Bratislava Tourism - All about Bratislava

Despite being the capital of one of the youngest countries in Europe, Bratislava is rich in history. Its strategic geographical location has ensured it a decisive political and social role since the time of Great Moravia within the central European political framework.

A golden crown located on top of the cathedral reminds us that Bratislava was from 1563 to 1830 the coronation city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Up to 19 kings were crowned in the ancient city's cathedral along the Danube.

Its historical legacy will accompany us on our walks through the city center. The old town is made up of countless palaces belonging to the high nobility, convents and churches from different eras and alleys that follow the layout of the old medieval wall populated by wineries where you can enjoy the best wines of the region.

Ancient Bratislava was a meeting place for Slavic, German and Hungarian culture. Its inhabitants used to dominate these three languages, forming an interesting cultural mosaic. The remains of this cultural coexistence are visible today in every corner of the ancient city.

Bratislava had a large Jewish population until World War II. Unfortunately, the horrors of war are compounded by the atrocities of the communist era, turning many places in the city into monuments dedicated to reflection and remembrance. Still her mark on the city is undeniable. It is worth visiting the place where the largest synagogue in the city was located, which was demolished to build a highway, or the tomb of Chatam Sofer, one of the main rabbis of central Europe, who remained for a long time under the tram rails.

Since 1919, Bratislava has been the capital of the Slovakia. After the division of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Bratislava became the seat of government and the economic and cultural center of the young Slovak Republic.

Although located only a few kilometers from the so-called Iron Curtain, the city changed completely during the communist dictatorship. A huge concrete block neighborhood called Petrzalka was built on the banks of the Danube, in order to house the many workers required by the surrounding industries.

Today Bratislava is a dynamic city of about 430,000 inhabitants, which is double the number of students, foreigners and businessmen who frequently visit the capital.

Throughout the year all kinds of festivals that promote culture, art and music take place here. The city has numerous museums, exhibition halls, art galleries and a large number of theaters and concert halls. Temporary photography and painting exhibitions are organized in the cafes in the city center and in the cultural centers of each neighborhood, showing the works of both young local artists and established international artists.

The Slovak National Theater deserves a special mention, as it offers a rich daily program of opera, ballet and theater of the best quality at a still affordable price.

In the old town we find pleasant restaurants where you can enjoy the typical cuisine of the country and the traditional recipes of the old Bratislava. The narrow streets of the center hide wineries and breweries in their patios. Almost every corner of the city houses a well-designed coffee shop or tea room. In summer the streets are filled with terraces, being the favorite place for the inhabitants of the city to enjoy the good weather.

Bratislava is located on the banks of the Danube river halfway between Prague and Budapest. It has its own airport to which many low-cost companies fly and the proximity of Vienna-Schwechat airport ensures communication with any point in the world.

The outskirts of the city are an excellent place for small organized excursions by minibus or on foot. The Little Carpathians, nearby wine regions, bathing lakes and spectacular medieval castles are just part of its many attractions.

Let yourself be seduced by a city that keeps the pulse of old Europe alive, warmly welcoming new trends and fashions in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a vacation.