Bratislava is famed for its tiny and narrow streets, scattered all around the city center. And to tell you the truth, this is one of the main reasons I like Bratislava so much. Honestly, I’m not a fan of vast open spaces and wide avenues. But take me for a walk across these tiny historical streets twining through the downtown, and I’m surely in. Needless to say, Biela Street is a shining example of those.

“Biela” means white in Slovak and it is no surprise that Biela Street gained a name like this, because most of the houses lined along it are painted white or bright colours, so it creates a visually cohesive result. Furthermore, Biela Street connects Michalská Street (the one with Michael’s Gate) with Franciscan Square, in other words, two of those highly frequented places. However, Biela Street has somehow stayed out of the touristy turmoil so characteristic for Old Town.

Not surprisingly, I had a hard time choosing just one street to write about, because such charming narrow streets are so typical of Bratislava – they are everywhere! But what amazes me the most about Biela Street in particular is its genius loci – so peaceful and narrow, though surrounded by the most frequented parts of the Old Town, Biela Street stands out. Moreover, being visually consistent gives it a slight edge.