Why go to Koper?
This charming port town lacks mobs of tourists and is a relaxing place for visiting outdoor cafes and historical sites
Most shops and businesses close in the afternoon Saturday and all day Sunday
Take a walking tour of the picturesque Old Town, which has a distinctly Italian aura
Koper Cruise Port Facilities?
To reach Old Town from the port, you'll need to climb about 50 steps or take an elevator (which wasn't working when we visited) that's directly across from the port. To reach the main square, Titov Trg (about a five-minute walk), take a left once you've arrived up top and then take your first right onto Verdijeva Ulica. It will lead you past Venetian-era buildings into the square, where you'll find the cathedral, the Praetorian Palace, a grocery store, a cafe under a lovely loggia and the tourist office. Keep walking straight across the square to reach Koper's main shopping street, which also has cafes scattered among the shops.
Good to Know?
If you're in port on a Saturday, be aware that many businesses -- including most shops -- close at 1 p.m. Museums and restaurants are an exception. Most shops are also closed on Sunday.
If you're making a large purchase, we found that bargaining was possible at some, but not all, shops. Give it a try, but don't bargain on smaller items.
Getting Around?
On Foot: Most of Koper's tourist attractions are within a 20-minute walk of the port. Once you're at the town level, the area is fairly flat, with a slight down-slope as you walk further into Old Town.
By Local Bus: Line #7 does a loop around Old Town. You can pay less by purchasing your ticket from a vending machine, or pay a higher price directly to the bus driver.
By Taxi: Taxis are plentiful at the port and metered. You can also book fixed-rate taxi transfers online between Koper and Ljubljana (61 miles or just over an hour travel time).
By Train: The train station is located about half a mile southeast of the port. Here, you can catch a train to Ljubljana, with a travel time of about 2.25 hours.
By Bus: You can travel by intercity bus to Ljubljana (61 miles or about 2.25 hours) or the coastal town of Piran (12 miles or about 35 minutes). Buses leave from the train station, and you might also find van-taxi drivers outside the station who are eager to offer you the same fare for what is usually a faster trip.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Slovenia's currency is the euro. For current currency conversion figures visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. You'll find ATMs around town. The most convenient one is located on Kidriceva Ulica, the street that will be on your right as you enter Tito Square in Old Town on the way from the port. There's also an ATM at the Mercator grocery store on the square.
Language?
Koper is only 3 miles from the Italian border and is officially bilingual, in Italian and Slovene. You will also find English spoken in many shops, attractions and restaurants -- perhaps not fluently, but enough to communicate. Shopkeepers may show you an item's price using a calculator if their English is limited.
