Slovakia travel Forum

Bratislava
Town square © Judith Duk
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and the country's largest city, situated on either side of the Danube River at the borders of Austria and Hungary, and within easy reach of the Czech Republic.

It is the centre for arts and culture, and boasts many museums, art galleries, palaces and ornamental churches in and around its historic old town. Bratislava also takes pride in its cultural heritage, with a musical history going back to Mozart, Beethoven and Hummel. Music concerts and ballet performances take place almost daily in the city, competing for attention with the likes of those in neighbouring Vienna, Prague and Budapest.

The city is ideal for strolling around, taking in the sites of the city. The Old Town district is crammed with historical structures representing the different cultures and nations of its past, centering on Hlavné Námestie, the town square. Numerous Baroque palaces are contained within the old town, as well as St. Martin's, an 11th-century Gothic cathedral; the town hall, housing the oldest museum in the country; and a gate preserved from the medieval city fortifications. One of the most conspicuous structures in the city is Bratislava Castle, a former frontier post for the Roman Empire situated on a plateau overlooking the Danube.

As Europe's newest capital city, Bratislava is still lagging behind Budapest and Prague in terms of popularity, but word of its picturesque charm and affordable elegance is spreading, and the city is rapidly being thrust into the limelight as a popular European city break destination. An increase in low-cost flights from around Europe is also partly responsible for its rising recognition, and lately Bratislava has also become a popular weekend destination for stag parties, primarily from the UK. The city is also the cultural capital of the region, and diversions ranging from restaurants and nightclubs to ballet and boutiques are on offer.




Attractions

Bratislava Castle © Digital nick

Bratislava Castle

Situated on a hill 269 feet (82m) above the city, Bratislava Castle is a prominent structure on the city's skyline and provides excellent views of the city, as well as over Austria, and even Hungary in fine weather. It has been inhabited for...  see full details



Old Town Hall

Set in the heart of Bratislava's historic city centre, the Old Town Hall is the perfect place to begin your holiday in Slovakia's capital city. The oldest stone building in the downtown area, its Gothic tower was erected in 1370, before the rest...  see full details



Excursions


Devin Castle

Perched 696 feet (212m) above the confluence of the Morava and Danube Rivers, Devin Castle is one of the most important archaeological sites in Slovakia. The oldest traces of settlement date back to 5,000 BC, and for centuries this mighty fortress citadel was impenetrable,...  see full details

High Tatras National Park

The majestic peaks of the High Tatras are a must-see in Slovakia, stretching through Tatra National Park, across the northern part of the country in the Carpathian Mountains near Poland. The mountains, valleys, and lakes of the Tatras offer innumerable opportunities for hiking, cycling,...  see full details

Piestany

Located just an hour's drive north of Bratislava, Piestany is Slovakia's premier spa resort town, and a great place to go for tourists looking to relax and rejuvenate in style. The range and quality of treatment available in Piestany is world class, but...  see full details

Vlkolinec

Slovakia is famous for its folk architecture - medieval houses and churches, often built from logs that are joined without nails - and the small town of Vlkolinec is the best place in Slovakia to experience this unique cultural sight. Located about three...  see full details

Events

Jánošík Days © Wikipedia

Jánošík Days

Named for the beloved folk hero Juro Jánošík, whose reputation is akin to Robin Hood, Jánošík Days in Terchová are a celebration of Slovakia's culture, focussing on music, painting, dance, photography and religion. There are religious services held, as well as concerts, folk jamborees, and...  see full details


Slovakia travel Forum
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