Bratislava may not count itself among the must-see European capitals, but if you wonder if it’s worth a visit I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. We stumbled upon this beautiful city totally by accident, while looking for some short trips from Budapest. And to our surprise, we found enough things to do in Bratislava to fill a couple of days to the top.
Slovakia’s capital surprised us in every way. It’s a vibrant city, with modern architecture, picturesque views and a rich cultural heritage. Bratislava’s historic center is particularly charming. It reminded me a lot about the medieval towns in Transylvania, like Tg. Mures, Sighisoara, Alba Iulia or Sibiu. This part of the city is where you’ll find medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, museums, art galleries, souvenir shops and plenty of great restaurants and bars for food and drinks.
Arriving in Bratislava by Train
Bratislava is located just an hour away by train from Vienna and two hours away from Budapest, which makes it easy to visit from both these cities. The main terminal is Hlavna Stanica, a modern train station situated very close to the Old Town. You can practically walk from here to your hotel if you are staying in the Old Town. But if you don’t want to walk, you can take a cab or the bus which stops right in the front of the terminal.
If you arrive by railroad you’ll notice that the area around the train station isn’t particularly attractive. But we found that to be the case in many European cities, even in Rome. Don’t let that discourage you however. As soon as you exit this area you’ll discover Bratislava is actually a very attractive city.
Things to Do in Bratislava
There are quite a few fun things to see and do in Bratislava that would justify a two-day trip. So here are some attractions that you shouldn’t miss:
Walk Around the Old Town
The first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive in Bratislava is stroll the small cobblestone street of the historic center. This is not a very large area, so don’t be afraid of getting lost. And get your camera ready because this part of town is so picturesque that you won’t stop clicking!
Everywhere you turn you’ll notice beautiful Baroque-style churches, medieval buildings, sumptuous palaces, and alluring alleyways. You can walk purposeless for hours, just enjoying the labyrinth of streets and alleys lined with souvenir shops and appealing restaurants.
Pass Through St. Michael’s Gate
You can start your tour of the Old Town by entering through St. Michael’s Gate, located below the tower with the same name. The 14th century tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bratislava and the only remaining part of the old city’s fortification. The gate and tower bear the name of the archangel Michael whose golden statue you can see at the very top.
Right after you pass through the gate, there is a small side door and a spiral staircase that leads to the top of the tower. If you make the effort to climb up you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Old Town and the surrounding area.
Visit the Main Square and the Old Town Hall
This beautiful square surrounded by small cafes and pastel colored buildings is constantly swarming with people. The Main Square is where the Christmas market is held every year and well as the place where most summer festivals in Bratislava take place.
We found ourselves passing through it many times during your visit. It’s a nice place to sit and take in the town’s peaceful atmosphere. At the center of the square is beautiful fountain with the statue of Maximilian II at the top.
On the east side of the square you’ll notice the Old Town Hall, a sumptuous complex of buildings. This is the oldest city hall in the country one of the oldest stone buildings in Bratislava. Today the Old Town Hall houses the Bratislava City Museum, so if you have time you should take a look inside.
Take a Photo with Napoleon’s Army Soldier
Another beautiful attraction in the Main Square is the bronze statue of Napoleon’s Army Soldier. The statue represents a soldier leaning relaxed against a bench, scrutinizing the Old Town square. The bench seems to be a part of the statue, but it’s still in use and people sit on it while having their photo taken with the soldier.
So what does this statue represent? According to the locals, when Napoleon and his army came to Bratislava in 1805 one of the soldiers fell in love with a Slovak girl and settled here. The story says that later on he began making sparkling wine which he named after himself, Hubert.
Napoleon’s Army Soldier is part of a series of bronze statues which appeared in the city in 1997, a couple of years after Slovak independence. This was a time when the Bratislava was trying to improve its image after its Communist past.
Look for the Statue of Čumil
Another beautiful statue to look for is that of Čumil. This is one of the biggest attractions in Bratislava, so you shouldn’t miss it. Located also in the center of the historic center, Čumil (or the Man at Work, as it’s also known) represents a man peaking out from the sewer, so look for it on the ground! The Slovak word čumil actually means “watcher.” The man seems to be just resting from a hard day’s work, watching the passersby.
The delightful little statue is located at the junction of Panská and Laurinská streets and is one of the most photographed objects in Bratislava. So be prepared to wait in line if you want to take a shot of it.
Step Inside the Primate’s Palace
Behind the Old Town Hall, in the Primate’s Square, you’ll find the elegant neoclassical building of the Primate’s Palace. This palace was erected in the 18th century for the Archbishop József Batthyány, the primate of Hungary. The beautiful façade has intricate stucco works and statues, so take time to admire it.
If you step inside the building, you’ll be able admire the some beautiful salons furnished with period furniture, each named after the color of their walls – the blue room, the green, room etc..
The most impressive one of these salons is the splendid Hall of Mirrors. This elegant room decorated with chandeliers and columns was once the scene of lavish balls and significant political events.
Visit the St. Martin’s Cathedral
There are quite a few impressive churches and cathedrals in the historic center of Bratislava worth visiting. But if you are to visit just one, make sure you don’t miss the St. Martin’s Cathedral. This Gothic-style church dating back to the 14th century was once the coronation church of the Hungarian kings and queens, including the renowned Maria Theresa. At the top of the cathedral’s 85 meter high tower is a gilded replica of St. Stephen’s crown – the Hungarian royal crown.
The cathedral is also famous because of the great musicians who performed here. It was in this cathedral that Ludwig van Beethoven performed his work Missa Solemnis for the first time in Bratislava in 1835. A few years later, in 1884, Franz Liszt also conducted a Hungarian coronation mass here.
Step Inside the Blue Church
The Blue Church is another beautiful temple that shouldn’t be missed. Because it’s located a little farther away from the historical center, many visitors overlook this gem.
The church is officially known as the Church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, but for obvious reasons it’s commonly referred to as ‘the Blue Church.’ This is a Hungarian-Secessionist Catholic Church built in 1913 in Art Nouveau style.
What makes it particularly appealing are the beautiful shades of blue. Both the interior and exterior of the church are painted in blue and decorated with blue majolica.
Treat Yourself with Sweets at Cukráreñ Bakery/Museum
If you like sweets, you won’t find a better place to treat yourself than the Cukráreñ Kondtorei Kormuth. This unique bakery/museum in Old Town Bratislava serves cakes and deserts that follow original recipes from the old Austro-Hungarian Empire. No artificial flavors or colors are used in the baking process. Instead, they use the finest ingredients, like free-range eggs, the best French chocolate, almonds from Piemonte and genuine and marzipan.
The bakery shop itself is a pure delight, looking rather like a museum with rooms with beautiful paintings and frescoes in the Renaissance style. The cakes and coffees are served in fine porcelain dishes and silver spoons, which make the experience even more unforgettable.
For me, visiting this pastry shop was one of the best things to do in Bratislava. Not only because I love sweets, but also because they had my favorite Hungarian desert, Dobos cake.
Visit the Bratislava Castle
Towering over the city and overlooking the Danube river lies the Bratislava Castle. This imposing is a Baroque-style fortress was once home to great Moravian magnates and Hungarian kings. Today, the castle serves asi a historical museum, but the must impressive part are its grounds.
Getting up the hill to visit it is well worth the effort, but if you don’t feel up to it you can always take a cab or a Bold. The cost is just 5-6 Euros.
Tour the Devin Fortress
Devin Fortress is located a little outside the city but if you have more than one day in Bratislava, I encourage you to visit it. The castle is located at the top of a steep hill, at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers.
Although there is not much left of the castle itself, we spent a lot longer here than we thought we would. We particularly enjoying the views across the Danube river all the way to Austria. It was a clear, cool day, so the hike up to the castle wasn’t didn’t feel too exhausting.
Devic Castle can be reached via Bus 29 from Bratislava, or by cab or Bolt, which are not expensive at all.
Go Shopping at the Aupark Shopping Center
If you want to go on a shopping spree, this is the place to visit. Aupark is a large shopping mall located on the Danube bank, opposite to the city center. From fashion shops and electronics store, you can find anything you want here: a cinema multiplex, a supermarket, bank branches, post office, food court with fast food outlets, cafes and restaurants.
You should visit this place even if you are not into shopping because this mall is famous not only for its trendy shops and restaurants, but also for its amazing art works that are displayed all throughout its grounds.
Go Up the UFO Observation Deck
If you feel like seeing the city from above, you should visit the UFO Observation Deck. Rising 95 meters high, this conic building became a symbol of Bratislava. An elevator will take you to the deck in 45 seconds from where you can see up to 100 km away.
The best time to visit it is on a clear day, preferably in the late afternoon when you can enjoy the sun setting over the Danube. There is also a bar and a restaurant up here. The UFO Observation deck is open daily from 10am to 11pm. Entry fee is €11/person.
How Many Days to Spend in Bratislava
Most attractions in Bratislava are concentrated in the Old Town which is a pedestrian zone and therefore easy to explore. If you’re pressed for time, you can visit the city on a day trip from either Vienna or Budapest and just roam around this area.
However, keep in mind that Bratislava has a few other important attractions which are located a little farther away from the historic center, like the Bratislava Castle, Devin Fortress and the OFO Bridge/Observation deck. My recommendation is to allow at least two days for your visit if you want to properly enjoy Bratislava and all its beautiful sites.
Interesting Things About Bratislava
- Bratislava is the only capital in the world that borders two different countries: Austria and Hungary.
- It is also one of the youngest European capitals, having gained this status in 1993 after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
- With its picturesque cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, the historic district of Bratislava – Stare Mesto – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bratislava is home to the largest shopping mall in Slovakia.
- During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Bratislava served as the traditional location for the coronation ceremonies of the Hungarian monarchs. At the time the city was known as Pressburg.
A Final Word
Bratislava is a city that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit it. If you can take the time to enjoy its stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant culture and warm hospitality, don’t hesitate to do it! This hidden gem of Europe deserves much more attention than it gets.
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