Bratislava has all the tourist attractions

Compared to its more famous neighbour, Prague, the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, has for some time been but a speck on the tourist radar. But this is changing, and fast. Not surprising.

With a population of only about 450 000, Bratislava may be one of the smaller capitals of Europe, but in terms of tourist attractions it has it all. For us it was an eye-opener!

The favourable position of our hotel, right on the Danube river, set the scene for two memorable days and allowed us to indulge in the sight of many bustling activities: stacks of river boats passing by, quaint, self-pedalled tourist “wagons” and red trolleys traipsing by on the street below, and the comings and goings of throngs of tourists visiting the famous UFO tower at the far side of the SNU bridge across the Danube, also known as New Bridge.

On the city’s promenade is the monumental Hviezdoslav statue, named after the one of the most important Slovak poets, Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav.

 

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Lined with plane trees and water features where children love to frolic, the promenade houses a host of original street cafes, bistros and restaurants where you can enjoy all kinds of delectable dishes, from traditional Slovak specialities to sumptuous international and vegan fare.

Besides the normal throng of tourists at this time of year, the promenade was particularly crowded due to the presidential inauguration.

Following a hearty meal and some great-tasting Bratislava beer at a bistro, we spent the afternoon strolling through the Old Town, known as Stare Mesto. Here you can easily spend hours exploring charming souvenir and other speciality shops and eateries along the narrow lanes, burgher’s houses and many of the city’s important buildings, such as the former Palace of the Hungarian Estates, the late-Gothic Academia Istropolitana and the Leopold de Pauli Palace, where Franz Liszt performed as a child.

At the heart of it is the Main Square where the Old Town Hall is located (right next to a clock tower and a Renaissance-style fountain) and welcoming ceremonies for foreign dignitaries are held.

Another famous tourist landmark is Michael’s Gate, the only remaining part of the medieval fortifications, which once surrounded Bratislava. Built in the 1300s, the tower stands 51m high and houses a weapons museum.

 

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Of the many sculptures and statues, none catches the eye more than the quirky ones commissioned to make the Old Town livelier and where just about everyone wants his/her picture taken.

You might encounter the famous sculpture of the plumber, peeping from a manhole. This particular piece was created by Slovak sculptor Viktor Hulik.

There is also Schoner Naci, which sculptor Juraj Melis based on an actual person who lived in the early 20th century. He’s easy to spot since he is holding up his hat, as if to courteously greet every person who passes by.

Eager to personally experience the spectacular panoramic view of the city from the 95m-high SNU bridge tower, the observation deck was our first stop on our second day. An elevator ride of only 45 sec takes you up to the deck with its posh restaurant and bar.

Besides the magnificent view, you can taste 70 different kinds of vodka as well as a choice of Slovak speciality wines and beers.

The SNU bridge (an acronym for Slovak National Uprising) was opened in 1972 to commemorate Slovak resistance to the 1944 German invasion.

 

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Deriving its name from its unusual design, the UFO Tower is listed in the World Federation of Great Towers, which also includes the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building. An iconic landmark, Bratislava Castle, is just a short walk from the UFO tower.

Standing guard over the city, the history of the castle goes back to the Stone Age. Bratislava is a beautiful, charming city. Get there before the rest of the world wakes up to that fact…

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