The Opera House in the old city
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!
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- Ragged looking grapevines in late summer near Modra
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- An awesome Slovakian Tokaj from Macik Winery
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- The UFO Restaurant
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- Downtown Modra
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- The famous “peeping tom” or “man at work”
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- Old town Bratislava
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- Inside the UFO Restaurant
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- Bentianna, a drink made from a 15th century recipe
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
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.
Good article. In the case of some extra time – It’s much to see outside of Bratislava.
Martin, Slovakia