Only two hours? Well, we had cycled 43 kilometres to get to Bratislava and our boat sailed at tea time. So after a quick shower and a change of clothes we headed off to explore. Our first impression had been of Bratislava Castle and Soviet era apartment blocks that dominate the view from the Austrian side of the Danube as we cycled along.
No Soviet eyesores awaited us in the town centre, it is an attractive maze of narrow streets all leading toward the main square. I have never seen so many cafes, all full of people sitting outside enjoying the sunshine. The square itself is dominated by the old Town Hall, now a museum.
Ordinarily we would have gone into the museum, but time was tight and those cafes were calling. Mr CW is called Max and he loves chocolate, so when we saw the Schokocafe Maximillian our choice was made. We all had chocolate ice cream and are all agreed that it is the best we’ve ever had (and I’ve put in lots of research on this).
Also on the main square is the Primates Palace. Had we gone inside we could have seen the magnificent hall of mirrors where the Habsburgs and Napoleon signed the Peace of Bratislava.
Modern sculpture and quirky bike stands can be seen everywhere in the old town. We were especially taken with this one that seemed made for twins on a cycling holiday.
Once upon a time the only way into the old town of Bratislava was through a series of impressive gates. Only St Michael’s Gate remains and very fine it is too, seven storeys high and topped with an onion dome. You can climb up and get a good view of Bratislava.
We did pop into a church just off the main square and found it packed to the rafters for a full communion service at five o’clock on a regular Monday afternoon. That did make us wonder if we would find the same at the Cathedral but it was deserted, we were the only ones gazing at the Gothic arches and ornate altarpieces.
Time to go back to the boat. Bratislava is an incredibly pretty city with lots to see, we will be back.
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I was only talking about going to Bratislava the other day as someone recommended. Lovely photos, making me think I should look again 😀
It is beautiful, not what I was expecting and would make a fine weekend destination
Two hours definitely wasnt enough! Hope you get the chance to go back! We’ll be going soon too as our last stop on our honeymoon road trip! #FarawayFiles
Lucky you, such a lovely place
So glad you had some time to explore Bratislava! I saw all those cafes during my visit and was surprised at how lively the atmosphere was. Would like to visit again one day. #farawayfiles
Those cafes were buzzing, definitely worth a longer visit
You managed to pack a lot into a whistle-stop tour. Glad Max got his chocolate fix a the most appropriately named place! Thanks for sharing with us on #farawayfiles
Odd how we always seem to manage to find chocolate on our travels!
Bratislava looks stunning – that architecture is just beautiful and finding the best chocolate ice-cream ever is quite some recommendation! Thanks for sharing with us on #FarawayFiles
I don’t know what I was expecting but certainly not the laid back beauty that we found!
Wow you made the most of your two hours. Think I would have needed a two hour bath after doing that cycle!
Thanks for linking to #fearlessfamtrav
We are heading to Budapest in a couple months. Would you recommend it as a day trip if takes us a couple hours one way with small kids? #fearlessfamtrav
How would you be travelling boat, train or car? We whizzed round using public transport day pass seeing the outside of all the big sites. Our teens loved it
Probably train then walk around. I’m just debating if it is worth the cost of the train and the time. Don’t really know anything about the city. Also thinking about Vienna as a day trip.
We visited Vienna for a few hours too, I would say that for the younger child Vienna has more to hold the attention. Bratislava is in between the two ……
Thanks for the feedback!
Been to Vienna many times; never made it to Bratislava. For a flying visit, you seem to have captured the essence of the place brilliantly, and have left me pondering why I’ve never hopped across the border before (nor cycled, for that matter…). #FearlessFamTrav
Or even hopped on a boat!
Looks a beautiful place. We havent been but it is on the list. We are cycling Passau to Vienna in July…very excited to try it out with our boys. #fearlessfamtrav
We’ve been to Bratislava twice and love it. Once was just a day tip from Vienna but the 2nd time we stayed in the wackiest hotel I’ve ever been to. It’s definitely worth more than 2 hours. Next time look up the Blue Church (which you can read about on my blog too!!) We had hot chocolate in that same café as our weather wasn’t as warm as yours by the looks of things. #FarawayFiles
Its been years since i was last there but your photos brought back loads of memories! #fearlessfamtrav
Great post! I’ve been in Bratislava 3 years ago I love that city. The architecture in your photos looks beautiful!
I never knew Bratislava was so beautiful. I really love the architecture #citytripping
Amazing buildings and yum to the best ever chocolate icecream #citytripping
I wanted to see Bratislava the last time I was in Vienna but didn’t have enough time. Now I’m sorry I didn’t, it looks beautiful! Next time I’ll go for sure! #citytripping