The charming city of Bratislava is very much underrated. Many people visit it on a day trip from either Vienna or Budapest. I spent a couple days in Bratislava and glad for the extra time. It’s a walkable city with many historic landmarks close together. The food, culture and people make this an incredible destination. I love sharing travel tips. So, read on to discover 15 Bratislava Slovakia top attractions.
Today, Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it’s the only national capital to border 2 countries. Near the Carpathian Mountain Range, Bratislava lies on the banks of the Danube River and left bank of Morava.
Bratislava was known as Pressburg up until 1919. It was a coronation site and capital of Hungary from 1536 to 1783. Eleven Hungarian kings and eight queens became crowned at St. Martin’s Cathedral. Under the Habsburg Monarchy, the city became fortified with castles, architecture and advanced urban planning.
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15 Bratislava Slovakia Top Attractions
Old Town
The Old Town contains the medieval center with most of its historical landmarks. The area is small enough that you can see most of the sites afoot. Important sites include the Main Square and Old Town Hall, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate, Primate’s Palace, Bratislava Castle, Hviezdoslavov Square, Slavin War Memorial and Grassalkovich Palace. Also, don’t miss the fun Bratislava statues and Pharmacy Salvator. Read on to learn about most of these landmarks that I explored.
Free Walking Tour
The best way to learn the history is through a walking tour. Here is the link at freetourbratislava to reserve your free walking tours. These include City and Castle Tour, Old Town Tour, 20th Century Tour and Spooky Legend’s Tour. Be sure to tip your guide if you enjoy your free tour.
Main Square or Hlavné námestie
Bratislava Slovakia Top Attractions
The Main Square is in the heart of Old Town with many historic landmarks. You can’t miss the Old Town Hall, Maximilian / Roland Fountain and the Napoleon Soldier statue. Before, the square was named after Hitler during WW II and April, the month it became liberated by the Red Army.
Old Town Hall
Built in 1370, the Old Town Hall stands on the Main Square. In the 15th century the hall connected with 3 townhouses. It also houses the Bratislava City Museum. You can visit the museum and/or the viewpoint from its tower. Don’t miss the 360-degree view from the tower of the city and Main Square. (my first photo)
Bratislava Statues
In the Old Town, three life size Bratislava statues stand near the main square. Most are bronze statues and one is silver. Don’t miss these popular, fun photo ops. Here are the 4 most popular. Let me know in the comments if you find the others.
Napoleon Soldier (Hubert) – In 1805 Napoleon and his army occupied Bratislava. This soldier evidently fell in love with a local girl. Legend goes that he stayed in the city and produced a sparkling wine. His name was Hubert, the name of Slovakia’s a popular sparkling wine brand.
Cumil or Man at Work – This is the most famous statue, displayed on the corner of Laurinská and Panská streets. Two possible rumors explain what he represents. One is he’s a Communist sewer worker indifferent about his job. The other is he’s a mischievous worker looking up women’s dresses. I say he is both.
Schone Naci – Just off the main square, this lighthearted statue is the only one in silver. Also, it’s the only one representing a real person. Ignac Lamar is the inspiration that evidently went mad from unrequited love. So, with his hat always on, he randomly approached women on the streets with flowers.
Paparazzi – This statue depicts a paparazzi man pointing his camera. Unfortunately, I missed this one. He used to stand on the corner of RadniÄŤná and Laurinská streets, where a restaurant called Paparazzi previously operated. Then, it moved to the UFO Bar and Restaurant at Most SNP. On my YouTube video above, I caught a glimpse of the Paparazzi statue.
Michael’s Gate
Bratislava Slovakia Top Attractions
As the only city gate preserved from the medieval fortifications, Michael’s Gate is a wonder. Built around 1300, it later received baroque reconstructions and reaches 51 meters high. A statue of St. Michael fighting the Dragon crowns the top its spire. The tower houses weapons from the Bratislava City Museum.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
In Old Town below the castle is the 15th century St. Martin’s Cathedral. This Gothic church displays a tower rising 85 meters high and served as part of the town’s fortifications. It was a coronation site and capital of Hungary from 1536 to 1783. Eleven Hungarian kings and eight queens became crowned at this cathedral. A gold-plated reproduction of the crown of St. Stephen sits at the top of the tower.
St. Elizabeth’s Blue Church
This Art Nouveau church is east of the old town on Bezrucova Street. The St. Elizabeth’s Blue Church displays a blend of Romanesque, Baroque and Oriental designs in mostly blue. The architect who designed it in the early 20th century is Odon Lechner, a pioneer of Hungarian Secessionism. He is known as the “Hungarian Gaudi.” Almost everything in both the interior and exterior is in blue, including the blue tile roof and pews. The oil painting of St. Elizabeth handing out alms stands above the altar.
Bratislava Castle
Standing on a plateau at 85 meters (279 ft) high, the Bratislava Castle is a symbol of the city. From St. Michael’s Cathedral, a path with stairs takes you to the free entrance. It was constructed in the 10th century by the Kingdom of Hungary. Ruined by a fire in 1811, it later became rebuilt in its former Theresian style. The castle terraces offer stunning views of the city, Most SNP and Danube River. It houses the Slovak National Museum.
Hviezdoslavov Square
Near the Most SNP is the historic Hviezdoslavov Square extending to the Slovak National Theatre. It became named after a turn-of-the century Slovak poet and dramatist. This picturesque square features mansions, embassies and townhouses with trees and fountains. Near the theater is a large statue of Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav.
Most SNP “Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising” or UFO Bridge
Crossing the Danube, the Most SNP is the world’s longest bridge to have one pylon and one cable-stayed plane. Built in 1973 the bridge has a walking and cycling path on each side of the road. On top the bridge is the flying saucer-shaped structure with an observation deck and UFO Bar and Restaurant. It provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Bratislava, castle and the Danube.
Bratislava Riverfront
There is a nice promenade along the Bratislava Riverfront on the side of the Old Town. It stretches from the Lafranconi Bridge to the Harbor Bridge. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the Danube with benches, gardens and restaurants. Near the Lafranconi Bridge is the Botanical Garden of the Comenius University with more than 4,000 species of plants.
Grassalkovich Palace
Bratislava Slovakia Top Attractions
Located on Hodzovo Square, the Grassalkovich Palace is the official residence of the Slovak President. This Rococo palace was built in 1760. Behind the palace is gardens with trees, benches and statues as a quiet public sanctuary. However, no tours visit inside the palace.
Slavin War Memorial
On top Slavin Hill is the Slavin War Memorial. It’s a steep hike up the hill, so if not up for that catch a trolley or bus. Surrounded by incredible views of the city below, this monument holds six mass graves, holding the remains of 6,845 Soviet soldiers. These troops sacrificed their lives while liberating Bratislava during World War II from the Nazis. Its central obelisk rises 39 meters high and is topped by a statue of a Soviet soldier carrying a flag.
Devin Castle Ruins
Just 10 km west of Bratislava is the picturesque Devin Castle ruins at the confluence of the Danube and Moravia Rivers. A 15-minute bus ride easily gets you there. The castle stands on a high crag at 212 m above the rivers between Austria and Slovakia. Because of the strategic location, it was an important castle for Great Moravia and early Hungarian state. Napoleon’s troops destroyed it in 1809. Now, this historic landmark is the most visited site in Slovakia. The panorama of the rivers and countryside from atop ruins is stunning.
Enjoy Bratislava!
Bratislava is so convenient to explore, while offering a unique travel experience. The historic landmarks are remarkable and fun to explore. Bratislava is a great day trip from Vienna or Budapest. However, by exploring 2-3 days, you will learn even more about why it’s so interesting. If your travels bring you to Bratislava, feel free to leave any suggestions or tips below.
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