Slovakia is not about jaw-dropping sights and superlatives; it's about experiencing a place less touched by the glitz and glam of its more famous neighbours. Outside the cities you can still find traditional villages, folk traditions and tourist trails meandering through the hilly countryside.
A plethora of fortresses and castles pays testament to the history of conquerors and domination in this small country, independent only since 1993. Foreign influences can be seen in the 18th century rococo town buildings, Gothic churches and a few 15th-century town squares.
BRATISLAVA
● When To Go
May, June and September are the prime visiting months, with April and
October as chillier and sometimes cheaper alternatives. Most Slovaks take
their holidays in July and August when hotels and tourist sights are more
than usually crowded, and hostels are chock-a-block with students,
especially in the Tatras mountain resort areas. Luckily, the supply of
bottom end accommodation increases in large towns during this time, as
student hostels are thrown open to visitors. Centres like Bratislava and the
mountain resorts cater to visitors all year round. Elsewhere, from October
or November until March or April, most castles, museums and other tourist
attractions, and some associated accommodation and transport, close down.