Take in sights from a 1970s Skoda, dine in a flying saucer and rave in a cave: this is how to spend 48 hours in Bratislava
Sitting on the Danube, Slovakia's tiny capital is packed full of hidden gems
THE Slovakian capital may be small, but it's definitely big on charm.
Fabulous writer Ella Buchan tells you how to spend 48 hours in Bratislava.
EXPLORE fairy-tale castles
The city straddles the Danube river – overlooked by the 9th-century Bratislava Castle.
From the edge of the Old Town, weave up cobbled streets to reach the four-towered monument filled with exhibits on Slovakia’s history. Entry is free.
Or take a half-hour, 80p journey on the 29 bus from Most SNP Bridge to Devin Castle for panoramic views over the Danube and Morava rivers. Entry costs £1.30.
TOUR in a vintage car
Hop in a cute ‘70s Skoda to explore the city’s Communist history, visiting the soaring monument to fallen Soviet soldiers at Slavín and peeking inside hidden bunkers built pre-WW2. The four-hour tour costs £42 per person.
Or explore the vineyards of the Small Carpathians with a six-hour tasting tour, including a visit to 16th-century Red Stone Castle – home to one of Europe’s biggest wine cellars – for £120.
SPY street art
Crowds queue on Laurinská Street for a photo with Cumil – a bronze statue peeping from a manhole.
For traditional Slovakian art alongside edgy exhibits, visit Nedbalka Gallery – entry is £3.45.
Later, hire a bike from £13 per day and cycle by the Danube.
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DINE in a UFO
The flying saucer of the UFO building rises 95 metres above the Most SNP Bridge.
Its restaurant, Taste, serves dishes such as lobster broth as part of a seven-course tasting menu, £65.
On a budget? You can whizz up to the top for views of Bratislava Castle for £5.60.
Or linger in the bar with a coconut mojito, £8, and pop to the “loo with a view”.
Orbis Street Food is where hipsters eat burritos, £4.50, and twice- cooked fries by bright-yellow oil drums.
Re:fresh has great vegetarian “Robi-meat” burgers with pickle and caramelised onions, £7, alongside rich traditional fare, such as potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese and bacon.
PARTY in a cave
Subclub is a cult live music spot tucked in a former bomb shelter under Bratislava Castle. Duck through tunnels to reach the dance floor, packed with locals partying to electronica and reggae, entry from £3.
A glass of decent local wine costs just £2 in cosy low-lit bar La Putik.
Or sip a vintage negroni, £5, while sinking into soft leather chairs at Urban House.
SLEEP by the palace
Rooms at Loft Hotel Bratislava come with free mini-bar drinks, exposed brick details and plush beds adorned with faux-bearskin throws.
Minutes from the Old Town, some rooms even have views over the Presidential Palace gardens. Doubles cost from £70 per night.
Return flights start from £30.
Plus, if you're trying to save some pennies on this year's break, check out these budget destinations.