Weekender Rebecca Grimes’s Bratislava

Bratislava has long been a favourite city of mine.

I think of it as Prague’s quieter, sleepier little sister. It’s so easy to get around on foot, with gorgeous cobblestone streets and winding alleys, and you don’t have massive hordes of tourists everywhere yet.

Bratislava Castle is beautiful at sunset,

with stunning views along the Danube and across into Austria. A favourite restaurant of mine around there is Zeitlos, which has a lovely terrace. Then I’d head to the bars in the old town. The beer is pretty great, but I also love Borovicka — a shot of Slovakian gin, washed down with grapefruit juice.

Walking is my favourite way to see a city.

Check out the UFO-shaped observation tower over the Danube, or marvel at the Blue Church — it’s more like a wedding cake than a place of worship. I’d stop for a traditional Slovakian goulash or garlic soup served in a bread bowl.

The Sun Deck is lovely in the summer months for dinner and drinks.

It’s an old fishing boat docked on the Danube, with a really eclectic food and drinks menu, and a river sunset thrown in.

On Sunday morning, I’d head out for a long stroll along the Danube.

There is a beautiful park called Sad Janka Krala that is gorgeous all year round, but wrap up warm if you’re there in winter.

I leave Bratislava with a full belly and lots of wonderful memories.

Luckily, I have lots of friends there now, so it’s never long till my next trip.

Rebecca is best known as Hayley in ‘Fair City’ and will soon feature in the forthcoming ‘Damo and Ivor The Movie’