{"id":12044,"date":"2015-06-09T19:28:38","date_gmt":"2015-06-09T19:28:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thesojournseries.com\/bavaria\/?p=12044"},"modified":"2015-06-09T19:36:57","modified_gmt":"2015-06-09T19:36:57","slug":"briefly-in-bratislava","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.thesojournseries.com\/bavaria\/briefly-in-bratislava\/","title":{"rendered":"Briefly in Bratislava…"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A mere one hour’s drive from Vienna lies Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, and the only capital city in the entire world to border two countries – Austria and Hungary.<\/p>\n

We had a stop over there last week on our way to Budapest for the weekend (one thing I love about Bavaria is the amount of Bank holidays!!). \u00a0Whilst this stop was initially to break up the journey, it was great to find out what this \u201cLittle Big City\u201d has to offer at the same time, and we all loved it – it’s compact, clean and relaxed. \u00a0 Plus some of the architecture is stunning too (as you might imagine of somewhere with such a varied history<\/a>). \u00a0Wander down most leafy streets here and there are more than a few examples of faded (and not so faded) glory…<\/p>\n

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Relaxed locals\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Rightly proud of their city, the people are polite and welcoming. \u00a0Happy that you have taken the time to come and explore, many are happy to chat, practice their English (when this fails German works sometimes) and advise you on what to see, \u00a0where to eat, and what not to miss…<\/p>\n

We started with the park behind the Presidential Palace,<\/a>\u00a0seconds from our hotel. \u00a0 \u00a0This green lung is where locals come to relax, and seek shade on days as hot as we experienced there. \u00a0 From there we ventured through Saint Michael’s Gate<\/a>, and down into the heart of the old city… \u00a0 Based around one main square, there are a few touristy shops on the perimeter as you might imagine but a couple of the vast traditional cafes are worth a coffee at least, to see the original interiors alone…<\/p>\n

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Keep an eye out for the street art on show here too, there’s some in the main square near the pretty Jesuit Church, and you can’t miss the man half out of an imaginary man hole just around the corner from here (beware the ice-cream shop close to this statue who charges a lot for a gnome sized amount of ice-cream)…\u00a0\"1-IMG_9556-001\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Then on to St.Elizabeth’s<\/a>, Bratislava\u2019s famous Blue Church. \u00a0 It almost matched the colour of the sky that day, and whilst the Small People inspected all the outside details (and decided it looked like a cake), I took plenty of pictures of both that, and the former (now derelict) hospital opposite, with its impressive communist worker statues guarding the doorways.<\/p>\n

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Fortune found us a leafy nearby beer garden to cool off in (bizarrely teeming with thousands of baby ladybirds, and with the bonus of a teeny playground for the small people), and we took some time out to enjoy some ice-cold drinks and the delicious cooking smells wafting across the tables. \u00a0Appetites whetted, we decided to see a little more of the city before dinner, and headed for a walk along the waterfront before making our way back into town. \u00a0 \u00a0Whilst walking, we all commented several times what a laid back and relaxed vibe this place has…<\/p>\n

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Once back in the centre, we decided on a restaurant pretty much straight away (very unlike us), lured by the pretty (and very busy) tables in the courtyard (always a good sign!) \u00a0 Pod Kammenym Stromom specialises in grilled meat, fish and salads. \u00a0We soon got chatting to the owner who gave up an advertising career to open up his life’s ambition, and this is his passion. He recommended the catfish for us, and steak for the small people, all of which came with a leafy fresh salad and new potatoes (the menu is limited to just a few dishes as they are passionate about good food and freshness). \u00a0It was excellent, and pretty reasonable too coming in at around Fifty Euros for the four of us\u2026<\/p>\n

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Happily stuffed, we wandered back in fading daylight to our hotel. \u00a0The Loft is in a great position for exploring Bratislava, close to everything (including the main station), it also boasts a decent restaurant and an in-house brewery, which is apparently a result according to Mr R. \u00a0 \u00a0Rooms are spacious and well equipped, and communal areas are stylish and modern. \u00a0 \u00a0 The Small People were both happy about not having to share a bed (too many hotels palm off an unfolded sofa bed to share as a “family room” option nowadays!) and we were happy about not having to listen to any arguing about it…<\/p>\n

All in all, I wouldn\u2019t hesitate to recommend Bratislava. \u00a0 This “Little Big City” has a big heart, and more than enough to keep you busy with centrally for a day or two. \u00a0 And when you think you have exhausted everything, then the surrounding countryside has plenty on offer too…<\/p>\n

What to see<\/strong>: \u00a0The Old City, Hrad Castle (which we will get to next time), the Blue Church.<\/em><\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/strong>: \u00a0 Loft Hotel Bratislava<\/a>,\u00a0 \u0160tef\u00e1nikova 4, 811 05 \u00a0Bratislava, Tel.: + 421 2 5751 1000<\/em><\/p>\n

Where to eat<\/strong>: Pod Kamennym<\/a>\u00a0Stromom,\u00a0Sedlarska ulica 10<\/span>, Bratislava 81101. \u00a0And afterwards brave the long queue for Koun<\/a>, the best handmade ice cream in Bratislava (closes at 8pm though – be warned !)…\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

More pictures to follow shortly…<\/p>\n

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