City Breaks in Bratislava
The capital of Slovakia is an attractive city with a rich history, a fantastic range of cultural attractions, and a close proximity to some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery. From the narrow streets of the Old Town to the clustered trees of the Small Carpathians, there’s plenty to explore with city breaks in Bratislava. Set in southwestern Slovakia on the banks of the Danube River, Bratislava attracts travellers from across the globe with its mixture of medieval and modern charm.
Castles and cathedrals
Located in the southwest of the Old Town overlooking the Danube River is Bratislava Castle. Largely reconstructed in the 1950s, the castle is still a treat to explore and features a museum that holds a fascinating series of exhibitions detailing the history of the city. One of the oldest structures in Bratislava is St Martin's Cathedral. This gothic 14th-century church has been the site of the coronation of 11 different Austro-Hungarian monarchs, and is an unforgettable place to visit during your stay. For a glimpse into Bratislava’s modern legacy, the Most SNP bridge (aka UFO bridge) is a striking structure that crosses the river. There is a restaurant in the flying saucer-shaped viewing platform, which boasts stunning panoramas of the city.
Orchestras and football teams
Lovers of classical music will find a lot to enjoy in Bratislava. The city is home to the celebrated Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, housed in the magnificent Neobaroque Reduta Palace. For more culture, the Slovak National Theatre is another esteemed institution with a prestigious line up of theatre and ballet, while Dunaj is a cultural centre with a range of nightly performances. If you prefer to watch goals rather than concertos, Bratislava also boasts a fantastic sporting scene. The Ondrej Nepela Stadium is home to the city’s celebrated ice hockey team, HC Slovan, and SK Slovan Stadium is the home ground of SK Slovan football team.
Slovakian hospitality
To sample the best of Slovakian cuisine, head to one of Bratislava’s many exceptional restaurants. You’ll find a host of excellent eateries nestled in the winding streets of the Old Town, and there are some great places for food overlooking the Danube River, such as Massimo Ristorante on the River Park promenade and AlFaro on the Eurovea promenade. When it comes to drinks, there are plenty of waterholes where you can sample a range of Slovakian beers such as the local Bratislava Stein beer. If you’re looking for soft drinks, Kofola is a local variant of Coke™ and Vinea is a Slovakian speciality made from grapes.
