Why you should visit BRATISLAVA?
Bratislava is the charming capital city of Slovakia. The city is nicknamed as the beauty on the Danube or Little Big City. Due It really is a small city but offers a rich history. I love how laid back the city is compared to its neighbours Budapest and Vienna.
To be able to make the most of your Bratislava day trip, try out the grand city tour where you will be riding a Presporacik (as shown on the photo above). This tour includes both a tour of the old town as well as Bratislava castle. This is worth it as it only cost €40 euros for 2 people. This tour also runs every hour.
OUR STORY AT BRATISLAVA:
Bratislava was the second to the last stop of our Europe tour and we took a day trip from Vienna via bus (Flixbus) which cost €30 euros return for 2 adult passengers, this I believe is cheap and the journey only takes maximum 1 hour and 15 mins each way. The other thing about Flixbus is that the service is straightforward and easy as well as the amenities they offer are outstanding. It was 30 degrees Celsius when we reached Bratislava and the sun was at its peak, but Flixbus has great air conditioning and window curtains to block the sunshine.
One of my mom’s favourite snack that she has tried on all 6 European countries we have been to is Ice cream. Pistachio flavour to be precise. When we tried out Luculus’s pistachio ice cream it is by far the creamiest and most flavorful we have had on our entire trip. They offer various flavours and they also cater for vegans. One ice cream with waffle cone cost €1.00 (2016), which is great value for money.
My mum also tried out the traditional Slovak soup in the middle of summer. Whilst I, on the other hand, ordered a refreshing salad to combat the heat. I did try out the soup and enjoyed how light and filling it is.
8 MUST SEE in BRATISLAVA
1. BRATISLAVA CASTLE
The castle is situated on top of the hill overlooking the Danube river. During our visit, the castle guards were scattered around as they had they housed the 7th European summit. This castle was not as big as Buda castle nor is as small as Ljubljana’s castle. As shown in the photo above, the vibe of the castle has a communist feel to it unlike the popular Gothic and Medieval castles we’ve been to.
However as we’re not able to go inside, I cannot judge it completely and compare it like for like from the others. If you have visited Bratislava Castle, please let me know what you thought of it in the comment section down below.
2. HLAVNE NAMESTIE (Old Town Square)
Bratislava’s not so tiny old town has more to offer than beautiful pastel coloured building. The old town is paved with cobbled stones uniformly arranged. Some of the original cobbled stones paving can be spotted near historical buildings or landmarks showing some of the remains of Bratislava’s history.
The vibe of the town is laid back and chill. Apart from Ljubljana, Slovenia and Zagreb, Croatia I have noticed that this old town is ideal for families as no vehicles apart from Presporacik (small red tour bus) pass by, and the kids are free to roam around.
3. CUMIL THE SEWER WORKER
One of the most unusual and unique statues I have ever encountered can be spotted at Bratislava. The statue of Cumil the sewer worker is popularly believed as a guy who peeps under women skirts. The concept and creativity somewhat make this statue eye-catching. Any passerby will feel both intrigued and amazed when they come across Cumil.
4. NAPOLEON’s ARMY SOLDIER STATUE
If you are a fan of Napoleon one of his army soldier can be spotted near Roland’s fountain or in front of the Embassy of France. Another one of Bratislava’s quirky statue located in the old town square. This is one of Bratislava’s old town charm, the ability to get up close to their statues.
(Credits: turizmus.sopron.hu)
5. HVIEZDOSLAV SQUARE
The holy trinity column welcomed us as we alight the bus. Located as you approach the Hviezdoslav Square leading its way to the old town. This beautiful square, unlike the old town square, is full of restaurants ranging from local to international cuisines, markets, and ice cream parlours.
As you approach opposite end of the square you will be greeted by the Slovak national theatre which is where we spotted the red Presporacik tour bus. The area is not square in shape, in contrast to the previously mentioned old town square. But walking within proximity was one of the most relaxing thing having been to a few busy city centres such as Vienna and Budapest. If you love a bit of peace and quiet whilst strolling around the city this place is ideal.
6. GRASSALKOVICH PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
We stopped by at the Palace whilst on our way to Bratislava Castle. Unfortunately, we were not able to stay for long as this was just a quick stop over of our tour bus. The palace somewhat reminds me of Kensington Palace in London, as the size and scale are similar. Not that they have exactly the same footprint or land area. I have noticed that both the palace and the castle has the same whitewash colour, not sure if the colour code it for a reason. But I will definitely dig more about it.
7. JESUIT CHURCH (Juzuitsky kostol)
This church sits at the centre of the old town square. This is one of the smallest church I have visited by far during this European trip. Despite its size, the location is accessible and disable friendly as there are ramps to assist wheelchair or buggy users.
(Credits: VisitBratislava.com)
8. MICHAELS GATE
Unfortunately, I was not able to take a photo of this beauty whilst being on the tour. This tower is the oldest building within the vicinity dating back to mid 14th century, then reconstructed during the 1700s with a baroque touch. At the top of the tower, the statue of Archangel Michael slaying a dragon can be spotted.
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