Best Places to Visit

When you get off the airline, train, or car that took you to Slovakia, the chances are that you'll be in Bratislava. Since Slovakia's independence, this city of roughly 425,000 has served as the country's capital, and it's a colorful mix of styles. As you explore each castle and palace, you can expect to see Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture all in one walk. Blocky apartment complexes harken back to the influence of the Communist Party of Slovakia, which contrasts sharply with the opulent forms of prior decades. During the day, you'll be wandering the beautiful Old Town and perusing cafes and stores, but after the sun sets, you'll be unable to ignore the noisy nightlife. Bachelor parties from Vienna frequently travel to Bratislava to take advantage of the city's endless supply of beer and boisterous bars. If you want to be social, Bratislava is the place to go.

Or if you are an extreme sports lover, you can take a trip to the High Tatras mountain range. The High Tatras are part of the greater Carpathian range, which stretches across the Slovakia-Poland border. There are ski resorts, over 600 kilometers of recognized hiking paths, and charming mountain communities to visit in this area. The Tatranská Magistrála trail, which connects the mountains from east to west, is popular among long-distance walkers. The tracks are popular with mountain bikers and snowshoers. Climbers can test their skills on unusual routes. To summarize, if you're looking to get outside, this is the place to be!