The ultimate list of things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia

To be honest I’ve never been much of a fan of Bratislava, Slovakia. I visited it over 10 times and while it was nice I never really warmed up to it.

Not until recently when I had a chance to spend the weekend there and then another one, get to know the city properly and enjoy numerous things to do in Bratislava.

For me it’s not the city you love right away, it takes time to discover it, find your own paths and spots.

By now I have my favorite streets, buildings, restaurants, cafes and other Bratislava attractions, the places I try to visit every time I’m in the city.

I’m actually really glad I will be in Bratislava a few times again this year as it’s good to see how the city is changing and how this is a good change.

What to do in Bratislava

For me, it’s optimal to spend 2 days in Bratislava.

This way you have enough time to do the proper Bratislava sightseeing, also beyond the Old Town, and to enjoy all the best that it has to offer as well as to go outside the Slovak capital, see the countryside and taste some amazing wines this region is known for!

Here’s my mini guide to best things to do in Bratislava!

The Old Town

The Old Town in Bratislava is the place where the majority of visitors spent their time and I definitely can see why. It’s compact, charming and full of interesting places around.

When in the Old Town you can’t miss the main square – Hlavne Namestie – including the courtyard of the old town hall (Stara Radnica) as well as the national theatre and St. Martin’s Cathedral.

But the best thing to do in Bratislava Old Town is just to wander around, taking random streets here and there and just enjoy the place.

Yes, it is rather touristy but still can be pretty.

My favorite streets to wander around are: Michalska, Farska, Kapitulska, Venturska, Panska, and Laurinska but no matter which street you take chances it will be pretty and adorable are very high.

I recommend visiting Bratislava Old Town (and beyond) with a guide so you can get to know the place better. There are so many hidden details and stories that you can’t learn about when discovering the place yourself.

Here are some highly rated guided tours:

• The Story of Bratislava: City and Castle Walking Tour with Locals
• Guided City and Castle Tour from Bratislava
• Bratislava City & Castle Walking Tour with Sebastian in English
• Highlights of Bratislava’s Old Town with Castle
• Bratislava Private Premium 3 hour Walking Tour

If you visit Bratislava around Christmas time you are lucky as the Old Town is full of Christmas markets (last year there were 5 of them!), each full of people, mulled wine and delicious food.

I was really impressed with the atmosphere of the place. As much as I’m not really into Christmas markets I was really surprised with the ones in Bratislava and actually liked them a lot!

Bratislava castle

Towering above the Old Town and Danube river Bratislava castle might have a spectacular location but itself it looks more like the table standing upside down.

Let’s be honest here, I saw better castles than this one. But still, it’s worth to climb up to see a pretty impressive view of the UFO Bridge and Petrzalka in the background.

Over the centuries Bratislava Castle played an important role in the history of Central Europe, from the mid-16th century it’s been the coronation city of the Hungarian Kingdom.

These days the castle is still under reconstruction after the fire in 1811 but it’s open to visiting and serves as the museum with some interesting exhibitions (during my last visit there was one about the advertisements after WW2).

You can get to the castle by walking (it’s a bit of an uphill) or by the sightseeing bus – click here to get the ticket.

UFO bridge

You love it or hate it but this is probably the most recognizable symbol of Bratislava (however some claim the castle has this title).

Officially this is the SNP Bridge (SNP standing for Slovenské národné povstanie – Slovak National Uprising) but everyone claims it to be UFO Bridge, thanks to the brutalism structure located on top of it.

You can take the elevator up to the top and either dine in the restaurant or go to the viewing platform to admire the most spectacular view of Bratislava.

I’ve heard soon the skywalk will be open there and that’s already a good reason for me to visit Bratislava again!

Presidential palace

Built in 1760 in the Rococo / late Baroque style and located just outside the Old Town the Grassalkovich palace serves as the presidential palace.

It’s impossible to visit it inside but you can freely enjoy the gardens, designed in the French style. It’s a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a beautiful green space.

Slovak Radio building

If you are a fan of brutalism and quirky architecture this place is a real gem!

The building, finished in 1983, looks like the upside-down pyramid and once was included in the list of the 30 ugliest buildings in the world, alongside the National Library of Kosovo in Pristina or TV tower in Prague’s Zizkov. Well, for me it’s beautiful!

Slovak Radio building is one of the iconic Soviet-era buildings in Bratislava.

To see more of them and learn about those times I recommend joining a highly rated Soviet Era and Post-Communist Tour – click here to read more about it and book the place!

Street art

Bratislava is not the best city for street art (unlike Kosice, second biggest Slovak city) but things are slowly improving.

In 2016 the first street art festival took place in the city and as a result you can see some beautiful murals like the one with the fox at Dunajska street.

Other places worth checking are under the UFO bridge (on the way to the castle) and the passage under Staromestska street, between Zochova, Kozia and Zupne namestie.

Nedbalka

The independent art gallery focusing on Slovak 20th century and contemporary art.

I’ve been there twice and each time I had a great time, enjoying some beautiful paintings.

The gallery is conveniently located in the Bratislava Old Town and the building itself is worth visiting inside too.

If you must visit only one art gallery in Bratislava I’d recommend Nedbalka.

Slavin

That’s one place in Bratislava I haven’t been to yet but I always promise myself I will go and see it next time.

Located on Slavin hill, the monument of Soviet casualties that lost their lives during the liberation of Bratislava in WW2 is interesting itself but that’s not the only reason why it’s worth to visit the place.

Since this is one of the highest places in the city the view from there is supposed to be really amazing!

Blue church

This is one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen, it leaves me impressed every single time I see it.

The Church of St. Elisabeth, better known as the Blue Church, is a perfect example of art nouveau architecture of the region. It looks like from a fairy tale, both from the inside and outside.

Next to the church you will find another beautiful building – the school designed in art nouveau style.

Petrzalka

If you’re fascinated with urban exploration and Soviet-style blocks then Petrzalka is your place to go in Bratislava.

It is said this is the biggest neighborhood of that kind of Europe and I’m sure it’s not far from the truth.

For some reason I haven’t made it there yet but I always admire it either from the UFO bridge or from in front of the castle and I can hear Petrzalka calling my name! Next time I will go there for sure!

Bratislava cafes

That’s one of my favorite things to do in Bratislava!

For me the Slovak capital has one of the best cafe scenes and new places are opening up often, living up to the high standards the city’s cafe scene has.

My favorite cafes are Urban Space, Urban House, Stur Cafe, Dobre&Dobre and my recent discovery – W Cafe (close to the bus station). They are all stylish, carefully designed and so charming I could spend hours enjoying them over the cup of nice coffee.