What to see/do in Bratislava
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, is a fascinating European city located on the banks of the Danube, a few hours by train from the main capitals of Eastern Europe. This city offers unique attractions and views to enjoy a relaxing weekend or a day trip from nearby Vienna or other European capitals such as Budapest or Prague. Here are some tips on what to see/do in Bratislava for a day or a short weekend!
Introduction
The Slovak capital has around 500,000 inhabitants and is the country’s main city. It is located about 60 km from Vienna from which it can be easily reached by train. Its continental climate is characterized by harsh winters and hot, but not too hot, summers. The undoubtedly best season to visit is spring when the city is tinged with color thanks to its many gardens full of flowers. Bratislava is one of the essential stops on a tour of Central and Eastern Europe, as well as being one of the destinations for cruises crossing the Danube. To reach the city, as well as from Vienna, Bratislava has an international airport well connected with most European cities also with low cost airlines. The city is still one of the low-cost destinations in Europe, although prices are now aligning with the rest of the Eurozone countries, however it is still possible to stay and visit the city with good offers.
What to see
The most important monument and symbol of the city is the Castle. Its silhouette is visible from all over the city. Built in the 1st century AD, it was destroyed several times before being rebuilt in 1993 when it became the seat of Parliament after the establishment of the Slovak country independent from Czechoslovakia. From the top of its 74 m hill you will have a 360 degree view of the city and the Danube. Today it houses the Slovak National Museum and the Music Museum. The gardens are beautiful, with free access, and the views that can be admired from its walls.
Descending towards the old town, Staré Mesto, you will enter narrow streets, colorful buildings and majestic churches, such as St. Martin’s Cathedral, until you reach the city’s main square (Hlavné namestie), home to markets, restaurants and bars as well as the Old Town Hall which, with its bell tower, is one of the oldest and most symbolic buildings in Bratislava. Another historic building that is worth a visit is the Primartial Palace, the old seat of the archbishop and now the seat of municipal representation.
Another of the symbols of Bratislava is the Blue Church. This church is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary who lived in Bratislava Castle and is characterized by an Art Nouveau style and blue walls which make it a unique entity in religious architecture .
Another palace worthy of note is the seat of the Presidency of the Slovak Republic, the Grassalkovich Palace, with its magnificent “French” gardens. Scattered around the city you will find numerous bronze statues such as the Napoleonic soldier, Cumil the voyeur or the Baron of Munchausen.
The Slovak National Theater is another iconic building of the city. In neoclassical style, throughout its history it has hosted concerts by sacred monsters of the history of music such as Mozart and Listz.
On the banks of the Danube you will find the most modern part of the city with the futuristic “new bridge” bridge and the UFO tower, with its observatory and restaurant.
What to do
Bratislava is an ideal destination to relax and enjoy your free time among historic cafés, trendy clubs, visits to museums or nature walks. Along the banks of the Danube, a park is overrun by families and athletes, especially on weekends in the summer.
To savor typical Slovak cuisine the best addresses are: Houdini, Bistronomy and Savoy.
A drink or a gourmet dinner on the UFO is another unmissable stop as is the trendy Urban house where you can enjoy excellent drinks and brunch in a young and cool atmosphere.
For a trip a few kilometers from the city, a visit to Devin Castle is an unmissable destination. The ruins of this castle are located about 20 minutes from the city on a promontory at the confluence of the Morava and the Danube.
