Bratislava
Take a short trip to Bratislava, a quirky old city just over the border into Slovakia. Surrounded by wine country, this place has worked hard to become a destination. The local culture is fun and full of life. The architecture is beautiful and the city views are worth the trip.
The center of the city is the Old Town. You can walk it and see all of the sites in about two hours. It's quaint and beautiful and a block from the Danube. Primatial Palace is a 1780's palace with incredible tapestries and the Old Town Hall has an impressive Gothic and Baroque façade. Michael's Gate is the only city gate left from the city fortifications dating to the 1300s. It has a weapons museum inside, but the views of the Old Town and Bratislava Castle from the tower are worth the entrance fee. Be sure not to miss the funky statues in the city. The famous "Man at Work" is a sewer worker resting at the top of a manhole. The man at the edge of the main square tipping his top hat is Schöner Náci, who was an eccentric old man who lived in Bratislava until the '60s. It's a sweet little tribute and a great photo op if you want to pose with him.
Outside of the Old Town, you can take in Bratislava Castle. In the 18 century, Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa transformed this 900 AD fortress into a royal residence. It now houses a national museum. Hike up and enjoy the view. Restaurant Parlament is located just under Bratislava Castle and serves Slovakian and Mediterranean dishes. You're actually going there for the view, so try to get lunch. It's frequently booked for events and weddings, so it's best to call ahead.
If you want a 5 Star view of the city, go to the Pylos Bridge and up to the UFO. At sunset it will be crowded, but you'll come home with gorgeous pictures. If you go for dinner, Bratislava Castle is lit up and beautiful against the dark sky.
Stay at one of two 5 Star hotels near the Old Town:
Marrol's Boutique Hotel places you in the heart of Bratislava, within a 15-minute walk of Primate's Palace and St. Martin's Cathedral and 2.2 mi from Bratislava Castle. Use the fitness center or have dinner at Restaurant Houdini and wrap up your day at the bar.
https://5startravelguru.trvl.com/hotel/marrols-boutique-hotel
Roset Boutique Hotel. Located within a 15-minute walk of Primatial Palace and 2 miles from Bratislava Castle, this 28-room hotel has a spa tub, sauna, 24-hour fitness center, restaurant and lounge.
https://5startravelguru.trvl.com/hotel/tulip-house-boutique-hotel-bratislava
If you want to experience life beyond the doors of your hotel, grab a cocktail at Nu Spirit Bar, right around the corner from both hotels then get dinner at Modrá Hviezda. It is a small and romantic Slovakian restaurant with authentic and delicious national specialties.
Enjoy the culture and architecture of beautiful Bratislava! Bon voyage!
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