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1. Bratislava’s History

In more than 2,000 years of history, Bratislava came under Celtic, Roman, Germanic and Slavic rule, and for more than two centuries it was Hungary’s royal capital and coronation site. All these influences − and more − have left their mark on the modern Slovak capital. Communist rule also changed the face of the city, and today Baroque architecture rubs elbows with the sometimes jarring relics of the post-World War II Communist era.

2. Art and Culture

Bratislava has numerous art galleries, museums and specialized collections. They include the Slovak National Gallery, the Municipal Gallery and many smaller private art galleries, as well as the Slovak National Museum, the Municipal Museum, the Transportation Museum, the Museum of Jewish Culture, the Historical Clocks Museum − and many more. There are excellent performances of opera and classical music at the Slovak National Theater and Slovak Philharmonic, as well as a roster of jazz, rock and other concerts. During the summer, there are many open-air concerts, festivals and other events.

3. Gastronomy

The local gastronomic tradition is a cosmopolitan blend of Slovak, Hungarian, Moravian and Viennese cuisines, and Slovak wines can be excellent. The Old Town boasts a growing number of top quality restaurants serving international and local cuisine. In the summer, cafes, bars and restaurants spill out into the streets and squares.

4. It’s a compact and friendly city

Bratislava’s Old Town is extraordinarily “user friendly.” Its Central European charm, lively but and laid-back atmosphere, compact size and dozens of outdoor cafes and restaurants make it an ideal destination for weekend getaways.