Bratislava day 3!

Started today by wandering up towards Grassalkovich Garden, which is located behind the Presidential Palace, a short walk from Bratislava's popular Obchodna Street. On the way, I got a pretty good view of the city's Castle. The Castle itself is closed at the moment because of ongoing renovations, but it's still a pretty sight, perched on a high hill overlooking the city.



On the way back, I walked along the afore-mentioned Obchodna. It was pretty busy, with people wandering along checking out the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants located all along the street.



Not just along the street itself, the passages ways leading off the street also hold numerous delights. Take for example this street market, which was very busy when I walked through. Selling everything from sunglasses to shoes, it seems like a well-liked shopping spot.

No night shots last night after all due to the onset of a lightning story. Watched from my room window as it went on for quite a while. Am going to try again tonight after I find some food!

Rebecca.
Hostelworld.com

Day 2 in Bratislava!

Still warm and sunny over here in Bratislava today. Have had quite a bit of a wander around so far today and I’ve seen some really cool places. Take for example, the Natural Science Museum. Only 2 of its 4 floors are currently in use, but there are plenty of great exhibits to be seen there. Like this not so little guy!



While walking to the museum, I got a different view of the New Bridge, which I crossed yesterday. It looks just as impressive from a distance as it does when you’re crossing over it, cars and trucks rumbling by overhead as well as beneath you.



One the way back through the Old Town area I passed the beautiful building of the Slovak National Theatre. Performances are still held here, and outside the building you’ll also get to see Ganymede’s fountain, another one of the city’s impressive waterworks.



Hopping on one of the trams after procuring a ticket from one of the handy machines at the stop (which have English directions on the types of tickets and how to get them), I took a short trip out of the Old Town area to visit Polus City Center. This is a pretty giant shopping centre, filled with lots of well-known brands. Lovely and cool inside, it was a nice spot to take a bit of a breather from the heat.

Tonight I’m going to try and take some night shots, as well as visiting a few bars. But first I think it might be time for some dinner!

Rebecca
Hostelworld.com

Zurich - Day three

Spent another day wandering around the city today, and I've seen some really cool things. From the view of Zurich from the top of the Polybahn funicular service to the Platz Promenade, a park area behind the fascinating Landesmuseum. Check out the park as seen in the picture here.



I also took the time to check out some of Zurich's shopping opportunities, including the unusual Freitag shop which is housed in 17 stacked and converted freight containers. Sihlcity, the large shopping complex pictured here, was another stop for me today.

Tomorrow I'm going to take a trip towards the Uetilberg. It's the highest point so close to the city centre and the views should prove stunning!

Rebecca
Hostelworld.com

Hello from beautiful Zurich!

Landed in Zurich earlier today to collect information for a new Hostelworld pdf guide. (You can check out our other guides here.) I'm staying at the Hotel Coronado. As you can see from the picture, I have a pretty sweet set-up here! Just across the road from a tram stop too, which is great. Got me into the city in no time earlier on, and is a really easy system to get the hang of too.



Had a wander along Bahnhofstrasse, which seems to be the main shopping drag. Tonnes of people around and the shops were pretty busy. My favourite thing about this street isn't all the designer gear though, it's the really cool flowerpots! All along the street, you'll see these giant flowerpots covered in different, funky designs. Check out this one covered with lizards!

Dinner was a potato and vegetable gratin at a restaurant called Au Gratin at Bahnhofplatz. Really delicious, plus there's a bar downstairs so I stopped off for a drink there too.

Great first day in Zurich and I'm looking forward to seeing what tomorrow will bring!

Rebecca
Hostelworld.com