Nowadays increasing numbers of tourists visit Bratislava to enjoy its baroque palaces, fairytale cobbled streets and affordable bars. The new Bratislava is at the heart of Central Europe and awaits those tourists clever enough to pay her a visit.

For an overview of the whole city, check out the open air observation deck at UFO. This is situated 87 metres above ‘Most SNP bridge’. The views are spectacular and you can see along the Danube and across the Old Town rooftops to the surrounding hills. You will also be able to admire Petrzalka’s crowded housing estate which was built in its previous communist days. It stretches almost all the way to Austria.

Walk around the Old Town Hall’s elegant courtyard then emerge into the historic square of the Primate’s Palace. You can then turn right and walk along Laurinska Street and admire the humorous statues. This leads to St Martin’s Cathedral a small Gothic church which has seen a lot of history. A perfect way to take in the city.

If you want to get out the city for a bit. Then take a 15 minute bus ride to Koliba-Kamzik and explore the cooler walking trails of the Bratislava Mountain Park. A popular route is to walk down via a flower-filled meadow to the Zelezna Studnicka (Iron Well) where there are stalls that offer beer and sausages.

For sampling the local cuisine head to Restauracia Hrad which offers a lighter take on classic Middle Europe dishes and quality local wines and spectacular views. Or head to low-lit atmospheric Modra Hviezda for traditional specialities such as roast Mangalica pig with chestnuts and pumpkin puree.

If you like picturesque, historical and affordable city breaks, then Bratislava is definitely the place for you. This city looks set to become a very popular tourist destination in the not too distant future. So check it out first and tell all your friends.