One Day In Bratislava: The Perfect Itinerary
Definitely one of the more underrated places to visit in Europe, Slovakia’s capital oozes history and style. There’s plenty to see during one day in Bratislava. Until 1919, the country had actually been part of Hungary. But it’s gained its independence in recent years and grown into a beautiful cosmopolitan capital.
One of the wonderful countries in central Europe, Bratislava’s location on the Danube is cause for some stunning viewpoints. Coupled with its close proximity to Vienna and its wealth of lavish palaces, castles and Soviet megastructures, expect to be pleasantly surprised by Bratislava and quickly fall in love with this great city.
So, if you’ve been thinking about taking a European city break, here’s how to spend one day in Bratislava and the 17 best things to see.
Getting Around Bratislava
Bratislava is a great city when it comes to public transport. The Slovakian capital will give you plenty of options when it comes to navigating its twisting streets. You’ll find trams, buses, and the trolleybus, which you can easily purchase tickets for all via the public transport stops and in some of the newspaper stands.
Public transport in Bratislava is incredibly cheap (and notably cheaper than other European cities like Budapest or Vienna); you can buy a single fare for as little as €0.70. But the best value comes from the 24h or 3-day tickets which cost €3.5 and €8 respectively.
You can also get between cities via train pretty easily. I caught a train to Vienna and a long-distance bus from Budapest to Bratislava by using Omio which can give you great deals when you pre-book tickets. You can also use taxis to get around, but, if they are not metered, be sure to enquire about the price before getting in.
Where to Stay in Bratislava
Undoubtedly the best area to stay in Bratislava is the Old Town (Staré Mesto); this is the historic centre of the city. You’ll find yourself within walking distance of a lot of the sights of the city as well as easy access to public transport.
It’s also the best place to stay for Slovakian nightlife as you’ll find a lot of pubs and bars in this area. Here are some of my favourite hotel options.
- For the best rooms for families, the Danubia Gate Hotel is a small, friendly hotel with a great location and excellent service.
- The Roset Hotel is a boutique hotel located in a gorgeous, historic building it has huge rooms, so you definitely won’t have to skimp on space.
- For couples, the Loft Hotel has a super convenient location next to the Grassalkovich Palace gardens and within walking distance to plenty of the city’s other sights too.
- Mama’s Design and Boutique Hotel is an excellent choice, just a quick walk from the Old Town centre. This is where stayed when we visited Bratislava.
- If you’re after a bit of catering freedom and would rather have an apartment, you simply can’t beat VIP Apartments. Located right next to Michael’s Gate, they are charming, really cosy and a great example of affordable luxury.
how to spend one day in Bratislava
1. Slavin War Memorial
If you fancy a climb to the top of a hill for some glorious views and an impressive memorial, then take a trip to Slavin. It’s dedicated to the Soviet troops killed in the fight to liberate the country after the Second World War.
Visiting the monument is one of the best things to see in one day in Bratislava. It features a dramatic grey pillar with a Soviet soldier at the top, a memorial auditorium base and many marble panels.
In front of the statue, you’ll also find 6 mass graves holding over 6000 soldiers, so it’s also rather a sobering sight. But it’s nevertheless impressive and definitely one of the best ways to view the Bratislava skyline.
2. Bratislava Castle
One of Bratislava’s most typical sights, the classic red and white castle sits on the top of a hill. Standing proudly over the city since the 16th century, it used to be the Royal House for the Hungarian Kings.
It also housed the crown jewels. It was damaged in the war but quickly reconstructed because it represents a lot to Slovakia. Overlooking the Danube, and the borders between Austria and Hungary, the castle provided the perfect lookout.
It also gives you wonderful views across the city and of the TV tower from the top. A trip to the castle is definitely one of the best things to do in Bratislava, however, the trek up to it is extremely uphill. You can take the tourist bus too, though which isn’t too expensive.
3. St Elizabeth’s Church
During my time exploring European cities, I’ve seen a lot of different churches and cathedrals. However, St Elizabeth’s church was easily one of my favourites purely due to its unique colour. Located east of the old town on Bezručova Street, the beautiful, pale blue church is full of character and charm.
Built in the 1910s, it was the original church for the Gamča grammar school. These days, the Oriental Romanesque and Baroque design looks almost like a fairy-tale castle or something that you’d expect to find at Disneyland. The white and blue painted walls will charm you and is definitely a must-see in your one day in Bratislava.
4. Devin Castle
If you like medieval ruins and beautiful views, then you’ll love a trip to Devin Castle. Located slightly outside the centre of Bratislava, the castle has stood since the 5th century BC.
The once impressive structure is now in ruin. However, in its time, it controlled the Danube trade route and was an influential part of Bratislava’s history. Since it’s sitting on a hill overlooking the merge between the two rivers, it’s the perfect spot to overlook the trade.
Nevertheless, Napoleon’s troops caused its destruction in 1809. But it’s still incredibly scenic, the views are beautiful and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Bratislava.
5. St Martin’s Cathedral
This delightful cathedral was located in Bratislava Old Town and once upon a time, it doubled as a church. The 15th-century building features a fairly plain exterior with cream-coloured walls, a bright green spire, a red roof and a gold statue at the very tip of the column in the shape of the Crown of St. Stephen.
Inside the cathedral is much more appealing, however, with large gothic columns, intriguing architecture and a collection of statues of St Michael.
6. Slovak National Gallery
If you’re a fan of beautiful artwork then you’ll love Slovak National Gallery. Featuring Baroque and Gothic art and artefacts from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
You’ll find just about everything from contemporary art, medieval paintings, and very interesting 18th-century busts by the sculptor Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, which are pulling rather peculiar facial expressions!
7. Michael’s Gate
One of the classic images of Bratislava, St Michael’s Gate is one of the city’s four medieval gates protecting the east entrance to the city. Standing tall at 51 meters high, the gate dates back to the 14th century. However, it didn’t look the way it does today until a remodel in the 1700s.
It was around this time that the signature dome was installed and the figure of St Michael fighting a dragon was also put in place. Well worth a visit during your one day in Bratislava; also head up to the sixth floor for some wonderful views over the Old Town.
8. UFO Bridge
One of the most unique bridges in Bratislava, the UFO Bridge (or Most SNP), is the bridge of the Slovak National Uprising. This spectacular Soviet relic was erected in 1972. Standing 80 meters above the river the top disc literally looks like a UFO – hence the unusual name.
From the top, you can see spectacular views over the Danube; there’s also a great restaurant, bar and observation deck.
Come at sunset for even more stunning hues of amber and gold and pair them with a delicious meal and glass of bubbly! The night is another great time to visit as Bratislava Castle is illuminated on the hill.
9. Grassalkovich Palace
A pretty impressive structure in the middle of Hodžovo Square, the Grassalkovich Palace is the home of the Slovak Presidency. Located just north of the Old Town, the palace is made of white stone with a dark roof; striking but notably dissimilar to other European buildings.
In front of the palace is a pretty fountain where you can stop and take a photo. The public isn’t actually allowed to go inside this palace, but it’s still definitely worth a visit.
Once you’ve snapped a photo of the impressive front, head around the back to the manicured gardens which have been turned into a public park.
10. Old Town Statues
Bratislava’s streets are almost like a treasure hunt! Strolling around the Old Town you won’t just find relics of the past and old, boutique shops. You’ll also find a delightful collection of whimsical statues dotted around the town. But you have to know where to look, of course.
The most popular of these is located between Laurinská and Panská Streets and is of a cheeky sewer worker poking his head out of a manhole cover.
There have been many debates over the years about what the little man could be up to. Everything from being a bored communist-era worker to trying to look up women’s skirts has been suggested. Whatever he’s up to, it’s certainly an unexpected place to, find a statue.
In other parts of the city, you’ll also find a Napoleonic soldier leaning over a bench, Schone Naci can be found on Sedlárska Street and Hans Christian Andersen can be spotted on Hviezdoslav Square.
11. Primates Palace
Primates Palace is one of the best things to do in Bratislava. Especially if you’re interested in a tour of imperial Slovakia from the 1700s. The magnificent building is a pale rose colour on the outside and the roof is adorned with statues and figurines.
Inside, the crowning glory of the palace is its Hall of Mirrors where, in 1805, a treaty was signed after Napoleon’s victory. The Hall of Mirrors itself is a sequence of five salons, each named after the colour of its décor. There are also incredible tapestries, paintings and a statue in the courtyard of St George slaying the dragon in the middle of a fountain.
12. Slovak National Theatre
If you’re a fan of Vienna’s prestigious Opera House, then you’ll love the Slovak National Theatre. Located in Hviezdoslav Square, the beautiful building was built in the 1890s. It resembles the familiar architectural style of Vienna’s imperial structures.
The theatre is quite plush and modern inside with extra legroom seats, comfortable velvet chairs and beautiful acoustics. So, whether you fancy watching an Opera or seeing a play, a visit to the Slovak National Theatre is definitely one of the best things to do in Bratislava.
13. Galéria Nedbalka
This beautiful gallery almost resembles the Guggenheim museum in New York City. The extravagant white exterior hides four floors dedicated to 19th-century Slovakian sculptures and paintings.
It’s certainly one of the more sophisticated things to do in Bratislava. It’s also a wonderful way to get familiar with some of the well-known artists of the country.
14. Explore Bratislava’s Old Town and Street Art
You simply can’t visit a city in Europe and not explore its Old Town. One of the more scenic parts of Bratislava, the Old Town certainly had an idyllic charm.
The colourful streets are lined with old buildings. It’s the perfect place to get lost, yet it’s so compact that you’ll easily be able to find your way out again. Plus, there’s so much to see in the Old Town.
You’ll find fountains, Baroque architecture, incredible street art, cute cafes, authentic Slovak pubs and boutique stores selling just about everything. Don’t forget to stop by one of the gelato stores as the flavours are literally mouth-watering.
if you have more than one day in Bratislava
15. Take a Day Trip to Vienna
Just an hour from Bratislava, the imperial city of Vienna is well worth a day trip. Famous for its beautiful churches, royal palaces and cathedrals, Vienna is a wonderful city to visit. It’s also the closest capital to Bratislava and the closest two capital cities in the whole of Europe.
To get there, it’s very simple to catch either a train or a bus and you can reach Vienna within an hour. If you’re only spending a day in the city, it’s also well worth getting the Vienna Card. This will save you a lot of money on attractions and transport if you use the hop-on-hop-off bus. Whilst in the city, don’t forget to treat yourself to a wiener schnitzel and a slice of delicious sachertort.
16. Take a Trip to Gyor
The historical city of Gyor is also just a short 1-hour train ride from Bratislava. Whilst Budapest is the cultural capital of Hungary, for a little taste of the country, a trip to Gyor is definitely a good idea.
A distinctly undiscovered corner of the country, Gyor is full of pretty side streets and religious monuments. The town hall is well worth seeing and also the castle and Szechenyi Square, possibly one of the only non-touristy squares in Europe.
17. Take a Trip to Brno
The second-largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno is also just an hour away from Bratislava. This city has so much to offer, from its gorgeous buildings to its castles and cathedrals.
Be sure to visit the striking Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul perched on the top of Petrov Hill, Špilberk Castle which almost seems like a slightly less impressive version of Bratislava Castle with its red roof and white walls and the incredible Moravian Karst and Caves. This beautiful underground cavern will literally take your breath away.
Either way, a trip to Brno will charm you and is one of the best things to do in Bratislava.
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