Explore the Charming Old Town and Beyond
The largest city in Slovakia, Bratislava, is filled with spectacular landmarks and has a fascinating history, particularly in its charming Old Town. Bratislava, which has a population of around 500,000 and is located in southwest Slovakia, borders Austria and Hungary.
THE CITY’S HISTORY THROUGH THE REVOLUTIONS OF 1848
The town, then known as Pressburg, was first recorded in literature in 907 and played a significant role in the Hungarian kingdom during the 10th century. It received full-town privileges in 1291 and attained independence with free trade. During the Ottoman Empire’s victory over Hungary in the 16th century, the Turks wreaked havoc on the city. Numerous historical occurrences occurred in Bratislava after being chosen as the capital of Habsburg, Hungary, in 1536.
Up until 1806, Hungarian monarchs and queens were crowned there. In the 18th century, Bratislava prospered under the direction of Empress Maria Theresa. Nationalist sentiment increased during the 19th century, and the city participated in the uprisings of 1848 when Hungarians rebelled against the Austrian monarchy, though Austria ultimately prevailed.
History from the creation of Czechoslovakia to the present
Czechoslovakia, under the leadership of Tomas G. Masaryk, was established on October 28, 1918, but it ceased to exist when the Nazis declared Slovakia a puppet state on March 14, 1939. The Soviet Army liberated the city on April 4, 1945. Slovakia was under a totalitarian government following the Communist takeover in 1948 until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Communism saw a fall in spirituality, a disregard for environmental issues, and unsightly high-rises marred towns’ urban landscapes. Totalitarian ideology crept into both public and private life.
Feel the optimism that characterized the democratic protests on Namesti Slovenskeho narodneho povstania (SNP Square). Pope John Paul II paid an extraordinary visit to Bratislava in 1990. Bratislava became the capital of the Slovak Republic in 1993, following the so-called “Velvet Divorce,” which saw the breakup of Czechoslovakia. Slovakia utilizes the Euro, whilst the Czech Republic uses crowns as its currency.
Before You Plan a Trip to Bratislava
Determine if a visa is required for Bratislava. To enter Slovakia, you almost certainly require a Schengen visa. Before you enter Bratislava, be sure to have a guidebook. This makes navigating the city simple.
It would help if you had comfortable and incredibly light walking shoes because Bratislava is made for strolling.
Why should you visit Bratislava?
Bratislava is unquestionably a fantastic city to visit, regardless of whether you travel around Central Europe, follow the Danube from beautiful Vienna to majestic Budapest, or fancy a weekend stay in a less well-known European major. In this blog post, I’ll try my hardest to persuade you to book a vacation to Bratislava, Slovakia. I’ll discuss the ideal times to visit and the top activities in Bratislava.
Despite being one of the smallest capitals in Europe, this rapidly expanding city has seen a substantial transformation over the past ten years, changing its appearance and traditions. One of Europe’s best-kept secrets is Bratislava, and I’ll explain why.
The city is unquestionably a fusion of culture, old buildings, beer, wine, and art. Additionally, Bratislava is home to several significant corporations, which has led to a thriving international population in this city. As a result, a night out in this city is exciting and varied.
This is your travel guide if you’re thinking about visiting Bratislava. Are you ready?
GETTING TO THE CITY OF BRATISLAVA
Flying to Bratislava
Slovakia’s main airport is Airport Bratislava (BTS). M. R. Štefánik Airport, also known as Bratislava Airport (BTS), is an international airport serving Bratislava and serves several nations with direct flights.
The most popular international flights to Bratislava:
- LONDON — BRATISLAVA
- DUBLIN — BRATISLAVA
You may take bus 61 (or N61 at night) from Bratislava Airport to the city centre in about 35 minutes.
If you want more luxury, you may either reserve a private transfer in advance to receive the best service for a competitive price or take a cab from the airport to Bratislava.
Public Transportation
The cost of public transportation within cities is typically inversely proportionate to the distance travelled. For instance, in Bratislava, a ride lasting 30 minutes costs 0.90 EUR, whereas one lasting 60 minutes costs 1.20 EUR. The majority of the cities sell day permits at about 4.50 EUR.
BUS
The most affordable way to tour the nation is with Flixbus. The 6.5-hour bus ride from Bratislava to Košice costs 22 EUR. The 2.5-hour bus travel from Bratislava to Budapest, Hungary, costs between 12 and 26 EUR, while the one-hour trip from Bratislava to Vienna, Austria, costs only 9 EUR. Numerous buses travel daily between Bratislava and the nearby cities of Budapest, Vienna, and Prague.
TRAINS
Buses cover more ground nationwide than trains, which are more expensive and don’t. However, they move much more quickly. It takes four hours and costs 15 EUR to get from Bratislava to Poprad. The 18 EUR trip to Košice takes 5.5 hours. Budapest, Hungary, is 2.5 hours away and costs 10 EUR, whereas Vienna, Austria, is 90 EUR.
Daily trains from Vienna and Budapest travel to Bratislava in foreign languages. Within a short distance of the city centre by foot or public transportation, you will reach Bratislava Main Railway Station.
Check for train ticket prices and train schedules on the ÖBB page.
BOAT
Taking a boat over the Danube is one of the most exciting methods to get to Bratislava. The approximately 75-minute boat ride between the European capitals of Bratislava and Vienna is scenic and connects the two cities. There are multiple daily departures, and tickets for this excursion can range in price from 20 to 35 euros.
Check the boat schedule and tickets here: The boat between Bratislava and Vienna.
From Vienna to Bratislava
Many travellers use their time in Vienna as an opportunity to escape to Bratislava. There are several ways to get from Vienna to Bratislava, including via bus, train, and water. You might also think about taking a day excursion with a guide from Vienna to Bratislava, which is the most practical way to see Bratislava.
From Prague to Bratislava
A well-travelled route connects Prague and Bratislava. These are the two cities of the formerly united nation of Czechoslovakia, after all. Slovakia’s and the Czech Republic’s capitals are near one another and can be seen in a single trip.
GETTING AROUND THE CITY OF BRATISLAVA
Public Transportation
You won’t need public transportation often if you’re staying in the city centre around Bratislava. On the other hand, the buses, trolleybuses, and trams can take you practically anywhere in Bratislava if you wish to leave the Old Town to explore the modern area of the city or get from the train station to the historic core. Public transportation uses brand-new, comfy vehicles with screens and stops buttons so you won’t miss the stop. Within the window of time indicated on the ticket, transfers are permitted to any mode of transportation. In Bratislava, public transportation is accessible from 5:00 until 22:00.
The ticket price depends on the zones that divide the city and the suburbs. The most significant zones for tourists are Zones 100 and 101, encompassing the entire city and its suburbs, the centre, railway terminals, and the airport.
The cost of public transportation in Bratislava is based on the route’s duration and geographic coverage. A single ticket for 15 to 30 minutes costs between 0.70 and 0.90 euros, a day pass is 3.50 euros, and a three-day pass is 8 euros.
Taxi
In Bratislava, taxis are also reasonably priced. Otherwise, you can download the HopinTaxi app for your smartphone, which is the regional version of Uber and has very reasonable rates.
Car Rental
For a multi-day rental, car rentals can cost as little as 25 EUR each day. You require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a car.
Hitchhiking
In Slovakia, hitchhiking is generally safe, and you can typically find a ride fast. Slovakian youth speak English in large numbers. The finest website for current information on hitchhiking is HitchWiki.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BRATISLAVA
The weather in Slovakia is comparable to that in other central European nations. Bratislava should have bright days between May and September but beware of the strong rains that occasionally fall in the spring and at the end of summer in thunderstorms or showers, sometimes doing significant damage. Winter sports can be played throughout December through February because snowfall is frequent and the weather is chilly.
The greatest number of people arrive during the sunny, hot summer months. The busiest travel season is from July to August when daily highs are typically 27°C (81°F).
You avoid the heat and the crowds by travelling during the shoulder seasons. If you plan to go hiking, May through June or September through October are the finest times to visit. The air is cooler, and you can observe the leaves changing in the fall. Temperatures should be approximately 20°C (68°F).
I would only recommend visiting during the winter if you intend to engage in winter sports like skiing because the weather is cold, snowy, and below-freezing.
THINS TO DO IN BRATISLAVA
Our handy guide to the best things to do in Bratislava is at your disposal. There are many surprises in Bratislava. Everyone can find something. A city that welcomes people of all ages won’t let anyone down. What to do in Bratislava is as follows:
THE DEVIN CASTLE
The Devin Castle, which is fairly close to Bratislava, should first and foremost be visited if you have the opportunity. It provides an extraordinary view of the Danube and the surroundings while perched on a cliff that rises more than 200 meters high. You can take the bus 28 toward Devin from the bus station or a scheduled trip from Bratislava to get there.
OLD TOWN
Like every other European city, Bratislava’s Old Town is where its heart is. You can view practically all of the must-see things there. It is Bratislava’s historic district.
As the community’s core, Hlavné Námestie (main plaza) in the old town is constantly crowded with tourists.
Architectural wonders abound in every nook and cranny of the main square, including Palugyayov Palác, a neo-baroque palace, Roland Fountain (Maximilian Fountain), a statue on top of which spins magically at New Year’s Eve and can only be seen by a Bratislavian with a pure heart, and Old Town Hall (Stara Radnica), a unified complex of beautiful buildings from various eras.
The Old Town Hall houses the Bratislava City Museum, the city’s oldest museum.
PRIMATE’S PALACE
Primaciálne námestie (The Primary Square) in the old town is home to the charming pink neoclassical palace, which is close to the Old Town Hall, New Town Hall, and Museum of City History. The mayor of Bratislava resides there.
The Hall of Mirrors is the Primate’s Palace’s most well-known room. Only the Hall of Mirrors may be photographed; all other chambers and halls are off-limits.
MICHAEL’S GATE AND TOWER
You may reach Michael’s Gate, the city’s final remaining medieval gate, over a pedestrian bridge decorated with love locks. You are greeted by streets lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops as you walk after passing the gate.
Michael’s Tower towers 51 meters above the gate, making it difficult to miss. The distance from Bratislava to other European capitals is indicated by the golden circle known as Kilometer Zero, which lies directly in front of Michael’s Tower.
A panoramic view of the city is available from the observation deck atop the Museum of Arms within Michael’s Tower for 5€ (per adult) and 3€. (per child aged 6–14).
The Batová Lane, which is recognized for being the narrowest in Bratislava, is a small and picturesque cobbled street that can be reached by walking from the tower to the right.
ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL
The route to Rudnayovo Námestie, where St. Martin’s Cathedral is situated, passes along Batová Street and Kapitulská Street among the colourful historic houses. The Old Town skyline is adorned with the cathedral’s medieval spire.
HVIEZDOSLAV SQUARE
Hviezdoslavovo námestie, one of numerous squares in Bratislava, is named after Slovakia’s celebrated poet Pavol Ország Hviezdoslav. The square is well-liked by both locals and visitors due to its abundance of outdoor eateries and cafes, pedestrian zone lined with trees and seats, and souvenir vendors.
It is home to Carlton, the oldest hotel in the city.
SLOVAK NATIONAL THEATRE
Three permanent ensembles — Opera, Ballet, and Drama — are at the New Slovak National Theater in Pribinova, close to the Eurovea retail complex, and the historic Slovak National Theatre in Hviezdoslav Square.
Throughout the summer, practically every day features a performance. Tickets cost between one and fifty euros. Aren’t they cheap?
Visit the theatre’s official website to view the schedule of shows, ticket rates, and other information.
UFO BRIDGE
The Old Town of Bratislava and the neighbourhood of Petralka are connected by the Slovak National Uprising Bridge (Most SNP), also known as the New Bridge (Nov most).
The UFO Bridge is so named because of its spaceship-like design.
Most spots in Bratislava offer a view of the bridge. It is Bratislava’s most prestigious attraction. You can access the observation platform at the top of the bridge, which provides beautiful views of Bratislava via a lift at one of the bridge’s legs.
The entrance fee, around 7€, is deducted from your bill if you want to eat at the UFO Restaurant.
BRATISLAVA CASTLE
Before you even reach Bratislava, you can see the castle perched on a hill. It serves as Bratislava’s emblem. Slovak euro coins use the castle as their main image.
You can see the House of the Good Shephard, a narrow, yellow rococo-style townhouse that now serves as the Museum of Clocks if you choose to walk from St. Martin’s Cathedral to the Bratislava Castle through Židovská street.
Take the sightseeing train that weaves around the city’s most famous monument to get to the castle if strolling through the old town has worn you out.
Although the castle and its baroque garden are lovely, the real allure is found in the expansive views of the old town, the UFO, the Danube River, and Austria.
The entrance fee for the SNM-Historické Muzeum (the castle’s museum of history) is 10 euros for adults and 4 euros for children (per child aged 6 to 14).
GRASSALKOVICH PALACE
Grassalkovich Palace, also known as the Presidential Palace, originally served as the residence of Slovakia’s president and is now a venue for the events of the aristocratic society.
Although you can visit the enormous Presidential Garden or French Garden at the back of the palace any time of the year, the palace is only open to the public once a year, typically in June.
THE BLUE CHURCH
The church is blue, as the name already makes evident. The gorgeous blue colour is displayed both inside and out. It has an incredibly beautiful backdrop of a blue sky on a clear day.
It’s on Bezručova Street, not far from the city centre. At the church, we got to take in a lovely wedding ceremony.
ČUMIL
Since Čumil is a celebrity, there would be a line to take his picture. It is also known to visitors as “Rubberneck” and “Man at Work. “The word “Čumil” in Slovakian means “the watcher.” His naming is the subject of several legends. Take it from the locals.
According to some, this mischievous man attempts to peek under the girls’ skirts. Others claim he is a slacker who puts in little effort and spends more time watching. Others contend that he is simply unwinding after a long day of work and taking in his surroundings. Whatever it may be, he enjoys watching people pass by based on the smile on his face.
According to legend, if you rub his head while making a wish, it will come true as long as you can keep it a secret.
THE STREETS OF BRATISLAVA
Wandering through the alleys and lanes of the city is the greatest way to discover it and take in the ambience. You can discover sites and attractions that are not listed in guidebooks in this way.
Michalská, Panska (also known as Aristocracy Street), Laurainska, Nedbalova, Ventrska, Obchodná, Farska, Baštová street, and Kapitulska Streets are a few of our favourite streets in Bratislava.
SLOVAK RADIO BUILDING
