Bratislava: Worth a Stop

Few people would make special plans to go to Bratislava when somewhere like Prague is just around the corner with some of the best beer in the world. But allow me to let you in on a little secret: Bratislava has incredible beer too. And that's not all, just keep reading my fellow traveller and you'll be convinced to check it out for yourself.

Bratislava in a Beat

1. Beer is one euro a pint. 
2. Soup is a big deal.
3. The oldest park in Europe is in Bratislava.
4. The city centre is 15 minutes from the airport.
5. Get lost- you'll find something awesome.
6. There is no such thing as a rip off.
7. It's romantic - if you try to see it.
8. The toilets are immaculate.
9. Find luxury by the riverside.
10. Shopping is incredible.

If you have the opportunity to go, even if it's a stop along the way on an interrailing trip - do it. Here's what you have to do while you're there.

Food
Being a self proclaimed foodie, I always take the opportunity to sample local food unless the food in question is a part of one animal stuffed into the part of another animal. (That's why I've never been to Scotland.)

1st Slovak Pub
This huge restaurant looks like it was taken from the top of the Austrian Alps and literally dropped on top of a modern looking street. The inside of the 1st Slovak Pub is both amazing and disgusting. Amaznig because it literally has tapestries and old desks as dining tables, disgusting because it the most tacky, woodsy decor I have ever seen, but even that is in a good way. The food in incredible and cheap, with it being divided into: a student's staple and if you want to impress a girl. I actually went twice during my five day jaunt, the food and atmosphere were both worth seeing again.

Cocktails

Sky Bar
Even though I'm a foodie, I sacrificed my dinner money for an entire evening in Sky Bar. Imagine your regular classy London bar, put it 8 floors up and drop a castle next to it and that's pretty much Sky Bar. It's one of those places that you have to request to visit to the maitre'd on the ground floor - only she can give you access to the lift. Once you step in, the "cool" music (what do I know, I love Britney) and sexy waiters make you feel right at home. The cocktails on the list are innovative and beautiful (see my favourites below). For only 6 euros a cocktail, you can't possibly go wrong.

Casa Del Havana
Live music, tourists and cigars a plenty, Casa del Havana is the only Cuban themed bar I have been to that makes a real attempt at feeling Cuban. It took them 10 minutes plus to make two mojotis: so you know it's good.

Beer Barge
After a full day of wondering around a complicated town of trams and buses and bikes, you're tired, you're a little city stressed and you want a cold pint of deliciousness to cool you down. Look no further than in the Danube. The longest river in the world is filled with boats that serve beer for 1 euro. Yep, you heard that right, one euro. My personal favourite doesn't have a name, but you will notice it because of the umbrellas and delightful potted plants. The underneath is like Jack Sparrow goes disco dancing.

Sights

Bratislava Castle
Or Hrad Bratislava, has been open to the public for the last few years. It offers the best views in Bratislava and it's free. Don't get roped into going to the UFO - the only difference is you won't be able to see the UFO in your vista.

The Blue Church
So it's a church. And it's blue. Trust me, go and see it, it's awesome.

Hviezdoslavovo Promenade
Wandering down the cobbled streets of the Hviezdoslavovo Promenade, one could easily make the mistake of thinking they were somewhere far more upmarket. The hanging baskets, decorative water fountains and modern sculptures make the Hviezdoslavovo Promenade a perfect place to grab a coffee in one of the many bars that line it. Also a prime spot for people watching, particularly when they pose like embarrassing tourists. Ahem.

Activities

Cycling
Get sweaty and cycle around a bit, or alternatively, hop in a kayak. Great cycling trips usually wind up somewhere amazing, like the Devin Castle. Unfortunately, my attempt at finding the castle was disastrous. After cycling up a giant hill only to discover a residential area, I must admit I lost my temper and took it out on the nearest living thing. Which happened to be my darling boyfriend. Bless him for keeping his cool during a rant of I hate yous, it's all your faults and feet stamping - it was far better than I deserved.



Boat Trip
Vienna is just down the road from Bratislava, or rather, just down the river. A day trip to the capital of Austria costs 28 EUR for a return and you get to meet some Austrians (they're a lovely bunch, trust me).

Quick get over there before everyone else finds out Eastern Europe's best kept secret.