Bratislava is a lively city and visiting this place is definitely something every person needs to experience.
from Travel Triangle website
Join us as we explore the Slovak City of Bratislava
This post on Bratislava, Slovakia, is a quick capture of our travels while on the road. Though we often post on social media during our adventures, many have requested that we do so on the blog. The focus will be on the photography and our first impressions of the city.
A bit about Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, formerly Pressburg, is the capital of Slovakia. It lies in the southwestern part of the country, along the Danube River, which cuts a gorge in the Carpathian Mountains near where the frontiers of Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary meet. Vienna is a short 35 miles west.
Archaeological evidence suggests a prehistoric presence in Bratislava, which was later fortified and settled by the Celts and Romans. In the 8th century, it was inhabited by the Slavs. The city developed as a trade center and was granted the rights of a free royal town in 1291. The Istropolitana Academy, the first university in what was then Hungary, was founded there in 1465. Bratislava served as the Hungarian capital from 1526 until 1784, when the Turks occupied most of the middle Danube basin. The Hungarian parliament continued to meet there until 1848. Following World War I, Bratislava was made the capital of Slovakia in the first Czechoslovakian Republic, and it remained the capital when Slovakia emerged as an independent nation in 1993.
The Castle
The enormous Bratislava Castle dominates the city, which stands on a plateau 300 feet above the Danube River. The castle was the residence of the Austrian royal family until it was destroyed by fire in 1811; it has since been largely restored. Today, the castle is Bratislava’s symbol and is home to the Museum of History. Its high crown tower has a beautiful view of the city and the neighboring countries.
The modern city of Bratislava, with a population of around 432,000, is a cultural center and the seat of Comenius University (successor to the medieval Istropolitana Academy), the Slovak Academy of Sciences (1953), several specialized schools and technical institutes, the Slovak National Theatre, and the Slovak National Gallery and Museum. It is also an important road and rail junction and river port.
The top 13 things to do and see in Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava Castle
Situated on a hill overlooking the Danube River, Bratislava Castle is a historic landmark offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. The castle houses the Slovak National Museum, which showcases Slovakia’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Old Town (Staré Mesto)
The Old Town is a charming area filled with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant cafes. Key sights include the Main Square, Michael’s Gate, and the iconic St. Martin’s Cathedral.
Devin Castle
Located at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, Devin Castle is a medieval ruin with a rich history dating back to the 5th century. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
Most know St. Martin’s Cathedral for being the coronation site of Hungarian kings and queens. Its Gothic style, impressive interior, and historic significance make it a must-visit attraction in Bratislava.
Michael’s Gate
Michael’s Gate is the only preserved gate of the medieval city fortifications, dating back to the 14th century. The gate houses a small museum of weapons and offers great views of the city from its tower.
Slovak National Theatre
The Slovak National Theatre, with its historic Neo-Renaissance building and modern New Building, hosts opera, ballet, and drama performances. It is a cultural hub offering world-class performances in a stunning setting.
UFO Observation Deck
The UFO Observation Deck, located atop the Nový Most (New Bridge), provides a unique, 360-degree view of Bratislava and beyond. The deck also features a restaurant, offering a dining experience with a breathtaking backdrop.
Hviezdoslav Square
Hviezdoslav Square is a lively public square named after the famous Slovak poet Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav. It is filled with cafes, restaurants, and notable buildings, such as the Slovak National Theatre and the American Embassy.
Blue Church (Church of St. Elizabeth)
The Blue Church, with its distinctive pastel blue facade and Art Nouveau architecture, is one of Bratislava’s most photogenic landmarks. Its interior is equally stunning, featuring intricate mosaics and stained glass windows.
Slovak National Museum
The Slovak National Museum, located in several buildings throughout the city, offers a comprehensive look at the country’s history, culture, and natural heritage. The main building, near the river, showcases important archaeological finds, historical artifacts, and exhibitions of Slovak folk traditions.
The Slavin War Memorial is the largest in Central Europe and dominates the city skyline
It is the burial ground for 6845 Soviet soldiers who died during the liberation of Bratislava in World War II.
Eurovea Waterfront
It combines the promenade, the shopping center, the waterfront, and the theater square, exuding an urban element. The new Slovak National Theater is located here.
Experience Bratislava’s beer and gastronomic culture
The city has many stylish cafes, nightclubs, restaurants, breweries, wine bars, and patisseries.
Our Visit Details
One night in the last days of August 2022
5th night of a 14-day trip that included Budapest, Prague, and Vienna
It is our first visit to Slovakia
Accommodations
Marrols Boutique Hotel
(Free with Chase Reward Points)
How we got around Bratislava
We walked 9.6 miles after our evening arrival and for about 3 hours the next day.
Pre-purchased tickets/events
None
Weather
The weather was sunny, with average temperatures in the low 80s. It was a bit warm at times, but much more comfortable than our days in Budapest.
Our favorite moments and highlights from Bratislava, Slovakia
The Bratislava Castle and grounds are beautiful. The views of the Danube and the city make it even more special. It was quite an effort to walk up to the castle, but it was well worth it.
Old Town is not very large and is easy to navigate. It has many churches, restaurants, bars, and shops.
St Martin Cathedral is the city’s main church and is quite impressive.
We found the Blue Church well worth the visit.
The UFO bridge is unusual, and we did not have enough to visit.
Observations and Commentary
River cruises stop here, so there can be quite a bit of tourist traffic for several hours when they are docked. During our visit, it seemed only locals were in the Old Town area. We did not feel out of place or were given curious glances. Everyone was friendly.
Though we did not take public transportation, it looked state-of-the-art, frequent, clean, and well-used.
Bratislava, Slovakia, is an old city with a long and fascinating history. After the fall of the Soviet Union, we were expecting a city that may be still struggling after over 40 years of communist rule. That could not be farther from the truth. The city is modern, clean, efficient, bustling, and in good economic shape overall. The community seemed well engaged. We did not see any homeless or beggars. Parks were full of families. Even the old Soviet apartment building was brightened up and aesthetically pleasing. Roads were being improved, restoration of the old building was active, and new buildings were under construction.
Food, hotels, public transit, and site entries were inexpensive. Their currency is the euro, and your money will go far.
We felt safe everywhere, even late into the evening. This city has many young people, providing youthful energy and an active social scene.
Apple Pay was accepted everywhere. We rarely pulled out a credit card,
Tipping is expected in Slovakia. It is customary to be around 10% of your restaurant or bar bill. Restaurants rarely offer you to add a tip, as they do in the US; there are two options: leave cash or tell them how much to add to the bill when paying. For example, on a 70 euro bill, we would say, “Please add seven more euros to that for a tip.” They are always appreciative.
Need more info on the country of Slovakia? Check out our Slovakia Travel Guide.
Where to stay when visiting Bratislava, Slovakia
Our recommendation is to stay in the heart of the city. It is small and easy to get around, making it ideal for exploring the whole city.
It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
Thank you for joining us on our adventure through the city of Bratislava
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