Citytrips-Highlights.com

Archiv für Dezember 2013

Known as Pressburg to German-speakers or Pozsony to Hungarian-speakers, Bratislava got its present name only 90 years ago. Despite this fact the city has a long and proud history that dates back to pre-Roman times. In spite of its exciting history, Bratislava is one of the youngest capitals in the world and its population is also very young. The modern metropolis is opened to Europe and to the world as proved by the increasing number of foreign visitors. They are attracted by the cosiness of the rather small city that nevertheless possesses a throbbing social life and historic charms combined with the most recent trends. Palaces, modern shopping and trade centres, admirable arts of the Slovak cooks and brewers, friendly people and various international cultural or sport events, exhibitions are the reasons why it is worth to visit.

Of course there are sights which are known by a lot of people, but beside them there are curiosities which cannot be found anywhere else in the world:

Rubberneck
A unique Bratislava curiosity: no other city in the world has a statue emerging from a manhole. After Rubberneck had lost his head twice due to careless drivers city councillors decided to help him by erecting a road sign to warn drivers: another world-first…

Schöne Náci
This statue commemorates a unique figure in Bratislava’s history. Not a statesman, a sportsman or soldier: instead, the Schöner Naci, whose real name was Ignác Lamár, is remembered for being one of Bratislava’s social institutions. Born in 1897, he was famous for wandering the streets of the city, elegant in morning suit and top hat. He would frequently doff his hat to the ladies he passed and offer them flowers or a song.

Paparazzi
Passers-by in Bratislava’s old town are drawn to this life-sized statue of a paparazzo celebrity photographer. Peering around a corner into Laurinská Street and holding a camera in his hands, he seems to be in the process of photographing some member of Bratislava’s high society emerging from the eponymous bar next door.

Napoleon´s Soldier
One of Bratislava’s most popular photo opportunities is this bronze statue of a Napoleonic soldier leaning over a bench the old town’s Hlavné námestie (Main Square). Its creator is the sculptor Juraj Meliš. Napoleon’s troops came to Bratislava on two occasions. The first was in December 1805, when 300 riders and 9,000 infantrymen marched through the streets of the city after Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz resulted in a treaty known as the Peace of Pressburg, which was signed in the Mirror Hall of the Primatial Palace. Napoleon himself entered the city after the conclusion of a subsequent peace.

Accommodation
Bratislava has accommodation for everyone, whatever your budget is. More than 70 accommodation facilities provide services in various categories and standards. The more luxurious ones are in the city centre, many of which are right in the old town pedestrian zone. However, more economical guesthouses and hostels can also be found in the centre. It is recommended to book well in advance because of Bratislava’s growing popularity as a tourist destination, so there is rising occupancy level at its hotels.

Cuisine in Bratislava
Do you know that the streets of the Old Town district have been referred to as “one big restaurant”? Sample a nobler atmosphere reminiscent of old ‘Prešporok’ in the restaurants Au Café or Leberfinger. You can enjoy a breath-taking view of the city from the Veža restaurant in the broadcasting tower on Kamzík hill or from the UFO restaurant on top of the Nový Most Bridge overlooking the Danube. You can find cuisine from all over the world in Bratislava. Healthy Italian fare is particularly popular, with numerous quality venues to be found in the city centre: Due Amici, Al Dente, Aglio Olio, Antica Toscana, Flowers. Why not try the largest pizza in the city at Pizza Mizza. For Greek cuisine you can visit Taverna, or sample Arabic food at Samir, Cuban fare at Malecón, or get a taste of Mexico at Hacienda Mexicana. Sushi bars can be found on Gorkého Street (Kikaku) and on Panská Street (Tokyo). Enjoy Chinese food in the centre at Bambusová záhrada, Jasmín and Hua Li Gong. For an Argentinean steak you should go to El Gaucho, while fish dishes are particularly popular at Fish Gate, Kogo, or on the moored boat Kriváň. Top quality international cuisine is offered by Alizé, Camouflage, Caribic’s, Paparazzi and Le Monde.

Helsinki is the biggest village in the world – this is what it is said about this beautiful city which is great for tourism. It is a real heaven where you can have a rest and spend an incredible time.

The Lutheran cathedral was originally built as a tribute to the Grand Duke, Nicholas I. The domes of it are considered the city´s highest structure and the church can be seen for miles at sea.

Espoo Museum of Modern art holds more than 2 000 works, ranging from the early 20th century to the present. It is definitely Finland´s most significant private art collection and worth the From Helsinki.

The best way how to appreciate Helsinki´s seaside location is by heading out to the myriad of island restaurants. The most famous is the stylish, spired Klippan, which is set in a villa on Luoto Island.

Finish cuisine is based on fresh and natural ingredients that vary according to the season. Finnish food is typified by simplicity and purity of taste. Culinarists will also like the ingredients on display at the Old Market Hall and the Market Square.

The city cannot compete with bigger cities in terms of the amount of nightlife, but it offers high quality and nature of it. A wide range of clubs and bars offer something for everyone. It has a strong DJ-led club culture. The trendiest establishments favoured by media can be found in the districts of Kamppi and Punavuori. Large and friendly clubs for everyone can be found in the city centre.

Stockholm is often considered as a pearl of Scandinavian countries. This city was built on 14 islands which are connected by 57 bridges. The Royal National City Park was the first National City Park in the wold. Nowadays this green space breathes for the city and makes it a place where people can relax. Beside that the city offers a lot of world-class museums and attractions.

While doing your tour, you should visit Stockholm city Hall, climb the tower for a fantastic view of the city. Do not miss Gamla Stan, the oldest attraction and the best medieval city centre in the world. Go for a walk through the small winding streets lined with stores which are full handcrafts, antiques, art galleries and cafés. You can also find Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral here.

The Vasa Museum is famous and the only preserved 17th century ship in the world which is a unique art treasure because more than 95% of the ship is original. The ship is 69 meters long and it is decorated with hundreds of carved sculptures.

However, the best sightseeing can be done from the water. There are a lot of tours that can be done on the ground of your interest. Under the Bridges of Stockholm, Royal Canal Tour and the early good Morning Stockholm Tour focus on central part of the city. Hop On Hop Off is a flexible way to see the city from the water. However, this one can be combined with a bus as well.