With its rich history and ever increasing international cultural significance, it is not surprising that Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia, has become an increasingly popular tourist and business destination. The city boasts award winning architecture and public spaces. Maribor hotels have been expanding to meet the growing demand for rooms in the coming years. This urban center of 157,947 people will be the 2012 European Capital of culture, the 2013 European Youth Capital, as well as host the 2013 Winter Universiade.

Maribor, the capital city of region of Lower Styria, was first recognized as a town in 1254, giving the city a rich history and style. There are many interesting attractions to show this, such as the Maribor Town Hall, which was constructed in the Renaissance style, or 12th Century Gothic Maribor Cathedral. The Maribor Synagogue, the second oldest in Europe, was built in the 14th history, and is a testament to the long Jewish history in the area.

Maribor hotels range from modest hostels for the frugal traveler to some very modern and luxurious offerings. Cuisine in this city is very international, but also exemplifies some of the best local offerings available. Slovene cuisine entails sausages with sauerkraut, sour soup, cheese dumplings, tripe, buckwheat mush, strudel, and traditional desserts such as gibanica. The city is surrounded by vineyards, and is actually home to a 440 year-old grape vine. In 2004 this was recorded as a world record. The Pohorje Mountain range is the most visited spot in the area and is the site of many exciting Ski events.

Maribor is a mix of many great things. It has recently been rapidly expanding, allowing the best in modern culture, while maintaining a sense of its history. Although it is by no means yet a great metropolis, this capital city represents the best of the future of Slovenia. Eastern Europe is both rich in destinations and extremely affordable to a Western traveller. Maribor hotels are eager to serve international customers. From one tourist to another, this place will continue to grow, and it truly is an exciting town to see.