Today we are going to Bratislava – the capital of Slovakia, and I will show you my top 6 list of things to see and do in Bratislava. As always, you can find our YouTube video at the end of the post. Check it out!
In this blogpost I will take you to 6 different places. We start at the Blue Church, then take a coffee break at Allakaj Caffé. Then it’s off to the crown jewel of the city, the castle. We stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant before continuing to the main square where we find the city’s most famous monument. Finally we are having a look at the old radio and tv station.
Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, is a city that blends a rich history with a modern European vibe. It has a population of around 500,000 people. Nestled along the Danube River, it offers a medieval castle, baroque palaces, and a charming old town. The city’s vibrant cultural scene includes museums, galleries, and a bustling café culture. Visitors can savour delicious Slovak cuisine at local restaurants and taste the refreshing beer.
1. Blue church
First on our list is the Blue Church. It’s official name is The Church of St. Elizabeth, but it is commonly known as the Blue Church. It was designed by Ödön Lechner and built between 1908 to 1913 in Hungarian Art Nouveau style.
The main and side entrances are enclosed with Romanesque double-pillars, which have an Oriental feeling. Pillars are also located near the windows.
The façade was at first painted with light pastel colours. Later the church got its characteristic blue colour. A line of blue tiles and wave-strip encircles the church. I visited during the day, and it was closed. I got a peak through the windows though. The church is only opened 5.30-6.30am and 5.30 to 7.00pm.
2. Allakaj Café and bakery
Allakaj Café and Bakery is situated in an old beautiful building. Click this link for the location.
Here, I got to try a local traditional sweet from Bratislava. They are available with two different fillings, nuts or poppy seeds. I went for the one with nuts. By the looks of it, I imagined a soft bun-like texture, but it’s not. It’s quite the opposite. It’s solid with a proper filling of sweet nuts. Very tasty together with a coffee. This place is located slightly outside the touristic zone, so the prices are affordable.
3. Bratislava Castle
It’s time to visit the crown jewel of Bratislava and it’s quite a hike to get there. Number 3 on our list is the Castle of Bratislava which is located on western part of the city on a hill top. Because of its size and location, it has been a dominant feature of the city for centuries. The hill has been used for various settlements dating back to 2800 BC. In 1811 there was a major fire and the castle gradually deteriorated afterwards.
It was not until 1953 that it was finally time to restore the castle to it’s former glory. This is Svätopluk the Great, that was a ruler of Great Moravia in the 9th century. He has occasionally been presented as a “Slovak King” in Slovak literary works since the 18th century, the period of the Slovak national awakening.
The castle is in great condition nowadays and they offer full tours of the castle and it’s surroundings. See this website for more information. It’s €14 for general admission.
4. Slovak Pub
It’s time for some food and by recommendation from other videos I have watched the restaurant called Slovak Pub seems to be the best place to go for traditional Slovak Food. It’s located in a traditional old building and it feels very authentic. Click here for the location.
First I ordered their Cabbage soup, that had also been recommended by others. It’s one of the best soups I ever had. Full of flavours. Cabbage, sour cream, chunks of potato and quality sausage. Imagine this on a cold winter day, amazing.
Then I ordered a dish with both the traditional pierogis and small potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon pieces. The pierogis are filled with cheese. A lot of food and quite heavy. It goes very well with a Slovak local beer. This place offers great service and good prices. It seems to have a mix of locals and tourists. I liked the place.
5. Čumil – The Watcher
Filled with energy we are now on our way to the next spot. Located in the middle of the old city is the city’s most famous monument. His name is Čumil, the Slovak word for “watcher”. It only takes a quick glance at the face of the man at work, to understand why he goes by the name “The Watcher”. The bronze statue, with a grin on his face, peeks his head from underneath a manhole cover in the Old Town and he is popular among tourists and locals alike. Click here for the location.
6. Slovak Radio Building
Our final landmark of Bratislava is located just outside the old town. It was completed in 1983 and it’s called the Slovak Radio Building. The building is 80 metres high and has a 522-seat concert hall with a large concert organ. The first test broadcast was made in 1984. The building currently serves as the radio headquarters of Radio and Television of Slovakia.
The Slovak Radio Building has divided public opinion ever since its unveiling. While some architects consider it one of the country’s most important buildings conversant with contemporary architectural styles in the world, others consider it ugly and synonymous with communist oppression.
The Telegraph included the building in a list of the 30 ugliest buildings in the world, but this choice was criticized by a number of architects. I think it’s a really cool building with a very unique and interesting construction and shape.
As you can see from this blogpost, Bratislava has a lot to offer. It’s a cozy and walkable city filled with friendly people. Give it a go!
See our YouTube video for more information:
