Tired of the same old Paris–London–Rome circuit?
For decades now, Americans have flocked into the same 3 European capitals for one of two reasons: either they genuinely didn’t know better than to flock into the same tourist hotspots over and over again, or they had no choice but to given the scarcity of Transatlantic flights elsewhere.
In 2027, that changes.
United has announced a spate of new flight routes into Europe next year, from Marseille, this coastal city in France, to Luxembourg City, a tiny Grand Duchy in the heart of Central Europe, but one of the new routes caught our attention:
It’s a compact, undiscovered capital topped by a 12th-century castle, offering $4 pints, smaller crowds than average, and a gateway to one of the prettiest alpine ranges across the pond.
Ljubljana Is One Of Europe’s Last Truly Undiscovered Gems
Starting May 2027, you can fly nonstop to Ljubljana, the timeless capital of the Central-Eastern European nation of Slovenia.
Slovenia is best known Stateside as the homeland of the current POTUS, but whether you’re a fan of Miss Melania or not, there’s one thing we can all agree on: why the heck would anyone swap a pretty little medieval wonderland such as this for Mar-a-Lago?
Well, the fact that then-communist Slovenia wasn’t exactly the land of opportunity might have cast a gloomy shadow over the fairytale vibe of it all, but hey, it’s all water under that gorgeous Dragon Bridge.
Fast forward a few decades, and Slovenia is firmly in the European Union, West-aligned, and Ljubljana remains one of the most beautiful European capitals out there.
It basically checks every single box for what makes a European city break great: it has the hilltop castle, the cobbled lanes lined with gorgeous townhouses, the riverside cafés, and it’s not completely overrun with visitors.
Everything You Need To Know About United’s New Route
Newark (EWR) ↔ Ljubljana (LJU)
- Launching: May 12, 2027
- Frequency: 4 flights per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays)
- Aircraft: Boeing 767-400ER
- Seat configuration: 34 United Polaris, 24 Premium Plus, 173 Economy, 48 Economy Plus (231 total)
- Outbound flight: departs EWR 4:20 PM | lands 6:40 AM CET
- Return flight: departs LJU 9:55 AM | lands 1:40 PM EST
- Average roundtrip fare (Economy): $800–$1,200
This marks the first nonstop link between the U.S. and Ljubljana in 36 years, and United will be the only carrier flying scheduled widebody service on the route.
Exciting stuff, alright, but efore you fly to Europe next year, make sure you check the entry requirements that apply at your destination at the time of departure.
As of this year, U.S. passport holders have been required to undergo mandatory fingerprinting landing in over 30 European countries, and soon enough, those same countries will expect them to apply for a pre-travel authorization in order to fly.
Use the Entry Requirement Checker to verify what’s required for Slovenia and any other stops on your itinerary.
Why Ljubljana, Why Now
If you’re wondering why swap something we know and love, like the Eiffel Towers and Colosseums of the world, for a seemingly unheard-of, unpronounceable European city?
By the way, if you’ve been having a hard time with this one, just swap the ‘j’ in Ljubljana for ‘i’.
What if we told you it sits among Europe’s best-preserved medieval capitals, as well as one of the cheapest, and it’s the perfect base for exploring a corner of the Alps that sees a quarter of the Swiss/Austrian crowds?
Ditch the $80-a-day taxi budget and overexpensive hotels: Ljubljana is incredibly compact, and you can explore all of its highlights on foot for free.
These include:
- Prešeren Square: the city’s main square, backed by a pink-colored Franciscan church
- The Triple Bridge: a trio of romantic stone bridges that fan over the city’s picturesque river
- Old Town streets: think Habsburg-era façades, narrow medieval lanes, and small cafés
- The Cathedral: this soaring Baroque church with an ornate interior and immense bronze doors
- Central Market: a covered market hall set along the river where you can shop for local produce
- Dragon Bridge: a stunning Art Nouveau bridge guarded by four sculpted dragons
- Ljubljanica Riverfront: a navigable waterway giving Venice, but none of the crowds
- Ljubljana Castle: the city’s hilltop fortress and its main postcard
The Perfect Day Out In Ljubljana
The perfect day in Ljubljana starts with coffee at Čokl, a cozy, locally-loved coffeeshop known for its slow-roasted beans and laid-back terrace, before you set out on a leisurely stroll around the Old Town’s historic stone-paved lanes.
Swing by the Central Market for a taste of the local cheeses and cured meats, and if you’re hungry still, Baščaršija, a casual local eatery in the center, serves a killer Balkan ćevapi for just under $13.
Looking for a quiet, green escape in the heart of the city? A short tram ride will take you to Tivoli, a lush, sprawling park dotted with modern sculptures. This is the prime spot for a relaxed picnic, and people-watching on a sunny afternoon in Ljubljana.
If you’re genuinely in doubt whether Slovenia is safe for Americans, as you might have never mulled over visiting before, the country is officially considered a Level 1 destination by U.S. authorities—that means it’s as safe as State-Department-approved Iceland or Finland—and Ljubljana itself is truly a cozy, small town rocking its larger-than-life national capital boots.
Be it strolling down the postcard-ready Mestni trg, enjoying a coffee at an outdoor coffeeshop by the river, or relaxing at Tivoli, you can breathe easy and forget your worries: violent crime and extremist threats are virtually inexistent, and even pickpockets aren’t as big a concern here.
Slovenia as a whole is very safe, scoring 89 out of 100 on the Travel Off Path Traveler Safety Index.
Round out your day taking the funicular from the Old Town, up to Ljubljana Castle for sunset.
This is when the capital’s best-kept secret is finally revealed: sweeping Alp views you get as you start ascending, framing the Old Town and the outer suburbs’ low-rise skyline.
Looking for an affordable, no-frills eatery that won’t cost a fortune in the Old Town? Compared to your average European capital, Ljubljana is an absolute bargain, but Gostilna na Gradu is particularly worth it.
A surprisingly-affordable upscale eatery tucked inside the castle grounds,the castle, they serve Slovenia’s traditional roast pork in its natural jus, that pairs beautifully with Slovene-Istrian wine, and the check won’t run over a fixed $31 for a short, but sweet 3-course meal this fall.
Average Prices In Ljubljana, Slovenia In 2026
- Draft beer at a bar: $4
- Coffee at a café: $2.50–$3.50
- Takeaway snack (like burek): $3–$4
- Main dish at a local restaurant: $12–$18
- Three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $30–$45
- Guesthouse or B&B (per night): $60–$90
- 4-star hotel (per night): $170–$270
- Public transport (one-way ticket): $1.50
- Museum entry fee: $6–$10
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Explore Slovenia Beyond The Capital
Ljubljana is worth the 8+ hour flight alone, but if you’re really coming all this way, you might as well go big and venture deeper into what’s possibly one of Europe’s most underrated alpine and Mediterranean escapes.
Slovenia may be a jaw-dropping 7 times smaller than the state of New York, but it packs quite the punch: from jagged, snow-capped peaks that rival Switzerland’s in majesty, to sun-bleached Adriatic towns that feel just like Croatia, yet quieter, there’s enough here to warrant a full week-long detour.
We’ve covered the country’s top highlights in depth here, but if you’re in need of a quick cheat sheet, here are our top 5 must-see spots:
Lake Bled: The Ultimate Slovenian Alpine Postcard
A glacial lake best known for that tiny island-church right at its center, hilltop medieval castle, and of course, that impossibly turquoise water framed by the snowy Julian Alps.
Distance from Ljubljana: About 45-minute drive
Where to stay: Hotel Berc, an affordable family-run 3-star lodge just steps from the lakeshore
Lake Bohinj: The Offbeat Bled Alternative
A larger, wilder glacial lake tucked into Triglav National Park, with none of Bled’s crowds, yet towns that are equally-pretty, and just as much as alpine epicness.
Distance from Ljubljana: About 1-hour drive
Where to stay: Hotel Jezero, a rustic, full-of-character 4-star lakeside option with 3-star rates
Logar Valley: The Mini Switzerland
A U-shaped glacial valley flanked by dramatic limestone peaks, and dotted with waterfalls and traditional hay-rack barns. It’s easily one of the most beautiful alpine valleys in Europe.
Distance from Ljubljana: About 1-hour drive
Where to stay: Vila Palenk, a cozy, affordable guesthouse near the valley entrance
Maribor: The Wine Capital
Slovenia’s second-largest city, and its wine capital, it’s home to the country’s oldest vine and a gorgoeus medieval Old Town specked with Austro-Hungarian edifices.
Distance from Ljubljana: About 1-hour drive
Where to stay: Hotel Bau, a centrally located budget-friendly option
Piran: The Summer Capital of Slovenia
A tiny Venetian-style port town on the Adriatic coast, complete with a typically-Italian lungomare backed by pastel façades, narrow lanes, and a landmark hilltop church.
Distance from Ljubljana: About 1.5-hour drive
Where to stay: Hotel Piran, a 4-star option right on the waterfront
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