There are so many wonderful dishes to taste while you are in Bratislava, Slovakia. Now, you can certainly take a tasting tour (complimentary option on your AmaWaterways river cruise) but then you just have to remember the taste. Taking a cooking class in Bratislava will allow you to take the taste of Slovakia home with you! Read on to find cooking classes in Bratislava, Slovakia
Chefparade Cooking School
Do you want to taste the traditional Slovak cuisine and learn to prepare “Bryndzové halušky”?Chefparade has two locations in Bratislava ready to teach you. This cooking school is a contemporary cosmopolitan cooking studio where you can master Slovak cooking. The hands-on courses will give you the confidence to make the dishes at home. Not only do you learn about specific recipes they will also teach basic cooking practices if needed. Their courses are on request so contact your travel advisor to reserve a class.
Bread and Pastry Classes with Tanya Novak
Tanya Novak is a master baker and pastry chef. She teaches classes (in English) in conjunction with Boulanger&Patissiere. She teaches classes for beginners and professionals. You can take a class to make bread and baguettes, macarons, butter croissants, Brioche Feuilletée, and other delectable desserts. Have your travel advisor assist you in booking one of her classes.
Bon Manufaktur Confectionary
Bon Manufaktur is a unique Slovak Confectionary as they turn sugar into art. They sell their own hand made products ranging from candies and lollipops to marshmallos and chocolates. You can go in for some decadent desserts and watch a caramel show but wouldn’t it be much more fun to learn how to make some yourself!
They offer workshops for children and adults from basic to expert skills. A basic class teaches you how to make a somewhat simple lollipop where the upper level classes guide you to creating works of art. Classes are in English.
There are other cooking class possibilites that you travel advisor can look into for you:
Bratislava Cooking Workshop–In this 3 hour class you prepare a 3-course Slovakian meal. The menu changes but you might make potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese or creamy garlic soup. After you finish cooking you get to enjoy the meal you prepared. Yum! This workshop isn’t currently available but might be in the future. Have your travel advisor keep an eye out for you.
Bratislava, Slovakia is an often overlooked tourist destination. Not surprising with both Vienna and Prague nearby. But, Bratislava deserves a look of its own. She may be smaller than the others but she has a flavor and style all her own and is worth the visit.
Because Bratislava is often passed over for the other larger capital cities this is a great city to visit if you want a quieter visit with fewer tourists. While Bratislava gets her share of tourists the streets and sights are much less busy here. Let’s take a look at a few things to see and do in this day guide to explore Bratislava, this pint-sized capital of Slovakia!
Things to See and Do in Bratislava
While Bratislava does get many travelers who stay for a few days many visitors are there just for the day. Bratislava is a river cruise port for many cruises down The Danube River. As part of your river cruise you have the option of taking an overview tour of the city. This tour will point out the major sites in Bratislava–Bratislava Castle, Michael’s Gate, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Old Town Hall, and a few other landmarks.
Bratislava Castle
But, what if you have already taken the tour basic city tour or want to just venture out on your own? The sights listed above are definitley must-see destinations for first timers to Bratislava. And, you might even want to go back to get a better look after the tour.
Climb the tower at Michael’s Gate for a beautiful view of the city
Tour inside St. Martin’s Cathedral longer
Climb the tower at Old Town Hall for a different view of the city
Visit the Bratislava City Museum for a taste of the city’s history
Get pictures with the statues around Old Town at the junction of Laurinská and Panská streets
Take more time reading the historical plaques and taking in the quirks and architecture of Old Town
Visit the University Library Building–a place of historic significance
Touring Bratislava on your own
If you are on a river cruise you will only have a day to tour Bratislava so you will have to make some choices of what to see. But here are some options for touring Bratislava, Slovakia–the pint sized capital that you probably won’t see on the included tours.
Devin Castle
The first stop in this Day Guide to Exploring Bratislava, Slovakia is Devin Castle. The ruins of Devin Castle sit on a hill about 10 kilometers west of the center of Bratislava. The castle overlooks the Danube River so at some point you will sail by and have a view from the river. While Bratislava Castle was rebuilt after it was destroyed (in the early 1800s), Devin Castle was not but it is still an awesome plact to visit.
Perched on a 212m (650+ft) cliff, the castle overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. This strategic location provided control of the trade routes on the Danube as well as the anicent Amber Road. An exhibit in the upper castle and info boards throughout tell of Devin Castle’s story between the 13th and 20th centuries (with archeological traces going back to the 5th century BC).
Slavín War Memorial
Slavin Memorial was built in 1960 to remember the almost 7,000 Soviet troops killed in 1945 while liberating Bratislava from the Germans. The Memorial auditorium base sits atop the highest hill and is topped with a statue of a Soviet soldier lofted over ten stories. In front are six mass graves, the final resting place of the soldiers.
Residents and tourists alike make their way up the hill to remember the past and sweeping view of the Bratislava skyline.
Grassalkovich Palace
Grassalkovich Palace is the official residence of the Slovak President. You will find this Rococo palace from 1760 just north of Old Town. Since it is the permanent home of the president it isn’t open to the public. But the fountain in front and the formal gardens (now a public park) are worth the trek.
This Neoclassical style palace constructed in the 1770s was also the president’s residence up until 1996. This palace is open to the public. The highlight is a tour of the Hall of Mirrors, five salons each named after the color of the decor. The Hall of Mirrors is significant because the Treaty of Pressburg was signed in December 1805 declaring Napoleon’s victory over the Third Coalition.
Most SNP and UFO Tower
This interesting structure is a relic from the Soviet occupation of Bratislava. The Most SNP (Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising) is the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge that only has one pylon and single set of cables. The highway/walking bridge over the Danube connects Old Town with the Petržalka borough and is a popular destination for visitors and locals.
The “UFO” structure at the top is what really catches people’s attention and is why it is in this day guide to explore Bratislava Slovakia. It sits 240′ above the river and has a 45-second elevator up to the observation deck, restaurant, and bar. If you eat at the restaurant you don’t have to pay a fee for the observation deck but the restaurant is kind of expensive. The views of the city from the UFO are spectacular. Note: the elevator is quite small and hot in the summer so if you are very claustrophobic you might want to pass.
This street is only a few block from Old Town. It is definitely a trip back in time with its colorful midieval buildings. It’s just a short walk you might want to see if your tour doesn’t take this street.
The Bratislava Transportation Museum is located inside the first railway station on Šancová Street. In 1848, the first steam train pulled into the station, and the station is just as it was back then. There are also a few steam engines on display. And then there are the cars! They have Czech-made cars from the early 20th century (Pragas, Tatras, and Škodas). They also have a Soviet-era ZIL_115 limousine, common transportation in the 70s and 80s. Motorcycles from the 20s and 30s are on display as well This museum is a haven for car lovers and those who like history of all different sorts.
Hopefully you found this day guide to explore Bratislava, Slovakia helpful for planning your next trip!
Have you spent a day in Bratislava, Slovakia? What was your favorite thing to do? If you haven’t been to Bratislava yet, is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!
If you would like more information about river cruise itineraries that include Bratislava, please contact me. I would love to help you book the river cruise just for you!
As you know, I think river cruising is a fantastic way to see Europe and France’s Provence region is no exception. Sailing down the Rhone River is a perfect way to view the countryside and visit the towns. Lyon, France is often a beginning or ending point for Provence river cruises. But what is there to do? Well, aside from the food (Lyon is considered the Gastronomic Capital of France) there is so much to see and do in this easy to navigate city.
If you are traveling by river cruise then you will have an overview tour of Lyon included. But, what if you have already been on that tour or want to venture out on your own. The tours usually visit the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the St. Jean District and Cathedral, Palace of Justice, and Lyon Old Town. Let’s discover more of Lyon, France. Read on for some unique things to do in Lyon, France!
Navigate the Traboules
Winding their way throughout the city, the traboules are a perfect way to experience the city’s colorful and hidden past. There is thought to be more than 400 traboules but only around 40 are open to the public. If you don’t want to hunt for the passages yourself then head to the tourist office on Place Bellecour for a self guided map or guided tour.
The passages are mainly located in Vieux Lyon, La Croix-Rousse, and in La Presqu’île. Originally they were used to help the silk workers get to the riverbank quickly. Later they were used to aid the resistance in WWII. Most all the traboules are on private property so be respectful.
Picnic in Parc de la Tête d’Or
This park sits atop the ritzy 6th arrondissement on the east side of the Rhône. Along with beautiful grounds for a picnic, you can visit a beautiful botanical garden, paddleboat on the lake, or see animals at the zoo. In the spring don’t miss the rose garden! With lunch from one of the delicious charcuteries or boulangeries, this is a wonderful way to spend a couple hours.
Visit the Croix-Rousse
This neighborhood sits atop the other hill in Lyon. To get there you can walk up La Montée de la Grande Côte which is a pedestrian path with boutiques and cafe’s on either side. The buildings are a sight to be seen from below and on the way up the hill. And at the top there is a small park which has a beautiful view of the city.
This is also the location of the largest outdoor market in Lyon. Open early in the day Tuesday-Sunday, this is another perfect place to get some lunch and picnic in the park!
Musée Miniature et Cinéma
Lyon, France is the home to many museums but the Musée Miniature et Cinéma is one of the most unique things to do in Lyon, France. In fact, it is the only one of it’s kind. Located in Vieux-Lyon this museum is dedicated to two things: miniatures and film props. The main attraction is the over 100 different miniature scenes created by Dan Ohlmann. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is astounding!
The other section of the museum houses more than 300 authentic movie props, artifacts and models from the last 50 years. A truly unique experience!
The Murals of Lyon
Discover the distinct culture of Lyon, France through the more than 100 murals painted on walls around the city. These huge murals are painted in the trompe l’oeil style. The paintings depict historical events, important people, or just the everyday moments of life in Lyon.
The most famous mural is La Fresque des Lyonnais. Located near the Quai Saint Vincent on 2 rue de la Martinière, this painting depicts many famous people of Lyon.
The oldest mural is Le mur des canuts. You can find it on Boulevard des Canuts near the Henon metro.
Otherwise, just keep your eye out and your camera ready as you tour the city!
Have you done something in Lyon, France that was unique or off the beaten path? Let me know in the comments below!
If you would like more information about river cruises that have Lyon, France as part of the itinerary please contact me. I would love to help!
Many river cruise lines begin their cruises of the Provence region of France in Lyon. Lyon is a beautiful city and quite easy to navigate. It is the perfect beginning as it sits on both the Rhône and Saône Rivers creating a beautiful landscape and a hub of trade (think ingredients for delicious cusine). Lyon, France has become the gastronomy capital of France for good reason. Read on and learn fantastic places to experience in Lyon, France, the gastronomy capital of France!
Why is Lyon the food capital of France?
Lyon, France is world renoun for its delicious and hearty meals. They are know for simple meals cooked with local produce. But there also are many chefs in Lyon daily creating modern, inventive dishes to delight even the most astute foodie. Much of the food in Lyon is rich, leaning on the long heritage of traditional cooking.
Lyon is situated in the perfect location to become a foodie mecca. All around the region come specialties–veggies from farms in Charolais, fish from Savoy, port from Monts du Lyonnais, and of course, wine and cheese from the Rhone Valley. Oh, let’s not forget the ‘royalty’ of chickens from Bresse. They cook up like no other chicken you have ever tasted.
Let’s also not forget that Lyon is home to 1500 restaurants, 13 of which have Michelin Stars. But you don’t need to go to a gourmet, Starred restaurant to indulge your tastebuds. The other secret to Lyonnaise gastronomy is the bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants), food markets, and the dedicated shops–charcuteries, fromageries, chocolatiers, and boulangeries.
Authentic places to find food in Lyon, France
A traditional Bouchon
A bouchon is a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant that is unique to Lyon and a part of their history. These small, family-owned bistros each serve a specific type of food, and have their own casual atmosphere. Think simple, inexpensive meals in a friendly atmosphere. Some bouchons might not even have a menu but instead the owner informs you of what he is serving that day. This is a great way to try different Lyonnaise specialties!
The bouchon orriginated as a result of hard working Lyonnise “Mothers” who started restaurants out of necessity to their family and the silk workers. These women began Lyon on their culinary path to greatness, and have taught many chefs to carry on the tradition.
Recommended Bouchons
More than 300 restaurants claim to be a bouchon but some are imposters. They might not respect the traditional aspects as well(food quality, source, home-made dishes, hospitality and atmosphere). If you are looking for a true bouchon, the Lyon Chamber of Commerce created a label to help–Les Bouchons Lyonnais–which will be clearly posted in the window.
Listed are some highly rated bouchons. Note: Download “The Fork”, Europe’s Open Table app as it will be helpful finding great food all over Europe. Oh, and check out this post from jadorelyon.com describing bouchons and how to pick authentic ones.
Cafe Comtoir Abel–25 rue Guynemer, 69002 Lyon–AUTHENTIC–Average price €25
La Tête de Lard –13, rue Désirée, 69001 Lyon–Average price €25
Lyon Outdoor Markets
Market of Croix-Rousse (largest and most famous one in Lyon)–Open Tuesday-Sunday 6am-1pm–1 Kilometer of stalls offering fresh and local items; fruit, veggies, cheeses, meat, fish, bread, and flowers. Saturday is organic day.
Saint Antoine Farmers Market–Open Tuesday-Sunday 6am-1pm–You will find an abundance of meats, cheeses, produce and other specialties of Lyon along the Saône banks between Place des Terreaux and Place Bellecour.
Halles de Lyon
Halles de Lyon boasts as the premier indoor market in Lyon. This market was renamed in honor of top French chef Paus Bocuse or Monsieur Paul (hmmm…Epcot has a Signature restaruant also named after this famous chef). People looking for the best regional items will find them here, on the left bank of the Rhône. This market is a little more expensive than the outdoor markets but well worth the visit. The market is open Tuesday to Saturday 7am-10pm and 2pm on Sundays (but the vendors only bring so much product so get there as early as possible).
If you want an extra special experience with a knowlegable guide, there are tours of the market available. Not only do you get to savor many of the specialty foods but you also hear stories about the gastronomic history of Lyon. Your travel advisor can point you in the right direction.
Specialty shops
If you want a little taste of different foods, try some of the many specialty shops might be just for you.
Fromagerie Tête d’Or—51 Rue Tete d’Or 69006 Lyon–delicious cheeses and dairy products
Reynon Traiteur–13 Rue des Archers, 69002 Lyon–famous for its sausages but also has wonderful salads, fresh meats, Bresse chickens and other gourmet foods
Le Comptoir du Poulet–14 rue Constantine 69001 Lyon–an inexpensive meal of succulent roasted chicken and potatoes, also serving a selection of sandwiches and other sides
Dürnstein, Austria might be just a short stop on your Danube River cruise but it will definitely be one you remember. This tiny little town of only 950 people is famous for its history as well as its love for a specific fruit.
Most cruise lines only spend a few hours in Dürnstein as a part of a scenic cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley. The picturesque town seems to rise up out of the banks as you sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. In Dürnstein, you are able to get up close and personal with Austrian history, culture, myths and legends. This is also a fantastic stop for active travelers interested in hiking or biking and wine lovers ready to savor some unique wine.
Durnstein, Austria–an excellent stop for a walking tour
Since Dürnstein has so many historical elements this is a good place to opt for the included tour from your river cruise line. Maybe you join the tour of the town through the cobblestone streets. You might stop in the middle of town at the Baroque Stiftskirche, a still active church. Seen from all over the village, the blue and white towers give the town an authentic medieval feel. On a guided tour you will hear so much of the history and culture found within the walls of this charming village that you might not get on your own.
If you are more adventuresome a hike up to Dürnstein Castle might be more interesting. The hike up is about 20-30 heart-pounding minutes up a fairly steep hill. Make sure you have appropriate footwear and plenty of water. Exhilarating views of the valley reward hikers for their hard work. For many Danube River travelers hiking up to this ruined castle a rite of passage. The history behind the castle is also much of what makes seeing the castle worthwhile. As you climb the hill plaques tell the story and legend of Dürnstein Castle.
A quick history of the famous Dürnstein Castle
Inside the ruins of Dürnstein Castle
The history of Dürnstein Castle begins in the 11th century centered around the Kuenring family. Given a large amount of land by a regional Babenberger prince the family established a small village. A castle was constructed to overlook the town, defending its lands and possessions and keeping an eye on the Danube trade route.
Local legend tells the story how at one time the King of England, Richard the Lionheart, was imprisoned in the castle. The story says that as King Richard headed back to England after the crusades Leopold V asked him to dine at court. Leopold V reportedly asked for a portion of the spoils. In response, King Richard refused, tearing up the Austrian flag.
A very offended Leopold V threw King Richard into prison demanding payment of 150,000 silver marks for the king’s release. King Richard remained in prison for 12 months (1192-1193) but it is believed he was treated well even being allowed traveling singers for entertainment.
Many years later Hungarian raiders captured the town. Then the great fire of 1551 completely destroyed the town. Lastly, Swedish armies destroyed the castle with cannon fire from the river. Many attempts to rebuild the castle failed and so the castle remains in ruins to this day. This fascination and intrigue over Austrian and British history is what draws people up the hill to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle.
Dürnstein, Austria–an excellent stop for a bike ride
Many river cruise lines give their guest the option to bike down the Danube River from Dürnstein to the next port. Biking right down along the banks of the Danube gives a different vantage point than from the boat to see the beautiful scenery. You can even choose between riding down the paved path on the quieter south side of the river past vineyards and a few small towns or the busier north side. Either way, you go you will love the ride and the view.
Dürnstein, Austria–an excellent town for apricot and wine lovers
Vineyards surround Dürnstein and produce excellent wines. Wine lovers might enjoy taking a wine tasting tour in this town. But, their real claim to fame comes from apricots. Apricots are everywhere and therefore, so are apricot products. As a unique souvenir from this area, you could buy apricot anything–liqueur, brandy, gin, desserts, pastries, jams, soap, creams, shampoo, and oh, so much more.
Check out this Apricot Tart recipe inspired by Durnstein and the Danube River. It will either give you a taste for Dürnstein as you prepare to cruise or bring back wonderful memories of your river cruise stop in Dürnstein, Austria.
If you would like to learn more about river cruise itineraries that include a stop in Dürnstein, Austria please contact me. I would love to help you find your perfect river cruise vacation.
The “Lower Danube” might be a little less traveled but it has a majestic beauty that is not to be missed. The Lower Danube flows from Budapest, Hungary southeast through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain, this part of the Danube was off-limits to tourists. Then the Balkan conflict kept the river locked off for another decade. But now, this gorgeous area is open to discovery. Taking a river cruise is a fantastic way to see the Lower Danube.
What are the Iron Gates of the Lower Danube
One of the natural wonders you will encounter on a scenic cruise down the Lower Danube is the Iron Gates. As the Danube winds its way southward it narrows down. The river flows through a magnificent gorge, the Iron Gates, between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains and forms the border between Serbia and Romania. The spectacular cliffs reach up to 130 feet high dwarfing ships in the river below.
The legend of the King
As you cruise down the Lower Danube you will encounter the Dacian King Decebalus staring out from above at the Iron Gates. On the Romanian side of the river, the sculpture of the last king of Dacia (modern-day Romania) looks like it has been there for centuries. But it is actually a recent addition.
The sculpture took 12 sculptors over 10 years to complete the 130 foot tall, 82 food wide visage of the king. A controversial Romanian billionare and buisnessman spearheaded this larger-than-life creation that took over one million US dollars to finish in 2004.
Across the river from the face of the last Dacian King is the Tabula Traiana plaque. The plaque commeorates the Roman Emperor Trajain’s march on Dacia. The Romans built a bridge (the first across the Danube) at this location specifically to get the troops across the river. The Romans were victorious and took charge of Dacia, treasures and all. It took many years but King Decebalus was defeated.
But now, the King has risen again! Serbia was invited to answer with their own sculpture of Trajan across the river. Then the two warriors could meet again, face-to-face, on the battlefield. Serbia was interested so the King of Dacia now reigns supreme, at least metaphorically.
Have you had a chance to see the King Decebalus in person? If not, has sailing the Lower Danube made it onto your bucket list?
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