Bratislava
Photo by Ferdinand Stöhr on Unsplash
Updated, June 2023
City
Bratislava is Slovakia’s capital city, located on the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. It has a rich history and a picturesque old town with Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture.
You may see Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the Blue Church. The city offers a thriving nightlife culture, complete with exciting bars and clubs.
Take a walk along the Danube promenade, eat traditional Slovak food, and shop at local markets. Because Bratislava is so close to Vienna, it is a popular day trip destination. Its small size allows for convenient exploration on foot.
Getting In & Around
Getting in
Bratislava Airport:
9 km from Bratislava city centre, address: Ivanská cesta, 820 01 Bratislava, Slovakia, web: www.bts.aero, phone: +421 2 3303 3353, email: [email protected],
How to reach city center
Bus: Take Bus No. 61. Tickets cost approximately €1.20 and can be purchased from the driver. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. The fare to the city center is approximately €15-€20, depending on the distance and traffic. Car Rental: Rental cars are available at the airport.
alternatively visitors arriving from vienna airport visit here
See & Do
Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský hrad)
About: A historic castle perched on a hill offering panoramic views of the city and the Danube River. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tickets: Admission fee applies. Prices vary based on the exhibition. Address: Žižkova 48/2, 811 04 Bratislava, Slovakia, Website: www.bratislava.sk/bratislavsky-hrad, Phone: +421 2 5441 1444, How to reach: Easily accessible by foot or public transportation from the city center.
St. Martin’s Cathedral (Katedrála svätého Martina)
About: A Gothic cathedral known for its impressive architecture and historic significance. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Tickets: Admission fee applies. Prices vary based on the type of ticket. Address: Rudnayovo námestie 1, 811 01 Bratislava, Slovakia, Website: www.katedrala.sk, Phone: +421 2 593 59 011, How to reach: Located in the Old Town, easily accessible by foot from the city center.
Michael’s Gate (Michalská brána)
About: The only preserved medieval gate in Bratislava, offering panoramic views from its tower. Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tickets: Admission fee applies. Prices vary based on the type of ticket. Address: Michalská ulica 22, 811 03 Bratislava, Slovakia, Website: www.muzeum.bratislava.sk, Phone: +421 2 5920 1611, How to reach: Located in the Old Town, easily accessible by foot from the city center.
Slovak National Theatre (Slovenské národné divadlo)
About: A renowned theater showcasing opera, ballet, and drama performances. Opening hours: Performance times vary. Check the schedule on the website. Tickets: Ticket prices vary depending on the performance and seating. Address: Pribinova 17, 811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia, Website: www.snd.sk, Phone: +421 2 2047 2111, How to reach: Located near the city center, easily accessible by foot or public transportation.
Devin Castle (Hrad Devín)
About: A medieval castle ruin situated on a cliff overlooking the Danube River. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tickets: Admission fee applies. Prices vary based on the type of ticket. Address: Muránska 10, 841 10 Devín, Slovakia, Website: www.hraddevin.sk, Phone: +421 2 6573 0105, How to reach: Located outside the city center. Accessible by bus or boat from Bratislava.
Grassalkovich Palace (Grasalkovičov palác)
About: The official residence of the President of Slovakia, known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. Opening hours: The palace grounds are open to the public; however, entry to the interior is limited to special events and exhibitions. Tickets: Admission to the palace grounds is free. Address: Hodžovo námestie 1, 811 06 Bratislava, Slovakia, Website: www.prezident.sk, Phone: +421 2 5980 1111, How to reach: Located near the city center, easily accessible by foot or public transportation.
Primate’s Palace (Primaciálny palác)
About: A neoclassical palace housing the City Museum and known for its famous Hall of Mirrors. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tickets: Admission fee applies. Prices vary based on the type of ticket. Address: Primaciálne námestie 3, 811 01 Bratislava, Slovakia, Website: www.muzeum.bratislava.sk, Phone: +421 2 593 59 011, How to reach: Located in the Old Town, easily accessible by foot from the city center.
Slovak National Gallery (Slovenská národná galéria)
About: An art gallery featuring a collection of Slovak and international artwork. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (check website for specific exhibition schedules), Tickets: Admission fee applies. Prices vary based on the exhibition and type of ticket. Address: Námestie Ľudovíta Štúra 4, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia, Website: www.sng.sk, Phone: +421 2 2047 6211, How to reach: Located near the city center, easily accessible by foot or public transportation.
Blue Church (Modrý kostolík)
About: A unique church known for its striking blue exterior and Art Nouveau style. Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tickets: Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Address: Bezručova 2, 811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia, How to reach: Located near the city center, easily accessible by foot or public transportation.
UFO Observation Deck (UFO)
About: An iconic structure on the SNP Bridge offering panoramic views of Bratislava. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Tickets: Admission fee applies for the observation deck. Prices vary based on the time of visit and package. Address: Most SNP, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia, Website: www.u-f-o.sk, Phone: +421 2 6252 0300, How to reach: Located on the SNP Bridge, accessible by foot or public transportation.
