The last couple transfers I did by buses or local trains so for the jump down to bratislava I was looking forward to take a train. It was quite a comfortable ride with some great sceneries. Once more I asked myself why I wanted to see this place. Some people told me its only worth as a stop over for a half a day on the way to Budapest.
I would say its worth to stay two nights like I did. The old town is not really big due to the soviets which torn down 70% of it to make a modern place out of Bratislava. The outstanding land mark here is the old fortress.
Such a great view over Bratislava will you get at the soviet soldier cemetery. Which is also home of a impressive monument and some nice sculptures.
In old town are also some sculptures. Some of them with a story behind and some without like this man at work. Before they put the sign next to him this poor man heads was chopped of a couple of times by cars!
Bratislava has also some nice bars to go out or a still working nuclear bunker with a club in it called SubClub.
After I left the place I was a bit sorry that I only stayed two nights. Anyway those thoughts were gone after I arrived in Budapest … home of an old town you must like. Except you don’t like art nouveau buildings. Especially if you can live inside of such a nice house. Four meter heigh ceilings, giant doors and windows and beautiful corridors and stair ways.
It’s a city you can wander around for hours and stair at all the constructions. Bridges, Churches, the parliament or castle.
From top of the castle hill you have a great view over the Pest site of Budapest. Everything on the right bank of the Danube is the city part Buda and the other site Pest.
The most beautiful construction might be the parliament which looks like a giant church. Build on the bank of the danube facing the castle hill.
There are a couple of other things to do in Budapest. You could make a little adventurous and relaxing day packet from two of them. First go for the awesome caving. It’s about caves in the hills of Buda. You will crawl through tiny holes, climb over stones and lots of fun.
After the exercise in the caves a warm bath in the thermal baths will wait for you. There are a couple of them around the city and a great cultural experience. The hot water is supplied by natural sources deep under Budapest. Even the ducks in the city park have a luxury life! Their little lake is well tempered.
There is also a very active night life culture with many pubs especially around the jewish quarter. One of the things which made Budapest so popular the last few years are the ruin pubs. Pubs which are inside of buildings which are in really bad shape. Some of them are a real maze spreading out over all the floors and into the former apartments.
Budapest its not only a weekend destination as it is for many party people. Its a great place you could easily spend a week or more.