Bratislava Photography Guide Part 2 - Waterfront and Bridges
Written and Photographed by Mike Lindle
Walking along Bratislava’s Waterfront (Tyršovo Nábrežie) you’ll find a great series of city vantage points and architecturally interesting bridges in Slovakia’s Capital, Bratislava. Here’s a comprehensive list of the possible locations you can shoot along the waterfront! This guide focuses exclusively on Bratislava’s Waterfront Walkway, its bridges, and skyline 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!
UFO Bridge (Most SNP)
The Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising (Most SNP) is commonly referred to among locals and travelers as the UFO Bridge. Simply put, it is a bridge that allows traffic to cross over the Danube river. The bridge stands 277.6 feet (84.6 meters) tall. It was constructed in 1972 as a modern compliment to Bratislava’s old-world charm. Walking along Bratislava’s Waterfront (Tyršovo Nábrežie) you’ll find a great series of city vantage points and architecturally interesting bridges.
Pro Tip - Get there in time to catch sunset!
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
Underneath UFO Bridge
Nothing more than a compelling view of the Bratislava Castle from underneath the UFO Bridge.
Pro Tip - Shoot wide and catch smooth reflections off the water using long exposure!
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Observation Deck at UFO Bridge
There is a restaurant and bar atop the UFO bridge. You’ll see Bratislava’s 2 most iconic landmarks from the observation deck, the Bratislava Castle and St Martin’s Cathedral. Since you have to pay to go up there, you’re not required to eat dinner or grab a drink, but it’s a great place to sit back and enjoy the view!
Pro Tip - Head to the top level / observation deck and avoid the crowded bar if you’re only interested in the view!
Cost - €7.40
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
The Old Bridge (StarýMost)
With a confusing naming convection Bratislava’s Old Bridge, which is truly one of the city’s oldest structures, underwent a modern renovation project to replace nearly the entire bridge with a series of steel caging and tram lines. The pillars are old, but the views of the bridge itself seem brand new, having been renovated in December 2015. It now accommodates pedestrian traffic as well offering some nice views straight up the Danube River.
Pro Tip - This bridge is dangerous since there are active trams on the tracks. Go late at night when they stop running!
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
Lens - Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art
Bratislava Skyline Along Waterfront
Just enjoy the view of Bratislava’s skyline as you walk along the waterfront! The main site is the Bratislava Castle.
Pro Tip - The further east you walk along the waterfront, the more skyline compression you can achieve with a telephoto lens.
Cost - Free
Camera - Nikon D750
If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out our Aerial and Timelapse YouTube Channel!
