Slovakia is a country less visited than most in Eastern Europe. Rich in history and nature and very friendly people.
Bratislava
Sightseeing
The history of Bratislava is rich, once serving as the seat of the Austrian Hungarian Empire under Empress Marie Theresa.
As the city was never bombed during WW2 it is absolutely charming. Narrow cobblestone streets extending from the square are similiar to navigating a maze. Yet we always managed to end up in the main square!!!
We recommend The Bratislava Sightseeing card. It is available for 3 days for 25 Euros/ $27.55*. It includes all public transportation and entrance to Bratislava and Devin (Devin Castle only opened to the public in May 2019 after a 10 year restoration) Castles, and many museums, as well as discounts at certain shops and restaurants. Well worth the money, as a 24 hour transportation pass is 6,90Euros/$7.60USD* a day. Basically, after one museum visit it pays for itself.
Tours
We lean to the free tours, as they tend to be more personal and less ‘corporate.’ However, they are not free!!! The guides let you know up front that tips are their income, making you feel guilty if you don’t tip decently; especially if you are part of a very small group. Having said that, our personal experience was excellent and well worth the money.
We were extremely impressed with Lucy, at Be Free Tours. She was our guide for the Communism Tour. Did you know that Slovakia actually voted for the communist regime!
Accommodation
Although not as inexpensive as many places in the world, it is still very affordable. We were there during the high season, July and August, and stayed in several places, each varying in price. As with most places, you get what you pay for.
We met people who stayed in hostels and they all complained of the noise and facilities. We did seek out private rooms in hostels for the interaction, but found they were more expensive than their counterparts – guesthouses and apartments. So there is the give and take.
LaFrancona Apartments were the most expensive we paid at $47USD/night. However, it was across the street from the Danube, in front of a tram stop, was immaculately clean, great wifi, access to a washing machine, and an easy 20 minute walk into the center of the city.
Before leaving, we stayed in an apartment in a more residential neighborhood for 33 Euro/$36USD night. It was a full 2 bedroom apartment that could sleep 4 or 5. However, the building was in the midst of a renovation, and apart from the bedrooms, the rest of apartment looked like it hadn’t touched since the 1940s or 1950s, nor was it very clean. But was great value for the money and still walking distance to city center. Food and drink prices there were also lower than in town or in more affluent areas of the city. So, it is worth doing your research.
Food and Drink
Cost of food and drink can range from extremely expensive, especially near the consulates, to very inexpensive in areas where the hostels are located. A favorite cheap eats was the Slovak Pub, 2 full meals, with appetizer, and several (many) drinks cost us about 25Euros/$27.50USD. There is also a wide variety of food in the city that you will not find in smaller villages throughout the country.
*July 2019 the exchange rate was 1 Euro = $1.10USD
High Tatras
Andy Hiking High Tatras, Slovakia 
High Tatras in the evening 
A Typical Hiking Trail, High Tatras, Slovakia 
Hiking Slovakia Paradise, Tatras 
HIking High Tatras, Slovakia
Our journey lead us to the High Tatras for Hiking. The High Tatras are part of the Carpathian Mountain Range and absolutely stunning.
Hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter are the highlights. However, the mountains are not that high and if you are used to skiing in the Alps, the Rockies and other locations around the world you may be disappointed. However, it appeared to be a cross country skiers paradise.
The hiking is easy to very challenging, and fairly well marked. However, It is best to consult with locals on recommended hiking trails based on what you want to see and your fitness level.
We highly recommend hiking in Slovak Paradise. Use of chains, steps, and ladders will allow you to enjoy the gorges and beautiful scenery, and keep you on your toes.
Accommodation
As in most places, you may pay $500 plus a night at the Grand Kempinsky, or very little. Actually, that is where Michael Douglas and Katherine Zeta Jones stayed while we were there. We, on the otherhand, stayed in a small guesthouse in a local town, Nova Lesna. It was on the train route to the start of the main hiking trails, and significantly less expensive than at the base of the ski resorts.
Guesthouses allow use of shared kitchens and often your own private bathroom. We considered this to be great value for our money paying approximately 36 Euro/$40.79, given we were there during high season and most everything was booked.
Transportation
Local transportation from Poprad, the main city and local villages run regularly and purchasing a pass for a month was only slightly more expensive than for a 7 day pass. The trains transport you to the base of the key hiking trails in the High Tatras.
Slovak Paradise has buses, however they are a bit more difficult to navigate.
We rented a car for 3 weeks and found it optimal as we were able to go a bit more afield.
Poprad
A small city that is at the base of the High Tatras. Here you will find plenty of accommodation, a variety of restaurants, and lots of shopping. You can buy a lot in Slovakia that you will find elsewhere in Europe for significantly less. Save your shopping for here!
There is a local waterpark with Thermal Waters. However, it is overcrowded, the water is not particularly warm, and food and drink is overpriced. We do, however, recommend a visit to the sauna area, with a minimal surcharge. Definitely worth it for the quiet and the heat to soothe your aching muscles.
*July 2019 the exchange rate was 1 Euro = $1.10USD
