Maribor
Maribor
Despite being Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor has the charm of a small town where nature and city live in close proximity. Embraced on all sides by lush green hills which in winter turn white and are excellent for skiing, forests and vineyards, most within an easy walk from the centre, you can sample the cafes and restaurants and stroll through the vibrant streets of the old town. But the nearby hills are a constant reminder that nature is just a few steps away and a whole world of leisure awaits you.The City
The chapel perched atop Piramida Hill stands as a reminder of the old days when the first fort built there in 1164. Since then Maribor has grown significantly to become Slovenia’s second largest city. Set aside the lovely Drava River and surrounded by immense natural beauty, the city offers a wealth of leisure and entertainment opportunities for the visitor. Due to its close proximity to nature, foxes can often be seen in the city itself, thus becoming the symbol of Maribor and now seen on the label of the famous Mariborčan wine, just one of many exquisite wines produced in the surrounding hills. The heart of the city lies in the old town with its university lending a youthful character, which blends nicely with the aging yet well-preserved and wonderfully ornate architecture lining its lively streets and squares running all the way down to Lent, the historic riverside port. A few blocks to the north you’ll find the Mestni (city) park, the starting point for many leisure activities into the nearby Slovenske Gorice hills. A little to the south lie the foothills of the Pohorje Massif, a densely forested mountain range and also a popular sports, skiing and recreational centre frequented by locals and visitors alike.Top
Discover top attractions in Maribor.Events
Experience the lively beat of events in Maribor. Every month of the year there are internationally known events taking place in the city. Entertainment, sports, cultural, ethnological and other events - something for everyone!Do & See
Maribor is set in a wonderful natural surroundings and wine growing hills which offers unforgettable experiences. The list is long when it comes to activities and nice attractions. Here you can go for wine tasting in Stara Trta -The Old Vine House or go for a stroll around the old town and look at the medieval towers. In the town you will also find museums where you can learn more about the history of Maribor and look at the beautiful Cathedral Stolnica.
Dining
Maribor is packed with a diverse choice of restaurants offering a delicious variety of international cuisine, as well as many traditional Slovene dishes. You will be spoilt for choice with Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Balkan… to name but a few. In the nearby hills you can join other Mariborians and sample the local food and wine. Eating out is a popular pastime in Slovenia, and when you’ve tasted their food you will know why.
Cafes
Relax in a café after a long day of sightseeing, enjoy national and somewhat more exotic beverages and confectioneries. Here you can get typical Slovenian home-baked bread, cakes, cinnamon coffee, hot chocolate with strawberries, roasted almonds, fruit in chocolate, excellent ice cream and much more.
Bars & Nightlife
As a university town, Maribor is naturally not short of bars and during the spring and summer these spill out onto the streets. Many are located along the Drava and in particular the Lent area, while others are scattered throughout the heart of town. Maribor is not short of good nightlife and you will find a mix of dance, house, jazz, funk and Latino along with theatrical performances and literary evenings. For the more cultured there’s opera and ballet.
Shopping
For lovers of shopping then Maribor will not disappoint. From city centre shopping to the markets and large shopping malls, this is the best place in the east of Slovenia to find anything from designer Italian clothes to the latest technology. For the markets head to Glavni Trg on Fridays and Saturdays where you’ll find a good selection of organic produce at the bio market, or try the fruit and veg market at Trg Svobode on Wednesdays and Fridays. For a more relaxed shopping experience head to the heart of the city’s shopping area, around Gosposka Ulica. Interspersed with cafes, you can stop for a drink and snack to rest your arms from the weight of the shopping bags. Here you will find many big named stores such as Benetton. For fashion head to the department store, Galerija Gosposka at Gosposka Ulica 8 www.galerijagosposka.si. The store comprises a group of brand names such as Lacoste and Mango. There is also a small shopping centre nearby called City Center. For the ultimate day out head across the river to the massive Europark (www.europark.si) at Letališka cesta 26, just across Titov Most (Tito’s bridge). Here you will find absolutely everything your little heart desires. Immerse yourself in the wealth of designer clothes shops or head to Emporium, which has the biggest choice of clothes with more than 40 different brands. Big Bang is the place to go for the latest technology, and for books in several languages head to Felix Knjigarna. For sports and leisure try Hervis.
Tourist Information
Maribor is a small city and getting around is relatively easy. Almost every sight, except perhaps the cable car to Pohorje, is accessible on foot. Walking or cycling around the city is a great way to soak up the atmosphere. Bikes can be hired from TIC.