I was in the midst of a trip around Central Europe. I figured I would make a detour through Bratislava since it was near Brno and I was going to Austria anyway. I've heard good things about Bratislava and I was eager to visit a city I haven't been to.
One day isn't enough to fully discover and experience what a city has to offer, but if it's all the time you have you can still enjoy your trip and visit some attractions.
One Day in Bratislava
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. Just around half a million people call this city home. Its position along the Danube contributed to its economic and historical development over the centuries. The city has been influenced by neighboring countries such as Austria, Hungary, and Czechia just to name a few. in fact, the city was the coronation site of the Kingdom of Hungary centuries ago.
Here are some of the places oyu can visit for one day in Bratislava.
Bratislava Castle
If you have one day in Bratislava, make sure to include the castle. The latter is the most recognizable landmark in the city. Perched atop a hill, the castle is an ideal place to get overlooking views of the city. The castle underwent many renovations over the centuries because of damage caused by conflicts, fires, and it was simply forgotten and abandoned. Restoration took place in the 1950s. It's now a museum where you can learn more about the country's history.
Entrance fee: €12
Michael's Gate
This gate is the only vestige of the walls and towers that were constructed in the 1300s. It towers over old town and is one of its most famous landmarks. Michael's Gate was currently under renovation when I went.
Primate's Palace
This 18th century building was where the signing of the fourth Peace of Pressburg took place in 1805. The Holy Roman Emperor and Napoleon decided to end the War of the Third Coalition. Today, the building is now the seat of the city's mayor.
Old Town Statues
You'll find statues scattered all over the city's old town. One of the most popoular is Cumil, a statue of a sewage worker.
Blue Church
The Blue Church or also known as Church of St. Elizabeth is a popoular destination for visitors because of its distinct blue color (you guessed it!). This Art Nouveau-inspired building dates to 1909.
Main Square
The main square in old town is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Here you'll find the Old Town Hall and the Roland Fountain. This is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
UFO Bridge
The UFO Bridge is a popular landmark because of its unique appearance. it got its name from the flying saucer-like observation deck. It also has a restaurant that serves traditional Slovak food. The bridge crosses the Danube and is around 300m long.
St. Martin's Cathedral
This beautiful cathedral is one of the largest and oldest in the city. It used to be the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Where to stay in Bratislava
Bratislava isn't a big city but you have options when it comes to accommodation types. I stayed at Patio Hostel for a night while in the city. It's an affordable place to stay (free laundry!). You can book accommodation here: www.booking.com.
How to get to Bratislava
It's easy to get to Bratislava from Czechia or Austria. There are frequent buses that go to the city from Brno and Vienna. You can buy a bus ticket here: www.flixbus.com.
Budget for Bratislava
Bratislava is a cheap European city compared to others I've been to.
Here's a breakdown of how much I spent in a day. I spent the night in the city so I could have one full day to explore.
Everything's in €
10 - 1 night Patio Hostel
10.60 - Train to Vienna
6.56 - Food and drinks
7.60 - Miscellaneous (postcards, stamps, etc.)
12 - Bratislava Castl entrance fee46.76 - Total for one night and one day in Bratislava
A safe budget if you're staying longer is around €40-€50, to cover the basics. You can add or subtract to that amount depending on what you do while in Bratislava.
You can read my other posts about Europe:
