Historic heart and stomach
Bratislava has a remarkably intact medieval heart and it is here where your journey to understand the city's past must begin. The Old Town is quite small and can be easily explored on foot in a day. Probably the most enjoyable way to connect with a culture is via the stomach, and the Old Town is where you will find many of Bratislava's best traditional restaurants and bars.
If you're in to Central European cuisine – lots of stews and dumplings – then you will be in heaven. The Slovak national dish is called bryndzové halušky, which are basically small dumplings filled with meat and cheese. Don't worry about trying to pronounce them. If you say ‘dumpling' most vendors will understand what you mean. The best place to get these interesting delicacies is Prašná bašta in the Old Town, just off Michalska Street.
For those not up to the garlicky challenge of Slovak cuisine, Pizza Mizza, also in the Old Town, serves up gigantic and delicious pizzas to queues of hungry locals. If you want a more formal sit-down, and love meat, Carnevalle, just round the corner, offers excellent food from around the world. Unfortunately for vegetarians, Slovak cuisine is heavily meat-orientated. However, the more traditional Pressburger restaurants will offer many sumptuous vegetable-based soups and broths.
Beer lovers will adore Bratislava's many bars and microbreweries serving up refreshing glasses of tasty Slovak beer. Some of the best of these bars are in the Old Town, so after a hot meal pop into Kristian on Michalska Street to whet your palette. Other great spots include Bar Parada and AeroPressoDepresso, where you can have a merry old time for mere pocket change.
Castles and UFOs
Now we've got the important part out of the way, let's talk about Bratislava's achingly beautiful old buildings. Bratislava Castle looms over the Old Town and, after years of restoration, is well worth the trek up the hill. Just behind the castle is the SlavÃn Monument, built in honour of the Soviet dead who lost their lives liberating the city from Nazi rule. This is the highest point in the city and affords the best views over Bratislava, so stand here and admire the stunning vista.
As you amble back in to town, check out the awesomely gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, which was built in 1204. The cathedral was the coronation church of Hungarian kings for centuries and after seeing it for yourself, you will understand why it was picked for such occasions.
When the sun begins to set, make sure you walk across the surreal SNP Bridge that crosses the mighty Danube. The bridge has a rather unsightly flying saucer-shaped structure growing out of it. However, don't be deterred. The structure houses the aptly named UFO restaurant, which has an observation deck on its roof. From here you will find the best views of the Old Town, which at night you may mistake for a fantastical old world.
Christmas Market
If you are visiting Bratislava around Christmas, which is a big deal in the city, then the Christmas Market, held throughout December, is unmissable. There are traditional foods for sale, chocolate, wine and lovingly made trinkets. It really is a fairytale sight.
However, Bratislava is not just for Christmas. The exciting and scenic city has fun for all the family the year round. Unlike its flashier fellow European capitals, it is cheap and less crowded, so book one of our Bratislava hotels today.
