Bratislava

Bratislava is the largest city in Slovakia as well as the seat of the country's government. However it is not just the political but is also the cultural capital of Slovakia. Sitting at the crossroads of a number of countries the city's cultural scene is a product of German, Slovak, Hungarian, and Jewish influences. Bratislava boasts numerous theatres, museums, galleries and concert halls. Bratislava is justly considered a city of music. In the past, giants of music like Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Rubinstein, and Hummel have written and performed here.

The historical center is quite compact but ideal for a stroll and full of charm. Cobblestoned roads, pedestrian alleyways and plazas, pastel 18th-century rococo buildings and street cafes galore make up this vibrant Old Town. No need to venture too far out of the center as most historical building are concentrated in the Old Town and the outskirts are made up of institutional housing blocks and bizarre communist construction. The most prominent structure is the Bratislava castle sitting on a hill overlooking the town, this combined with the Old Town make for a perfect day trip from Vienna or overnight stop on a tour of Eastern Europe.