The capital of Slovakia is a nice, compact, slightly provincial city with a population of less than half a million people. Public transport includes trams and buses. They go carefully according to schedule. The schedule, like the ticket machines, is at the stops. Everything is clear, convenient, and logical.
However, for most of the wonderful places in Bratislava, transport is not needed. On a good day (and the climate in Slovakia is excellent - mild, sunny, not damp) you can see a lot by walking: the old center, Bratislava Castle (castle), the Danube embankment and, finally, shopping and delicious food in a shopping center.
So, if you are in transit in Bratislava, here is a tour option for you - with photos, addresses and a map of the mentioned objects.
By the way, we lived in the capital of Slovakia in the late autumn of 2014. Equipment includes sneakers and light jackets. Sometimes it was even so hot! However, the Danube beaches and the lake with the Zlate Sands recreation area in the vicinity of the city remained off the route, and you will not find them in the post. Although in the summer this, of course, would be a must. 
So, how to get around Bratislava in one day?
Path to the old center
The map of the Slovak capital, which we were given at the hotel, shows 15 objects in the old center (stare mesto) recommended for viewing. If we were historians, we would not fail to take advantage of the leads. And for ordinary “aesthetes” it was enough to get up early, go into the historical center, and there, wherever they look. Like the rest of Bratislava, the center is compact, with two or three lively “Broadways” and a spacious area Hlavne name. Cozy, beautiful, well-groomed. Delicious! 
So, from the Arcus Hotel, on the street. Moskovska (we can’t recommend the hotel: it’s Soviet-style and expensive), we went out onto the highway, along which it’s a stone’s throw to the old center: about 10 minutes on foot. The first thing we saw: the church Blumenthal Church(late 19th century), jam-packed with parishioners. It was Saturday. The priest read a sermon. Outwardly poor, quiet people, often with families and children, came to listen to the Testament on their day off. 
Very close to the church, at a fork in the road, there is a well-kept little area with a monument and a memorial plaque in honor of Soviet soldiers who gave their health, sometimes their lives, for Bratislava in the last world war. Flowers and candles... From this spot and from this morning I began to call Bratislava “Brother”. Later I had many more reasons to respect the Slovaks. 
The boundaries of the old center in Bratislava are purely symbolic. Just as every self-respecting lady should have a “going out” dress in her wardrobe, so should any old lady’s town in Europe - a historical and tourist mecca called the “old center”. In fact, Riga, Budapest, and Bratislava are a box with diamonds scattered everywhere. There are simply more symbolic places in the “old center”. The streets, which cannot be found in guidebooks, are lined with beautiful but lesser-known ancient buildings - each with its own style and turbulent biography. 
Aesthetics without embellishment: 
Old center, or Stare mesto
On highways Zahradniska and then Spitalska we went to the old center: 
This is the most popular start for tourists. Although there are other ways from other streets. 
The promenade is paved and richly furnished with centuries-old architecture. 
For a thousand years Slovakia was part of Hungary. And Bratislava, until 1919, was called differently: Prešporok, Pressburg, Pozsony, Istropolis. Then it was a piece of Czechoslovakia. And only before our eyes, at the end of the 20th century, Slovakia finally became an independent state. 
Commerce, weak on the periphery, is gaining momentum towards the heart of the center. And on the square Hlavne name reaches its climax. 
The buildings have been mostly restored. The pedestrian area is paved with stone and paving stones. Decorators worked on the entrance to cafes and shops. A very pleasant, relaxed - unlike Dubrovnik or Krakow - atmosphere. 
In fact, the streets do not always turn out to be part of the parade, but this does not bother us at all. We like Bratislava the way it is. 
There is always something tasty in the courtyards: 
A collection of cute details scattered in artistic chaos. What is antique and what is imitation is difficult to determine. 
Bratislava, like Prague, is famous for its street figures. In the old center we counted three funny monuments.
To Napoleon, who failed his military campaign and was left without boots: 
For a working person: 
The Slovak mechanic does not know that in Siberia he has a reliable friend - Uncle Yasha:
Krasnoyarsk Uncle Yasha with a new guy. Sculptor Andrey Kiyanitsyn.
Idle tourists in Bratislava make fun of the hard worker. And the Krasnoyarsk residents rub the mechanic’s nose for good luck so that he doesn’t turn off the water. 
At the monument to the artist/musician who always takes off his hat to the public... 
...there is a prototype - Joseph. You will also find it in the old center, on the square. 
In the heart of the artist’s gallery is a portrait of a dog, see? This dog saved Joseph's life. 
This is what the artist told us about himself. He had a girl. Lived in Japan. They thought about getting married, and everything was going that way. And so that the artist would not get bored, she gave him a puppy. The master didn’t look after the dog: somehow he jumped out onto the road and died. When the bride found out about this over the phone, she gave Josef his resignation: “If you can’t even look after the dog, how will you take care of me?” The artist tried to persuade the bride not to fool around, but in vain. He had to hand over his plane ticket to his bride, with whom they planned to unite forever. And on the day of the (failed) flight, he learned: a terrible earthquake had occurred in Japan. It was March 11, 2011. Tens of thousands of people from 12 prefectures, including the one where Joseph’s fiancée lived, were killed, missing, or injured. “I am sure that my dog gave his life for me,” Josef told us. “Who knows what would have happened to me if he hadn’t thrown himself under the car?..” Josef’s ex-fiancee lost her aunt, but was not injured herself. 
Wherever you wander in the old center of Bratislava, you will inevitably run into the gate of St. Mikhail - one of a kind: 
In the Middle Ages there were four such gates in the city, on the cardinal points. But from the others, not a stone seems to be left. The northern ones - Michalsky - although they have come to us in a rebuilt (XVIII century) form, they contain real medieval fragments. "St. Michaels gate", or Michal Gate- a very important place for Slovaks. Now there is an observation deck and a museum (admission fee, 4.30 euros). 
But even more important is (the castle). It is number 1 on the list of city attractions. It flaunts on a hill, is visible from everywhere, borders the old center. 
About the hail - a little later. Because there is something else noticeable in stare mesto. Slovak National Theater. A bright, sparkling building from the late 19th century, a true home of the arts. The drama theatre, opera and ballet are nestled here. 
Palace of Count Grassalkovičov palác, better known as Presidential palace.
The openwork building of the 18th century served as the home of the count's family and a place of entertainment for the aristocracy. During the Soviet period it was the workplace of the leader of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. And now it is the residence of the President of Slovakia. Guarded by guards in national (very similar to Hungarian) uniforms. 
Bratislava Castle, or Bratislava Castle
It’s easy to find the city if you leave the old center along the right road. 
Along the way there are fragments of the fortress wall and Cathedral of St. Martina(St. Martin*s Cathedral). This is the largest temple in Bratislava with a rich history. Founded in the 13th century, it acquired its current appearance in the 19th century. Its walls witnessed the coronation of the emperors of Rome and Austria-Hungary, for example, Maria Theresa (1741). Unfortunately, we haven’t been inside, but we know that it is luxuriously decorated and there is an entrance fee. 
In the catacombs of the cathedral, prominent representatives of the clergy and nobility fell asleep in eternal sleep. I think there are ghosts there too. Sometimes they leave their marks. 
So, from the old town you get to the foot of the hill from which Bratislava Castle looks out. On the approaches to the castle there is green recreation. The road is convenient. It's easy to breathe. 
Surely a symbol - alas, we don’t know what it means. 
Elizabeth of Hungary, or St. Elizabeth
And the “heroine” of this monument is famous in Europe. This young lady is Elizabeth of Hungary, or Saint Elizabeth. She holds roses in her hem and bread in her hand. 
The princess was born in the city where we are heading. Then (XIII century) it belonged to Hungary. At the age of 4, Elzbieta became engaged, and at the age of 14 she became the wife of King Ludwig of Thuringia. While her husband ruled the state and fought, Elizabeth helped the poor in every possible way, of which there are plenty at all times. Mercy became the meaning of her short life. 
The king died of typhus, and Elizabeth took a vow of celibacy. She opened a hospital for the poor and served as an ordinary nurse there. In addition, the ex-queen collected alms for the needs of the hospital. At the age of 24, this amazing woman died to become a saint in the 15th century. Many churches were built in her honor in Europe. Church of St. There are also Elizabethan churches in Bratislava. We stumbled upon it by chance and already in the dark. It is outside the old center: 
Alas, the photo does not convey the pure, touching beauty of this structure. Church of St. Elzbety(Kostol svätej Alžbety) is better known among tourists as. Erected from 1909 to 1913. Looks perfect.
Bratislava Castle, or Bratislavsky hrad
Located on a steep cliff on the left bank of the Danube. The place is strategically verified: both friends and enemies can be seen hundreds of miles away from all directions of the world. 
Hungarian rulers were crowned here. They executed and pardoned. They danced and cried. But all the witnesses of glorious and shameful deeds are safely hidden under modern decoration. The castle acquired its current appearance in the 20th century. 
The first mention of the Slavic princely city dates back to 907. Although before him, there were also strategic objects here on the hill: the acropolis and the Roman border fortifications. By the 11th century, the castle turned into a castle. It continued to be completed and strengthened until the middle of the 15th century. It was then that he acquired a late Gothic rectilinear appearance. 
In the 16th-17th centuries, Italian masters made their contribution to architecture. Coronation halls, towers, sculptures... Few fragments remain from those times. 
In the 18th century, the city fell into decay and, as a result, burned down (1811). It stood in ruins for more than 140 years. And only in Soviet times, oddly enough, was it reanimated. In fact, it was rebuilt, taking the “face” of the 18th century: a regular-shaped quadrangle with a paved courtyard inside. Empty and echoing. 
The castle is an integral part of the city panorama; it can be seen even from Austria. 
The building of Bratislava Castle houses national art galleries, museums, and a library. Open from 9.00 to 17.00 all year round.) The office of the Slovak Parliament is located in one of the annexes. 
We easily found the road from the hill to the city, and a different one, with new streets, jokes and rarities along the way. 
Danube embankment
Passing the old center, we came to the Danube embankment. 
On the horizon is the Apollo Bridge (2002-2005) - a rather elegant, flowing structure with a highway. Behind us is the most SNP, or New Bridge. It is much more famous in the world (alas, we don’t have a photo), because: a) it was built (1972) without a single support in the Danube bed; b) has an observation deck and a restaurant under the clouds; c) for the sake of the bridge, ancient quarters were demolished, including the Jewish quarter, without sparing the old synagogue.
To tell the truth, I have never seen harmonious embankments in cities - anywhere. Like the embankment, so is the conflict of interest. Pedestrians need bread and circuses, wonderful views and perspectives. For commercial sailors - to earn their bread, to moor comfortably, covering the lens with pieces of iron. It’s as if a real cleaning lady came onto the theater stage and started scrubbing the floor, getting under the feet of the actors... 
We enjoyed walking along the Danube. Fresh and deserted; birds nest in trees; exquisite buildings look down upon. So, slowly, we went to the Eurovea Galleria shopping center.
Shopping center "Eurovea Galleria"
If you wish, you can get to Eurovea by bus - many routes go past the shopping center. (Pribinova str., 8) 
A spacious center with a standard set: boutiques, a supermarket, children's playgrounds, a cinema, cafes and restaurants. Several floors, escalators, all famous world brands (H&M, Zara, etc.) and little-known local ones. 
We were hungry and followed the smell. At the very top we found an excellent gallery of self-service cafes. On the floors below there are only coffee shops. The whole Eurovea food street stretches along the embankment, but in November the summer terraces are not a suitable place.
We chose a cafe with Slovak cuisine and were not mistaken. 
Voleka (thick vegetable soup with fresh tomatoes); baked potatoes stuffed with chicken, sprinkled with ketchup, with fresh vegetables (at Lesha’s): 
I have the same potatoes, only stuffed with baked eggplants and sprinkled with sour cream: 
A terribly tasty, filling dinner for average (for Europe) money. The menu in the small cafe is good. Food is sold by weight, as is usual in self-service cafes. The main courses are varied: you choose additives, ingredients, and gravies to suit your taste. 
Just one day in Bratislava, and what a glorious one! 
What else to see in Bratislava?
Memorial (and burial places) of Soviet soldiers who died for Slovakia in World War II. See our map at the bottom of the post for the location. 
A complete list of Bratislava attractions is on Wikipedia.
On the Maria Theresa website there is a capacious story about the historical streets of Bratislava.
From the capital of Slovakia you can walk to Austria. Our experience:
.
Where to drink?
In the KGB bar, of course. It is next to the old center, on Obhodna street 52 (see map at the end). 
The KGB bar is a wonderful cellar with an assortment of local and imported beer at low prices. Inventively designed. And very popular. 
Where to stay?
In the same place as the bar, only on the third floor, there is the Mansard hostel. We stayed for several days in a private room for 35 euros/night. A bed in dormitory rooms for boys/girls is half the price. However, in the summer the price is usually higher. Clean, safe, quiet. The staff are well-mannered, smart guys who speak fluent English. 
Among the inconveniences:
— personal shower & toilet, although nearby, but entrance from the corridor;
— smoking is only allowed on the common terrace on the floor below;
— there is no shared kitchen or refrigerator;
— wi-fi in the room is so-so, in the hallway it’s excellent.
Our corner in the attic of the hostel.
Find all post objects on the map.
We stopped in Slovakia for a couple of days and almost stayed forever. It would seem that mountains and beautiful houses will no longer surprise us, but clean mountain air, layered mountains, which has no end or edge, churches with gabled roofs, cozy European architecture, delicious food and calming homely atmosphere, as it turned out, cannot leave anyone indifferent.
We didn’t expect anything from Slovakia in general and Bratislava in particular, and as a result we received a lot of pleasant impressions and a desire to return here again.
We are sharing our route around the city, which is mapped for your convenience.
Eurovea Galleria
Address: Bratislava-Ružinov, Pribinova, 821 09
We suggest starting the route at the Eurovea Galleria shopping center and there are several reasons for this. The first is that in the shopping center many eateries and cafes, where you can eat before your walk. Second - free parking the first three hours (and each subsequent hour for 2.5 euros - it’s still cheaper than most city parking) if you come by car. Third - the shopping center is located on the river bank and in addition to the fact that it has everything that a lover and connoisseur of shopping needs, there is also beautiful embankment with a fountain, benches, cozy cafes and excellent views.
Old Bridge (Stary most)
Literally 200 meters from the shopping center and you are at the Old Bridge, which does not look old at all, on the contrary, it has a very modern appearance. The bridge was built in 1890 and today is, surprisingly, a great place for walking, although it is not a purely pedestrian bridge, it is also used by cyclists and trams. There is an observation deck on the bridge, which offers a beautiful view of Bratislava Castle and benches where you can sit, relax, and set off on your way in search of new experiences.
New bridge, observation deck and restaurant UFO watch.taste.groove
The next point on the program is another bridge and another Observation deck. To climb the tower you need to pay 7 euros. Then there are 3 options: go to the observation deck, go to a bar or go to a restaurant. The option with an observation deck is intuitive, in the bar you can not only look at the city, but also have a drink (this is suitable for those who are afraid of heights), the restaurant is the most expensive of all the entertainment available in the tower (the declared haute cuisine implies high prices and small portions ).
Hviezdoslav Square (Hviezdoslavovo námestie)
One and a half kilometers from the UFO tower is one of the central squares of Bratislava, from where a walk through the Old Town will begin. In the center of Gvezdoslav Square there is a monument to Gvezdoslav. “Who is Gvezdoslav?” you ask. Pavol Worsag Gviezdoslav is a well-known poet and translator in Slovak circles, who worked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, on the square, is installed monument Gvezdoslav, so you can find out what he looked like and continue your walk. Also on the square you will see building of the Slovak National Theater(by the way, keep an eye on the poster, famous troupes from all over the world often come here), as well as the US and German embassies, and, among other things, fountains, cafes with open verandas, shops, benches and crowds of people.
Old Town of Bratislava: Main Square (Hlavne namestie) and Town Hall (Stará Radnica)
We pass further and exit to the Main Square. In the center of the square there is a large fountain, near which you can cool off in the heat, buildings are built around, each of which is a cultural heritage. There are two things that make this square stand out from other squares and streets in the city. First: there is a city Town Hall, near which all significant events of the city take place, including rallies, fairs and the like. Second: it is almost always sparsely crowded and quiet, with the exception of days when rallies and fairs are held at the Town Hall. So if you want to sit in a cozy cafe - welcome to the Main Square, if you want drive and fun - take 100 steps in any direction and welcome to the world of fun, courage and people unsteady on their feet. We were on the square and in its surroundings already closer to midnight and life here was in full swing, so if you are bored of just sleeping in a cozy bed, then you can softly join in the night, and then the morning in one of the bars.
Speaking of original bars- on the Danube embankment (from the Old Town), between the New Bridge (this is the one on which the UFO tower is) and the Old Bridge, moored two ships and they are not going on a long journey. They are going to make your evening unforgettable because this is where the fun-hungry tourist can drink, eat and dance.
Michael's Gate (Michalská brána) and Bucks Tower (Baxova veza)
Michael's Gate was built in 1300 and is considered one of the oldest buildings in the city. Around the tower, which is built above the gate, a ditch was previously dug, across which a drawbridge was laid. Today there is neither a bridge nor a ditch, but there is City Museum, where you can find out more about this. At the very top of the tower there is a nice balcony with excellent views of the city.
Further from the gate you need to walk along the old streets (follow the route on our map) and come to the ancient stairs that connect the lower part of the city and the upper one. When you go up, admire the beautiful churches and red trams that quietly and imposingly ride past (by the way, it’s a great idea to just take a tram and ride wherever you look, for example, tram number 1 will take you over the river across the Old Bridge).
A couple of hundred meters from the stairs is the so-called Bucks Tower (Baxova veza), which was built before the 14th century and is the oldest city tower. The walls of the tower are woven with greenery, and if you go a little further and cross the bridge, you will see an unofficial but original observation deck, or rather a small promenade, walking along which you can see how the city has changed - the ancient tower is replaced by an 18th century tower, behind it modern glass towers are growing giants, and in the distance the futuristic UFO tower can be seen.
St Martin's Cathedral
Address: Rudnayovo address 1
Quite modest and laconic in appearance, St. Martin's Cathedral is meanwhile the main cathedral of the country. This is not to say that it is worth going here on purpose, but since no matter where you go in Bratislava, you will still pass by it, keep in mind that the temple has stood here since the 15th century and it was in it that Hungarian kings, including dynasties, were crowned Habsburgs, from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Specifically, we don’t know much about the history of Slovakia, so the information that Slovakia was part of Hungary for almost a thousand years (until 1918) came as a surprise.
Archbishop's Palace or City Hall
Address: Primaciálne námestie
This palace was built in the 18th century and today is seat of city government and the mayor of Bratislava. This building is considered the most striking example of classicist architecture in Slovakia, but it is worth noting how, for a representative of classicism, the palace looks simply luxurious: elegant stucco molding, sculptures installed along the roof and an unusual accessory - cast iron hat, crowning the portico, as a symbol of the archbishop's power.
Blue Church of St. Elizabeth (Kostol svätej Alžbety)
Address: Bezručova 2
Not far from the Archbishop's Palace there is a slightly exotic landmark from an architectural point of view - the Blue Church of Elizabeth. The Catholic church was opened in 1913. Among the many churches in Slovakia, this one occupies a special place because unusual architecture inside and outside. The building is more reminiscent of a gingerbread house, although the color is atypical for gingerbread: smooth lines that create the feeling that the church is covered in glaze, the original decor, laconic interior decoration and a large amount of light produce a very unusual impression.
Eurovea Shopping Center, from where we started the route, is located a couple of hundred meters from the church, so you can end the walk, or you can continue - Bratislava has something to please you with.
Bratislavský hrad and observation deck
Working hours: every day from 10.00 to 17.00
Cost of visit: entrance to the castle grounds is free, entrance to the museum is 10 euros
We included this attraction as a separate line and did not put it on the map of the general route. A visit to Bratislava Castle may take longer than a visit to a regular attraction, so if you don’t have much time, limit yourself to viewing the city from the side (and in Bratislava it can be seen from almost everywhere), but if possible, look at everything up close, because there is something to see .
Bratislava Castle has been towering over the Danube since the second millennium BC. Since then it has been built and destroyed several times. The castle acquired its modern appearance in the 15th century and today has early Baroque features. In 1811, the building burned to the ground and only in 1953 the castle began to be restored literally from the ashes. Today Bratislava Castle has the same appearance that it had in the 18th century.
Today the city is located Historical Museum, where you can learn everything about the history of the Slovak lands. The city is also worth visiting for lovers of observation decks with beautiful views - from here the whole city is at a glance.
If an independent walk is not enough for you, you can always take a tour compiled by a professional guide, who will show you the most interesting places and accompany the walk with fascinating stories.
- for 76 euros per tour for 1-5 people
- for 60 euros per tour for 1-10 people
- for 84 euros per excursion for 1-40 people
- for 84 euros per tour for 1-10 people
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One of the most interesting and accessible anti-crisis travel destinations in Europe is undoubtedly Bratislava. Bratislava is not only the setting of the horror film “Hostel”, but also the most prosperous Slovak city, as well as the birthplace of the creator of the parachute. Already interested? Then we go for a walk around the Slovak capital together.
I have repeatedly become convinced that many travelers know absolutely nothing about Slovakia. Moreover, even such a simple question as the capital of which country is Bratislava causes difficulty. I confess that before moving to Prague, I also heard little about Slovakia and its capital. I hope that with this post I can convince readers to include Bratislava in their European travel itinerary.
The Slovak capital is located on the very border of Slovakia with Austria and Hungary. Thanks to such an advantageous location, tourists from these two countries often come here for a day trip.
The route of our walk around Bratislava is marked on the map below. The total length of the route is 7 km.
Our walk begins from the main bus station of the city called Mlynské nivy, where a Eurolines bus from Prague took us.
Let's check into the nearby 4-star Apollo Hotel Bratislava. The hotel was very large and the rooms were spacious.
Having dropped our suitcases, we set off for a walk around the city. Our hotel is located near the high-rise buildings of the business center Apollo Business Center and here is such an interesting skyscraper in the shape of a ship. There is a sushi bar on the ground floor of the skyscraper.
Having examined the city map, we begin to move towards the main attractions.
The weather is cloudy, but there is no rain, so we set off on foot towards the city center, along the way marveling at the state of the roads and transport. Compared to Prague, the roads look quite broken, and transport - mainly trolleybuses and buses - is quite rare.
An ordinary city trolleybus.
As you move towards the city center along Mlynské nivy and Dunajská streets, the concentration of old buildings increases. Some of them have been restored, others have not yet reached our hands. From time to time there are cute roadside cafes with cozy interiors and tables on open terraces.
I want to say right away that prices in Bratislava are several times higher than in cities in the eastern part of Slovakia - for example, in. An average lunch here will cost you 10-12 Euros per person with beer.
We walk along Laurinská Street and come across the famous plumber Chumil. Sculpture of plumber Chumila can also be found in my hometown of Omsk.
In general, I would like to note that the number of sculptures in the Old Town of Bratislava is simply off the charts, and we even dedicated a separate post to them.
Not far from Chumila is located Bratislava's main square - Hlavne námestie, on which the oldest town hall in Slovakia, built in the Gothic style (Stará radnica), is located, as well as Knight Roland's fountain. By the way, from 1939 to 1945, the main square of Bratislava was known as “Hitler Square” (Hitlerovo namestie). In this square we buy a stamp for a postcard home, which costs 2 Euros, which is twice as expensive as in the Czech Republic. We are indignant and continue our walk.
Markets are held on the square all year round. They sell everything here: soap, candles, and beautiful magnets with views of the city... Here you can easily buy an interesting and unusual souvenir for your family.
Through the arch on the main square we go out to Archbishop's Palace (Primaciálny palác), in which the mayor of Bratislava sits. The palace houses the largest collection of portraits of the royal Habsburg dynasty and tapestries. And in front of the palace there is a nice fountain.
While walking through the old town, be sure to visit the amazingly beautiful Michalská street, where Michael's Gate (Michalská brána)– the oldest building in the city, preserved from the Middle Ages in the Baroque style! The gate was previously part of the city fortification system.
This street is full of cozy cafes and shops, street musicians, and ubiquitous tourists, which is not at all surprising - after all, this is one of the most popular streets in the city. Most of the buildings on this street were built in the 18th century and survived communism.
Going down Michalská Street towards the river, we come out to Hviezdoslavo Square (Hviezdoslavovo námestie), on which the Slovak National Theater (Slovenské národné divadlo) is located in the neo-Renaissance style. The theater has been operating since 1886.
Also on this square is the US Embassy, fenced with bars, which immediately catches the eye.
If you go down from the square to Danube embankment Rázusovo nábrežie, you can meet even more interesting sculptures and take pictures overlooking the New Bridge with an observation deck that offers excellent views of, and the UFO restaurant at the top. Construction of the bridge was completed in 1791. The bridge's 85-meter-tall pylon is reminiscent of the Space Needle in Seattle. If you have enough time, take the elevator to the bridge observation deck.
From the same embankment, boats depart to Vienna, which is also located on the Danube, and can be reached in about 2 hours. Check out the full details in our article.
Now let’s go to another equally famous attraction - Bratislavský hrad. The castle is located on a hill above the city. It can be seen, perhaps, on all postcards of the Slovak capital. The castle on this site was built in the 9th century. However, in 1881 the castle was destroyed by fire; it was restored only in the middle of the 20th century. The general appearance of the structure resembles an inverted table, where the 4 castle towers are the legs of the table. The castle houses the Historical and National Museums, which contain about 3,500 paintings and statues, a collection of dishes, weapons, and furniture.
The hill offers stunning views of the city and the New Bridge.
The top is also visible in this shot St. Martin's Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Martina), where 19 Hungarian emperors were crowned, including Maria Theresa. The cathedral was built as part of the city's defensive fortifications.
A serious wind rose on the hill, it began to rain, and we cheerfully ran down to the next point of our walk, fortunately, going down is not going up.
We set off along Palisády Street to the residence of the President of Slovakia - Grassalkovičov palác. Previously, this palace hosted meetings of representatives of the aristocratic dynasties of the Habsburgs and Austria-Hungary. The palace is under 24-hour security and has a large park around it.
This concludes our walk through the main attractions of Bratislava, and now I will tell you where to go shopping in Bratislava.
Shopping in Bratislava
For shopping in the Slovak capital, you can go to the following shopping centers, where many European brands are represented:
- Eurovea Galleria, address: Bratislava-Ružinov, Pribinova, 821 09
- My Tesco, address: Kamenné nám. 2392/1A, Bratislava - Stare Mesto
- Polus City Center, address: Vajnorská 100, Bratislava-Nové Mesto
- Aupark Shopping Center, address: Einsteinova 3541/18, Bratislava-Petržalka
- Avion Shopping Park, address: 18 Ivanska Cesta, Bratislava
- Shopping Palace Zlate Piesky, address: Cesta na Senec A/2, Bratislava-Ružinov
How to get to Bratislava
The most profitable way to get to the Slovak capital is by plane, because the low-cost airline Pobeda is launching very cheap flights in the Moscow - Bratislava direction, starting from December 19, 2015, which arrive in. A one-way air ticket from Moscow to Bratislava can cost you only 999 rubles (14 Euros)! Alternatively, you can fly to Vienna, and from there take a bus to Bratislava, fortunately, the distance between these cities is short. The cost of an air ticket from Moscow to Vienna starts from 7,250 rubles (100 Euro).
Below I will provide a sign with a list of European cities from which it is most convenient to get to Bratislava, the name of the bus companies that can be used to get there, the cost of the ticket, and the travel time. Bus tickets can be purchased on the Infobus website. The advantage of the site is that it compares the cost of tickets from different companies for the same destinations. The site is in Russian, payment can be made in any currency: Euro, Czech crowns, rubles and hryvnia. Please note that tickets to popular destinations sell out very quickly, especially in the summer, so do not delay your purchase.
Updated 02/07/2019
If you want to know what to see in Bratislava in 1 day, then you are probably going to the capital of Slovakia from nearby cities - Vienna, Budapest or Prague. The reality is that almost no one goes to Bratislava on purpose, and they usually explore it in passing, devoting half a day or a day, or maximum two days, to the city. My acquaintance with the Slovak capital went exactly in this vein - I arrived one day by train from Budapest to admire the sights of Bratislava. Below you will find my one-day itinerary for Bratislava. It is completely pedestrian and will take you about 5 to 8 hours (times include lunch).
I propose to consider the starting point of the route “Bratislava in 1 day” as the SNP square (Námestie SNP) and the tram stop of the same name (I marked it and other important points on the map, which is located at the end of the article). There is a McDonald's here, where you can drink a cup of coffee and go to conquer the city. It is easy to get here from the airport, the train station (Bratislava, hl.st.), and the bus station (AS Mlynské Nivy). In the last two cases, you can even walk to the square. For those who come to Bratislava by car, there is parking (paid) right there. By the way, the site is devoted to the question of how to get from Budapest to Bratislava.
Bratislava Castle
You can start exploring the Slovak capital from the Old Town, which lies literally a few steps from McDonald's, or from Bratislavský hrad, which stands on a hill (20 minutes on foot). I first of all give preference to attractions with observation points, so I headed to Bratislava Castle. The road to it lies along the street with the funny name Zámocká. 
Bratislava Castle consists of a castle (considered the most important in the city; now it houses several museums, or rather several branches of one museum), and a park, while walking through which you can admire views of the Old Town, the Danube and the Most SNP Bridge.
Entrance to the territory of Bratislava Castle is free.
There is an entrance fee to the museums: for adults – 7 euros, for pensioners/students – 4 euros. Permission for photography – 2 euros.
Working hours:
- From November 1 to March 31 – 09:00 – 17:00 (closed: Monday);
- from April 1 to October 30 – 10:00 – 18:00 (closed: Monday).
Monuments on the territory of the city
On the territory of the castle there are several monuments, including the Prince of Great Moravia Svyatopolk, under whom this early feudal state reached its greatest prosperity, and the Catholic Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, to whom the Blue Church is dedicated in Bratislava (we will definitely reach it during our walk). 
I recommend setting aside at least an hour, or better yet two, to explore Bratislava Castle (without visiting museums) (with a walk from the Old Town to the castle, it will take about that much). In good weather, you can have a snack on a bench or have lunch at Reštaurácia Hrad (Námestie Alexandra Dubčeka 1), while enjoying the views of the Old Town. I haven’t eaten here myself, but the reviews from visitors are mostly positive.
Old city
After exploring Bratislava Castle, head back to the Old Town. I recommend entering its territory through the Mikhailovsky Gate. This is the only gate of the Bratislava fortress wall (there were four in total) that has survived to this day. The watchtower, which is 51 meters high, now houses a weapons museum. An excellent view from the windows will be a bonus to the exhibition. With a ticket purchased to the weapons museum, you can also visit the pharmacy museum, which is located almost next door.
Next, I propose to explore the Old Town of Bratislava as needed. Not in the sense that with my sleeves down, but in the sense that I give you complete freedom of action :). Wherever you go, the cobbled streets will lead you to the very heart of the Old Town - the Main Square. A whole scattering of attractions is concentrated here, starting from the Old Town Hall and ending with the monument to the city madman. Be sure to go to the Blue Church, stroll along the Danube embankment, and stop at Gviezdoslav Square. Well, have a snack (or lunch) in one of the restaurants in the Old Town. Just don’t forget to leave your review of the establishment in the comments so that future readers know where to eat and where not.
Among the must see places in Old Bratislava, I would highlight
- Mikhailovsky Gate
- Main square
- St Martin's Cathedral
- Blue Church
- Danube embankment.
In fact, there are a lot of attractions within the Old Town of Bratislava, and just exploring them can take the whole day. Therefore, here you need to decide: explore Bratislava Castle and the Old Town in more detail, postponing the rest of the attractions of the Slovak capital for later, or spend 3-4 hours on the two above-mentioned places and move on. 
If you started exploring Bratislava from the Old Town, then I advise you to go up to Bratislava Castle from St. Martin's Cathedral along Beblavého Street. This street will take you to Sigismund's Gate, the best preserved gate leading to Bratislava Castle.
Other attractions in Bratislava
What to see in Bratislava in 1 day besides Bratislava Castle and the Old Town? This question will probably arise in front of you if you follow the advice above and explore the two main places of the city in a few hours. Fortunately, there are a couple of other attractions in the immediate vicinity that deserve attention.
SNP Bridge and observation deck
First of all, I advise you to pay attention to, which conditionally separates and. I talked about this bridge and other bridges in the city in a separate article (link above). The most important feature of the bridge is not that it does not have a single support in the Danube bed, although this is also certainly cool, but in the observation deck, which is built at the very top of the bridge’s only hanging support. From there you have stunning views of Bratislava. 
Grašalkovich Palace
The Grasalkovic Palace (Grasalkovičov palác) was built in the 18th century for Count Anton Grasalkovic, who was in charge of the country's economy at that time. The Hungarian aristocracy often gathered in the building, gave balls, and organized concerts. Joseph Haydn performed here several times. Throughout the entire period from the day of its opening, the palace served as a residence for influential people. And after Slovakia gained independence, the Grašalkovich Palace became the residence of the country's president. You cannot go inside the building, but you can stroll through the park around the palace. Every hour at the entrance to the Grašalkovich Palace there is a ceremonial changing of the guard.
Address: Hodžovo area 2978/1.
How to get there: walk from the Old Town about 5-7 minutes.
Slovak Radio building in Bratislava
A 10-minute walk from the Grašalkovich Palace is the building of the Slovak Radio (Radio and Television Slovakia), the main feature of which is its design. From a distance, the building most closely resembles an inverted triangle. The construction took almost 20 years, its construction was completed in 1983. The height of the building is about 80 meters, and organ concerts are sometimes given in it. It is noteworthy that the building was previously included in the list of the 30 ugliest buildings in the world. What do you think of it: ugly or original?
Address: Toll 2826/1, 811 07.
Slavin
Not far from the Graszalkovich Palace there is also Slavin Hill (Vojnový pamätník Slavín), the main attraction of which is the memorial to Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Bratislava. In the center of the stone-paved square there is a kind of mausoleum, which is crowned by an obelisk 37 meters high. At its top there is a sculpture of a soldier with a banner.
The road to Slavin Hill from the Grašalkovich Palace will take at least 20 minutes one way, so if you are pressed for time, you can skip this attraction. Or she might prefer Devin Castle, which, however, will have to be reached by public transport.
And if you really don’t have any more time, then from Slavin Hill/Grasalkovic Palace/Slovak Radio building you can walk to the bus station or train station. Travel time will be 15-25 minutes (depending on the point of departure).
Devin Castle
If time permits, then I propose to complete the overview of the sights of Bratislava in one day at Devin Castle. It is located on the outskirts of the Slovak capital, but you can get there by bus from the center quite quickly - in 25-30 minutes. 
, or rather its ruins, stand on a rock, which is located at the confluence of the Danube and Morava. From here you can enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding area, including the territory of Austria. Please note that there is an entrance fee to the castle. Read more about this attraction in my separate article about Devin Castle.
Alternatively, you can go to the castle first thing, that is, immediately upon arrival in the city. Then your one day in Bratislava will look like this: Devin Castle =>> Bratislava Castle = >> Bratislava Old Town =>> SNP Bridge =>> Graszalkovich Palace = >> Slavin Hill. If you really want to, you can really fit all these attractions into one day.
One-day route around Bratislava on the map
I marked all the main attractions that can be visited in one day in Bratislava and which were discussed above on the map with special markers. This makes it easier to visualize where you have to go and how much time you have to spend. To see the name of the place, click on the marker. You can also open a full list of attractions.
Hotels in Bratislava
A hotel in Bratislava will come in handy in a number of cases.
- If you want to explore the Slovak capital in more detail, we came for two days;
- if you come from Prague/Budapest/another city and want to explore Bratislava and Vienna in a couple of days (located an hour’s drive from the Slovak capital), and the hotels here are much cheaper than in Austria;
- if you are exploring Slovakia as a whole, and Bratislava will be the starting point for traveling around the country.
I advise you to book hotels through the trusted and beloved Booking.com. The ratings that guests give to hotels are also taken from there.
Looking for a hotel or apartment? Thousands of options at RoomGuru. Many hotels are cheaper than on Booking
Main attractions and what to see in Bratislava in 1 day. Interesting places with comments, photographs and impressions of a trip to this city.
Before describing what to see in Bratislava and a walk around the city, I will provide some useful information that is difficult to find on the Internet. Bratislava is not so popular, which is why there is little information, especially in Russian.
How to get to Bratislava
The most popular destinations are the Airport, Budapest and Vienna, and about each in order.
- : city buses 61 and 96 for 0.9€ or 25€.
- : train costs 17.5€, and buses from 8€. Tickets are on sale.
- : trains cost from 10€, but more often buses travel for 5€.
Where to stay in Bratislava
- Apartments: For renting apartments for a day, the site is suitable, and to save money, use it.
- Hotels: if you don’t want to overpay, then use the search engine and the function. The search engine will find the best deal, and CashBack and coupons will reduce the price by up to 20%.
Sights of Bratislava
Bratislava is inferior in popularity to neighboring Vienna and Budapest, which is reflected on ticket and excursion booking sites. Here is a small list available for sale online.
- — 10€
- — 75€
- — 50€
What to see in Bratislava in 1 day
There was a lot of technical information and I hope it was useful, and now the trip itself. I arrived from Vienna by bus, which stops almost at the foot of the main symbol of the city Bratislava Castle. This inconspicuous stop is hidden under the bridge over the Danube River.
View of Bratislava Castle straight from the stop. As soon as you get off the bus, you immediately see such a beautiful panorama and the thought “How hard it will be to climb this mountain.”
Bratislava Castle Heading towards Bratislava Castle straight from the stop, you will definitely run into Column of the Holy Trinity. We take a photo for memory and move on.
Bratislava Castle
The climb is really not for the faint of heart, but now it seems tiring, I just don’t know about tomorrow’s climb in Budapest to Buda Castle, after which this climb will seem very easy. The photo is almost at the finish line, I was so impatient to capture it all on film. It looks a little neglected, but that’s it for now; a snow-white restored castle awaits inside.
The main peak of Bratislava is taken. Photos from both inside and from the castle walls. This is a good observation deck in Bratislava.
From the history of the castle it is known that the very first building on its site was in the third millennium BC. Initially it was a wooden fortress, then a stone castle, which began to develop rapidly thanks to Empress Maria Theresa. In the 19th century The castle burned down completely; it was restored with noticeable differences from the previous castle.
The descent was much easier than the ascent. And for the descent there was a shorter path, since from the height you can see where to go.
St Martin's Cathedral
While the descent is going on, you can take a photo Panoramas of the Old Town, no matter how hard you try, it will fit into this picture Saint's Cathedral Martina - one of the main attractions of Bratislava. From above, you can immediately outline what to see in Bratislava.
At one of the turns, almost at the very end of the descent, we came across a very nice street, although after the turn further it was not so remarkable, but due to the descent it looked cool. The first impressions made me reach for the camera. I have never seen such streets in the city.
The descent is complete and you can move up Staromestskaya street, the main and oldest street of Bratislava. But despite this status, this is a fairly ordinary street, along it you can go to Presidential Palace This is why this road bypassing the old city was chosen.
Staromestskaya Street But these were the plans that had to be adjusted, this street was very boring. Having reached the bridge across the street, along which the tram tracks run, and having climbed the bridge, you can turn right and see a couple of temples. Here is this turn with the tram, the photo is already on the bridge.
Church of the Holy Trinity and Church of St. Stephen
There are two churches ahead, at the beginning or Trinitarian Church symbolically having three peaks, and then .
Grassalkovich Palace
Another couple of minutes walk north and you can go to Presidential Palace, which has a second name Grassalkovich Palace.
Presidential palace I don’t know how often the changing of the guard occurs, but after walking for half an hour in front of the palace, it began. No matter how strange it may sound, we were practically the only tourists here, does no one know about this or is the palace not interesting to anyone? It is located a couple of minutes walk from the old town.
A small disappointment was the fountain at the palace not working, everything about the place would have been a great sight.
Old town in Bratislava
From the palace I head to Old city. I will enter the city as in ancient times, through . They were one of the central checkpoints into the city at one time.
After the gate you can admire the old streets of Bratislava, of which there are not so many, because the old city is not very big. From the photo you can see that in some places the old city is abandoned, especially the part that is not the most popular among tourists.
Next I’ll simply post in a row the sights of Bratislava that I managed to photograph while walking around the old town. But first, I note that if you are interested in museums, then in the town hall building there is a Museum of the History of the City. Ticket costs 5€, closed on Monday. Entrance to the Town Hall tower is €2.50.
I would like to include sculptural compositions of Bratislava in a separate album. The most famous is Monument to plumber Chumil.
