Discover the Unique Charms and Best of Bratislava 2024
Discover the Unique Charms and Best of Bratislava 2024
Slovakia’s largest city and capital is Bratislava. Situated at the base of the Little Carpathians in southwest Slovakia, Bratislava encompasses both the left bank of the Morava River and the Danube River. It is the only national capital that shares boundaries with two independent nations, Austria and Hungary.
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Informations
We had long yearned to travel to Vienna and Bratislava. On our list, these two capital cities were must-see locations.We chose to leave Munich early in the morning and go straight to Bratislava, where we would first explore this amazing city, before continuing on to our hotel in Vienna for a second visit the following day. Bratislava is only 80 kilometers from Vienna.We followed our itinerary to the letter and reached Bratislava at about 12:30 in the afternoon. Since the Blue Church was a little bit farther from the other sights in the old town center, we drove there the first time, because, of course, we wanted to see as many tourist attractions as we could.
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Things to do
The Blue Church
We dedicate this church to St. Elizabeth of Hungary. The church is sometimes referred to as the Blue Church because of the color of its exterior, which features a blue majolica mosaic. After touring this exquisite church, we attempted to get a parking spot close to the center, but on a Saturday afternoon, it appeared to be nearly impossible. However, good fortune was with us, and we discovered a spot directly behind Grassalkovich Palace.
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Presidential Palace
The President of Slovakia resides in the Grassalkovich Palace, also known as the Grasalkovičov palác in Slovak and Grassalkovich-kastély in Hungarian. It is located close to the Episcopal Summer Palace on Hodžovo námestie. The structure is a summer palace with a French garden that is Rococo-late Baroque.Architect András Mayerhoffer completed the structure in 1760 for Maria Theresa’s personal friend, the Hungarian aristocrat Antal Grassalkovich, who was of Croatian ancestry.At the time, Antal was the quasi-Minister of Finance and President of the Royal Hungarian Chamber, hence he required a capital residence (Pozsony was Hungary’s capital until 1848). It has a grand staircase and lots of rooms. Joseph von Pichler painted the frescoes that adorn the chapel.
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Trinitarian Church
The Church of Saint John of Matha and Saint Felix of Valois, also known as the Trinitarian Church or Trinity Church (Slovak: Kostol trinitárov, Trinitársky kostol or Trojičný kostol or Kostol svätého Jána z Mathy an svätého Felixa z Valois; incorrectly named Holy Trinity Church (Kostol Najsvätejšej Trojice), is a Baroque-style church located on the Župné námestie square in Bratislava’s Old Town borough.The church was constructed on the location of the ancient Church of St. Michael, which was destroyed in 1529 together with the St. Michael village and other suburbs during the Ottoman wars in order to better observe the invading Turks.Although interior building continued until the first part of the 18th century, the church was sanctified in 1727 after the Trinitarian Order began working on it in 1717.
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Following there, we carried on into the center. Before we show you the next sights we saw, we’ll show you some photos we took along the route. This city will enchant you!
Center of Bratislava
The historic core and one of the boroughs of Bratislava, located in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia, is known as the Old Town of Bratislava (Slovak: Staré Mesto, Hungarian: Óváros, German: Altstadt). It shares an area with Bratislava I, the smallest Slovak administrative district. It includes Bratislava Castle, the modest but well-preserved medieval city center, and other significant attractions. In addition to being home to the majority of foreign embassies and significant Slovak institutions, such as the National Council of the Slovak Republic, the Summer Archbishop’s Palace, which houses the Government of Slovakia, and Grassalkovich Palace, which houses the President of Slovakia, Bratislava’s Old Town is renowned for its numerous churches, the Bratislava Riverfront, and cultural institutions.
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Martin's Cathedral
The church in Bratislava, Slovakia, known as St. Martin’s Cathedral (Katedrala svätého Martina or Dóm svätého Martina in Slovak, Szent Márton-dóm or Koronázó templom in Hungarian, and Kathedrale des Heiligen Martin in German) serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Bratislava. It is located beneath Bratislava Castle on the western edge of the old city center. Known for serving as the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary from 1563 to 1830, it is the biggest and oldest church in Bratislava. At 85 meters (278 feet 10 inches), St. Martin’s tower and spire dominate the skyline of Old Town, together with the castle on the nearby hill, which is somewhat similar in its stunning but very severe Gothic lines and coloring.
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Old Town Hall
In the Old Town of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, there is a complex of buildings from the 14th century known as Old Town Hall (Slovak: Stará radnica, Hungarian: Regi városháza).The tower was constructed in 1370, making it the oldest city hall in the nation and one of the oldest stone structures still standing in Bratislava.Three townhouses were connected to form the town hall in the fifteenth century, and it underwent multiple restorations over the ages.It is home to the Bratislava City Museum, the city’s oldest museum, which was established in 1868 and has displays on torture devices and the city’s history.A panoramic view of Bratislava’s Old Town and surrounding area may be seen from the top of the Old Town Hall tower.
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Michael's Gate
Michael’s Gate (Slovak: Michalská brána, German: Michaelertor, Hungarian: Mihály kapu) is one of the oldest town buildings in Bratislava, Slovakia, and the only city gate of the medieval walls that has survived. It was constructed around 1300, and the statue of St. Michael and the Dragon was erected atop it in 1758 as part of baroque reconstructions that gave it its current form. The Bratislava City Museum’s Exhibition of Weapons is housed in the tower. The town was encircled by strong walls throughout the Middle Ages, and only one of the four strongly guarded gates allowed access or departure. The Fishermen’s Gate (Rybná brána, Fischertor, Halász kapu) was located in the south of the town, while the Laurinc Gate, named after Saint Lawrence, was located on the east side.
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Maximilian fountain and Hviezdoslavovo námestie
The Roland Fountain, also known as the Maximilian Fountain, Rolandova Fontána, or Maximiliánova Fontána in Slovak, is the most well-known fountain in Bratislava, Slovakia, and a significant landmark in the city.It is situated in the Main Square in the Old Town.In order to provide a public water supply, Maximilian II, the king of Royal Hungary, ordered its construction in 1572.A. Lutringer, a great sculptor, placed a statue of Maximilian above the fountain, depicting him as a knight in full armor. Because it has undergone multiple modifications and rebuilds, its current appearance is most likely very different from its original appearance. It is still one of the most popular places to meet in downtown, nevertheless, and its appeal hasn’t changed.This fountain is the focus of numerous stories, most of which portray Maximilian as the town’s guardian.
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Čumil
One of the most well-known monuments in Bratislava and a major draw in the city center is Čumil. Čumil is a bronze statue that was created by Viktor Hulík, a sculptor, academic painter, graphic artist, and artist. In honor of the renovated and revitalized pedestrian area, it was put in place on July 26, 1997, at a gathering known as the Korzo party. Alongside Slovakian President Michal Kováč, thirty thousand people attended the Korzo party. Two other statues of the Schöne Nazi and the Napoleonic soldier were also installed as part of the occasion.The statue of Čumil has been one of the most photographed statues in Bratislava since it was put there. It is situated where Laurinská, Panská, and Rybárska brána streets converge.
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After seeing everything, we walked back to the main road and traveled to Hviezdoslavovo námestie, where we could view the park and a few stunning structures, including the Opera House, the Carlton Building, and the Philharmony House.
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Most SNP
Named after the Slovak National Uprising of 1944, the bridge of the Slovak National Uprising in Bratislava is a road bridge over the Danube that was constructed between 1967 and 1972 using a design by Arpád Tesár, Jan Lacko, and Ivan Slameň. It links the Petržalka district and Bratislava’s old town and is the most well-known of the city’s five Danube bridges. We took pictures of the bridge from two distinct locations: Burg Bratislava and after our excursion to the old center.
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Primate's Palace
The Primate’s Palace (Primaciálny palác in Slovak) is a neoclassical palace located in Slovakia’s capital city of Bratislava’s Old Town. It was constructed for Archbishop József Batthyány between 1778 and 1781 using architect Melchior Hefele’s design. The War of the Third Coalition came to an end in 1805 when the fourth Peace of Pressburg was signed in the Palace’s Hall of Mirrors. It now houses the Mayor of Bratislava.Following the Battle of Austerlitz, which essentially put an end to the War of the Third Coalition, Johann I Josef, Prince of Liechtenstein, Ignácz Gyulay, and Charles Maurice de Talleyrand signed the fourth Peace of Pressburg in 1805 in the palace and its most well-known chamber, the Hall of Mirrors.
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Hrad Castle
We were eager to get in the car after exploring this wonderful city because we still had a must-see tourist destination. However, we were curious to find out where a group of people were heading when we observed them walking down a street on the main road. We also went into the roadway, which led to the castle of Hrad:
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We went to our final tourist location after returning to the car with a sense of satisfaction that the day had gone so well and that we had seen so many amazing tourist attractions:
Bratislava Castle
Pressburg Castle, also referred to as Bratislava Castle, is a prominent landmark in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Its core is from the ninth century, and it is situated atop the 85-meter-tall castle hill on the Danube’s left bank. The History Museum presently has its headquarters in the castle, which served as the Hungarian kings’ initial home. These are our priceless recollections:
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You can visit two more stunning tourist destinations if you are fortunate enough to spend several days in Bratislava (we were only able to stay for one day). We apologize for missing these, but we were pressed for time. Thebes Castle and Schloss Hof are these attractions.
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Book your perfect vacation!
Vacations: We are happy that we have the opportunity to work with the most famous companies in the world, we always order our vacations from these companies and we have never been disappointed: Check 24, Trivago, Trafalgar, TravelUp, Insight Vacations, Explorer Fernreisen.
Where to stay
Hotels, bed & breakfasts, and guesthouses, regardless of location—in the center of town, close to a lake, or amid natural surroundings. We were able to identify the top companies providing the best hotels: Booking.com, Trip.com, TravelUp, esky, Hoteltopia, Millennium Hotels and Explorer Fernreisen.
Where to eat
Traditional dishes to try in Slovakia
A hearty blend of potato dumplings, roasted bacon, and sheep’s cheese is known as bryndzové halušky. It’s Slovakia’s national dish as well. Delicious sauerkraut or cabbage soup is called kapustnica. It’s among the coziest and most comforting cuisines from Slovakia. Rich and creamy sour bean soup is called Fazučová Polievka. Hungarian goulash is translated as “sedin goulash” in Slovak.
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Potato pancakes are called Zemiakové placky. Cigánska Pečienka This well-liked dish from Slovakia is a sandwich called a “gypsy roast” or Slovak burger. Deep-fried cheese, known as vyprážaný sýr, is offered in canteens, restaurants, and cafeterias all over the nation. Cesnaková polievka is a thick soup made with garlic.
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Customary sweets: A sweet rice cake is called ryžový nákyp. A popular pancake meal is called palacinka hortobágyi. A delicious pastry known as skalický trdelník is categorized as a European spit cake. Traditional Slovak cookies are called laskonky. Every mouthwatering cookie has two meringues with a buttercream filling sandwiched in between. Žemlovka is a healthy pudding made with bread. A tart cherry strudel is called višňová štrúdča.
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Restaurants
Soupa Bistro: In Slovakia, soup is typically the first course of every meal. It is a mainstay of the Slovak diet. It’s simple for guests to fall in love with Soupa Bistro’s delicious soups, which include creamy spinach, Italian tomato, and hot and sour soup. If you value having a great view while dining, Restaurant Parlament is pleased to provide a panoramic perspective of Bratislava from the castle hill.
For a reasonable price, Zelený Rodrigéz offers the best traditional Slovak meals. Get a Thai wrap, meat in a cone, or burrito from Orbis Street Food, and don’t forget to order some Belgian fries on the side. Large potatoes are used to make the fries at Orbis, along with twice as much beef oil.
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Bistro St. Germain: The menu consists of light meals such as salads, burgers, quiches, hummus platters, and wraps. Zylinder Cafe & Restaurant: Zylinder is a popular spot for their excellent tafelspitz, a Viennese meal that consists of a rump beer slice simmered in a basic broth with potatoes, spinach, apple horseradish, and root vegetables. Other regional favorites on the menu include goulash, stuffed peppers, hog knuckles, schnitzel, and duck confit. Modrá Hviezda – After being seated, you will have to choose between a rabbit leg in red wine sauce accompanied by forest mushrooms and a potato-herb dumpling, or roast special pork Mangalica with chestnuts and pumpkin puree. There are plenty of other excellent meat-based options available on the menu.
Saving Tips
Additionally, the Bratislava Card is a unique method for visitors to tour the city that the Little Big City provides. The card entitles visitors to a guided tour of the Old Town, free use of public transportation, and reduced prices for galleries and museums. Additionally, it offers up to 50% off of vehicle rentals and taxis. Any tourist information office will sell cards that are good for one, two, or three days.
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Convert your US money to euros. If you must hail a cab, be sure the meter is operating or haggle over the fare before you get in. Mondays are closed for the majority of Bratislava’s museums and attractions. Tipping is not customarily expected in Slovakia. If you were happy with the service, you can leave a 10% tip or round up the cost. Steer clear of restaurants near tourist attractions. At least one order of garlic soup is required. Paper tickets cost 10% more than electronic ones.
If you have some extra cash, you can even attempt Big Bus or Hop-on, Hop-off tours. You just need to select the ideal alternative from the many that we are offering!
Book your tours!
Tours: If you do not go by car and need to know more information about the tours, and things to see, we recommend these companies that are offering tours for any kind of activity you want to do and where you can buy trips much cheaper than if you buy them when you arrive at your destination. It is always good to be able to save some money!
Viator, Get Your Guide, Tiqets, City Sightseeing, Sesame, Sightseeing Pass, Contiki, Riviera Travel, CityPass: the best activities in town!
Shopping
The Avion Shopping Park, which has about 160 stores for patrons to peruse, is a Bratislava shopping destination not to be missed. Uluv only focuses on exhibiting rare Slovak collections, folk art crafts, and traditional handicrafts. Bratislava’s cultural hub is Dunaj. The building’s fourth floor has everything you could possibly need. The best bookstore in town is Art Forum, where you can find amazing books of all kinds on their shelves.
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Miletička: This market offers an abundance of inexpensive fruits, veggies, clothing, and cheese. This area also has a large number of fast food restaurants and local eateries. In Bratislava, the Eurovea shopping center is a must-see location. Given that it is one of Bratislava’s newest shopping centers, this location is a little more sophisticated. Without a doubt, Slovakia’s largest and most well-known shopping center is Aupark. Its location is highly advantageous, sandwiched between Petržalka, Bratislava’s most populous district, and the city center. Textile House: Affordable branded clothing.
Getting Around
The Main Station and Petržalka are the two railway stations in Bratislava. Trams, buses, and trolleybuses connect the Main Station to the rest of the city, and it takes only fifteen minutes to walk to the Old Town from there. To get to the city center, take buses 80, 91, or 93 from the Petržalka rail station.
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Tickets for public transportation are only available through ticket machines or kiosks, and they have a set expiration date. Once they are within the conveyance, they need to be verified. The tickets are transferable between different types of public transportation inside the city and are valid for all of them.
The most well-liked and swiftest mode of public transportation in the city is the tram. They are normally available from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and are dependable and punctual. In the system of public transportation, buses are also very important. Night buses run approximately every hour after midnight. Trolleybuses run on certain electrified routes in the city center’s steep areas. They have been in business in the city for almost a century and have a rich history.
Book your transport!
- when it comes to buses, Busbud is the best choice.
- when I want to travel by train, I choose Omio.
Here you can find the best offers to rent the right car for you, as well as parking right in the airport: esky, Explorer, Centauro and intui.travel.
Getting Here
M.R. Štefánika, sometimes called Bratislava Airport, is Slovakia’s principal international airport and is located 9 km northeast of the city center. Additionally, there are international airports in Poprad that mostly serve business travel to and from European cities, and in Košice that serve flights to and from Prague, Vienna, London, and Dublin. Flying into Vienna is an additional alternative; the two capitals are just 60 km apart, flights there are frequently less expensive, and shuttle-bus connections are offered by Eurolines and Postbus for €10–€15 one-way.
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Slovakia is well-connected by rail to the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Austria. While there is a direct connection between Prague and Poprad, most international trains end in Bratislava. However, there are other trains that go to Košice from Budapest, Kraków, and Prague.
Book tour Flights!
If you have not found your desired flight, or you simply want more flight options to find the best and cheapest, we will help you with the best flight plans, where you will definitely find what you are looking for. With just one click you will find the cheapest flights to a wonderful destination!
Book your Cruise!
Here you can find the best offers for luxury cruises, or cheap cruise offers. We went on a cruise in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman and we can only recommend this unforgettable experience, not just here, but around the world!
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a type of insurance designed to cover the costs and losses associated with traveling. It serves as a safeguard for travelers in case of unexpected events. Here are the main types and key components of travel insurance: Trip Cancellation,Medical Insurance,Baggage Insurance, Travel Delay Insurance, Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance, Accidental Death , Rental Car Insurance:
Order your Luggage!
Choosing the right travel luggage can make your journey more comfortable and hassle-free. Here are the best offers to help you select the best travel luggage for your needs:
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