Bratislava Photography Guide Part 1 - The Views
Written and Photographed by Mike Lindle
Traveling to Bratislava, Slovakia and looking for some photo-worthy locations? After spending a few days in Vienna’s sister city Bratislava for a client workshop, I have listed out a few of my favorite locations to photograph in the city over this 2-part series. There are many unique views in this small city, the most iconic being the Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský hrad), it’ll pop up numerous times throughout these guides:
Part 1 - Bratislava Views
Part 2 - Bratislava Waterfront and Bridges
I’ve also included a few tips, the gear I used, and how to get to each location using Google Maps!
Michael’s Gate (Michalská Brána)
Originally built around 1300, Michael’s Gate is Bratislava’s only city gate that has been preserved from the medieval fortifications. It ranks among Bratislava’s oldest town buildings. Its current form is the result of baroque reconstruction completed in 1758. These renovations also placed a statue of St. Michael and Dragon on its top.
Pro Tip - Explore the cobblestone streets around Michael’s Gate, you are in the heart of Bratislava’s old town.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
BaštováStreet
Located in Bratislava’s Old Town, Baštová Street is Bratislava's narrowest alley with a great view of Michael's Tower. A quirky detour if you’re in the area.
Pro Tip - Arrive early or stay late to avoid crowds of pedestrians.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Lens - Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
Lens - Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
Sky Bar Roofdeck at the Lemontree
The international Hotel Chain Lemontree has picked a great spot for their Bratislava location. Sky Bar, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant serves great northern Thai style dishes with one of the best views Bratislava has to offer. From their patio, you can see St Martin’s Cathedral and the Bratislava Castle.
Pro Tip - The restaurant’s Thai food is actually awesome.
Cost - Cost of a Drink or Food.
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G
Lens - Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
Slavín WW2 Memorial
The Slavín is a World War 2 memorial and burial ground to thousands of fallen Soviet Soldiers during an invasion and siege effort in 1945, of the Soviets to take back their city from German troops. The monument was officially opened on April 3rd, 1960, Bratislava’s 15th anniversary of liberation. The monument sits atop a hill near the city center, and overlooks a few notable city features. The view is particularly good at sunset.
Pro Tip - Respect the monument and posted signs. It is a burial ground.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Model - Mike Lindle
Hotel Albrecht Patio
Simply put, this is a five-star hotel with a cool looking patio. It’s only open as part of their restaurant when the weather is warm enough for outdoor dining. I went in winter, late at night, and asked the hotel staff if I could take a few photos of the architecture. They seemed to hesitate before saying yes, I think they were confused.
Pro Tip - Go in summer haha
Cost - Free or Cost of Meal / Drink or Night’s Stay
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Model - Mike Lindle
Model - Mike Lindle
Alley View of Bratislava Castle
If you walk between the Slavín and Hotel Albrecht it’s likely you’ll pass this view, walking among some of the largest and nicest homes in Bratislava.
Pro Tip - Bring a long lens!
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
Saint Martin’s Cathedral (Exterior)
Saint Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava was actually the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary between 1563 and 1830. It is currently the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bratislava. It is the largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava. The 279 foot (85 meter) spire overarches the old town skyline. The cathedral houses the body of Saint John the Merciful who passed away in the early 7th Century.
Pro Tip - Admire the gothic architechture, it’s stark walls seemingly match the Bratislava Castle.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Lens - Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
Saint Martin’s Cathedral (Interior)
The interior of the Cathedral is home to ornate stained glass and a beautifully decorated alter. It is overall more memorable inside than outside.
Pro Tip - Keep in mind the Cathedral closes at 6pm!
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Model - Mike Lindle
Bratislava Castle
The Bratislava Castle is the primary castle of Slovakia’s Capital. The castle sits at the top of a giant rock hill, overlooking the city below. It’s massive rectangular structure with white-washed walls makes it the city’s most notable landmark. The castle's site, has been used for thousands of years (2800 – 450 BC). It is strategically located in the middle of Europe between the Carpathians and the Alps. At an accessible crossing point of the Danube river. This marked the location as an important crossing for central European ancient trade routes; running from the Balkans or the Adriatic Sea to the Rhine river or the Baltic Sea.
This castle honestly has too much history to summarize in this blog post. Check out its Wikipedia article if you want to learn more!
Pro Tip - Enjoy sunset from the hill, they offer some of the best views of the city.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
DevínCastle Ruins
One of the oldest castles in Slovakia, first mentioned in written sources in the year 864. These castle ruins sit on top of a boulder cliff overlooking the Danube River. The fort watches over an important trade route along the river as well as one branch of the Amber Road (one of Europe’s oldest trade routes). In the 13th century, a stone castle was built to protect the western frontier of the Hungarian Kingdom. Between 1301 and 1323, the castle (together with Bratislava/Pressburg County) was held by the Dukes of Austria.
These castle ruins also have too much history to summarize in this blog post. Check out its Wikipedia article if you want to learn more!
Pro Tip - You’ll want a car, since this is a 20 minute drive from the city’s center.
Cost - 8€
Camera - Nikon D750
If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out our Aerial and Timelapse YouTube Channel!
