Seniors Visit Bratislava, Slovakia

Senior travelers start their visit to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. In southwest  Slovakia, Bratislava occupies both banks of the River Danube and the left bank of the River Morava. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries.

Surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, Bratislava is crisscrossed with forested hiking and cycling trails. The pedestrian-only, 18th-century old town is known for its lively bars and cafes. Perched atop a hill, the reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooks old town and the Danube.

The population runs right at 450,000, so senior visitors will find plenty to see and do: history, architecture, tradition, culture, art, drinks, food and nightlife  just for starters.

 Seniors Check Out Bratislava Castle

It was thanks to its location that in the 16th Century, Bratislava became the capital and coronation town of the Hungarian Kingdom and the place where its crown jewels were kept.

The historic center of the city is characterized by many baroque palaces. The Grassalkovich Palace, built around 1760, is now the residence of the Slovak president.

One of the most prominent structures in the city is Bratislava Castle, situated on a plateau 85 meters (279 ft) above the Danube. TripAdvisor has 182 things to keep seniors well occupied in Bratislava.

Bratislava is the political, cultural and economic center of Slovakia. It is home to several universities, museums, theaters, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions. Many of Slovakia’s large businesses and financial institutions have headquarters in the city.

Most historical buildings are concentrated in the Old Town. Bratislava’s Town Hall is a complex of three buildings erected in the 14th–15th centuries and now hosts the Bratislava City Museum. Be sure to check it out.

 Seniors Enjoy Old Town

The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, a part of the larger Habsburg Monarchy territories, from 1536 to 1783 and has been home to many Slovak, Hungarian and German historical figures. The first written reference to a settlement named “Brezalauspurc” dates to 907.

The cityscape of Bratislava is characterized by medieval towers and grandiose 20th-century buildings, but senior visitors will discover that it has undergone profound changes in a construction boom at the start of the 21st century.

Lonely Planet notes that “The charming – if tiny – old town (starý mesto) is the place to start appreciating Bratislava. Stroll narrow pedestrian streets of pastel-colored 18th-century buildings or sample the myriad sidewalk cafes under the watchful gaze of the city castle, which harks back to medieval times.”

Let Wikitravel take you there with lots of helpful information and have a great time enjoying this wonderful historic city. Hope to see you there. -jeb