Top 10 in Bratislava
If you’re planning a trip to Slovakia’s capital, definitely don’t miss the top sites and places of interest that make Bratislava remarkable. Stroll the streets of the city from the historic Old Town Hall to the modern UFO Bridge.
No visit to Bratislava would be complete without taking in all these attractions. Some of them have free admission while others charge a small entrance fee and accept discount passes. But the best suggestion is to purchase the Bratislava CARD. It not only lets you travel around Bratislava for free, but the card gives you many other benefits and discounts as well.
1. Bratislava Castle
The former seat of the rulers, today the symbol of Bratislava and the seat of the Museum of History. There is a wonderful view of the city and the neighbouring countries from its 47-metre-high crown tower in which royal coronation jewels used to be deposited.
Basic entrance fee: 14 €, discount with Bratislava CARD 100 %
2. St. Martin’s Cathedral
A three-nave Gothic church from the 15th century and the former coronation church. A gilded replica of the coronation crown fixed on the top of the cathedral tower at a height of 85 metres and weighing 150 kg reminds of this glorious age.
3. Old Town Hall
The former seat of the city self-government is since 1868 the seat of the Bratislava City Museum, the oldest museum in Slovakia. After climbing up the narrow stairs leading to its 45-metre-high tower you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the Old Town.
Entrance fee, discount with Bratislava CARD 100 %
4. Primate’s Palace
A Classicist palace built in the 18th century in which the Peace of Pressburg was signed after Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz between the representatives of the French and Austrian emperors. The Palace houses a gallery depositing a unique collection of six English tapestries from the 17th century and also serves as the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava.
Entrance fee on the spot, discount with Bratislava Card City & Region 20 %
5. Eurovea Waterfront
The combination of the promenade, the shopping center, the waterfront and the theater square is an exceptional urban element. The neighbourhood, which has grown into a modern center of Bratislava, also features the new building of the Slovak National Theater, cladded with white travertine, and the Eurovea shopping center. Here you will find not only fashionable brands but also cafes or restaurants on the pleasant promenade on the Danube riverbank overlooking Bratislava Castle.
6. Grassalkovich Palace
A Rococo summer palace from the 18th century used to be known for its rich social life and a famous composer Joseph Haydn also performed here. Since 1996 it serves as the seat of the President of the Slovak Republic. Please note that the garden is in reconstruction at the moment.
7. Blue Church
The St. Elizabeth’s church built in the Art Nouveau style at the beginning of the 20th century is remarkable for the blue colour of its façade made with attention to detail with often use of mosaic. It is a popular place for weddings and baptisms.
8. Slavín
The largest war memorial in Central Europe is thanks to its height of 52 metres one of the dominating features of the city skyline. It is the burial ground of 6845 soldiers of the Soviet army who died during the liberation of Bratislava in World War II.
9. Devín Castle
A castle ruin built on a high rock towering above the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers is one of the most important historical and archaeological localities in Central Europe. Moreover, it offers enchanting natural scenery with unrepeatable views.
Entrance: April — October 8 €, November – March 4 €, discount with Bratislava CARD 100 %
The Great Moravian Mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius: May it be a map, leaflet, or book about Saints Cyril and Methodius that you come across or perhaps you will hear, right at the foot of the Devín Castle, bits of the castle’s history from an innovative infopanel, or you may simply use the Storymap, the electronic guide when travelling along the Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius, where you can learn about historical sights and places linked to the Great Moravia bearing the legacy of the Thessaloniki brothers.
10. UFO
A unique observation deck on the pylons of the SNP Bridge at a height of 95 metres with amazing views of the city and visibility of up to 100 km. It offers the most beautiful sunset combined with a culinary experience.
Entrance fee, discount with Bratislava CARD 20 %
More tips
Michael’s Gate
The only preserved gate of the city fortification system dates back to the 14th century. The upper terrace of its 51-metre-high tower provides an enchanting view of the Bratislava Castle and the Old Town.
Discount with Bratislava Card City & Region 100 %
Photo: MMB
Synagogue
The synagogue was constructed in 1923 – 1926 in the Cubist style according to the plans of the architect Artur Szalatnai-Slatinský. The permanent exhibition of the Jewish Community Museum is installed upstairs and is open to the public during the summer season.
Entrance: 6 €, discount with Bratislava CARD 50 %
Schöne Náci
A famous local eccentric who lived here in the first half of the 20th century was thanks to his elegance and kind-heartedness an integral part of the hue of the Bratislava promenade and its cafes.
Rubberneck (Čumil)
The bronze figure of a man peeping out of a canal is undoubtedly the most photographed statue in the city.
Matej Krén Passage
This unique design was installed in the Pálffy Palace (GMB) to evoke an illusion of an endless space made from books. It has been praised by many world experts and a number of visualisations and photo – graphs have been published in major fine arts journals throughout the world.
Basic entrance fee: 8 €, discount with Bratislava CARD 100 %
