic facts
Location: Republic of Slovenia (Republika Slovenija)
Dialing Code: +386
Area: 20,273 sq km
Population: 330,000
Ethnic mix: Slovenian 88%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%, Other
7%
Religion: mostly Roman Catholic, followed by Eastern
Orthodox Christian
Government: parliamentary democracy
Time zone: GMT/UTC +1
Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz
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Where on the web?
For further information, we suggest the following websites dedicated
to Ljubljana:
www.slovenia-tourism.si/?_ctg_regije=11&lng=2 - the official
site of the Slovenian travel board is, not surprisingly, full of
useful and interesting information.
www.ljubljana-tourism.si/index.cgi?body=a11 - one page from this
website, featuring useful business contacts.
www.escapeartist.com/slovenia/economy.html - further links to sites
focused on business and economy
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/slovenia/ - a less formal
look at the country and it's attractions
www.books-maps.com/SI/ - faktická online databáze map, leteckých
snímků, obrázků pamětihodností a zajímavostí a průvodců slovinskými
městy.
Business etiquette
· Social and business customs do not differ greatly from those
in the rest of Europe, and in business are very similar to Austria
and Germany. Negotiations are as likely to be carried out over
lunch or dinner as they are in the office. Initial contacts are
normally made between people of a comparable standing.
· In business, English is almost considered the second "official" language
(after Slovene), followed by German and Italian. Almost all businessmen
also speak Serbian and Croat, which facilitates business negotiations
in the republics of former Yugoslavia.
· Attention is paid to academic and professional titles and to
the standing of individuals within their organization. Visitors
need to dress appropriately for the season, but there are no special
clothing requirements for Slovenia. Dress codes are similar to
Austria and Northern Italy.
Source: www.cityguide.travel-guides.com
Business profile
· With a rich industrial history, a traditional openness to the
rest of the world, rational economic policies, and proven economic
development, Slovenia is among the most successful countries in
transition from socialism to a market economy. Due to excellent
geographic location and good economic performance, Slovenia has
become an attractive site for commmercial headquarters, while business
travelers and tourists alike appreciate its diverse landscape and
rich cultural heritage.
· Like the rest of the country, the greatest number of businesses
in the capital are engaged in trade and commerce, followed by industry,
services, real estate, construction, transport, and communications.
Following independence, entrepreneurship began to develop intensively,
and today more than 90% of the city's companies are classified
as small business enterprises.
· Agriculture, forestry, and fishing represents a comparatively
low 2% of GDP, while industry and construction comprise over one-third
of the total. As in most industrial economies, services make up
an increasing share of output (60.1%), notably in the financial
sector.
· The Slovene flow of trade has been largely aimed at the European
Union, particularly Germany, Italy, Austria, and France, while
increasing cooperation with existing partners is oriented toward
new markets in countries of the former Yugoslavia, the United States,
and Russia.
· For updated weekly business information and useful commercial
links, visit the Slovenian Business Weekly website: http://www.gzs.si/eng/news/sbw/
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