A weekend in the capital city of Slovakia at the danube river.
Bratislava is s a beautiful city located along the Danube River, near the borders of Austria and Hungary. Known for its charming Old Town, historic Bratislava Castle, and vibrant cultural scene, the city blends medieval architecture with modern influences. As Slovakia’s largest city (476.922 residents), Bratislava offers rich history, excellent cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great destination for visitors.
Bratislava uses the Euro as its official currency. For electricity, it uses the Type E plug system.
Public transportation
Bratislava provides some good options like buses, trams, and trolleybuses, operated by Dopravný podnik Bratislava (DPB). But there is no metro system. All tickets are time-based.
Accommodation
My hotel was located in the Obchodna street. It´s located close the the old town and a good starting point to begin to explore the city.
Sightseeing
Most of the sights are in the old town of Bratislava and in walking distance.
Hodžovo Námestie 2978/1, 811 06 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Michalská, 811 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Primaciálne Námestie, 811 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Panská 251/1, 811 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Hlavné Námestie, 811 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Primaciálne Námestie 2, 811 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Gorkého 2, 811 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Klariská, 811 03 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Rudnayovo Námestie 1, 811 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Hrad, 811 06 Bratislava, Slowakei
Most Snp, 811 02 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Einsteinova 3541/18, 851 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Sad Janka Kráľa, 851 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Obchodná, 811 06 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Námestie Nežnej Revolúcie, 811 01 Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava Hrad (Castle)
Perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River, Bratislava Castle is one of the city’s most famous symbols. Its white walls and four corner towers make it instantly recognizable. The castle has a rich history dating back to the 9th century and has been a royal residence, military fortress, and now a museum showcasing Slovak history. The panoramic views from the castle grounds are breathtaking, offering a perfect spot to admire the city skyline. Furthermore you´ll find also a garden and an interesting sculpture nearby.
Baroque Gardens
Just behind the castle lies a beautifully reconstructed Baroque Garden, inspired by 18th-century designs.
Sculpture: The witch
This eerie yet captivating bronze figure, created by artist Tibor Bartfay, depicts a woman with a haunting gaze and wind-swept hair. The sculpture is a tribute to the tragic history of witch trials in Slovakia, reminding visitors of the darker chapters of the past.
Presidential palace
The Presidential Palace (Grassalkovich Palace) is located in the heart of the city. Built in 1760 in a stunning Baroque-Rococo style, it has served as the official residence of Slovakia’s president since 1996. While the interior is not open to the public, visitors can admire the palace’s impressive facade.
Right in front of the palace stands the Peace Fountain (Fontána mieru), a striking spherical sculpture symbolizing global unity.
Michael´s Tower
Michael’s Tower (Michalská brána), the only surviving medieval gate of the city’s original fortifications. Dating back to the 14th century, this tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town from its top. Inside, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the city’s medieval defenses and weaponry.
Right beneath the tower lies the Kilometer Zero sign, a metal plaque embedded in the ground, marking distances from Bratislava to various world capitals. It’s a fun spot to check how far you are from places like Vienna, Paris, or Berlin.
Old townhall (Stará radnica)
Located in the heart of Bratislava’s Old Town, the Old Town Hall (Stará radnica). Dating back to the 14th century, it is a stunning mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, reflecting centuries of history.
The main square in front of the Old Town Hall is called Hlavné námestie (Main Square). It is the historical and cultural heart of Bratislava.
Primate´s Palace
The Primate’s Palace (Primaciálny palác) is known for its stunning pink facade and neoclassical architecture. Built in the late 18th century, it served as the residence of the Archbishop of Esztergom.
St. Martin´s Cathedral
St. Martin’s Cathedral (Dóm sv. Martina) is the largest and most important church in Bratislava, famous for its rich history and stunning Gothic architecture. Built in the 14th century, it served as the coronation church for Hungarian kings and queens for nearly 300 years.
One of its most striking features is the massive golden crown atop its tower, symbolizing its royal past. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful stained glass windows, medieval sculptures, and historic crypts.
Church and Monastery of the Poor Clares
Originally built in the 14th century, it was home to the Poor Clares, a Franciscan order of nuns who lived in strict seclusion.
One of its most unique features is the slender tower with an unusual five-sided spire, a rare architectural element. Over the centuries, the monastery served different purposes and today functions as part of the city’s cultural and artistic scene, often hosting exhibitions and events.
Historical Slovak National Theatre
Historical Slovak National Theatre is a stunning Neo-Renaissance building located on Hviezdoslav Square. Opened in 1886, it is one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks, featuring intricate architectural details and a richly decorated interior.
Cumil
One of Bratislava’s most famous and quirky attractions is Čumil, the “Man at Work” statue. Located in the Old Town, this bronze figure peeks out from a sewer, resting his chin on his hands with a mischievous smile.
Installed in 1997, Čumil has become a beloved symbol of the city, often surprising unsuspecting tourists. Some say he’s just relaxing, while others believe he’s sneakily looking up skirts 🙂
UFO Observation Deck
The UFO Observation Deck is sitting atop the SNP Bridge over the Danube River. At 95 meters high, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, Bratislava Castle, and even Austria on clear days.
The deck also features a modern restaurant serving Slovak and international cuisine, making it a perfect spot for a meal with a view.
A ticket costs around 10 EUR and you have to pay cash only.
Sad Janka Král’a (park)
Close to the UFO tower is a nice park. Sad Janka Kráľa is one of the oldest public parks in Europe, located on the Petržalka side of the Danube. Established in the 18th century, it offers peaceful tree-lined paths, sculptures, and a romantic gazebo, making it a favorite spot for relaxation.
Food and shopping
Old Market Hall (Stará tržnica)
The Old Market Hall (Stará tržnica) is a historic marketplace located in Bratislava’s Old Town. Built in 1910, this Neo-Renaissance building originally served as a bustling food market. Today, it has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and event space, hosting farmers’ markets, food festivals, concerts, and community events.
Every Saturday, locals and visitors gather here for the popular market, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, handmade goods, and a lively atmosphere.
Aupark Shopping Center
Aupark Shopping Center is a mall, located in the Petržalka district, right next to Sad Janka Kráľa Park and the Danube River. It offers a wide range of shops, from international brands to local boutiques, along with restaurants, cafés, and entertainment options.
The mall also features a cinema and play areas, making it a great spot for shopping, dining, and relaxation.
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