Bratislava welcomes you with its towering medieval castle, the Gothic St Martin’s Cathedral, the vibrant Hviezdoslav Square, and the quirky blue-tinged Church of St Elizabeth. Located on the banks of the Danube River, this quaint “little big city” in Central Europe may be obscured by its glamorous neighbours like Budapest or Vienna but the Slovakian capital holds its own with a picturesque Old Town brimming with stories. Lose yourself in the colourful baroque buildings, walk on the cobblestoned lanes, take a ferry along the river, try Slovak cuisine, and watch life pass you by from a vibrant cafe. This travel comprehensive guide brings you the best things to do and places to visit in Bratislava.
Where is Bratislava, Slovakia?
Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Austria in the West, the Czech Republic in the Northwest, Hungary in the South, Ukraine in the East, and Poland in the North. Its capital Bratislava is located strategically on the banks of the Danube, on the cusp of the Austrian and Hungarian borders, and is a great hub for exploring Central and Eastern Europe.
Beyond boundaries, explore more countries where you can cross international borders on foot.
How to reach Bratislava
The city’s main airport is M R Štefánik Airport, located about 9 km from the city centre and all major European carriers fly here. Those flying into Vienna International Airport can take a ferry from Vienna on the Danube or a train or bus from the airport. The journey is about 90 minutes. There are buses and trains from Budapest and Prague as well.
The best time to visit Bratislava
The best time to visit Bratislava is in spring and summer between April and September, when mild temperatures and lively festivals like the Bratislava Music Festival and Bratislava Cultural Summer fill the city with energy. Summer draws crowds, but the fall shoulder season beckons tourists for wine tours. Though winters are chilly, the Christmas markets and festive mood make it a cosy, magical time to explore.
Places to visit in Bratislava
Old Town
The heart of Bratislava is the bustling Old Town with its historic buildings. Enter through the portals of Michael’s Gate, the only medieval tower left from the city’s fortification. Climb the 50-metre tall tower to lose yourself in the sweeping views of the city with the castle guarding the town. The Old Town Hall houses the Bratislava City Museum, the oldest in the country. Other monuments include Primate Palace and St Martin’s Cathedral. Art enthusiasts should head to Gallery Multium and Gallery Nedbalka. And while you are here, say hello to Cumil and polish off the traditional chimney cakes at the Chimney Friends bakery.
Entry fee: Free except for some monuments and galleries
Timings: Monuments are open from 10 am to 6 pm
Best time to visit: April to October, though it’s open throughout the year
Best hotels: Park Inn by Radisson Danube, and Crowne Plaza Bratislava
How to reach: Bratislava Old Town is 2 km from the railway station and 11 km from the airport
Related Stories
Book your stay at Crowne Plaza Bratislava via Booking.com
Book your stay at Crowne Plaza Bratislava via Agoda.com
Bratislava Castle
Perched on the rocky cliffs of the Little Carpathians mountain range and looking down on the Danube, this towering edifice was once the seat of royalty and has been populated since the late Stone Age. A symbol of Bratislava, the rectangular palace with four corner towers and a courtyard now houses the Slovak National Museum. The Crown Tower dominating the palace houses the royal jewels of the Hungarian kings. On a clear day, you can climb the tower to get pristine views of Austria and Hungary as you sit beside Bratislava. Head to the Baroque Garden on the grounds dotted with sculptures and fountains.
Entry fee: Castle Grounds are free but museum entry is EUR 14 (HKD 117)
Timings: 8 am-10 pm
Best time to visit: April to September
Best hotels: Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, and Arcadia Boutique Hotel
How to reach: Some trolleybuses and buses take you from the station to Bratislava Castle. You can also walk from the Old Town to Bratislava Castle, a short but steep climb.
Book your stay at Arcadia Boutique Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Arcadia Boutique Hotel via Agoda.com
Devin Castle
Located 10 km from the Old Town, the medieval castle was built on a craggy outcrop guard over the borough of Devin. Set in pristine natural beauty with the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, Hrad Devin was a military station and trade centre. The haunting ruins of one of the largest castles add to the romantic appeal and it can be accessed by boat and bus while you can also bike and hike around it. While the ascent can be challenging, you will be rewarded with sweeping views. Devin Castle also pays tribute to the Moravian patron saints St Cyril and St Methodius, who started their mission here.
Entry fee: EUR 8 (HKD 92) from April to October, and EUR 4 (HKD 33.50) from November to March
Timings: 10 am-5 pm
Best time to visit: April to October
Best hotels: Hotel Devin, and Grand Hotel River Park
How to reach: Take a boat or a bus to the castle. You can also bike or drive to the medieval fortress or take a tour in a Presporacik, a convertible top coach from the Old Town.
Book your stay at Hotel Devin via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Hotel Devin via Tripadvisor.In
Blue Church
The Church of St Elizabeth built in the Art Nouveau style earned its moniker because of the blue facade and the mosaics that lend a romantic appeal to this 20th century structure. A popular wedding venue, the interiors and exteriors of the church dazzle in shades of pale blue, embellished with blue majolica, as the tiled roof sparkles with blue glazed ceramics. Built in the Hungarian Secession style, the church is crowned by a 37-metre round tower.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: 6:30 am-7:30 pm
Best time to visit: April to October, though it’s open throughout the year
Best hotels: Hotel Tatra, and Marrol’s Boutique Hotel
How to reach: Located 2 km from the Old Town, you can walk or take a bus or a tram
Book your stay at Marrol’s Boutique Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Marrol’s Boutique Hotel via Agoda.com
Grassalkovich Palace
Located near Hodžovo Square, the Presidential Palace, built in the Rococo-Baroque style, is one of the best places to see in Bratislava. Built as a summer palace for Count Grassalkovich in the 17th century, it is now the official residence of the President of the Slovak Republic. Guests are allowed to enter the palace grounds through a courtyard that has an honour guard. You can also access the first floor via a grand staircase while the halls take you back to a bygone era with period furniture and sculptures. You can also access the garden and park behind the palace.
Entry fee: Free but entry is restricted
Timings: 10 am-3 pm
Best time to visit: April to October
Best hotels: Park Inn by Radisson Danube, and Crowne Plaza Bratislava
How to reach: Located near Bratislava Old Town, the railway station and the Danube
Book your stay at Park Inn by Radisson Danube via Booking.com
Book your stay at Park Inn by Radisson Danube via Tripadvisor.in
Cumil
You can’t walk around Bratislava without saying hello to Cumil, the Sewage Worker also nicknamed “The Watcher”. With a grin, the bronze statue peeps out of a manhole to watch people passing by. It was created along with other statues to give Bratislava a new look after the liberation from Communist rule. Cumil, also dubbed as the “Man at Work” is more than just a landmark, and while he may be a bit voyeuristic, he is one of the most photographed men in Bratislava. It is believed that if you stroke Cumil’s cap, you are going to be favoured by Lady Luck.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: All day
Best time to visit: April to October, although it’s open throughout the year
Best hotels: Ibis Bratislava Centrum, and Elisabeth Old Town
How to reach: Bratislava Old Town is 2 km from the railway station and 11 km from the airport
Also read | These Are The Most Instagrammable Cities In Europe
Book your stay at Ibis Bratislava Centrum via Booking.com
Book your stay at Ibis Bratislava Centrum via Agoda.com
St Martin’s Cathedral
Built on the site of the Romanesque Church in the Old Town, the medieval three-nave Gothic Cathedral, St Martin’s Cathedral dominates the Old Town. Crane your neck and look up at the main tower, which is at a staggering 85 metres (279 feet) height. The former coronation church has a golden replica of the crown atop the cathedral tower that takes you to the regal era. The church celebrates the Bratislava Coronation Festival at June-end every year to reenact the coronation ceremonies and relive the bygone royal moments.
Entry fee: Entry is free but tickets are required to see catacombs, vaults and other areas
Timings: Monument is open from 9:30 am-11:30 am and 1:30 pm-6 pm
Best time to visit: April to October, though it’s open throughout the year
Best hotels: Radisson BLU Carlton Hotel, and BEIGLI Hotel and Garden
How to reach: Bratislava Old Town is 2 km from the railway station and 11 km from the airport
Related Stories
Book your stay at BEIGLI Hotel and Garden via Booking.com
Book your stay at BEIGLI Hotel and Garden via Tripadvisor.in
UFO Tower
Capture the best view of Bratislava from the seventh-largest hanging bridge in the world, the UFO Bridge, also called the New Bridge or the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP). An elevator located on one of the “legs” of the bridge takes you to a unique open-air observation deck, shaped like a UFO in just 45 seconds. While feasting your eyes on the sweeping views, you can also enjoy a sumptuous meal at the restaurant and have a drink at the bar watching the sunset hues.
Entry fee: EUR 10-12 (HKD 34-100.60)
Timings: 10 am-11 pm
Best time to visit: April to October, although it’s open throughout the year
Best hotels: Park Inn by Radisson Danube, Roset Hotel and Residence
How to reach: Located 2 km from the Old Town
Book your stay at Roset Hotel and Residence via Booking.com
Book your stay at Roset Hotel and Residence via Agoda.com
Slovak National Gallery
Art enthusiasts should flock to the Slovak National Gallery, an iconic institution, headquartered in Bratislava with four branches in Slovakia. Located along the banks of the River Danube, there are over 70,000 artworks, largely contemporary from different collections, housed in a complex of buildings known for their architecture. Historically it started as a traditional museum of local Fine Art but it has expanded its collection to include contemporary artworks. The complex also includes a library, open studio, cinema and a cafe.
Entry fee: Free
Timings: 10 am-6 pm
Best time to visit: April to October, although it’s open throughout the year
Best hotels: Park Inn by Radisson Danube, and Roset Hotel and Residence
How to reach: Located 2 km from the Old Town
Primate’s Palace
You can’t miss this stunning palace, built in the 18th Century in the Classicist styles of architecture and standing regally in the Old Town in Bratislava. While it was built initially as the palace for the Archbishop, it is historically known as the monument where the Peace of Pressburg was signed after French emperor Napoleon’s victory in the 18th Century. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors and the five salons with period furniture. The palace also has a gallery with a unique collection of English tapestries dating back to the 17th Century.
Entry fee: EUR 3 (HKD 25)
Timings: 10 am-5 pm
Best time to visit: April to October, though it’s open throughout the year
Best hotels: Park Inn by Radisson Danube, and Crowne Plaza Bratislava
How to reach: Bratislava Old Town is 2 km from the railway station and 11 km from the airport
Things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia
- Soak in the vibes of the Old Town, explore the architecture and sights like Michael’s Gate, and say hello to Cumil, the sewer worker.
- Visit the Gothic St Martin’s Cathedral, where Hungarian kings were once crowned, located in the heart of the Old Town.
- Soak in the views of the city from the iconic Bratislava hilltop castle that now houses the Slovak National Museum.
- Castle lovers should explore the ruins of Devin Castle perched on a hill above the Danube.
- Sail away on a river cruise along the Danube, enjoying views of Bratislava Castle and listening to stories. If you fancy a longer cruise then you can also sail away to Budapest.
- Get high on the UFO Observation Deck as you take an elevator to the top of the SNP Bridge’s tower designed like a UFO. Soak in the stunning views and you can also dine at the restaurant.
- Art enthusiasts should visit the Slovak National Gallery and watch a ballet or an opera at the Slovak National Theatre.
- Don’t miss the unique Blue Church, also referred to as the Elizabeth Church built in the Art Nouveau style of architecture.
- Outdoor enthusiasts should not miss the verdant Bratislava Forest Park, ideal for cycling and trekking.
- For shopping, visit Obchodná Stree. If you fancy artisanal wares, visit the Slovak Folk Majolika for traditional ceramics, or lose yourself in Stará Tržnica, the bustling market. Don’t miss the delicious Bratislava rolls.
- Take a day trip to the countryside and enjoy tastings on the Carpathian Wine Tour. Don’t miss the Slovak National Collection of Wines, located in the Museum of Viticulture where 100 award-winning wines from seven different regions are presented, and tastings are available as well.
Best hotels in Bratislava
There are several hotels in Bratislava Slovakia. From boutique hotels to luxury hotels, you can pick from Hotel Albrecht, Marrol’s, The Art House William, Hotel Arcadia, Roset Boutique Hotel, Loft Boutique Hotel, Skaritz Hotel and Residence, and Grand Hotel River Park among others.
Book your stay at Sheraton Bratislava Hotel via Booking.com
Book yours stay at Sheraton Bratislava Hotel via Agoda.com
Restaurants in Bratislava
Bratislava is a foodie’s destination. Be it street food, fine dining, or traditional Slovak cuisine all roads lead to the Old Town. The national dish is potato dumplings covered with sheep’s cheese and served along with bacon or beef. Some of the best restaurants in Bratislava are Modra Hviezda, Albrecht, UFO, Fou Zoo, Kogo Bratislava, Zylinder, Bratislava Flagship, Fach, Konditorei Kormuth, Parlament and Orbis Street Food.
Shopping
From traditional Slovak dolls in charming folk costumes to glittering crystals and glassware, Bratislava is a shopper’s delight, especially if you are looking for handmade crafts and ceramics by local artisans. The Old Town is a treasure trove of charming boutique shops and you can head to the Slovak Folk Majolika for artisanal wares. Don’t miss picking a bottle of Slovakian wine along with gingerbread and rolls at Stará Tržnica, the city’s iconic market hall, known for local foods and crafts. If you are looking for boutiques, arcades, and boulevards for shopping then head to Eurovea along the Danube or visit the vibrant Obchodná Street for unique local finds.
shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Miroslav Petrasko/Flickr )
Related | Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Austria
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Head to Bratislava Old Town with landmarks like St Martin’s Cathedral and Michael’s Gate to soak in the cultural vibes. Bratislava Castle along with Slovak National Museum and Devin Castle are not to be missed. The quaint Blue Church called Modry Kostal should be on your itinerary, while art enthusiasts should visit Slovak National Gallery, Paiffy Palace and Slovak National Theatre.
Trams are the most popular means of public transport in Bratislava although there is a wide network of buses and trolley buses available as well.
Some of the unique things to do in Bratislava include visiting the hidden bunkers, cycling along the former Iron Curtain Border, taking a selfie with Cumil, the sewer worker, bungee jumping from the iconic UFO Tower, visiting the Blue Church and the ruins of Devin Castle and discovering the hidden street art scene on a tour.
Both Budapest and Vienna are day trips from Bratislava.
The best shopping areas in Bratislava include the promenades along the banks of the River Danube where you will find Eurovea, a retail centre bustling with brands. You can also visit the Old Town and Obchodná Street as well. If you want to buy artisanal ware, then head to Slovak Folk Majolika and Stará Tržnica, the city’s iconic market hall, for local foods and crafts.
Bratislava has a vibrant nightlife, with several underground clubs, such as Fuga, The Club, and Safko Club. There are also several bars, such as Trafo Music Bar, Sky Bar, Rio Grand Night Bar, Barrock, Casa Del Havana, and Randal.
Euro is the currency used in Bratislava while most establishments also accept credit cards.
Several river cruises take you to Budapest or a sightseeing experience, like visit to the Devin Castle.
Bratislava is a family-friendly destination. You can visit Bratislava Zoo, Devin Castle, Bibiana, a children art house, UFO Tower, Biofarma, and Abeland with kids.
Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture ..Read More
