10 Things to do in Bratislava

Bratislava Castle 

Once home to Empress Maria Theresa, the legendary castle is a massive rectangular building in the middle of the city, perched on the hill top, directly above the Danube River.  Now a museum (photography is prohibited), it is filled with historical treasures: centuries old beautiful jewellery and antique furniture. On a clear day, from the Castle, you can enjoy breathtaking views of three countries–Slovakia, Austria and Hungary.

Cerveny Kamen 

This imposing 13th century Red Stone Castle, has been home to several noble families, who supported the king. Rebuilt several times to cater to the needs of new occupants, it underwent different styles of architecture. Now a museum, it’s worth visiting for its European and Turkish weapons, beautiful Baroque interiors as well as rococo, Empire style and Renaissance furniture made of mahogany, walnut and poplar veneer.

Stare Mesto 

Statue of Bratislava legend, Schone Naci

A romantic stroll through its medieval old town is highly rewarding. You can also take a tuk-tuk, their red bus-like vehicles, for sightseeing. The most distinguished musicians and historical figures lived here, in a blend of baroque, rococo, Gothic, Renaissance and nineteenth-century style houses, some of which have been converted into cafes, restaurants or wine bars. Sit on a bench with bronze-cast Napoleon looking over your shoulder, sip coffee and take in the view. Pose with the statue of Schöne Náci, a Bratislava legend and grandson of a famous clown, who cheered people for 40 years. He would wander on the city streets in an elegant morning suit and top hat, greet women in German, Hungarian and Slovak, doff his hat to them and even offer them flowers or a song.

Primate's Palace 
 

The neoclassical Primate’s Palace is famous for its Hall of Mirrors with gold-framed Belgian mirrors and lovely statues. Here Napoleon and the Austrian emperor Franz I signed the Peace of Pressburg (later renamed Bratislava). Presently, the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava, the palace boasts a series of six tapestries, which were found behind a wall during the reconstruction in 1903. Woven from wool and silk by royal weavers in England, they depict the legendary tragic love of ‘Hero and Leander’.

St. Martin's Coronation Church 

The largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava, it is an imposing Gothic construction where 19 royal coronations took place between the mid-1500s and the early 1800s. The tower is capped by a replica of the Hungarian Crown resting on a gilded pillow. The equestrian statue of St. Martin on the altar, in a typical Hungarian Hussar attire, shows him dividing a part of his cloak to give to a beggar, as protection from the cold. Historic coronations are staged here, for the tourists in summer.

St. Michael's Gate 

It is the only preserved city gate of Bratislava belonging to medieval fortifications of the 13th century. Hungarian kings, after their coronation at St. Martin’s, would stop at St. Michael’s Gate to take the oath. It currently holds Bratislava’ s Museum of Weapons. The balcony on the tower’s 6th floor, offers magnificent views of the Old City, the Bratislava Castle, and the areas around. Walk along luxury shops selling amber and ceramic pottery, and restaurants under St. Michael’s gate–this street is supposed to be one of the most expensive in Central Europe.

The Blue Little Church

A short walk from the old town is this pretty church, a blue building in Hungarian Art Nouveau style, which looks like it’s from a fairy tale. Consecrated to Elizabeth of Hungary, it is called ‘Blue Church’ because of its decorative blue majolica tiles. The interiors are ornate and its altar depicts St. Elizabeth giving alms to the poor.

Jew District 

A peek into a Jewish house in the Jew District

Between the castle and the main street are the remains of the old Jewish quarter. Its empty, almost depressing alleyways remind you of Jews that fled after the Holocaust. While most of their heritage was destroyed after the War, a small but active Jewish community still exists in the city. You can stroll along their small houses clustered at the foot of the hill. Across St. Martin’s Cathedral is an interesting rococo burgher house, called ‘Good Shepherd’s House’, said to be Europe’s narrowest building. Visit the museums on Jewish Culture and Historic clocks, nearby.

Wine Cellars

Close to Bratislava, the slopes of Small Carpathian are covered with vineyards. The small town of Pezinok here produces good-quality wine. Wine tasting here is a unique experience–the entry door is deceptively plain, but inside you’re welcomed by a romantic courtyard leading to the restaurant that offers you a lavish spread, followed by the choicest wines from their ancient cellars. Don’t miss it! Then go around the picturesque historic centre of the town, along with a park surrounding the the 13th century Bratislava Castle.

Food

Taste typical Slovakian delicacies like cream of pea, bean or garlic soup served in a bread bowl (Bosniak),  grilled cat fish with zucchini and spinach, roast duck with lokše (potato tortillas), pulling strudel with poppy seeds and grapes, pecorino cheesecake with pears, nuts and honey and so much more...

You Should Know
Access: Bratislava is at the centre of Europe, with excellent transport connections. Can be reached from Vienna (60 km); Budapest (200 km); Prague ( 350km ) By road or train. 

Stay: Budget to star hotels at reasonable prices.