Bratislava Things to Do Tips by gosiaPL

Primate's Palace Primate's Palace Review

This nice pink big palace can't be overlooked. Greatest attractions include the Hall of Mirrors (where Napoleon's treaty with Austria was signed) and the collection of 17th century's English tapestry. While you're there, look up high in order to spot the primate's hat on top of the palace - isn't this funny? And peep into the inner yard for the statue of St. George killing the dragon - always peep into inner yards! :-)
The Primate's Palace dates back to the 18th century and was the seat of the Archbishops, and then the residence of Empress Maria Theresa who apparently loved it. The palace witnessed Napoleon signing the Peace Treaty with Austria in 1805, and it was also the residence of the Slovak President (until 1996) after Czechoslovakia split back into two separate republics. Now the palace is one of the buildings of the municipal authorities. That's a long story put short :-)

Address: Primacialne Sq., right behind the Old Town Hall

The beautiful Town Hall Town Hall Review

The Old Town Hall combines three buildings that date back to the 14th and the 15th centuries, but it also incorporated the styles of the epochs that came afterwards. That's why the many versatile architectural details that are really worth exploring. Don't miss going into the lovely courtyard! If you're interested in more, the Town Hall houses the Municipal Museum as well as an exibition of torture tools.

Interestingly, the Town Hall's front wall used to show a big marble plaque that stated Bratislavians' gratitude to the Soviet Army for liberating the city in WWII (it's to the right of the gate in my picture). On my second visit in May 2004 I noticed the plaque was gone...

Address: In the Main Sq.

Schone Naci welcomes you to Bratislava Bronze Statues Review

Another bronze figure in close vicinity to Cumil and Paparazzi - Schone Naci, i.e. "handsome Ignac", who seems to be smiling amicably at pedestrians and greeting them a jolly good morning. Apparently he is an image of a real person from the early 20th century who was known for strolling around and behaving just as Schone Naci would seem to indicate.

Address: By the Cafe Mayer in Rybarska St.

Directions: Just off the Main Sq. - exit it into Rybarska St.

Paparazzi in action! Bronze Statues Review

Another one, Paparazzi is quite funny - he looks like a real one just about to shoot a picture from behind the corner. Bratislavians are probably pretty cool about him and maybe even forget he's there. But tourists really stopped and laughed at the sight, and so did I... you just can't help it!

Address: By the Italian Paparazzi restaurant

Directions: South of the Main Sq.

Napoleon in the Main Sq. Bronze Statues Review

I can't say whether this bronze figure is Napoleon himself or one of his soldiers, I've been told both. Anyways, the bench he's leaning on is one of the most popular spots - lots of people have pictures of themselves taken there... On my picture the bench is empty though, it was a rainy morning.

Address: Main Sq., just off the Roland fountain

Watch out: man at work! Bronze Statues Review

Cumil, the happy sewage worker, is one of the several bronze statues in Bratislava. He is marked with a special road sign - I don't know if the sign is a part of this installation or whether it is meant to prevent people from stumbling over Cumil. There are two common explanations for what Cumil is actually doing: one says he's a typical communist era worker who doesn't give a toss about the work he's supposed to be doing; the other one says he's peeping up women's! skirts :-)

Address: Crossroads of Panska and Rybarska streets

Directions: South of the Main Sq.

Holy Trinity Church Churches Review

I guess the Trinitarian Church is a bit off the beaten path as it is not within the Old Town area. I came across it as I was walking from the Tatra Hotel and looking for my way to the Main Sq. It dates back to the early 18th century. I was sorry I couldn't see the inside as it was closed... Must be nice and richly ornamented, I think.

Address: Hurbanovo Namestie

Directions: 5 minutes' walk north of the Old Town's Michalska Gate

Arts & Crafts Museum Museums Review

I wanted to see this one a lot, thought it would be right up my street. Unfortunately it was closed for alteration when I was there. I must return some day... It is just opposite the Clock Museum so you can do both at one go. Open 9:30-16:30 (except Mondays).

Address: 1 Beblaveho

Phone: 5441 2784

Tiny little museum in a cute house Museum of Clocks - House of the Good Shepherd Review

I can't say I'm interested in old clocks and time pieces, although they have a great collection in this little museum. I was rather attracted by the look of this narrow Rococo building and its sweet name The Good Shepherd's House. I simply wanted to check its interior and paying the 50 SK for the ticket was well worth it! The house was errected in 1760 and is quite pleasant to tour. It's rooms and staircase are really tiny so only a small group of people is let in at a time. Open 9:30-16:30 (except Mondays)
The area was once a Jewish quarter, hence the street name: Zidovska (Jewish).

Address: 1 Zidovska St.

Phone: 5441 1940

The castle on a hill Bratislava Castle Review

Bratislavsky Hrad (the Castle) on the hill dominates the city and offers magnificent panoramic view of the Old Town and the city districts across the Danube. The castle dates back to the early 10th century and was a strong fortress; adapted by Empress Maria Theresa of Austro-Hungary into one of her residences in the 18th century. It's a shame that the castle suffered from a big fire a century later, and was reconstructed into its present shape in 1953. Read my Tourist Trap tip for another look at the Castle...
Today it houses the Slovak National Museum with the Treasury; also the Slovak Parliment holds its sessions there.

Directions: Climb the Castle Hill stairs from opposite the Cathedral (across the road), or walk up the street near the Clock Museum in Zidovska St. If you're not fit to walk up the hill, take a taxi.