The next stop on my journey around Eastern Europe was Bratislava, Slovakia, the midpoint between Austria and Hungary. Instead of taking a train again, I wanted a more scenic route. I took a bus from Wien Erdberg (Bus terminal in Vienna) at 10:30 am, and arrived in Bratislava Novy Most at 11:35 am. It costed $11 CAD.
Because I was only staying one night in Bratislava, I decided to stay at the Ibis Bratislava Centrum, which was only a 10 minute walk from the bus station; and pretty much in the center of town. The Ibis was $60/night. Pretty pricey for Bratislava, but I figured why not. Moreover, the weather was much different than its neighbor, Czech Republic (for July). Even though it was right next to the Danube River, it was very hot and humid.
Apart from many cafes and bars, the city itself doesn’t have much going on. However, it was definitely really nice, and interesting to see the transition between Austria and Hungary. Bratislava is the youngest capital in Europe, but has a massive prehistoric Castle situated on a rocky hill, 82 meters above the Danube. It was a significant center for the Celts and the Romans.
Overall, I enjoyed the quaint atmosphere of Bratislava, especially for just a day and prior to hitting up Budapest, Hungary.
During my 1 night stay in Bratislava, I visited the following sites:
Michael’s Gate: St. Michael’s Gate dates back to the end of the 13th century, and is currently the only city gate that has been preserved
Old Town: City Center
Cumil/Man at Work: The people watcher
Slovak National Theatre
Church of St. Elizabeth (Blue Church): Created for Elisabeth of Hungary, the daughter of Andrew II who grew up in Pressburg Castle/Bratislava Castle
Bratislava Castle: Strategically located in the center of Europe at a passage between the Carpathians and the Alps, using the Danube river, it has served many important historical functions
Devin Castle: This site has been settled since the Neolithic and fortified since the Bronze and Iron age
St. Martin’s Cathedral: Largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava, known for being the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary between 1563 and 1830