Slovakia’s capital Bratislava doesn’t feature regularly on tourists’ itineraries – especially when we compare it to its next-door neighbor Prague some 200 miles away.
In the eyes of a common tourist, Bratislava rarely gets a look in.
But, why not? For those who like a quieter, less touristy place, the Slovakian capital is certainly somewhere you might want to check out.
Is Bratislava Worth Visiting?
First things first, yes Bratislava is worth visiting. There are lots of things to do and some great things to see too.
As capital cities go, it’s full of interesting history as well as great nightlife, culture, and gastronomy.
Let’s take a look at some of the basic information about this great city.
Basic information about Bratislava
In Bratislava, the locals speak Slovak but as it’s a big city, you’ll find lots of people who can speak English and German pretty well too.
Despite being the largest city in Slovakia, it’s actually one of the smallest capital cities in Europe.
If you stay in Bratislava itself, you’re in a prime location for visiting both Hungary and Austria as it’s really close to the borders of both countries.
The river Danube flows through the city, hence why it has been given the nickname Beauty on the Danube.
Getting to Bratislava
It’s very easy to get to this capital city.
There are flights from most major European cities as well as international buses from places like Budapest, Prague, and Vienna.
It’s actually only 45 miles from the Austrian capital, which is why many have given it the moniker The Suburb of Vienna – though locals don’t like this!
As these countries are all in the Schengen zone, you won’t even have to do any border control paperwork either!
Is Bratislava a less-touristy option for people who like Prague?
If you’re keen on visiting eastern Europe but want to stay away from the hugely popular city of Prague, then Bratislava is certainly a good option.
Yes, due to its popularity with tourists, Prague has seen much more development.
However, you won’t be disappointed in what the Slovakian capital has to offer either.
Staying close to the Old Town, you’ll appreciate the history of the city and its country.
It does feel a little more authentic than Prague too.
What to Expect? Compared to Prague’s Disney-like fairy tale offering, Bratislava seems more realistic and it’s much easier to imagine how the locals live and go about their daily lives.
Unlike Prague, a lot of what it offers is for locals and not just those visiting from abroad.
Things to do in Bratislava
If you’ve got specifics in mind when you’re wondering is Bratislava worth visiting, then it depends on what you want to get out of your trip.
Most tourists like finding things out culturally, historically, and gastronomically about new places they visit, which is what we’ll cover in this section.
Here are some things you should check out:
- The little blue church (Saint Elizabeth Church)
- The UFO Observation Deck and bridge
- The Slavin War memorial
- Slovak Radio Building
- Bratislava Castle
Saint Elizabeth Church – the little blue church
At the heart of the city center of Bratislava, just outside the walls of the old town is a beautiful blue church called Saint Elizabeth Church.
It is a beautifully decorated church that’s blue inside and out. It also has an interesting and untraditional shape.
This building also provides an interesting contrast with buildings opposite – the former communist and soviet buildings that have been left to ruin.
The UFO observation deck and bridge
Quite the strange attraction, the UFO observation deck is attached to a bridge going over the Danube.
The bridge connects the residential areas with the Old Town.
This observation deck is an iconic building and has become a symbol of Bratislava. It is 95 meters tall and offers views of over 62 miles.
There’s a lovely panorama of the castle and old town from here. It isn’t free to enter, however, but it is the highest point in the city.
There is also a restaurant inside that serves exclusive cocktails.
It was Trend Top Restaurant of the Year in 2018 and 2019 and has also won a Gourmet Award for the Premium Restaurant of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
Its chef also won the Gourmet Chef of the Year award in 2020.
The Slavin War Memorial
Towards the north of Bratislava, you’ll find the Slavin War Memorial.
You’ll need to walk a hill to get there but it’s certainly worth it for the views at the top.
As war memorials go, it’s not particularly special – unless you’re a big WWII nerd.
However, the walk is quite nice and, on the way up, you get to see the modern part of Bratislava with some typical Austro-Hungarian architecture.
Slovak Radio Building
This Slovak Radio building is a prime example of crazy Communist architecture.
It’s situated in the heart of modern Bratislava and is shaped like an inverted pyramid.
Though interesting to see, it has, in fact, been voted as one of the world’s ugliest buildings!
However, it is a legacy of the Communist/Soviet era and, as such, demonstrates this in its brutal, heavy architectural form.
Though it has been mocked somewhat, who knows whether it will end up being cool again one day!
Bratislava Castle
Dating as far back as the 9th century, Bratislava Castle is visible from nearly everywhere in the city.
Though it’s not a Disney fairy tale castle in looks, it still has charm with its four towers and rectangular shape.
Built on a cliff, it’s in a prime location and integrates well with all aspects of Bratislava.
Despite being very old, it has been rebuilt and renovated many times, including within the last 20 years.
From the Castle – You have amazing views of the whole of Bratislava as well as Austria and – on good days – Hungary too.
Final thoughts on whether Bratislava worth visiting
So, if you’ve been wondering is Bratislava worth visiting, we hope you’ve found this quick guide helpful in making your decision.
We do think it’s worth visiting – it’s always nice to visit a new country, learn about the culture and history and meet the locals.
Bratislava has lots to offer and you certainly won’t be disappointed spending some time there.
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