Bratislava
The capital city of Slovakia has a charming historic centre of its own. It’s a little larger than Košice, but is still pleasantly compact and walkable.
Like at Spiš Castle, there is evidence of ancient habitation on this spot. It was recognized as a town in 1291, known at the time as Pressburg. During its history, control of the castle and town changed hands often between Hungarian, Czech, and German nobles. Czechoslovakia was created after the first World War and the decline of the Habsburg Empire, and then divided itself into the Czech and Slovak Republics in 1992.
Day 19 - Staré Mesto
After our journey from the mountains back to the Danube, we'll have lots of time to start getting to know Slovakia's capital. If we need to lock up our luggage again, we will do so at the Bratislava main train station.
This is a rare case where I will recommend buying a city tourism card. Many cities offer them, but it is often almost impossible to make them worthwhile. In Bratislava, the discounts and offers will be useful almost everywhere we want to go, plus it includes a public transit pass for the entire time the card is valid.
If you buy the card on the Bratislava Card app, you'll be able to tell it when you want it activated and you'll be able to use it right away. You'll need to be able to use data on your phone to do so. If you buy and print a voucher to exchange for a physical card, there is a collection point right at the train station.
We should have time to grab a snack or some lunch before our walking tour of Old Bratislava. The tour takes about 75 minutes and will give us an introduction to the most important historical buildings in the centre.
After this, we'll have time tor return to one or two of the points we saw on the tour. There will be time during our other two days here to visit anything else we feel we've missed. Almost all of these are free or discounted with the Bratislava card.
Michael’s Gate Bratislava’s only remaining medieval gate. There is a museum here that you can visit, and you can take in the view from the tower.
St Martin’s Cathedral The largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava. We’ll take a picturesque walk through some of the narrowest streets in the city to approach the cathedral from the back, as a highway has been built right in front of its main door! I highly recommend a visit here; the cathedral's sanctuary is awe-inspiring.
Hviezdoslavovo námestie This long, narrow old town square features the Morový stĺp (Bratislava's 18th century plague memorial) at one end and the Slovak National Theatre at the other. In the middle is a statue of Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav, who is considered to be the first poet who composed works in Slovak.
Main Square Large open square featuring a fountain and lined with cafés. Site of a large Christmas market in December.
Old Town Hall & tower. Slovakia’s oldest city hall, from the 14th century, houses the Museum of City History. There is an excellent view from the top of the tower. Entry is free with the Bratislava card.
Church of the Annunciation It's not clear whether this Franciscan church is open to casual visitors, but it's lovely to walk by.
Primate’s Palace An 18th century palace built for the archbishop, during the time when Bratislava (Pressburg) belonged to Hungary.
Blue Church The Church of St Elisabeth is a uniquely designed church in the 20th-century Hungarian art nouveau style. It is a functioning church; visitors are welcome to attend scheduled masses, but there are no general opening hours.