Pretty much
Best thing about Bratislava was that all the women were beautiful and a beer cost about 30p (this was 12 years ago). Other than that, it didn't have a lot to offer.
(SnowyTheWereRabbit the Leporid from Hell, Mon 22 Apr 2013, 14:20, 1 reply)

Slovakia definitely concentrates on Bratislava too much when trying to attract tourists.
Unfortunately the place, in my opinion, is an absolute dump. If you ever go back, head east into the country and it's absolutely fantastic. Bojnice is stunning, Poprad in itself is a bit crap, but heading into a little way north into the Tatras is worth it, as are the small villages surrounding the place. It's a stunning country which is let down by a tourist board who seems to think that Bratislava is attractive.
( Muns, Mon 22 Apr 2013, 14:40, closed)

There's tiny bits of Bratislava which are very attractive
but lots of bits which really aren't. Has a definite 'Soviet deprivation' vibe going on in large parts of it.
(SnowyTheWereRabbit the Leporid from Hell, Mon 22 Apr 2013, 14:45, closed)

It really is a city that is undergoing recovery from communism
I visit their fairly frequently, prior to heading off to other destinations in the east of the country. I only ever really stop for one day at the most, but the rapid rejuvenation that appears to occur on each visit is absolutely incredible. Each time it seems to get a little cleaner and more modern, although glaring issues do still exist and the class divide is incredibly apparent. It's like watching the last thirty years of the UK happen over the space of five years.

It's like they've witnessed the capitalist model in terms of building upon existing wealth and power (often gained through corruption during Soviet rule.) and created a super efficient version of it, with exceptionally efficient oppression of those that don't wield that power.

Of course, it's a smaller economy so the divide becomes much more apparent at a much faster rate.

Very interesting to see of course, but, that's not what tourists look for when flicking through the Going Places catalogue.
( Muns, Mon 22 Apr 2013, 16:57, closed)