What to do and what to see? 12 Essentials!

Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, is a city unlike any you see… This European capital is undoubtedly not the best known or the most touristy of all. However, she has a special attraction which makes you instantly fall under its spell. Are you looking for what to do in Bratislava during your visit? Get ready for a great trip because here are the 12 essentials to discover there, for a successful stay.

1. Bratislava Old Town

Bratislava is a capital on a human scale. If you are staying in Vienna, Prague or Budapest for a few days, don't miss a visit to this pretty city! Here, everything can be visited on foot and you can easily tour it in one or two days. So, to start your visit, I advise you to stroll through the old town of Bratislava. It has a certain charm with its colorful facades.. In addition, there are many pedestrian streets which makes the visit particularly pleasant. You will find on your way a multitude of well-renovated monuments, but also restaurants, cafes and shops where to stop.

2. The central square (Hlavne Namestie)

This square is the beating heart of downtown Bratislava. The point where we find ourselves, especially for end-of-year celebrations and events. There are several beautiful buildings there, including the Town Hall and the Kutscherfeld Palace. You also won't be able to miss the fountain placed in its center, depicting the former king of the Kingdom of Hungary, Maximilian II. Legend has it that at the stroke of midnight in the evening from December 31the statue makes a U-turn to curtsy to the old town hall located behind it. On the other hand, we do not say if those who spread this rumor were fasting at the time of the events…

3. The Bratislava History Museum

This museum is fascinating both for its architecture and its content. Indeed, it takes place in theold town hall from Bratislava (on the central square). During your visit, building decorations, particularly luxurious, will amaze you. But there are also interesting facts about the history of the country. Finally, the highlight of the visit, you will be able to access the top of the building which will offer you a magnificent view of the central square of Bratislava and its surroundings. However, be careful, this museum is closed on Mondays!

4. Bratislava Castle

The Slovak capital is mainly known for its medieval castle who reigns on its heights. It was built from the 10th century and remodeled over the centuries.

Although it is located on a surrounding hill, you will undoubtedly be able to access it on foot. Bratislava Castle will offer you a superb view of the city and the Danube. It is easily recognizable with its 4 side towers and its red roof. After serving as a residence for the various kings of Hungary and the Empress of Austria, it was transformed into a military base. Today, it only welcomes travelers since the interior has been converted into a museum. If you are looking for what to do in Bratislava, know that this castle is a must-visit! Don’t also miss its sumptuous gardens.

5. The Michel Gate and its tower

During the Middle Ages, Bratislava was a fortified city. And although it has not preserved all of its ramparts, we can still find vestiges of this era today. Porte Michel is one of them. It is the only entry point from the era still in place today and you won't be able to miss it during your visit! Indeed, at the end of Michalska Street, you will be surprised by this large door topped with the Clock Tower of Bratislava. It is a true symbol of the Slovak capital with its green dome.

6. Hviezdoslavovo Square

This place is larger than the previous one cited in this article. However, it seems to have won less the hearts of the Slovaks. Never mind, you will appreciate its superb fountain and the facade of the Carlton Hotel which it houses. This is also where you will find the national theater in Bratislava.
This square is particularly lively during summer evenings, especially with its numerous café terraces and restaurants.

7. Saint Martin Cathedral

Although Bratislava cannot be nicknamed “the city of a thousand spires” as is the case for its neighbor Prague, there are some religious monuments there.

Among them, Saint-Martin Cathedral is the tallest and oldest of these monuments. Many sovereigns of the Kingdom of Hungary were crowned there between the 16th and 19th centuries.

8. Sainte-Elisabeth Church

This church is nicknamed the blue church because of its walls painted entirely in blue. This original building was built in the early 20th century in an Art Nouveau style. Saint Elisabeth Church is located in the Old Town of Bratislava. The interior is worth lingering for a few moments…

9. The New Bridge (Novy Most)

Bratislava is crossed by the Danube and connected from one bank to the other by bridges, sometimes impressive. This is particularly the case for New bridge which measures 430m in length.

Built in the 1970s, it is classified as a “Federation of the Great Towers of the World” because of its flying saucer-shaped structure which sits proudly 84m above it.

Moreover, we find inside a restaurant called “UFO“ which means UFO. You can go there for a drink or a meal with a breathtaking view of the capital. This is the unusual place not to be missed in Bratislava!

10. The National Theater in Bratislava

There are actually two theaters in Bratislava.

• The oldest is located on the Hviezdoslavovo square and was built during the 19th century.
• The most recent has, for its part, a much more modern architecture. It is located in the old town and runs along the Danube.

These two buildings continue to receive operas, plays and ballets. This can be an interesting night out during your city tour.

11. The Danubiana Museum

This museum is located 20 km from Bratislava, on a peninsula which runs along the Danube. It is a truly special place in Bratislava which deserves to be visited. There we find a museum of modern art. You will appreciate both its permanent collection and its temporary exhibitions which change frequently. However, the museum is closed on Mondays.

12. Devin’s Castle

This fortress located at the confluence of the Danube and the Morova is one of the oldest castles in Slovakia. It is located in the village of Devin a few kilometers from the center of the capital. Traces of settlement in this area go back in the 5th century BC for the oldest. During the 19th century, it was destroyed by Napoleon's troops, but the ruins of the castle remain a beautiful witness to the past in this region. You can visit its museum and thus appreciate the view of the surroundings.

You now have in mind 12 must-sees to discover during your visit to Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia is a small city, but it has many sites to visit and observe. In short, you won't be bored!