I have heard that Bratislava is not worth the time. I have also heard that maybe the castle of Devin (10 km from Bratislava), and the towns of Kosice; Trencin (nice town with castle about 1 ½ hours away from Bratislava; and Cachtice might be worth a visit.<BR><BR>Has anyone been to any of these places in the last 2-3 years? If so, where is the best place to go and why. Thank you.

I agree with whomever told you to skip Bratislava. The "National Museum" in Bratislava is a shame. It resembles a flea market with its hodge podge collection. <BR><BR>Visit those other places in Slovakia instead.

No!

It depends on what you're looking for. I have not been in 5 years, so I'm outside the time frame, but if you have some curiosity to see a country in the heart of Europe where the majority of the population lives a lifestyle that resembles what existed in most Western countries in the 1950's and that is not looking like its going to be at the forefront of any great trends that are about to come in the world any time soon either, where the main attractions probably involve walking around, maybe riding on a public bus or two to get a tour of the city, and drinking cheap beer, you might enjoy yourself. This is a city populated by people making $300 a month in some cases, and no significant "elite" class like in Paris and nearby Vienna that upper middle class American Fodorites can fancy they are going to be able to hang out and identify with, all of which translates into "the place is a dump". But it is true, if you're the kind of person who is only comfortable in top-end hotels and restaurants and boutiques and among sophisticated rich people in London and Paris, there isn't going to be a whole hell of a lot for you in Slovakia, or 95% of the places in the world for that matter.

My family lives near there, They wish they made $300.00 a month!!!!! Try $100.00- 125.00 a month. I would go if I had the chance. It is fun just to see how others live, and taste their food, it is very reasonable there. CHEAP is more like it. <BR><BR> Alice

I say skip Bratislava and hit other towns in Slovakia. I am an American who is partly of Slovak heritage so I wanted to visit Slovakia, and I stopped in Bratislava. Slovakia is the poor, agricultural part of the former Czechoslovakia. If this is your first time in Europe, I suggest visiting Prague and steering clear of Bratislava. Anyway, when I was in Bratislava, I walked around the town and was quite depressed. I should mention that there were some really neat war-related sculptures around town. Also, I saw 3 generations of women standing at what appeared to be an ice cream vender. However, upon closer examination, I realized that they were all doing shots of Vodka. After realizing why my ancestors left this country, I decided to do likewise and take the next train out of town.<BR><BR><BR><BR>If you do visit Slovakia, I suggest visiting the castle of Devin (10 km from Bratislava), and the towns of Kosice; Trencin (nice town with castle about 1 ½ hours away from Bratislava; and Cachtice.<BR><BR>

Of course Slovakia is worth a visit !<BR><BR>http://www.heartofeurope.co.uk<BR><BR>Slovakia has some of the most beautiful scenary in Europe and many interesting towns and cities, rich in history and culture.<BR><BR>Top places to visit in Slovakia are:<BR><BR>Levoce<BR>Bardejov<BR>Kremnica<BR>Bojn ice<BR>Banska Bystrica<BR><BR>and of course the Tatras mountains.<BR><BR>As for Bratislava - well it's true that it may appear a little ugly in the suburbs, but the old town is beautiful with many museum, art galleries and fine hotels and restaurants. <BR><BR>All the other places that you mentioned are certainly worth a visit, if you are based in Bratislava (except Kosice is perhaps too far away).<BR><BR>Check out: <BR><BR>http://www.heartofeurope.co.uk <BR><BR>for more information.

to the top of the Tatras!<BR>

Slovakia is worth a visit for sure but it depends on what you are looking for.<BR><BR>I too was unimpressed with Bratislava...but just outside of the capital is a small town called Modra, famous for its clay-based ceramics, similar to that which you find in Provence or Florence. The Devin castle is OK but I much preferred the charm of Bojnice. <BR><BR>The sheer ruggedness of the Trencin castle is awesome but be prepared to climb. The government poured huge sums of money into its restoration and archeological digs found proof of Roman occupation.<BR><BR>Not to be missed is Strbske Pleso, the lake in the HIgh Tatra Mountains near Poprad. A funicular ride here is enjoyable.

I have visited Bratislava twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an experience, albeit a somewhat different one than most Americans are accustomed to. The old town is interesting (be sure to see the unique metal scuptures found on the street and in the square.<BR>The castle seems to be under renovation.

I would recommend a visit to a small town called Senec. it is 25 kms away from Bratislava. it is a popular holiday destination for many as it has a huge lake offering many watersports, great eateries and bars as well as some super water slides. They have a carnival every year around the 15th june which is always fun. In the town itself the shopping is not great, but the restaurants are pretty good and cheap. The church and the Turkish House along with the Synagog and other interesting buildings is worth a visit. Maria-Teresa the monarch visited the town so it adds more historical value to the place. Another place to visit is the castle on Red Rock (Cerveny Kamen), it is now a museum and is fantastic. In Bratislava the only thing worth visiting is the old town. There are beutiful buildings with a rich history, great cafes and restaurants as well as some fabulous theaters. Hiring a guide is a good idea in order to avoid the less pleasent parts of the city. <BR>I think your visit will be what you actually make of it! Do not allow yourself to have high expectations as the country was under the communist regime for 40 years and it is still recovering. However if you keep an open mind and see the city for what it is I am sure you will like it!<BR>Good Luck!