10 Best Things to Do in Bratislava and Useful Travel Tips
If you’re planning to visit Bratislava, this travel guide will guarantee that you have the most magical time in this quaint city of Slovakia. We will cover where to say, where & what to eat, how to plan your time and the best things to do in Bratislava.
Bratislava lies on the borders of Austria and Hungary. That makes the city the only capital in the world that borders two independent countries. And it means that you can easily reach it from Vienna and Budapest.
I’m sure you have seen photos of beautiful Bratislava Castle, however, there are more things to see and do in Bratislava and I’m going to help you discover them.
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Is Bratislava worth visting?
Maybe you are still trying to understand if it is worth visiting Bratislava? Take a look at this article. I believe that these photos can get you excited and convince you to visit Bratislava. I share the exact location of every photo, so you can save these places and create your own photos as well. Have a look and come back to this article, so I can help you plan your time in Bratislava.
How many days in Bratislava?
Now, let’s figure out how many days you should stay in Bratislava. Just to give you an idea, I managed to do all these things in one full day, but I did spend a night in Bratislava. We arrived quite late, so stayed in and started our day early, had to catch the bus back to Budapest later in the evening.
Let’s put it like this. You can see all the main attractions in one day in Bratislava, but if you like to take your time 2 full days or a weekend in Bratislava would be the best option. Initially, that was my plan, but we arrived later than expected and managed to squeeze our to-do list into a one-day itinerary.
On our way back, we met a couple who did a day trip to Bratislava from Budapest, joined a walking tour, and ticked off all the main attractions in half day.
Where to stay in Bratislava?
Bratislava is the largest city in Slovakia, but one of the smallest capitals in Europe. This means that you can walk almost anywhere – especially between the main attractions that we will cover in this article.
I chose to stay near Michael’s Gate at Palace Apartments and I can say that location was excellent! Apart from that, self-check-in was smooth and the apartment was great. They have different apartments available and prices vary from 50 to 100 euros per night which is a good deal for Bratislava. Can only recommend it!
You can book your stay at Palace Apartments here.
What to do in Bratislava?
Now, it’s time to get to the exciting part, and let’s talk about the top 10 things to do in Bratislava. You don’t need to book anything in advance, but you need to be prepared and plan the things that you want to add to your Slovakian itinerary. I believe you will find multiple fun things to do in Bratislava that you shouldn’t miss.
Have breakfast in the most beautiful cafe in Bratislava
First things first. You have a long day ahead, so make sure you fuel up your energy and start with a breakfast in Cukráreň Konditorei Kormuth. Hands down, this is one of the most beautiful cafes that I have ever seen and I have seen many. It’s a place where history, culture, and traditions meet.
They serve high-quality cakes following the original recipes from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Everything is served on historical porcelain and makes you feel like part of the royal family.
But the best part is the original interior that dates back to the 16th century. The rooms are decorated with paintings and frescoes in the Renaissance style and are thematically focused on the history of Bratislava. I was truly speechless when I found this place online, but it gets even better in real life.
As you can imagine, it’s not a cheap breakfast place. But it feels like you are visiting a beautiful museum in Bratislava. For reference, we paid 20 euros for 2 slices of cake and 2 coffees.
Explore the old town of Bratislava
Most of the things from this article are located in the old town, but I still want you to wander around and get lost in the small streets of this beautiful capital. Sometimes we focus so much on the main attractions that we miss remote corners and hidden gems. As you wander around, make sure you pay attention and get away from the main streets and squares.
Don’t miss Primates Palace which is one of the most beautiful places in Bratislava. Unique pink tones make it stand out and Hall of Mirrors will leave you speechless.
Stop to appreciate the Slovak National Theater, spend some time in Hlavné námestie or the main square of Bratislava, and walk until the Old Cathedral of Saint John of Matha and Saint Felix of Valois.
If you are visiting Bratislava on the weekend, visit The Old Market Hall and get some local souvenirs straight from the locals.
Go up to Michael’s Gate
I have to warn you straight away that Michael’s Gate is under construction and not open for visitors until the end of 2022. This means that I missed this experience, but I simply had to include this Bratislava Travel Guide. It was the thing that I wanted to do the most, so imagine my disappointment.
The tower is 51 meters long and offers wonderful views over Bratislava. If you like photography, you will find a beautiful view of Michael’s Gate from Michalská street – don’t miss this photo spot in Bratislava.
Michael’s Gate is the last standing gate in Bratislava and you certainly will use it at some point when wandering around the old town of Bratislava. It holds The Museum of Arms and for a small fee, you can visit the top of the tower for some panoramic views of the old town. Also, the museum is currently closed, but I will update this article once the works are over.
As an alternative, I can suggest Stará Radnica – it’s a museum inside the Old Town Hall that gives you access to the tower. Wonderful view of the Main Square and Bratislava Castle and colorful roofs of Bratislava. From what I understand, it’s an unusual thing to do in Bratislava.
Find The Blue Church
The striking baby-blue church was designed in the art nouveau style in the early 1900s. It used to be a hidden gem of Bratislava, but now I see more and more visitors stopping by. It is only 10 minutes away from the Main Square but already feels way more residential than the rest of the main attractions. On your way, you will see more colorful buildings and art nouveau details, so pay attention.
Inside the church, you will find the same blue color theme, so I highly suggest you pay a visit and appreciate the beauty inside. Just make sure you check the opening time before you visit.
I call this 50 shades of blue – and add one more shade if you are visiting on a clear day with a beautiful blue sky surrounding the church. Every photographer’s paradise, so you better bring your camera with you.
Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral and lively Židovská street
St. Martin’s Cathedral is another famous attraction of Bratislava that you shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the biggest churches in entire Slovakia and has a lot of history. You can also visit the underground tunnel and see the crypt with the catacombs. Keep in mind, that it is not open for visitors during a religious ceremony, so you might have to wait or come back later.
Near the entrance, you will find a stunning view of Bratislava Castle. That’s another great photo spot in Bratislava, don’t miss your chance.
After visiting St. Martin’s Cathedral, head to Židovská street. This street offers a wonderful view of the Cathedral. If you need a break before heading up to Bratislava Castle, this is the perfect place – a lot of coffee shops and wineries. Take a look at the House of the Good Shepherd once you are there.
See the gardens of Bratislava Castle
To arrive at Bratislava Castle, you have multiple options. If you are on Židovská street, you can climb up Beblavého street – this is going to be a steep walk, but get you to the Castle very fast. The alternative is Zámocká Street – the walk will be longer, but very easy to climb without stairs. Of course, you can grab a taxi if you are feeling lazy.
Baroková záhrada or gardens are free of charge and a wonderful place for your afternoon walk. Bonus is the stunning panorama view over the city. If you are interested in history, you can visit the castle and learn more about history and traditions. The visit will take you 1 hour and the entrance fee is 6 euros. Make sure you check opening times.
But even if you are not planning to visit the museum, it’s very nice to walk around the castle and see the gardens.
Have a “selfieccino” at Café Five Points
Maybe you are wondering what “selfieccino” is? You will have to stop at Café Five Points to find it out. They have a special coffee machine that can paint anything on your drink. The main idea is to take a selfie and put it on your coffee. As you can see, I opted for some Bratislava views, but it’s up to you to decide.
Maybe it has nothing to do with Bratislava or Slovakia, but it’s a cool experience and something that I haven’t seen before. Also, great coffee break considering that you have a busy day and a packed itinerary for Bratislava. And I guess it’s not something that you will find in other Bratislava Travel Guides.
Don’t miss the man at work and other sculptures of Bratislava
In Bratislava Old Town you will find many interesting sculptures that attract visitors. The most popular one is Čumil or Man at Work on Panská street. Čumil for the reference means ‘watcher’, so that’s exactly what he does all day long.
Once you arrive, you will notice that the top of his head has been touched a lot. That’s because you can make a wish while you rub his head and the wish will come true if you manage to keep your wish a secret. No harm in trying, right? Others say you need to grab him by the nose!
It is actually more than 20 years old and one of the main attractions of Bratislava. Other statues that you will find around Bratislava: Paparazzi, Schöner Náci, and Napoleon’s Soldier. Make sure you check them all!
Enjoy traditional Slovak food at Koliba Kamzík Bratislava
Before coming to Bratislava, I did my research because I wanted to try something local and traditional. Let’s be honest, Slovak cuisine is not world-famous and it’s hard to find Slovak restaurants abroad, so I had to get into it!
Koliba Kamzík Bratislava offers a lot of local dishes and I bet you have never heard these before. Most of the recipes include dumplings, pierogis, cabbage, meat, and sour cream. Also, most of the dishes are full of carbs. In fact, it reminds me of Latvian cuisine, so kinda felt like home!
Also, learn from my mistakes and don’t order too many things. One dish will be more than enough. And you don’t forget about local wine and beer. I never heard anything about Slovak wine, but I actually really enjoyed it. The price range is from 10 to 25 euros per person.
Hunt the best views over Bratislava Castle
Last and my favorite thing to do in Bratislava is hunting for the views over Bratislava Castle. If you love photography, Bratislava Castle is certainly the most picturesque place in Bratislava, but the question is, how to capture it? Well, as always, I did my research and visited some spots, but wanted to share with you only the best spot.
I suggest you head to Parking UFO and take the stairs that lead you to the path right next to the Danube river. From there, head direction to Aušpic Restaurant. Once you are on the left side of the bridge, you will see an amazing view of Bratislava Castle.
I highly suggest visiting this place at the end of the long day and catching the sunset here. It’s not a crowded place and has some benches around, so you can sit down and take in the beautiful scenery as the sun goes down.
In conclusion…
I hope you enjoyed this article and all these fun things to do in Bratislava. And I believe this list will help you plan your time in Bratislava and make the best of your trip. If you are looking for the best photo locations, take a look at this.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
Pin it for later and make sure you save the best things to do in Bratislava.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
I am going to Bratislava in a month and I just made a list of places to see and visit there…your blog is very helpful.
Your pictures are beautiful and you look wonderful in your wonderful dresses! Now, I want to sightsee in a dress 🙂
Oh, that’s exciting! I hope you will enjoy Bratislava and I’m glad I could help ❤️ That’s so kind of you! Don’t forget to pack at least one special dress ☺️
Bratislava is so gorgeous! I only spent a day here and now I have great ideas when I go back.
That makes me so happy! Hopefully soon 😍
I love the architecture in Bratislava. The artistry of the interiors is classic. I didn’t realize how close this city is to Austria and Hungary.
Glad to read that you discovered something new! And I hope you can visit Bratislava soon!
Such a beautiful place! I love the Blue Church. I really hope I get the chance to visit one day!!
Fingers crossed! I hope so too! ❤️
Now I want to visit! There are so many things to do in bratislava! So beautiful!
Yay, makes me so happy to read that! ❤️
Bratislava is so much more colorful than I expected it to be! Your beautiful photos make it come to life – great post!
Thank you so much! You are right, all those colorful pastel tones make Bratislava very pretty 😍
I’ve heard that Slovakia is beautiful & Bratislava definitely looks like a city I’d love to visit. The Cukráreň Konditorei Kormuth cafe may be expensive but WOW, it’s so beautiful! As always your pictures are gorgeous and you’ve filled me with inspiration. Thank you!
Oh, thank you so much, Linda Jane! I’m glad you like it ❤️ And you are right! Also, it almost feels like visiting a museum, so worth all the money!
Wow, the pictures look amazing, especially the Blue Church. The Bratislava Castle seems unreal. I would definitely try and visit one day!
Right? I’m glad to hear that! And thank you ❤️
I didn’t realize you could see so much in just one day in Bratislava. I would prefer a bit longer, but it’s really good to know it’s that easy to get around. Also, that breakfast looks incredible!
Some people can manage it as a day trip! But I have to take photos, so it certainly adds some extra time to my itinerary!
The food looks amazing. (I want pictures in my coffee cup!) I love the blue church. I had no idea that Bratislava would be so amazing. Thank you for sharing!
It’s my pleasure! And hopefully you can discover the beauty of Bratislava one day as well 🙂
I have been to Budapest and to Vienna MANY times, but never to Bratislava. Seems like I missed a great stop! The city looks so charming. I love the blue church and the amazing pastry shop with Rennaissance frescos. The coffee shop where they can put any photo into the froth is also spectacular!
Sounds like someone needs to go back again and this time add Bratislava to the travel itinerary as well! I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
We had a busy day in Bratislava and really loved it. But your post shows why we need to go back and see more. We would definitely plan to start our day at Cukráreň Konditorei Kormuth. And plan a stop for a “selfieccino”.
Sounds like a plan! And sounds like you would really enjoy your time in Bratislava even after you have been there already!
Bratislava looks so beautiful and a city I’d love to explore! The architecture is incredible and that blue church is so eye catching. I would definitely want to visit that gorgeous cafe as I’ve never seen one so pretty. It would be fun to search for all the cool statues around the city too!
Sounds like you would really love Bratislava and wandering around the old town! Hopefully you can manage to visit soon!
oh my gosh! All of these photos are incredible. that blue church is so picturesque. Would love to make it here one day.
Hopefully you can do that soon! Thank you so much, Melissa ❤️
Bratislava looks stunning. A city I’ve been excited to visit for a while, especially given how easy it seems to be to get to both Vienna and Budapest too (2 other cities I want to visit). The buildings are so pretty, and it’s good to know how walkable it is
Wow, Bratislava looks stunning! I would absolutely love to start my day with breakfast at Cukráreň Konditorei Kormuth – what a gorgeous venue! I’d also love to explore the beautiful gardens at Bratislava Castle. Definitely putting this gorgeous destination on my bucket list! 🙂
It’s more like a museum if you ask me haha. And makes me so happy you discovered something new. Hope you can visit soon!
Wow you really make me travel by reading this article. I very often go to Budapest because my fiancé is native from there so next time I’ll make sure to squeeze a day trip or weekend to this magical city. Thank you for all the great info, I really loved this guide!
I also made a short trip from Budapest and I’m so glad I did. Honestly, I had doubts at first. Also, take bus over train and you will save time on border control!
So many cool things on this list to do! I’d love to walk the gardens at the castle, visit the baby blue church, have breakfast at the café, and I really want to experience the selfieccino. I learned more about Bratislava and I’m interested in visiting!
That makes me very happy! And I really hope you can visit Bratislava soon 😍
The architecture is amazing. I’d love to check out the castle, so beautifully captured. The coffee art is a great idea too.
The palace apartments look amazing! I would love to stay there and feel to fancy, almost like you’re taken back in time!
Glad you like it! I can only recommend the place 😍
Love the photography and the recommendations in your post! I can’t wait to one day try the coffee shop – that was a highlight for us!
Thank you! I’m so glad to hear that… and hopefully you can visit soon!
Wow! This looks like a beautiful gem of a place to visit. And a selfieccino? As a coffee lover, this alone makes me want to visit! Thanks so much for sharing!
Don’t miss selfieccino then! And I hope you can visit Bratislava soon 😍 Thanks, Gail!
It sounds like an utterly Charming place to visit and one we would not have considered before reading this so thanks for much for sharing! And beautiful photographs!
Thank you so much! And so happy you discovered something new! Hopefully you can visit soon 😍
One of my main regrets from my Europe trip was missing out on Bratislava! Will definitely have to go back and visit one day. Thanks for the amazing guide.
Well, maybe next time?! Sounds like I convinced you to visit Bratislava, so certainly next time 😍
Oh my goodness! A selfieccino?! Yes, please! What a fantastic idea! But seriously – Bratislava looks like a dream.
Haha it was very cool! And seem like you would love it 😍
Love this ultimate guide on the top things to do in Bratislava. I would love to wander the streets of this quaint destination and take in all that beautiful architecture.
Thank you so much! Sounds like you should visit Bratislava once you get the chance 😍
Who knew you could get a selfieccino? And in Bratislava nonetheless! What a cool idea. Your guide was fantastic. It sounds like a charming place to visit.
Yes, it was such a cool discovery! And I have never seen anything like that. Glad you like it, really hope it can help visitors to make the most of Bratislava 😍
I’ve never heard of Batislava. Interesting how this city borders two countries. I loved the idea of the selfieccino that’s quite creative!
I would like to think that it’s a hidden gem of Europe! And hopefully more and more people can discover it 🤗
The Blue Church is like something out of a fairytale– gorgeous! Also I completely agree with you when you encourage folks to go a little off the beaten paths. There are so many hidden gems, if you only take a moment to look!
Wandering around the streets is the best! And yet, a lot of people forget that. Glad you liked it, Lisa ❤️
Wow. I am sold! I have never considered travelling to Bratislava, but I have to revisit this because the city looks great. I enjoyed discovering the city with you and want to visit Café Five Points. The details of the prints are amazing!
It certainly deserves a quick trip! And the good thing is… you can combine it with other European capitals. So happy to read your feedback ❤️
Wow!! This looks absolutely beautiful – another place to add to my bucket list. Also, I’m in love with your photography – you seriously have the best photos!!
That’s so kind of you Melissa! Took me many years of practice but I love photography so means a lot ❤️ Hope you can visit soon!
This looks fantastic. We are hoping to be able to travel to Europe again in 2023 and Slovakia is on our list. As always, you have captured Bratislava beautifully!
Thank you so much, Jenn! I really hope it works out for you and you can visit Europe next year ❤️
Wow Bratislava looks amazing! I’m planning on a trip this summer as I’ll be back in Europe for a month and this may have given me a new idea for my destination! Thank you Lasma!
Love from French Guiana,
Anita
So glad to hear that, hope you can combine it with the rest of your itinerary! I’m sure you won’t regret it. And thank you so much, Anita, so kind of you!
Slovakia is on my bucket list for sure! It looks super dreamy! I can’t wait to visit 🙂
I’m sure you would love it, so hopefully soon 😍
I love so many things about this post. 1.) The Blue Church 😍 just wow. 2.) Your beautiful purple dress 💜 3.) Cukráreň Konditorei Kormuth…. holy wow. SO pretty and would love to visit. Great post girl.
Aww you are so sweet!! Thanks, Chelsea, so happy you liked it 😘
The city of Bratislava has been captured perfectly. What a wonderful collection of images! I appreciate you sharing this. Thank you
It’s my pleasure! And feedback like that is so encouraging! Thank you for that ❤️
So I do not even drink coffee, but I think I would still have to get a selfieccino just for the experience. What a unique idea!
Haha totally!! And I don’t even remember if it was good, but it was super cool to try it!
Fantastic guide on the best things to do in Bratislava! I enjoyed walking the old town and climbing up to castle to see all the city! Bratislava was such a pleasant surprise! Well done, Lāsma
I couldn’t agree more! Thank you, Flavio ❤️