It has been 6 years since I poublished the Top photography spots in Bratislava page. So it’s time for a bit of an update.
I have spend many hours taking really a lot of photos around the city and so here are my favorite spot. As you will see I prefer spots a little away from the main center and including my two favorite subjects, bridges and reflection :) You will notice the Bratislava Castle is in a lot of the photos. It a very dominant part of the city center.
To see all my photos from Bratislava, check out the Bratislava category
Don’t forget to check out other available lists:
Top of the SNP bridge
If you can go to only one place in Bratislava, go here. The view of the city is just stunning, there are no windows blocking your shots and after sundown you can have the place completely for yourself :) You have to pay an entrance fee (7.40 euro currently), but I think it’s worth it. Parts of the bridge are currently under reconstruction, but the top is still accessible.
Bratislava Castle Fortifications
The opposite place to the previous spot. From here you have a great view of the SNP Bridge (New Bridge). If you didn’t know, the New Bridge is the smallest tower in the World Federation of Great Towers :) . Too bad the view of the city is obstructed by trees, but the view of the Danube is great.
Tyrsovo Nabrezie (Waterfront)
I love this place, as I can get a very nice reflection of the castle, when the Danube is calm. Great place during the sunset and blue hour. The whole path between the New and Old bridge gives you hundreds of different compositions you can try. Also there is a docket ship, which you can enter (there is a sign No Entry, but as long as there is no festival or something similar on the waterfront, nobody will stop you, but please be careful :) ), and get a unobstructed view. I noted the ship on the map.
Under the SNP bridge
All the bridge here give you nice views. Under the SNP bridge are steps, and you can get down completely to the water. I really like to do panoramas here, including the bridge and the castle. And if the water is a bit calmer, even a reflection.
Town Hall tower
If you want a nice view of the main square, that definitively go up the Town hall tower. To get there, go inside the museum that is in the town hall, and buy the ticket just for the tower. It’s around 3 euros. You can take a tripod up there without any issues.
The best time to take photos from there is during the Christmas market, as then the square is full with colorful stands and lights.
Michael’s Gate tower
Another tower you can go up into is the Michael’s gate. It’s not as tall, but still gives a nice view. It’s a museum, so you will have to pay for entrance. You can’t use a tripod inside, but on the balcony it’s allowed. They close quite early, so if you want a sunset shot, it can be done only in winter.
Apollo Bridge
A little further away from the center, but worth it. You can just walk here from the new Old bridge or from the Eurovea Shopping center. Really great for blue hour shots. Also the view from the bridge is very nice.
On the new Old bridge
The Old bridge in Bratislava was taken down few years back and there is a new bridge there now. It gives you a great view of the center, and also is great for long exposures with the passing trams. It shakes from them a bit, so be ready for that.
Under the new Old bridge
And to get a nice photo of the bridge, go under it. I prefer the view opposite from the city, as one can use the bridge to frame the old town and the castle under it.
Also if you manage to be in Bratislava during the White night event, there are usually some cool lights on this bridge.
Kuchajda Lake
This place is just about reflection. The lake is usually very calm, and the sun usually sets behind the two Millennium towers, so you can have the whole sunset twice. Also once a year they have fireworks above this lake (usually at the start of June). As reflections go, this place is never disappointing.
Port bridge view
Ok, this bridge is quite far from the center. It shakes really a lot, as it’s a highway bridge and even trains pass through it. But if you go there in the right time when the sun sets above the Danube, and you have a long lens, you will get a coll shot of the bridges and Bratislava castle. I would not walk there from the center. Find a connection that goes to the bus stop Pristav (Port) and walk from there. It’s still about 1km away from there, but that the closest you can get.
Other available lists:
Can’t wait to finally check out those spots now for New Year’s Eve. Thanks for sharing your favorites :)
I hope you enjoy your visit :)
Hello. Very nice photos – is it possible to use them in commercial website (as header of front page).
Please, write to josef.strapac@q2.cz.
Thanks.
Josef
Hi, first of all, amazing photos. I was looking for good quality photos of Bratislava and find your website. I have same question as Josef Strapáč. It is possible to use one of your photography into banner of the commercial website? Please contact me: quark.smith [at] gmail.com. Many thanks
Hi Martin, I have send you a message on your email.
Great photos! I have same question as both Josef Strapac and Martin Kovac. Is it possible to use your photo as main image for commercial website? Please, contact me on Igor.lichnovsky(at)gmail.com. Thank you.
It is possible, please message me under Miroslav.petrasko@hdrshooter.com and I will try to reply asap (I’m traveling currently)