Bratislava: The Bradt City Guide

THE Slovakian capital is fewer than 200 kilometers from Budapest yet; it is not a frequent destination for people living here. However the economic boom of the "Tatra Tiger" has left its mark on Bratislava, and the long-ignored town has turned into a pleasant tourist destination in the triangle of Vienna, Budapest and Prague.


THE Slovakian capital is fewer than 200 kilometers from Budapest yet; it is not a frequent destination for people living here. However the economic boom of the "Tatra Tiger" has left its mark on Bratislava, and the long-ignored town has turned into a pleasant tourist destination in the triangle of Vienna, Budapest and Prague. Former Style editor of The Budapest Sun Lucy Mallows is the author of the first Bradt guidebook dedicated to Bratislava. The pocket book size guide makes you want to pack your bags and go to discover what this long neglected town has to offer. In fact, no large amount of luggage is needed, as Bratislava is a town that can be discovered and explored in a few days, writes Mallows. A medieval city center that was preserved in very good shape and renovated recently, good cuisine and local beers at reasonable prices, and a certain Socialist-Realist charm that is becoming rare in central Europe are the major attractions. Downtown has a number of medieval churches, a castle, and several cafés that, in spring and summer, bring a sort of Mediterranean atmosphere to the city. The restaurants serve traditional Slovakian dishes based on cabbage and ham, as well as the local dumplings, halusky, while large beers are sold at low prices, compared to Vienna or Budapest.


Bratislava residents, most of whom speak primarily German, are friendly, compared to Hungarians, Mallows remarked.


She has compiled a concise and fair overview of the town's history, sights, and practicalities such as accommodation or best beers, giving insights about certain cafés, restaurants, buildings and people. In addition, one day Slovakians and Slovenians will probably present the author with a medal of honor for making the distinction between the two countries clear, all in a way that George W Bush, in turn, will not thank Mallows for. It is a pity that the useful publication is so frugal in pictures: only five of them color the enjoyable text.





Bratislava: The Bradt City Guide


By Lucy Mallows


Soon available at Pendragon Book shop Pest, District XIII, Pozsonyi u. 21-23.


Tel: 340-4426




16.02.2006