Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and is the countries largest city. Bratislava is situated in south western Slovakia. Its location at the borders of Austria and Hungary makes it the only national capital in the world that borders two countries. It is only 62 kilometres from the border with the Czech Republic and only 60 kilometres from the Austrian capital Vienna.
The rich mix of cultures and nations not only left its mark in the language spoken here, but also in the customs, cuisine and lifestyle. Just like the Viennese, the people of Bratislava also enjoy promenading through the streets of the city centre, taking time out for a coffee in any of the many cafes. This part of the city is referred to as the Korzo and combines elegance with charm. Visitors say that the city has a relaxed Mediterranean type atmosphere. Bratislava is a seaside city without the sea.
Nowadays Bratislava is experiencing a boom once more. Buildings are popping up, deals being made, people studying, and everything is on the move. Experts regard it as one of the most dynamically developing and most prospective regions in Europe. It welcomes tourists, business people, and investors, who are attracted to this blooming city and its lively atmosphere. There are many cities in Europe that can boast their own special unique charm and Bratislava is definitely one of them.
Tourist sites include the castle dominates over the city of Bratislava on a hill overlooking the river Danube. The three nave Gothic church was built in the place of the original Romanesque church. Classicist palace built during 1778 on the basis of designs by Melchior Hefele for the archbishop Jozef Bathyany. Due to its location at the foothills of the Little Carpathians and its riparian vegetation on the Danubes floodplains, Bratislava has forests close to the city centre.
It is recommended to exchange currency in Exchange Offices. These can be found in banks, hotels, at travel agencies, shopping malls, post offices, on border crossings. You can also exchange currency with Visa, Maestro, Master Card cards in any of dense ATM network around the city.
The Bratislava Region is the wealthiest and economically most prosperous region in Slovakia despite being the smallest by area and having the second smallest population of the eight Slovak regions.
The growth of low cost airline flights has led to the locally visible and controversial phenomenon of Bratislava stag parties, primarily from the UK. While a boon to the cities tourist industry, cultural differences and incidents of vandalism have led to concern on the part of local officials. Also tourism may have also received a boost lately due to the release of the horror film Hostel.
Auckland may not be New Zealands capital that distinction going to Wellington but it is the countries largest city. Nestled within and isthmus of two oceans, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, Auckland contains much serene natural beauty. There are 48 volcanic cones and more than 50 islands in the Auckland region and that is why 1 million people call this area their home. It is the largest city in New Zealand claiming one third of the entire population of the country.
Despite Aucklands urban sprawl, the major tourist sites are situated around the city centre, while those that are further a field can be reached by public transport, the Explorer Bus, which links many of the attractions, public transport or a hire car. The city centre is easily explored on foot.
Not only is Auckland close to the beaches but it is also close to over twelve different Islands. The Auckland lifestyle is ranked among the best in the world. It is one of the best cities to visit and one of the best to live in.
Bright Paradise, the first instalment of the Auckland Triennial, opens simultaneously at Auckland Art Gallery, Artspace and University of Auckland Art Gallery. The show includes some 30 artists, with around 10 coming from overseas.
In the summer months you will need to book ahead and backpacker volume swells during these months. If you are in a party mood then head to the central city and downtown hostels. If you want to relax after arriving or recoup before your long haul trip back home then try some of the hostels in the surrounding suburbs of Mt Eden and Parnell. Both are still close to the city but with a little less hustle and bustle.
The cities maritime climate is appealing. Its situation by the sea means that it never gets too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer.
There may be occasional frosts during wintertime which is from June to August but rarely anything too severe, while summer temperatures usually stay in the mid 20s Celsius which is upper 70s Fahrenheit, although it can become quite humid. This climate naturally leads to a healthy outdoor lifestyle.
So to recap imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping youre beginning to get the picture of Auckland.
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