Recent years have seen Eastern Europe opened up as a main stream tourist destination. In many ways, this has been a positive trend giving tourists new destinations to visit and boosting the local economies of those in Eastern Europe. However, not all of the effects have been positive, many cities have suffered from rapid overdevelopment and an influx of less than desirable drunken visitors. Bratislava may be an opportunity for the cultural tourist to experience an unspoilt corner of Eastern Europe.
Visiting Bratislava and Slovakia
Bratislava is an ideal location to visit, either as a stand alone destination or as a staging post on the way to Europe’s other famous cities. The city’s airport has regular flights to the UK and other European destinations provided on the whole by the low cost carriers. In addition, Bratislava is well connected the European rail system, making the city an ideal staging post whether travelling further East or West.
Bratislava is an ideal city to pair with a visit to Vienna, the city has a water based connection in which tourists can travel between the two cities on a hydrofoil. The trip takes around 70 minutes and operates between May and September. Outside of these times there are frequent bus and rail connections between the two cities.
On the whole, hotels in Bratislava represent considerable value in comparison with other European cities. For a luxury experience consider a stay at the Danube Hotel Bratislava or for cheap hotels in Bratislava consider the Boatel Marina, an interesting and novel hotel situated on a boat.
Things to do in Bratislava
- Bratislava Castle – One of the principal attractions of the city. The castle perched high up offers great views of both the city and activity along the River Danube. Bratislava Castle is not only an architectural feature of the city, the building also serves as the principal housing of the Slovak National Museum.
- Main Square – This is the place to spend a little time simply loitering on a sunny day. The main square is sounded by gems of renaissance and baroque architecture, all finished in a variety of eye catching pastel colours. The main square is also host to the city’s ornate Old Town Hall and the Roland Fountain.
- St Michael’s Gate – One of the most interesting buildings in Bratislava. St Michael’s gate is a beautifully restored remnant of the old city walls, visitors should note the buildings striking domed roof and public clock. St Michal’s gate is also a part of the Bratislava City Museum and houses the museums collection of arms and weapons.
- St Martin’s Cathedral – This is the city’s principal religious building of Roman Catholic origin. The Cathedral dates back to the 14th century, an interesting feature of the building is that the spire is toped with a golden pillow and crown, rather than a cross. The feature represents the historical event of the coronation which took place in 1526.
- Street Sculptures – Bratislava has become famed for a series of fun and thought provoking street sculptures dotted around the city. Look out for a Napoleonic solider leaning thoughtfully on a bench and Rubberneck emerging from the sewers, amongst other sculptures.
Read More Travel:
- Europe’s Unspoilt Cities: Ljubljana
- European Cultural Cities: Vienna
- Things to do in Slovenia: Lake Bled
Frank Smith - Frank Smith currently works as an full time industry analyst for a well known construction company in Lincolnshire. In his spare time, ...
