One of the great Baroque cities of central Europe, Bratislava sits at the strategic meeting point of three countries – Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. This city guide to Slovakia’s hitherto almost unknown capital gives full details on where to stay and eat plus a whole range of outdoor activities including cycling, rafting and hiking. Explore the car-free center; soak up the buzz of sidewalk cafés and tree-lined squares or visit stunningly restored Baroque and Rococo buildings. Further afield, sample some of Slovakia's internationally recognised wine in the cellars along the Small Carpathian Wine Route. A relative newcomer to the tourist scene, Bratislava is still very much a peaceful and pleasant place to explore.

Experience the best of the Czech and Slovak Republics with Lonely Planet. With our 6th edition you'll discover atmospheric castles on green hilltops, marvel at centuries of architectural majesty in Prague, ski down pristine slopes in the Tatras and relax with a glass of crips, golden beer in historic Plzen. Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip. In This Guide: Tailored itineraries to help you plan your tripColor highlights chapter showcasing the top sights and activitiesOutdoors chapter tells you where to cycle, hike and ski

Slovakia is one of the last of Central Europe's secrets to be discovered by travelers, and having joined the European Union in 2004, is now in a better position than ever to show what it has to offer. Impressively situated on the Danube, the capital, Bratislava, boasts stunningly restored baroque, rococo, and art nouveau buildings. Beyond the capital visitors will find a country packed with architectural gems, the renowned wooden churches of the Presov region, imposing fortresses, romantic castles, and medieval ruins--all within easy reach thanks to an excellent transportation system. Features include: *History and culture *Detailed coverage of Bratislava *Slovakia's art and architectural heritage, from restored buildings in Bratislava to historic castles, elegant chateaux, medieval towns and preserved folk villages *Hiking, skiing, cycling, whitewater rafting, wine tasting, and more

Slovakia has struggled with a low international profile. Often overlooked as the Czech Republic’s little sister, it is a young country with an old culture and history, and a people who are proudly Central (not Eastern) European. Although for much of the twentieth century Czechs and Slovaks lived together in one state, there are important differences between them, differences that ultimately contributed to separation in 1993 and the rebirth of a sovereign Slovak state.Generally speaking, the Slovaks are more “Slavic” than the Czechs—their pace of life is slower, and their spare time is more often filled with friends, family, and music. They are known to be resistant to change, yet change has been a constant in the state’s short economic and political history—from the fall of communism in the Velvet Revolution of late 1989, to the Velvet Divorce of Czechoslovakia in 1993, to widespread economic diversification, expansion, and global influence, to European Union membership in 2004, and the adoption of the euro in 2009— and they have adapted with quiet optimism.Slovakia has been referred to as the economic “tiger” of Europe, and now that it has EU membership and a healthy industrial economy, Europeans are starting to take notice. Its popularity as a tourist destination has been growing rapidly in recent years. Slovaks call their country the Heart of Europe—a term that describes not only their geography but the Slovak character, which is warm, deeply hospitable, and immensely proud. Visitors who step outside Bratislava’s Staré mesto (Old Town) and take the time to explore the country beyond will discover a landscape of plains, meadows, mountains, natural spas, and hundreds of ancient castles, and a people at once modest, stoical, humorous, and responsive.This book captures the essence of what makes the Slovak people unique and explains something of the quirks and memorable aspects of their lifestyle. It opens a window onto their inner world, their customs and celebrations, and describes what to expect and how to behave in different situations. While the country is not without its frustrations for foreigners, most visitors succumb to its charms. Few have left without yearning to return to “the little big country.”

Newly revised, 2nd edition! Everything a traveler needs to know about the Slovak people, their unique culture, and how to acclimate smoothly within it. Features descriptions of topics such as how to find accommodation and get settled in, applying for a visa, Slovak food, public transportation, and social and business customs. Includes hundreds of addresses and Web sites.

Letters From Slovakia is a glimpse of what life was like, for an Englishman at least, in the Slovak Republic; some years on from the Velvet Revolution and the Velvet Divorce, but still prior to the country joining NATO and the European Union. David James describes life in Slovakia through a collection of letters, which give an account of his personal experiences living in this beautiful little country in the heart of Europe. The letters give a wonderful insight into the society and culture of the Slovak Republic at that time. The Letters From Slovakia begin with David's first encounter with the Slovak Republic, in the summer of 1997, and continue until the close of his second year living in the country, towards the end of 2003. The thirteen letters cover a range of subjects including the following: - "An Invitation To The Embassy" - Join David at a champagne reception in the Slovak Embassy, in London. - "The Journey From Hell" - David's first ever trip to Slovakia. - "The Heart Of Europe" - A visit to the geographic center of Europe. - "From Morava With Love" - A trip across the border to the Czech Republic. - "Easter Traditions" - The "freshening" of women on Easter Monday. - "Making Sausages" - A look at how to make traditional Slovak sausages. - "World Champions" - Slovakia's historic victory in the ice hockey. - "Volby 2002 - Slovak General Election" - Slovakia's most crucial General Election, in 2002. There is no doubt that Slovakia has changed a lot in the decade since these letters were first written, both for the better and for the worse, but many of the themes in the book still hold true today. Letters From Slovakia is simply a must read for anyone with an interest in Slovakia.

Bratislava (Slovakia) 1:16,000 Street Map by SHOCART, 2011 edition With the scale of 1:16,000, this folded map covers most of the city including the airport. Colours distinguish public buildings, industrial areas, parks and forests. Detail includes traffic lights, one-way roads, pedestrian zones, car parks, taxi ranks&petrol stations. Railways and tram, trolleybus and bus routes are marked and a range of symbols denote such features as hotels, campsites, hospitals, police, information offices, entertainment venues, monuments, museums, embassies. It includes an inset with a detailed plan of the historical centre 1:8,000 and a diagram of the public transport network 1:45,000 and a 1:200,000 map of the city and wider surroundings. Legend in English, German, Slovak and Czech. Brief multilingual notes are provided for some of the significant historical buildings in the city. Complete street name index. The map si not burdened with hard cover so that it can be easily folded in half and inserted in any of your pockets. Folded size 9x5 inches, made in the Czech Republic.

Fully-updated third edition of this comprehensive guide to walking and scrambling in the High Tatras mountains between Poland and Slovakia, and the White and Western Tatras ranges. Describes the network of graded, waymarked routes, suggests itineraries and gives full information on walking in the Tatras. Has stunning scenery and wildlife.

Who but Rick Steves can tell travelers where to ride an Austrian mountain luge or visit the 3,000-year-old bust of Queen Nefertiti in Berlin? With "Rick Steves' Best of Eastern Europe 2006", travelers can experience Rick's favorite destinations in Eastern Europe, including Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Krakow, Ljubljana, and Dubrovnik - economically and hassle-free. Completely revised and updated, "Rick Steves' Best of Eastern Europe 2006" includes opinionated coverage of both famous and lesser-known sights; friendly places to eat and sleep; suggested day plans; walking tours and trip itineraries; clear instructions for smooth travel anywhere by car, train, or foot; and Rick's newest "back door" discoveries.