The capital of Slovakia is a small city with a unique charm well worth discovering.
Set on the banks of the Danube, between Vienna and Budapest, Bratislava is one of Central Europe’s most distinctive and romantic destinations. The magic of the Danube, baroque architecture, iconic socialist-era buildings, the castle with panoramic views, countless museums and the youthful atmosphere from thousands of students are just some of the reasons that make it special.
Whether you choose it as your base or visit for a short excursion from Vienna (one hour by train), the capital of Slovakia has a lot to offer in every season.
The old town
It may not have Prague’s fairytale beauty, but the Old Town of Bratislava is deeply charming and authentic. It is not just an atmospheric backdrop of historic buildings and tourists, but a city that buzzes with life. A stroll along cobbled lanes withpastel-hued buildings will carry you back in time. A key sight is Michael’s Gate (Michalska Brana), the only one of the medieval city’s four gates that survives to this day.
Between the squares Hlavne Namestie and Primacialne Namestie you will find the old Town Hall (Stara Radnica), a complex of buildings dating from the 14th century that now serves as the City Museum of Bratislava. It is also worth seeing St. Martin’s Cathedral, where royal coronations took place, the Capuchin Church, the National Theatre and the distinctive Blue Church.
The bronze statues scattered around the city are sure to catch your eye. Highlights include the statue of Napoleon leaning on a bench, and the quirky worker«Cumil» emerging from a manhole.
Walking through Bratislava’s historic center you will come across plenty of lovely cafes, bustling pubs, interesting little shops and restaurants serving modern cuisine as well as local dishes like bryndzové halušky (something like gnocchi with cheese and bacon).
The castle
Bratislava’s most characteristic landmark is the medieval castle Bratislavsky Hrad that stands above the city overlooking the Danube. Built in the 10th century, renovated by Maria Theresa in 1766, destroyed by fire in 1811 and reconstructed in 1953. After touring the gardens dotted with statues and admiring the wonderful views, you will enter its interior, which hosts exhibitions of the Slovak National Museum.
The museums
Bratislava has many distinctive museums worth visiting. The City Museum of Bratislava, the Museum of Arms in Michael’s Tower, the Museum of Clocks, which houses antique timepieces from the 17th century, and the baroquePálffy Palace with its impressive mirrored corridors are the most important.
The «UFO Bridge»
A trademark of contemporary Bratislava is thefuturistic Novy Most bridgethat links the banks of the Danube. Thestriking feature of this bridge is the UFO that stands on the tower on one side. It is worth visiting to admire the city’s view from the observation platform, and to enjoy your coffee or your meal at the restaurant that serves European cuisine.
Cruise on the Danube
In April the season begins for cruises on the Danube.Starting from Bratislava you can take a mini cruise to Devin Castle, which is built on a high rock, amid a magical natural landscape, at the confluence of the Danube and the Morava.
