Top Things to Do and Tourist Attractions to Visit in Bratislava

September 29, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 2811 Views

Bratislava is the national capital of Slovakia, situated at the southwestern border of the nation. The city is located at the intersection border of Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. Many of the places to visit in Bratislava are located along the border region. The Danube River crosses from the city and is a major point of interest for some of the best things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia. Bratislava is a popular tourist destination for the people of Austria and Hungary. There are also several lakes under the city’s geography among Bratislava’s tourist attractions. You can enjoy a beach-like setting and many water sports among the top things to do in Bratislava at these lakes, kayaking being the most popular of them.

When it comes to the city, Bratislava Castle is the most popular tourist attraction of the city. The regal presence of the castle between the Alps and the Carpathians along makes it the best place to visit in Bratislava, aesthetically speaking. The castle has seen several wars and has been restored multiple times as well. From atop this Bratislava attraction, you can see over Hungary and Austria’s borders. It is also home to the National Museum exhibiting some of the most interesting things to see in Bratislava. This is the place where you should either begin or culminate in Bratislava sightseeing.

Another impressive structure among places to see in Bratislava is St. Elizabeth’s Church. It is also known as Blue Church, well because it is blue. It is among Bratislava’s top attractions for its quirky design and art nouveau style of architecture. The church is also popular among Bratislava points of interest for the oil painting of St. Elizabeth which resides in the church. The blue and gold interior design of this Bratislava tourist attraction is transcendent. Another place to explore colorful architecture is when you visit Bratislava’s historic square in the old town. There are numerous things to see in Bratislava spread around the square and the streets that emerge from it. You will find colorful buildings, beautiful architecture, artistic fountains, quirky statues, and more at this Bratislava attraction. If you are looking for a great place to explore local food, desserts, and beverages, there are no better places to visit in Bratislava than the old town square. Even for shopping for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local art, this is the top among Bratislava’s points of interest.

If you wanna go back to visiting castles during Bratislava travel, then there are several places to visit around the city which would interest you. The Devin Castle is again a fortress among top things to see in Bratislava. The castle sits 212 meters high on a cliff near which Danube river meets Morava. This Bratislava tourist attraction used to overlook the famed Amber Road. It was the protector of the trade across Danube river in the region. Devin Castle is still among Bratislava top attractions as it retains much of its former glory despite being in ruins. You can also hike your way to the castle. In fact, it is among top things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia. There are several hike trails which culminate with castle ruins and similar historical places to visit in Bratislava and around it. Some of the most popular of these trails to explore among best things to do in Bratislava are the ones leading up to Dragon Castle, Pajstun Castle, and White Stone Castle. Each of these ruined castle is popular among Bratislava tourist attractions. But, they are not frequently visited by many tourist as it requires one to complete a hike trail. However, if you are looking for adventure and exploration then these Bratislava points of interest are perfect for you.

Table of Contents

Visit The Top Tourist Places of Bratislava in 2 Days

This section covers all the best attractions to visit in Bratislava within the span of 2 days.

Your 2 days itinerary of Bratislava attractions goes as follows:

Day 1

1. Slovak Radio Building

This building is an example of brutalist architecture in Bratislava. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes this building.

2. Freedom Square (Námestie Slobody)

The freedom square is one of the most important places to visit in Bratislava in terms of the nation’s history. The steel flower fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. You will need about half an hour here.

3. Old Market Hall (Stará tržnica)

The market hall is designed in Art Nouveau style of architecture. You will need about an hour at this market.

4. Main Sqaure (Hlavné námestie)

The main square is truly a soulful sight. The square is surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings among places to visit in Bratislava. You will need about 30 minutes at this square.

5. Old Town

The old town of the city is a picturesque neighborhood which you can explore on foot. There are numerous fun things to do in Bratislava spread around the old town. You can easily spend about 2 hours in the Old Town area.

6. St. Martin’s Cathedral

This is one of the biggest Bratislava tourist attractions. It is also the oldest church of the city and its largest. You will need about an hour to explore this church.

7. Bratislava Castle

Save the best for the last. There are no Bratislava attractions bigger or more popular than the city’s eponymous castle. It is situated upon the top of the hill regally overlooking the city. You would need 2 to 3 hours to explore this castle.

Day 2

1. Primate’s Palace

The Palace is known for its architecture as well as its beautiful interior. The palace has a huge galleries of artworks from various artists. You will need about an hour to explore this palace.

2. The Blue Church

Also known as the Church of St. Elisabeth, this is church is known for its unique blue design and quirky architecture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this Bratislava attraction.

3. Slavin Memorial

The memorial represents the sacrifices made by the soldiers and people during the second world war. You will need 30 minutes at this place.

4. Cintorin Kozia Brana Cemetery

The Cemetery has a fairly gothic feel to it. Though there are not many things to see in Bratislava at this place, you should keep 20 to 30 minutes to explore it.

5. Grassalkovich Palace

The Palace is home to the president of the nation. This is among the most popular places to visit in Bratislava for the changing of guards ceremony. It is a show by itself. You will need about an hour at this place.

6. Central Market Mileticova

Central Market is among the best Bratislava tourist attractions to visit for shopping and street food. You would need about an hour to explore this market.

If you are in Bratislava for more than 2 days, you should check out the section after this one. We have put together an exhaustive list of all the places you can include in Bratislava sightseeing and more.

Things to do in Bratislava

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Bratislava

Bratislava Castle
Devin Castle
St. Martin’s Cathedral
Michael’s Gate
Old Town Hall City Museum
Presidential Palace
Primatial Palace
Blue Church
Slavin War Memorial
Natural History Museum
Schloss Hof
Maximilian’s Fountain
Museum of Pharmacy
Museum of Transport
Ancient Gerulata
Chatam Sofer Jewish Cemetery
Pajstun Castle Ruins
Mirbach Palace
Cathedral of Saint John of Matha and Saint Felix of Valois
Church of Annunciation
White Stone Castle Ruins
Michael Tower & Museum of Arms
Museum of Jewish Culture
Office of Government of Slovak Republic
Bratislava Historical Museum
Blumental Church
Jesuit Church
Bunker BS-8
Monastery of Merciful Brothers
Sigismund Gate
House of the Good Shepherd Museum
Church of St Stephen the King
Palffy Palace
Dragon Castle Ruins
Ganymede’s Fountain
Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross
Holy Trinity Column
Heydukova Street Synagogue
Archeological Museum
Railway Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Bratislava

Kamzik Hill
Zlate Piesky Lake
Devinska Kobyla Mountain Peak
Zelezna Studnicka Forest
Mountain Park
Sandberg Hill
Kuchajda Lake
Little Carpathians Mountains
Devinska Kobyla Forest
Danube Floodplains
Velky Drazdiak Lake
Devin Gate Mountain Peak
Sur Nature Reserve
Urban Forest in Bratislava
Wakelake

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Bratislava

Slovak National Gallery
Danubia Modern Art Museum
Bratislava Zoo
Bratislava City Art Gallery
Nedbalka Gallery
Bratislava Botanical Garden
Multium Art Gallery
Center for Folk Art Production
Banco Casino
Bratislava Reduta Concert Hall

Shopping in Bratislava

Obchodna Street
Apart Shopping Center
Europe Shopping Center
Stara Trznica
Dunaj
Avion Shopping Center
Old Market Hall
Central Shopping Center

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Bratislava

Danube Ferry
Hiking
Camping
Kayaking
Canoe Ride

Sightseeing in Bratislava

Most SNP Bridge
Main Square
Hviezdoslav Square
Man at Work Sculpture
UFO Observation Deck
Hlavne Namestie Street
Schone Nach Sculpture
Sad Janka Kra’la
Old Market Hall
Old Bridge
Apollo Bridge
SNP Square
Primate’s Square
Hodzovo Namestie Street
Pristavny Most Bridge
Barokova Zahrada Park
Devinska Kobyla Observation Deck
Svatopluk Sculpture

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Bratislava

Modra Hviezda
Prasna Basta
Green Buddha
Slovak Pub
Zylinder Cafe & Restaurant
Bratislavsky Mestiansky Pivovar
Orbis Street Food
Hranda Hviezda
Zeleny Rodrigez
Bratislava Flagship Restaurant
Parlament
Roxor BRGR
Bistro St. Germain
Funkie Punki Creperie
Soupa Bistro
FACH Bratislava
Albrecht

How to Reach Bratislava?

By Air

Bratislava airport is the largest airport in the nation. It is also the easiest means for Bratislava travel. You can get direct flights to visit Bratislava from several European countries including United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, France, and more. You can also get direct flights for Bratislava travel from Kosice, Oslo, Rijeka, Copenhagen, Zadar, Moscow, Split, Kiev, and more. You have the options of bus & taxi for places to visit in Bratislava from the airport. Buses 96 and 205 run between the airport and the city. You can pick the bus as per Bratislava points of interest you wish to visit. Alternatively, you can also take a cab to reach Bratislava tourist attractions. Though the cab is a little expensive when compared to the bus, but you get convenient travel to Bratislava attractions.

By Road

Bratislava is accessible by train from several European cities. Bratislava travel by train is especially convenient from cities of neighboring countries. You can get direct train to visit Bratislava from Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Budapest, Warsaw, Kiev, and Minsk.

You can get a bus for Bratislava travel from several major European cities including Paris, Berlin, London, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and many more. You can also find day tour buses from nearby cities for top things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Bratislava is close to the Austrian border and is easily accessible by roads. Primary routes for Bratislava travel are E58, E75, 150, and E65. You will find several things to see in Bratislava if are traveling along E58 or E 65. The intersection of these two roads is among Bratislava’s sightseeing places as that’s where the city touches Austria.

By Water

You can get boat cruises and ferry rides to visit Bratislava along the Danube River. There are high-speed ferry boats running from Vienna which you can board for Bratislava travel. It takes about an hour to reach Bratislava from Vienna. You can also enjoy river cruises among the top things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Image Reference

Slovak Radio Building – Thomas Ledl / Wikimedia Commons
Freedom Square (Námestie Slobody) – Hyro84 / Wikimedia Commons
Old Market Hall (Stará tržnica) – Mister No / Wikimedia Commons
Main Square (Hlavné námestie) – LMih / Wikimedia Commons
Old Town – Felix König / Wikimedia Commons
St. Martin’s Cathedral – Mike O’Sullivan / Flickr
Bratislava Castle – myshoun / PixaBay
Primate’s Palace – Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
The Blue Church – Peter Burt / Flickr
Slavin Memorial – John Menard / Flickr
Cintorin Kozia Brana Cemetery – Lure / Wikimedia Commons
Grassalkovich Palace – Kiwiev / Wikimedia Commons
Central Market Mileticova – FrantisekKorbel / Wikimedia Commons