Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Elegant Bratislava at night

The Folklore Festival Polana

The Polana Folklore Festival

Presidential Palace, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

The Grassalkovich Palace is the residence of the President of Slovakia.

Bratislava city castle

Flags flying proudly over the Bratislava City Castle

Bratislava Old Town Hall

Visit the Old Town Hall in Bratislava

What’s “Next” in Central Europe

For a former Eastern-Bloc city, Bratislava is doing remarkably well. Bratislava and its surrounding area is the second most prosperous region in Central Europe, just behind Prague. But everyone knows about going to the "Czech" part of the former Czechoslovakia, while Slovak's are just starting to see an influx of in-the-know travelers coming to soak up the café culture and youthful atmosphere.

Here's a short history lesson: after the fall of the Great Moravian Empire, Slovakia became part of Hungary from the 10th century until the end of the First World War when the Treaty of Trianon granted Slovakia to Czechoslovakia. Between 1939 and 1944, the country was a German-controlled state, and then was conquered by the Soviets to recreate a pro-Soviet Czechoslovakia. Since 1993, Bratislava has been the capital of the independent Slovak Republic. And Slovak's have wasted no time embracing capitalism.



To see the city's highest point, take to the Slavin Memorial on top of the hill behind the castle. Overlooking the entire city, this monument is in memory of the Soviet casualties during the liberation battle of Bratislava in World War II. On warmer evenings, come sit in the monument's shadows peering down at the traffic below.


If you want to be part of something really "big" come for a visit December 31. In the last decade, Bratislava has been known as "Party-Slava" for New Year's Eve celebrations. The center of the action is at the city's Main Square where locals and travelers dance and drink until the wee hours. The climax of the event are the fireworks bursting in air from the Danube River.

Just about an hour from Vienna and a little over 2.5 hours from Budapest, Bratislava is one of those city's no longer on the verge of popularity – it's already beginning to soar.

So why not pop open a bottle of bubbly and start celebrating now? You're off to Bratislava.


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