The UFO Tower on the south bank of the Danube provides a view over the old town and the newer suburbs.

Bratislava can be reached by ferry, train or bus from Vienna or Budapest. The bus station under the graffiti-laden overpass was fascinating.

The pedestrian-only old town is lively with cafes and shops. Michael's Gate is the only surviving medieval gate.

A winding lane leads up to the reconstructed Bratislava castle.

An exuberant troupe of performers entertained us on Obchodná, the main shopping street.

A specialized tourist tram takes visitors to the main attractions.

At the hub of the old town is the main square connecting to many small lanes.

The Slovak National Theatre, fronted by Ganymede's fountain, is Bratislava's prime neo-classical building.

Slovakia is home to 50 museums, including this International House of Art for Children.

Shops feature local folk arts such as wood carving, flower arranging, fabric weaving and glass painting.

Bratislava is known for its quirky statues, the most popular of which is Cumil, aka Man at Work.

Modern art installations and murals reflect  rich folk traditions,  the influence of broader European trends and the impact of centuries of cultural repression and foreign domination.

Bratislava is full of wonderful and moving street art from different eras.
 

A display in Hviezdoslav Square celebrated children's books' illustrators.

Seeing a festival for teen girls reminded us of the youthfulness of this country which is influencing its emerging global perspective.