Antiques -- Ljubljana's antique flea market unleashes its collectibles on the world every Sunday until 1pm. Strung along the edge of the Ljubljanica from the Triple Bridge as far south as it needs to go, it's a cornucopia of bright and faded memories, including some genuine treasures. It's also a great place to meet locals. Along Trubarjeva cesta, the one shop worth visiting is Carniola Antiqua (tel. 01/231-6397), which carries Slovene art, antiques, assorted historic memorabilia and potentially classy retro gear displayed in a stylish manner that includes clever little museumlike window displays.
Art & Images -- Exquisite photographs and photographic books are sold at Galerija Fotografija, Mestni trg 8 (tel. 01/251-1529; www.galerijafotografija.si), which also hosts impressive exhibitions of international photographic work. Peruse and shop for paintings by Slovene artists at Galerija Hest, Zidovska 8 (tel. 01/422-0000; www.galerijahest-sp.si). Art.si, Zidovska 5 (tel. 01/421-0123; e-mail art.si@lala.si), is the gallery of Andris Vitlins, which sells bright contemporary paintings.
Books -- Two of the finest bookstores in the country are Azil, Novi trg 2 tel. (01/470-6438; http://azil.zrc-sazu.si), with an astonishing selection of books dealing with philosophy, art, film, and Slovenia; and Knjigarna Behemot, Zidovska steva 3 (tel. 01/251-1392; www.behemot.si). Architecture buffs should pick up the excellent Architectural Guide to Ljubljana by Andrej Hrausky and Janez Kozelj; it features images and commentary on 107 buildings in the city. You'll find it at Darila Rokus Gifts, Gosposvetska Cesta 2 (tel. 01/234-9720; www.darila.com), also good for other books on Slovenia and its culture.
Glass & Porcelain -- Rogaska crystal is amongst the few brands for which Slovenia is internationally known, and there's finally an outlet in the capital. You'll find Rogaska, Mestni trg 22 (tel. 01/241-2701; www.steklarna-rogaska.si), with its opulent glassware, opposite the Town Hall. Among the rash of touristy paraphernalia at Darila Rokus, you'll find the distinctive "Janus" crystal wine-cum-coffee glass sets, which make lovely gifts. At Galerija Marjan Lovsin, Breg 8 (tel. 01/426-0402; www.marjanlovsin.com), you can buy vases by Tanja Pak, who hails from a family of glassblowers, and is known for her distinctive "Drops" design. Slovenia's foremost porcelain artists, Katja Jurgen Bricman and Jure Bricman, are known for having had their unusual and unique porcelain jewelry modeled by Miss Slovenia in 2003. They have a gallery near Robba Fountain. Porcelain Catbriyur, Ciril-Metodov Trg 19 (tel. 041-499-528; www.catbriyur.net), carries an exclusive range of porcelain cups, bowls, and jewelry.
Homeware & Furniture -- To ogle Slovene style, visit Nova, Levstikov Trg 7 (tel. 01/426-0410; www.nova-on.net), an inspirational furniture store and lovely nursery. You'll find gorgeous European-design homeware, ornaments, and simple furniture at DOM Design, Stefanova 6 (tel. 01/244-3460; www.domdesign.si).
Fashion -- For the best in Slovenian designer wear, head to Oktober, Tobacna ulica 5 (tel. 01/425-4068). Alternatively, Pletilni Studio Draz, Gornji Trg 9 (tel. 01/426-6041), is a great little boutique promoting a number of emerging Slovene fashion designers. Katarina Silk, Gorni trg 5, next door to Antiq Hotel, deals in stylish silk garments.
Foodstuffs -- Showcasing produce from the Karst region, Krasevka, Ciril Metodov Trg 10 (tel. 01/232-1445; www.krasevka.si), is a great place to stock up on organic cheeses, olives oil, stuffed olives, cured meats, honey, dried mushrooms, teas, herbs, and plum brandy.
Shoes & Accessories -- Accessorize with a fashionable handmade handbag by award-winning Marjeta Groselj, Tavcarjeva ulica 4 (tel. 01/231-8984). For eccentric shoes and boots with fancy buckles and interesting decorative motifs, you can't beat the idiosyncratic footwear made and sold at Obulalnica Butanoga, Levstikov Trg 8 (tel. 01/425-9888 or 041-334-701; www.butanoga.org), a little cobbler's boutique hidden down an alleyway off Levstikov trg; look for the hanging signboard across from St. James's Church.
Wine -- Pick up wine from Slovenia's top-rated Movia Estate (owned by Mirko and Ales Kristancic) at Vinoteka Movia, Mestni Trg 2 (tel. 01/425-5448); the intimate wine cellar is not only a sales point, but an excellent place for tastings, accompanied by an informative pitch. For a wider range of vintages from all of Slovenia's wine-growing regions, visit Dvor, Dvorni trg 2 (tel. 01/251-1257).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
