A night in Ljubljana: release your inner demon
What would a capital city be without a proper nightlife to pull some shapes out on a Friday night? In fact, no one looks back on their life and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep.
As a city aspiring to be an international hub in Central and Eastern Europe, Ljubljana is increasingly offering a variety of bars and clubs that satisfy every tastes and preferences for the promise of a quality night out.
The city offers a chill and international vibe that can be enjoyed on an evening of good food and drinks paving the way to hitting the clubs later that evening.
Here is a glimpse of the fun awaiting you on an evening of varied beats and high debauchery:
- Parlament Pub:
A predictable yet magic venue where one goes for “one beer only” to end up thrown out by bouncers at sunrise, having lost jacket and credit card in the process.
While running in the day as a nice pub where numerous Tinder dates can be spotted over a cup of coffee, when the night comes, tables and chairs give room to a sick-soaked dance floor where one’s airs and pretences are left at the door. Forget about your hip, sophisticated tech-house though, for only chart toppers soundtrack an evening of shameless freedom. Parlament is always a good option.
Strategically located next to Surf n’ Fries where a late-night snack can be enjoyed to recover from an evening where much happened but few will be remembered. Palates who would fancy something more consistent could even cross Kongresni Square to taste the greasiest, most overpriced but yet delicious burger in town, a true delicacy deserving to be savoured without judgement by the river with a view to the castle.
- Cirkus and Top Six:
Some will say they are the places to be.One is the biggest club in town; the other is on a rooftop with a view. Fine people like it to see and be seen sipping drinks off a bottle that boys will overpay to impress girls whose heels are too high to even bother dancing.
- K4:
Following its refurbishment last summer, K4 has come to become one of the edgiest and most electrifying atmospheres in town. A club ACTUALLY located underground; it brings DJs from a bit everywhere to play some of the weirdest, hardest and most brilliant sound around that should make you shake it all night long.
- Tovarna Rog:
A social and cultural centre established on the premises of a former bicycle factory. Among several other cultural activities, rave parties take place in a skate park where Techno, Drum&Bass and other sophisticated sounds alike bring happiness to the ruminating late night owls that populate its corridors.
The government recently approved the shut down of this place judged too “anarchic”. As you can see it is not for feint-hearted.
- Metelkova:
A self-defined “Autonomous Culture Zone” set on barracks dating from the Austro-Hungarian Empire; Metelkova gathers great street art as well as cheap bars and nightclubs, a delightful combination for lovers of alternative rock and electronic music
Despite its sketchy appearance, an extremely welcoming atmosphere radiates from an environment where every personality and mindset is accepted. Passersby will not judge you for what you wear but for the open-mindedness you bring with you.
- Kino Siska:
More of a concert venue than a club, Balkan and other famous international artists increasingly take it as their venue of choice. Pricier than the others, Kino Siska is synonym of the best quality performances in Ljubljana. Biffy Clyro came in June. Tame Impala should stop by in the summer too.
Then there is Bikofe, Centralna Postaja, Zmauc, the Cutty Sark, Tozd, and so many more bars where colourful decoration and a variety of beverages can be enjoyed to the sound of beautiful music; delightful for an evening of quiet wine sipping.
And despite its size Ljubljana offers a large range of possibilities that go from fine and mainstream venues to some of the most underground scenes I have ever been exposed to. You just have to go out there, explore and release your inner demon.