A Day in Bratislava

Old Town Bratislava

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a Central European gem that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Sandy and I decided to stop here on our way to Krakow from Budapest, and I'm so glad we did! I'm about 50% Slovakian, so I was thrilled to spend the day exploring the Old Town and the historic Hrad Devín before taking the night train to Krakow.

We started our day wandering the cobblestone streets of Bratislava's Old Town, where centuries-old buildings tell the city's rich history. The compact layout made it easy to explore on foot. We admired the mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, especially around the bustling Main Square.

We had such great food here! We had breakfast at a place we found after walking through St. Michael's Gate into Old Town. I wish I had the name of it and I'm not finding any luck on Google, but just know it was REALLY good and you can find it on the right side before you get to the square. I had avocade eggs benedict, and Sandy had salmon eggs benedict. We both had tasty matcha lattes, too! Then we went to Hotel Hradná brána and enjoyed bryndzové halušky - Slovakia's national dish of potato dumplings in a creamy sheep cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon. It honestly tasted like macaroni and cheese a bit... so good! We washed the dishes down with the infamous Hugo cocktail, which is so refreshing.

We actually visited Hrad Devín before eating at Hotel Hradná brána, which is right outside the castle. Hrad Devín is an ancient castle overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. The castle's strategic location has made it a key site throughout history. We explored the ruins and took in panoramic views of the rivers and surrounding landscapes. We decided to go here over the popular castle in Old Town since the reviews were better. We think it was worth it!

As evening fell, we returned to the city to catch our night train to Krakow. The day left us with a deep appreciation for Bratislava's charm, from its picturesque Old Town to the historic Hrad Devín. Whether you're passing through or seeking a unique destination, Bratislava is well worth a visit. We will be posting more about Bratislava on our Instagram page in the coming days, so stay tuned!