In the flat West lies Bratislava - the capital of Slovakia that is so close to the border with Austria it seems like even it is trying to leave the country!

Small Country, Small City

You can climb above Bratislava by visiting the 15th century castle that is the dominant landmark in order to measure just how big a town it is and then wonder, while you walk the streets of the old town, why everything seems quite small and quaint.

Well, it does only have half a million people, which is less than most capital cities that I can think of in Europe, and it is easy enough to walk through the centre in a morning. So take your time along your path to stop in the coffee shops and walk down the back alleys. By doing this, the enjoyment to be found in of the town starts to become apparent to you. It is a very pleasant little place.

Cultured with a Capital C

In recent years the city has undergone somewhat of a cultural reawakening and made an amazing turn for the better with the Old Town freshly renovated. The city’s charming baroque and gothic treasures are looking all the more inviting to the eye.

The brazen commercialism that is centre stage in most Western European towns, seems curiously absent here, but for in a few – quite unattractive - shopping centers. And you wonder “How can this be?” and then you wonder if you miss it.. perhaps there is nothing to do without a street packed with shops? Perhaps forget about them?

Of course, there are plenty of shops, they are just dotted about a bit and you might have to hunt them down if that is what you really want.. Or you can simply walk up and down the Korzo along the edge of the old town. Well, this is where the Bratislavians head for a stroll.

Rowdy Night Life

Obchodna street on the other hand, is quite rowdy, lined with many pubs and cafés that are always busy after dark. The street itself looks a bit, well, tacky.. you’ll find your plastic souvenirs here.

The romantic spot to promenade is the park ‘Sad Janka Krala’, on the old town side of the Danube river between somewhere between the New ‘SNP‘ Bridge and the Old Bridge. But beware of the breeze.. the Danube is so wide it often feels like you are at the sea side.