If you are fortunate to be on a Danube River Cruise Rive then you will likely find the charming town of Bratislava on your cruise ship itinerary. If you want to know something about the town and follow in my footsteps then read on.
Can you see Bratislava in one day on a River Cruise?
Yes, you can easily see Bratislava in one day if visiting as part of a river cruise. Bratislava is a Bijou city and given reasonable weather it is easily walkable. Most cruise ship companies will include an organised walking tour in the morning after breakfast and this is a great way to get an idea of the city layout, history and culture. You can return to your cruise ship for lunch if you want and still have time to explore further in the afternoon at your leisure.
Where is Bratislava?
Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia which is a landlocked country in the heart of Europe. Independent Slovakia was formed in 1993 when the Czech Republic and Slovakia were formed from the old Czechoslovakia. No doubt your tour guide will furnish you with the history as you walk around the city.
How to get around Bratislava
Bratislava is fronted by the River Danube and several cruise ship companies will stop at the city. The city is topped by the old castle below which sits the old town. The city is small and easily walkable from the river and it's a joy to meander through the cobbled streets and leafy squares as you take in the sights. Alternatively, your cruise company will provide several organised excursions and coach tours covering the main sights and activities or you can use the local trolley buses.
What to See and Do in Bratislava from a Cruise Ship
The SNP Bridge and UFO
One of the first things to look out for is the SNP Bridge which was built in the early 1970's. It is the only cable-supported bridge in Bratislava and it features a "UFO" shaped restaurant and observation platform.
Bratislava Castle
Bratislava castle with its white walls and the orange roof is a focal point of the town and is a great location for some photography and views of the city. Access to the interior of the castle is by ticket but I was happy to explore the outside spaces and views with the limited time available.
The Main Square
The main square (Hlavne Namestie) is the hub of the old town with many bars cafes and restaurants. If you are visiting in the festive season it will be home to the Christmas fair.
Saint Martin's Church
Located between the old town and the castle is the Roman Catholic cathedral of St Martins. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries it is a significant building in the capital and was the coronation church for the kings and queens of Hungary between 1563 and 1830.
Take a Break
Sightseeing will no doubt leave you in need of some refreshment and there are many cafes and bars in the squares and cobbled streets of the old town. The Zeppelin serves Great homemade cakes and desserts - most of them traditional and regional whilst the Patisserie Konditorei Kormuth is worth a peek to see the decoration (prices are a little on the high side).
Good advice in any tourist city is to explore the side streets surrounding the main squares and tourist hotspots. Here you will find many smaller places and quirky bars and restaurants that will make an interesting and inexpensive stop.
National Theatre
The Slovak National Theatre is a beautiful building in the centre of Bratislava. Although beautiful in the day and a popular place for photographs I'm told it's even more spectacular when lit up at night - so I may have to visit again!
Street Photography
On any trip out with my camera I love to capture everyday aspects of city life. Street photography can be challenging in countries where attitudes to privacy and respect may vary from what photographers are used to at home. Nonetheless, a new country and city are full of scenes that capture the eye.
City Monuments and Statues
On your travels, you should keep a lookout for the many statues and sculptures dotted around the city. I've included a few that I came across on my visit, but I'm sure there are many more.
Look up and Down
Finally don't forget to look around you for the smaller architectural details. I'm never one to miss an amusing piece of artwork or an old doorway or window.
I travelled with Emerald Cruises on an eight-day Munich to Budapest Danube River Cruise.
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