Daytripping in Bratislava

Old Town tours in Bratislava

From Budapest, we went for a day trip to Bratislava before heading to Vienna.  It was about a 2.5-hour train ride. We dropped off our luggage at the left luggage office and got some bus tickets to head into the old town. The pace in the city was more relaxed and apparently, folks come here from the busier Czech Republic and Hungary for a break from the busy life. We joined our first free walking tour where you only tip the guide at the end. So, they give you the best tour to entice you to tip them more. We were very happy with the Be Free walking tour in Bratislava. We learned so much about Slovakia—its history, some words, food, places to check out.  The city was quaint with its cobbled streets and in the Old Town, you will find gold crowns to mark the coronation path.

Plaza in Bratislava

Hotel Carlton, Bratislava

view of the Bratislava castle

streets of Bratislava

Hviezdoslav square, Bratislava

Some photo-ops:

• much-photographed statues—"Man at Work,” “Schone Naci,” and “Napoleon’s Army soldier”

"Man at Work" statue, Bratislava

"Schone Naci" statue, Bratislava 

• Michael’s gate—amazingly preserved from medieval times and one of the oldest buildings in the city

Michael's gate, Bratislava

• the beautiful blue Church of St. Elisabeth

Church of St. Elisabeth, Bratislava

We had lunch at the Slovak Pub and it was probably one of our best meals in our trip. We tried Slovak classics such as Bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings topped with sheep’s milk cheese and bacon) and Garlic Soup (Cesnaková Polievka). Coupled with a mug of beer (which is cheaper than water in these parts), the dishes were very tasty and satisfying. I have to learn to make these!

Halusky at Slovak Pub, Bratislava

We also tried some Bratislava Rolls filled with walnut (there is also another one filled with poppy seeds)

Bratislava roll

and got Medovina (honey wine, usually taken during Christmas as a warm drink).

It was a nice day to spend in Bratislava—to learn more history, experience a new culture and have a delicious meal! From Bratislava, it was just another hour and a half train ride to Vienna.