Trieste, Ljubljana, Zagreb or somewhere else??

[TheBestSpoon]

DH is going to Northern Croatia with work in May which coincides with a long weekend of inset + bank holiday for the kids. Thinking of taking them out for four days to join him - he'll be in a small town so would probably go for Trieste, Ljubljana or Zagreb, all of which are in striking distance and have direct flights. The kids are boys aged 6 and 3. Any hive mind ideas on which of these would be best with kids this age (or alternative destinations, but nothing too remote as I'll be bringing them on my own!) really appreciated!

I haven't been to Trieste.

I loved Llubljana - it's very green and walkable with great food. We stayed just outside the main pedestrianised bit in an Air B and B. Didn't have kids with us.

Zagreb I really enjoyed, interesting (and traumatic) history, bit grittier - but not much more - very friendly. Again no kids.

In Trieste you have a beautiful classic Italian vibe, the seaside and Miramare for nice parklands.

From Ljubljana you can also do some easy short excursions to Lake Bled, Postojna/Skocjan Caves or the coast (Piran, Portoroz) if you hire a car or go on a tour.

Agree with this, it's a great summary!

Thanks all, food for thought!

Both Trieste and Ljubljana are beautiful and would be lovely. I’ve not been to Zagreb to comment.

Based on my own DS I’d do Trieste as he would enjoy seeing Venice but he’d really enjoy both places.

Zagreb was fab as you can take a day or 2 trip to Plitvice which was beautiful to walk around and do the boat trip. There's tour groups who'll drive you there and back if you don't want to. Llubjana has lake bled which is lush and great for pootling.

Ljubliana is a beautiful small city. I'd highly recommend it. I've only been to Trieste for a day trip from Ljubliana but, personally, didn't like it as much.