Bratislava...??
 

We are taking a trip through Eastern Europe in September. It works out for us to stop in Bratislava, since it will be on the way from Budapest to Prague. We originally though we'd stop for a couple days but in our Rick Steve's book, he says it only needs about 2 hours! So two questions: how did you like Bratislava when you were there? and, is ther another city we should stop at instead? (we are going to Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, and Krakow)

Thanks in advance!

Hi! I am from USA and have not traveled outside of the country until this summer. Oddly enough, Slovakia was the country I visited. I stayed in Bratislava for 3 nights in May, but it was for a school trip. I recommend one day or night in Bratislava. I like the downtown area near Hviezdoslavovo námestie (square). This website better describes it and has some links. http://www.slovakia.org/tourism/bratislava.htm Or just Google it. I like Bratislava, and I hope to tour Eastern Europe for a few weeks after I graduate college.

I did not organize the trip because it was organized by my university. We stayed in a two-star hotel called Hotel Plus. It was nice, but I recommend staying somewhere closer to the downtown area of the city. Nicer, chain hotels are located there. I ate mostly in the cafeteria at the university, but there are cafes with outdoor seating in the downtown area.

If you have time, there is a Modra factory nearby that creates ist own individual style of pottery, and it is all handmade. It is pretty and decently priced because of the exchange rate. I thought it was quite a bargain. http://www.spectacularslovakia.sk/ss2003/05_modra.html

We ourselves just passed through on a bus tour en route Prague to Budapest. Had lunch at Cafe Viennois in Danube Hotel. One can look up to a castle and stroll along the river, but otherwise I do think there isn't much to see in Bratislava. Also one can note the many drab Communist era apartment buildings.
(see Back from Central Europe)
ozarksbill
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Hi there--
I visted Bratislava last spring. I went alone on a day trip from Vienna. I am glad I went-- but I'm also glad that I didn't stay there.
I left Vienna in the morning and was back around 6ish..
Bratislava's old section is really nice--- it's good for a stroll--- interesting shops, etc. I would suggest having a very leisurely lunch at a restaurant with outdoor seating-- people watching is fantastic!
I'll have to say that I was pretty disappointed with the Bratislava castle.. it's not that old and I didn't find it to be that exciting.
I would give yourself about 4-5 hours...

Skip Bratislava and detour to Cesky Krumlov instead - a UNESCO world heritage site.

We visited Bratislava a few years ago and we still laugh about the fact that is was one of the most awful places we ever visited (save for East Grinsted).

Vienna is only an hour away by road and the difference is like Champagne and cheap fizzy wine.

As much as i hate to say it, skip Bratislava and spend more time in some of the other cities you mentioned, Prague for one. We went into the city through a riverboat cruise and were very impressed by their pride in their country. It was very sad to see that it is taking a very long time for them to recover from Communist rule. They are very aware of this as well. You can definately see that they are trying and were very happy to see us. If you do decide to stop there, it is quite beautiful and has a wonderful history.

Last year I spent 2 days in Bratislava. I would say that you can do this city in one day. I walked up to the castle and then around the city the first day the next day I just sat around the hostle reading. If you can make only one stop being eather Bratislava or Cesky Krumlov. I would choose Cesky Krumlov.

I will be back in Prague on September 13th with a short stop in Cesky Krumlov and will not be stopping in Bratislava.

I will echo CR's input, having driven there from Austria one afternoon this May. It's dreary, and not driver-friendly (poor road signage). The only correction I would make to CR would be to say it's like comparing Moet et Chandon Champagne to Thunderbird.
We enjoyed Eisenstadt, AU, 1/2 hour east of Vienna (Esterhazy palace, Haydn museum) and Sopron HU, 1 hour SE of Vienna, far better. Or Cesky Krumlov

Wow, thanks!! This really helps a bunch! I actually just read about the Cesky Kumlov place this morning, so I will probably take your suggestions and stop there instead.