Germany Vs Slovakia

Bustling cities and contemporary conveniences. That’s Germany! It is a holiday destination for those whom antiquity isn’t as important as modernity.

Slovakia in Central Europe is diverse in many ways. Castles and churches. Hot springs and national parks. Arts and architecture. Protected by its better known neighbors including Austria and Hungary, Slovakia is a tourist delight. Relatively unexplored, the country has a rich heritage to tell of. Like they say ‘explore the unexplored’ and you’ll be in for a real treat!

Here’s what a holiday in Germany or Slovakia entails…

Berlin

Berlin is where the old and new meet. Being one of the top populous cities in the European Union, Berlin is a prominent hub for technological, construction, pharmaceuticals and biomedical engineering companies. Berlin is also a popular tourist destination and while here, there’s plenty to explore. Travellers who enjoy an urban lifestyle will especially be in for a treat. The Brandenburg Gate is the city’s most prominent landmark and particularly impressive when lit up at night. Checkpoint Charlie is steeped in history as this was the border between West and East Germany. Today, the area is buzzing with corporate offices and businesses. Other sites definitely worth checking out in Berlin include the Potsdam’s Gardens, Berlin Cathedral and the beautiful German square, Gendarmenmarkt. Also, don’t miss taking a riverboat cruise down Berlin’s two large rivers, the Spree and Havel.

What to Eat

While German food doesn’t nearly have the sophisticated reputation that French cuisine does, there are some must-haves. Beer lovers will love the multitude beer gardens and pubs serving local and craft brews. A great way to start the day is with an authentic German breakfast comprising the choicest of breads, cheeses and meats. Other popular German eats are stuffed schnitzels, traditional German sausages called bratwursts and pretzels.

Where to Stay

Hotels in Berlin will not set you back as much as those in Paris as you’ll find far more options across all budgets. In the city centre Mitte of the former East city, choose from Park Inn by Radisson Berlin-Alexanderplatz Hotel, NH Berlin Heinrich Heine Hotel or Best Western Hotel am Spittelmarket. Fancier and pricier options across the city include Grand Hyatt Berlin, The Westin Grand, Berlin Hotel and Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome.

Slovakia

Bratislava: Along the Danube River bordering Austria and Hungary lies the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava. Dotted with monuments and buildings representative of its medieval history, the Bratislava Castle is probably the town’s most famous landmark perched above the Danube River. The Devin Castle atop a rock where the Morava River meets the Danube River is an important Slovak archaeological site and houses a museum. Bratislava is blessed with nature’s bounty in the form of the Little Carpathian mountains, vineyards and forest trails. The city also has its share of museums and churches, namely the Slovak National Museum, the Bratislava City Gallery, the Bratislava City Museum, the Church of St. Elizabeth and the Trinitarian Church. For some fun, enjoy a day on the Danube Promenade, take a stroll through Primate's Square in Old Town and admire Michael’s Gate, a 14th century green copper roof known to be one of the oldest buildings in Bratislava and built as one of the four gates in to the city.

Kosice
A city dating back to the 8th century, Kosice has a rich medieval heritage and culture. Declared the European Capital of Culture in 2013, there is much to see and do here. Visit some prominent points of interest like Slovakia’s biggest church, St. Elisabeth Cathedral with its vaulted ceilings, wall frescoes and stained glass windows. Also visit the historic St. Urban Tower, the Baroque style State Theatre and the Eastern-Slovakia Museum with its collection of gold. The Spis Castle ruins, one of the largest castle sites in Central Europe is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and worth a visit. In Kosice, every street tells a story and Main Street with its aristocratic palaces and Catholic churches is no different. A pedestrian-only zone, Main Street’s modern dwellers come in the form of boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

How To Get There
Major international airlines including Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Flydubai operate via flights from India to Bratislava. Check for available flights from your city here.

Destination	Berlin, Germany	Bratislava, Slovakia
Hotels (centrally located)	Rs. 6,900 per night (single room)	Rs. 6,136 per night (Comfort room at Loft Hotel Bratislava) Rs. 6,241 per night (Standard room at Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel Bratislava) Rs. 11,217 (Classic room at Sheraton Bratislava Hotel)
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner without alcohol)	Rs. 3,200 per day	Rs. 2,000 per day
Local Transportation (public bus)	Rs. 205 per ticket	Rs. 55 per ticket
Miscellaneous	Rs. 2,900 per day	Rs. 1,500 per day

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

Both Germany and Slovakia are unconventional holiday destinations. This makes them all the more worth exploring for the unique experiences that can be head unlike anywhere else in the world. If you’re looking for more of a big-city feel, then a holiday in Germany will give you that in addition to a history lesson!