25+ Best Things to Do in Bratislava, Slovakia (2024)!

Bratislava is a seriously underrated destination in Europe and there are many things to do in Bratislava that make it worth visiting. 

Although it’s the capital city of Slovakia, the Old Town is enchanting and has a vibrant atmosphere ready to welcome you. 

There’s also a majestic castle, a plethora of historic attractions, panoramic viewpoints, a great food scene and the Instagrammable Blue Church. 

This beautiful city on the banks of the Danube River has something to offer everyone.

Here are the very best things to do in Bratislava and why it’s worth adding to your Central Europe itinerary. 

A Brief History of Bratislava

Bratislava’s history can make your mind swim as it’s very tumultuous and complex. 

Although Slovakia is an independent nation today, this city is a legacy of conquest, foreign occupation, communism and liberation.

It’s a melting pot of different eras and empires because poor Slovakia was often caught in the crossfire of ambitious leaders looking to conquer and expand their territories. 

It’s been ruled by Great Moravia, Kings of Hungary, Habsburg Dynasty, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Napoleon, the Nazis and the Soviet USSR before it finally became the Slovak Republic.

All of these poignant chapters have had a part to play in forming this vibrant and multi-faceted city. 

What’s left over today is a delightful mix of castles, memorials, churches, a historic Old Town and a great food scene. 

So, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Bratislava that make it worth visiting in Central Europe. 

Things to do in Bratislava

1. Bratislava Castle & Viewing Terrace 

Bratislava Castle is one of the top things to do in Bratislava and is an iconic landmark of the city. It stands on a hill of the Little Carpathians.

It has a prehistoric and Roman history and later became a royal household of the Slavs and Great Moravia. It was first mentioned in records as early as 907 AD. 

In the Middle Ages, it was reconstructed in a Gothic style and later became the main castle for the Kings of Hungary. 

After that, it saw Renaissance and Baroque reconstructions from the Habsburg Dynasty with monarchs such as Maria Theresa of Austria. 

After the Siege of Pressburg by Napoleon, it fell into ruin after a great fire. Today, Bratislava Castle is mainly a reconstruction from 1953. 

Even if you don’t go inside the castle, the fabulous viewing terrace in front makes it well worth visiting with the statue of Svatopluk the Great riding his horse.

From up here, you can see over the Danube River towards MOST SNP, the Bratislava UFO Tower and for miles beyond!

You don’t need to pay a penny to visit the castle grounds and they are open from 8 am – 10 pm daily.

Is going inside Bratislava Castle worth it? 

Today, Bratislava Castle is a beautiful reconstruction and most people decide to skip going inside. But, I enjoyed my visit as there is so much to see and do. 

You’ll make your way up several lavish white and gold staircases with red carpets to get to the exhibitions.

There were history museums, excavated items on display, art galleries and films all about the history of Bratislava from the Great Moravian Period to Slovak Independence Day. 

There is even an opportunity to climb up the 13th-century Crown Tower, the oldest part of the castle, and get amazing panoramic views over the city. But, be prepared for lots of steep steps!

You can’t buy tickets in advance, you must buy them on the day and these are €14. There is a ticket office outside the castle on the viewing terrace.

The museum is open from 10 am – 6 pm daily except Tuesdays when it’s closed. If you have a Bratislava Card, entry is included.

2. Baroque Garden

Just behind Bratislava Castle, you can enter the beautiful Baroque Gardens. These manicured grounds boast many ornate statues, colourful flowers, manicured topiary, trees and shrubs. 

Baroque was first introduced to Bratislava by Queen Maria Theresa, mother of Marie-Antoinette, in the 18th century. 

Like the castle, this garden is a replica of what it used to look like before the great fire. But, it still feels like stepping back in time and makes a fabulous place for a stroll.

I had great weather on my visit and I loved relaxing here in the sunshine. Entry is free and this pretty garden has many great photo opportunities with the castle in the backdrop.

3. Hlavné Namestie (Main Square)

The beating heart of Bratislava’s Old Town is Hlavné Namestie or the Main Square. You can access most of the main attractions from here.

It’s a lively area with the pretty Roland Fountain in the centre. You get some great views of the colourful historic buildings like the Old Town Hall.

You’ll find performances and music here in the summer plus there are many cafés and restaurants to relax in. It’s one of the best things to do in Bratislava.

4. Primate Palace 

The pretty pink Primate Palace gets its name from Joseph Betthyany who became the Archbishop of Esztergom in 1776.

This made him the head of the Catholic Church in Hungary and his important title was known as the ‘Primate’. Hence why this building is called Primate Palace – not because of mammals!

Today, it’s a stunning series of courtyards, café and museums that you can visit and it makes a fabulous photo opportunity. 

This pink residence is close to the Town Hall and Hlavné Námestie and is famous for its Hall of Mirrors where the Peace of Pressburg treaty was signed in 1805.

Although the outside courtyards are lovely, I recommend going inside to see the ornate staterooms. Tickets are 3 euros or entrance is free with the Bratislava Card.

This was one of my favourite things to do in Bratislava. The fountain in the central courtyard was refreshing and there was even a lemonade shop!

Click here to read my guide on the pretty pink Primate Palace 

5. Michael’s Gate

Michael’s Gate is the only remaining city gate from the old medieval fortifications and was built in the 13th century. 

It was reconstructed into a Baroque design in 1758 and has a gold statue of St Michael fighting a dragon on top. 

Unfortunately, this was closed on my visit for renovation work. But, you can usually enter to see the Exhibition of Weapons.

After, you can climb up the tower and receive panoramic views over the Old Town and Main Square. 

6. Čumil (Man at Work)

There are a few bronze statues dotted around Bratislava Old Town but Čumil seems to be the most popular. 

Also known as Cumil the Sewage Worker, or Man at Work, this statue appears to be peeping out of a manhole in the floor.

There is a huge debate about what Cumil is doing. Is he resting from work, spying or peeking up women’s skirts? 

The sculptor, Viktor Hulik, did this intentionally to initiate heated debates. Cumil means ‘watcher’ so I think he’s probably just having a nose.  

Many locals see him as a bit of a hazard as he’s easily missed by drunk pedestrians or vehicles. But, he’s also much loved in the city and surrounded by endless people throughout the day. 

Make sure to get your camera out and strike a pose with him, it’s one of the best things to do in Bratislava.

Most children sit on his head. If you rub his hat, your wishes are meant to come true! 

7. Slovak National Theatre

The Slovak National Theatre is the oldest professional theatre in Slovakia and was established after the first Czechoslovak Republic in 1918.

It was originally housed in a Neo-Renaissance building in 1886 and has three ensembles of opera, ballet and dramatic performances.

There has since been a new theatre built in the 20th century but the old building remains on Hviezdoslav Square. It’s a beautiful photo opportunity.

You’ll find busts and statues of famous composers and performers as well as the impressive Ganymede’s Fountain featuring Ganymede and Zeus on Mount Olympus. 

Despite there being a new theatre in the city, the old building still hosts performances throughout the year. 

8. Blue Church 

The Blue Church of Bratislava looks like something out of a fairytale with its sugar cookie blue and white design.

Also known as the icing cake church or Smurf church, this temple is actually called the Church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary (Kostol sv Alžbety).

It was constructed at the turn of the 20th century in an Art Nouveau style of the Hungarian Succession.

It’s one of the most popular things to do in Bratislava and you must plan a visit, even if it’s just to take photos on the outside.

The baby blue and cream interiors are also breathtaking but it’s good to know that opening times are limited as it’s not a tourist attraction. 

They hold mass services in the early morning or later in the evening and everyone is free to attend. Entry is also free of charge but donations are always appreciated.

Click here to read my travel guide on the fairytale Blue Church of Bratislava 

9. Konditorei Kormuth

One of my favourite cafés in Bratislava was the breathtaking Konditorei Kormuth near the Main Square. 

It’s a historic museum and patisserie that is more like a cabinet of curiosities. It aims to transport you back in time to Pressburg during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The entire place is decorated in colourful Renaissance frescoes and filled with a plethora of ancient antiques. It’s hard to believe it wasn’t a church or palace years ago. 

Make sure to try one of their homemade artisan cakes! It’s a lavish gastronomic experience. 

Click here to read my Konditorei Kormuth review

10. St Martin’s Cathedral

St Martin’s Cathedral is a large Gothic cathedral on the west side of Bratislava’s Old Town. It was built on top of a large Romanesque church from the 13th century. 

It has a huge part to play in Bratislava’s history as it was the official coronation church of Hungarian Kings.

Throughout history, ten kings, a queen and seven royal wives from the Habsburg Dynasty were crowned here. They recreate this elaborate ceremony on a special occasion every September!

There’s also a Coronation Trail you can follow around the city to follow in the footsteps of royalty – look out for the gold crowns on the cobbled floors. 

Today, it’s still a working cathedral with services held throughout the week. But, you can visit throughout the day for free. 

Note that shorts and mini dresses are not allowed inside the church and you should be silent (or speak softly) at all times. 

I found the area surrounding St Martin’s Church pretty as well. There were a handful of benches and several cafés here that provided a friendly atmosphere.

11. Wander the pretty streets of the Old Town

If you love photography, you must take a wander around the enchanting colourful streets of Bratislava Old Town. 

It’s a labyrinth of pretty cobbled lanes, historic buildings and colourful corners to capture. Here are some of my favourite photogenic streets; 

Rudnayovo námestie

This pretty street can be found near St Martin’s Cathedral and has wonderful trees and vines that look like something from a fairytale. 

Kapitulská

This colourful street feels like going back in time as it’s so unspoilt. Meander down this cobbled lane and see the spires of St Martin’s Cathedral in the distance. 

Baštová ulica

Head right after you pass under Martin’s Gate and you can find a colourful street with the tower spire in the backdrop. There’s a gorgeous bookshop here too!

Bratislava Umbrella Street

I love an umbrella street for photos. You’ll find Bratislava’s outside the Nedbalka Gallery. The art gallery is included with the Bratislava Card.

12. Schöne Náci

Schöner Náci, also known as Ignac Lamar, was a much-loved resident of Bratislava.

He would walk around the city in a velvet suit and tailcoat, topping his hat at passersby. Also, he would bow low to ladies, gift them flowers and kiss their hands. 

He was the son of a shoemaker and his grandfather was a famous clown and comedic performer. So, he wanted to bring kindness to the world and make people smile as his grandfather did. 

Unfortunately, he was very poor and the locals would help to employ him or feed him. Sadly, he died of tuberculosis in 1967.

The city decided to create a statue in his honour after the fall from communism to bring his light and fun spirit to the city once more. 

You can find Schöne Náci outside Café Mayer near the Main Square. So, make sure to strike a pose with him! 

13. Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall of Bratislava can be found off the main square and was one of my favourite buildings in the city.

It has a fabulous courtyard with lanterns, archways, a coat of arms and even some statues of dragons in the entryways. 

The Town Hall was originally created in the 14th century but has had several changes over the centuries and was rebuilt in a Renaissance style.

Inside, it has a few museums you can visit today. There is the Old Town Hall Exhibition, Bratislava City Museum and connected Apponyi Palace.

The Gothic Tower has remained much the same over the centuries and you can climb up to see amazing views over the Old Town and Primacial Palace. It’s one of the best things to do in Bratislava.

14. Napoleon’s Army Soldier

Another of Bratislava’s statues dotted around the Old Town is Napoleon’s Army Soldier in the Main Square.

Napoleon’s army invaded Bratislava twice and the emperor brought 9,000 infantry soldiers and 300 horsemen with him through the city streets. 

According to legend, a soldier named Hubert fell in love with a local girl whilst passing through. He tried to stay in the city to be with her and began making his own sparkling wine that he named after himself. 

You’ll see the immortalised Hubert leaning over a bench and it makes a great photo opportunity.

15. Old Cathedral of Saint John of Matha and Saint Felix of Valois

If you like Baroque architecture then you must check out the Catholic Church on the outskirts of the Old Town. 

As the official name is a bit of a mouthful, locals simply call it the Holy Trinity Church and it was built by the Trinitarian Order in 1717.

It was built in an elaborate baroque style but was unfortunately closed down after Emperor Joseph II’s Klostersturm or ‘Storm Against the Monasteries’. 

Today, it’s still a Catholic church and you can pay a visit but it has limited opening times. In winter, this is Sunday from 3-5 pm. Entry is free. 

16. Bratislava UFO Tower

If you’re looking for one of the best viewpoints in the city then you must plan a visit to the futuristic Bratislava UFO Tower.

Sitting on top of Most SNP Bridge, or New Bridge, you can take an elevator up to the flying saucer to visit their observation deck.

The viewpoint is 95 metres tall and provides a 100-kilometre line of sight. So, you’ll have breathtaking panoramic views of the Bratislava skyline, Danube River and beyond towards the Slovak-Austria border.

There’s also a Bratislava UFO restaurant that provides find dining with these views and a UFO bar that has amazing cocktails!

This space-age viewing platform is a must-visit and one of the best things to do in Bratislava.

Click here to read my guide for visiting the Bratislava UFO 

17. Capuchin Monastery / Church of San Esteban

Capuchin Monastery is a pretty and unassuming building on the outskirts of Bratislava Old Town in Zupna Square.

It belongs to the Capuchin Order of monks and was built in 1711. It’s consecrated to Saint Stephen who was the first King of Hungary.

It’s still a working church and you can visit the Church of San Esteban throughout the day. Admission is free but donations are always appreciated.

18. Try Slovak food at Bratislava Flagship Restaurant 

If you want to try some traditional Slovak dishes, one of the most popular restaurants to do this is Bratislava Flagship Restaurant. 

This restaurant is one of the largest in all of Europe and is set inside a historic theatre. It’s really impressive with the Hogwarts-style ceiling flags, stained glass windows and winding staircases.

As you walk towards the main eating hall, you’ll pass Bratislava’s Golden Lane and see what the city looked like 100 years ago.

They serve up a range of traditional Slovak dishes on the menu as well as locally brewed beers and ales to wash it down. 

The most popular would be Bryndzové halušky, the national dish of Slovakia. It’s potato dumplings, Bryndza sheep cheese and bacon.

Or, you can try their goulash soup, fried cheese, pork knuckle and endless varieties of sweet and savoury dumplings!

19. Try Kofola at Slovak Pub – Slovak Cola!

Just like many countries under the USSR, the fashionable American drink of Coca-Cola wasn’t something that was accessible.

So, many countries made their version of this popular fizzy refreshment and Czechoslovakia’s answer was Kofola! 

There are many places where you can sample some Slovak Cola in the city, they even sell bottles of it in newsagents. But, my favourite was the traditional Slovak Pub where they have it on tap.

I found that Kofola had a medicinal taste similar to drinks like Dandelion & Burdock and I wasn’t a fan. But, it’s a novelty and something you should try at least once.

Slovak Pub serves tasty traditional cuisine and has a great atmosphere. There’s a labyrinth of rooms dotted around the building and it plays traditional music. But, the service wasn’t the best and I found this let it down a tad. 

20. Hans Christian Andersen statue

Strangely enough, you’ll find a Hans Christian Andersen statue in Bratislava on Hviezdoslavovo námestie.

Now, Anderson was born in Denmark and there are no records he visited Bratislava in his lifetime. So, why the statue?

Apparently, after the fall of communism in Slovakia the government wanted to soften their austere reputation. So, they built a statue of this famous author of children’s fairytales.

It features the writer himself and characters from his stories such as The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, and The Snail and The Rosebush.

Just behind the statue, there’s an amazing Gelateria called Andersen Ice Cream and you can pick up a tasty cone or tub. 

21. Mirbach Palace

A place that really surprised me on my visit was Mirbach Palace, a historic home in the old town. 

It’s a Baroque-Rococo building and was named after the last owners Baron Dr. to Emil Mirbach. But, it has a history since the 14th century.

Today, it’s an art gallery and museum that is one of the best-preserved buildings of Old Pressburg. 

On the noble floor, you’ll find rooms with beautiful Renaissance artwork, wooden wall panelling with frescos and stucco decorations on the ceiling.

Entry is free with the Bratislava Card or 6 euros for an adult. Even if you don’t want to go inside, this grand building has a gorgeous yellow courtyard with a fountain and café to relax in. 

22. Presidential Palace 

The Presidential Palace, or Grassalkovich Palace, is the official residence of the President of Slovakia and has been since 1996. 

The original building was constructed in 1860 but has been through many reconstructions due to Slovakia’s tumultuous history. 

You can’t go inside the palace. Unfortunately, it only opens to the public for one day each year around June. But, you can visit the planned gardens surrounding it which are lovely.

You can also see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at noon each day. But, this only happens if the president is in residence. 

23. Slavín Memorial 

Slavin is a memorial monument and military cemetery in Bratislava and the largest war cemetery in Central Europe at 52 metres high.

It was built to bury and commemorate the 6,845 soldiers of the Soviet Army who died during the liberation of Bratislava in World War II.

Entry is free and, as well as learning about this dark period of history, you’ll receive spectacular views over the city. There are also many walking routes in this area as well.

24. Danube River Cruise 

The mighty Danube River snakes through Bratislava and makes it a popular place to visit by cruise ship.

Spanning a whopping 2,850 kilometres, this river is the second longest in Europe. 

It starts in Germany and flows through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine towards the Black Sea. 

It also connects the four national capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade. 

Many Danube sightseeing cruises take place from the Bratislava Passenger Port. You can take a round trip of Bratislava on the water, or travel to places like Devin Castle just a few kilometres away!

Click here to look up Danube River Cruises in Bratislava 

25. Devin Castle 

If you have more than one day in Bratislava, I would recommend heading over to Devin Castle which is only around 30 minutes from the city.

This impressive castle is an icon of Slovakia and dates back to the 9th century during the Great Moravian Period.

It switched hands many times between Hungary and Austria until it eventually fell during the Siege of Pressburg led by Napoleon in 1809.

Today, it’s an impressive ruin that you can explore to see attractions like the Fortress Exhibition and Maiden’s Tower. 

But, I found that the spectacular views over the River Danube and the Austria-Slovak border were the true highlight.  It’s one of the best things to do in Bratislava.

Read more – how to plan the perfect Devin Castle day trip! 

26. Plan a Bratislava day trip

If you have some extra time to spare, there are many day trips you plan from Bratislava.

Devin Castle is a popular choice, which dates back to the 9th century in the Great Moravian Period. You can explore the extensive ruins with breathtaking views of the Danube. 

The medieval city of Trencin is not too far away by train or you can visit Trnava known as “Little Rome”. 

There is also the Little Carpathian Wine Route where you can wines from towns like Svätý Jur and Pezinok.

Or, you could visit Bojnice Castle, also known as the “Castle of Spirits”, which looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale.

I decided to take a trip to see Elizabeth Bathory’s Castle in Cachtice. It’s been on my bucket list for some time as it’s the home to the infamous Blood Countess.

If you fancy seeing a new country, why not take the train to nearby Vienna in Austria? It only takes an hour so it makes the perfect day trip.

You can enjoy attractions like the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Austria National Library.

Don’t forget to enjoy a staple slice of Sachertorte at Café Sacher or visit Café Central Vienna for coffee.

Is Bratislava worth visiting?

YES! Many people overlook this fabulous city in Central Europe which is a shame as it has a fascinating history and many cultural attractions to enjoy.

I hadn’t heard much about Bratislava before visiting and I have to admit that I only wanted to visit after seeing the pretty Blue Church on Instagram. 

But, this city really surprised me and after I spent a few days here I truly appreciated its eclectic charm. There are so many amazing things to do in Bratislava that make it worth visiting.

It’s a very compact city so it’s very easy to wander around and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Town. Plus, it has a great food and wine scene. 

As a history lover, I was very impressed with the mix of churches, castles and museums. Devin Castle was a highlight that I would return to in a heartbeat.

Don’t skip this incredible city in Bratislava, you won’t regret adding this to your Europe itinerary.

How many days in Bratislava are enough?

Most people plan a day trip to Bratislava from nearby Vienna. Or, many arrive here on a Danube river cruise for just a couple of hours but I would argue that this isn’t enough time. 

Although you could easily see most of Bratislava’s main attractions in one day, I would say you need two full days in Bratislava to see everything at a relaxed pace.

Two days would also leave enough time to see the majestic Devin Castle. This makes a great half-day trip from the city and is a major highlight. 

Is buying a Bratislava Card worth it? 

For me, buying a Bratislava Card was a no-brainer as there were plenty of things to do in Bratislava that required entry tickets.

I wanted to go inside Bratislava Castle, Devin Castle and a few historic art museums while I was here which soon added up.

The cost of a 24-hour Bratislava Card is €23 or €28 for 48 hours. It goes up to 72 hours at €32. You can buy these with or without transport included. 

I bought a 48-hour card and visited Bratislava Castle €14, Devin Castle €8, Old Town Hall €4, Primate Palace €3 and Mirbach Palace €6. 

Add on the 20% discount I received at the UFO Tower and free public transport and I found it worth the money.

However, I did find that Bratislava was incredibly compact and you didn’t need any trams/buses to get around the main attractions. If I didn’t travel to Devin, I wouldn’t have used any buses at all. 

They have lots of attractions included like walking tours, museums and the Gerulata UNESCO site. There are even castles outside of the city like Cerveny Kamen that are included. 

However, many of the advertised attractions are only slightly discounted with the card and not 100% free.

Before I purchase any city pass, I always roughly tally up the cost of attractions I want to visit against the pass price and make a decision based on that.

Ultimately, it will be a decision based on your interests, budget and how much time you have in the city! 

What’s the best time of year to visit Bratislava? 

Like most of Europe, summer can be a very busy time in Bratislava. It’s a popular cruise ship port along the Danube and there will be crowds.

It’s a peak season for tourists so you’ll see the cost of accommodation rise with the stifling temperatures.

On the flip side, Bratislava can see freezing conditions in winter and many attractions won’t be open. But, the city is often covered in a magical blanket of snow. 

I would say that the best time to visit Bratislava would be the shoulder months of spring or autumn. That way there are fewer crowds, milder temperatures and things are a lot cheaper. 

I went in late September and the weather was still really warm, I walked around in summer dresses most days. 

All the attractions were still open and river cruises were running but there were a fraction of the peak-season tourists. 

How to get to Bratislava in Slovakia

Bratislava is a landlocked country in central Europe surrounded by Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Ukraine. 

Like most people travelling around this part of Europe, I made my way to Bratislava by train from the nearby city of Vienna in Austria. 

The journey only takes around an hour by direct train so it makes an incredible day trip if you have a day spare. 

Click here to book a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna – this includes a scenic river cruise, guided walking tour and 6 hours of free time.

It’s also easy to visit from Budapest in three hours by direct train. I made my way to Budapest by rail after my time in Slovakia. 

Of course, Bratislava also has an international airport and there are regular flights from Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Dublin, Dubai and several cities around Europe. 

Where to stay in Bratislava 

There are plenty of places to stay near the Old Town but I found that it was quite noisy and crowded in that area.

I decided to stay in the top-rated LOFT Hotel Bratislava which is just a few metres behind the Presidential Palace.

It was a great hotel with comfy rooms and there was even a free mini-bar that was filled up with fizzy pop and Slovak beer every day!

The rooms are quiet and every morning they had a huge buffet breakfast waiting for you to set you up for the day.

Click here to book your stay at LOFT Hotel Bratislava

Read more of my Slovakia travel guides

How to visit Cachtice Castle – home of Elizabeth Bathory

Save the best things to do in Bratislava Slovakia for later!