Bratislava the capital of Slovakia is situated in the southwest of the country on the banks of the Danube and in the foothills of the Little Carpathian mountains. This small city is home to 425,000 people and has throughout its history, due to its location, been of strategic importance. It is today a growing modern city however its true beauty can be seen in its jewel of a old town with the Castle of Bratislava at its heart.
Bratislava: A True Old World Jewel
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How To Get There
Bratislava airport is situated approx 9 km North East of the city and is by comparison a fairly small international airport – it has decent connections with most European countries. To get from the airport the easiest way is by taxi however there is also an airport bus. (Bus No 61).
However, Bratislava is also served by the larger Vienna International Airport which is in fact just over an hour away by train. Plus, Vienna has a much greater number of destinations to connect from than Bratislava Airport.
With the city being on the banks of the Danube it is also a popular stop on many river cruise itineraries and this is how many visitors arrive in the city.
There is also a river ferry that operates in the summer months between Vienna and Bratislava.
What To See And Do
Wander the streets of the Old Town
This historical area is small and compact but it is where most of the cities must-see tourists sights are to be found. However, the area in general is perfect for simply exploring with its cobblestone streets. Here you can search for a favourite cafe or bar and there are a few to choose from, but its true beauty is really it’s picturesque old world location and charm.
Michael’s Gate
Built in 1300 Michael’s Gate is the only surviving medieval gate in Bratislava. It’s in the Old Town and you can simply walk up to it and take a picture or you can climb to the top of it for a better view.
Old Town Hall
One of the oldest buildings in Bratislava the Old Town Hall has had a mixed history having previously served as a prison and a mint. It sits in the Main Square at the heart of the Old Town – you can climb its Tower for some great views of the Square and city.
Hviezdoslavov Square
This Square or Boulevard in the Old Town has the Slovak National Theatre at one end and is lined by embassies and smart Townhouses, there is also rows of trees and fountains. It is a popular spot for outdoor displays or concerts.
St Elizabeth’s Church ( Blue Church)
This Art Nouveau Church is just East of the Old Town area, it was built in 1910 as the Chapel for a Grammar School but has since gone on to be a symbol for Slovakia. You can go inside the church where the pews are also painted blue and there is a painting of St Elizabeth.
Maximilian’s Fountain
Back in the Main Square is another of Bratislava’s most prized monuments and meeting places. Opposite the Old Town Hall is a fountain commissioned by the King of Hungary, Maximilian II in 1572 as a water supply for Pressburg’s citizens. The column in the middle is crested by a statue of the knight in battle armour. Some people believe this an image of Roland, the mythical defender of Pressburg’s rights, and others are certain it’s Maximilian himself.
According to legend, every New Year at the stroke of midnight the statue turns to face the Old Town Hall and bows to honour 12 councillors who died defending the city.
Bratislava Castle
The castle watches over the city and can be seen from various points around it. It sits on a defendable hill high above it, the castle was unmatched as it sat between the Alps and the Carpathian’s defending a important ancient ford in the Danube. Its heyday came in the 16th century when it was the seat of the Kings of Royal Hungary and was the home of the Hungarian Crown Jewels for 200 years. It is now one if not the most famous landmark in the city with a museum inside.
Most SNP
This is another iconic landmark of Bratislava and one you will get a great view of if you arrive in the city via the river. Its full name is, Bridge of Slovak National Uprising. It was opened in 1972 and holds a world record. It is the longest cable-stayed bridge to have only one pylon and a single set of cables.
At the top of that pylon is another viewing platform, known by the locals as the UFO. As well as a viewing platform there is also a restaurant up there which you can book. You can also walk across the bridge for some good views of the Danube.
Most SNP, Bratislava
Sad Janka Kral’a
This is found in the Petržalka borough of the city which is accessed right across the Danube by using the Most SNP. Once there you can enjoy the oldest public park in Europe, plotted in 1774-1776. Thanks to its age the park abounds with mature trees, and the willows, poplars, maples and ash trees planted in groups along specific paths in the 18th century. These are joined by ginkgo bilobas, dawn redwoods and a gigantic 200-year-old plane tree.
But the park’s unforgettable feature is the Gothic gazebo. This is the upper section of Bratislava’s 15th-century Franciscan church tower, brought here after the church was rebuilt at the turn of the century.
Statues in the Old Town
If you’re looking for that quirky photo for your social media, well the Old Town may just give you it, dotted in some very unusual places you will find a number of creative and at times cheeky statues. Look out for them as you walk around. Oh, and do look down because some are on the roadway.
Grassalkokovich Palace
This grand palace original built in 1760 is now the official residence of the Slovak President. As a result of it being a government building it is not open to the public. However, it has a stylish fountain outside and you can stop there and take pictures. You can then go behind the Palace where you will find what was originally the Palace’s Gardens but is now a beautiful public park. The palace and park is situated just to the north of the Old Town.
Primate’s Palace
This palace was original built in its Neoclassical style in 1770s for a Archbishop. It was more recently until 1996 the residence of the President. It is open to the public and its most famous feature is a tour of the Hall of Mirrors which is a sequence of 5 rooms each named after its colour of decor.
Eurovea
On the left bank of the Danube in the southeast of the city, Bratislava’s former industrial district has been totally revitalised. The symbol of this shiny new quarter is Eurovea, a large mixed-use development combining homes, shopping and entertainment.
The first phase was completed in 2010, when the Eurovea Galleria Mall opened its doors, together with a casino, cinema, pool and gym.
Anyone hankering for some big brand shopping will be pleased with the choice of mid-market and luxury names like H&M, Lacoste, Guess, Armani, Marks & Spencer, Adidas and Mango.
In front of the development are lawns and a promenade on the Danube.
Where to Eat and Drink
There is a a wide choice of bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from in Bratislava and particular in the Old Town. The area is well known for its sweet and savoury dumplings, as well as its Slovak beer. Bratislava also produces a excellent sparkling wine that is well worth sampling.
As for premises I have included three establishment’s that I would recommend trying, as we certainly enjoyed them on our visit.
Fabrika Beer Pub
This place provides some excellent burgers with a wide range of toppings, it also brews its own craft beers on the site. If you like your beer, I particularly liked the Fabrika F12 Lager, a type of Pilsner but there are more to try and I am sure you will find one to your liking.
Orbis Street Food
This restaurant two minutes from the Old Town Square is perfect for visitors on a budget or ones just looking for a snack on the go. Get a carry out order and take it with you to the square to enjoy as you watch the goings on. It has a great varied menu and everything is cooked to perfection.
LaPutika Cafe
This traditional Slovak cafe is found in the Old Town it has very reasonable priced drinks and offers a set 2 course menu along traditional lines. The portions were a good size and the beef soup I had was full of flavour. Give this excellent local cafe a look.
Conclusion
Bratislava is not as popular or well publicised as many cities and locations along the Danube or in this region as a whole, but it offers so much in a compact area that makes it a great location if you are visiting for the day from Vienna or on a River Cruise. However, it also is in its own right, a interesting and different choice for a city break. I was not sure what to expect before we went but I left with a very positive view of the city. Give it a try.
