Bratislava, Slovakia — Where to Go
Bratislava Sightseeing Overview
Bratislava held a high status from the second century BC as an important defense and trading post, particularly prized for its vineyards. From 1536 (after the Ottoman invasion of Hungary) to 1783, Bratislava was the capital of Hungary, known as Pozsony, and the coronation town of four Hungarian kings and queens. It reached its zenith in the mid-18th century under the patronage of Empress Marie Theresa (the last of the Hapsburgs and probably its most capable ruler) who, it is said, was very fond of the local wines.
Until 1918 the city was a ‘resort' area of Austria-Hungary, called Pressburg in German. After the fall of Communism in 1989, Bratislava restored its Old Town to attract visitors and, as Europe's bargain basement, soon became a popular visitor destination.
In 1993 the former Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Prague retained its capital status of the former, while Bratislava became the Slovak capital, later joining the EU in 2004.
Today, Bratislava is neatly divided by the Danube River. On the north bank are the less attractive high-rise blocks erected under Communist occupation (1968-89). On the north bank is the comparatively tiny but beautifully restored historic quarter of the Old Town (Stare Mesto), now devoted almost entirely to tourism.
Bratislava Old Town, much of which is pedestrianized, is characterized by its charming Hapsburg baroque architecture, including many former palaces. Hlavne Square sits at its heart, containing the Old City Hall, and parallel, running north to south, the old Michalska and Venturska streets lead past a number of historical sites.
The town has a rich musical pedigree and includes the childhood performance venues of Mozart and Franz Liszt. Zelená Ulica runs off Michalska and is one of the narrowest streets in the city, home to Academia Istropolitana, the first university in the Hungarian Kingdom. Don't miss a stroll along the charming pedestrian promenade which begins at the National Theater (and MacDonalds!), with its statuary, fountains and many cafés.
At the other end of the Old Town is St Martin's Cathedral, which hosted the coronation of exiled Hungarian kings during the period when most of Hungary was under Ottoman rule. The city also boasts a number of copper-domed churches, palaces, and, just outside the walls, the dominant landmark of Bratislava Castle.
Bratislava Tourist Information
BratislavaTouristInformationOffice
Klobučnícka 2 (Old Town)
Tel: (02) 5443 3715.
Website: http://visit.bratislava.sk
Another tourist information office is located in the arrivals hall B at Bratislava International Airport (tel: (02) 4363 0306).
Bratislava Sightseeing
The Bratislava City Card (BCC) offers small discounts on sightseeing, transport and shopping and includes a free walking tour. It is available for one, two or three days, from tourist offices and leading hotels.
Bratislava Sightseeing
The Bratislava City Card (BCC) offers small discounts on sightseeing, transport and shopping and includes a free walking tour. It is available for one, two or three days, from tourist offices and leading hotels.
Key Attractions in Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislavsky Hrad(BratislavaCastle)
Situated high above the Danube, this 17th-century Habsburg castle is often called ‘the upturned table' due its four octagonal corner towers. It is currently closed for major renovation and will hopefully reopen by 2012. Meanwhile its precincts contain a small museum with one exhibition devoted to the city's most famous musical family, and another one dedicated to the Kosice Gold Treasure, though the best reason to take a stroll up here is for the view over the town and the Danube.
Beblaveho ulica from the Old Town or from Mudronova ulica
Tel: (02) 5441 1444.
Dom svateho Martina (St Martin's Cathedral)
From the 16th to the 19th centuries, this 13th-century Franciscan cathedral was the coronation place of four Hungarian monarchs, including Empress Maria Theresa. Its Chapel of St John is regarded as a gothic masterpiece and the crypt is also worth a visit. The cathedral accepts visitors by prior arrangement or between mass times.
Rudnayovo námestie
Tel: (02) 5443 1359.
Website: http://dom.fara.sk
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
MichalskaVeza (StMichael'sTower)
Michael's Tower's blue copper roof is one of the symbols of Bratislava. The best views in the city are from the viewing platform of the tower, which dates from the 14th century. To the south, you can see the baroque town houses of Michalska Street, to the west the red tiled houses at the foot of the castle. Entrance to the tower is via the Museum of Arms, a small museum of old weapons and firearms. The admission charge includes entry to the Pharmaceutical Museum a few doors away at Michalská 24.
Michalská ulica 22
Tel: (02) 5443 3044.
Website: www.muzeum.bratislava.sk
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 1000-1700, Sat-Sun 1100-1800.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: N.
Mestke Muzeum (Old Town Hall Museum)
With sections dating back to the 14th century, the Old Town Hall offers a mix of architectural styles, including a renaissance courtyard from 1581. It is currently closed for major renovations. When it reopens, it will probably include the Bratislava City Museum, which offers treats such as dungeons and torture devices as well as a winemaking museum.
Primaciálne námestie 3
Tel: (02) 5920 5130.
Website: www.muzeum.bratislava.sk
Opening hours: currently closed.
Slovenska Narodna Galeria (The Slovak National Gallery)
Housed in an impressive neo-classical building originally built in the 18th century, the Slovak National Gallery overlooks the Danube and contains works of art from the 13th century to the present. Many of the temporary exhibitions take on the country's past and Slovakia's intercultural history, offering a lively and colorful insight into Slovakia's history with all exhibits also captioned in English.
Rázusovo nábreie 2
Tel: (02) 5443 2081/2.
Website: www.sng.sk
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
Further Distractions
Galéria mesta Bratislavy (Bratislava CityGallery)
The City Gallery contains Gothic, 19th-century, 20th-century and contemporary works of art; the most interesting works are the latter, particularly the astonishing trompe l'oeil Passage by Matej Kreén.
Pálffy Palace, Pánska 19
Tel: (02) 5443 3627.
Website: www.gmb.sk
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1100-1800.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
Primaciálny Palác (Primate's Palace)
This late 18th-century Baroque Palace hosts the signing of the Pressburg peace treaty (in its Hall of Mirrors) after Napoleon's armies defeated Austria at Austerlitz in 1805. It is also home to a fine collection of 17th-century English tapestries, found during restoration hidden behind the wallpaper.
Primaciálne námestie 1
Tel: (02) 5935 6166.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1700.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
