Bratislava the capital of Slovakia 
 It was love at first sight for me. The city has everything a tourist would want. Most people head to Prague or Vienna but I have been there many times. So I wanted a change. 

I stayed at the Ibis centre hotel which was beside the old town.
Not bad digs--100euros for a single room for 2 nights. 

I arrived at lunch time. I had done my research. So I knew what to look for. After checking into my hotel, I threw my bags in my room and walked to the see the famous UFO tower. The most famous landmark in the city. This structure stands on a bridge over the River Danube. I took the lift to almost the top. It takes 45 seconds.  You have to climb upstairs to get to the viewing platform. Hold on tight to the steel ladders.
Worth it to get to the wonderful panoramic views of the city.   

Bratislava UFO Tower is part of The World Federation of Great Towers 

Looked over to the historical centre.

I enjoyed an expensive beer in the UFO bar. It is only 10 meters below the viewing point. Great to chill and take in the views. 

Town Square

The old town is charming, walkable, and full of strange statues to surprise you around a lot of corners. Everything leads to Hlavné námestie. Which means Town Square. ​

Loved the old town.

I spent a lot of time searching for these statues. I fancied a beer so I looked out for the Loch Ness pub. Sadly it lay empty. I decided to try The Dubliner. Which sold a great pint of Kilkenny. I enjoyed in there.

St Martins

St. Martin's Cathedral is across from the digs. 13th - 14th century church. One of the most impressive landmarks of Bratislava,

Old Town Hall Stará radnica

Day 2
​Only full day I had. I decided to explore further afield. Misty day so not great for photography. First stop was the The Church of St. Elizabeth. Commonly known as the Blue Church. 

The Blue Church

Slavin

Slavín is a memorial monument and military cemetery in Bratislava. It is the burial ground of thousands of Soviet soldiers who fell during World War II while taking over the city in April 1945 from the occupying Germans. ​

Special Central Train Station

I was walking back into the city centre when I saw a very smart looking restaurant which had a sign outside. Cake and coffee 5euros.I said to myself that will do me. I had a big breakfast so didn't need much. 
Nice cake and coffee. I went over to pay and the smart looking gentleman said 9euros.I said the sign outside says 5euros.The guy said you never told me you didn't want a big slice. Aw well that was me beat.

After that it was on to the Presidential Palace. I had a wander round the grounds. Lovely place.

Presidential Palace

Later I walked up to wander round the Castle grounds. Once again great views..Right along the river Danube. The gardens are free to enter. I will be making a short film of my time there.

Dinner in the House of beer .

Later on I visited the Sky bar to see the view and enjoy an expensive beer.
​Then back to my local bar. Drinking beer with a frothy head.

The Certa was cool. Right next to the hotel. Played good music. 

Day3  Homeward bound
Only time for breakie and a short walk round the Oldtown. It was snowing
overnight so some of the roofs were white.
Then taxi back to airport. Gladly I payed the right fare.

• The City of Kings: Over the years it has been Capital of several kingdoms and empires throughout its history, including the Kingdom of Hungary and the First of the Czechoslovak Republic.
• Bratislava is the smallest capital city in the European Union.

Did you know Bratislava was known as Pressburg Until 1919? It had been part of Hungary for 1000 years. I grew up with Czech Republic and Slovakia being one country.​ 

Big huge thanks for Andrew and Yvonne for my super Christmas present. 

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