The photography guide to Slovakia Bratislava
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Bratislava photography guide

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Introduction

Bratislava is one of Europe's lesser-known capital cities, often overlooked by travellers in favour of Vienna to the west or Budapest to the east, all of which can be found along the fabled Danube river. However, Bratislava is an intriguing mix of historic and modern which is a rewarding visit for travellers and photographers alike.

A city of great historical significance, Bratislava has been ruled by many different states over the centuries and known by several names. Today, as capital of the Slovak Republic, it is home to around half a million people.

A visiting photographer has plenty of choice. Architectural photography can range from the historic to the ultra-modern, the Old Town offers great street photography and people-watching, and there are several spots to capture panoramic views of the city.

Most popular Bratislava photo spots


1 event


Top Picks

Bratislava is a compact city which can be easily explored on foot. As such many of the spots in this guide can be photographed in only a few days. However if time is of the essence, these are the top sights in the city for travellers and photographers, and when to visit.

The UFO Tower now offers visitors a combined ticket that allows a day and night visit. Start your day with a visit here for spectacular views across the city, and retain your ticket for your repeat visit that night.

Next, head to Bratislava Castle for some more commanding views across the city from the Crown tower, plus all that the castle's interior has to offer. A must for history buffs.

An afternoon in the Old Town is always time well spent, with several options for a visiting photographer. My top recommendation is the Nedbalka Gallery, which is open in the afternoon and displays the best of Slovakian art as well as having interesting modern architecture that is worth photographing.

As evening closes in, head back to the UFO Tower for your second visit and watch the city's lights twinkle at night.

Travel

Bratislava is generally a safe city and tourists and photographers normally won’t face any problems, as longs as they practice common sense, as one would in any city. Relative to other European capitals it is quiet at night, and it's quite possible to have locations to yourself, particularly south of the river.

Bratislava is an easy trip from Vienna, just one hour by train, so it is worth considering as a day trip or an overnight visit if you are also visiting Vienna. Rainer Mirau's excellent guide covers this city in great detail.

Bratislava airport is served by low cost European carriers, mainly as Ryanair. Vienna airport is better connected and has buses which serve Bratislava directly.

Events

Bratislava's wonderful Christmas market is small but perfectly formed, and is quite possibly the most photogenic event in the city all year round.

The New Year's festivities bring fireworks and fanfare to the Danube river with the historic castle as a backdrop and can be photographed from various spots throughout this guide.

Bratislava's City Day takes place over a weekend in spring - a visit at this time will present ample opportunities for photographing cultural events throughout the Old Town.

In past years, a Festival of Light has illuminated city landmarks with light and interactive installations for three nights. However, the 2018 event was cancelled with a promise to reschedule at a later time.

The second Saturday of October is White Night, where the city comes alive at night! Art installations, illuminated buildings, concerts and street performers will delight visitors.

Links

https://imhd.sk/ba/public-transport
Public Transport Bratislava
https://www.bts.aero/en/
Bratislava Airport
http://www.mathewbrowne.co.uk
South Wales Photo Workshops & Tours

Curated By

Mathew Browne Team
Head of tech at PhotoHound. My photography career started a few years ago, but I’m a web developer by trade since 2006 including 4 years as CTO maturing an early stage startup. This experience means I’m able tackle the creative and technical challenges that PhotoHound will face as it grows. My role here is to oversee technical development and innovations, user experience and design. When I’m not coding I’m travelling the world with my wife Louise and son George.
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