March 4, 2018

10 Things to See in Bratislava, Slovakia

Recently our good friends came to visit, and we spent some time showing them around Vienna. However, as I mentioned in my latest blog on Vienna, almost everything is closed on Sunday. With only an hours drive away we discovered the city of Bratislava is the perfect way to spend a Sunday! Here were our favorite things to see and experience within a day..

10 Things to See and Experience in Bratislava

1. Old Town Main Square

Located in the heart of Bratislava. Be sure to stop and take in the details and colors of the architecture, taste some local wine at the nearest wine bar, or shop at the local stores. The famous Napoleon statue leaning on a chair is also located in the Main Square. Talented street performers, musicians, and singers are scattered throughout alleyways.

2. Michael’s Gate

Built around 1300, this is the only city gate preserved from medieval times. The Museum of Arms and an observation deck overlooking the city are located in the tower.

Museum of Arms:

Price per Adult: €4.50

Children: €2.50

3. Bratislava Castle

The city’s castle is perched atop a hill overlooking the Old Town city center. Upon reaching the top of the hill you’ll reach the castle grounds, which provides a peaceful view overlooking the UFO bridge and the city of Bratislava. The Slovak National Museum is located inside the castle.

Slovak Museum of History:

Price per Adult: €8

Families: €11 – 19

4. UFO Bridge

The bridge is named UFO because the top of it actually looks like a UFO. An elevator climbing up one of the legs of the bridge takes you up to an observation deck and restaurant making it a perfect place to enjoy the sunset.

Observation Deck: €7.40

If you eat at the restaurant then you don’t need to pay the entrance fee.

5. Church of Saint Elisabeth or The Blue Church

Tucked a little ways from the Old Town, this Hungarian Catholic Church does not have any particularly special historic meaning other than the obvious- it’s blue.

6. Primate’s Palace

Built in 1778 for Archbishop József Batthyány. The Treaty of Bratislava signed between France and Austria was signed in the Hall of Mirrors in 1805. Today, the palace is used for the Mayor of Bratislava. Another picturesque building with a pink facade and a flat top hat on the top of the building.

Price: €3

7. St. Martin’s Cathedral

The largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava. St. Martin’s Cathedral is most famously known for the coronations held for the Kingdom of Hungary (1560s-1800s). Around 11 coronations for kings and queens were conducted in the cathedral.

8. Devín’s Castle

On our way back to Vienna we decided to take an alternate route to see Devin’s Castle. The castle is located about 20 minutes outside the city center. Previously the castle served as a fortress, military station and trade centre. The first settlement is believed to date back to 5th century B.C! Around the outside of the castle is a walking and biking path that runs along side the collision of the Morava and Danube Rivers. Unfortunately we arrived too late to go up inside the castle, but we still enjoyed the views from below.

Price per Adult: €4

Families: €8

Opening Times:

November – March (Monday – Sunday)

10AM – 3:30PM

April – October (Tuesday – Sunday)

10AM – 4:30

Summer Season (May – Sept) closes at 5:30

9. Local Breweries

The beer is very cheap in Bratislava! We stopped at Meštiansky Pivovar Brewery for some great local beer and food. There are several local breweries around the city, but we found this was the highest rated.

10. Local Coffee Shops

We happened to park close to a local coffee shop called Gorila Urban Space, which was also a bookstore. Gorila Coffee had the ultimate hipster, bookworm vibe. With cozy couches, nooks within book shelves, and colorful decor, we could not help but feel happy and at home when walking inside! Enjoy sipping on a cuppa with some locals!