This post provides insight into 14+ things to do and see in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. To get you into the mood, let’s take a look at Bratislava sehenswürdigkeiten (top sights)!
When you are visiting a city like Vienna, your mind is bombarded with a lot of choices. How should I use my time in one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world? Should I stay put and absorb all the glorious beauty or should I go out and embrace a different place?
In the end, I think we achieved a decent balance between our two lines of thought. We spent two days seeing the main sights, used another day to cruise the Wachau Valley and the last day, we decided to venture out to Bratislava.
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia. The city is one of the four European capitals cut by the legendary Danube River. In addition, the city occupies the left bank of the Morava River.
The city has been affiliated to the Kingdom of Hungary, the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechoslovakia and other entities. Slovakia became an independent country in 1993.
Since the city was under Habsburg rule for centuries, the architecture is similar to other cities you will find in Central and Eastern Europe. However, there is a certain quirkiness and uniqueness that distinguishes Bratislava. I found the city regal and fun at the same time.
Let’s take look at what can seen and done around the city.
Table of Contents
Things to See in Bratislava
Trinitarian Church
Most of the sights in this guide are within the realm of the Old City. This area can be reached from the train station by bus. The visitor’s center assistants will tell you to get down from the bus at the third stop. I recommend you get out at the second stop (Staromestska and Kozia).
A short walk will take you to the beautiful Trinitarian Church.
Michael’s Gate
Now, remember I told you to get down the bus at the second stop? I recommend this since you want to enter the Old Town in the best way possible.
You are going to get that “wow” feeling when you pass throughout Michael’s Gate. This is the only preserved gate of the city’s original fortification system, dating back to the 14th century. The upper terrace of its 51 meters high tower provides an enchanting view of Old Town (and its terracotta roofs). The tower houses the Museum of Arms.
Keep walking down the street and get prepared to enjoy Bratislava’s charms. By the way, you are walking part of the coronation route.
Old Town Hall and Main Plaza
Turn right on Biela Street and you are going to hit a big plaza with a fountain. This is where the former seat of the city government stands (yellow building). Today, it serves as the Bratislava City Museum, the oldest museum in Slovakia.
Visitors are able to go to the top of the building and get great views of Old Town. Do not miss this experience!
The plaza is full of cafes and restaurants. It is a nice place to sit down and people watch. Red booths selling all sorts of crafts and souvenirs are located in one side of the plaza. Check them out if you are interested taking home something unique.
Streets of Old Town
The stately architecture of the city deserves its own mention. Walk the streets and admire your surroundings. The area within the old walls is compact and be can easily seen in a couple of hours. Pay attention to the little details that give the city its inimitable character.
Primate’s Palace
Behind the Old Town Hall, this Classicist palace was built in the 18th century. This is where the Peace of Pressburg was signed after Napoleaon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz between representatives of French and Austrian emperors.
The Palace houses a gallery containing a unique collection of six English tapestries from the 17th century and also serves as the seat of the mayor of Bratislava.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
This three nave Gothic church is considered one of the most important in the country because it was the coronation church. A gilded replica of the coronation crown fixed on the top of the cathedral tower reminds residents and visitors of the glorious past of the country.
The open spaces surrounding the cathedral are colorful and full of life. Take your time to sit around and relax.
Slovak National Theater
Actually, this is the historic building of the National Theater. A new building was finished in 2007 (it took 21 years to be completed).
The original building was constructed during the Austro-Hungarian rule by Viennese architects. It used to consist of three ensembles: opera, ballet and drama.
The theater is located in Hviezdoslav Square which is famous for its history, hotel, embassies, restaurants and cafes.
Blue Church
This church is within walking distance of Old Town. It is a little bit out there but I urge you to stop by. The church’s official name is St Elizabeth and it was built in an Art Nouveau style. You will love this little building!
Bratislava Castle
I saved the best for last. After an entire day of walking, I took a depth breath and climbed the stairs to the Bratislava Castle, the former seat of the rulers and the symbol of the city.
The castle building includes four towers (one on each corner) and a courtyard with an 80 m (260 ft) deep water well. The largest and tallest tower is the Crown Tower on the southwest corner. The 47 m (154 ft) tower dates from the 13th century and for approximately 200 years beginning in the mid-1500s housed the crown jewels of Hungary. The massive rectangular building sits at the top an isolated rocky hill above the Danube River.
Views from the Castle
The castle is made of very simple lines and therefore, not everybody will be a fan of it. But, irregardless of how you feel about the castle, you should make the journey up because the views from up there are astonishing (for real!)
To one side, you are going to see the UFO Bridge and the Danube. On the other side, you get a full view of Old Town. Austrian and Hungarian lands are can be seen from there too.
End your sightseeing tour by re-entering the Old Town by crossing one of the reconstructed walls. You will recognize the coronation church and will be able to trace your steps back to the main plaza.
Things to Do in Bratislava
Buy local / artisan products
The city is full of products made by local artisans and crafters. Since residents are very proud of what they produce, they will let you sample their goods. Look for honey, mead, candles, soap and other personal care products. Artists thrive in here too. Look for paintings, mosaics, tiles and wood sculptures.
Have some hearty food
It is very easy to have some delicious food in Bratislava. We ate at a traditional restaurant and ordered garlic soup (served in a bread bowl), dumplings stuffed with pork and beef goulash with bread dumplings.
Find the city’s characteristic statues
These statues are among the most photograph attractions in the city. They include a guy peeking from a manhole, a soldier of Napoleon’s army, a fancy character with a cane and top hat and a statue of Hans Christian Andersen.
Embrace the city’s quirkiness
While walking the streets of Bratislava, you are going to see some things that seem out of place. You are going to think, “What is that doing there?” But don’t get puzzled that seem to come out of nowhere. Embrace the craziness around you because somebody wants to have fun and paint a smile on your face.
Other Things to Do in Bratislava
If you are scratching you head and asking yourself, “What else can I do in Bratislava?”, well, I have more suggestions for you.
- UFO Observatory – I mentioned the UFO bridge when I was talking about the views from the castle. Turns out the upper part of the structure (the one that looks like a flying saucer) is a restaurant and observation deck. Now, tell me if that is not a unique place to visit! I will say it is a must if you want to impress your friends back at home!
- Slavin Hil and War Memorial – this memorial was built on the burial grounds of more than 6,000 Soviet soldiers who fell during World War II liberating the city from Nazi occupation. The place has been declared a National Cultural Monument
- Bratislava Forest Park – this green lung, located on the hills above the city, is home to a notorious TV Tower. You can have lunch / dinner at the revolving restaurant or opt for outdoor attractions such as hiking, walking and tobogganing. A cable car in the area gives visitors even more options
- Devin Castle – this stone castle is located about 10 km from the city but it can be easily reached by bus. The castle sits over a promontory and, as a consequence, its location offers astonishing views of the Danube and Morava Rivers.
- Botanical Garden – this one of a kind attraction located at the Comenius University, has around 5,000 plant species, a rose garden and greenhouses full of tropical and desert plants. It is a great place for those who want to relax and be in contact with nature
Visiting Bratislava from Vienna
The train connecting Vienna and Bratislava takes about an hour to travel the distance between the cities. You do not need to make reservations since multiple trains depart Vienna’s Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof) every day.
From Bratislava’s Main Train station, you will need to take a bus to the Old Town. Make sure you have coins in order to buy tickets at the machines. I recommend stopping by the tourist information center at the train station (second floor). They can provide a free map and specific instructions on how to move around the city.
Resources
Find more ideas about points of interest, attractions and sights on the following sites:
Other European Capitals
Do you have any suggestions on things to see in Bratislava?
Ready to pin? Let’s do this!
Allison says
Bratislava sounds so fascinating. I would love to get lost for awhile and just explore.
Ruth says
That sounds like a great idea. I wish I had more time there.
Rhonda says
I like the variation in styles as well as the variation in age of the buildings. I could spend a lot of time in Bratislava photographing the architecture.
Ruth says
We are in the same page because I felt I was in a photographer’s paradise. I was discovering new things even thought I walked for the second time on a street.
ladyfi says
What amazing architecture and lovely photos.
Ruth says
Thanks a lot!
kelleyn says
i was there last year and loved it!
Ruth says
Oh great! When do you visited?
Liz Needle says
Interesting and informative post. You should write for a travel guide. Great photos of the buildings. They are quite fascinating.
Ruth says
Liz, thanks for the idea. I may write a travel guide. I am looking into writing more comprehensive posts.
Photo(Geo)grapher says
Another interesting article in your blog.
Bratislava is a beautiful but little-known city. Perhaps too close from there to Vienna or Budapest …
Ruth says
You are right! Bratislava is located between two heavy weight cities. However, I think it is worth a visit (at least to see something different).
Sue Demeter St Clair - Out of My Mind's Eye says
Thank you for sharing Bratislava through your photos 🙂 Would love to visit one day
Ruth says
Sue, I am glad you enjoyed the post. Cheers to a future visit!
Lolo says
Bratislava looks so beautiful and we wanted to go when we visited Vienna, but didn’t make it as we were only there for a weekend. I REALLY want to see that Blue Church! I’ve had that pinned forever! #CityTripping
Ruth says
Well, you have to go back to the area and stop by Bratislava. The city is cute and interesting. Because of it, I want to learn more about Slovakia.
Photo Cache says
So much charm, oozing with culture. Thanks to your wonderful photos, many have put this on their bucket list (me included).
Ruth says
Ahhhhh, thanks a lot! I love to inspire other to travel!
Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays says
Funnily enough, we went to Bratislava in the summer and I’m all set to write about it this week! We thought that it was a beautiful place!
Ruth says
Nice! I would love to read your account. Glad you found the city beautiful!
Kat says
Hi Ruth, I’m loving your post and am going to bookmark it for future reference. Pardon my ignorance but I didn’t know that there are so many places to visit in Bratislava! The Blue Church is extraordinary; I remember reading a travel post about the city’s statues 🙂 Bratislava sounds like a great place to explore. Cheers! #citytripping
Ruth says
Thanks Kat! I am glad you found this post interesting. There is way more things to see and do in Bratislava. There is another castle located nearby and I didn’t have time to explore the cafe and food culture. Would like to go back.
Birgitta says
Really like your photos here and especial the blue church!
Ruth says
Thanks Birgitta! The Blue Church was super cute!
Tanja says
Did you go up the UFO tower? (above the bridge) it offers great views of the city #citytripping
Ruth says
I didn’t have the opportunity to go up. Another thing to do on a future visit.
Wandermust mummy says
I’ve never been but this post makes me want to go #citytripping
Ruth says
That sounds good! This city is good bucket list material.
NatureFootstep Photo says
I´m not a fan of large cities. but I liked the river.
Ruth says
Ok, that sounds fair. I am sure a ride around the river would be more natural.
Sara says
I absolutely LOVED Bratislava. I actually prefer it to Vienna. We had two amazing tour guides… and I just loved roaming through the old city. The Christmas markets and the ice rink was magical, too! 😉
Ruth says
Really? That is fascinating. I would like to visit during the end of the year.
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels says
Great post about Bratislava – made me want to visit it! Especially the Blue Church – I can’t get over how pretty that blue is!
Ruth says
Cool Bryna! Hope you can visit soon.
Bumble Bee Mum says
Hahhaa.. What a quirky city indeed!! The statues got me bursting out laughing. And omg, that beef goulash.. I’m starving!! #MondayEscapes #CityTripping
Ruth says
The statues are cool! I wonder who came up with the idea of installing them around.
Urska - Slovenian girl abroad says
Bratislava is such a lovely town. Great tips! #WanderfulWednesday #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
Agree with you! Would like to visit other places int he country.
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld says
You captured so much beautiful architecture in Bratislava. I went a few years ago on a trip where I also visited Vienna and Budapest and I didn’t have any idea about what to expect in Bratislava so this post would have been so helpful! 🙂
Ruth says
Glad you found it to be helpful. When you are visiting big cities, I think you tend to research the big cities better than the small ones. Stopping by the visitor’s center helped me a lot.
Rajesh says
Beautiful tour of the place. Very colourful.
Ruth says
Thanks Rajesh!
Cathy (Mummytravels) says
I love your photos – I went to Bratislava about 20 years ago and didn’t have the best experience. As a result, I don’t actually remember too much about the city attractions. Time to try again I think… thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Ruth says
I imagine things have changed a lot in 20 years. It would be nice to visit again.
Sharon says
Bratislava has been coming up in my research about Vienna, but I didn’t know anything about it. Great post! I love the quirky, surprising things!
Ruth says
Well, if you are going to stay several days in Vienna, I think this is a neat experience. But, I would choose the Wachau Valley if I would have time only for one day trip.
Van says
The old town reminds me a lot about Riga! I absolutely love this kind of architecture and those alleys!
Ruth says
Mmmmm, that sounds like a nice comparison. Have to check out Riga then.
jesh StG says
We were in Czechoslovakia (when it was still one country) but I don’t think we have visited Bratislava. Austria is beautiful but, Czech. is one of the East. Eur. countries I think is beautiful!
Ruth says
Yes, the Czech Republic is very beautiful but Slovakia has some stunning places too.
Ali says
Bratislava looks so beautiful – it has an almost magical, toy-town vibe about it – maybe it’s the blue church!
Ruth says
I can see what you are saying!
Kathy Marris says
Such an interesting city. I could easily lose myself here for a few days. My favourite is the blue church.
Ruth says
Everybody seems to love the blue church!
budget jan says
It looks fantastic. You certainly saw and photographed a lot. I think you managed your time well on your visit to Vienna.
Ruth says
Thanks Jan. I tried to make the most of my time.
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) says
You really have a knack of picking out little ineresting snippets – like the street art of the old woman in the old town. Love it. You’re righ, it’s such a good idea to just wander in places like that. #Citytripping
Ruth says
I like to capture snippets like the one you mention. I have several from each location I have visited but include only some on my posts.
jill says
Bratislava looks like a really interesting and quirky city. The blue church is definitely different – I think I would be happiest in the old part of the city.
Ruth says
That makes sense! The Old Town is the place to be!
Lisa (Travel Loving Family) says
There is some absolutely incredible architecture in Bratislava! Particularly love the views from the castle and the delicious looking food. Thanks for linking to #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
You picked my two favorite experiences! I am all for views from above and good food.
Natasha says
Oh I love this post Ruth, the architecture there looks gorgeous! I especially love the Blue Church, how pretty. I think that would be top of my list for visiting. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! – Tasha
Ruth says
Thanks Tasha! Glad you enjoyed the post.
Trekking with Becky says
The Old Town and the castle are always the best parts! 😀
I’ve never heard of Bratislava. Thanks for the great tour! 😀
Ruth says
Now that you have heard about Bratislava, you have to visit. It is a must in Eastern Europe.
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
What an interesting post. I’ve never been so great to get an insight. The blue church is really unusual and the views from the castle are incredible. Another one to add to the list #citytripping
Ruth says
Elizabeth, thanks for stopping by. This is a great city to add to a bucket list.
Anisa says
I really love the architecture, it is just so charming. Plus the food looks delicious. I would love to vist! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Anisa, I think you would really like this place!
Anda says
This city has such a beautiful architecture! And when you think I grew up so close to it and never got to visit. Those metal statues remind me a lot about the citadel of Alba Iulia in Romania. #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Ruth says
Wow! So nice you found some resemblances between Bratislava and your home country. I am sure you will enjoy a visit.
Lara Dunning says
I’ve been reading such great things about Slovenia and its really inspiring me to move it up my list. Your list of 14 has all the things I like to see – old gateways (very cool!), churches, castles, historic parts of town, and eating super yummy food. Thanks so much for sharing. Pinned! #WeekendWanderlust
Ruth says
Just to clarify, Bratislava is in Slovakia not Slovenia. The two countries are confused often.
Obligatory Traveler says
Great pictures. It looks like such a beautiful place. I like that it’s also full of quirkiness. As a girl whose is a bit quirky, I think I’ll have to add it to my list of places to visit.
Ruth says
Well, this will be a place perfect for you. I have way too many quirky photos but had to include only a few here.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute says
Bratislava is a beautiful city, and those clear blue skies are amazing! Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!
Ruth says
Thanks Jim!
David says
Great rundown on what to see in Bratislava Ruth and very thorough. I totally agree that a day trip from Vienna is worth your time. The Primate Palace, the tiles on the Old Town Hall and the views from the Castle are my favourite spots. I’m pretty sure the guy down the manhole actually gets moved around as I found him in a totally different spot the last time I visited. #wkendtravelinspiration
Ruth says
Well, it is weird that the guy in the manhole gets moved but that kind of go with the character of the city.
Aditi says
I am going to Bratislava in August this year. This is a very comprehensive list. Thanks!
Ruth says
Oh, that is cool! Hope you have a great time!
Brooke of Passport Couture says
Exciting to see the Blue Church in the style of Art Nouveau. I haven’t seen a church with that kind of design. I also admire your thoughts on just experiencing some of Bratislava’s quirkiness, it’s good to be reminded to enjoy what’s around you rather than thinking you have to understand or see it all.
Ruth says
Have to admit the Blue Church is very unique, even when compared to other Art Nouveau buildings.
Ahila says
The blue church looks intriguing, as does the food. #wkndtravelinspiration
Ruth says
Thanks Ahila! The food was delicious.
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe says
We spent the day in Bratislava on a day trip from Vienna and absolutely loved it. We found it really easy to get around and found it very quiet in comparison to the larger cities.
Ruth says
That is a good point. Places like this are so quiet in comparison to big and bustling cities.
Ruth Daly says
This looks like such an interesting place to visit. Love the colours in your pictures, and all the different architecture.
Ruth says
Ruth, glad you enjoy all the architectural features and the colors!
Rob says
That sounds like a great day just wandering through Bratislava! Love the Blue Church, and you’re right about those views from the Castle. We had not thought about adding this to a stay in Vienna, but that does seem like a great idea. Thanks for the tip! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
This is a great option for a day trip if you are in Vienna. It is worth to take it into consideration.
Nancie says
I’ve not been to Bratislava and would love to visit. The orange-tiled roofs remind me of Prague. Who can resist a European castle? Thanks for co-hosting this week. #TPThursday
Ruth says
I see what you mean. I want to stop by a castle every time I spot one. They tend to be strategically positioned, so, the views from them are great.
Vlad says
I almost visited Bratislava last year and seeing your lovely photos now, I regret not going. Next time I’m in Vienna, I’ll visit for sure! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
I think you would like the city. It has a lot of interesting places to visit and can even be used as a base to explore the area. Cheaper than Vienna for sure.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
Bratislava looks like a very interesting town to explore on foot. I do indeed like the little details like the small square tiles around the window by the clock tower. The Blue Church seems really unique, too.
Ruth says
The charm of this town is in the details. I saw so many little things that I liked! I was eager to see what I was going to spot next.
Paula McInerney says
We met the nicest surfers from Bratislava, in Canggu in Bali of all places. They spoke so beautifully of their home that we have wanted to visit for a while. You have reassured this feeling.
Ruth says
Wow! That is odd! But, nice to know they had beautiful things to say about their city and country. I like when those encounters happen.