Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, sits along the Danube River at the crossroads of Central Europe. It's the only capital in the world bordering Austria and Hungary, which makes it an easy stop on many European itineraries. Yet Bratislava is more than a waypoint; it offers a compact city center filled with centuries of history. The Old Town’s cobbled lanes lead past Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and buildings once used by Habsburg royalty. St. Martin’s Cathedral, for example, hosted 11 coronations of Hungarian kings and queens during the time when Bratislava was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary.

Bratislava Castle is one of the city's most visible landmarks, perched above the river on a strategic hilltop. Its current form dates to the 18th century, but the site has been occupied since Roman times. Today, visitors can explore its restored halls and exhibitions, then step outside to panoramic views stretching across three countries. Not far from the castle, the UFO Observation Deck atop the SNP Bridge offers a completely different perspective, along with a restaurant suspended above the river that rotates slowly while guests dine.