Bratislava, Slovakia is an often overlooked tourist destination. Not surprising with both Vienna and Prague nearby. But, Bratislava deserves a look of its own. She may be smaller than the others but she has a flavor and style all her own and is worth the visit.
Because Bratislava is often passed over for the other larger capital cities this is a great city to visit if you want a quieter visit with fewer tourists. While Bratislava gets her share of tourists the streets and sights are much less busy here. Let’s take a look at a few things to see and do in this day guide to explore Bratislava, this pint-sized capital of Slovakia!
Things to See and Do in Bratislava
While Bratislava does get many travelers who stay for a few days many visitors are there just for the day. Bratislava is a river cruise port for many cruises down The Danube River. As part of your river cruise you have the option of taking an overview tour of the city. This tour will point out the major sites in Bratislava–Bratislava Castle, Michael’s Gate, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Old Town Hall, and a few other landmarks.
But, what if you have already taken the tour basic city tour or want to just venture out on your own? The sights listed above are definitley must-see destinations for first timers to Bratislava. And, you might even want to go back to get a better look after the tour.
- Climb the tower at Michael’s Gate for a beautiful view of the city
- Tour inside St. Martin’s Cathedral longer
- Climb the tower at Old Town Hall for a different view of the city
- Visit the Bratislava City Museum for a taste of the city’s history
- Get pictures with the statues around Old Town at the junction of Laurinská and Panská streets
- Take more time reading the historical plaques and taking in the quirks and architecture of Old Town
- Visit the University Library Building–a place of historic significance
Touring Bratislava on your own
If you are on a river cruise you will only have a day to tour Bratislava so you will have to make some choices of what to see. But here are some options for touring Bratislava, Slovakia–the pint sized capital that you probably won’t see on the included tours.
Devin Castle
The first stop in this Day Guide to Exploring Bratislava, Slovakia is Devin Castle. The ruins of Devin Castle sit on a hill about 10 kilometers west of the center of Bratislava. The castle overlooks the Danube River so at some point you will sail by and have a view from the river. While Bratislava Castle was rebuilt after it was destroyed (in the early 1800s), Devin Castle was not but it is still an awesome plact to visit.
Perched on a 212m (650+ft) cliff, the castle overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. This strategic location provided control of the trade routes on the Danube as well as the anicent Amber Road. An exhibit in the upper castle and info boards throughout tell of Devin Castle’s story between the 13th and 20th centuries (with archeological traces going back to the 5th century BC).
Slavín War Memorial
Slavin Memorial was built in 1960 to remember the almost 7,000 Soviet troops killed in 1945 while liberating Bratislava from the Germans. The Memorial auditorium base sits atop the highest hill and is topped with a statue of a Soviet soldier lofted over ten stories. In front are six mass graves, the final resting place of the soldiers.
Residents and tourists alike make their way up the hill to remember the past and sweeping view of the Bratislava skyline.
Grassalkovich Palace
Grassalkovich Palace is the official residence of the Slovak President. You will find this Rococo palace from 1760 just north of Old Town. Since it is the permanent home of the president it isn’t open to the public. But the fountain in front and the formal gardens (now a public park) are worth the trek.
Primate’s Palace
This Neoclassical style palace constructed in the 1770s was also the president’s residence up until 1996. This palace is open to the public. The highlight is a tour of the Hall of Mirrors, five salons each named after the color of the decor. The Hall of Mirrors is significant because the Treaty of Pressburg was signed in December 1805 declaring Napoleon’s victory over the Third Coalition.
Most SNP and UFO Tower
This interesting structure is a relic from the Soviet occupation of Bratislava. The Most SNP (Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising) is the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge that only has one pylon and single set of cables. The highway/walking bridge over the Danube connects Old Town with the Petržalka borough and is a popular destination for visitors and locals.
The “UFO” structure at the top is what really catches people’s attention and is why it is in this day guide to explore Bratislava Slovakia. It sits 240′ above the river and has a 45-second elevator up to the observation deck, restaurant, and bar. If you eat at the restaurant you don’t have to pay a fee for the observation deck but the restaurant is kind of expensive. The views of the city from the UFO are spectacular. Note: the elevator is quite small and hot in the summer so if you are very claustrophobic you might want to pass.
Kapitulska Street
This street is only a few block from Old Town. It is definitely a trip back in time with its colorful midieval buildings. It’s just a short walk you might want to see if your tour doesn’t take this street.
Bratislava Transport Museum
The Bratislava Transportation Museum is located inside the first railway station on Šancová Street. In 1848, the first steam train pulled into the station, and the station is just as it was back then. There are also a few steam engines on display. And then there are the cars! They have Czech-made cars from the early 20th century (Pragas, Tatras, and Škodas). They also have a Soviet-era ZIL_115 limousine, common transportation in the 70s and 80s. Motorcycles from the 20s and 30s are on display as well This museum is a haven for car lovers and those who like history of all different sorts.
Hopefully you found this day guide to explore Bratislava, Slovakia helpful for planning your next trip!
Have you spent a day in Bratislava, Slovakia? What was your favorite thing to do? If you haven’t been to Bratislava yet, is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!
If you would like more information about river cruise itineraries that include Bratislava, please contact me. I would love to help you book the river cruise just for you!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Here are some other links you might like to read:
- 5 Reasons to add a pre/post-cruise extention to your river cruise
- Viking: The thinking person’s river cruise
- AmaWaterways vs. Viking: Which is right for me?
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