What do people think of Bratislava
 

I'm wondering what people think of Bratislava? A couple of recent posters have said it is kind of dark/depressing/dreary, but other newspaper articles have suggested it is up and coming. I'd be going there for a full day in December, en route to Vienna. I could of course spend a day there, or just go straight to Vienna.

Bratislava seems appealing to me as a way to experience a different country, view the castle and the old town and art museums, have a nice meal with good wine for a low price, and see a classical musical concert for cheap as well. But maybe I should just go to Vienna. As of now, I'd have 4 days in Vienna, and I'm realizing that my time there will be quite packed anyway.

I'm one of the people who posted about Bratislava. I personally think its absolutely worth a visit. I did find parts of it rather depressing, especially coming from a beautiful city like Vienna, but it was interesting in its own right and makes for a nice daytrip from Vienna, and is certainly a contrast. The historical center, while small, was interesting and we enjoyed the castle. Prices are much cheaper; we had a decent lunch and were surprised by how much cheaper food was.

If you are flying into Bratislava, plan on spending some time there since you will be there anyways. There are frequent trains from Bratislava to Vienna, so if you aren't impressed you can just continue on without wasting too much time.

Tracy

Thanks, Tracy. Your comments were among those that got me thinking Bratislava might not be worth it, but I'm glad you feel it is. Assuming I can get good fares on RyanAir (so far they are surprisingly high for my dates), I plan on flying into/out of Bratislava as opposed to Vienna.

We had planned to visit last time we were in Vienna but stayed longer in the Czech Republic. So, 'Bratislava day' was scrapped. We'll certainly hit it next time though.

I hope you get there.

Any other comments?

Was there in 2002, while Prague was flooding out. The old town section is beautiful. Compact, and perfect for a day trip. That city is a mix of Vienniese pastries and bohemian charm. Definitely worth a visit, especially since it is up & coming, so still affordable in many aspects. Sure, it has some edgy sides to it, since there are plenty of Communist structures, but there is still beautiful architecture. The people are very friendly, once they find out you're a tourist. They want to please you & impress you. I still remember a few young waiters who really went out of their way to give me great service. I will definitely be going back, when time permits.

PS - yes - see a concert. If you stay in the Old Town, you can walk right to the opera hall. You should try to book ahead, since they have very good shows in the main season.

beautiful

Glad people like it. It's settled, then.

I've been to Bratislava twice, Prague once. Prague is impressive, but Bratislava is "cozier." And less expensive.

Many Viennese daytrip there for an afternoon of shopping. The charming, restored Old Town has banished cars and is just a few blocks from the Danube waterfront. It's perfect for an afternoon of cafe sitting and an evening of world-class concert/opera.

The castle is a couple miles' walk up a hill, with spendid views of the city, the bridge and the Danube valley.

It's worth noting that SkyEurope is based in Bratislava with some of the lowest European airfares around. Direct flights to Dublin, London Stansted, Paris Orly, Split and Dubrovnik.

Thanks; I'm hoping to take RyanAir to and from, since the times would allow me more time to be there, and the prices might be a bit cheaper ... although not yet. I plan to go in December, so not sure if I'd want to sit aside, but I do hope to walk around the old town, the river, and the castle, and to attend a Philharmonic concert at night.

Can I ask a question about train stations: something on Rick Steves' intimated that there are two train stations, one in the South that is nicer, and another that is pretty seedy at night. I won't be there at night, but my fear is about leaving quite early the next morning (hopefully around 6 - 7) to Vienna. Do I have a choice of train stations to Vienna, and can I take public transportation close to both of them (if in fact there are two stations?)

Thanks.

Joe,

There are two train stations in Bratislava. The new one is in Petrzalka, which is on the opposite side (west) of the Danube from the city center. The older (main) station, Bratislava Hlavna stanica, is closer to the city center. Though somewhat decrepit, it's not as depressing as the surrounding Communist concrete mausoleums in Petrzalka.

Most trains from Vienna go to either one of the other, but not both, and usually depart from Vienna Sudbanhof. There is no subway stop at the Sudbanhof, but you can transfer to the Bratislava-bound trains at the Simmering subway stop.

Below is a link for the Slovak National Theater's Opera schedule:

http://www.snd.sk/index.php?SID=ed94...frameset.opera

Thanks; it seems like the newer station is closer to Vienna and therefore farther from Bratislava, and I can pick either to go to South train station (I'd just have to look at the times of course). Can anyone comment on the ease of getting to these stations via public transportation or the safety of these areas. Again, it would really bother me, except that I'd be going around 6 or so in the morning. But I'd really just be going to the train, not exactly loitering around or anything.

Thanks for the opera link, but I plan to see a Philharmonic concert. I'll post separately about how to book tickets, since I'm a little confused.

I definitely think you should go there... if you have time. I wouldn't scrap Vienna or Prague or any other major place but if you can find a few free days you should make the trip. If nothing else it will make you appreciate other places more ;)

The main station is much closer to the city center than the new one over in Petrzalka. I've been there at 6:00 AM; it's a little sleepy, but no more "dodgy" than any other train station at that hour. You could take a tram or bus from there to the Carleton Hotel (nice place -- next to the Opera House and the U.S. Embassy), or a five-minute, $10 cab ride.

Here's the Philharmonic link, (schedules and tickets):

http://www.filharmonia.sk/index.php?page=concerts

Dark and depressing? We were charmed by Bratislava. Took a great walking tour. Danced at the castle (at a cousin's wedding). Think of Bratislava as a boutique and Prague as a department store, albeit a pretty nice one.

Glad to hear you liked it, Dave. Thanks for the info, metlic. I'm hoping to stay at Penzion Arcus; can anyone comment? It gets very good tripadvisor reviews and is in a good location ... I think maybe 1/4 mile from center. The price seemed very good as well ... not sure I'd save that much by franctically looking for a cheaper place.

That's the great thing about off-the-beaten-track places like this...

No matter if your getting a bad deal on something it still feels ok :)

I found out later that a cab driver in Romania had horribly overcharged but it still came out to about 3$ US... Needless to say I wasn't horrified :) A London taxi would have costed 10 times as much.