Discovering the Hidden Charms of Bratislava

I recently sailed on the Danube and because it was during high season, the major cities we hit were SOOO overcrowded… almost to the point of not being fun – just tour group after tour group everywhere. I love to take pictures, so waiting for people to get out of the way of whatever I wanted to capture a picture of was time consuming and at times I just kind of gave up.

BUT – there were a few hidden gems along the way! My top pick would be Bratislava, Slovakia. Imagine a tiny version of Laguna Beach, CA (art town, great restaurants, picturesque) and without the crowds! It was lovely – we spent an afternoon there, and I would for sure go back and spend a few days there. It was a hip town with a cool vibe, and a nice atmosphere. Only 67KM from Vienna, and 197KM from Budapest. it would be a great place to stay as an alternative to one of those large cities when it’s high season and you can easily get around by train, etc.

If you are a foodie, history buff, or just want to be transported back a few centuries, head to the Old Town. I didn’t have time to explore any art galleries or museums, but there are plenty to keep art enthusiasts happy. The cobblestone streets are narrow, with plenty of bakeries, cozy eateries and there is just life bustling everywhere. This is greatly enhanced during the winter holiday as the town prepares Hviezdoslav Square for Christmas Market. This event usually lasts for about a month and the area is filled with even more shops, crafts, cultural events, and delicious foods to try! If you are looking for a fun and exciting holiday getaway, don’t miss out on this hidden gem!

When you venture away from the city you can enjoy a rural scenery that can best be described as tranquility at its finest. Only a few miles away, along the banks of the Danube, is Devin Castle. Exploring this magnificent gem will grant you some of the best views of the river and fields. I will caution that as they are ruins, you can probably explore everything within an hour or two, even with numerous stops for picture-taking. I would probably skip it if the weather is on the gloomy side, but if you can time it to be there for a sunset you would be in for a real treat.