Bratislava: reviews of tourists, places of interest in the city, what to see
For a long time, Slovakia was in the shadow of its neighbor -The Czech Republic. The title of "younger sister of Prague" was borne by the capital of the republic of Bratislava. The country began an independent life with the collapse of socialist Czechoslovakia. And every year wins more and more popularity in the tourist market. Bratislava is no longer perceived as a stopover in front of the chic Vienna. It is quite an independent city, fascinating tourists with its unique family atmosphere and medieval architecture. What do travelers say about Bratislava? This article will be devoted to our article. About the sights of the capital of Slovakia, read below. Also in the article are some practical tips: how to get to the city (Bratislava), whether you need a visa for Russians, what kind of tours, what to buy, etc. We will separately consider the climate of Slovakia and prices in the republic.
Where is Bratislava
Not all capitals are located in the center of the country. There are also those who are from the very edge. Bratislava is one of them. The capital is located on the very border of Slovakia. And it adjoins at once with two states: Hungary and Austria. To Vienna from Bratislava, it's a stone's throw - some sixty-five kilometers. On a clear day, one capital can be seen from the other. If you look from a high-rise building, of course. And here to Budapest from Bratislava it is necessary to pass one hundred and eighty kilometers. And a very long distance between this city and the former capital of the once one state - Prague (330 km). What is Bratislav's first impression? Compared to other capitals, it does not seem like a megacity. Here in a family cozy. In Bratislava, there is no gloss and pathos, but it does not aspire to this. Having once visited these quiet pedestrian streets, I want to return here again. In a cozy city with the Slavic name of Bratislava ...
Do I need a visa for Russians?
Of course. And not simple, because Slovakia is a member of the European Union and is part of the Schengen zone. But getting a visa to this country of Central Europe is much easier than to France or Germany. You can apply for a schengen in the consular section of Slovakia. To do this, on the embassy's website, you must first fill out the online application form. At the appointed time you need to appear for the delivery of documents. If this procedure is burdensome for you, you can contact the Pony Express Visa Center. But it will cost more than the 35 euros that are required for permission to enter Slovakia. But in the visa center you will be able to write a statement, make a photo and even conduct the necessary procedure of fingerprinting. A pleasant bonus for those who are not the first time going to a city like Bratislava: a visa for Russians can be "multi" (for two years or even for five years). If, of course, the tourist did not violate the rules of entry or stay in the Schengen countries. The visa processing deadline is about 10 working days.
Climate
Slovakia - very stretched from west to easta country. In its north-eastern part towering mountains - Tatra Mountains. So the climate in the country, despite its modest size, is quite diverse. In the Tatranska Lomnica, it may snow, and the weather in Bratislava will please the sun and almost summer heat. Due to the remoteness of Slovakia from the seas and oceans, the climate in the country is characterized as continental. True, not the same as in Siberia. Summer here is not very hot, and winter, albeit snowy, is not too frosty. Humidity and rainfall increase as we move towards the west. Therefore, one can only guess what a rainy city this Bratislava is. A visa for Russians entitles you to stay in the country for up to thirty days. Therefore, do not be upset by short-term rainfall. Just remember that the greatest amount of precipitation falls in June.
How to get to Bratislava
In connection with the remoteness of the capital of Slovakia from Russiathe train is not the most convenient means of transportation. To go from Moscow it is necessary one and a half day, and it at a ticket cost in ten thousand rubles. But the Moscow-Budapest train, which stops in Bratislava, goes daily and takes its passengers to their destination without any transplants. But there are no direct flights to the capital of Slovakia from Moscow yet. Many tourists use the airport of Vienna for a trip to Bratislava. But it happens the other way around. Experienced travelers choose Bratislava airport as a launching pad for trips to Europe. This hub is located eight kilometers from the city. You can get to the airport by taxi (10 euros) or by bus (1 EUR). The latter runs from five in the morning to eleven in the evening with an interval of fifteen minutes. Follow this bus to Bratislava airport from the train station through the center of the capital. The ticket can be bought in the machine at the bus stop, at the station or at the ticket office in the arrival hall. As a walking option, you can get to Bratislava from Vienna by ship on the Danube.
Tours
Tours to the countries of Central Europe are verydiffer in price. If you plan a flight to Vienna airport, transfer to Bratislava by taxi and weekly accommodation in a double room of a four-star hotel with breakfast, then the estimate of such a trip will be at least five hundred EUR per person. But the most economical (and therefore the most popular) are bus combined tours in the capitals of Central and Southern Europe. Warsaw, Prague, Budapest, Bratislava - reviews of tourists claim that such a journey is very rich and gives a lot of interesting impressions. Bus traffic is mainly carried out only in the afternoon, so tourists with fresh forces can inspect new cities. The cost of such tours, however, does not include the road to the Ukrainian-Polish border. Usually travel begins in Lviv or in Uzhgorod.
How to move around
Bratislava - reviews of tourists at this pointcoincide - very compact city. Especially its old part, which is mostly pedestrian. Public transport in Bratislava runs day and night. Only at eleven o'clock trams and trolley buses stop going, night buses leave for the route. Tickets for public transport can be bought at newsstands and stopovers in vending machines. Tickets do not act like ours - for one trip, but for a while. You can buy a ticket for 15 minutes, 30, an hour or a half, a day or even a week. While time has not expired, with the coupon, which is composted only at the beginning of the first trip, you can change to any kind of public transport. In the weekend, passengers have a bonus - prolonged ticket action. A taxi in a city like Bratislava, reviews of tourists are advised to book by phone. So the trip will cost less (three to five euros instead of 8-10).
Grad
On the question of what to see in Bratislava, alltourists, without a word, give one answer. Castle Grad rises on a slope directly above the meridianly floating Danube. This fortress originated over a thousand years ago and at first was the core of the city, a settlement. By the eleventh century, people began to live on the banks of the Danube, and the burghada turned into a full-fledged castle, in which the family of the feudal lord and his garrison lived. The current view of the city of Bratislava was acquired in the fifteenth century. The castle withstood the siege of Napoleon's troops, but surrendered to a huge fire that happened in the beginning of the XIX century. It stood in ruins until the second half of the twentieth century, was restored and now houses the Archaeological and Historical Museums, as well as various exhibitions. From the terrace in front of the main entrance or from the castle towers you can admire the beautiful panorama of Bratislava. Excursion with a Russian-speaking guide for a group of five people will cost 75 euros.
St. Martin's Cathedral
This temple stands second in the list "Whatlook in Bratislava. " The church began to build in the eighth century. Previously, it was part of the city fortifications, but later became the cathedral of Bratislava. It was consecrated in 1452 as a coronation church. This means that it was crowned in its walls by the kingdom of rulers ... Hungary. Yes, yes, it's not a mistake. Since 1535, Bratislava was part of the Hungarian state. From 1563 until 1830 in St. Martin's Cathedral, ten kings, eight of their wives and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria were anointed. The high status of the church is evidenced by the quadrangular tower of St. Stephen. It is crowned with a gilded crown. Since 2008, the cathedral has become the residence of the Archbishop of Bratislava. But the temple is still open to tourists. You should go inside to admire the gothic decoration of this cathedral. The Blue Church with a high bell tower attracts attention. Monastic churches of Minorites, Trinitarians, Jesuits, Ursulines and other orders added color to this ancient city.
Main square
Hlavne namestie has always been the focus of the wholelife of the city. Houses on it were built over a long period and made in the style of Gothic, Baroque, Classicism. In the middle of the Main Square, Roland's fountain beats (this knight of Charlemagne is revered as the patron saint of Bratislava). Built it in 1572 to honor the coronation of Maximilian II. On the square there are Christmas and Easter fairs, and if the weather in Bratislava allows, it's good to relax in the shade of trees or on the terraces of numerous cafes, drink mulled wine in winter or cold beer in the summer. The Old Town Hall - a symbol of city freedoms and therefore the tallest building in the city - is a stunning ensemble of buildings of different times and styles. The oldest part of it is the corner tower of the late 13th century. The complex of the Old Town Hall also includes the houses of Paul, Jacob, Unger, Aponiho. Now in this palace of self-management there is a Museum of city.
Bronze figures
This is the most amusing "inhabitants" of the city with a beautifulthe name of Bratislava. Feedback from tourists is strongly recommended not to miss them in their travels through the streets. Bronze figures can appear unexpectedly. Not only because of the angle, but even from under the ground, more precisely, from the sewer hatch. Stop, stop! This fun plumbing (or sanitation - who knows?) Should not just take a picture, but also pat on the helmet. In this case, it is necessary to make a wish - and it will certainly come true. This is evidenced by the hand-rubbed helmet plumbing to shine. Apparently, the inhabitants of Bratislava thus fulfill their dreams and live happily ever after. Many tourists spend the whole day searching for bronze figures on the streets of the Old City. This is the French soldier, leaning on the bench, and the paparazzi, who aimed his camera at the entrance to the restaurant.
What to try in Bratislava
If you go up to the observation deck on a supportNew bridge (height of 85 meters), then you can be sure that immediately beyond the city stretched boundless vineyards. A specialized museum tells about the history of cultivation of vines in the local region. Bratislava is the capital of not only winemaking, but also brewing. To try the most delicious foamy drink, you need to go not to ordinary bars. It is better to visit the cellar and the tasting room of one of the breweries of the city. Slovak cuisine can not be called healthy, but, of course, the food is very tasty. If you do not want to pick up a couple of kilograms, do not come to Bratislava. And if you want to arrange a feast for your stomach, visit the restaurants Smichov Dvor and Prešporska Curia.
Shopping
Prices in Bratislava, compared to otherEuropean capitals are not high. Lunch for two with wine will cost twenty euros. Low prices make it possible to make profitable purchases, especially as branded clothes and footwear stores are present here. However, in the capital of Slovakia there is no such an abundance of shopping centers and whole shopping areas, as in other major European cities. What are they bringing from Bratislava? Basically, products from Slovak glass. The richest choice is in the Rhone store. Souvenirs, according to experienced travelers, it is better to buy in the area of the Slovak rebellion or in the stalls on the Hlavne namestie. As a tasty memo about Bratislava, it's worth bringing home the delicious gingerbread.
