The 15 Best Things to Do in Bratislava
The beautiful city of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, offers its visitors some really amazing things to do. There is a lot to see, especially in the historic old town. On a city trip, you can enjoy numerous viewpoints, go sightseeing, stroll along the beautiful Danube waterfront and make a few cozy stops in some of the many hip cafés and bars. On the way, you will surely encounter one or the other famous bronze statues, such as the “Cumil”, which cheekily peeps out of a manhole cover. One thing is clear, Bratislava’s attractions and the many places to visit will definitely delight you! But what are the unique things to do in Bratislava, what are the hidden gems for a city trip, and which activities should not be missed?
In this travel guide, we show you the best things to do in Bratislava that you should definitely not miss. You’ll also find great pictures, the best activities and insider tips, and where to find fabulous accommodation. Perfect for your next city trip!
Good to know!
If you are still looking for a really great place to stay in Bratislava, we can recommend the beautiful Grand Hotel River Park right on the Danube and with a fantastic spa area.
1 day in Bratislava is perfect to explore the main attractions. However, if you want to get to know the city better, then you should plan 2–3 days for a trip.
A trip to Bratislava is all year round worth it! However, a special experience is also Bratislava in winter, when the many charming Christmas markets open.
A great offer of cheap entrance tickets, city tours, food tours, wine tastings, and even day trips to Vienna can be found on GetYourGuide!
Old Town Hall & Main Square
The Old Town Hall is the former seat of the city administration. Since 1868 it has been hosting Slovakia’s oldest museum. A visit is one of the best things to do in Bratislava. But not only is the exhibition worth seeing, also the viewpoint from the 45-meter tower is remarkably beautiful. From up there you have one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Bratislava castle and the main square of the old town. In that square in winter there is also the annual Christmas market. Climbing up the old town hall and enjoying the most incredible views is one of the best things to do in Bratislava and, therefore, a visit to these two attractions is highly recommended.
Tip: A perfect starting point for sightseeing is an accommodation close to the main square. The beautiful Laurinska Apartments are highly recommended.
Primates Palace
Primatial Palace is definitely one of the most beautiful attractions in Bratislava. It was built between 1778 and 1781 and served as the residence of the cardinal at that time. With its unique pale pink color, Primatialpalais is one of the most beautiful palaces in the city and an absolute eye-catcher. This palace can be visited from the inside because the first floor was opened to the public as a museum. Really amazing is the interior with all the old paintings and the exquisite furniture, which is really breathtaking. The highlight of the Primate’s Palace is the Hall of Mirrors, a grand chamber where concerts and conferences are being until today.
Bratislava Castle
The white Bratislava Castle is one of the most famous attractions in Bratislava and the landmark of the city. It was built in the 9th century, but in its history, it has been expanded and renovated again and again. Especially beautiful is also the location on an 85-meter-high city hill, which you can easily climb on foot from the old town. Once at the top, the picturesque castle garden with its fantastic view over the roofs of the city invites you to linger. The Bratislava Castle is worth seeing from the inside, however, where you can explore an interesting museum in the castle complex.
Michaels Gate
This unique Michael’s Gate, or Michael’s Gate Tower, from the 13th century, is definitely one of the best places to visit in Bratislava. In the past, this structure was actually the northern entrance to the fortified city, and even today it is an important connection into the old town. Not only a real highlight from the outside, you can also visit the tower from the inside. The highlight is definitely the terrace of the 51-meter-high tower because from the top you have an enchanting view of the castle and the old town.
Tip: The NEW Design & High Standard is an insider tip in this area. It has been beautifully renovated and is located in a building from the 16th century.
UFO observation deck (Viewpoint)
The UFO is probably the most spectacular observation deck in the city, and a visit is certainly one of the highlights of any Bratislava city trip. The 360-degree panoramic view at a height of 95 meters is simply fantastic and offers most likely one of the best photo motifs of Bratislava Castle. One floor below the observation deck, directly in the “UFO”, there is another restaurant serving delicious cocktails and fine food. This futuristic tower is one of the top attractions of the city, and a visit belongs for many to the fixed program of every city trip.
The Statues of Bratislava
The statues of Bratislava are probably the most photographed attractions in town. These eye-catching sculptures are located all over the old town, and somehow you will always pass them. The most popular one is the “Cumil” – a man looking out of a manhole. Don’t miss taking a shot with this cheeky guy! Also look out for the “Schone Naci”, a happy appearance and the “Napoleon soldier”, who is leaning over a bench.
Stary Most Bridge
A walk along the banks of the Danube in Bratislava is truly magnificent and highly recommended. From the bridges you have a fantastic view of the Danube, the surroundings and the various monuments of the city. Many tourists cross the Novy Most bridge to get to the UFO. However, the Stary Most Bridge, which is located a little further down the promenade, offers an even better view.
Tip: Did you know that there is a Danube cycle path where you can go from Vienna to Bratislava by bike?
Slovak National Theater
Another highlight of Bratislava is the Slovak National Theater, usually known simply as the Opera House. Officially, it is known as the old building of the Slovak National Theater, which was opened in 1886 as a municipal theater. In front of the opera, you can also admire the beautiful Ganymede Fountain from 1888.
Tip: Near the Opera House you will find some stunning hotels, such as the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel in a building dating back to the 13th century.
Blue Church
The Blue Church is a real insider tip in Bratislava, and certainly a sight that not everyone knows. The St. Elisabeth church, built in Art Nouveau style and with its light blue color, is an absolute eye-catcher. This extraordinary attraction is a popular photo motif and definitely worth a visit. This impressive church is for sure one of the top places to visit in Bratislava!
Tip: If you would like to visit the blue church from the inside, you should get up early because the opening times are only in the morning from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Kapitulska Street & Clarissine Church
Kapitulska Street, one of the oldest streets in the city, is located in the western part of the historic old town of Bratislava. The narrow alley leads north from St. Martin’s Cathedral to the Clarissine Church. On a walk you will enjoy an original old town, a little away from the hustle and bustle. Also, the Clarissine Church is really worth seeing.
St. Martins Cathedral
The St. Martins Cathedral from the 13th century is one of the most important sacral buildings in Bratislava. Most beautiful is the impressive 85-meter high tower of the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, which dominates the cityscape of Bratislava with its beautiful turquoise roof. The cathedral church is located on the way between the castle and the old town, and can be easily reached via a city walk! However, the best view of the cathedral is from Bratislava Castle Park.
Devin Castle
The unique Devin Castle and the picturesque surroundings are somewhat reminiscent of Scotland. A visit to this ruin should be included in any Bratislava city break, even though it is located about 10 kilometers outside the city. The best way to reach Thebes Castle is by bus or boat. The ruin is definitely one of the best attractions in Bratislava and should not be missed on any city trip.
Slavin Memorial
Another important attraction of the city is the Slavin War Memorial, about 52 meters high, which was built between 1957 and 1960 on the site of a Soviet cemetery of honor honoring the fallen soldiers of the Soviet army. It is located on a hill in the middle of the city and offers a wonderful view of the castle and part of the city center.
Palais Grassalkovich
Another interesting attraction in Bratislava is the Grassalkovich Palace, often known as the “Presidential Palace”. This rococo-late baroque palace was built around 1760 and is now the residence of the President of Slovakia. A visit is especially beautiful in the summer when the baroque gardens invite you to linger.
Bratislava: City tours, Tickets & More
If you don’t want to explore Bratislava on your own, you can join a guided tour. On the online portal GetYourGuide you can find exciting city tours as well as cheap entrance tickets, cooking classes, wine tastings and unforgettable excursions in the region!
The reviews are also really great, and you can compare them before booking.
Where to Stay in Bratislava
For a visit to Bratislava, you’ll find a great range of fantastic places to stay. From cheap backpacker hostels to stylish apartments, bed and breakfasts and hotels with pools, you’ll find it all. If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Bratislava, we can give you these tips… It’s worth a look!
- Stunning 5-Star Hotel: The Grand Hotel River Park is the hotel for an exceptional stay. Here you will be spoiled with a huge breakfast buffet and a miraculous spa area.
- Hip Hostel: The Hostel Folks is one of the best backpacker accommodations in the city. They offer drinks, coffee, tea, a nice common room and very clean rooms.
- Lovely Apartment: The Bratislava Castle Apartment is a beautiful new apartment in a very central location. Free parking spaces are included here!
- Charming Hotel: The LOFT Hotel Bratislava convinces with great rooms, the delicious breakfast and the good location on the edge of the old town.
Find the best accommodation in Bratislava:
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16 Comments
This looks like a very lovely place to visit! Thanks for posting about this.
I’ve been to Bratislava three times, and each time I find something new to discover and enjoy!
So is is bad I didn’t even know where this was located. Love visiting old towns and villages like this. From you photos it looks like a beautiful place to visit.
I’d love to visit Bratislava, it looks perfect for a leisurely city break, of which I plan to book a few more this year. I’ve seen some of the cool statues before and would definitely like to seek those out, a nice counter to the more traditional attractions of old town architecture. I didn’t know about Devin Castle, and am adding that to my list of what to see when we go.
There are so many great viewpoints to see in Bratislava. Your photos are really showing off some stunning scenery. This is a great post 🙂
We were in Bratislava recently, visiting there on our way biking from Regensburg to Budapest. LOVED our brief visit — an afternoon, evening and the next morning — and your post took us down memory lane a bit. The sculpture of a worker peering out of a manhole was such fun to see … we took almost the identical photo for our Instagram. 😉
What an amazing place with so much history too, it seems like. I love visiting new places and exploring everything they have to offer.
The capital of Slovakia looks so beautiful for an off-the-beaten-path place! Very enticing!
Batislava looks beautiful! I have never been there before but after reading your list to do I feel like I want to visit the place.
Beautiful places!! Very peaceful and relaxing. Would like to visit it and explore it myself.
Uncanny how similar Bratislava is to Prague. We missed the chance to do a day-trip from Czech recently. So maybe next time with more days in hand…
Batislava looks beautiful! I’ve never been but now I really want to go.
You certainly have a great list of must-sees! The blue church reminds me of a Wedgewood egg – beautiful! And I love the Cumil statue. How fun is that?! I haven’t been here, and this post reminded me that I need to go!
What a beautiful city to visit. I love the looks of the town square with the Christmas markets. I am such a fan of church architecture, so the Blue Church and St. Martin’s Cathedral really catch my eye. I think this would be a perfect place for a stroll along the Danube.
Wow the Devin Castle looks completely different from the rest of the places to see, it’s beautiful. The town itself looks perfect, how is the food?
Bratislava is just gorgeous! I have a friend who visited a few years ago and he loved it! The statues look so comical and Primates Palace is so pretty.