A Hidden Gem for Families
Looking for a city break that’s both fun and easy to explore with the family? Look no further than Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia. Small enough to feel like a cozy retreat but packed with big adventures. From exploring medieval castles to enjoying scenic river views and delicious food, Bratislava offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re wandering through its colourful streets or relaxing at a chic café, this vibrant city promises a luxurious yet relaxed escape for modern families.
Stunning Bratislava castle at night from the River Danube. (Photo: Peter Tóth/Pixabay)
The DoubleTree Hilton in Bratislava, Slovakia
Where to Stay
A 20 minute bus ride arrives at the edge of centre and the DoubleTree Hilton, a great place to base and right next to the Tipos Arena, home to ice hockey team, HC Slovan Bratislava. The four star hotel has the kindest staff, ready to greet with a delicious welcome cookie during check in. The airy reception gives a peek as to what to expect in the smart and modern accommodation.
Deluxe rooms with a view of the city are well decorated and lit and have all the modern amenities expected, from a large flat screen Smart television to a daily re stocked tea and coffee making tray, mini bar, safe and plenty of storage.
The super comfy beds means lots of discipline in getting up and the bathrooms have a shower and bath, with wonderful toiletries from Crabtree and Evelyn. The double wash basin gives plenty of room for two and family rooms allows children under 18 stay free, with under 11’s enjoying a complimentary breakfast as well in the Opus restaurant.
And good job too as the breakfasts are sublime and just what is needed to set yourself up for the day, with a cheeky prosecco for the adults to start with and plenty of freshly squeezed juices for the youngsters. The buffet features local produce from smoked cheeses and meats to out of the oven breads and as well as the usual cooked food, there is a chef on hand to make egg dishes or pancakes. The hotel also has fine dining restaurant Cloud, with such delights as beef carpaccio with herb mayonnaise and parmesan, along with soups like Jerusalem artichoke cream, pickled enoki, dill oil and cream for starters, the finest steaks or beetroot risotto with goats cheese for mains and rounded off with indulging dishes of tiramisu or crème brulee topped with fruit. Fine wines are available to wash it all down with and there is an air of elegance in the dining room.
Food can be worked off in the top floor sauna, steam room, pool and fitness centre and it’s a lovely spot to relax after a hard day sight-seeing.
What to Do
A fun way of having a whistle-stop tour is by hopping aboard a vintage bus and one of three tours, which take in the sights, with the longer ones digging deeper into the history. Run by Tours4U it is a lovely way to meander around this beautiful city. The Panoramic Tour is a great choice as it takes you past some of the most wealthiest neighbourhoods, as well as impressive monuments including the upside down pyramid, which houses the Slovak Radio building.
Winner of The Building of the Century in Slovakia’s social structures category, it’s a rare sight and close to a huge Slavin war memorial which can be seen around the city. It is the burial ground of thousands of Soviet Army soldiers who died during World War II, while in battle with the Germans.
One truly stunning piece of architecture is Bratislava Castle, perched on the rocky hill of the Little Carpathians and overlooking the River Danube, it dominates the city. It’s a great viewing platform too and on a clear day, Austria and Hungary are easy to see.
Inside is the national museum of history and the treasury, crammed with artefacts, the baroque garden, designed under the orders of Empress Maria Theresa and lined with silver linden trees and stunning statues.
For the romantic, a visit to Devin Castle, 10 kilometres away, is a must. Built on the top of a high crag, with the joining rivers of the Danube and Morava forming the border with Austria, It’s the most visited attraction in Slovakia and it’s easy to see why, imposing and grand with a majestic feel to it.
A quirky must see is “the man at work” sculpture in the heart of the old town. Called Čumil, the name means watcher and the bronze statue depicts a worker with a huge grin on his face, peeking from under a manhole cover.
Close by is the ancient St Michael’s Tower blending well with the modern architecture. The huge asymmetrical cable-stayed Slovak National Uprising bridge (SNP) spans the river Danube and is watched over by a huge tower dubbed the UFO, because of its flying saucer shaped top. Views here are opposite of the ones from St Michael’s Tower and there is a reasonably priced restaurant on the observation deck.
Across the road lies the Bratislava City Museum, with a collection of 120,000 items of historical and architectural importance. A fascinating place to explore for a few hours, before heading back out to the old town to see such beauties as the magnificent Blue Church.
The Church of St Elizabeth designed by Ödön Lechner in the Hungarian Secession (art nouveau) style. Made of blue majolica tiles, it really is an impressive sight and the tiny blue interior is simple, but stunning and sums up just how beautiful Bratislava really is.
Beautiful blue church. (Photo: Hans Hansen/Pixabay)
Majestic St Michael’s Tower. (Photo: Leonhard Niederwimmer)
The grinning workman sculpture. (Photo: István Péter Kis/Pixabay)
UFO tower stands proud. (Photo: Alexander Gresbek/Pixabay)
Tourist Information
How to get there
Low cost airlines fly directly into Bratislava Airport, just six miles away from the city. Bus 61 links to the centre, costing just 2.10 euros or Bolt Taxis do great deals for first time customers.
The Bratislava Card, is a great aid for visitors, with unlimited public transport, access to a whole host of museums, free walking tour and discounts on local attractions, restaurants and bars and available for 24, 48 and 72 hour slots.
Itinerary ideas can be researched before visiting, via Visit Bratislava.
