Side Trip to Bratislava, Slovakia

We had visited Vienna, Austria in the winter and it was absolutely magical. The beautiful lights, the Christmas markets, the charming window displays, and the overall joy of the season combined for a wonderful time. We did miss out on the warm weather activities though, so we planned to return in the summer one day.

Streets of Bratislava

A few years later we did return on an Austrian vacation. We booked extra days in Vienna to have plenty of time for a little day tripping. Our first trip outside the city was to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Slovakia was not on our bucket list but, with its capital sitting so close to Vienna, the decision to spend a day there was a no brainer. Being able to visit a new country from a base in another is an extra travel bonus. Day tripping is such a great way to explore, especially if it is to a place one would not otherwise visit. We chose to go on a Sunday as there are many more shops and places open in Bratislava on Sundays than there are in Vienna.

Slovakia is part of the European Union and is a Schengen state, meaning there is borderless travel to other Schengen states, making the trip from Vienna, also within a Schengen state, a breeze. The country uses the Euro (€), so there is no need to exchange currency while there.

St. Michael's Gate

We took the train from Vienna’s main station to Bratislava’s Hlavná Stanica, which is within walking distance to the old town. The other station, Petržalka, is located in the suburbs and is less convenient for tourists wanting to visit the old town. It is an easy trip, lasting only about an hour.

During the communist era, Bratislava’s old center was neglected and run-down. Toward the end of the 1990s, ten years after the fall of communism, the town began a revitalization. The old town’s buildings were fixed up and the streets were pedestrianized, creating the charming center it is today.

There are a few sites worth seeing, but Bratislava’s main attraction is the town itself. From wandering the lanes lined with colorful buildings to popping into a posh boutique to enjoying a coffee at a lively outdoor café; the old town center is the reason to visit.

St. Michael's Gate, Michalská Brána, is the only preserved city gate from the medieval fortifications. It is among the oldest buildings in town. The roof of the original gothic tower was built in the mid-14th century and was modified between 1753 and 1758 giving it its current baroque style. The 51-meters tall tower has seven floors and offers a sweeping view from the upper terrace.

Old Town Hall

Michalská Street, the main drag through the gate, is made for strolling with its shops, restaurants, and cafés. Inviting passages, courtyards, nooks and crannies are worth a peek, and some entice with more coffee shops and small boutiques.

The Main Square, Hlavné Námestie, marks the center of Bratislava’s old town. The pretty fountain honors the coronation of Maximilian II, when Slovakia was part of Hungary and under Hapsburg rule. The Old Town Hall, with its yellow tower, dominates the square. The hall's passageway leads to a beautifully restored courtyard and the entrance to the City History Museum, Múzeum Mesta Bratislavy.

Schöner Náci

I’ve often mentioned how much I enjoy a city museum. They are usually well done, have a reasonably priced admittance, are rich with artifacts and exhibits, and provide a good chronological understanding of a city’s history. Bratislava’s city museum is no exception and worth a stop.

Continuing through the courtyard sits Primate’s Square, Primaciálne Námestie, and Primate’s Palace, Primaciálny Palác. Dating from 1781, the palace is a restored French-Neoclassical mansion which was once used as the archbishop’s residence. It is now the new town hall and boasts one floor of exhibits including state rooms, paintings, and tapestries.

Čumil

Classic cafés line the main square including Kaffee Mayer, which has been selling baked goods and coffee since 1873. In front of the Kaffee stands one of Bratislava’s beloved whimsical statues, Schöner Náci. The statue of the man tipping his hat pays tribute to one of the town’s characters from years past.

Restaurants & Cafés Abound

Laurinská Street is the town’s fashion hub and entices with fun, unique boutiques perfect for finding gifts or to do a little personal shopping. Further down one finds another bit of whimsy, the Čumil, a statue of a playful little guy popping out of a manhole.

The Old Market Hall, Stará Tržnica, was built in 1910. It still houses a busy market on Saturdays and is also a popular venue for concerts. Market square is a bustling outdoor gathering spot for all to enjoy.

For a taste of Slovakian modern art, the Nedbalka showcases a comprehensive collection from the late 1800s up to the present in a multi-level gallery.

As mentioned above, restaurants and cafés abound in Old Town Bratislava. A day trip should definitely include a leisurely meal outdoors on a lovely square, a cozy cobbled alley, or a tree-lined street.

We spent a most enjoyable day in Bratislava. We weren’t sure what to expect, but we found the town to be charming and the people friendly and welcoming. It is such an easy trip from Vienna, there is no reason not to go and have a pleasant day away from the crowds.