WEEKEND TRAVEL: BLOC BOOKING

THE MIRROR [UK] -

EASTERN Europe is fast becoming the place to go for a long weekend.

Prague, in the Czech Republic, is already firmly on the hen-and-stag party circuit, while the Hungarian capital Budapest is attracting Brits looking to buy cheap holiday apartments.

And now that much of Eastern Europe has joined the EU, most of the former Soviet Bloc countries have spruced themselves up and make fascinating short break destinations. Here's our guide...

SLOVAKIA

Population: 5.5million.
Language: Slovak.
Capital: Bratislava.
When to go: June and July are warm but wet. Temperatures in winter rarely rise above freezing.

What's it like? Bratislava sits on the Danube, downstream from Vienna, but shares none of its architectural charm. The city bears the scars of the Soviet era, with high-rise apartments and Stalinist office buildings. However, it's quite a lively place with plenty of historical sites where you'll rub shoulders with Austrian and Czech day-trippers.

Visit St Martin's cathedral, where Habsburg kings were crowned for more than 300 years. Wander through cobbled streets up to Bratislava Castle. The Old Town is mainly traffic-free and contains some good bars and restaurants.

The Arkadia, near the castle, has great views of the river. Drink and dance at the U-Club, located in a former nuclear bunker nearby.

Best hotel: Accommodation is expensive and geared mainly to businessmen and Austrian weekenders. The Perugia (www. perugia.sk), in the Old Town, was once a palace and is filled with antiques.

Getting there: Vienna airport is only about 30 miles by train, which means you can combine both cities on a short break. BA has flights to Vienna from £98 return.