Greetings from Slovakian’s capital and happy to tell you about best things to do and see in Bratislava! How about we explore the local attractions, such as a rather eye-catching church or an iconic UFO? Have you ever seen it before? Well I have, right here in Slovakia’s capital!

I have traveled to many cities and countries in my twenty-seven years. Bratislava has been a recent addition to my list, and as I usually do, I have obtained all the necessary information on its attractions, points of interest and some rather strange facts.

10 things to do in Bratislava

Let me make an exception, and before we get into things to see in Bratislava, let’s talk some basic information. It has been the capital of Slovakia since 1993 and it is home to around half a million inhabitants. Therefore, it’s not the biggest capital in the world.

It is situated on the banks of the Danube river and is just a stone’s throw away from Vienna, Austria. Bratislava has a long and rich history dating back to the 9th century, when it was founded by the Slavic tribe of the Duchy of Nitra. Today, Bratislava is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with much to offer visitors.

It was incorporated into the European Union in 2004. What’s interesting is, that it is one of the few capitals in the world located on the border of three states – Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. What is great about Bratislava is that many of its major sights are within walking distance from each other.

There are many things to see in Bratislava. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include Bratislava Castle, which dates back to the 11th century; St. Martin’s Cathedral, which is one of the oldest churches in Slovakia; and Old Town Hall, which houses a museum and art gallery. Other popular sights include Michael’s Gate, Slavín War Memorial, and Děvín Castle. We will talk about all of that in just a second.

For more information you can visit one of the two information centres: at the main train station or at Primaciální Square in central city, they’ll be able to guide you about more things to do in Bratislava. I apologise if I misspelled any Slovak names – doing my best here! Now let’s see what to see and do in Bratislava, quite frankly a beautiful city that has lots to offer!

Things to see in Bratislava

Bratislava castle (Bratislavský hrad)

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, offers visitors a wealth of attractions. Among the many points of interest is the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, with its numerous bars and clubs. Tourists can also marvel at historic buildings like Bratislava Castle and St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Let’s start with Bratislava castle. The symbol of Bratislava and the ultimate thing to see, is atop a hill. It was once home to the president, but today the President of the Slovak Republic has made other living arrangements. From this vantage point you can take in the beautiful sights of the river, UFO and gardens, all against the impressive backdrop of the castle. The impressive structure has been a major part of the city’s landscape for centuries, and is one of its most well-known landmarks.

St Martin’s cathedral (Katedrála svatého Martina)

The stunning Katedrála svatého Martina, or St Martin’s cathedral, is a must-see for any traveler in Bratislava. It stands as one of the city’s oldest structures, and its grandeur and intricacy make it a truly awe-inspiring sight. The 15th century Gothic church is situated just below the castle, its tower visible from anywhere in the city, making it a remarkable landmark. On my visit, the Golden Lane was unfortunately shuttered; however, you may be fortunate enough that it could have reopened by your trip.

The old city hall (Stará radnica)

The renowned Stará radnica is a beloved old city hall by the people of Slovakia. It stands in its original form as a testament to the country’s proud history and architectural heritage. Its iconic structure is recognised as a symbol of national pride. There’s a fountain at its centre with many shops and eateries dotted around.

Michael’s gate (Michalská brána)

The 14th century Michalská brana is the sole remaining gateway of the town’s fortifications. All paths converge towards this tower, which now serves as home to the Museum of Weapons. Visitors can venture up the gallery and admire views from above.

Grassalkovichov palác

Grassalkovichov palác, situated in Bratislava, Slovak Republic, is an impressive eighteenth-century Baroque palace and should be on your list to do in Bratislava. The structure was commissioned by Count Anton Grassalkovich and stands as a testimony to his legacy.

The blue church (Modrý kostol)

On every list of things to see in Bratislava, there will be the Modrý kostol is a blue church situated in the town of Liptovský Hrádok. It is a remarkable structure, known for its unique coloration. This building has been coated with a vibrant shade of blue since being constructed in 1837. Tourists flock to this unusual structure every year to take pictures and marvel at its beauty. It looks as though it were plucked straight from a Disney movie, its light blue hue clashing with the presence of a place of worship.

Slavín

Going up to Slavín requires some effort. You can either choose the winding route or opt for the more strenuous but shorter stairs. This military memorial honors 6845 Soviet soldiers who lost their lives in the liberation of Bratislava during WW II. The site, located high enough to be seen from various directions within the city, also offers an amazing view of Bratislava from itself.

 UFO

Bratislava has many excellent sights that you can take in. From the Michalská brána and Kamzik located away from the city, there is no shortage of opportunities. However, we decided to take a trip up the UFO lookout tower and it was most definitely the right choice. To the top you go via lift, and if you choose to have something in the restaurant, it will rotate so that you get a spectacular panoramic vista of Bratislava. And when you venture out onto the open viewing platform, consider yourself lucky as there are no glass obstacles in your way like some places. This grants you an unhindered view – never fear an unwanted reflection ruining your photos here!

Slovenský rozhlas

If you’re after an eye-catching edifice, Slovak Radio is the one for you. It’s a structure in the form of an inverted pyramid and I can guarantee it’s unlike any other I’ve ever seen.

Čumil

If you ever wondering about fun things to see in Bratislava, lookout for the statues.Heaps of statues are scattered throughout Bratislava and my favorite has to be Čumil. It’s a sculpture that pokes out of the canal, its eyes gazing forward. Not far away is the statue of Schöne Náci located right next to the Old Town Hall plaza.

Things to see near Bratislava

While this is mainly an article about things to see in Bratislava, there are various places to go, depending on the weather. We decided to visit Devín and the Danubiana Peninsula – and boy, were we glad we did! I strongly suggest going there too. Devín is a castle situated near Bratislava; you can get there quickly by catchig a bus from the bridge SNP (Slovak National Uprising). It’s certainly not just a ruin – it’s alive and kicking. There is plenty to explore with great exhibtions, plus stunning views of the area.

The Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum is situated on a peninsula close to Bratislava and provides a great environment for those who appreciate modern art. I visited in inclement weather, yet the outdoor sculptures and indoor exhibitions still impressed me.

Bratislava weather

Obviously, while it’s good to know all the things to do in Bratislava, your experience will differ depending on the weather. So let’s see the average temperatures and precipitation.

Winter (December to February)

• Temperatures: Average daily highs are around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), while lows can drop to -3°C to -5°C (27°F to 23°F). January is typically the coldest month.
• Precipitation: Snow is common, but accumulations are usually modest. Rainfall can occur, leading to slushy conditions.
• Conditions: The weather is often gray and cold, with occasional sunny days. Cold spells can bring temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) or lower.

Spring (March to May)

• Temperatures: Early spring can still be chilly in Bratislava, with highs around 10°C (50°F) in March, rising to about 20°C (68°F) by May.
• Precipitation: Rainfall begins to increase, especially in April, but May can be quite pleasant with less rain.
• Conditions: Spring is marked by blossoming trees and increasing sunshine. However, “crazy April” can bring unexpected snow or frost.

Summer (June to August)

• Temperatures: Average highs range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures above 35°C (95°F). The warmest month is typically July.
• Precipitation: Summer sees the highest rainfall, particularly in July, with thunderstorms being common.
• Conditions: The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, heatwaves can occur, leading to sultry days.

Autumn (September to November)

• Temperatures: Early autumn is mild, with highs around 20°C (68°F) in September, dropping to about 10°C (50°F) by November.
• Precipitation: Rainfall begins to increase, particularly in October and November.
• Conditions: Autumn features beautiful foliage, but the weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny and rainy days.

Overall, considering the weather in Bratislava, I would recommend visiting the city in the spring or early autumn times, when temperatures are nice and comfortable.

Is Bratislava worth visiting?