Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and is located on the southwestern border of Slovakia, at the tri-border point with Austria and Hungary. It combines medieval history with many communist remnants from past times and offers a great variety to its visitors.
Bratislava Castle, also known as Pressburg Castle, is the most famous landmark of Bratislava. It has been the city's symbol since the 9th century. However, it must be noted that due to its age, it has undergone renovations and extensions. Bratislava Castle impresses particularly with its beautiful location on an 85-meter-high hill, rewarding hikers with a stunning view of the Old Town. To best enjoy the view of the magnificent Old Town, be sure to remember the castle garden as a great viewpoint.
But the castle offers much more than just an exterior! Step inside and follow the traces of old times by exploring the museum in more detail.
St. Martin's Cathedral has been enriching the capital of Slovakia since the 13th century and is one of the most important religious buildings in Bratislava. Especially noteworthy is the 85-meter-high tower of the magnificent Gothic cathedral, which beautifies the cityscape with its colorful turquoise roof. The cathedral is located between the Old Town and Bratislava Castle.
Combine these sights with a nice walk and let the diverse impressions sink in! Visit the castle first and don't forget to enjoy the wonderful view of the cathedral from there. Look for the green roof of the cathedral, which will guide you.
The Slavín Memorial is the largest war memorial in Central Europe and one of the city's landmarks. This is where the remains of 6,845 Soviet soldiers who died during the liberation of Bratislava in World War II are buried.
The Old Town Hall also has a long history and has existed since the early medieval days of the city in the 13th century. Formerly the seat of the city administration, the Old Town Hall has served as the Museum of the City of Bratislava since 1868, making it the oldest museum in Slovakia. Like Bratislava Castle, the Old Town Hall offers a wonderful viewpoint. Climb the 45-meter-high tower and enjoy the impressive view of the Old Town. Explore the Old Town Hall and discover traces of the French siege (1805-1809).
The Primate's Palace was built on the order of Cardinal Joseph Count of Batthyány and was meant to represent the grandest, largest noble residence in the city. Since the 18th century, Bratislava has been beautified by the Primate's Palace, which shines in the style of French Classicism. Since 1903, the Primate's Palace has served as the city hall of Bratislava. The first floor of the building is open to the public and is one of the city's most beautiful attractions. The Mirror Hall enchants its visitors every time and lets the grandeur of the building shine. Concerts and weddings are also held there.
But not only the interior of the Primate's Palace is interesting! Right in front of the imposing building stands the fountain for the execution of punishments, which, according to stories, served as a place for punishment. The names of the offenders were recorded in the city book, and their punishments were written down. However, the punishments seem rather trivial by today's standards. For example, bakers were called if their baked goods weighed less or if poor ingredients were used in their production. While this might seem odd as a punishment today, it was the task of the guild at the time to check the quality of the products, and if the requirements were not met, the bakers were dunked into the Danube. Later on, the Danube was replaced by the fountain. The executioner set up a sturdy frame with a pulley and hook, to which a large, metal cage was attached, and the accused were locked inside. They were then dunked into the fountain. However, it must be noted that the punishments were rarely fatal and were intended more as public humiliation. The fountain was used for punishments until 1773, when ruler Joseph II banned such punishments. Today, the fountain only exists quietly (except for the tourists gathering around it).
The Danube promenade connects the Eurovea shopping center with the National Theater and is therefore also known as the modern center of the capital. If you're looking for new fashion items for your wardrobe or just a delicious coffee, you will find it here. The promenade also allows you to catch a glimpse of Bratislava Castle.
The palace was built in 1760 for the President of the Hungarian Court Chamber and Count Antal Grassalkovich (the advisor to Empress Maria Theresa). The summer residence shines in Rococo style. Back then, the palace was considered the address of noble social life. Today, the palace is the seat of the President's Office of the Slovak Republic. The palace is not open to the public.
However, the Grassalkovich Garden is an exception, and as a tourist, you are allowed to visit it. There, you can admire the beautiful statue of Empress Maria Theresa on horseback or the famous fountain by sculptor Tibor Bártfay. Discover the Presidential Alley, which adorns the garden with its numerous small oak trees. Every head of state visiting the Slovak capital plants a small oak tree, thus creating the beautiful Presidential Alley. Therefore, the Grassalkovich Garden is especially perfect for a leisurely walk and gives you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Blue Church, also called the Church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, is known for its blue color and has been in Bratislava since the early 20th century. This light blue color not only beautifies the facade of the church but also its interior. Additionally, the roof is covered with blue-glazed ceramic tiles. The Blue Church shines in Secessionist style with oriental ornaments and is crowned with intricate mosaics. For this reason, the Blue Church is often referred to as the most beautiful church in Bratislava.
The archaeological site of the Theben Castle ruins is located on a high rock above the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. Due to its location, the castle not only offers a beautiful surrounding but also a charming view into the distance. Theben is part of Slovakia's history and is a proof of the first settlement of the country. The strategic location of the ruin has led to battles fought around the castle in past times. The Celts settled there, while the Romans controlled the Limes from Devin Castle, and the Slavs built a fortress. It is clear that this place is rich in history. It is also evident that the castle has been repeatedly conquered and rebuilt. However, the history of this significant castle ended abruptly in 1809 when the French army blew it up. Despite the lost castle, which now only has ruins, the unforgettable view is reason enough to honor this place.
The UFO offers a different kind of experience. The UFO is a unique restaurant that combines the best flavors of the old Pressburg cuisine and is perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Admire the city from the observation deck on the pillars of the bridge at an impressive height of 95 meters. Immerse yourself in this authentic atmosphere and enjoy a romantic dinner at sunset. Toast to your wonderful holiday and appreciate the breathtaking view of the city. A place where time stands still, and all worries are outweighed by the delicious taste of the old Pressburg cuisine. If you're interested in traditional Slovak dishes, you can find more information here.
Slovakia has a vignette requirement, which plays an important role for tourists. The vignette is used to pay tolls, including on highways and expressways. For more information about the vignette requirement and fines for not having one, check out our guide. In addition to the vignette requirement, there is also the route-based toll. If you're not familiar with the difference, feel free to take a look here! We wish you a great trip and are always ready to answer any questions about the vignette or route-based toll!
