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Bratislava River Cruises

About Bratislava

Slovakia’s capital as well as its cultural and economic centre, Bratislava is a popular fixture on river voyages which include the lower region of the Danube on their itineraries. Indeed, its past Greek name, which translates as ‘Danube City’, certainly gives an indication of the important role that the city has always played in the iconic river’s history. Bratislava has the distinction of being the only capital city which borders two different countries, in Slovakia’s case, Austria and Hungary. This unique geographical location, coupled with its long history, means that the city boasts a wide range of cultural influences, from the Habsburg and Hungarian monarchies to Communist occupation, as a well as a wealth of cultural attractions to discover.

Exploring Bratislava

Despite Bratislava’s growing reputation as a contemporary and vibrant destination it is firmly in touch with its rich past, something which can be satisfyingly explored with a visit to its historic Old Town. Past nobles’ palaces stand shoulder-to-shoulder with more modest dwellings, but wherever you turn, the architecture is always a delight. Key sights here include the Old Town Hall, St Michael’s tower, which offers you a fantastic view of the Old Town from above if you climb it and the beautiful St Martin’s Cathedral, which is one of the city’s oldest structures. If you feel the need to take a load off after taking in the sights, Hlavne Namestie is the Old Town’s central square and the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a drink, a snack or indeed both. If you want a further insight into Slovakian art, then the Nedbalka Gallery is the place to go and is also conveniently located in the Old Town.

Other key attractions in the city include the Slovak National Theatre, which as well as being a pleasing piece of architecture is great for opera fans, being that tickets tend to be very reasonably priced. St Elizabeth’s, otherwise known as the Blue Church, certainly lives up to its name and offers a satisfying slice of Art Nouveau to all those who visit it.

Overlooking it all though, is the celebrated Devin Castle. Unmissable in every sense, this iconic attraction is located just a few miles out from the main city and dates back to the time of Roman occupation. Ever since then it has played a strategic role in the city’s past, owing to its commanding location. There are excursions and guided tours on offer from a number of river cruise lines, but it’s also possible to take a public bus up to see the castle. Once there, you’ll find that, despite the fact that this once awesome structure is now a ruin, you’ll be easily transported back in time as you explore the building. There’s also an informative armoury museum and restaurant at the castle, not to mention some truly spectacular views of Bratislava and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it.

Bratislava tips

If trying the national dish is your thing, then don’t miss Bryndzove halusky when you visit, which is dumplings served with sheep’s cheese and topped with meat. Kofola meanwhile is the local (less sugary) alternative to Coca Cola.

Bratislava Itineraries

Passau

Danube Delights & Oktoberfest

2 sailing dates September 2023
9 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to , Munich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3239pp
Passau

Oktoberfest & Danube Delights

1 sailing date September 2023
9 Nights From Munich, to Hungary , Budapest
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3239pp
Bratislava

Grand Danube: Munich - Belgrade

2 sailing dates April 2023 to October 2023
10 Nights From Munich, to Belgrade

Flash Sale | Receive a FREE Premium drinks package PLUS NEW reduced prices - save up to £2,200 per couple. Book and pay in full to receive these price

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2629pp
Linz

Grand Danube: Belgrade - Munich

2 sailing dates April 2023 to November 2023
10 Nights From Belgrade, to Passau

Flash Sale | Receive a FREE Premium drinks package PLUS NEW reduced prices - save up to £2,200 per couple. Book and pay in full to receive these price

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2629pp
Prague

Prague & Danube Explorer: Budapest - Prague

9 sailing dates May 2023 to October 2024
10 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to , Prague
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2519pp
Vienna

Danube Delta Discovery - Istanbul to Vienna

2 sailing dates October 2023 to April 2024
22 Nights From Istanbul, to Austria , Vienna
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £5969pp
Bucharest

Danube Delta Discovery from Vienna - Istanbul

1 sailing date September 2024
22 Nights From Vienna, Austria to , Istanbul
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £5969pp
Budapest

Amsterdam & Splendours of Europe

3 sailing dates April 2023 to August 2023
16 Nights From Amsterdam, to Hungary , Budapest
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £4759pp
Nuremberg

Amsterdam & Splendours of Europe

2 sailing dates July 2023 to August 2023
16 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to , Amsterdam
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £4159pp
Bratislava

Amsterdam to Prague & Splendours of Europe

1 sailing date July 2023
19 Nights From Prague, to Amsterdam
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Linz

Vilshofen to Budapest

1 sailing date May 2023
7 Nights From Vilshofen, Germany to Hungary , Budapest
AmaWaterways logo CALL
Bratislava

Majestic Capitals Of The Danube

9 sailing dates April 2023 to December 2024
5 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to Austria , Vienna

EXCLUSIVE OFFER | Receive €100pp FREE to spend on-board on any Europe 2023 river cruise. Save up to £1,200 per couple PLUS FREE flights from London and FREE overseas transfers* on selected sailings. Regional supplements from just £75pp.

AmaWaterways logo FROM £1799pp
Vienna

Majestic Capitals Of The Danube

8 sailing dates April 2023 to December 2024
5 Nights From Vienna, Austria to Hungary , Budapest

EXCLUSIVE OFFER | Receive €100pp FREE to spend on-board on any Europe 2023 river cruise. Save up to £1,200 per couple PLUS FREE flights from London and FREE overseas transfers* on selected sailings. Regional supplements from just £75pp.

AmaWaterways logo FROM £1879pp
Bratislava

Celebration of Classical Music -Budapest to Vienna

7 sailing dates April 2023 to June 2024
7 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to Austria , Vienna

EXCLUSIVE OFFER | Receive €100pp FREE to spend on-board on any Europe 2023 river cruise. Save up to £1,200 per couple PLUS FREE flights from London and FREE overseas transfers* on selected sailings. Regional supplements from just £75pp.

AmaWaterways logo FROM £2489pp
Vienna

Celebration of Classical Music -Vienna to Budapest

7 sailing dates April 2023 to November 2024
7 Nights From Vienna, Austria to Hungary , Budapest

EXCLUSIVE OFFER | Receive €100pp FREE to spend on-board on any Europe 2023 river cruise. Save up to £1,200 per couple PLUS FREE flights from London and FREE overseas transfers* on selected sailings. Regional supplements from just £75pp.

AmaWaterways logo FROM £2339pp
Melk

Christmas Markets of Europe-Amsterdam to Budapest

1 sailing date November 2024
14 Nights From Amsterdam, to Hungary , Budapest
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3969pp
Rudesheim

Christmas Markets of Europe -Budapest to Amsterdam

1 sailing date December 2023
14 Nights From Budapest, Hungary to , Amsterdam

Flash Sale | Receive a FREEE Premium drinks package - offer ends 28 February 2023 | NEW reduced prices - save up to £2,200 per couple. Book and pay in full to receive these price

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3669pp
Vienna

Prague & Danube Explorer - Prague to Budapest

11 sailing dates May 2023 to June 2024
10 Nights From Prague, to Hungary , Budapest
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2519pp
Budapest

Eastern Europe Escape - Vienna To Belgrade

6 sailing dates May 2023 to October 2023
7 Nights From Vienna, Austria to , Belgrade
U by Uniworld logo CALL
Vienna

Eastern Europe Escape - Belgrade To Vienna

6 sailing dates May 2023 to October 2023
7 Nights From Belgrade, to Austria , Vienna
U by Uniworld logo CALL

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