Despite the pouring rain, I eventually managed to dodge from building to building until I got to the bus stop. Luckily by the time I had to walk back to the hotel, the rain had subsided and all that was left was the gloom.

As I trudged into my room slightly damp, I planned out the next day's activities. I would have almost the full day in Bratislava as my flight back to London wouldn't leave until late at night. That all considered, there was also check-out time to be factored in, plus my backpack was really starting to wear out. I'll tell you, they don't make tough backpacks like they used to.


Saturday 21 April 2012


Last day in Bratislava, and in Eastern Europe. I woke up to find that the dark clouds we had yesterday had disappeared, leaving nothing but fairly clear sky peppered with white clouds.

I packed up my bag and headed downstairs to the lobby to checkout. The plan was to checkout, then leave my bag behind with the reception. Return later in the day, then make my way to the airport. I reasoned that even if I got an extended checkout, I was unlikely to be back at the hotel by that time. I then headed for the bus and back into the city centre.

First up for today was the Presidential Palace, also known as Grassalkovich Palace (Prezidentský palác / Grassalkovicov palác). The palace is not located in the Old Town, and is quite a few blocks away. Although you could get a tour inside, you can still satisfy yourself with the excellent gardens which are located behind the palace.


Fountain outside the Presidential Palace.


Frontage of the Presidential Palace.




The extensive and colourful gardens behind the Presidential Palace.

A visit to Bratislava is not complete without visiting the quintessential tourist attraction in the city, which is Bratislava Castle. Located on the top of a hill not far from St Martin's Church, the castle has become a namesake slogan for Bratislava. The castle grounds are great to walk around and you can get an excellent view of Bratislava city as well as sweeping views of the Danube River (called Dunaj in Slovak).

Whilst entry to the castle grounds and even the castle courtyard is free of charge, if there is a special exhibit inside the castle itself, this is not free, which was the case when I visited the castle. The castle grounds also seems to be a popular spot for wedding photos, with at least two wedding parties using the castle grounds for timeless photos with the backdrop of the Danube.


On the way to the castle - a Capuchin church (Kapucínsky kostol sveta Štefana).


Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský hrad) viewed from the back of the castle. Most of the castle grounds are still being reconstructed.


Great view of the Danube from the Castle.


Front view of Bratislava Castle.


Guard statue at Bratislava Castle.

After walking around the castle grounds, I headed back into the Old Town to see the Primate's Palace. No, this is not the palace containing monkeys, it is the seat of the mayor of Bratislava. No, the mayor is not a monkey!! Anyway.... the palace was opened up to the public, and there was a singer entertaining the crowd in the palace courtyard. The Slovaks have, in general, a great interest in culture and the performing arts, and there are several notices of concerts, music nights, plays, operas and so on. It is common in throughout the town on weekends to see small public performances - singing, bands....


Primate's Palace (Primaciálny palác), the office of the mayor of Bratislava. This photo was taken the previous day, when the weather was not so sunny.