X

Get FREE Email Updates

Sign Up

Dave's Travel Corner

Seeing the World One Step at a Time

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Guides
  • Journals
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Links
  • Interviews
  • About

above the clouds

International Travel and Lifestyle Blog


Long Weekend in Bratislava, Slovakia

December 13, 2014 by Dave3 Comments

The Opera House in the old city

The Opera House in the old city

I had arranged to meet my brother for a long weekend in Bratislava. He was on his way from Verona Italy where he lives and I was on my way from Kyrgyzstan where I had been trekking the past few weeks. We arrived at our floating Botel on the Danube River within 1 minute of each other. Talk about great timing!

Ready to imbibe in some alcohol after a several week dry spell we immediately headed to the Grand Cru tasting bar, and ordered several Slovakian wines including from a region that is nearly always associated with Hungary, Tokaj. However Slovakia has approximately 20 producers in their part of the Tokaj region on the Slovakian side. The two wines we tried were very well made, with good acidity and balance. One was a crisp white Cabernet Sauvignon – good for the warm evening and the other a very pleasing Tokaj dessert wine.

Unlike nearby Vienna, Bratislava is a tiny city with one of the smallest historical parts of town of any European capital city. As a result it is very easy to turn a stay here into a walking tour. Little courtyards, cafes and cobblestone streets create the perfect atmosphere for doing nothing – leisurely strolling through town and stopping for a coffee or a bit to eat when the urge hits.

Another highlight is the UFO Restaurant and viewing platform located on a tall structure on a bridge about 10-15 minute walk from old town. On a clear day you can easily see all of Bratislava and quite a ways into Austria in the distance.

After spending a day in the old town we headed out to Modra, a decent sized town located in the Small Carpathian wine region. We were there on Sunday and most of the wineries were closed so we started hiking out into the country on small dirt roads. This part of the country is well setup for trekking – signs indicate the km and times to reach various destinations – you hike through gentle rolling hills past vineyards and other agricultural crops.

The Hotel Zochova Chata would make the perfect getaway from the city – it is located in the rural hills and is entirely a self contained resort with a luxurious spa – we were on our way here but had to turn back as it was getting dark, we were on foot and had to be back in Bratislava for our late night 2-hour Thai massage!

Ragged looking grapevines in late summer near Modra
An awesome Slovakian Tokaj from Macik Winery
The UFO Restaurant
Downtown Modra

The famous “peeping tom” or “man at work”
Old town Bratislava
Inside the UFO Restaurant
Bentianna, a drink made from a 15th century recipe

Related posts:

Pebble Beach Food & Wine Weekend The Best Artist in Slovakia Kotor Montenegro Exploring near Khao Yai National Park, Thailand Mendoza, Argentina

Filed Under: Europe · Tagged: Art, Bridges, Coffee, Dessert, Drinking, Hiking, Hungary, Italy, Massage, Mountain Climbing, Resort, Restaurants, Spa, Trekking, Vineyards, Walking tour, Wine Tasting

Comments

  1. Michael Zullo says

    December 13, 2014 at 10:23 am

    Good post, Dave. We enjoyed reading it a lot. The pics bring back some memories of our 3-4 days in Bratislava. It must have been fun to see your brother arrive within 1 minute from your arrival.
    M & G
    Bangkok, Thailand

  2. Dave says

    December 17, 2014 at 3:21 am

    Michael – yes it was perfect timing! Neither one of us like to wait around to much. A few days in Bratislava and surroundings is the perfect stay – nothing is to big here or to far away.

  3. Martin says

    December 18, 2014 at 4:55 am

    Good article. In the case of some extra time – It’s much to see outside of Bratislava.
    Martin, Slovakia

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want an avatar to show with your comments? Get a free Gravatar

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow @DaveDTC

Get FREE Email Updates  I

Categories

Member, Professional Organizations

International Travel Writers Alliance
Travel Massive

Recent Comments

  • Dave on Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage with Holland America: Helicopter Ride + Dog Mushing on Norris Glacier, Juneau
  • Suzy Tan on “Hiko in Tonga” – A Vanishing Culture of Women Jugglers in Tonga – Interview with Paprika Leaverton, Filmmaker, Professional Juggler and Entertainment Performer
  • Susan on 4 Pros and Cons of TSA Precheck
  • Pick Reservations on Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage with Holland America: Helicopter Ride + Dog Mushing on Norris Glacier, Juneau
  • Debra Abby on Russ Hedge, CEO of Hostelling International USA

Latest Posts

  • Rediscovering Lithuania’s Springtime Nature:…
  • Taiwan-Based STARLUX Airlines Launches First Trans…
  • National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossom Season w…
  • The Hollywood Sign Trust Announces Plans To Build …
  • My Visit To Israel

Explore

  • Above the Clouds
  • Guides
  • Highlight of the Month
  • Interviews
  • Journals
  • Press Releases
  • Videos

Prepare

  • Book Reviews
  • Pack List
  • Quiz: Geography
  • Quiz: Travel
  • Tour Booking
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Products

Share

  • Contribute
  • Forums
  • Links
  • Photos

About

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Contributors
  • Email Dave
  • Media Coverage
  • Media Kit
Hi I'm Dave. After a life changing trip in 1996, I began this site as a creative outlet to educate, inspire and share travel experiences. Read more...
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo
  • YouTube

Return to top of page
Copyright © 1996–2023 Dave's Travel Corner · All Rights Reserved · Log in

7ads6x98y