Travel from Bratislava for 1 day. Bratislava is not a scoop! Or what to see in Bratislava? Go through the city gates

You can go to Bratislava on purpose or for one day from Vienna - there are trains from the capital of Austria to the capital of Slovakia, and the travel time is just over an hour. As a rule, documents are not checked on the train, but it is better to take your passports with you just in case. In today’s article we will talk about what you can see in Bratislava in one day if you explore the city in a relaxed walking mode.

From the station to the center of Bratislava is about 20 minutes on foot. If the weather is not conducive to a walk, you can take the bus, because the stop is located just opposite the railway station. But in general, there is no point in dealing with buses again, because the road to the center is pleasant. You need to pass the bridge, and then you walk along the streets and admire the houses richly decorated with stucco - this is the heritage of Bratislava, left over from the times when the city was part of Austria-Hungary.

The history of Bratislava is very interesting. The city became the capital of independent Slovakia only in 1993, and before that it was the capital of the Slovak Socialist Republic within Czechoslovakia. Moreover, most of the city’s attractions are associated with that period of history when Bratislava still belonged to Hungary - the city, then called Pozsony, became part of it in 907. In the 12th century, German colonization began in the region. Pozsony was renamed in the German manner to Presburg, but the city remained under the rule of the Hungarian crown.

And it was in Presburg in 1805 that peace was concluded between France and Austria during the Napoleonic Wars, as a result of which Austria recognized its inability to wage war and dependence on Napoleon. You will see the palace, in the Hall of Mirrors in which the peace document was signed, on the road from the railway station to the city center. It's called Primacial palace and is a pink building in a neoclassical style: three rows of windows, a portico with columns, statues on the roof.

Since 1903, the palace has been the property of the city, and tapestries were also discovered there, woven at the royal factory in the vicinity of London in 1630 and illustrating the ancient myth of tragic story the love of the priestess Aphrodite Hero and the young man Leander. Today the palace is a city landmark, it is open to tourists, and meetings of the Bratislava City Council are still held in the famous Hall of Mirrors.

MAIN SQUARE OF BRATISLAVA

Main square of Bratislava Hlavne name You definitely can't miss it. All the roads and streets of the city lead here, just like to Rome. In the past, the square was called Market Square, and from the name it is already clear what was located here. By itself, market Square has always been the center of the social and cultural life of the city, which it remains to this day. Nowadays, concerts and Christmas markets are held on the Main Square, but previously folk festivals and executions were held here - also extremely important events in the public life of the city.

In the photo: bronze statue on the corner of Bratislava's Main Square

The one that flaunts on the square deserves special attention. Old Town Hall. Even today it is one of the most tall buildings Bratislava, and at the time of its construction it was considered a miracle. What is curious is that the Town Hall building, where today the city museum is located and previously hosted distinguished guests, including those of royal blood, is essentially a prefabricated structure of several buildings. Its components: the house of Jacob, the house of Paver, the palace of Aponicho and corner tower, built at the end of the 13th century.

In the photo: Old Town Hall on the main square of Bratislava (Hlavné námestie)

The square itself deserves attention statue of a soldier guard, who in earlier times had to ensure that a fire did not suddenly break out in the city, and also Roland's fountain, built in 1572 on the occasion of the coronation of Emperor Maximilian II. By the way, the fountain is directly related to fires.

In the photo: Roland's fountain on the main square of Bratislava s

The fact is that, according to legends, during the coronation of Maximilian II, a fire broke out, and then the emperor ordered the construction of a fountain-well in the center of the city. There is also a legend associated with the fountain in the style of the fairy tale about Nils and wild geese. They say that the statue of a knight, which rises on a pedestal above the fountain, has a habit of appearing twice a year - on New Year's Eve and at three o'clock in the morning on Good Friday - silently descend from the pedestal and walk around the city with patrol. The fact that on New Year's Eve the Main Square of Bratislava is full of people and none of those present have ever seen the statue coming off its pedestal does not harm the existence of the legend in the least.

MIKHAILOVSKIY GATE

Lovers of antiquity can take a walk from the Main Square along Františkánske námestie street to see Mikhailovsky Gate- the only city gate that has been preserved from the Middle Ages. The structure, a tower with a gate at the base, was erected around 1300, but underwent major reconstruction in the 18th century and now, with statues of St. Michael and the dragon at the top, looks like a baroque building.

Those interested can take a look at the city museum, opened in the St. Michael's Gate building; otherwise, we recommend returning to Bratislava's Main Square.

PLUMBER STATUE AND NATIONAL THEATER OF SLOVAKIA

From the Main Square we turn left and go towards the old building of the National Theater of Slovakia. On the street we notice funny sculpture depicting a plumber, looking out from a sewer hatch. There is a belief that if you make a wish and rub the helmet of a plumber, it will definitely come true, which is why the headdress of a bronze worker shines like a polished samovar.

In general, unusual bronze figures on the streets are one of the peculiarities of Bratislava. In the city center, for example, you can find a statue of a photographer or a soldier in a French uniform, and looking for unusual sculptures is a separate local pastime.

In the photo: National Theater of Slovakia

Further along the street we get to Gvezdoslav Square, where the National Theater of Slovakia- the oldest in the country. Nowadays the theater has two buildings: old and modern, but the historical one, of course, is more interesting. There are also a huge number of cafes and restaurants open on the square where you can hang out and have a snack or drink coffee.

BRIDGE OVER THE DANUBE AND FLYING SAUCER

The good thing about Bratislava is that all the attractions are located nearby. We drank coffee in a cafe on Gvezdoslav Square, walked for five minutes, and now we were already on the embankment handsome Danube.

thrown across the river SNP bridge, which has a non-trivial design - it does not have a single support in the bed of the Danube River. On the bridge at an altitude of 85 meters there is a restaurant with observation deck, which looks like a natural UFO and is called accordingly - UFO. It makes sense to go up there good weather to admire the city panorama over dinner. If visiting a restaurant is not part of your plans, then for 6.5 euros you can only go to observation deck and take photographs of the city from a bird's eye view.

By the way, the construction of the “bridge of the Slovak National Uprising” - this is how the abbreviation SNP stands for - was accompanied by endless scandals. Firstly, for the construction of the crossing bridge, the city administration had to sacrifice several historical buildings and liquidate the old Jewish quarter, which, of course, the residents of Bratislava did not appreciate.

In the photo: the street leading from the city center to the SNP bridge

Secondly, they built the bridge in the same mode in which director Alexey German Sr. shot his films - not just for a long time, but for a very long time. Construction began in 1967, opened in 1972, but the bridge was being finalized even in 2011. The local population even gave this endless process the offensive nickname “Construction of the Century.”

However, the end result was worth the time spent - today the SNP bridge not only looks impressive, but also serves as an aqueduct - there are water supplies inside the structure.

CATHEDRAL OF ST. MARTIN

Two steps from the bridge is located main church city ​​- coronation St Martin's Cathedral. Its special high status is confirmed by the gilded crown of St. Stephen, crowning the quadrangular tower of the temple.

Initially, the cathedral was built as part of the city fortifications; construction began in the 8th century, but was consecrated only in 1452. The cathedral acquired a special status after the Ottomans took Buda in 1541, and the capital of Hungary was moved to Bratislava. After this, it was in St. Martin's Cathedral that Hungarian monarchs began to be crowned. In total, from 1563 to 1830, 10 kings and 8 queens were crowned here, including the great founder of the Lorraine branch of the Habsburg dynasty, Maria Theresa.

The cathedral looks impressive, but one drawback is that photography inside is strictly prohibited. When you have explored the cathedral, cross the road towards the cliff on the banks of the Danube, where Bratislava Castle rises. But before you climb the mountain, walk along the cathedral on the opposite side of the street - then you will be able to see the preserved sections old fortress walls that used to surround the city. As the city began to expand, most of the walls were demolished, and today little remains of the medieval fortifications.

BRATISLAVA CITY

Many people think that a hail is the same as a city, but this is not so. In fact, a hail is a castle, although the word “city” comes from it. Bratislava Castle- beautiful and monumental. It rises on a cliff, but the climb to the castle is not too tiring and is even pleasant, because the streets leading up are narrow and atmospheric, and the final section of the path has a view of the Danube.

The castle was built in the 11th century, and acquired its current combed appearance by the 15th century. True, everything that we see now is a reconstruction and the result of restoration work, because in 1811 there was a severe fire in the castle and the building was completely destroyed.

The City was restored only in the second half of the 20th century. Inside is the Slovak Folk Museum, which has some good exhibitions, but most importantly, it offers a magnificent view of the Danube, and the local park is home to squirrels - so bring along a treat for the furry-tailed ones.

In the photo: view of the roofs of the city from the top of Bratislava Castle

Bratislava Castle is not the only castle in the capital Bratislava. On the cliff that rises at the confluence of the Danube and Morava, there used to be an ancient Devin fortress. Unfortunately, during the Napoleonic Wars, Devin Castle was completely destroyed and today only ruins remain.

WHERE TO DINNER IN BRATISLAVA?

But, as Winnie the Pooh said: “Isn’t it time for us to refresh ourselves? I think it's time." Moreover, an excellent historical restaurant is located right next to Bratislava Castle - on one of the streets leading down to St. Martin's Cathedral. Called Modrá Hviezda, the exact address— Beblaveho 14, Bratislava 811 01.

The place is incredibly atmospheric. Inside, massive arches, stonework and a roaring fireplace are exactly what ancient European inns look like in Hollywood films and HBO and Netflix series. On the menu - exclusively National dishes, and the quality of the food is excellent. Game deserves special praise: duck and wild boar, we also recommend trying Slovak wines - the sommelier at Modrá Hviezda works conscientiously.

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Yulia Malkova- Yulia Malkova - founder of the website project. In the past, he was the editor-in-chief of the elle.ru Internet project and the editor-in-chief of the cosmo.ru website. I talk about travel for my own pleasure and the pleasure of my readers. If you are a representative of hotels or a tourism office, but we do not know each other, you can contact me by email: [email protected]

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. Total length route - 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 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 is located, built in gothic style(Stará radnica), 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 Slovakia is located national theater(Slovenské národné divadlo) 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 New bridge with an observation deck with excellent views of the sky, 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 contains 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 plate with a list of European cities from which it is most convenient to get to Bratislava, the name bus companies how you can 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 in the same directions. The site is in Russian, payment can be made in any currency: Euro, Czech crowns, rubles and hryvnia. Please note that on popular destinations Tickets sell out very quickly, especially in summer, so don’t delay purchasing.


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, oddly enough, it is great place For hiking, although it is not a purely pedestrian bridge, it is also used by cyclists and trams. There is an observation deck on the bridge, from which you can see 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 stated haute cuisine involves 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. Go upstairs and admire beautiful churches and red trams that quietly and impressively drive by (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 - ancient tower gives way to an 18th century tower, modern glass giants rise behind it, and the futuristic UFO tower is visible in the distance.

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 took out this attraction on a separate line and did not begin to put the general route on the map. 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. beautiful views- From here the whole city is at your fingertips.

If you don't have enough independent walk, 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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What do we know about Hungary? Majestic mountains, cozy cities, a language atypical for Europe, which is more reminiscent of Turkish, thermal baths in the center of Budapest, immediately come to mind. beautiful palace overlooking the Danube... There are even fewer associations with the Hungarian capital, nevertheless, every year more and more travelers come to this old City and, of course, they want to see all the most beautiful things. And since this is the case, we decided to tell you about the sights of Budapest that you definitely need to see. The route is designed for one day, but it is quite long, so if you have more time, you can easily break it up into two days and walk at a more relaxed pace.

Most people come to Bratislava for just a couple of days and, of course, during these days you want to explore the city to the maximum and not think at all about how long public transport runs or how much money you will have to spend on a taxi. Our route through the most interesting sights of Bratislava will help you in exploring the city, and a review of the best in choosing a hotel budget hotels located in the center or near the city center.

Slovakia is a country that will certainly surprise you. Here beautiful architecture, high mountains, covered with emerald forests, turbulent rivers flow here and beckon with the blue surface of lakes, hotels offer comfortable rooms for low prices, the cleanest drinking water flows from the tap, the cafe offers inexpensive and very tasty food, which we will talk about today - what, where, how much and how to save.

The best way get to know the city - examine it from above to get a general idea, and then admire the details. Therefore, when planning a route, we first look for a good observation deck and recommend it to you. In Bratislava, such a platform is the UFO tower, 7 euros for entry and the best views of the capital are yours. At the top there is a bar and restaurant where you can have a snack or at least a cup of coffee with a view of the capital and the waters of the Danube. The city has a free analogue of the observation deck, which we will talk about below.

The capital of Slovakia is a nice compact, slightly provincial town with a population of less than half a million people. From public transport- 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 late autumn 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 spot with a monument and 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, Presburg, 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 fiancee 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. Bright, sparkling building late XIX century, a real 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 St. Martina(St. Martin*s Cathedral). This is the largest temple in Bratislava with 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 did her best to help the poor, of whom 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 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, 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 out to shopping center Eurovea Galleria.

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 typical selection: boutiques, supermarket, children's playgrounds, 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 second 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 shared 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;
— shared kitchen and there is no 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.

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, as well as the most Big city countries. The city is the economic, cultural and political center of Slovakia and offers a wide range of museums, galleries and educational institutions. Bratislava is quite compact, so the most important sights can be seen on foot.

Although the city doesn't have as many amazing attractions as its neighbors Vienna and Budapest, Old city Worth a visit for its many amazing buildings, pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, and the old castle on the rock. One day in Bratislava is enough to see the main attractions of the city; you can also visit the city on a one-day trip from Vienna or Budapest. To see most of the interesting sights, Good THERE offers you the following route:

1. Reduta Concert Hall (Reduta Bratislava)


Concert Hall "Reduta Bratislava"

Reduta Concert Hall, Bratislava

2. Church of St. Elizabeth


Church of St. Elizabeth, Bratislava, Slovakia

3. See the sights located along Spitalska Street


Concert Hall and Exhibition Center "Stara Trnica", Bratislava

Walk to Spitalska Street, where you will find the Church of St. John and the Church of St. Ladislaus, then head to Stara Trnica (Old Market Building), which today is used as concert hall and exhibition center.

Stara Trnica, Bratislava, Slovakia

4. Primates' Palace


Primate's Palace, Bratislava, Slovakia

5. Old Town Hall (Stara radnica)


Old Town Hall, Bratislava, Slovakia

6. St. Michael’s Gate


St. Michael's Gate, the last surviving gate medieval fortress The city is one of the main attractions of Bratislava. If you want to admire beautiful view to the city, you can also climb the tower.

Michael's Gate, Bratislava, Slovakia

7. Attractions near the Mikhailovsky Gate


In the immediate vicinity of St. Michael's Gate you will find the Trinitarian Church and the Capuchin Church.

Church of the Capuchins, Bratislava, Slovakia

8. Grassalkovich Palace


Grassalkovich Palace, Bratislava, Slovakia

9. Memorial to Slavin


11. Walk along the city wall


Before re-entering the Old Town and visiting St. Martin's Cathedral, the largest and most significant church in Bratislava, you can take a stroll along the ancient city wall.

Now you can go back towards the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel and buy some souvenirs.

City wall, Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Danube,” is a great city filled with interesting historical and cultural attractions. However, with limited time to explore the city, do everything possible to plan your vacation in advance so as not to miss out on something truly meaningful.

 

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