New Bridge and UFO Observation Deck, Bratislava (must see)

One of the most iconic features of modern-day Bratislava is the New Bridge. This modern thoroughfare connects the two halves of the city separated by the Danube River. In 2012, its official name was changed to the "Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising" to commemorate the Slovak National Uprising against Nazi rule during World War II. However, locals and visitors often refer to it as the "UFO Bridge" because of its UFO-shaped observation deck at the top.

The bridge was built between 1967 and 1972 and has a total length of 1,413 feet. It is an asymmetrical cable-stayed steel bridge and is notable for having a single pylon and a single cable-stayed plane. Designed by a team that included architect Jozef Lacko and structural engineer Arpád Tesár, it was officially opened on September 26, 1972. Unlike Bratislava's other major bridges, it has no supporting pier standing in the Danube itself. One of its convenient features is that the lower level includes dedicated paths for pedestrians and cyclists.

The construction of the bridge also had a controversial impact on historic Bratislava. Part of the old Vydrica neighborhood beneath Bratislava Castle was demolished to make way for the new road and bridge, along with the city's former Neolog Synagogue. Despite this loss, the bridge later became recognized as an important example of 20th-century Slovak engineering.

Of course, the most distinctive feature of the Nový Most is its UFO-shaped restaurant and observation deck. The structure is mounted atop the bridge's 278-foot-tall pylon. While the restaurant serves Slovak and international cuisine, the real attraction of the UFO is the panoramic view of the city and the Danube from above.