A 2 day itinerary for Bratislava in 2024.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a city steeped in history and culture. From its stunning architecture to its iconic landmarks, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful city.
I had the pleasure of visiting the city in winter time, which added a layer of frost and crisp to the beautiful city. This 2 day itinerary for Bratislava is based on my personal experience of the city.
I am on a mission to visit over 100 countries, so when the opportunity of a dirt cheap flight became available, I flew to Slovakia for some sightseeing around the the intriguing capital.
This guide will have some practical information to ensure your trip to the ex-Soviet city is awesome!
My visit to Bratislava Castle.
Day 1 - Sightseeing in the city.
Day 1 of your trip will be focused on exploring the awesome historical landmarks which are abundant in Bratislava.
I visited the city as a solo traveller so made sure I interacted with as many locals as possible to get a real feel for the city. I found the Slovak people to be very charming and very proud!
Proud of their turbulent history!
The capital felt medieval as I wandered around during my sightseeing jaunts.
I have found that history is very significant in all the Eastern European cities I have visited. Here are my favourite spots to go and visit, to really feel the past and learn bucket loads about Bratislava.
Bratislava Castle.
Bratislava Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River. Originally built in the 9th century, the castle has undergone many changes over the centuries, reflecting the city's tumultuous history. It has served as a royal residence, a military barracks, and even a prison. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and houses several museums, including the Slovak National Museum and the Museum of History.
Another angle of the impressive landmark.
I had a wander up to the castle’s grounds day and night to enjoy the different vibes. At night, I just walked around the grounds and enjoyed the solitude. The castle lights up the whole city at night, which offers an awesome camera shot.
I visited again in daylight as I wanted to enter the museum and learn more about the history of the region. This did not disappoint, and I spent an hour or so exploring.
Notable areas:
The Knight’s Hall.
Historical Garden.
The large gold framed mirrors for a selfie.
The Crown Tower offers fantastic views.
The treasury presents some rare unique artefacts.
Slovak National Museum.
Need to know information:
Bratislava Castle grounds opening times: 8 am - 10 pm daily.
Bratislava Castle museum opening times: 10 am - 6 pm daily except Tuesdays. (5 pm last entry).
Bratislava Castle Entrance fee: €10 (free to walk around grounds).
You can’t miss the castle on top of the hill overlooking the city, so I just keep an eye on the castle and it will guide you to it by foot.
St. Martin's Cathedral.
St. Martin's Cathedral is one of the most impressive landmarks in Bratislava, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history. Originally built in the 14th century, the cathedral has served as the coronation site for many Hungarian kings and queens. It is also the final resting place of several important historical figures, including Maria Theresa, the only female ruler of the Habsburg Empire. Today, visitors can admire the cathedral's intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and impressive altar, which are a testament to the faith and artistry of the people who built it.
The Blue Church: A Hidden Gem of Art Nouveau.
The Blue Church, also known as the Church of St. Elizabeth, is a hidden gem of Art Nouveau architecture in Bratislava. Built in the early 20th century, the church is known for its striking blue facade and intricate details, including mosaic tiles and stained glass windows. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful altar and ceiling frescoes, which depict scenes from the life of St. Elizabeth. The Blue Church is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and art history.
An awesome unique building in Bratislava.
I had a very pleasant morning when I visited the blue church. The thing I found most awesome about it was its uniqueness among the plain boring Soviet style buildings which cover most of the city.
It is very accessible by foot as Bratislava is a small city.
Need to know information:
The Blue Church opening times: 14.30 pm - 17 pm Mon/Wed/Fri (Sunday service)
The Blue Church Entrance fee: free
The UFO Tower: A Modern Icon with a View.
The UFO Tower is one of Bratislava's most recognisable landmarks, and for good reason. This modern structure, built in the 1970s, offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck, which is located 95 meters above ground. Visitors can take an elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Bratislava's Old Town, the Danube River, and the surrounding countryside. The UFO Tower also houses a restaurant and bar, making it a great spot for a meal or a drink with a view.
For more information on the observation deck, restaurant and summer skywalk please have look on the official website:
Vyhliadková veža UFO (u-f-o.sk)
Other notable sightseeing spots in Bratislava are:
Devin Castle ruins.
Slavin (Soviet war memorial).
Old Town Hall.
Slovak Radio Building (upside-down pyramid).
Freedom Square.
Slovak Parliament.
Presidential Palace (Grassalkovich Palace).
I found choosing 3/4 of these landmarks fills your day nicely and gets plenty of steps in!
Eastern bloc style architecture and advertisement.
Day 2 - The Old Town.
If a more charming day is on your agenda, then look no further than the historical old town. The main square is a good place to start with loads of quirky coffee shops, bars and traditional restaurants in the vicinity.
It is one of the biggest draws to the city for many tourists.
I spent a most of my second day in the Old Town, starting with a beautiful breakfast and ending with sampling several local beers.
On top of the Old Town Hall.
One of the favourite parts of my time spent in the Old Town was heading to the top of the Old Town Hall for birds eye views of the main square of Bratislava. This was enhanced by the Xmas market stalls and crowds of people enjoying the festivities.
Birdseye views of the main square at Christmas time.
Need to know information:
Bratislava Old Town Hall Tower opening times: 10 am - 6 pm Tues-Sun.
Bratislava Old Town Hall Tower Entrance fee: €8
The Perfect Central Hotel Choice.
The Skaritz Hotel is an ideal choice for you to book as it is located in the Old Town area very close to the landmarks and bars/restaurants. The hotel can be reached by foot easily from all areas of the city and it is priced very reasonably.
Hotel Skaritz in Bratislava Old Town.
Are you visiting Bratislava at Christmas time?
If you are visiting Bratislava in late November or the month of December, then you will be lucky to catch the annual Christmas markets. The main locations are the three squares throughout the city; Hlavné Námestie (Main Square), Hviezdoslav Square and Františkánske Square.
So, are the Christmas markets in Bratislava worth visiting? The answer is a resounding yes - if you love traditional street food, alcohol and have an urge to try some Slovakian desserts (Still dreaming of the delightful smells which filled the air around the stalls).
Hlavné Námestie is the best spot in Bratislava to feel the festive spirit, filled with large lit up Christmas trees and a stage which hosts regular concerts, making it easy to immerse in the spirit of Christmas, even if it is freezing cold!
I always like to visit a new European city at Christmas time and Bratislava ticked every box for an awesome festive experience!
What is the vibe like in Bratislava?
Stories are told, dating back many centuries by historical landmarks. More recently, the socialist architecture in a multitude of spots throughout the primitive city illustrate the communist era. Surviving communist monuments are further evidence of the iron curtain days.
In contrast, prouder landmarks in Bratislava are dotted around the old town - dating back to the 18th and 19th century. Modern bistros and coffee shops are also situated throughout Bratislava’s old town, signifying a move towards other modern European nations.
The building graffiti art spread in different neighbourhoods offers another dimension of character to the city, which it is certainly crying out for in large segments.
A trip to the Slovak capital certainly offers different perspectives on the city’s history and the direction the people want to move towards in the future. It felt as though I was stuck in a passage of time, similar to my trips to Vilnius (Lithuania), and Riga (Latvia). The communist days are still very much lingering in large sections of the city.
What is the best way to travel around Bratislava?
A very common question from visitors to the Slovak capital is, how do I get around Bratislava? The simple answer is - Trams! Tram life has been a feature of Bratislava’s infrastructure since 1895, when the electrical system was opened.
You can’t cross the road or turn the corner without one of the famous red trams passing you by. The Slovak capital is a relatively small city and the tram network is very efficient, therefore, it is definitely the best way to get around Bratislava.
A famous red tram moving through Bratislava.
When is the best time to visit Bratislava?
Due to Bratislava’s centrally eastern location within Europe, its climate is prone to short, hot summers, but chilly winters. I visited during the early days of December which was freezing cold. Although I got to experience the Christmas markets I would not advise a visit at this time of year.
Spring time is the most pleasant time to visit Bratislava, with cooler temperatures through the day, plus it’s manageable for activities during the night.
Graffiti building art off the beaten track in Bratislava.
Is Bratislava safe?
I felt safe at all times during my stay in Bratislava. I visited less touristy spots to get the feel of the true identity of the Slovak capital. There were parked police cars with officers watching the world go by within the city, in various spots. As I wandered, this gave me an extra sense of security.
The old town is also covered in security cameras, furthermore, crime rates are very low within the Slovakian capital. As long as you stay aware, as in most cities you will be fine and have a great time exploring Bratislava.
More cheerful building graffiti art in Bratislava.
Is the food cheap in Bratislava?
If you are looking for a bargain bite to eat, then Bratislava has some beautiful traditional restaurants.
The Slovakian cuisine is priced very reasonable, even near the tourist spots.
I also found several Asian restaurants, which were also priced much lower than some more established European cities.
Traditional Slovakian cuisine is heavily influenced by its many surrounding neighbours. Meat and cabbage feature heavily on the menus. A few distinct dishes of Slovakia are:
Kapustnica (Cabbage soup).
Gulášová polievka (Goulash).
Vyprážaný rezeň (Schnitzel).
Zemiakové placky (Potato pancakes).
Pick a traditional place and choose your favourite dish. My personal favourite was Goulash.
Menu showing traditional Slovakian cuisine.
Is Alcohol expensive in Bratislava?
The price of a beer is the metric used for many visitors judging the cost of International cities. Bratislava is on the cheaper side of places I have visited throughout Europe. Slightly cheaper than Nearby Prague and Budapest for local beer.
You can find local draught beers for around €2 if you find the right bars. Expect to pay prices more in line with more established European cities in the tourist spots, or down by the river.
Is Bratislava worth visiting?
The city is definitely still recovering from its days in the Soviet-era, however, Bratislava is awakening and heading towards a more modern way of life, like its surrounding international neighbours. Bratislava is enriched with heritage that will live on forever through its proud people, and many famous landmarks. If you are in search of picturesque postcard snaps, then the medieval capital is the perfect place for you.
Bratislava is not on many visitor’s radars as it is still in the shadows of its neighbouring capitals, however, it makes a great day trip from Vienna, and other surrounding cities.
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