Bratislava
Slovakia
Backpacking Bratislava
Information on Bratislava, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Bratislava is one of the most up-and-coming cities in central Europe after years hidden in the Soviet bloc. The Bratislava region is now one of the richest per capita in the EU. This economic upswing has infused Bratislava with a newfound energy. Ruled over by the Hungarians, Austrians, and Soviets, for nearly 1000 years, Bratislava has finally seized control of its own country. Trendy cafes and cool shopping centers are popping up across the city, and the already happening nightlife scene is only set to get better. Still less crowded than its central European neighbors Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, but just as intriguing, there's really never been a better time for a visit to Bratislava. As soon as you arrive in Bratislava, you'll notice the white and red baroque palace perched on the western edge of the Little Carpathian Hills. For although it is a very old city, much of Bratislava's medieval architecture was nearly eradicated under communism, as part of Soviet infrastructure modernization efforts. However, Bratislava has retained and restored its few old-world buildings as best it can. The result is a city of strange contrasts. In Bratislava, you'll find pastel-hued churches, formal gardens, and the cobbled Old Town Square brushing shoulders with brutalist communist institutions, retrofuturistic towers, and the clunky UFO bridge, a massive structure over the Danube (seen above). Bratislava is surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian Mountains which makes it a popular travel choice among travelers who enjoy the outdoors, wine, history, and great food. Bratislava is a great place to relax and take in the scenery, enjoy old world castles, while exploring the great outdoors. It’s a lively, city while still being one of Europe’s smallest capitals.
Must See
Old Town - Bratislava’s Old Town is one of the most easy-going town centers to visit in Central Europe. Charming, compact, and relatively less touristy, there’s lots of history to encounter in and around Bratislava’s main town square, Hlavné Námesti. Although much of the Old Town was destroyed by communists under the Soviet Regime, this has lead to Slovakia rejuvenating what physical remains are left of the past.
Devin Castle - Devin Castle’s is located 10 kilometres from the Old Town. It’s fascinating history make it a must-see on any journey in Slovakia. The castle was originally built for its strategic location, high atop a crag overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. In ruins now, however the castle’s vantage point provides panoramic views across the countryside.
Must Do
Explore Bratislava Castle - Bratislava Castle dates from as early as the 9th Century but the Castle has been renovated many times. As much a fixture of Bratislava as the Little Carpathian Hills it rests on, there are many legends surrounding the castle. According to local Slovaks, the castle’s four corner turrets and creamy white stonework look like ‘a table turned upside down’, flipped by a mythological giant. Inside the Castle walls, you’ll find the Slovak National Museum devoted to telling the country’s story. The castle’s vantage point offers some of the best views of the Danube to be found in Bratislava.
Climb the Kamzik Television Tower - Venture through the Bratislava Forest Park and you’ll find the outlandish, diamond-shaped Kamzik Television Tower. Constructed under the Soviets in 1957, the tower’s retro-futuristic vibe speaks to Slovakia’s communist past. At 196 meters tall, the Television Tower is by far the highest point in Bratislava and offers spectacular views over the city.
Nightlife
Bratislava has established itself over the last decade as one of the low cost European destinations preferred by young people, who are choosing it as a low cost city to party. Although smaller in size compared to other capitals, Bratislava still has fun nightlife with numerous options, mainly concentrated in its historic Old Town. The bars and the lively clubs are scattered among streets Michalská, and Ventúrska. There are not loads of options but they are original and have a lively atmosphere. In the center of Bratislava you can find every kind of bar or pub that also play music, cafés with outdoor tables, or clubs attracting international DJ talent.
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