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20 BEST Things To Do in Bratislava in 2024!

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Bratislava is one of the smaller cities in Europe but there are still many things to do in Bratislava to keep you busy for a few days. From walking tours, to eating Slovakian food and taking a day trip from Bratislava.

I recently spent a few days hiking in the Tatras Mountains of Slovakia before ending my trip in Bratislava.

Here is my guide to Bratislava with the top Bratislava tourist attractions and things to do in Bratislava to complement a trip here whether you are here purely for the nightlife… I know a lot of people are, on a little city break getaway, or, on a wider Europe trip!

Things to do in Bratislava

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava
Keep reading for all my things to do in Bratislava!

Bratislava Travel Tips

TRAVEL TIPS

🏘️Book your accommodation

Booking.comand Hostelworld will help you to book accommodation and check availability in advance

🚘To get your car rental in advance

and to make your trip more convenient, you can use Rentalcars.com and find the most suitable option for you

🧾Get your tickets and guided tours

with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey

How many days do you need in Bratislava?

Bratislava is a fairly small city, you can see a lot of Bratislava in just one day!

Here’s my post on how to spend one day in Bratislava!

However, many people visit Bratislava for the nightlife which means you’ll want 2-3 days to have 1-2 nights in Bratislava.

Many people also visit on a wider Central Europe itinerary and visit between going to Budapest, Vienna, Ljubljana and Prague. As I mention below in where to stay in Bratislava.

I found accommodation here really inexpensive compared to nearby cities like Vienna, so you might want to stay a night longer in Bratislava rather than Vienna or Budapest to help save money on accommodation.

I was passed through Bratislava after hiking in the Tatras Mountains further North in Slovakia. I enjoyed my day in Bratislava but am glad I didn’t dedicate more time here and instead saw more of the places to visit in Slovakia!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, pink building in old city
Bratislava has a lovely Old City which can’t be missed when travelling Europe!

How to Get Around Bratislava?

Bratislava is a very walkable city so you don’t need to worry about public transport although there is a tram if you need help getting around.

There are also tourist trains which I touch on below in this list of things to do in Bratislava.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, Ellie in Bratislava
I really enjoyed finding these things to do in Bratislava!

Where to Stay in Bratislava

One of the things I loved about looking into accommodation in Bratislava is the prices! It’s so much cheaper than many other cities in Europe!

It’s best to stay in the Old City so you are within walking distance of everything.

I loved the look and location (and price!) of AC Hotel by Marriott Bratislava Old Town.

Search for more Hotels in Bratislava Old Town here and Hostels here!

If you’re on a wider Europe itinerary going to Vienna before or after Bratislava as many people do. Consider staying a night in Bratislava and then heading to Vienna in the morning because accommodation will be much cheaper in Bratislava than in Vienna!

Bratislava Things to Do

You can easily find your thing in Bratislava and there are many Bratislava attractions and places to visit in Bratislava, but here are my top favourites:

1. Bratislava Free Walking Tour

Bratislava is a city with a lot of history and if its buildings could speak, they would have a lot to say!

Luckily, there are many free walking tours in Bratislava on offer with local guides to give you a real insight into the history here.

Whether you want a free Bratislava Castle and City Tour, Legends and Myths Tour, or you’re into Communist History there are available here.

Free Tour Bratislava and Strawberry Tours offer 4 free walking tours in Bratislava.

I love starting my day with a walking tour in Old European Cities to get an understanding of the city from a local and afterwards, you can explore places again on your own.

With Bratislava being so small, you can certainly fit a city tour within your Bratislava itinerary.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, town hall building and square
Understand the communist history of Bratislava on a walking tour,
The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, old buildings in Bratislava
And the history of Bratislava,

2. Private Walking Tour

As I said, there is so much history in Bratislava from myths and legends to war and communist history.

If you want to get a true understanding of the city and country of Slovakia in your own time, look into a private walking tour like this as one of your things to do in Bratislava.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, Ellie in old part of Bratislava

3. Bratislava Castle

Easily top of the list of the top tourist attractions in Bratislava, Bratislava Castle cannot be missed.

Note that the Museum inside the Castle is closed on Tuesdays, but the grounds are open all day all week.

Bratislava Castle is sat on top of the hill opposite the Old Town and provides incredible views over the Old Town, Danube River and wider city.

I didn’t go into the museum as I didn’t leave enough time on my day in Bratislava but I saw many people go in. Instead, I enjoyed the views and castle gardens which are free to enter.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Bratislava, head to the castle but don’t go into the museum and you’ll still enjoy it!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, Bratislava Castle Gardens
Bratislava Castle Gardens must be on your list of things to do in Bratislava

4. Micheal’s Gate

Bratislava is a medieval city and Michael’s Gate is the only remaining fortified gate.

You really can’t miss this when sightseeing in Bratislava because it feels like all streets in the Old City lead here and it draws you in as soon as you see it.

For one of the Bratislava Viewpoints, head to the top of Michael’s Gate, but note, it’s not open on Mondays.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, Michael's Gate
You literally can’t miss Micheal’s Gate and for what to do in Bratislava.. head to the top!

5. St Martin’s Cathedral

St Martins Cathedral is another one of the things to see in Bratislava. It’s worth pinning it on your map so you don’t miss it but it’s likely you’ll walk past it anyway.

I went past on my way from Bratislava Castle over to the Old City.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, St Martins Cathedral Bratislava by road
You’ll spot St Martins Cathedral on your Bratislava sightseeing from the Castle to the Old City
The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, inside St Martins Cathedral Bratislava

6. UFO Tower

The UFO Tower looks like a UFO on top of a bridge and it is literally called this too.

It’s one of the super unique things to do in Bratislava and you can dine at the top of here, or visit for a sunset drink.

There are a few options for visiting though. There’s an observation deck at the top of the UFO Tower which you can visit without needing to go to the restaurant or bar, this is another one of the best Bratislava viewpoints.

Or, you can go for dinner and dine 85 meters high, or for a drink in the bar. I believe if you visit the restaurant for dinner, you get access to the observation deck for free, so be sure to check this if you go!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, UFO Tower and Bridge Bratislava
The UFO Tower with an Observation Deck and Restaurant is one of the Bratislava things to do!

7. Walk along the Danube

Slovakia is one of the 10 countries the Danube River passes through (here’s the Danube Route in case you aren’t familiar with it) so spending part of your day in Bratislava walking along it, even a small section is one of the lovely things to do in Bratislava.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, Boats on Danube River Bratislava

8. Danube Boat Cruise

Fancy getting out onto the Danube River instead of just walking along it? There are Danube River Cruises in Bratislava available.

This website gives cruise options, or, you can head down to the River and see what boats are ready to leave soon.

If you want to explore Bratislava with a guide, by boat or by bus, there are lots of tour options to book like this:

9. Day Trip to Vienna by Boat

If you are in Bratislava for a day, you might not want to leave, but you could head to Vienna for the day if you want!

This would be great if you actually have 2 days in Bratislava or 3 days in Bratislava as there are many places to visit in Bratislava and you can also spare some time for day trips from Bratislava. This is how you could spend another day!

Jump onboard a Catarman from Bratislava to Vienna and spend one day in Vienna too!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, Boat from Bratislava to Vienna
For unusual things to do in Bratislava, catch the Twin City Liner from Bratislava to Vienna

10. Day Trip from Bratislava

One of the best things about Europe is how easy it is to see other places. If you have 3 days in Bratislava, I’d say you have to spend one day going on one of the day trips from Bratislava.

Here are 17 great day trips from Bratislava you can choose from!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do in Bratislava, day trips from Bratislava
Get into nature on one of the day trips from Bratislava!

11. Presidential Palace

I love European Cities that have Palaces right in the middle of them and this is the case with Bratislava!

Known as Slovakia’s White House the Palace is just a few minutes walk from Michael’s Gate.

Access inside isn’t allowed but the gardens are open to the public and are a great place to eat a quiet lunch as well as taking in the unique statues within the gardens.

12. City Train Ride

I saw a cool train running many times around the city in Bratislava and it’s known as the Bratislava Tschu-Tschu Train!

As I’ve mentioned, Bratislava is only a small city and very walkable, but if you have children, issues walking far, or fancy giving your legs a break, this is a fun way to see the city.

Book the hop on hop off Bratislava sightseeing Tschu-Tschu Train for as little as £10.00 which includes an audio guide and transport around the city to all of the best places to visit in Bratislava!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, Bratislava Tschu-Tschu Train
The Bratislava Tschu-Tschu Train!

13. Statue Spotting

Bratislava is full of interesting, unique and sometimes funny statues. Many of which will make you look twice as you walk past them.

They’re great for photo opportunities so look out for them as they are Bratislava must-see attractions, here’s a guide to the statues in the city!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, Statue Spotting
Go on the hunt for statues as you explore Bratislava attractions

14. Dinner on the Danube River

Walking along the Danube River I noticed many boats which looked like they were permanently on the water, I checked Google Maps and realised many are hotels and restaurants on the River Danube.

If you’re looking for places to eat in Bratislava check out Ponton and Dunaj Brewery and Hotel on the river!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, Bratislava Danube River Restaurants and hotels
For things to do in Bratislava, have a drink or meal on the river!

15. Eat Chimney Cake

Can you be in this part of Europe and not eat a Chimney Cake? I don’t think so!

Located down the street to the right of Micheal’s Gate is the only Chimney Cake shop I saw in Bratislava. It has a constant queue outside and after trying mine, I can see why!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, Chimney Cake
You can’t visit a European City like this and not try one!

16. Explore by Scooter or Segway

So many cities in Europe have Scooters to get around which is a really cool way of seeing a city.

I saw lots of teal-coloured scooters available around the city which can be rented. Just check the details on the scooter to see what app is needed.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, electric scooters in Bratislava
If you are wondering how to get around Bratislava? don’t stress much and look into these electric scooters!

Alternatively, if you love exploring a city by segway, check out this Bratislava City Segway Tour to see the Riverside, Castle or both!

17. Have a Tea in a Bomb Shelter

I saw this sign whilst walking the streets of the old town and loved the uniqueness of it!

If it’s a rainy day in Bratislava when you’re there, you might as well have a break underground in a bomb shelter and unique place.

The cafe is called Čajovňa v podzemí (here are the TripAdvisor reviews) and you’ll probably see this sign as I did whilst walking to Micheal’s Gate.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, bomb shelter cafe sign
One of the unique things to do in Bratislava!

18. Try Slovakian Food

I love a country and city where the food is unique and you can get a feel of the country in just 1 local dish. I think this is certainly the case in Slovakia.

Although not great for vegetarians, and definitely not for vegans, there is a wide range of Slovak dishes on offer which you can try easily in Bratislava. I opted for fried cheese!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, fried cheese and chips in Slovakia
Fried Cheese is one of the popular Slovak dishes!

There are many restaurants along the streets of the Old Town in Bratislava. These will cost you a bit more because they are touristy places but most offer nice views and atmosphere plus menus in many languages so they are easy to eat in.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, restaurants on street in Bratislava
There are so many restaurants in Old Town Bratislava
The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, Slovakian food menu in Bratislava
There are lots of Slovak dishes to try in Bratislava!

19. Bratislava Museums & Galleries

There are a range of museums and galleries in Bratislava. Here’s a great list of them, if you are looking for things to do in Bratislava when it rains, one of the museums of galleries is a great idea!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, town hall building in Bratislava
Check out the museums if you are on a hunt for best things to do in Bratislava

20. Bratislava Sightseeing Bus

Finally, although Bratislava is a small city and very walkable, sometimes a sightseeing bus helps you see more, and helps if you have limitations walking.

As well as the motorised city train that you can book, there is also a small vintage sightseeing bus and I love the idea of this over one of the big red double-decker sightseeing buses you see in other major cities!

Because of the small size of both the train and bus, they are driven all around the streets of the Old Town so you can see them easily!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog things to do in Bratislava, Bratislava red sightseeing bus
Bratislava sightseeing bus

I hope this has helped you plan your things to do in Bratislava!