wander in the old town of Bratislava.
THE HIDDEN GEM OF CENTRAL EUROPE
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is located right in the heart of Europe and belongs among the more underrated capitals because it has been overshadowed and historically overpowered for over 1,000 years by Budapest, Vienna and Prague.
I recommend not comparing Bratislava to any of them! Come with open eyes and an open mind and you will be amazed by the authenticity of this capital.
HOW TO REACH BRATISLAVA?
The easiest way is to take a direct flight to Bratislava Airport. However, there are better flight connections to Budapest, where you can take a 3 hours bus drive all the way to Bratislava. The prices are very affordable and I usually go with Flixbus or Slovak Lines.
WHEN & HOW TO TRAVEL?
Even though the summer weather is always sunny, the temperatures might be too hot to enjoy the capital. My favourite months are October and November when Bratislava has mild temperatures and turns into beautiful red-orange colours.
Not being a big capital, Bratislava is easily accessible by walk. Another way to move around is by Uber, also very affordable! With €3-4, you can get to the other side of the city. I recommend staying in Bratislava for 3 to 5 days. It is enough time to visit the capital and what it has to offer.
WHAT TO VISIT?
WHAT TO VISIT?
BRATISLAVA CASTLE
The castle had strategic and geographical importance to protect against attacks during the period of the Great Moravian Empire.
To get to the castle there is a beautiful walk from the city centre that leads to the castle’s gardens. From above you can enjoy the incredible view of Bratislava and the Danube River, and if you visit the park in autumn the garden turns into red-orange colours, which makes the experience even more majestic.
You can walk around the exterior parts of the castle for free, only if you want to go inside and visit the National Historic Museum, there is a fee to pay. When you are leaving the castle, I recommend taking the staircase at the park’s entrance, which will lead you into a picturesque old-style street with many cafés on its way.
St. Martin's Cathedral
To reach St. Martin’s Cathedral, I recommend walking through Kapitulská Street, where you will pass by some colourful traditional buildings and a small winery.
The gothic cathedral with its 85 m high spire dominates Old Town’s skyline. The church is famous for the coronation of Queen Maria Theresa during the Hungarian Kingdom and is one of the finest and oldest churches in Bratislava. Make sure you visit its underground crypt with catacombs.
Michael's Gate & tower
Michael’s Gate is one of the main entrances to the Old Town, you will surely pass it! When walking through the Gate, look up and you will see Micheal’s Tower, 51 m high with 7 floors. Right under, there is a golden circle known as kilometre zero, which represents the distances from Bratislava to 29 other capital cities.
When you leave the tower, I recommend turning right and enter to the smallest street – Baštová Street. Check it out, as it is considered to be the thinnest and most romantic street in Bratislava.
THE MAIN SQUARE
The central point in the old town Bratislava, the Main Square, has been the hub of the town for centuries. It is surrounded by landmarks, including Kutscherfeldov Palace, Pawera House, Ungerov Dom, and the Maximillian Fountain. Additionally, tons of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area keep it bustling.
During the winter months, the Main Square is home to Bratislava's Christmas fair. The entire area is decorated, and vendors set up stalls throughout the square, with the famous - Christmas markets. You'll find souvenirs, boiled wine, beer, warm chocolate and many traditional dishes.
TAKE A PICTURE WITH THE BRONZE STATUES
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ČUMIL – Man at work
The literal translation of the word Čumil is „the watcher.“ There are two possible explanations for its name. The first rumour says that he is a typical communist-era worker who is not bothered about the work he’s supposed to be doing. According to the second rumour, he’s looking under the women’s skirts. Choose the one you like more :) This is the most photographed statue in the capital and it attracts tourists at the junction of Laurinská and Panská streets.
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paparazzi
This guy looks like he’s about to shoot a photo of the people around. He used to stand on the corner of Radničná and Laurinská streets, where a restaurant called Paparazzi used to function. Unfortunately, when the restaurant closed down, the owners took the statue with them as it was in their ownership. Currently, the city is negotiating to get it back as it is a popular tourist attraction. Today, it can be found in the UFO restaurant.
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Schöne Náci
This old man is the only statue which is silver and he is also the only statue of a real existing person. His original name was Ignac Lamar and he lived in Pressburg (former name of Bratislava) at the turn of the 19th-20th century. The story says that he was in love with a woman who sadly did not love him back. This disappointed him so much that he went mad and people could often see him giving flowers to random women he met in the streets. Today, he greets people on Sedlárska Street.
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NAPOLEON SOLDIER
This soldier stands at the Main Square. Napoleon and his army were in Bratislava in 1805. This soldier is supposed to have been going through Bratislava when he fell in love with a local girl, stayed in the city and became a producer of sparkling wine. His name was Hubert – which is also the name of Slovakia’s most popular sparkling wine brand!
WHERE TO STAY IN BRATISLAVA?
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€76 /px/night
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€75 /px/night
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€107 /px/night
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mt favourite cafés & restaurants in Bratislava
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Café - Panenská kaviareň (healthish)
Healthy food in a hip & fun environment, easily accessible from the centre. They offer delicious Acai Bowls, Avocado toasts, Macha Latte & much more.. Definitely, my favourite coffee place in Bratislava.
📍Panenská 7378/18
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Zeppelin Cafe & Souvenirs (bakery)
A slick combo of café-pastry and a souvenir shop right in the city centre. On the summer terrace, you can enjoy your coffee and homemade bakery products: from sweet to salty, gluten-free ones, and the main star is the poppy roll.
📍Sedlárska 364, Staré Mesto
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café - enjoy bistro
The ideal place for brunch in the city centre with a huge variety of food.
📍Michalská 3, 811 02 Staré Mesto
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bemba restaurant: raw food & plant based
Excellent plant-based and gluten-free restaurant for a very affordable price! With fresh ingredients, rich in taste and colours, my favourite experience in Bratislava. I recommend it if you are NOT looking for traditional food.
📍Kollárovo námestie 17, Staré Mesto
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restaurant - bratislava flagship
Traditional restaurant with Slovakian food & house-brewed beers, located in an old theatre.
📍Námestie SNP 8
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restaurant - Modrá Hviezda
If you are looking for a typical Slovakian restaurant set in a romantic location, this is the place for you. Located on the castle's side, is one of the best-rated restaurants in Bratislava. Good value for the quality price.
📍 Beblavého 292/14, Staré Mesto-Hrad
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mlynske nivy mall restaurants
If you are indecisive with the restaurant choice or you want a huge variety of dishes from different ethnicities, I recommend eating in the new Nivy Shopping Mall. You find many restaurants from Slovakian food to Korean, Japanese, Thai & much more. Don't miss the experience of Slovakian shopping malls!
📍Nákupné centrum, Mlynské nivy
