Resort Guides
Bratislava
Overview
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia and it is one of the youngest European capitals. The city is a true melting pot of cultures due to its numerous invasions throughout history. It was once home to the Celts, the Romans and the Slavs. Slovak and Hungarian are the most widely spoken languages, though Ukranian, Romany and Czech can also be heard.
The mix of cultures can be seen not only in the languages, but in cuisine and lifestyle as well. The cafe culture found in Vienna, can also be seen in Bratislava. Though the city is a cultural mixture, it has a charm uniquely to its self.
Today Bratislava's tourism industry is growing rapidly. With stunning architecture and a wide array of cultural activities, Bratislava is the perfect destination for a cultural holiday. Its proximity to a river as well as the mountains mean it is a prime place for outdoor activities, including rafting and hiking.
Location Information
Bratislava is located in southwest Slovakia on the banks of the River Danube. It is at the foot of the Small Carpathian Mountains. The city is a mere 60km from Vienna, Austria
The nearest airport is Bratislava International Airport (BTS) which is served by many budget airlines. Bratislava city centre is easily accessible via bus, tram and train. Vienna International Airport (VIE) is another option when travelling to Bratislava. The airport is approximately 60km from Bratislava and has bus connections to the city.
You can take bus No 61 (or N61 at night) for a direct connection to the Main Train Station (Hlavná stanica)
City Information
Top Ten Things to See and Do in Bratislava:
1. Bratislava Castle - The castle is located on a hill overlooking the River Danube. Burned to the ground in 1811, the castle has been rebuilt and now houses exhibitions from the Slovak National Museum
2. Bratislava Zoo - The zoo is a perfect outing for young and old alike. Recently upgraded, the zoo is 96 hectares in size. A Dino Park is newly opened; the park depicts scenes of the lives of Mesozoic animals.
3. Danube River Cruise - What better way to see a city than by boat? A trip to Vienna can even be had.
4. Slovak National Theatre - Built in 1776 and improved in 1884, the building is in the beautiful Neo-Renaissance style. The theatre is home to the National Opera and Ballet.
5. The Presidental Palace (or Grassalkovich Palace) - Since 1996, this has been the home to Slovakia's President. The building was formerly used as a music centre, with famous composer Haydn premiering several works here.
6. Slovak National Museum - The museum is made up of a collection of branches each dedicated to a specific topic. The museum branches include The Music Museum, The Jewish Museum and The Archaelogical Museum.
7. Wine Tasting - Slovakia may not be famous for its wines, however it has a long history of wine-making. There are several regions which produce flavoursome wines. White wines in particular are a good choice in the nearby towns of Modra and Pezinok. Tours from Bratislava can be had.
8. St. Martin's Cathedral - This stunning church was formerly the coronation site for Hungarian kings. The vivid stained glass windows are a sight to be seen!
9. Cerveny Kamen Castle (Red Stone Castle) - Located approximately 30km from city centre, this wonderfully restored medieval castle is easily accessible by bus.
10. Hlavné Námestie - This is a beautiful square in the middle of city centre. It is a pedestrianised area with shops and cafes.
Photo Credit- Images from Flickr Users - Skoric (top), Sitomon (bottom)
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