The Best 8 Spots in Bratislava Old Town
Is Slovakia worth a visit? This low-key country, which name rather unheard of, became our weekend getaway pick. While Lonely Planet and other travel sources alike highlight only the beauty of places, like they always do, I was curious to find out the truth.
Back to the question, the answer is yes; IF you’re doing the Czech – Austria – Hungary tour (which is undoubtedly, absolutely worth it) and try to fit in a day for Bratislava, or if you can rent a car to drive to the Slovak countryside. Otherwise, maybe . . . not.
Bratislava preserves the beauty of old Europe pretty well, but I find it rather predictable. There is no Ministry of Tourism. A Tourist Board belonging to the government exists, though it feels as if everything is built for Slovakians.
To discover the nicer things, one may try asking the locals. We spoke to our Uber drivers and hoteliers; neither seemed too passionate about their own country despite having a career involving ‘hospitality’. Which means one might be better off with a tour guide, hence that’s what we got. How Slovakia turned from meh to wow for us, was thanks to her; a lady with a big heart and more importantly, who knows her stuff.
And that’s the reason of this post (and the next one on Devin Castle) – so that if you ever find yourself in Slovakia, perhaps you can save 60 euros by following this instead!
Bratislava Old Town Tour Guide
Bratislava Old Town in A Glance:
- St Michael’s Gate
- Primate’s Palace
- Roland Fountain
- Cumil
- Hlavné Námestie
- Blue Church
- Bratislava Castle
- UFO Bridge & Tower
1. St. Michael’s Gate
I find the most outstanding part of this tour to be entering this gate; which lends some ‘drama’, considering the rest are more see-and-go.
{Polar White in Bratislava fashion post here}
2. Primate’s Palace
We didn’t do a good job with this picture because it started to drizzle, but it has gotta be a must-have photo spot for Instagrammers whose feed corrals pink hues.
3. Cumil – Rubberneck Statue Man at Work
The most touristic thing to do. #GuiltyNotGuilty
4. Roland Fountain
If you have to take only one photo of Bratislava, I’d say this would be the landmark.
5. Hlavné Námestie (Main Square)
For souvenir shopping and / or trying out Slovak beers, try this square. Avoid restaurants and bars that preach ‘We serve Slovak food!’ as they are tourist traps.
6. Blue Church – Church of St. Elizabeth
Slightly further away is the cute / tacky blue church. I suppose it’s a matter of preference.
7. Bratislava Castle
One of the main tourist spots; original yet not so anymore inside, we were advised that this castle is worth a quick visit along its perimeters.
8. UFO Bridge & Tower (Nový Most)
You will not miss seeing this UFO-like structure, which also boasts a rotating restaurant that won the Restaurant of The Year award in 2011.
Featured Restaurant
Modrá Hviezda
Known as the ‘oldest restaurant in Bratislava’, this joint serves great game. From this trip we learnt that the slovaks like their meat wild and their stews rich and hearty. Each mouthful left us ooh-ing and aah-ing. We had:
{foie gras on caramelised apple, rabbit stew with wild mushrooms, black pig stew with potato dumplings}
So, now that you’ve read the truths about Bratislava, do you think it is worth the visit? 😉
