Bratislava

by Lucy Mallows

Overview

This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Bratislava remains the only guide dedicated to this compact and increasingly popular city. Split into ten easy-to-follow chapters, the guide covers everything from local politics and cultural etiquette in the opening sections, followed by information on planning, practical information, local transport (including the new bike-sharing scheme), accommodation, eating and drinking, entertainment, nightlife, sports and shopping. City walks are also included, focusing on the main sights and beyond, plus sightseeing, from castles and palaces to museums, galleries, churches, gardens and parks. Beyond the city itself there are sections on Devín, Cervený Kamen, Ancient Gerulata, Rusovce, the Small Carpathian Wine Route, Senec, Piestany Spa, Trnava and Kosice. There are also useful reference sections on language (pronunciation and words and phrases) and sources of further information.

The legendary Casanova knew Bratislava and declared it 'the most beautiful city in Europe', and he knew a thing or two about beauty. Situated by the mighty Danube River and nestling in the Small Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is a good-looking capital filled with good-looking people who seem to be enjoying life. This is a city which effortlessly blends history with hedonism, where world-class restaurants have been joined by a clutch of quality coffee houses and literary tea and bookshops.

Bratislava's small size is satisfying: it's compact and visitor-friendly with many superbly curated museums and not one but two opera houses, rivalling those in Budapest and Vienna. In short, Bratislava is the perfect destination for a weekend break, a romantic city break, a family holiday or as a base from where to discover the underrated attractions in the rest of Slovakia, and with Bradt's Bratislava you'll have everything you need for a successful trip.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784771713
Publisher:	Bradt Travel Guides Ltd
Publication date:	04/25/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	17 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Born and educated in the UK, Lucy Mallows spent 16 years in Budapest and Brussels, working as a photo journalist, travel writer and translator. An expert on central Europe who spoke seven languages, including Russian, Hungarian and a fair attempt at Slovak, her passions were travel, music, swimming, photography and football! Sadly, Lucy passed away early in 2018.

This edition has been updated by Tim Burford, who started writing guidebooks for Bradt in 1991, in Romania and Poland, and also led hiking trips in the mountains of Romania, Poland and Slovakia, so passed through Bratislava quite often until 2003. 'I always loved it' he says 'and I was very happy to be asked to update this book. I walked everywhere and also made use of the new bike-sharing system to check every detail. I also have a good grasp of the history and culture of central Europe, where I've now worked for almost thirty years.'

Table of Contents

How to use this guide

Introduction

Chapter 1 Contexts

Geography, Climate, Natural history, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Religion, Culture and festivals, Business, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively

Chapter 2 Planning

A practical overview, When to visit (and why), Highlights and suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Money and budgeting

Chapter 3 Practicalities

Tourist information, Local tour operators, Embassies and consulates, Money, Media and communications, Religious services, Public toilets

Chapter 4 Local Transport

Public transport, Bratislava by bike, Taxis, Car hire, Danube river cruises

Chapter 5 Accommodation

Luxury hotels, Four-star hotels, Three-star hotels, Pensions, Hostels, Camping

Chapter 6 Eating and Drinking

Food, Drink, Restaurants, Cafés and tearooms, Bars, pubs and clubs

Chapter 7 Entertainment, Nightlife, Sport and Shopping

Theatre, Music, Nightclubs and discos, Casinos, LGBT+ Bratislava, Cinema, Sports, Shopping

Chapter 8 Walking Tours

Walk one - Old Town, Walk two - castle and beyond

Chapter 9 Museums and Sightseeing

Major sights, Museums, Galleries, Churches and religious buildings, Gardens and parks, Squares, Bridges, Also worth a visit

Chapter 10 Beyond the City

Devín, Ancient Gerulata, Rusovce, Senec, Small Carpathian Wine Route, Cervený Kamen, Trnava, Piestany, Kosice

Appendix 1 Language

Pronunciation, Words and phrases

Appendix 2 Further Information

Books, Websites

Index

Editorial Reviews

If there is one word, which characterises this guide to Transylvania it has to be 'enthusiasm'. Lucy Mallows'. passion for the place shines through the pages of her guide, generating interest and curiosity on the part of the reader.

The Budapest Times

An appealing, highly readable companion to this beguiling city, and a refreshing contrast to the usual ‘cram-it-all-in’ digest of urban highlights. A civilised guide to a civilised place.

Wanderlust - Dan Linstead

Mallows brought with her a defined sense of the historical and cultural context of all the places she wrote about.

The Oldie

Makes you want to pack your bags and go to discover what this long-neglected city has to offer.

The Budapest Sun