Janko Kral Park
The Oldest Public Park in Central Europe
About
The oldest public park in Central Europe, established in 1774-1776, is located in what was once a village and is now the borough of Petrzalka. Situated across the Danube from Bratislava’s Old Town, the park is easily accessible on foot via the SNP (UFO) Bridge or the Apollo Bridge.
The park features a network of pathways winding through expansive meadows with large, old trees, complemented by various artistic and architectural elements. Highlights include resting areas adorned with sculptures representing the zodiac signs, a unique Gothic gazebo (originally a tower from the Franciscan Church in the Old Town), and a statue of 19th-century poet and Slovak national activist Janko Kral.
Janko Kral Park also hosts Ferdinand, a stylish bistro and café boasting the largest outdoor terrace in Bratislava, while still maintaining a tranquil and relaxing ambiance. The Aupark Shopping Center, numerous restaurants, and the iconic UFO pylon of the SNP Bridge are all located in close proximity to the park.
The park is a popular destination year-round but is especially vibrant on warm spring and summer days, transforming into a hub for picnics and sports. In autumn, it slows down, becoming a serene and colorful spectacle.
Logistics
- Sad Janka Krala, Bratislava
- Non-stop
- Free of charge
- Parking available in the nearby Aupark Shopping Center.
Tips
Pro Tip
Picnic
Nearby restaurants
Bistro Ferdinand situated in the Janko Kral Park offers very good coffee and a selection of cakes and snacks for an affordable price. If you seek a romantic place with a nice view, check one of the restaurants on Petrzalka’s waterfront, some of them with a view of the Old Town. Bubbles is a popular floating restaurant moored on the Danube River, offering not only delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes, but also an incredible panoramic view of Bratislava’s skyline, especially stunning at sunset. We recommend that you check the availability in advance, as it is regularly used for private events. The UFO restaurant atop of the SNP Bridge houses a high-end restaurant with a fantastic view. It might be a good idea to check availability and book a table. For latecomers, Au Cafe and Leberfinger also are pricier options which are open every day until midnight. Last, but not least, the Aupark shopping center located in close vicinity of UFO provides plenty of dining options, including coffee shops, a fine tea room, and both fast-food and more fancier restaurants.
Things to do nearby
The right bank of the Danube offers several options for a relaxing afternoon. After a stroll or picnic in the park, catch a movie or shop for souvenirs at Aupark, and enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the restaurants with stunning views of the Old Town, beautifully lit at night. If you’re up for it, cap off the evening with a relaxing riverside walk to soak in the serene atmosphere of the Danube.
One of Slovakia’s first major shopping malls that replaced the traditional department stores and boutiques as the primary place for shopping in the early 2000s, Aupark has been benefiting from its advantageous location between Petrzalka and Old Town, as well as its proximity to the popular Janko Kral Park. There are dozens of stores, coffee shops, a multiplex cinema, a game zone, and a large supermarket. Benefit from the shopping center’s garage parking policy, allowing its customers to park 3 hours free of charge on weekdays and 5 hours on weekends. After that period, you pay 3 euros per hour.
Bratislava features one of the world’s most unique bridges, housing an open-air observation deck and a fancy restaurant atop of its pylon, with a stunning view on the Bratislava Castle and the Old Town. Thanks to its futuristic flying-disc shape, it has become known as UFO.
The strip between the SNP ‘UFO’ Bridge and the Old Bridge on the Petrzalka side of the Danube river offers an alternative to the Old Town’s promenade, or an additional loop option. Less crowded in the peak season, with a closer access to the river, and, most importantly, with a nice view of the Castle and the Old Town. Those are Petrzalka Waterfront’s greatest benefits. Also, there are some nice restaurants in this area, including on a boat.
