IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF BRATISLAVA, YOU NEED TO ADD IT TO YOUR EUROPEAN TRAVEL LIST
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Bratislava, Slovakia
Although most people have heard of Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic, it has been my experience that not so many people have heard of Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, the other half of the former Czechoslovakia that split in 1993. Bratislava is a quaint and picturesque gem of a city located right between Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary, making it a convenient - and recommended - stop on your next Central European trip.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
GETTING THERE: Roughly 1 hr and 10 minutes train ride from Austria, around 3 hours by train or a little over 2 hours by Flixbus from Budapest.
GETTING AROUND: Everything in the Old Town is walkable, including to the nearby Bratislava Castle. If you are interested in seeing the sites outside of the city, there is reliable and frequent public transportation, or you can rent a car.
HOW MUCH TIME TO SPEND: This charming city can be explored in a day, but it is better to take a few to relax and enjoy this perfect pit-stop on your European itinerary.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: Summer (June - August) is high season, characterized by warm weather (20°C / 68F–30°C /100F) and is best for outdoor dining and local festivals, although there are more crowds and the potential for afternoon thunderstorms. The shoulder season of April- May, and September - October offer more manageable temperatures ideal for city strolling and hiking in the nearby mountains. Winter (November - March) is cold, with temperatures around freezing, best for Christmas markets (late Nov/Dec), ice skating, and skiing in nearby resorts.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
OLD TOWN BRATISLAVA
The easily-walkable Old Town will transport you back to medieval times, but has a surprisingly modern twist with lovely cafes, wine bars, and restaurants situated amongst the old architecture. A fortress surrounds the Old City, dating from medieval times, roughly 1300, with entrance/exit to/from the city previously confined to one of four fortified gates. Today, Michael’s Gate is the only gate that has been preserved and is one of the town’s oldest structures. Take some time to walk along the walls edge from the river side, since you will find a slightly hidden array of pictures and information documenting the history and growth of the city. Plus, the view of the fortress, river, and TV Tower make for a great picture, especially on a moody cloudy night!
HLAVNE NAMESTIE & THE CITY MUSEUM
After entering the city, begin in Hlavne Namestie- the main square, and gathering place, where the colorful buildings are amongst the oldest in the city. City Hall’s prominent clock tower was built approximately in 1370, with the town hall originally created in the 15h century, but with more reconstructions over the centuries. Climb to the top of the tower for a wonderful view of the city. And Be sure to visit the Bratislava City Museum, located in the City Hall. Established in 1868, it is the oldest museum in Bratislava and chronicles the town's history, featuring the old prison. This museum is one of 11 themed sites across the city, all belonging to the same museum network.
While exploring the town, be sure to look down and spot the gold crowns embedded into the streets; and follow these to walk the historic coronation route of the Hungarian monarchs.
While exploring the town, be sure to look down and spot the gold crowns embedded into the streets; and follow these to walk the historic coronation route of the Hungarian monarchs. This path leads to St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, where they were crowned for more than 300 years, from 1536 to 1830.
THE BLUE CHURCH
An interesting building to visit is the Church of St. Elizabeth, is also known as the Blue Church. It is a Catholic Church found in the eastern part of Old Town that was built in the Hungarian – Successionist style, and, as you probably guessed- is all blue. From the façade and roof to the mosaics, to the interior. It is just too cute not to miss!
BRATISLAVA & DEVIN CASTLES
Outside of Old Town there are also many things to see (and to aid in walking off your meal! There are two castles in the area – Bratislava Castle and Devin Castle. Bratislava Castle dates back to the 10th century and can be easily reached by foot up a mild hill, in a short walk from the Old Town. This castle was built and rebuilt many times in different styles over the years. It was the main castle of the Kingdom of Hungary from 1531 to 1783. Present day, the rectangular building with four towers and two main gates has been painted a stark white color making it a sight to see reflecting light on the hill. Devin Castle, one of the oldest castles in Slovakia, is a bit further and is about a 3 hour round trip journey to Devin, basically a borough of Bratislava. It sits high up on a rocky mountain in the middle of wine country. If you want to see Devin Castle without renting a car, the the most direct method is by bus 29, which runs frequently (every 15-20 minutes) from the city centre.
KAMZIK TV TOWER
You can also visit Kamzik TV Tower, a 196-metre (643 ft) tall television transmission tower with a public observation deck and a revolving restaurant with a panoramic view! There is information showing all the landmarks that are on each side of the building, so you get a bit of geographic education while enjoying the inexpensively priced beer, wine, and cocktails. On a good day, you can see Austria, Hungary and Czech Republic.
THREE COUNTRIES IN A DAY
Or, for the more ambitious, you can rent a bike or car and have the unique experience of visiting three countries in one day. Because of where Bratislava is situated, it is possible to bike or drive around to nearby Austria and Hungary and return to Slovakia in the same day. Whatever you decide, spending a day or two in this lovely city will not be something you regret.
WHAT TO EAT & WHERE TO DINE
Wander through the streets to find a variety of traditional Slovak restaurants, as well as other cuisines. Stop and sit at one of the many cafes with outdoor seating. You can’t beat the prices - a couple dollars for a beer and just slightly more for a glass of wine. And make sure to try the local cuisine! Slovak food is hearty and filling, to get through those cold winters so make sure to bring your appetite because these meals are not exactly geared for the health conscious.
The national dish is called Bryndzové halušky, which is sheep’s cheese gnocchi (and so good!). Sheep’s cheese is local to Slovakia and the surrounding areas of Romania and Bulgaria and is similar to feta in its crumbly texture, but a bit saltier. For an appetizer, or as an entree for the lighter appetite, try one of the local soups- Kapustnica is a strong cabbage soup, made with cream and topped with chorizo. And Goulash is a hearty stew, usually of beef, vegetables and lots of potatoes. Both are rich in flavor, and traditionally served in a bread bowl. For dessert, you can pass by one of the many bakeries and sample Bratislavský rožok. A pastry shaped in a crescent and filed with a sweet poppyseed filling, dating back to the 18th century.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotels in Bratislava are very reasonably priced compared to other European destinations. And there is a variety of hotels just a few minutes walk from Old Town.
For a luxurious stay:
Marrol's Boutique Hotel or Sheraton Bratislava
Radisson Blue Carlton Hotel
Grand Hotel River Park, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bratislava
Radisson Blue Carlton Hotel.
Arcadia Boutique Hotel
For more economical stays:
Garni Hotel
BlueBell Hotel
Boutique Apartments Possonium
FINAL THOUGHTS
In August, I found myself in Bratislava, basking in perfect weather—sunny yet pleasantly cool. The city buzzed with life, offering a delightful balance between energy and tranquility, making it an ideal stop on any journey. As I strolled through the city, I was captivated by the stunning medieval architecture that surrounded me, and educated me about the city's regal past. I wish I had carved out more time, especially sine everything was so affordable. So if you’re seeking a destination that combines history, culture, and charm without the crowds, Bratislava is calling your name.
Comments