Bratislava is the largest city and capital of Slovakia located in the south-western part of the country. It is the only capital that has borders with two independent countries Austria and Hungary. During our recent trip to Brno, the second-largest city in Czechia, we made a decision to include it to the itinerary and recommend these top five must-see places in Bratislava.
On our recent adventures to Brno, we took a day trip to Bratislava in Slovakia, the cities are an hour apart by train. For those who know their history, you will remember that Czechia and Slovakia used to be one country. Brno, Bratislava and Vienna are cities that line along the Danube river and are an hour apart. As someone who always wants to maximise our travels, we chose to explore 3 countries in 3 days.
Top Five Must-Visit Places in Bratislava
Bratislava has to be one of my favourite cities to get lost in, I was able to find these five must-visit places in Bratislava all because I got lost. After walking everywhere in Brno, I thought it would be a good idea to explore more cities on foot. This was not a good decision as whilst the city is easy to navigate on foot, it’s not walk-friendly.
Even as I am writing this post my feet are still screaming at me for putting them through so much. How does one go to a foreign country with no plan or sense of direction and choose to walk everywhere? On top of that, not even checking whether the destination is up or down a hill? Well let this be a lesson to all, always check things beforehand, I found out too late that Bratislava is a very hilly city.
Must-Vist Places| Bratislava Castle
I walked from Bratislava main train station to the castle and it took me just under half an hour. If you’re going to walk wear sensible shoes as it is up a hill and was painful to climb it. For the most sensible you can take buses 203 or 207 and get dropped off right across from the Castle. There you will find museums, court-yard, restaurants and toilets. I did not enter any of the museums as I went more for the view of the castle than anything.
Must-Vist Places| Old town hall
After I left Bratislava Castle, I then walked to Old town hall which was a 10-15 minute walk and whilst there I was able to see Michael’s Castle. It was beautiful walking around the main square, along some hide alleyways where you will find plenty of pubs, restaurants and more.
Must-Vist Places| St Martin’s Cathedral
It is at the edge of the town hall and next to the Danube river, I must say it did not look like the usual English Cathedrals but it is certainly pretty. Since I visited on Sunday there was church-going so didn’t want to seem rude snapping away.
Primatial Palace
Must-Vist Places| Primatial Palace
Again a short walk from the main square and standing there is a really beautiful Palace with some amazing architect it was mind-blowing. Definitely worth a visit.
Must-Vist Places| Slavin War Memorial
From the old town hall, it took me over half an hour to walk mostly because of the killer hill, I totally underestimated how high it was, I wondered why everyone was in the car and no one was walking up the rood, I definitely understood midway. I couldn’t turn back so I walked up until I reached and the view was totally worth the pain my feet are still feeling.
Though I walked around Bratislava without a map, I did have google maps which gave me walking directions but it was crap at telling me if I am going up a hill or not. I only had less than 5 hours to explore Bratislava and I think I did wonderfully.
Advice – take bus or tram to every tourist destination and walk down here to the next unless the next destination is even further up.
Peachy A. says
All of the places have amazing architecture particularly the Bratislava castle, Old town hall and St. Martin’s cathedral. Walking around and just watching the people and the old buildings were probably and remarkable experience.
Miranda says
They were and I am so honoured to have had the pleasure
Jesper, The Biveros Effect says
Some really nice places that most people visiting Bratislava should consider seeing.
We lived in Bratislava for a year and a half and the city really got a lot to offer. I would also really recommend the Devin Castle and also Bunker BS-8. The bunker is an old WWII bunker in the suburb of Petrzalka, just on the Austrian border and it is open for the public. 🙂
Regards
Jesper, The Biveros Effect
Miranda says
Awesome Jesper, I wanted to check out Devin castle but after visiting the Slavin my legs were done for the day. Definitely check it out next time
Jesper, The Biveros Effect says
I can understand that 🙂
Nice to hear that you seem to have enjoyed your visit 🙂
Miranda says
Thanks
Hannah says
Man that is so awesome. It seems like it has awesome architecture and great things to see.
Miranda says
It is awesome place to visit
Tiffany @ Daily Leisure says
Absolutely gorgeous! These pictures make me want to get over my fear of flying, and take another trip!
Miranda says
Awww bless I got over mine recently though not completely lol. It’s doable
Chantal says
I have never thought about visiting Slovakia but it looks like a beautiful destination. You photos are stunning.
Miranda says
Thanks, neither did I but I loved it and can’t wait to go again
Martine - MeUnfinished says
Wow! It looks like such an amazing place to go!!! Walking under this beautiful sky must have been such a treat 🙂 I noticed that there were many people walking everywhere and it must have made for some nice fresh air too!
Miranda says
It did it was amazing to walk except it was up the hill so my legs are still paying for it
Elizabeth says
Such a lovely place to visit! I have to admit my experiences of Eastern Europe have been very limited. I’ll have to visit one day!
Miranda says
It’s amazing and you should
Fitness and Health Tips says
This looks like a beautiful place to visit. I think asking a travel agent who is familiar with the area could be helpful as well.
Miranda says
Absolutely but this chick never thinks like that lol since I book everything separately myself lol
Maureen says
What stunning images! I am not sure if I will ever get there but I would love to!
Miranda says
Thanks Maureen
Franc Ramon says
I would love to see the elegant look of Bratislava Castle and St. Martin cathedral. It would also be nice to appreciate the heroism in the Slain War Memorial.
Miranda says
And I hope you get a chance one day. Such a beautiful city
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
A walk exploring a new area can be lots of fun. The architecture and some of the colors is really neat.
Miranda says
It truly can and though my legs are still paying for it it was truly magical
Wendy says
Beautiful! I have ancestors from that part of the world. I have always wanted to visit. Maybe one day!
Miranda says
Awesome hope you do one day
kayla says
Adding Slovakia to the list after reading your post! I’ll keep your recommendations in mind when I get back over that way! Thanks for sharing xx
Miranda says
You welcome and glad to hear that
Cat Davis | Mom by the Beach Blog says
I’ve never even heard of this place until now. I sure would love visiting the Old Town Hall. I love the historic look of it.
Miranda says
Hahaha it’s not the most common place but he’s old town had some lovely historical buildings
Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says
Absolutely gorgeous! I love to travel and I will for sure put this place on my bucket list. Thank you!
Miranda says
You most welcome and hope you do manage to visit Brno one day
Angelica says
My husband is from Slovakia and I have been begging for him to take me for years. These pics are great and will definitely share this post as some (more) motivation!
Angelica says
My husband is from Slovakia and I have been begging him to take me there for years. These pics are awesome and I’ll be sharing them with him and give him, yet another, little nudge!
Miranda says
Hahahaha awwww bless, tell him wizz air has some really cheap flights like I paid £15 return to Brno
Ickle Pickle says
I haven’t heard of Bratislava either – my geography is terrible! It looks so impressive – love your photos. Kaz x
Miranda says
Thanks Kaz, doctor google helped me out with Bratislava knowing where it was lol
Liz Mays says
The architecture on each of these buildings is so unique. It’s really cool that you were able to walk around and explore.
Miranda says
It’s amazing and thanks
Ana De- Jesus says
It saves so much money walking everywhere but great that there are good transport links as well that is so important. The castle looks so gorgeous!
Miranda says
The Castle is magnificent and a must see. It was nice walking but after a while became painful
Laura @ dearbearandbeany says
It looks lovely and well done for managing to see so much in five hours. I hope your feet have recovered 🙂
Miranda says
Thanks, my feet are still suffering but it was worth it
Vicki says
I have never heard of Bratislava, but based on those beautiful pictures, I would love to visit there one day! A palace and a castle just sound so grand!
Miranda says
They are so beautiful and definitely grand
Cassie says
I’m so ashamed that I have never heard of Bratislava! It really does look like a lovely place to visit.
Miranda says
Awww bless most of these European cities are unknown to many so don’t worry about it but it’s the capital of Slovakia
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
All of these places look beautiful. I need to book some real travel for this year. I love to get out and explore new places in the world.
Miranda says
They truly are amazing.
Charlotte says
we’ve never been to slovakia but it is somewhere we would like to visit (my sister in law loves it!) and I will definitely take note not to walk everywhere :p some lovely pictures!
Miranda says
Thanks Charlotte
Sarah - Craft Invaders says
What a beautiful, clean city. Really interesting post and lovely photos! I have never been to Slovakia, but it looks a fab place to visit 🙂
Miranda says
Thanks so much and it is such an amazing place to visit
Kerry norris says
Well done for you for walking everywhere. Your poor feet lol. I really want to go to Bratislava. I’ve heard fab things. It looks very similar to Prague. X
Miranda says
It’s does look similar to Prague and it is just as beautiful
Leah Miller says
Wow, it looks beautiful, we don’t have buildings like that around here!!
I can’t believe you walked it all!!
Beautiful photos,
Leah xx
Miranda says
Thanks Leah, yep I walked it all and my feet are paying for it now lol
Angela at Daysinbed says
I would like to check out the war memorial. it sounds fantastic as does the old town hall and the cathedral. They often have treasures in their and it’s fun to discover beautiful architecture and historic sites!
Miranda says
It is definitely more beautiful than my pictures are showing