Sights in Ljubljana - Croatia and Slovenia - page 858

There are two convenient areas in the city center that offer abundant shopping oppor-
tunities: at Ciril-Metodov trg and near the market; and, beginning a few steps away, the
Old Town pedestrian lane that cuts through the downtown core. I've described options in
both places below. (A third street worth exploring—with a bit more funky student style—is
Trubarjeva, a block up from the river and easy to find from Prešeren Square.)
At Ciril-Metodov Trg and near the Market
Themostatmospherictrinket-shoppingisinthefirststretchofthe market colonnade, along
the riverfront next to the Triple Bridge (described earlier, under “Sights in Ljubljana”).
Ifyou'relookingforserioushandicraftsratherthantrinkets,dropbythe Rustika gallery,
just over the Triple Bridge (on the castle side). In addition to beehive panels, they also
have lace, painted chests and boxes, and other tasteful local-style mementos (Mon-Sat
9:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-20:00, Stritarjeva 9, mobile [phone]). There's another Rustika
location up at the castle courtyard. A somewhat more downscale souvenir shop with a
wide variety is Dom Trgovina, across from the TI on the main market square (Mon-Sat
8:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-18:00, Ciril-Metodov trg 5).
Kraševka sellshigh-qualityartisanalproducts(mostlyfoods)fromtheKarstregion,and
also acts as a sort of information office for that area (Mon-Fri 9:00-19:00, Sat 9:00-15:00,
closed Sun, Ciril-Metodov trg 10, tel. [phone]).
Trgovina Ika, a small artisan boutique with its own hip and idiosyncratic sense of style,
isadelightfulplacetobrowsefortrulyauthenticSlovenianstuffthatgoesbeyondsouvenirs.
Its unique items by local designers—jewelry, hats, scarves, shoes, and so on—are modern
and fashionable (Mon-Fri 10:00-19:30, Sat 9:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-14:00, Ciril-Metodov trg
13, tel. [phone]).
Šnopc o'tecca is the place to sample and buy more than 80 types of Slovenian
šnops —that means firewater, brandies, and liqueurs. They offer free tastes, and sell little
gift bottles as well as full bottles ranging from €16 to €100 (Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun
10:00-12:30 & 15:00-19:00, Mikloši č eva 2, mobile [phone]).
In the Old Town
Ljubljana's main Old Town street—which changes names from Mestni trg to Stari trg, then
Gornji trg—is also lined with several characteristic shops. It's a very central and touristy
zone,sodon'texpectbargains.Butit'sextremelyconvenienttogetarepresentativeglimpse
at just a few of the unique gift items produced in this proud little country. Here's a lightly
narrated tour of this inviting street, from start to finish.