Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia is often overlooked in the travel itinerary of many people. Some decided to drop by here for a half-a-day trip while on the way to Vienna, then some totally gave a skip to Bratislava or Slovakia. What a miss!
Wondering in the city of Bratislava with medieval architectural is one of the most enjoyable moments here. Most of its attraction are connected within the city with narrow and winding streets, making exploration by foot plausible for budget travelers. On top of that, the smaller numbers of tourists compared to other European capitals relatively also make it comfortable to walk around here.
If you have just a quick 2 day 1 night stay in Bratislava, you can refer to our article here on what we have visited and eat to enjoy the best Bratislava has to offer.
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| At Michael's Gate, Bratislava |
Public Transport in Bratislava
As most of the attractions are located within Bratislava old town square thus you can save a few pennies off public transport if you intend to visit these areas solely.
However, if you intend to go to further places such as Slavin, Devin Castle, or maybe your hotel is located far off old town square, then perhaps you may consider to buy the ticket.
There are many types of tickets but we would highlight those that are more relevant - single journey tickets and day tickets. For tourists, day tickets are the most convenient type, as you can use it unlimited times on the public transport within the city. Just validate the ticket in the ticket validator upon first boarding and no subsequent validation is needed. Moreover, day ticket come with an affordable price tag of 3,50 €
Kindly note that the drivers do not sell the tickets, so you have to get it from the ticketing machine or news kiosk, which is aplenty in the old town square.
Then if you intend to take bus to destinations such as Vienna or the other part of Europe, the bus station is located under Most SNP Bridge near to old town side. You may go to Central bus station, which may be inconvenient due to its location far off old town.
Places to Visit in Bratislava
1. Most SNP Bridge
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| Another view of Most SNP Bridge |
This is probably the bridge with the most unique design we have ever seen, it even has an odd name too.
Named Most SNP Bridge, it is actually an acronym for Most Slovenského národného povstania, which I got to know from wikipedia. The bridge crosses over Danube river, and from far away we can see a flying saucer structure as the tower of the bridge, just like an UFO. Hence, it has earned a nickname "UFO Bridge"
Apparently, the UFO is an observation deck that opens from 10pm - 11pm daily which you can pay an entrance fee to enter for a view of the city. The fees can be waived if you dine in the restaurant too. Here is a good place to catch the sunset view of the city as well.
2. Michael's Gate
Michael's Gate is one of the most picturesque spot in the old town of Bratislava. The tower is standing tall at 51 meters, with a row of cafes and shops on each side of it, forming a symmetrical image with nice depth of field. So do not be surprised if you see people stop by here taking photos.
It is one of the oldest building in Bratislava, being built in the 14th century but the present shape is the result of baroque reconstructions in 1758. If you look carefully, there is a statue of dragon on top of Michael's Gate.
Michael's Tower also hosts Museum of Arm and an observation deck that provides you with a view of the street. When you are approaching the gate from Obchonda Street, there is a pedestrian bridge and you can see people selling souvenirs, performing musicians and some beggars trying to earn a living. Fret not as there are not aggressive, so just walk pass as usual if you are not interested.
3. Old Cathedral of Saint John of Matha and Saint Felix of Valois
We just find that Old Cathedral of Saint John of Matha and Saint Felix of Valois entrance makes a perfect spot for pictures. Google check showed that this church was built on the site of older Church of St. Michael, which was demolished in 1529 during the Ottomon wars.
4. Bratislava Castle
If you have picked up a piece of tourism advertisement materials of Bratislava, chances that you have seen this white building with orange rooftop. That is Bratislava castle, located on a hill right next to Danube river and walking distance from the old town.
Instead of serving as a fort, Bratislava castle currently has become a representative venue for the Slovak Paliament and houses collections of Slovak National Museum. Entrance fees are required, but feel free to explore other area of the castle without paying anything.
Outside of the main castle gate you will spot the equestrian statue of King Svatopluk I, a rule of Great Moravia who expanded the territory to maximum during his reign.
Actually the route going to Bratislava castle is pretty interesting. There is a spot that let you capture the iconic Most SNP Bridge as background, and the staircases that leading the way up to Bratislava castle is a picturesque spot too.
We had one small instances became the center of attention for trying to take pictures of Shirleen walking on the staircase.
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| The view of Bratislava Castle from Danube River |
5. St. Martin's Cathedral
The Gothic St. Martin Cathedral is one of the largest and oldest cathedral in Bratislava, and formerly the coronation church of several Hungarian kings. It is located below Bratislava Castle, so you can either visit here before Bratislava Castle or vice versa.
An entrance fee of €2.50 is required, though visit to the central nave is free of charge.
6. Blue Church
Blue Church ought to be one of the most beautiful structure in Bratislava. Everything is blue here, from the facade, to the chairs and even the roof. We have never seen a church in blue colour, have you?
It only opens for a short hour, so be sure to check out its opening hour if you would not want to have a blue holiday, like what we experienced. Therefore we only can take a peek via the small holtes between gate grill. Entrance fees is free though.
Operation hours as we known: Monday to Saturday (6.30am - 8am ; 5.30pm - 7:30pm), Sunday (7.30am - 12pm ; 5.30pm - 7.30pm)
7. Man At Work Statue
Most of the statues in the world are erected as a memorial to a significant event or people, but Bratislava old town has a few quirky statues that resembles the moments in real life. One of them is Čumil, or better known as Man At Work. Nobody know what he is up there, perhaps he is trying to get a look under the ladies' skirt o perhaps he is just a worker who is resting after a day hard works?
Apart from this Man At Work Statue, there are Paparazzi, Schone Nachi, Napoleon Soldier, so have fun looking for them!
8. Holy Trinity Column
The column was built in 1713 as a commemoration to the end of plague that hit Bratislava at the end of 1712. We just happened to pop by here and were impressed by the artists work at the column.
9. Slovak National Theatre
Any theatre performance fan here?
You can have a different experience by going to Slovak National Theatre for a performance. Even though language might be a barrier but it might be fun.
The adjacent Hviezdoslav's Square is also a good place for a rest and drink a cup of coffee or snack before you continue your journey.
10. Bratislava Main Square (Hlavné námestie)
It is self explanatory, Bratislava Main Square is the center of the town with a range of cafes for you to relax, or restaurants that can cater up to your dining needs.
The town hall, which happens to be the oldest stone building still standing in Bratislava is still erected strongly here. It houses the oldest museum of the city and a tower that offers you a panoramic view of the city. You can go up to the tower for a small fees to have a great look of the city,
11. Devin Castle
How about an excursion off the old town Bratislava?
Then you can consider visit Devin Castle, which is located 12km off the town and located just a stone's throw away from Austria's border. This is also where two river - Moravia and Danube river join together.
Devin Castle is a ruin actually as French troop destroyed it in 19th century but has underwent a slight renovation works. Entrance fee is 5€. We did not get into Devin Castle as the drizzle started to turn into rain during our visit.
The surrounding area of Devin Castle is a nice place to walk and explore. We saw many cyclists and people walking their dogs there. Apparently there are some monuments too.
In order to get to Devin Castle, you can take bus #29 near to Most SNP Bridge, and get down at the stop - Štrbská, Hrad Devín. From there, walk about 15 minutes with a slight steep road and you should reach there in a while. During high season, boat ride from Bratislava port is possible.
If you are buying a single bus ticket, remember to buy the return ticket as well because there is no ticketing machine at Devin Castle!
Food We Tried in Bratislava
1. Bratislava Flag Ship
We were under the impression this restaurant has to be a tourist trip again - nicely decorated and premium location, but it was too early to make the conclusion before visit. Bratislava Flag Ship Restaurant is one of the biggest restaurant in Europe, and they serve really good Slovak dishes in a beautiful setting.
It does not feel like a restaurant when you walk into it. Starting with a long passage with barrels, then with staircases leading to nowhere. However rest assured you are in the right place. We took the outdoor seating as we thought we were going into a wrong place when walking in!
The menu is extensive, featuring local Slovak dishes that we really eager to try. For starter, we had Cesnačka polievka v bosniaku (Garlic Soup served in a loaf of homemade bread with cheese; €4.50). It tasted unique, epsecially when the cheese get mixed together.
Then for main, we had Slovenska misa pre 2 osoby (Slovak plater for 2 person, €15.90), which is a great deal to taste all the Slovak specialties dishes. It has dumplings with bryndza sheep cheese, 5 plrogi with bryndza sheep cheese and dumplings with cabbage and bacon, a whole load of cheese it was!
The only thing we did not enjoy was the 5 pieces of big dumplings.
Go and walk into the restaurant even you are dining at the outdoor. It is like a puzzle and surely has many things that set to wow you.
Bratislava Flag Ship Restaurant
+421 917 927 673
Operation hours: 11am - 11pm Daily (till 12am on Fri, Sat and Sun)
2. Kebab
This might not be the perfect dinner or lunch but we were left with Kebab as option as we went out late on the first night. A lot of eateries were closed but we were fortunate to bump into Mc. Kebab. The kebab did not disappoint, and only cost €3 each, which is a great deal for budget travelers!
3. Arthur Ice Cream
There was a crew doing videos at this shop we passed by this ice cream shop near to the Man at Work Statue, so having the herd's attitude, we decided to give a try.
And it turned out ice cream sold by Arthur Ice Cream is so good. The Arthur Premium Naugat ice cream (€1.5 per scoop) we had was brimming with smooth and velvety taste that the taste still vividly registered in our mind. The ice cream here is made of natural ingredients (without eggs), and they also offer vegan ice cream and sorbets.
Definitely worth the try if you are in Bratislava.
Arthur Ice Cream
+421 907 176 121
Operation hours: 10am - 11pm (till 9pm on Tuesday)
4. Luculus Ice Saloon
We were addicted to ice cream after trying the wonder at Arthur Ice Cream, so we had another round at Luculus, a different shop near to Hviezdoslav Square.
It was above average but the shop here offers more conducive environment, which you can sit down and enjoy your ice cream. Our preference still goes to Arthur ice cream.
Luculus Ice Saloon
+421 917 931 068
Operation hours: 9am - 12am Daily
5. Slovakian Snacks
If you have time, check out the store to get some Slovak snacks and beers. Heard the beers here are good! On top of that, the strawberry in such a huge packet only cost €1.99, and we could not resist the temptation of having it!
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Check out Shirleen & Ee Pin's Instagram for more beautiful photos we have taken.
Check out Shirleen & Ee Pin's Instagram for more beautiful photos we have taken.
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