Best Things To Do in Bratislava

Bratislava is a small city, but full of history and culture. In its streets you'll find monuments from medieval times alongside more recent buildings of contemporary architecture. It's not hard to imagine why its historic centre and castles are among the most visited attractions in Slovakia.

But Bratislava is not all about history. You can also enjoy the tranquillity offered by its proximity to the Danube River or relax in one of its many cafes and parks. If you are planning a visit, in this article you will find a list of attractions and activities not to be missed.

If you want to discover one of Slovakia's most important historical treasures, Bratislava Castle is a visit not to be missed. Its construction dates back to the 9th century, when it was used as a fortress to protect the region, although there is evidence of settlements dating back 5,000 years. Today, it remains a symbol of Bratislava and one of the city's main postcards. The castle, which has served as a royal residence and military fortress, today houses the Historical Museum, where you can see a collection of over 250,000 objects, including archaeological artefacts, works of art, coins and documents that illustrate the castle's role as a royal seat and centre of power for several centuries.

The castle, which has served as a royal residence and military fortress, today houses the Historical Museum, where you can see a collection of over 250,000 objects, including archaeological artefacts, works of art, coins and documents that illustrate the castle's role as a royal seat and centre of power for several centuries.

The site is also an ideal place to relax, with baroque-style gardens where you can stroll or relax while enjoying the views. It is easy to reach from the old town, as a walk takes about 20 minutes. Another option is to join a bus tour, which usually takes you to the main sights of the city.

Facts and Figures

• Address: Einsteinova ulica 9, 851 01.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to approximately 6:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
• Price: about €10 per person. Admission is free for citizens of the European Union and other Schengen countries.

The Old Town of Bratislava is the place where centuries of architecture and culture merge. This area is the heart of the city and is full of historic buildings, cobbled streets and charming squares. With a mix of styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque, walking through the streets takes you back to different eras of the city.

The Old Town is a pedestrianised area where you can stroll leisurely, admiring the colourful facades and discovering corners full of history. There are a number of statues along the way, such as the statue of Cumil, a friendly man emerging from the sewer. There are also numerous cafés and restaurants where you can recharge your batteries during your stroll.

Here are some of the places of interest you should not miss in the historic centre:

• Church and Convent of the Poor Clares, a baroque style church from the 18th century.
• Venturska Street, one of the main streets of the historic centre, with 18th century palaces.
• St. Michael's Gate, from the 14th century, was one of the four gates to the city. It is now the seat of the Museum of Arms.
• Bridge of San Miguel, from the 18th century, which crossed the old defensive moat. The statues of St. John and St. Michael can be seen on either side of the bridge.
• Grassalkovich Palace, the official residence of the President of Slovakia.
• Mesta Gallery, the city's art gallery.
• Primate's Palace, a neoclassical building which housed the former Hungarian House of Representatives.
• Hlavne Namestie Square, the main square of the historical centre, a very busy and lively area.
• Tower of the old Town Hall, from the 14th century.
• Arms Square.
• Bratislava Philharmonic Orchestra, from the 19th century.

To get the most out of your tour, a good idea is to book a guided tour, as it will give you a better understanding of the historical context of each site. In addition, local guides will often provide you with details and anecdotes that you would not find on your own.

If you are in Bratislava and want to explore contemporary art, Gallery Multium is the perfect place for you. It is located in the heart of the city, just a few metres from St. Michael's Gate. This space is a landmark in the city where you can get to know the most avant-garde works of the city.

The exhibitions at Gallery Multium include painting, sculpture and digital art. It is a space renowned for its commitment to emerging artists, so you'll always find something new and interesting. The gallery also often organises workshops and events that encourage dialogue between artists and visitors.

If you decide to visit this art gallery, it is always advisable to check the calendar of events, as well as the temporary exhibitions that are held, as they can offer you a unique perspective on contemporary art.

Useful information

• Address: Multium Gallery Zámocká 26 811 01 Bratislava.
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00 approximately.
• Price: from €7 for children up to 14 years old. From €8 per person for those aged 14 and over.

Exploring Bratislava's gastronomy is one of the best ways to get to know the city and its culture. The city offers a cuisine that blends traditional Slovak flavours with influences from neighbouring countries, creating a unique culinary experience.

A good place to stop and get a taste of the cuisine is Modrá Hviezda, a restaurant near Bratislava Castle that offers Slovak dishes such as bryndzové halušky, which is similar to Italian potato gnocchi, soups and the dessert trdelník skalický. To make sure you don't miss out on anything interesting, you can book a gastronomic tour of Bratislava. With expert guides you can sample the city's most representative dishes and learn about their origins and importance.

If you want to add a touch of fun to your experience, a good option is to book a bike bar tour, ideal if you're travelling with a group of friends. While touring the city in this original vehicle, you can enjoy local drinks and get to know Bratislava from a different perspective.

If you want to get to know Bratislava in depth, a wine tasting is a must. In the heart of the Old Town, there are several wine bars where you can taste the best of Slovak wines. Slovak wines are gaining international recognition and Bratislava, thanks to its proximity to the country's main wine regions, is the perfect place to taste some of the best examples.

On a wine tasting in Bratislava you will discover a variety of both red and white wines. The whites, such as Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, are known for their freshness, with citrus and floral notes that make them perfect for any occasion. Reds, such as Blaufränkisch and Cabernet Sauvignon, are more robust, with a deep flavour that reflects the richness of the local terroir. In addition, you can taste sparkling and sweet wines such as the Slovak Tokaji, famous throughout Europe.

By participating in a wine tasting in Bratislava, you will get an in-depth insight into the production techniques, from the cultivation of the vines to bottling. You can learn about the traditional winemaking methods still used in the region and discover new trends in natural and biodynamic winemaking.

While you can do a wine tasting on your own in some local wine bars, it is highly recommended to book a wine tasting tour, as a sommelier or expert guide will present a selection of wines, highlighting the characteristics that make each one special. Tastings usually include wines ranging from young to old, so you will get a complete overview of the region's wine diversity.

A tour of Bratislava's Old Town would not be complete without a visit to St. Michael's Gate, one of the last remaining defensive structures of the medieval city. This gate-tower, built in the 14th century, is part of the original walls that once protected Bratislava.

If you visit St. Michael's Gate, you can walk through each level of the tower. You will also find a small museum dedicated to the history of Bratislava's fortifications and an observation deck on the sixth floor, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

It is located on Michalská Street in the heart of the Old Town, so you can include it in your itinerary through the historic centre.

Interesting facts

• Address: Michalská 22, Bratislava.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 am to approximately 6:00 pm.
• Price: from €6 per person.

The Primacial Palace, an important neoclassical building from the 18th century, is another of Bratislava's attractions, notable for its pink façade and neoclassical architecture. The building has witnessed important historical events, such as the signing of the Peace Treaty of Pressburg in 1805 that ended the War of the Third Coalition between Napoleon and the Holy Roman Empire.

The interior of the palace houses an impressive collection of 17th century English tapestries, considered artistic treasures of the region. One of the main attractions of the Primatial Palace is the Hall of Mirrors, where classical music concerts and other cultural events are held.

The courtyard of the palace also deserves a special mention, with its baroque fountain and tranquil atmosphere. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the serenity it offers. In addition, the palace is just a short walk from other key attractions in the old town, such as St. Martin's Cathedral and St. Michael's Gate.

Interesting facts

• Address: Primaciálne námestie 2, 811 01.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 approximately.
• Price: from €3 per person.

St. Elisabeth's Church, better known as the Blue Church, is one of the most photographed buildings in Bratislava. Its Art Nouveau façade painted in shades of blue makes it a real architectural gem that looks like something out of a fairytale. Moreover, this blue motif can also be seen inside.

It is located on Bezručova Street, in a quiet neighbourhood just a 10-minute walk from the historic centre. What will strike you about the Blue Church is the elegance of its façade and the blue tower that rises above the surrounding buildings. One of the most distinctive elements is the clock on the tower. In addition, decorative mosaics and art nouveau reliefs can be seen.

The Blue Church is not always open for tourists, although it is open every day when masses and other services are held. It was built between 1909 and 1913 and designed by Ödön Lechner, an architect whom many have called the Hungarian Gaudí.

Interesting facts

• Address: Bezručova 2, 811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia.
• Hours: Open daily for services and prayers. You can check opening times on the official website.
• Price: free of charge.

If you want to enjoy beautiful sights in a relaxed way, a cruise on the Danube River may be the right choice. The river, which flows through several European capitals, offers a unique panorama of Bratislava, allowing you to admire its architecture, landscapes and sights from a new perspective.

As you cruise along the calm waters of the Danube, you can see iconic land marks such as the majestic Bratislava Castle and the modern UFO Bridge, while enjoying the fresh air.

There are different types of Danube cruises, ranging from short trips of around an hour to longer trips that take you to nearby destinations such as Devin or Vienna. They usually depart from centrally located piers, making them accessible to both tourists and locals who want to experience the city from the water.

The SNP Bridge and UFO Tower form an architectural duo that does not go unnoticed. The suspension bridge, which connects the two banks of the Danube, supports the UFO Tower, so called because of its flying saucer appearance. Its futuristic appearance and its height of 95 metres make it unmistakable on the city's skyline.

The most attractive feature of the UFO Tower is its observation deck. From there you can enjoy panoramic views of Bratislava and even the landscapes of Austria and Hungary. If you like photography, this is the perfect place to capture the city skyline. To get there, just take a lift that takes you to the top in just 45 seconds.

In addition to the observation deck, the tower houses a fine dining restaurant that combines local ingredients with international influences. If you are an adventurous person, the tower also offers the possibility to skywalk around the outside of the platform with safety harnesses.

The UFO Tower and SNP Bridge are located very close to the historic centre of Bratislava, right on the south bank of the Danube River. You can easily reach it on foot from the Old Town in about 15 minutes.

Interesting facts

• Location: Most SNP, 851 01 Bratislava, Slovakia.
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 23:00 approximately. The restaurant is open from 8:00 to 21:00.
• Price: from €8.90 for adults and about €6 for children up to 15 years. Skywalk costs approximately €39 per person.

Slavín is a memorial to the Soviet soldiers who fought in the liberation of Bratislava during World War II. It is also the cemetery where the 6845 soldiers who fell in the war are buried. It was inaugurated in 1960.

Declared a National Cultural Monument, the memorial is notable for its design, memorial statues and panoramic views of the Slovak capital. To access the viewing platform, simply climb the stairs to the top of the memorial, as there is no entrance fee.

The Slavín Memorial is located on a hill about 2 km from the city centre. You can easily reach it by public transport or on foot, which is a good idea as it allows you to enjoy a pleasant walk in the surrounding park.

Interesting facts

• Address: Pažického 3 811 04 Bratislava.
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours.
• Price: free of charge.