24 www.guestlist.net 6 TRAVEL
Issue 34 / 2012
FIVE REASONS TO VISIT BRATISLAVA
Bratislava is popping with fun, charm and oddity. As the capital city of Slo- vakia it mixes metropolitan excitement with bohemian vibes, and is a great place for a long or short visit.
CULTURE
Bratislava has a selection of galleries, showcasing tal- ent from an eclectic mix of artists. Bratislava is either in Eastern or Central Europe, depending who you ask, and the art reflects this, you'll also find some much more American influences. There are several museums you can visit and the city's Castle is worth a look. Close by Vienna, Bratislava also has a heavy Opera culture.
QUIRKS
Surprising statues, beautiful street art, ornate churches and strangely shaped architecture give central Bratislava a sort of kitsch vs. shabby chic look. You can travel through time easily, in five minutes going from a busy 21st century road to a cobbled street. There are talented buskers everywhere, and occasional concerts in the middle of the main square.
NIGHTLIFE
After dark the whole main pedestrian area seems to turn into a party. The city is popular with hen and stag groups be- cause of its cheapness, but it's buzzing with all kinds of people throughout spring, summer and autumn. Drinks and club entry won't break the bank and there's a massive choice of where to go and what music to listen to.
THE UFO
Sort of sci-fi, sort of sleek, on one side of New Bridge is UFO Bridge. It's over 85 metres high, there is a viewing platform, bar and restaurant. You have beautiful panoramic views, from an open air platform or from the comfort of a squishy seat in the bar.
ICE HOCKEY
Bratislava hosted the Ice Hock- ey World Championship in 2011, and so improved its Ice Hockey Stadium to a 10,000 seat ca- pacity as well as modernising. There's an electric atmosphere here on match days, and it's a fun day for anyone, ice hockey fan or not. You can watch Slovan Bratislava matches on some days here September through to February (and pos- sibly a little later depending on what happens in the league), so check the schedule if you want to catch one.
