Bratislava

Evansg

Hi, I am going to be in Bratislava for a few days in November. Would really appreciate suggestions on things to do, places to eat, etc. Thanks in advance

seven stars

Hopefully someone else who knows it better can reply. We were only there for a day trip and we found that one day was enough time to do the castle and look about the old town, blue church, etc. It's very nice but it's quite a small place. If you're there late in November the Christmas markets might have started, and they're supposed to be lovely. But keep in mind that Vienna is a short (cheap) train journey away, so it might be worth going there for a day if you think you'll run out of stuff to do in Bratislava.

Evansg

Thank you so much, have been to Vienna so may return

Man Vs ManUre

There is a really great movie you should watch before you go, it’s called ‘Hostel’. It really showcases the best that Bratislava has to offer.

Nigel Fairservice

Not the most exciting place I've ever been to. Went to the Blue Church, Bratislava Castle and walked around the old town. I wish I had gone for dinner in the UFO observation deck. Went on a day trip to Vienna as well. We probably should have gone to Vienna and went a day trip to Bratislava instead. Bratislava was cheap but that was 10 years ago. Not sure if that's still the case.

Interesting101

Hey OP , what kind of things to you like to do?

I recently spent 3 full days in Bratislava and loved it. However the weather was still nice and warm and I could have spent longer there. I just love the vibe and the cafe culture is fab there.

I spent hours on the Danube Greenway got a bus out to Devin castle , headed up to Slavin district along with all the other stuff mentioned in the last post.

Funnily enough I didn't enjoy Vienna as much so I think it really does depend of your taste and what you enjoy yourself.

MarkY91

We found Bratislava to be extremely small. 1 day really is enough. As another said, you should definitely do a trip to Vienna in the train.

Mr rebel

I don’t rate Bratislava at all as found the place completely depressing and run down. I would say it’s the least favourite city I’ve been to in Europe.

I would definitely recommend staying in Vienna and maybe just a day trip to Bratislava. Then again, that’s just my taste and you might love it there OP.

I agree with poster above re it being depressing, but having said that I was there in 1996. You couldn’t even drink the tap water then and was told not to even drink the watery plum juice at breakfast as it would be diluted with tap water. Well the water might be fine, but don’t know if the city has been spruced up since with EU money. People were dour and seemed depressed. Stayed in an awful hotel called the Tatra, which I renamed the Tatty. I’m sure that’s improved too! I normally have good praise for most places, couldn’t really muster very up much for Bratislava.

I do hear that there are really beautiful trips to be had outside of the city into the spectacular Tatra Mountains, so after seeing the (improved, I reckon) city it should probably be a good option.

Interesting101

@Mr rebel Out of interest when were you there?

tampopo

We were there one January. cycled from Vienna with the Piratislava gang. Got separated from the group pdq. had a lot of fun. Passed the UFO bridge in the dark, got snowed on from there into town! Only had the evening and morning, but we had been recommended this building.

The hostel we stayed in was great, very modern and comfortable, with underfloor heating, which was a godsend as our feet were frozen. It was Safestay Bratislava, got it through booking dot com.

acequion

I'm going to Bratislava for 3 days in February. It looks nice to me, a pretty central European city with lovely architecture along the lines of Krakow and nice food. Hopefully I won't be disappointed. Will probably do the day trip to Vienna as well though I have been there before.

rossie1977

The old town is really nice but a little small. I would highly recommend as a weekend get away if weather is nice.

I certainly didn't find Bratislava depressing at all.

It's worth visiting a thermal spa while in bratislava

ancapailldorcha

Thought it was nice enough but there was feck all to do. It's a great day trip from Vienna. There was a decent Irish bar there in 2017. Don't remember much else about the place to be honest.

Was there last year. Great city, modernising but still with the USSR legacy evident. Great shopping and bars. Friendliest people I ever met; ad I believe it's one of the most multilingual cities in Europe. Boat on the Danube with evening dinner recommended.

JohnCleary

I loved our trip to Brataslava. It was approx. 2018 / 2019 when we travelled there as a 'random' trip - no regrets. Think we spent 3 nights there, again can't remember exactly but remember thinking it was just the right amount of time. This did NOT include a trip to Vienna, which would be another full day.

We just wandered around. One thing we did do is a 'Soviet' private tour in an old Skoda. Cost about 70 euro for the day for the driver and car. Interesting guy, brought us to a few places of interest (I have a great interest in Soviet / WW2 history). He also brought us out to the castle, so didn't have to sort that ourselves. Quote a bit of driving, which was half the novelty... hoping not to break down! Went to the border of the Iron Curtain, not much to see (just a fence), however hearing the stories of the dark past, really brought it home.

We enjoyed the nightlife, a very cheap / student vibe to the old town. Just wandered from bar to bar.

Would I go back to Bratislava? Probably not. Would I recommend Bratislava if you've never been? Absolutely!

Evansg

Thanks for all the replies.

I was pleasantly surprised by Bratislava and enjoyed the few days there. I particularly enjoyed the Old Town and a visit to a thermal spa. The people were friendly and I enjoyed the local food.

I would certainly recommend it for a short trip.

noahungry

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120069892#Comment_120069892

I'm glad you had a good time! From the photos I saw, the Old Town looks beautiful. I plan on visiting Prague in spring, and if I have a chance, I'll go to Bratislava for a day, too. 

Mr rebel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119833091#Comment_119833091

Sorry only seeing this now.

I was there in 2015

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119874093#Comment_119874093

I just have to talk to my wife and her parents to find out what it was like in the soviet era.

Never spent much time in bratislava. I'm always heading up north to the tatras mountains which are well worth the trip.