Visit Bratislava: what are the best things to do and see in the Slovak capital?
Capital of the Slovakia Since 1993, Bratislava is also the largest city in the country with 415,000 inhabitants. It is 1 hour drive from Vienna and 2 hours from Budapest and is therefore a must-see stop on a trip to Eastern Europe. Its main asset: you can visit Bratislava in one day or two. Much less known to other capitals crossed by the Danube, Bratislava (formerly Presbourg ) will enchant you with its small size and its castles. Travellers small budget will appreciate the many free visits it is possible to do. If you plan to go through Slovakia, here are the best things you should not miss if you visit Bratislava.
1. Bratislava Castle (Hrad)
Flickr – Larry Myhre
The castle of Bratislava or Hrad is located on a hill overlooking the city. Originally a Roman border post, there has been a castle on this site since the 9th century. In 1881 he was reduced to ashes due to a fire and was not rebuilt until the mid-1900s. Despite the dull exterior appearance of the castle, it deserves a visit for its museums housed inside as well as its views of the city and the Danube.
2. Devín Castle
Flickr – Vegard Ryan
The Devín castle , which overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Morava, is one of the three oldest castles historically recognized in Slovakia. The village of Devin is now part of Bratislava. The oldest traces of settlement dates back to the 5th century BC. Thanks to its advantageous geographical position, it was able to control the most important routes of trade along the Danube, as well as part of the amber road. In the 1st century BC, the territory was populated by the Celts. It was destroyed by Napoleon's troops in 1809. Today, the ruins of the castle visit as a museum and the view from the castle is superb.
3. Porte Saint-Michel and Rue Saint-Michel
Flickr – Chris Pinnock
The door and St. Michael Street are one of the famous sites of Bratislava. It is a small street lined with many shops and restaurants. In summer, Michalska Ulica a furnace of tourists, street artists, and locals enjoying the cool summer nights of Slovakia. Most buildings in Michalska Ulica date from the 18th century and survived several wars, occupations and the communist regime. At the end of this street is the Porte Saint Michel (or " Porte Michel"), the only door preserved from medieval fortifications of the city. High 51 meters, it now houses the Musée des Armes et des Fortifications Municipales . By visiting this museum, you can have a view from the top of the tower on the Brussels roofs.
4. The Church of St. Elizabeth
Wikimedia - Carlos Delgado
It is one of the most beautiful pieces of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. We also call it the blue church due to its exterior and interior coating. It was completed in 1908 by Hungarian architect Odon Lechner. It is also recognized in its 36-metre cylindrical tower. It is easily accessed on foot from the central square of Brastislava, the church located on Bezrucova Street.
5. City hotel and main square (Hlavné námestie)
Flickr – Jorge Láscar
Originally a turn house in the 14th century, the old city hotel was seen in the 15th century by the connection of several bourgeois houses, then passed through several reconstructions over the centuries. After the earthquake of 1599, it was rebuilt in a Renaissance style, while the tower of the city hotel was rebuilt in a baroque style in the 18th century. In 1912, the rear wing was built in a neo-renaissance style on the side of the courtyard, and a neo-Gothic style on the side of the square Primaciálne . On this square you will find beautiful buildings with colorful facades as well as the Municipal Museum of Bratislava which exposes the history of the city, a retrospective on feudal justice and a stage devoted to wines.
6. The picturesque bronze statues
Wikimedia - Benmil222
So what? Bratislava Inspired little by tourists because of the communist era, many buildings were repainted and renovated. In order to mislead the old town, some picturesque statues have appeared. Following their popularity with tourists, new statues have been installed, from which you can find the trace by strolling through the center. You will find the Cumil , the most famous statue of a man coming out of a sewer, soldier of the army of Napoleon , Schone Naci and one Dadrazzi .
7. The Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising (Nový Most)
Wikimedia – Ondrejk
If you want to have a panoramic view of Bratislava and its castle, why not climb to the observation platform of this bridge? In this " saucer" located 85 meters high, we find the restaurant "UFO", quite expensive. The observation bridge offers beautiful views. This is the longest hauban bridge in the category of bridges to a pylons.
8. Lake Zlaté Piesky
Source – intersportbenefit.sk
Zlaté Piesky is the ideal place to escape the heat of summer and enjoy water sports. This lake is a leisure and relaxation place near the city centre and is very appreciated by those who wish to escape. We can swim, practice water sports, etc...
9. The Grassalkovych Palace (Presidential Palace)
Wikimedia – Juan Ramon Rodriguez Sosa
Now the house of the Slovak president, the Grassalkovich Palace was once the residence and meeting place for several members of the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy and the Habsburgs.
10. Museums in Bratislava
There are many museums in Bratislava and this is one of the reasons why you should stay in the Slovak capital to visit some. We saw that there were some in the castle of Bratislava, in that of Devin, in the Tour St. Michel or in the former Hotel de Ville, but there are many others:
- Slovak National Museum (Vjanskeho Nabrezie 2)
- Museum of Archaeology (Zizkova 12)
- Jewish Culture Museum (Zidovska 17)
- Museum of Arts and Crafts (Beblaveho 1)
- Clock Museum (Zidovska 1)
- Police Museum (Gundulicova 2)
- Gas Industry Museum (Mlynske Nivy 44/a)
- and the many art galleries
11. Nightlife
Source – stag-bratislava.com
Bratislava is a small capital but its nightlife is lively, there are many bars hidden in the streets of the old city but also nightclubs for all tastes. It is usually free to enter a club in Bratislava, however, some of the best places can make pay a few euros the entrance. The consumer price is relatively low and people usually come out before midnight and stay in club until 3 or 4 a.m.
Where to stay in Bratislava?
Bratislava has small hotels in the city center and hostels in its outskirts. As we said, Bratislava is not a gigantic city, areas where to stay in the capital So there are few. To find a hotel in Bratislava, check out our Compare hotels .
How to get to Bratislava?
Bratislava can easily visit one day or two from Vienna for example. You can go by train or by car from there. The ideal from France remains the aircraft, as Bratislava is served by low-cost companies such as Ryanair or Smart Wings. To find cheap flights to Bratislava, check out the best prices on Skyscanner .
Have you visited Bratislava?
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