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Bratislava is situated in Central Europe. It stretches on both banks of the Danube River, the second biggest river in Europe, and at the foot of the mountains of Small Carpathians. Bratislava spreads at the borders of three countries, neighboring with Hungary in the south and Austria in the west.

In the 20th century, Bratislava quickly developed into a metropolis with about half a million inhabitants and a leading centre of the economy. Today, Bratislava is one of the most rapidly growing urban regions of Europe.

Bratislava is one of the youngest capitals in Europe and few people know that during the time it was called Pressburg or Pozsony it was one of the most important cities in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was a mixing pot of various nations and nationalities who lived together in peace and harmony. There is a saying that a true ‘Pressburgian’ speaks four languages: Slovak, German, Hungarian and Mishmash. Even as recently as the 1980s you might hear how older Pressburgians in the street would say two words in German, two in Hungarian and two in Slovak all in the space of one sentence. That is what we mean by “mishmash”.

Bratislava’s location on the banks of the River Danube and at the crossroads of ancient trading routes right at the heart of Europe predestined it to become a meeting point of various cultures. It was the home of the Celts, the Romans, and the Slavs ... The reign of Maria Theresa is regarded as a golden era in the city’s history. She was crowned Queen of Hungary in St. Martin’s cathedral in Pressburg, just like the 10 other kings and 8 royal partners over the course of 300 years when Pressburg was in fact the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary.

The rich mix of cultures and nations not only left its mark in the language spoken here, but also in the customs, cuisine and lifestyle. Just like the Viennese, the people of Bratislava also enjoy promenading through the streets of the city centre, taking time out for a coffee in any of the many cafes. This part of the city is referred to as the Korzo and combines elegance with charm. Visitors say that the city has a relaxed Mediterranean type atmosphere. Bratislava is a seaside city without the sea.

Nowadays Bratislava is experiencing a boom once more. Buildings are popping up, deals being made, people studying, and everything is on the move. Experts regard it as one of the most dynamically developing and most prospective regions in Europe. It welcomes tourists, business people, and investors, who are attracted to this blooming city and its lively atmosphere. There are many cities in Europe that can boast their own special unique charm, and Bratislava is definitely one of them.

Have an enjoyable stay in Bratislava!

Tours & Excursions

Prešporáčik – Oldtimer is a "mini train" providing city sightseeing tours through the historic streets of the Old Town - pedestrian zone. Castle tour is also available. It runs daily usually from 9.30 am to 5 pm, according to demand.

City Walking Tour

A walk through the city’s streets can help to bring the history back to life. Tour offers its visitors rich cultural experience, history emblazoned with legends, attractive galleries and glamorous atmosphere of historical centre – everything in walking distance. Nice view is waiting for you from Bratislava Castle after your walk through narrow streets. You will appreciate the Bratislava’s symbol and dominant feature of Bratislava – St. Martins Cathedral, which stands at a strategic site above the river Danube.

Royal Bratislava

Bratislava is the ancient coronation town of the historic Hungarian Kingdom, where between 1563 and 1830 eleven kings and eight royal wives were crowned. The royal Bratislava walking tour, designed to place the city’s history in its European context, follows the traditional route of the coronation procession, visiting Gothic St. Martins Cathedral and other Habsburg heritage sites. Part of the route of the original coronation procession is nowadays marked with 178 brass plaques with crowns set into the paving. The coronation tradition in Bratislava is brought back to life every year during the first weekend of September in commemoration of the famous past of the city.

Jewish Bratislava

Ancient Pressburg was for centuries one of the most prominent centers of Jewish learning in Europe. A walk through the city´s Jewish sights can help bring a semblance of Bratislava’s Jewish community back to life. Join us for a tour that literally descends into the miraculously preserved underground Chatam Sofer Memorial mausoleum and learn about this fascinating chapter of Bratislava history. A visit to the Museum of Jewish Culture will open other windows into this richly textured world.

Devín Castle and Devínska Kobyla – Sandberg

A comfortable passenger ship will bring you to Devín Castle, two kilometers upstream from Bratislava on the Danube River, on the border with Austria. This romantic ruin, long associated with ancient Slavic traditions, is an important archeological site with excavations from Roman and medieval times. A source of inspiration for 19th – century Slovak patriotic leaders, the castle today is a popular day-trip destination affording spectacular views of The Danube landscape. Hiking enthusiasts can continue to Devínska Kobyla hill. On the sandstone hill Sandberg you can still find fossils 14 to 16 million years old.

Boat Trips

Cruises along the Danube have been a big hit with tourists for many years. Regular cruises go to and from Budapest and the Twin City Liner shuttles from Bratislava and Vienna 3 times a day. The Bratislava passenger port is right at the heart of the city near the pedestrian zone, major historical monuments, and a wide array of pleasant restaurants and cafes. Around 300,000 passengers pass through the port each year. Whatever way you make it to Bratislava, you should take a boat trip to Devín Castle on the picturesque confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, or to the nearby Austrian village of Hainburg, or in the other direction to the Gabčíkovo water dam.

Climate

Bratislava is located in a mild climatic zone of continental nature, characterized by wide differences between temperatures in summer and winter, as well as by four distinct seasons of the year.
The temperature in October is expected to be between 6 to 15 oC (42 - 59 oF).

www.bratislava.sk