I visited Bratislava for the first time last week and I'm giving you a list of things to do. Mostly because when I decided that I would take a day trip to Bratislava, I had no idea what there was to do there. Other than knowing that Bratislava was the capitol of Slovakia, I didn't know much else about it. But, I did know that a day trip would be enough. I remember doing a mini report on Czechoslovakia when I was little, but as of 1993 Slovakia had gained it's independence again. There is a nice university in Slovakia and a huge castle. I normally don't do walking tours on my travels, but this time I did. There are free city walking tours every day in English right in front of the statue below (of a famous Slovak poet) in the main square @ 11am and 3pm. I suggest you catch one because although Bratislava is a rather small city, especially for the capitol, the stuff you want to see might not be so easy to find on your own. Also, it's all spread out. So what is there to do in Bratislava? Let's find out.
 |
| Bratislava Opera House |
 |
| Fujara. The national instrument of Slovakia. |
 |
| Bratislava Castle way in the background |
 |
| The Blue Church |
 |
| UFO Tower |
 |
| Old Town |
What to Do in Bratislava?
1) See an opera at the Bratislava Opera House.
2) Walk around and find all of the quirky statues all over Bratislava. The most famous one is Cumil, the man hanging out of the sewer.
3) Visit the Bratislava Castle.
4) See The Blue Church. It's a really pretty shade of light blue, even inside!
5) See the views from the UFO Tower.
6) Do some shopping in the Old Town.
7) Take a free guided tour where you will see everything above plus get to hear some fun commentary on Bratislava.
8) Go on a pub crawl.
9) Try Slovakia's national dish; Gnocchi with sheeps cheese and bacon. It's delicious but very filling! Or try their garlic soup in a bread bowl. I ate at Verne.
10) Take a 30 minute car ride to Vienna.
[Fun fact: The creepy movie Hostel was set in a fake town near Bratislava, but not actually filmed there]
Overall, I'm glad I went to see Bratislava. I was super excited to see the blue church and try their national dish. I only had a day in Bratislava, but that is really all you need. I can't say that it was my favorite place to visit, but it had it's moments. Below I rated Bratislava high for kid friendly, historical sights/museums, nightlife, and safe for solo travel (IMO). It seemed to me that because of the university, the nightlife would be pretty fun, but I didn't stay the night so I can't say for sure.
What would you want to do if you visited Bratislava?
Linking up at:
Ivy and Elephants
From My Front Porch To Yours
The Brambleberry Cottage
French Country Cottage
I must admit Slovakia isn't on my travel bucket list but it looks like a charming little city. Somehow a weird combination of Bavaria, Austria and Russia, isn't it? At least the Blue Church reminds of Russia although I've never been there ;) But I like that! And did you visit the German bakery that is on one of the pictures? Didn't know such German things existed in Slovakia......
ReplyDeleteYou know that's actually a good comparison with all over those countries. Also, where is the German bakery that you see in the pictures?
DeleteThe sixth picture with the statue of the guy waving his hat. In the background is written "Konditorei....Erzeugung von Torten auf Bestellung". So I assumed it was a bakery or cafe but could of course also have been a hotel with a cafe/restaurant in it. Could also have been Slovakian with German (and probably also English?) signs.... No idea! ;)
DeleteGood eye. I didn't even notice it.
DeleteMy husband and I went there back in 2011 and I agree, 1 day is enough. We had 2 nights there. There wasn't much to do after seeing the things you pointed out! But like you, I am glad we went. My favorite part was when we stumbled into a Belgian bar on accident and spent all afternoon drinking Belgian beers!
ReplyDeleteStumbling in a Belgian bar sounds like something I would have loved to do on day 2!
DeleteHow beautiful and fun. Looks like I'll have to add this to my bucket list! Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!
ReplyDeleteAlison
Nancherrow
Fabulous photos to highlight some great ideas when heading to Bratislava!
ReplyDeleteSlovakia has recently been a very intriguing place for me to visit. Thanks for sharing your pictures!
ReplyDeleteChristmas and Easter Markets make the day trip from Vienna (where we live) worthwhile. There is a vintage shop tucked away in a corner off one of the pedestrian shopping streets and a cool Art Deco antique shop-although the prices were higher than expected.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to take the 30 minute trip to Vienna from Bratislava but I still haven't been to Vienna yet so I wanted to spend more than just a few hours there. I would have loved to see the Art Deco antique shop. Must have missed it.
DeleteHappy to take you antique shopping while in Vienna-from thrift to flea to auction, I've been exploring and blogging about the ex-pat experiences here. Feel free to be in touch when you visit. http://aviennawaltz.blogspot.co.at
DeleteCheers!
Awesome, Thanks! I need to get to Vienna. I haven't been there yet. I'll definitely have to hit you up for tips when I go there. I followed you through emali. I wanted to follow you through bloglovin' but I couldn't find you.
DeleteI'm new to the blog world, and still learning-thanks for following. Your update is very nice!
DeleteIt looks amazing! You a;so had some pretty lovely spring weather - must have made walking around the city really nice!
ReplyDeleteYea, it was really nice out that day. I definitely overdressed with a flannel.
DeleteWhat great timing, I'm off to Vienna and Bratislava in 3 weeks' time and will definitely be referring to this list for things to see and do. The blue church is such an unusual colour! Linking up with Oh the places I've been!
ReplyDeleteWonderful. Hope you have a great time!
DeleteBeautiful photos of a city I had never heard of...
ReplyDeleteThat's funny because there was a button in Bratislava that said "Where the f*ck is Bratislava?" Thought about buying it.
DeleteGreat to have you at "Oh, the PLACES I've been!"
ReplyDelete- Alma, The Tablescaper
Love the quirky statues! I could definitely see myself spening a few days here.
ReplyDeleteOld town, blue church and Mr. Box Head :) You saw a lot on your Bratislavan day out.
ReplyDeletelol Mr. Box Head. Blue Church was my fav!
DeleteI would really love to visit Bratislava. I was supposed to go in May with a friend but unfortunately can't make it anymore. I will get there eventually. Great post
ReplyDeleteOh Bratislava sounds great! I will have to add it to my list of places to go
ReplyDeleteI've never been, but it looks like a charming place to visit and having wonderful weather is such a bonus! Happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteWe spent a day there last summer and loved it. We were on a two week holiday in Prague and Vienna and we took a day trip by train to Bratislava from Vienna. It was very quaint but one day is plenty. Somehow, we missed the blue church! I think it was because we were walking all day. It was worth a one day visit if not just to learn some history and enjoy the old town.
ReplyDeleteLove your photos and great to have the inspiration - Bratislava is now on my visit-soon list! :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a lovely little city! It's not at the top of my list, but since I'll be living in Prague next year and it's so close, I might need to make a little jaunt over there :) thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow, BR, that place looks really great, I love the shot of the city street with the old buildings. The blue church is really beautiful. Love old churches. I'm glad you take us on these tours since I never get to leave the US! That gnocchi dish looks really good, too. Thank you so much for sharing this at History & Home this week! -Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful buildings, and that Blue Church! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHello Brittany, I really liked your post!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to add/confirm that indeed the nightlife in Bratislava is a lot of fun and worth it!
A. x