Known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive 1.9 sq mi Tivoli Park, Ljubljana is one of Europe’s greenest and most livable capital cities. The curving Ljubljanica River, which divides the city’s old town from its commercial hub, is lined in outdoor cafes and markets.

In fact, the renovated Breg embankment area by the Ljubljanica river has recently become a vibrant new venue for some of the street markets, like Ljubljana’s popular Breg Embankment Antique Market.

Traditionally held on Sundays in the old city centre of Ljubljana, Breg Embankment Antique Market, which is held in high esteem by the locals, showcases various objects from the recent and distant past, many of which are still fit for use, such as antiques, art pieces, furniture, decorative items and kitchenware, and all kinds of bric-a-brac of collectible or simply nostalgic value.

Most of the items sold at the Breg Embankment Antique Market are small enough to fit in a suitcase. There are neither large pieces of furniture or farmyard equipment, nor second hand clothing. Instead, flea market enthusiasts visiting the Breg Embankment Antique Market will find a colourful selection of treasure and trash.

Of particular interest, or at least striking to those unfamiliar with such items, are various relics from the days of Yugoslavia, and especially wartime memorabilia, like medals, belts, leather packs, helmets, badges, books and documents. However, most vendors at the Breg Embankment Antique Market sell typical finds any antique enthusiasts can expect to find at a similar flea market in Austria or Hungary: crockery, silverware, painted trunks, vintage fixtures, glassware, clocks, hunting trophies, bronze, etc. After all, as a significant part of the Habsburg Empire from the middle ages to the end of WW1, Ljubljana inherited a lot, culturally speaking, from its Austrian neighbor.

The whole Breg Embankment Antique Market can be easily navigated in around half an hour, leaving plenty of time and energy to do something else. From there it is possible to follow the river upstream, visiting Trnovo, a site of many small gardens. Or head up hill, away from the castle, pass the Zois Pyramid and end up – and take a break – in Trg francoske revolucije (French Revolution Square).

All in all, the Breg Embankment Antique Market, is a great place for little explorations which may lead to most surprising and unpredictable finds, but also to discover consumer tastes and design trends in different periods of history and, notably, the former ways of life in Ljubljana and its surrounding areas.