Best 20 things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, might just be the most underrated city in Europe. While it's known for its charming old town and breathtaking castle, there's so much more to discover. Get your taste buds dancing by indulging in the city's traditional delicacy called "bryndzové halušky"—a mouthwatering dish that's both cheesy and potato-y. And don't forget to join the locals in their favorite pastime of cruising along the Danube, where you can catch stunning views of the city's iconic UFO Bridge, as if aliens themselves dropped by for a visit.

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1. Slavín War Memorial

4.6 (7548)

Pažického, 811 04 Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Nestled atop a hill like a proud eagle overlooking Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, you'll find the Slavín War Memorial, a monument seemingly erected to keep watch over the city's misbehaving pigeons. Standing tall and firm, it beckons tourists to come pay tribute to fallen soldiers while also taking the opportunity to do a solid bird-watching sesh. As you ascend the hill, be prepared to be amazed, not just by the stunning views of the city, but by the surprisingly nonchalant attitude of the stone soldiers, who couldn't care less about your selfies, despite their heroic deeds.

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2. Primate's Palace

4.5 (2938)

Primaciálne námestie 2, 811 01 Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Welcome to the Primate's Palace in Bratislava, where history and grandeur mix like peanut butter and jelly! Built in the 18th century, this palatial paradise screams "look at me, I'm fancy!" Prepare to dazzle your eyeballs with jaw-dropping architecture, adorned with intricate statues and embellishments that would make even the most humble monkey blush. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of artwork from famous painters, as well as a stunning Hall of Mirrors that will ensure you never leave without a quick last-minute check of your hairdo.

www.visitbratislava.com

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3. Bratislava Castle

4.5 (43674)

811 06 Bratislava-Old Town, Slovakia

Welcome to the Bratislava Castle, a piece of architectural glory that just can't help but steal the spotlight from your average fairy tale. Perched atop a hill like a boss, this castle is the ultimate "I-own-this-city" statement. With its turrets that could double as fancy ice cream cones and walls that have seen more drama than the latest Netflix series, this place puts all other castles to shame. Once inside, prepare to be blown away by the grandeur of its majestic halls, making you contemplate bringing your inflatable throne to feel right at home.

www.bratislava-hrad.sk

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4. Bratislava City Museum

4.4 (159)

1, Radničná 577, 811 01 Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Step into a time machine disguised as a museum and brace yourself to embark on a quirky journey through the rich tapestry of Bratislava's past at the Bratislava City Museum. Unearth hidden gems like forgotten toilet paper receipts from the Middle Ages, because who doesn't want to know how people wiped their nether regions back then? Feel like a detective as you examine fascinating artifacts and pretend you're Sherlock Holmes deciphering the "ancient" hieroglyphics of Bratislava's urban development. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just relish the chance to see a typewriter older than your grandma, this museum is one eccentric place that will leave you rolling in nerdy delight.

www.muzeum.bratislava.sk

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5. St. Martin's Cathedral

4.6 (6079)

Rudnayovo námestie 1, 811 01 Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Welcome to St. Martin's Cathedral in Bratislava, where history and pigeons collide to create a truly unique experience! This iconic Gothic church is like a giant medieval machine that's been teleported into the 21st century, complete with gargoyles giving side-eye to selfie sticks. Inside, you'll find jaw-droppingly tall ceilings that make you wonder if the architects had a thing for basketball or just wanted to challenge the local pigeon population to a game of aerial dodgeball.

dom.fara.sk

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6. Blue Church

4.6 (7942)

Alžbety, Bezručova 2, 811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia

Welcome to the charming city of Bratislava, where among the sea of ordinary churches, you'll stumble upon the quirky marvel known as the Blue Church. Prepare to have your eyes pop, and not just from its dazzling azure façade! This baby blue beauty, locally known as the Church of St. Elizabeth, will make you feel like you've stepped into a fairyland, where Smurfs go to confess their sins and angels have a penchant for vibrant-colored paint. Don't miss the opportunity to snap a photo of yourself striking a heavenly pose outside, because let's be honest, who wouldn't want to be the "blue sheep" of their travel album?

www.modrykostol.fara.sk

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7. Bratislava Forest Park

4.9 (37)

Mokrohájska cesta 10, 841 04 Bratislava-Karlova Ves, Slovakia

Welcome to Bratislava Forest Park - the green oasis where trees frolic, squirrels hold secret society meetings, and even the birds have their own jazz band! This urban escape offers a splendid sanctuary from the chaos of the city, where you can pretend to be a nature enthusiast while actually just looking for a great spot to have a picnic and marvel at the glorious view of the city's rooftops. So grab your hiking shoes (or at least convince your friends to wear them for extra drama), and get ready to explore a forest that will make you feel like you're in a fairytale, minus the evil witches, of course!

www.zoomapartments.sk

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8. Devin Castle

4.7 (14946)

10, Muránská 1050, 841 10 Bratislava-Devín, Slovakia

Perched on a hill, overlooking the quaint city of Bratislava, lies the majestic Devin Castle, an architectural delight for history buffs and selfie enthusiasts alike. This enchanting fortress offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience what it was like to be a medieval ruler, minus the uncomfortable armor and plague-induced shenanigans. With its crumbling walls and breathtaking views, Devin Castle is the perfect spot to indulge in some dramatic introspection, pondering the meaning of life or simply debating whether it's worth climbing all those stairs in the first place.

muzeumbratislava.sk

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9. UFO Observation Deck

4.5 (6619)

Most SNP 1, 851 01 Bratislava-Petržalka, Slovakia

Nestled in the heart of Bratislava, the UFO Observation Deck is your ticket to an out-of-this-world experience - literally! Perched atop the lofty height of the SNP Bridge, this funky metallic saucer-shaped structure promises unparalleled views of the city and beyond, making it the ultimate spot for alien aficionados and sightseeing enthusiasts alike. So, grab your binoculars, channel your inner astronaut, and embark on a gravity-defying adventure filled with panoramic vistas, quirky UFO-themed exhibitions, and a fearlessly futuristic vibe!

www.u-f-o.sk

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10. St. Elizabeth's Blue Church

4.6 (7942)

Alžbety, Bezručova 2, 811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia

Welcome to St. Elizabeth's Blue Church in Bratislava, where you'll find yourself questioning if you've accidentally wandered into a scene from a Smurf convention. This vibrant creation resembles a whimsical cartoon come to life, with its baby blue exterior and charming onion-shaped domes that make you wonder if a fairy godmother is residing within. Prepare to feel like a character in a fairytale as you immerse yourself in the magical world of this peculiar, yet undeniably enchanting, architectural gem.

www.modrykostol.fara.sk

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11. Michael's Gate

4.5 (11469)

Michalská ulica 22 806/24, 811 03 Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Nestled in the heart of Bratislava, amidst a busy street filled with souvenir shops and ice cream stands, lies the infamous Michael's Gate. This 51-meter-tall tower, with its shiny coppery roof, stands tall as a perfect backdrop for your ultimate Instagram selfie. Beware, though, as you approach this historic gate, as it has been known to possess an uncanny ability to teleport tourists straight into the medieval era, where they'll face a daunting challenge of blending in with knights and maidens.

www.visitbratislava.com

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12. Slovak National Gallery

4.5 (1217)

Námestie Ľudovíta Štúra 4, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia

Nestled in the charming city of Bratislava, the Slovak National Gallery is a hub of art, culture, and cleverly hidden fire exits. As you meander through its grand halls, you'll feel like you stumbled upon a secret modern art hideout where paintings and sculptures somehow acquired the ability to blush at your questionable fashion choices. So grab your monocle and prepare to be dazzled by this gallery's eclectic mix of masterpieces, intriguing display layouts, and a security guard who secretly moonlights as an undercover superhero.

www.sng.sk

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13. Grassalkovich Palace

4.5 (1985)

Hodžovo námestie 2978/1, 811 06 Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Welcome to the Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava, where elegance resides like a posh uncle who never skips a monocle polishing session. This regal abode, looking as fancy as a peacock with a top hat, was once home to Slovakian kings and now serves as the pad for the country's president. With its grand exterior resembling a symphony of creamy hues, it's like a postcard punch to the face, leaving you feeling momentarily surprised and oddly satisfied.

www.prezident.sk

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14. Bratislava Zoo

4.1 (9746)

Mlynská dolina 1A, 842 27 Bratislava-Karlova Ves, Slovakia

Welcome to Bratislava Zoo, where animals reign supreme and visitors come to experience a roaring good time (quite literally, at times). This delightful zoological park is located in the heart of Bratislava, providing a fantastic opportunity to witness nature's majestic miracles without embarking on a treacherous safari. Here, you can marvel at exotic creatures from all corners of the globe, with each furry or scaly resident determined to steal the spotlight – just remember to maintain your own position in the food chain!

www.zoobratislava.sk

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15. Old Town Hall

4.6 (635)

Hlavné námestie 501/1, 811 01 Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Welcome to the Old Town Hall in Bratislava, where time literally stands still, just like those outdated clocks on its picturesque tower. This charming building, resembling a gingerbread house on steroids, proudly displays centuries of architectural mishmash, impressing visitors with its innovative combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Don't let its serious façade fool you, inside lies a labyrinth of corridors, hiding secret passages rumored to lead to hidden treasure or at least a good hiding spot during hide-and-seek.

muzeumbratislava.sk

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16. Slovak National Theatre

4.7 (4594)

Pribinova 17, 819 01 Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Welcome to the Slovak National Theatre in Bratislava, where the creativity of actors is directly proportional to the size of their mustaches! Be prepared to enter a world where drama unfolds on stage, and behind the scenes, trying to find the missing costume is sometimes more thrilling than the actual performance. This marvelous theater is where local talent reigns supreme, and audiences cheer not just for the actors, but also for the maintenance crew who regularly dodges falling chandeliers.

www.snd.sk

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17. Slavín Cemetery

4.4 (60)

Staré Grunty 232/47, 841 04 Bratislava-Karlova Ves, Slovakia

Welcome to Slavín Cemetery, where even death can't resist the charm of Bratislava. This place is a quirky mix of chilling beauty and eerie tranquility, making it a must-visit for those looking to add a touch of spookiness to their Slovakian adventure. With its panoramic views of the city, Slavín is the perfect spot to take your last selfie - just make sure to do it before rigor mortis sets in!

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18. SNP Bridge

Most SNP, Bratislava, Slovakia

Welcome to SNP Bridge, also known as the UFO Bridge in Bratislava! Don't worry, there are no UFOs landing here, but the bridge indeed looks like it's ready to take off! Designed by confident architects who apparently had a secret desire to become rocket scientists, this bridge proudly showcases its unique "flying saucer" observation deck on top. Grab your camera and prepare for a selfie that will have your friends questioning your extraterrestrial encounter!

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19. Obchodná Street

4 (17)

Obchodná 811 06, 811 06 Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Welcome to Obchodná Street in beautiful Bratislava, where twisted cobblestones pave the way to a shopaholic's paradise. Brace yourselves for a charming chaos as this street embraces its lively reputation. From quirky boutiques to mouth-watering delicacies, Obchodná Street promises a delightful experience that will leave your wallet lighter but your heart full of retail therapy.

www.obchodnaulicaaokolie.sk

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20. Danube Promenade

4.7 (39)

851 01 Bratislava-Petržalka, Slovakia

The Danube Promenade in Bratislava offers you the perfect blend of picturesque views and entertaining people-watching opportunities. Stroll along the riverside and soak up the sights of charming baroque buildings, while keeping an eye out for the occasional squirrel attempting to steal your sandwich. And if you're lucky enough, you might even witness an enthusiastic street performer attempting to breakdance with a statue.

bratislava.sk

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bratislava by plane is to fly into Bratislava Airport (BTS) which is located 9 kilometers from the city center. There are many airlines that operate flights to Bratislava from various cities across Europe including Ryanair, Wizz Air and Pobeda.

Car

The best way to get to Bratislava by car is by taking the D1 motorway, which links Bratislava with other major cities in the region. Drivers can also take the E75 or E58 routes, which connect Bratislava with nearby countries.

Train

The best way to get to Bratislava by train is to take a train to Bratislava hlavná stanica, the main railway station in Bratislava. There are many trains that run to Bratislava from nearby cities

Boat

The best way to get to Bratislava by boat is by taking a river cruise along the Danube, which passes through the city. Many river cruise companies operate regular cruises to Bratislava from nearby cities like Vienna and Budapest.

Bus

The best way to get to Bratislava by bus is to take a bus to Bratislava Bus Station, which is located in the city center. There are many bus companies that operate bus routes to Bratislava from various cities across Europe.

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