Slovak Sweet Spot: Two Nights in Charming Bratislava

On a recent trip to Slovakia, we spent two delightful nights in Bratislava—and I was genuinely surprised by just how charming and beautiful the Old Town turned out to be. To be very honest, it was never on my list, so I consider myself lucky to have discovered it. With its winding cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours wandering on foot, popping into cozy cafés, quirky bars, and hidden courtyards. We stayed at the Marrol’s Boutique Hotel, which turned out to be the perfect choice—ideally located within walking distance of both the historic center and the modern amenities of the nearby shopping mall in the New Town. The hotel offered on-site parking (a rare and welcome perk), and both the breakfast and dinner were excellent, with attentive service that made us feel truly welcomed. Although the spa wasn’t freely available during our stay—something to keep in mind if that’s important to you—it’s worth booking in advance. Bratislava may not be as well-known as some other European capitals, but its mix of history, charm, and modern comforts makes it a city well worth visiting.

Accommodation Tip: We stayed at one of their Premium rooms and for the two of us, it was just right. While there is nothing fancy or a spectacular view from the room, it was a peaceful delightful stay and I would not hesitate booking again with Maroll’s!

Excursion Tips: I loved just walking around on foot through the streets of old town. A few blocks from the hotel is the famous "Blue Church", Church of St. Elizabeth, which is really blue :) and is worth an architectural and historical visit. In addition to this, we also decided to get a sunset view from the famous UFO observation deck. From there you can get a panoramic view of the capital city of Bratislava- the Bratislava castle, Parliament, & St. Martin Cathedral. Beyond the view, the restaurant is quite chic and makes fancy cocktails. Totally worth the toast with a view! Another fun afternoon, within walking distance of the hotel, you can visit the EUROVEA shopping center - situated in a unique location just on the Danube riverfront. Beyond shopping it's a cool place to walk on the riverside or catch a bite at one of the many riverfront restaurants.

Gastronomy Tip: Do not miss the opportunity to try out the Legendary Bratislava Rolls. I accidently found them in “The oldest shop in town” which is also a museum and makes you feel like you went back in time within seconds. These rolls are sold anywhere so no worries if you have not found this quirky shop.