Are you looking for the best things to do in Bratislava?
Will you be visiting Bratislava, Slovakia? Perhaps while on a Danube River riverboat cruise, backpacking, or road-tripping through Eastern Europe?
If you are wondering about Bratislava, Slovakia, and what to do when you visit you have come to the right place.
I visited Bratislava and liked the city, its history, and its warm and friendly people.
Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is situated on the Danube River at the border of Austria and Hungary.
It is Europe’s newest capital city and the bridge between Eastern and Western Europe.
426,000 people call Bratislava home.
I have listed the top 19 best things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia that you do not want to miss out on. I hope you like Bratislava as much as I do!
Things To Do In Bratislava: Top 19 Bratislava Attractions Not To Miss
1) One Of The Most Popular Things To Do In Bratislava Is Visit Bratislava Castle
Overlooking the town and the River Danube, Bratislava Castle dominates the landscape. It has long been the symbol of Bratislava.
Hungarian kings and queens have been crowned there. The Hungarian jewels have been housed there. During its history, it has gone from a fortress to a royal residence to a military garrison.
There was a fire at the castle in 1811, and it remained in rubble until it was reconstructed after the Second World War to its original glory.
The Slovakian National Museum is housed inside. If you find yourself hungry there is a lovely restaurant as well.
It is rectangular and has four towers, one on each corner. It is perched high up on a hill.
I was on a tour and rode a bus to the castle and back down again. But it is possible to walk to the top and many people do.
In the Bratislava Castle courtyard, you will see an amazing view of the River Danube.
One of the more popular things to do in Bratislava is to look out and view the Danube River from the castle compound.
It can be crowded. If you are patient, a place will open up for you and your family to admire the view and take memorable pictures.
It is breathtaking and you can see how close Bratislava Slovakia sits to the Hungarian-Austrian borders.
There is no fee to enter the castle, only the museum.
Look here: Bratislava: Sightseeing Bus
2) Slovak Parliament Building
Located on the hillside of Bratislava, on the southeast corner of Bratislava Castle is the Slovak Parliament Building. This imposing building is where the National Council of the Slovak Republic meets.
Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic. Representatives to its multi-party platform are voted in for four-year terms.
Look for the beautiful Statue of Liberty in front of the building.
Look here: Bratislava: Private Walking Tour
3) St Martin’s Cathedral Is The Coronation Church
Located below Bratislava Castle, St Martin’s Cathedral is the second most popular tourist site and should be on your list of things to do in Bratislava.
The church had been the coronation church of kings and queens of Hungary for centuries. For those who follow European history, Queen Maria Theresa of the Hapsburg Dynasty was crowned in St. Martin’s.
Named after Saint Martin, the Roman Catholic martyr who gave half his coat to a beggar man who did not have a coat, the church is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with a few Baroque inspirations.
Look here: Bratislava by Night Walking Tour & Drink at Observatory Bar
4) The Underground Catacombs Of St. Martin’s Are Intriguing
There is no fee to enter St Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava. Its gothic inspiration is unparalleled.
There is however a small fee to tour the underground Crypt and catacombs. Cardinals, archbishops, and members of royal families are buried there.
Look here: Bratislava 1.5 hour walking tour with castle ticket
5) Add Pink And Pretty Primate’s Palace To Your Things To Do In Bratislava List
Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in Bratislava, the 18th-century pale pink and white Primate’s Palace is a must-see.
It is located in Primate Square, close to Bratislava’s Main Square. It boasts royal oil paintings, notably from the Hapsburgs, bright crystal chandeliers, and gorgeous tapestries.
The ‘Hall of Mirrors’ Room is simply exquisite and the only place inside the palace where you are permitted to take pictures.
There is a lovely courtyard outside with a fountain and statue of St. George, slaying the 3-headed dragon.
There is a nominal fee to enter. But it is so worth seeing.
Tickets Here: Bratislava Card with public transport option and walking tour.
Look here: 1-hour Small-Group Walking Tour
6) Enter Bratislava Old Town Through St. Michael’s Gate
It is one of three ways to enter Bratislava’s Old Town. It must be a popular way because it was busy and very crowded.
There were cafes and restaurants open and souvenir shops galore. Local crafters have booths as well, to tempt us with their wares.
As you approach St. Michael’s Gate, you will cross a bridge. On the left, you will see a nice green space below you. In warmer weather, the locals like to hang out there.
Look here: Bratislava: Taste of Slovakia Walking Tour
7) See Bratislava Old Town From St. Michael’s Tower
As you approach St. Michael’s Gate, you should stop and look above you. St Michael’s Tower is seven stories high!
A museum is inside, and an observation tower gives you unparalleled views of Old Town Bratislava.
You should consider touring St. Michael’s Tower as one of the things to do in Bratislava you do not want to miss.
Here I am about to enter Old Town Bratislava through St. Michael’s gate. St. Michael’s Tower is above.
8) Discover 0 Kilometers In Bratislava!
As you walk through St Michael’s Gate, stop and look at the golden circle at your feet.
It is known as zero kilometers. It illustrates the distance from Bratislava to 29 other capital cities.
Look here: Riverside, Castle, or City Complex Segway Tours
9) Visiting Historic Old Town HallIs One Of The Interesting Things To Do In Bratislava
The oldest city hall in Slovakia, and the oldest stone building in Bratislava, the Old Town Hall is a very worthy location to have on your list of things to do in Bratislava.
At this historic building, you will find the Museum of City History. There is a small fee to enter.
There are interactive exhibits and displays of the local areas. You can also rent audio guides.
Read my tips on how to remain healthy while traveling. No matter how you arrive in Eastern Europe, you want to be healthy to enjoy your trip!
10) Old Town City Hall Tower Has Epic Views
Located inside Bratislava’s city hall, you climb up three floors to the observation tower to see Bratislava’s panoramic view! There is a small fee for this.
You will see some of the most popular sites such as St Martin Church and Bratislava Castle.
11) Maximillian Fountain Is A Favorite Meeting Spot In Old Town Square
Located in Bratislava’s Main Square is Maximillian’s Fountain.
It is a popular meeting place for tourists and locals alike.
It was commissioned in the 1500s so the residents had a safe place to retrieve water. King Maximillian contributed to the building of the fountain.
A knight in armor, Roland, sits atop the fountain. He is known as a fierce defender of the city. and the fountain is also referred to as Roland Fountain.
To this day it still has many traditions attached to it!
12) Be On The Lookout For The Medieval Old Town Walls
Built and destroyed throughout Slovakia’s history, is only one gate, St. Michael’s, and two stretches of the medieval fortification wall remaining.
It is near St Michael’s Cathedral and runs to Old Town.
Technically inaccessible, it is a valid shortcut to the city center of Bratislava.
13) The Slovak Radio Building Is Upside Down!
Well, it looks that way anyway.
Completed in the early 1990s, it is an upside-down pyramid.
There is a 500+ seat theatre inside along with all the recording studios.
This unique building has won numerous architectural awards and dominates Bratislava’s skyline.
It is a great addition to your things to do in Bratislava itinerary.
Editorial Credit: Andrew Babble, Shutterstock.com
14) The Old Slovak National Theatre
Located just off of Bratislava’s Old Town you will find the Old Slovak National Theatre building.
It is a stunning example of Neo-Renaissance architecture.
With its Greek, Gothic, and Italian inspirations, this is one of the historical buildings in Bratislava.
Three disciplines have utilized this building: drama, opera, and ballet.
15) The UFO Observation Lookout And Restaurant Will Be Unforgettable
You cannot miss the UFO Tower. It stands tall in the Bratislava skyscape.
It is a few minutes walk from Bratislava’s Old Town.
You can see the UFO Tower from just about everywhere in the city. The New Bridge or UFO Bridge spans the Danube River.
There is an admission fee to enter the observation tower only, but it is waived if you have dinner at the restaurant inside.
Both the spaceship-looking observation tower and the restaurant can be reached by a short elevator ride.
They offer unparalleled views of not only Bratislava but the surrounding countryside as well.
This will be an unforgettable experience to put on your things to do in Bratislava itinerary.
16) Looking For Bratislava’s Whimsical Statues Is Fun
With a rich and long history as Bratislava has, you are bound to see monuments, memorials, and figures as you explore Slovakia’s capital city.
I am specifically referring to the whimsical bronze statues that surprise and delight locals and tourists alike in Bratislava.
Maybe you will pass this working man and figure out what he is looking at.
Unique and unusual statues are found everywhere in Bratislava. They add an interesting and fun element to your things to do in Bratislava list.
Editorial Credit: Anna Fevraleva, Shutterstock.com
17) Visiting The Little Blue Church Is An Amazing Things To Do In Bratislava
Yes, it is true. A blue church. A true example of art nouveau, the exterior and interior of this church are, you guessed it, blue!
The mosaic tiles of the roof, the facade, and the gate are all blue. The pews inside are blue as well, along with many blue accents.
Named the Church of Saint Elisabeth, who grew up nearby, it is not open regularly.
Hopefully, you will be fortunate, as we were, and the church will be open the day you visit.
There is no entrance fee, but please be quiet and respectful in the worship space.
If the Blue Church is closed, it is still really worth it, to see its exterior and I urge you to take the 10-minute walk from Bratislava’s City Center to see it.
Look Here: Historic City Center Self-Guided Tour
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18) Eurovea Is A Lively Complex Along The Danube Promenade
Located within walking distance of Bratislava’s Old Town, is a lively district.
Offices, trendy apartments, and chic shops and stores can be found at Eurovea. Much like the “mall” we are familiar with, you may want to check this Slovakian one out!
The crown jewel though, and a great reason to put visiting Eurovea on your things to do in Bratislava is the large pedestrian promenade along the River Danube waterfront.
It is popular and busy most of the time.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars spill out onto this amazing outdoor space.
Have dinner and or cocktails in one of the lively restaurants or bars. Or shop for some souvenirs.
Whatever your reason, Eurovea is interesting enough to place on your things to do in Bratislava agenda.
Tickets Here: Discovery Walk and Reading Tour
19) Add Strolling Along The Danube To Your Things To Do In Bratislava List
Take a walk from Bratislava along the River Danube for some exercise. Stop and stroll the promenade along the Danube.
Bratislava, nestled on the shores of the Danube, amidst the borders of Hungary and Austria, offers a beautiful pedestrian-only walkway.
Take a few minutes to picnic, or grab lunch at one of the many local establishments along your walk.
Packing Tips When Traveling To Europe
I think that using these useful packing tips will enhance your trip when traveling to Bratislava and help you remain organized while there. Read how to pack lightly in a carry-on here.
This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.
And this world traveler adapter kit charges several devices at the same time.
These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. It is not too heavy to carry.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great to store snacks and water.
This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.
These Skechers walking shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.
these Skechers Joy Go Walk sneakers come in colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.
I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.
I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip-flops.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come with lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.
If you are fond of aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
If you need new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable with color options.
If you like hard-sided better, you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.
Do not forget TSA-approved luggage locks.
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marijke
This is a place I really like to visit. I have seen Budapest and Vienna a long time ago and would like to do a three city visit. Thanks for your wonderful post and gorgeous pictures!