When traveling through Europe, many tourists flock to the traditional destinations: London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Athens, Amsterdam, Madrid, etc., and visit the traditional sites, whether it's Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower. Some might be more adventurous and take in the ruins of Pompeii, or travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to peruse the birthplace of William Shakespeare, or take a relazing sojourn through the French vineyards. It isn't often, however, that the average tourist ventures into more unknown territory.
It's unfortunate that not many realize that there is plenty to see in Eastern Europe as well. While lampooned somewhat in the movie Eurotrip, Bratislava is actually the heart of Slovakia's economic marvel. It is the wealthiest and most economically prosperous region in Slovakia, accounting for one-quarter of Slovakia's total GDP. The area even has the highest GDP per capita in the newest EU member states.
Bratislava also boasts its bravado as one of the most affordable cities in Europe. According to Price of Travel's European Backpacker Index for 2014, the average traveler can live on just under 50 USD per day (assuming cheaper hotel/rooming options; see the criteria for the European Backpacker Index). Compare that with Vienna, which, while just a stone's throw away from Bratislava, would cost almost 80 USD per day.
So what might there be to do in such a city? Bratislava is much like other vibrant European cities: it has an Old Town, filled with stone-paved streets and palaces of royals who have long since passed; odd statues and remnants of ancient civilizations; and it even has a UFO observation deck which sits above the Taste Restaurant. It's a place where eager tourists can take in a view of the entire city from 95 meters off of the ground, and on a clear day, the deck boasts a viewing range of 100 kilometers. Viewing and using the telescope in the UFO observation deck is free of charge, as an added incentive to all.
The city also hosts a wide variety of international food, though it's not hard to find good purveyors of local cuisine. One only has to look around the Old Town to find some of the most affordable, authentic dishes of Slovakian food.
Bratislava also has its fair share of nightlife, including a club within the UFO observation deck. Most of its clubs are free, though there are always the few that charge a couple of euros for entry. As opposed to somewhere like London, where most pubs and clubs are emptier by around 01:30 to 02:00, Bratislava caters to those who want the night to last nearly forever: most clubs will close around 03:00 or 04:00.
Much of Eastern Europe is just as affordable and exciting as Bratislava, so when planning your next European excursion, don't forget to include it on your list; you might just be surprised at how much you enjoyed being there.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
