12 Interesting Things to Do in Bratislava (2024)

Do you know what attracted me to Bratislava the most?

Its name. I love saying it to myself – BRAT-IS-LAVA, BRAT-IS-LAVA, BRAT-IS-LAVA. Isn’t it satisfying?

If you say it over and over again it begins to sound like a football chant. Before you know it, you’ll be clapping your hands to every syllable. Or is that just the Northern hooligan in me?

You’re probably thinking its name alone isn’t a reason to visit, and you’d be right. I like the name Buster, but a guy would need more than a cool name for me to agree on a date. However, I’m also a believer that a little bit of blind faith can be a good thing, and that was my attitude before visiting Bratislava, a city I knew little about.

I didn’t have much of a reason to go to be honest, but I didn’t have a reason not to go either. I knew Bratislava was a popular place for stag and hen dos, but surely the city had more to offer than cheap booze? With this in mind, I created myself a little challenge: to see what the city could offer me over the course of two nights, which is probably the average length of time a tourist stays in the city.

Unlike neighbouring cities, Budapest and Vienna, which are firm favourites on the European tourist route, Bratislava doesn’t really get the same attention. However, I soon discovered that even though it may be smaller, and it might not have the volume of attractions mentioned in the aforementioned, it certainly has charm and some really interesting things to see and do.

Here, I’ve put together a list of my favourite things to do in Bratislava, and I’d like to share them with you.

1. Admire the quirky Blue Church

I’ve seen some unusual churches in my time and this is one of them. Also known as the Church of St Elizabeth, it looks more like a wedding cake than a place of worship.

Built in the early twentieth century, the church reflects an Art Nouveau style of architecture, playfully combined with oriental, Romanesque, and classical features.

It’s consecrated to Elisabeth of Hungary who was a medieval princess and saint, a native of Bratislava, who risked her position by giving charity to the poor.

Inside, the blue pews and paintwork certainly maintains the whimsical and thematic colour inside the church. If this were my local church, it might persuade me to attend a service more often!

2. Explore the pretty Old Town

With its cobbled streets, colourful pastel buildings, narrow alleyways and clock tower, Bratislava’s preserved medieval centre is every bit the postcard.

Whittle away the hours by wandering down the the quaint old streets and browsing the independent shops and stalls. There are lots of lovely cafes and restaurants to choose from, or why not grab a bench for a spot of people watching in the Main Square?

3. Day trip to Devin Castle

Devin Castle turned out to be my favourite attraction in Bratislava, and I almost didn’t visit. In a chance encounter, I met an artist called Jozef and ask me if I wanted to go there with him. It wasn’t on my radar, but since it wasn’t far away, I figured why not? Well I’m glad I took him up on his offer, because the ruins and the surrounding area is stunning, absolutely stunning.

The well-preserved ruin is noted for its maiden tower which looks to be precariously balancing on a rock. It’s a striking vision, made all the better due to its stunning geographical position, offering panoramic views of the Danube and Morava rivers.

Ensure to explore the surrounding area, where you’ll also find artistic installations in memory of the iron curtain. If you’re looking for a longer walk, I recommend the 4km countryside walk to Sandberg.

To get there you need to catch the no.28 bus and you’ll be in the small town of Devin in no less than 15 minutes. If you prefer, you could also grab an Uber / Taxi. Once you arrive you just need to follow signs for the castle.

4. Walk over the UFO bridge

Sure, it may not be as beautiful as the ones you’ll find in Venice but it’s imposing, and certainly unique.

The bridge, also known as SNP Bridge, was built in late 1960s and early ’70s at the height of Communist excess, in honor of the 1944 resistance movement against the Nazi forces. The very retro-futuristic appearance was inspired by the optimistic futurism of the 1960s.

The UFO structure actually houses a restaurant, I’m not personally sure what the food is like, but I’ve read it’s supposed to be one of the best in Bratislava. It also guarantees stunning views over city and beyond.

5. Visit the Slovak National Gallery

One of Slovakia’s largest art galleries, located by the Danube with a view of the UFO Bridge, you’ll have the chance to see all kinds of artistic mediums from sculpture to photography by a wide range of artists.

I also recommend having lunch at the gallery. During my visit to Budapest and Bratislava I was beginning to feel quite starved of healthy vegetarian food, so was happy to find a few really nice vegetarian dishes on their menu.

6. Look our for Cumil & other statues

Bratislava’s most well-loved statues all have rather cheeky personas. The most famous is Cumil, a man whose upper body peaks out from the sewer. Due to his ankle-length height it wouldn’t surprise me if Cumil has unwittingly tripped a few people over, and more than once he has been damaged by cars.

Nobody is quite sure what the man is up to – popular opinions include cleaning the sewer, and rather naughtily looking up women’s skirts. I’ll leave it up to you to make up your own mind! 

In the Old Town you’re also likely to bump into Schone Naci – The stuff of Bratislava legends, Naci was a well-known local man in the early 20th century. A Poor yet excessively eccentric man, he paraded the streets of Bratislava in old, but elegant attire, greeting passers-by with his top-hat and bowing courteously to ladies passing by. I think every city has a few of these characters!

7. Capture the views from Bratislava Castle

Residing on the top of an incline, the huge white building with four corner towers across the whole city, beckoning for attention. I didn’t have time to go inside so instead admired the views of the city, nearby Austria, and supposedly on a clear day you can see as far as Hungary!

8. St Michael’s Gate and Tower

One of the oldest buildings in Bratislava, Michael’s Gate is the only remaining city gate from the medieval fortifications.

It is located on the top of the Michalska Street, a busy area with lots of cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and historic architecture. The top floor of the tower offers lovely views across the Old Town. Don’t miss it.

9. Slovak Radio Station

If you’re into architecture with a penchant for Brutalism, don’t miss this gravity defying building located near the train station. 

You might also like → Concrete Elegant: Where to Find Brutalist Architecture in Paris

10. Relax in the Sculpture Park behind Grassalkovich Presidential Palace

I always need to seek out green spaces when I’m in a city and the sculpture park which resides rather modestly behind Grassalkovich Presidential Palace (dubbed the White House) is a little haven away from the crowds. It’s a relatively small park, but a charming one.

You’ll find a striking contrast between traditional and contemporary sculptures from a variety of local and international artists.

11. Take a trip to Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum

If you want to immerse yourself in even more outdoor art, the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum is the place to go. Located on a peninsula in the Danube River, approximately 15 km south of Bratislava, it offers a stunning combination of contemporary art, beautiful landscapes, and architectural delights.

How to get there: You can take bus number 90 from the city centre to Čunovo. From the Čunovo stop, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can catch a 25-minute taxi/Uber or drive. 

12. Plan a day-trip to Vienna

Vienna is an hour by train from Bratislava and I couldn’t recommend enough visiting these cities together. Trains run frequently and you can book your ticket online via Trainline. 

Each city is completely different, and yet they compliment one another extremely well. Vienna is large and very international, whereas Bratislava is comparatively small and quaint. Where Vienna is the epitome of elegance, Bratislava is quirkier and more unassuming.

Tip for budget travellers: Often travellers stay in Vienna and visit Bratislava on a day trip. However, budget travellers will find it much more affordable doing it the other way around by staying Bratislava and visiting Vienna on a day trip.

And if you do want a beer…

Although I’ve recommended things to do beyond drinking, I also recommend trying the beer. It’s pretty darn good! The best place for it is 100 pív which specialised in locally brewed craft beer.

Where to stay in Bratislava

Accommodation: Hotels in Bratislava are comparatively cheaper than Budapest and Vienna. Your money goes further so you might want to treat yourself to somewhere a little fancier than usual. If that’s the case Marrol’s Boutique Hotel offers a 5-star experience.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for somewhere more budget-friendly, City Center Best Place Apartments provides great value for location and comfort.

Further inspiration: Why not combine your trip to Bratislava with Budapest and Vienna? That’s exactly what I did and had the most fantastic time. It’s the perfect little train journey.

Read more → Getting the train between Budapest, Bratislava & Vienna.

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