24 hours in Bratislava…

There really are no excuses for not visiting this small central European gem. Sharing its borders with five countries makes Slovakia incredibly accessible for the traveller coming from all directions of the compass. And its capital Bratislava is quite possibly the perfect destination for the 24 hour traveller.

Since joining the European Union and adopting the Euro as its currency the country has slowly emerged from out of the shadow of its more illustrious neighbour, and one time sister, the Czech Republic.

With its ease of access Slovakia, and in particular Bratislava are fast becoming must-see destinations for the European traveller.

Joy…

The city of Bratislava is a joy to explore. And this year (2009) the city is celebrating 90 years as Slovakia’s capital.

The majority of the attractions for the traveller are situated on the northern side of the Danube. Spanning the river is the interesting New Bridge.  Built in the late 1960s this unique bridge was named Slovakia’s construction of the 20^th Century.

The observation platform is worth the ascent. And for those with a stronger stomach than I there is the UFO restaurant which provides views across Slovakia and neighbouring Austria.

I have vertigo, can I do something else please…?

Yes. The Old Town provides a pleasurable experience for the traveller with its cobbled streets, restaurants and bars. And the Main Square is an ideal place to spend an hour or two drinking, eating, and watching Slovakian life pass by.

Bratislava Castle is the symbol of the city and is impossible to miss, dominating from upon high looking protectively out across the Danube.

Slavin Hill is another of the city’s attractions to offer expansive views across Bratislava and beyond. Crowning the hill is the Soviet monument. Erected in memory of nearly 7000 Soviet soldiers that died liberating the city from the Nazis at the end of the Second World War.

Away from the sights Bratislava is a wonderful city to simply walk and explore. The traveller will come across hidden parks, quiet backstreets and the bizarre.

Keep an eye out for the city’s quirky statues, which among others include; ‘Paparazzi’, ‘Napoleonic Soldier’ and a guy that allegedly spends his time looking up the skirts of passing women from inside a manhole.

Sleep…

Budget accommodation is becoming more readily available and those arriving from the west will notice a significant drop in price. The average cost of a bed in a hostel is around €10 per night, although beds can be found for as little as €7.

I never knew that…

Bratislava is within easy travelling distance of some of the great European destinations. Vienna is just over an hour by rail, Prague around four, and Budapest a little under three.

Bratislava Hlavná Stanica is the city’s central station, from which the Old Town can be reached at a leisurely pace easily within 30 minutes.

Bratislava should be on any central European tour itinerary. It is a city that will befriend instantly and that is essentially what travelling is all about – making friends.  Peace and love fellow travellers. Peace and love…

Links…

Good hostel with amazing basement bar – www.possonium.sk

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Map…

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