A 2 day itinerary for Bratislava in Slovakia.
There it is again.. the magnificent Bratislava Castle.
Peeking through the skyline, overlooking the whole city!
The castle was just one of the many highlights of my unforgettable 2 day adventure in Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital.
Bratislava is a city brimming with history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring architecture. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences waiting for you.
Visiting during the crisp winter season added some frost to my exploration of the city!
This 2 day Bratislava itinerary is packed with practical tips and personal recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.
Whether you’re drawn to its fascinating history as part of the Eastern Bloc, or its modern day charm, this Bratislava guide will ensure your visit to the Slovakian capital is awesome!
My visit to Bratislava Castle.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
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 some of the best tourist attractions to see in Bratislava in one day, before a day based in the Old Town area:
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, in both the daytime and nighttime, 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.
Practical visiting 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.
Views from inside the castle.
St. Martin's Cathedral.
Another must-visit Bratislava point of interest is the iconic St. Martin's Cathedral.
Known for its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history, the cathedral was originally built in the 14th century, and 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.
Climbing to the top of the tower offers panoramic views of the Old Town, so it is definitely worth doing!
St Martin’s Cathedral.
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.
The church was built in 1909 and dedicated to St. Elizabeth of Hungary, the church’s design was heavily influenced by Hungarian architect Ödön Lechner, often called the "Gaudí of Hungary.
Although there isn’t really much to do inside the quirky church, it is aesthetically pleasing on the eye!
Interestingly, the church is located around some pretty dull buildings, so when it suddenly appears in the street it is very eye-catching.
Visiting the blue church is a great free activity in Bratislava!
An awesome unique building in Bratislava.
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 building.
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 that 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 most of my second day in the Old Town, starting with a beautiful breakfast and ending with sampling several local beers.
There are traditional options for cuisine and entertainment in the main square, which can keep you busy all day!
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.
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.
Here are a few recommended bars and restaurants in Bratislava’s Old Town, perfect for a bite or a drink while soaking in the atmosphere:
Hradna Hviezda – Located just near the castle with stunning views of the city, this stylish restaurant serves Slovak and European cuisine.
Kafé Scherz – A charming café and bistro right in the heart of the main square. I enjoyed a really tasty but sweet breakfast here.
Slovenská Reštaurácia – For an authentic Slovak dining experience, head to this traditional restaurant. Offering hearty local dishes like bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese), it's a must-try spot for food lovers.
Birdseye views of the main square at Christmas time.
Go and meet Cumil.
Wandering through Bratislava's Old Town, you will likely stumble upon the famous statue that goes by the name of Cumil.
This iconic bronze statue, perched cheekily at ground level, depicts a man peeking out from a manhole with a mischievous grin.
Cumil was installed in 1997 as part of a broader initiative to add character to the city’s streets, and he has become a symbol of Bratislava's quirky charm.
I saw tourists queuing for photos on both days of my weekend in Bratislava.
Cumil.
The perfect central hotel choice.
(Safe for solo travellers).
The Skaritz Hotel is an ideal choice for you to book as a solo traveller, as it is located in the Old Town, which is best area to stay in Bratislava, as it is 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 also priced very reasonably.
An 8.7/10 rating from 3000 reviews reaffirms the hotel’s great reputation!
I recommend the one bedroom apartment as it is suitable for solo travel, or if there are two of you!
In the summer, it can get very hot in Bratislava, but this hotel ensures guests remain comfortable with air conditioned rooms.
The shorter walk to the attractions in the city also helps to keep you cool!
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.
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.
I always like to visit a new European city at Christmas time and Bratislava ticked every box for an awesome festive experience!
The main Christmas market in Bratislava.
What is Bratislava famous for?
The charming capital of Slovakia is famous for its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic location along the Danube River.
The landmarks throughout the city paint a picture of its vast history.
I found the Danube to be an iconic spot in Bratislava!
An iconic spot by the Danube.
What is the vibe like in Bratislava?
Century old stories are told by the historical landmarks in the Slovakian capital.
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.
However, there are modern areas to the city, with colourful graffiti art, quirky coffee shops, and trendy bars.
If you stick to the Old Town area of the city, you will find that the Slovaks are very lively!
Modern graffiti art in Bratislava.
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.
Is Bratislava safe for solo female travellers?
Bratislava is generally considered safe for solo female travellers. The city has a low crime rate, friendly locals, and a welcoming atmosphere. Booking accommodation in and around the Old Town is a good option.
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.
A traditional Slovak restaurant.
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.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.