What to visit in Bratislava

Top guide: what to see and do in Bratislava in 2, 3 or 4 days.

When visiting a new country for the first time for a few days, the main question is what to visit to get the best impressions from the trip. Today we’re heading to Bratislava.

Bratislava, the central square, Slovakia — Bratislava, the central square

Bratislava is a city of intrigue. A massive castle rises above the rooftops of the old town. Concrete jungles and wide transport interchanges are immersed in greenery and reflected in the waters of the Danube. A UFO-like structure hovers over the river… Bratislava is a mix of everything! It’s a treasure trove of history and modern architecture.

Bratislava's tourist routes are just as diverse. It is located not far from Vienna, so tourists visiting the Austrian capital often make a stop in Slovakia as well.

Bratislava attracts travellers – the main attractions can be seen in just 1 day. You can get to Slovakia’s capital from Vienna by train. Or, if you prefer, by car. In that case, the Aupark car park will come in handy (it’s marked on the map).

If you are still looking for a hotel in Bratislava, choose from among those you can find on booking.com (about 300 hotels with prices, photos and reviews). Or use hotelscombined.com, where you can compare prices and find an enticing offer!

Bratislava Castle

Bratislava Castle is an impressive landmark and has been the heart of the city for centuries. Today, it’s one of the main highlights of any tour in Bratislava.

If the weather is good, spend a few hours walking around the castle and enjoying the surroundings. The fortress has three entrance gates: Sigismund Gate, Vienna Gate, and Nicholas Gate. Be sure to step inside: in addition to panoramic views from the walls, the castle’s huge halls have become museums filled with paintings, engravings, statues, and other artistic treasures.

The park is open from 9 AM to 9 PM (until 6 PM in winter), and the castle from 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays. Price: €7 / $8.10.

The castle is within walking distance from the city centre.

Castle of Bratislava at night, Slovakia — Castle of Bratislava at night

Inside the castle of Bratislava, Slovakia — Inside the castle of Bratislava

Historical Centre of Bratislava

Old buildings, cobblestones, and winding streets – this is historic Bratislava. On weekends, the centre (marked on the map) is full of tourists! Walk around on foot. Explore the main square – Hlavné námestie. Here you'll find the oldest buildings in Bratislava: the Roland Fountain and the Old Town Hall (Stará radnica). Climb to the top of the town hall on foot and enjoy a panoramic view of the city centre. Price: €2.5 / $2.90.

Also visit the Confectionery Museum (Cukráreň múzeum), which is marked on the map. Here you can enjoy delicious sweets and a splendid interior.

View of the central square of Bratislava from the Old Town Hall, Slovakia — View of the central square of Bratislava from the Old Town Hall

Interior of the Konditorei Kormuth in Bratislava (Cukráreň múzeum), Slovakia — Interior of the Konditorei Kormuth in Bratislava (Cukráreň múzeum)

St. Michael's Tower and Gate

What to visit in Bratislava? Head to the 51-metre-high Gothic Michael’s Tower (14th century). At its base are the main gates to the old town – the only remaining gate from the medieval fortifications. The tower is protected by Saint Michael, who is depicted on the spire fighting a dragon.

Inside, there is a weapons museum, and from the upper terrace you get a full view of the old town! Be sure to take a photo on the terrace with Bratislava Castle in the background.

The ticket costs €2.5 / $2.90 and includes the tower climb, the weapons museum, and also the pharmacy museum (located 20 metres from the tower).

The Tower of St. Michael, Slovakia — The Tower of St. Michael

The Tower of St. Michael and the Gate, Slovakia — The Tower of St. Michael and the Gate

St. Martin's Cathedral

The interior of this Gothic church (13th–14th century) may be considered modest, but when admiring St. Martin’s Cathedral from the outside, be sure to look at the spire. The crown at the very top, made of 300 kg of gold, reminds visitors that all royal coronations took place within the walls of this church.

Interior of St. Martin's Cathedral in Bratislava, Slovakia — Interior of St. Martin's Cathedral in Bratislava

Church of St. Elizabeth (Blue Church)

Take a look at the Church of St. Elizabeth (early 20th century) – you’ll be absolutely delighted! The building shimmers in every shade of the softest blue. Admire its 36.8 m clock tower, the roof that sparkles like a sapphire in the sunlight, and the wall paintings that look as if they’re covered in frost.

Interior of the Church of St. Elizabeth (Blue Church) in Bratislava, Slovakia — Interior of the Church of St. Elizabeth (Blue Church) in Bratislava

New Bridge and the UFO Restaurant

What else can surprise you in Bratislava? Where to go? Head to the UFO! The flying saucer (which houses a restaurant and a viewing platform) is located on the New Bridge. Both the bridge and the UFO are a futuristic contrast to Bratislava’s calm architecture. To build this structure over the Danube, a synagogue and historic mansions were demolished in 1972.

You can access the UFO restaurant only with a reservation made at least a day in advance! After dining, head to the rooftop of the saucer – from a bird’s-eye view (95 m high) you’ll see the best parts of Bratislava. We recommend coming here after sunset.

Price: €8 / $9.20 (lift ride). The average dinner price is around €60 / $69 per person.

New bridge and restaurant UFO in Bratislava, Slovakia — New bridge and restaurant UFO in Bratislava

Restaurant UFO in Bratislava, Slovakia — Restaurant UFO in Bratislava

Night Bratislava from the observation deck on the bridge, Slovakia — Night Bratislava from the observation deck on the bridge

Grassalkovich Palace and Park

The Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava, Slovakia — The Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava

The luxurious Rococo palace of Count Grassalkovich was built in the 18th century. It’s rightfully called the Slovak White House. Austro-Hungarian aristocrats and members of the Habsburg dynasty met here more than once. The Grassalkovich Palace is guarded 24 hours a day by the honour guard, which you can see at the front of the palace.

Behind the palace lies a beautiful park: featuring a statue of Maria Theresa on horseback, a fountain by the famous Slovak sculptor Tibor Bártfay, and avant-garde sculptures. The park is open to visitors all year round.

Local Food: What and Where to Eat in Bratislava

Local food in Bratislava, restaurant Prašná Bašta, Slovakia — Local food in Bratislava, restaurant Prašná Bašta

Let’s try the local dishes! But where to eat in Bratislava? Check the map – we’ve marked the most popular places with the best tourist reviews! And what to order? Traditional Slovak cuisine mainly consists of various types of stewed and fried meats, fried fish and cheese (including iconic sheep and goat cheeses), dumplings and knedlíky. Stews, goulash, schnitzels – during your trip to Bratislava, enjoy expertly prepared meats!

If you want to visit the restaurant with the best view of Bratislava, go to the UFO restaurant – the panorama is amazing, although the food is average.

Also marked on the map: Sky Bar (a rooftop terrace on the 7th and 8th floors), Pod Kamenným stromom, Prašná Bašta, and the very charming café Cukráreň múzeum, where you can enjoy a delicious piece of cake with tea.

Hotels in Bratislava: Where to Stay

If you’re coming from Vienna, it’s possible to visit Bratislava in just one day. But if you decide to stay overnight, choose a hotel in the old town – there are plenty of options and the prices are reasonable!

If you are still looking for a hotel in Bratislava, choose from among those you can find on booking.com (about 300 hotels with prices, photos and reviews). Or use hotelscombined.com, where you can compare prices and find an enticing offer!