See you at the crossroads

Enjoying a guided tour of the impressive squares and narrow, bustling streets of Bratislava in August’s sunshine, it feels surprising that Slovakia’s charming capital city isn’t more widely known.

And while it doesn’t yet have a convention centre, it does have an impressive and dynamic convention bureau team - and there’s a lot on offer for events.

The tiny historic and traffic-free centre is truly delightful – full of beautiful buildings, lively cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and music venues. There is plenty for delegates to discover and organisers can relax keeping them contained in a small traffic-free area that is very safe. With a good selection of hotels located within walking distance and working closely together, the city has successfully hosted large events.

We stayed at the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel on our fam trip, which has a fantastic location on the same square as the beautiful Slovak National Theatre. It is thought there’s been an inn on this spot since the 13^th century. With efficient staff, large guest rooms and meeting space, this is an excellent hotel. While the rooms could do with a little added bling, that can’t be said of its award-winning and very stylish Mirror Bar.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe may be an overused term, but it is true of Bratislava. Sitting almost on the border with Austria and Hungary, Vienna is just a 40-minute drive away for excellent flight access (Vienna Airport is much better served than Bratislava’s own). Or you can arrive by boat along the Danube. This majestic river fronts the city offering lots of options for group events including permanently moored bars and restaurants. When you take to the water, as we did, within minutes it feels like a peaceful backwater lined by forests and its banks dotted with fishermen. There is a riverside path popular with cyclists and runners, and one of Europe’s oldest public parks.

Maybe Bratislava has been overlooked thanks to the dazzling magnificence of its neighbours Budapest and Vienna, but this small country with a population of just 5.4 million has become something of a powerhouse in Europe with its successful automotive industry in particular – around a million cars were produced in 2022, that’s more than one per five inhabitants! Investment by Volkswagen, Peugeot-Citroen, KIA and Jaguar Land Rover has been key and Volvo is due to produce electric vehicles in Kosice from 2026.

Heavy industry has been joined by electronics, machinery, chemistry and IT to become the most important sectors while manufacturing accounts for almost a quarter of the country’s GDP.  Its strong industrial tradition, tax incentives, inexpensive and skilled workforce, high productivity rates, rapidly developing infrastructure (assisted by EU funds) and growth make it a preferred base for trade. Slovakia adopted the Euro in 2009 and is a member of the EU Schengen Agreement, which allows for the free movement of people. Happily, the Wi-fi and internet access was excellent everywhere.

 

Slovakia’s turbulent past is less well known in the west than that of its Czech neighbours, and while Bratislava has been a significant city for centuries, it only became known by that name in 1919. It is a fascinating place for history buffs but suffering two world wars and a long period of communist rule, much of what can be seen today in its historic centre has been reconstructed. Bratislava Castle occupies a strategic location overlooking the Danube and is well worth a visit. There are many lovely churches, palaces and museums. I particularly enjoyed the Slovak National Gallery with its controversial and stunning modern extension, which sits just in front of the Carlton Hotel,

Our first evening was spent admiring the fabulous views and truly impressive cuisine in the restaurant that sits atop the 1970s UFO Tower. At 85 metres, those with less of a head for heights may wish to sit with their back to the window, but it’s well worth it for the fine dining. A great venue, it also offers two bars and skywalking for the serious adventurers.

Excellent food along with the winning combination of wine and art will be my abiding memories. While it’s too small for groups, do treat yourself to dinner at Irin if you can. Young chefs, great service and exceptional dishes in an atmospheric building in the centre of town. The nine-course tasting menu at €95 with a wine pairing for €50 is incredible value for the quality.

The city hopes to gain its first Michelin-starred eaterie and both Irin and the UFO Tower must be in with a shout.