1. It’s cheap.
Whether you are planning a short stay or something more long term, Slovakia offers quality at a reasonable price. Even in the capital of Bratislava, you can live reasonably.
Foreigner jobs tend to pay better than what the locals are earning so it’s not far-fetched to be able to save some extra for travels or splurge on a nicer apartment on a foreigner’s salary. If you stay away from the tourist traps, you can easily travel around on a small budget and without sacrificing your comfort. With so many foreigners relocating to Bratislava, real estate is in high demand. If you have some savings and are looking for a good investment, it’s possible that buying an apartment here could make you some solid returns in the long term. Many Slovak families rent out apartments to foreigners or visitors with Airbnb and it adds to their general income.
2. It’s geographically the center of Europe.
For those looking for a place to live with easy access to great holiday destinations, Slovakia is for you. Vienna is a 45 minute drive, Prague about 3 and a half hours, and there’s a bike trail that connects to Budapest if you’d rather not drive the 2 hours it takes to get there. Surrounded by 5 countries, Slovakia is nestled in a very safe location with easy and quick access to something new just a short drive away. The only thing missing is the sea but that’s also a simple 5 hours by car. No car? Slovakia has a modern bus and train system at reasonable prices that reach across the country and connect to their neighbors. The time is a bit longer but it saves the hassle of parking and navigating on your own. If you’re looking to go a bit farther away, the Vienna airport is the best option. Whether you are looking to visit the fjords in Norway or the pristine beaches in Turkey, you can fly direct to most places in Europe in under 3 hours.
3. It’s an eclectic mix of old and new.
The remnants of communism run strong in the designs of buildings and monuments, customs, and ideologies. However, with a full generation being raised in a post-communistic era, there is an equally strong force to be reckoned with. Regardless of their background or beliefs, Slovaks unanimously agree that their country has struggles and are actively trying to overcome them. Slovaks are incredibly proud of their heritage and traditions but are not blind to the flaws they may possess. There is nothing hard work and perseverance can’t fix and they are incredibly proud to share how far their country has come in such a short amount of time. This can be seen in the atmosphere of the cities and in the hearts of the locals you meet.
4. The economy is booming.
With hard work being a strong cultural value, it’s no wonder that the economy is thriving. In the three decades since communism’s collapse, many large companies have established themselves here bringing employment for both locals and foreigners. With living cheaper than Western Europe but the benefits of being a modern, stable economy, it is quite the advantage for big companies to set up satellite offices here and Bratislava mutually benefits from the business. The city’s skyline is filled with cranes and innovative buildings climbing their way to the clouds. With the annoyance of construction comes also the evidence of a strong economy and a dedication to building a brighter future.
5. It’s an undiscovered gem.
When you think of a perfect European destination, chances are that Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome are at the top of your list. In fact, you could easily list ten more popular, beautiful cities and I bet none of them were in Slovakia. Where nothing can really compare to the romantic streets of Paris or the ancient buildings in Rome, Bratislava has a lot to offer and with the bonus of not being surrounded by a million other tourists. How many times have you gone to your favorite bench by an Amsterdam canal, looking for a peaceful moment to take in the surrounding atmosphere – only to be interrupted by someone asking for you to take their picture or a group of rowdy guys celebrating a bachelor’s party. As an undiscovered gem, Slovakia has yet to be flooded with tourists, even during peak season. Bratislava is the biggest attraction but unless you are walking down the main street in Old Town, you will always be just a step away from having your peaceful moment without interruption. It’s easy to find nice, cheap accommodation and you will not have to wait in long lines to reach your favorite attraction. In fact, you will be pleasantly surprised that most places here don’t even require an entrance fee. The locals are generally excited to host foreigners and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and leave with a good impression of their country. If you have longer than a few days in the country, some of the best places are just a short train ride away. With mountains made for hiking or skiing, rivers, lakes, thermal spas and castles with rich history and architecture – this up and coming destination will far from disappoint you.
Great article, Katelyn! I never knew so much about Slovakia. I definitely would not have thought to visit Slovakia before hearing your review and experience of it. Thanks for sharing. Xx