The capital of Slovakia with its bountiful nature, quirky art offering and rich history is a true underrated pearl of Eastern Europe. Bratislava has some fantastic pubs and hearty food at affordable prices so it is no surprise that this city has proven increasing popular as a group weekend break especially with stag parties, but with so much great history and architecture, it has a lot more to offer.
Bratislava Castle – Not only does this Castle provide visitors with impressive views but is also home to Slovak National Museum highlighting the country's rich history.
Fabulous Old Town – With a real Old Town feel, this is a fantastic area to wander while also sampling some of the best traditional cuisine.
Vienna - If time allows, this incredible city boasting grand architecture and a phenomenal musical heritage can be reached in 75 minute on the Twin City Liner.
Enter the Old Town of Bratislava through the medieval St Michael’s Gate and Tower and discover a picturesque social hub of cobbled streets which are bursting with hidden churches, side street cafes, Baroque Palace and more. The area is also home to fantastic restaurants serving up some traditional Slovak cuisine. On the edge of the Old Town, you will find the Cathedral which has been the coronation church for eleven monarchs and although it may seem quite simple on the outside for a capital’s cathedral, venture inside and discover beautiful stained glass and impressive ceilings. And for a more unconventional church, check out the unusual and colourful Blue Church, Slovakia’s most impressive Art nouveau structure.
Head up the hill from here to the Castle as this impressive reconstructed white Baroque fortress overlooks the river and the whole of the city. With settlers on the castle hill dating back to the Stone Age and reference of this castle as far back as the early 10th century, today the castle serves as the Slovak Parliament as well as having a number of great museums, beautiful gardens to explore and a terrace café with fantastic views.
For spectacular views, cross the SNP Bridge and climb the tower to UFO Observation Deck to look out to the castle and beyond; or dine in style at the restaurant here which also boasts the same great 360 degree views. From here, it is super easy to get a bus out of the city to the Devin Castle Ruin, an ancient castle partially destroyed by Napoleon and one of the area’s most famous landmarks. On the same bus, head to one of the last remaining pieces of the iron curtain before returning to the city to see more of this city’s political past at the Slavin Liberation Memoria and the Museum of Jewish Culture.