The Road Less Travelled - Bratislava, Slovakia

The Germans call it Pressburg, the Hungarians call it Pozsony, for Croatians it is Požun, but this wonderful Slovakian capital is popularly known by the name of Bratislava. A sleepy port along Danube River, Bratislava is a charming medieval city with cobbled winding streets dotted with historic churches, red-tiled rooftops and pastel 18^th century buildings. Just a 30 minute walk from the city, are the densely forested Carparthians, from where the trail to a mountainous extent runs country-wide, virtually unimpeded by civilisation.

Caught between the westernmost tip of the Carpathians and the flat plain of the Danube, with both Austria and Hungary enticingly close, Bratislava has two distinct sides to it. On the one hand, there's the Old Town or Staré Mesto, a manageable, attractive, mostly pedestrianized quarter lined with renovated baroque palaces; on the other hand, there's the rest of the city or Nové Mesto, a mixture of inter-war residences and post-war high rises typical of the former Eastern bloc. Quaint maybe, but not too old in its lifestyle, the city boasts one of Eastern Europe's most spectacular modern art spaces and intriguing Socialist-era architecture. This contrast has now become an integral part of the Bratislava.

As you arrive at the Main Train Station, Bratislava welcomes you with the pleasant sight of vineyards on the Carpathian slopes edging towards the Danube River. The Austrian border is almost within sight of the city and Hungary is just 16 kilometres away.  Bratislava’s most popular attractions are the Old Town and the Bratislava Castle that speak volumes of the 2000 years of rich history dating back to Celtic times. The Bratislava Castle is a magnificent dominating structure that houses the museum and Slovakian treasury. For history buffs, the city has plenty to offer. Visit the Museum of Jewish Culture, Devin Castle, Synagogue and Slavín War Memorial. St. Martin's Cathedral is the largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava, situated below Bratislava Castle.

A must visit - don’t miss out on a trip to the New Bridge, a bridge over the Danube River, with its flying saucer-shaped structure housing a restaurant called ‘UFO’. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the Old Town from the observation deck here.

Plan a trip to Bratislava and prepare yourself to get thoroughly charmed. With none of the tourist crowd of Vienna and Prague, the relaxed feel of the Old Town and heart-warming weather, you may want to stay longer…