Nitra
Nitra is in Slovakia. It is a beautiful old historic city, with a population of almost 80,000.
Understand
The ancient Nitra, ruled by mighty kings and princes once in the past, is nowadays a modern centre of culture and economy in western Slovakia.
Thanks to its dynamic cultural life, you can meet here a number of artists from the field of theatre, creative arts, modern or classical music and experience the unforgettable feeling of the present cultural spirit. Events like Theatre Festival of Nitra, Fascine Carnival, Academic Nitra, Cultural Summer in Nitra or various music festivals will lead you into the world of culture, world of experience. The amount of precious well-preserved buildings and statues builds up the unique colouring of the city with a breath of nostalgia. On the other hand, the hotels with latest equipment and restaurants offering the wide scale of home and international cuisine will convince you about the traditional Slovak hospitality.
Get in
The 1 train station is situated in the city center, near the 2 bus station and has a regional importance.
Buses connect Nitra with other cities, also foreign.
The best connection from the capital city, Bratislava is by bus links called "Žltý expres" (Yellow express). There are several different bus companies which travel from Bratislava to Nitra (some of which end in Nitra, many of which go further inland).
It is also possible to travel to Nitra by train, either from Bratislava or Kosice, but because Nitra is situated on a regional rail line, this will entail changing trains at least once (e.g. in Nové Zámky or Leopoldov) and will generally take longer and be more expensive than taking the bus. You can expect a wait of up to 1 hour in Leopoldov. You may also have to wait quite a while when you change trains as the schedules from Bratislava to e.g. Nové Zámky are not well synchronised with those of the local train from there to Nitra.
Get around
By buses
Nitra has a very good public transport. Buses run between each town, city center and tourist attractive places.
By taxi
There are many Taxi services like CD-TAXI, MOJE TAXI, CITY TAXI, TAXI OK and WFR TAXI.
See
The castle (Hrad) is in the old town.
- 1 The Nitra Castle (Nitriansky Hrad).
- 2 The Small Seminary (Malý seminár).
- 3 The Marian Sculpture.
- 4 The Diocesan Library (Diecézna knižnica).
- 5 St. Emeram´s Church (Katedrála Sv. Emerána).
- 6 The Statue of Corgoň (Socha Corgoňa).
- 7 Sts. Peter and Paul Church and Monastery of the Franciscan (Františkánsky kostol Sv. Petra a Pavla).
- 8 The Region House.
- 9 The Town House.
- 10 Andrej Bagar Theatre (Divadlo Andreja Bagara).
- 11 The Synagogue (Synagóga).
Do
Learn
Nitra has many elementary and high schools and two universities - Slovak University of Agriculture and University of Constantine, the Philosopher.
Buy
Eat
There are many restaurants in all parts of city. Many of them are in the center, like Asian Sakura on Štefánikova street. If you are looking for something different, Buganka is the oldest winery and restaurant around, established in 1911. There are also two McDonald's, first in shopping center "Mlyny" and second near shopping center "Galéria" in which there is also TESCO.
For a bit of high dining you can try Starý Biskupský Hostinec in the city park. Their cakes are fabulous as are all their other food. Three-course dinner with wine €20-40 per person.
Drink
Most of the nightlife and clubs are east and south-east from the castle hill. Stroll around and find your favourite.
Sleep
Budget
- Nitra Glycerin Hostel. This is located out in an industrial area of the town. Not sure where all those 5-star reviews are coming from. I would only consider here if no other reasonably priced accommodation could be found.
Mid-range
Splurge
Connect
NISYS (Tourist center) - +421377410906
Stay safe
Nitra is a very safe city, there is a city police, which ensures the safety also at night.
Cope
Go next
From Nitra you can choose a many following places or cities. To beautiful Bojnice (part of the city Prievidza) you can use train connection. To the lovely spa town Piešťany or capital city Bratislava you can use buses.
Kosice / Banská Bystrica - Change trains at Šurany
Budapest - Change trains at Nove Zamky