In which quarter house in Bratislava?

Are you leaving for the Slavic countries of Eastern Europe during the holidays? This is in which district to stay in Bratislava!

Capital of Slovakia, independent since 1993 – formerly Czechoslovakia -, Bratislava is located southwest of Slovakia, adjacent to the borders of Austria and Hungary. Crossed by the Danube – the second largest river in Europe – it is populated by 419 678 inhabitants and is the largest city in the country. A rich historical and cultural heritage, Bratislava was once a high place of influence in Europe, particularly under the Empire of the Habsburgs of Austria.

The city of Bratislava is subdivided into 17 neighborhoods where the former colonizes modernity despite the fact that Slovakia has not been able to or has preserved its architectural soul of old (the soviétism and the free market having passed by there in the meantime). Here are some areas where to stay in Bratislava.

Staré Mesto

Literally meaning the old town, this neighborhood was mentioned in the writing for the first time in the year 907. It now houses a population of 38,823 inhabitants and is located west of the city. To stay in Staré Mesto, you will find everything at the accommodation level: a hostel for 9-10 € per night, comfortable hotel around 65-70 € per night: as much as staying in Bratislava is not very expensive. Several parks are scattered in the neighborhood, including Horsky Park and the Presidential Garden near the Grassalkovych Palace, the Presidential Palace (the Austrian reliquats are found).

Small cafes, small squares, shops and souvenir shops and local products to be enjoyed in free cafés. Do not miss to bury on Hlavné námestie, the central square, always animated, the Hviezdoslavo square with its cafes and restaurants, and of course, the castle of Bratislava, medieval fortress built in the 10th century. It is very pleasant to stroll there, especially in the castle garden during the beautiful days. This area where to sleep in Bratislava allows you to radiate in the city by walking.

Petrzalka

Located on the southern banks of the Danube, the Petrzalka district is a former popular neighborhood where the traces of the Soviet era are still pregnant today. With a population of 104,914, some of them will perhaps give you that the communist period was less worse than the current market economy, despite the fact that Slovakia as a whole seems to want to forget this Soviet past. Cranes, towers and buildings rather dull: at first sight, the neighborhood does not dream. However, it is a rare testimony of recent history in this city and the accommodations where to sleep in Bratislava are cheap: there will be only one bridge to cross, the Stary Most, to find themselves in the city centre. What to do in Petrazalka? The elevator of the observation platform in the form of flying saucer – yes, UFO Observation Deck – relax in the Janko Kral Park.

Nové Mesto

The new town of Bratislava, located in the north, is in the futuristic capital. Young faubourg created in the 19th century, there are the “relics” of communist architecture between 1950 and 1980. Don’t miss visiting the New Market, a kind of Slovak “Beaubourg”, adorned with bright red ventilation pipes that cannot be missed to discern. In the northwest of the district, the imposing Carpathian chain begins in Kamzik: it is an excellent starting point for hiking and climbing up the city. Choose to stay in the New City if you come to Slovakia with your family or to enjoy a quiet and green stay.

Main Photo Credit: Flickr – Hans Permana