Bratislava’s long historical past is evident in the downtown buildings, making it worthwhile to take a tour of the city.
Slovakia’s capital is located in the southwestern part of the country, in the border triangle with Austria and Hungary, at the foot of the Little Carpathians, occupying both banks of the Danube and the left bank of the Morava. Numerous universities, museums, theaters, galleries, and other cultural and educational institutions operate here.
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Bratislava attractions
Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský hrad)
Located on the left bank of the Danube in Bratislava’s historic district, this white castle complex stands out from afar on a hilltop.
Its Hungarian significance is notable. The castle was under Hungarian rule from 902 for a long time, served as the seat of the Hungarian government from 1536, and also housed the National Archives for many years.
The castle now hosts one of the main sections of the Slovak National Museum, the Historical Museum (Historické múzeum) with about a quarter million exhibits, and the representative halls of the Slovak National Council.
A Baroque garden with many trees and diverse plants was established in the castle in 2016.
In front of the castle stands the equestrian statue of Moravian ruler Svatopluk I.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
Known as the coronation church of Bratislava, this Gothic cathedral built in the 15th century is the second most visited building after the castle.
It is Bratislava’s largest and most significant Roman Catholic church. A total of eleven Hungarian monarchs and eight Hungarian queens were crowned here.
Main Square
Formerly Bratislava’s largest marketplace, it remains an important square surrounded by beautiful buildings.
The most notable is the Old Town Hall in the northeastern part, built in the 15th century. It now houses the City Museum.
Primate’s Palace
Located in the city center, it’s one of Bratislava’s most beautiful neoclassical palaces.
The palace’s main attraction is the collection of 17th-century English tapestries depicting the love story of Leander and Hero.
Michael’s Gate
The only remaining gateway of Bratislava’s four original city gates in the Old Town.
Built in the 14th century and transformed into its current Baroque style in the 1750s. It houses a weapons museum, showcasing Bratislava’s history and the city’s defense. It also exhibits weapons, armor, military and tournament equipment.
The top floor offers a beautiful view of the downtown area.
Statues in the Old Town
There are several interesting statues in the old town area.
The most famous is Čumil: a bronze statue of a manhole cleaner peeking out of a sewer. Be sure to visit him during your stroll through the old town. 🙂
On the corner of the Main Square stands another famous statue, Schöne Náci. It was modeled after the former Bratislava bohemian, Ignác Lamár, known for always walking the city streets elegantly with a large top hat.
There’s also a bronze statue of a Napoleonic soldier leaning on a bench in front of the French Embassy on the Main Square.
Slavín
Central Europe’s largest war memorial, standing at a height of 52 meters. It is the burial place of 6,845 soldiers of the Soviet army who fell during the liberation of Bratislava in World War II.
The memorial can be seen from almost everywhere in Bratislava, as it is located on a hill, offering a view of the castle.
Grassalkovich Palace
This late Baroque-Rococo style palace is located on the former Grassalkovich Square, a popular meeting place in Bratislava.
Designed and built by Andreas Mayerhoffer for the Hungarian nobleman, Count Antal Grassalkovich of Gyarak, in 1760. The palace’s rooms and Spanish Hall showcase the designer’s and builder’s work, as well as the lavishly decorated staircase with sculptures.
Since 1996, it has been the residence of the President of the Republic. The former vast park is now a public park with a statue of the local-born composer and pianist, Johann Nepomuk Hummel, and a copy of a Maria Theresa statue from the Nitra Archbishop’s Palace.
Slovak National Theatre Historical Building
The new building was opened in 2007, but the „old,” historical building still hosts performances.
Designed in an eclectic style by architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, it was opened in 1886.
The building on Hviezdoslav Square is one of Bratislava’s most visited places, thanks to the theatre.
Blue Church
Officially named St. Elizabeth’s Church, it got its nickname from its color.
Designed by Ödön Lechner, it is one of the most beautiful creations of the Art Nouveau style. The church is dedicated to St. Elizabeth of Hungary but was built as a symbolic mausoleum for Empress Elizabeth.
UFO Observation Tower
Cross over to the Old Town via the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising, which features a UFO-like observation tower.
The bridge itself is architecturally unique, thanks to its shape and the span of its steel construction.
The 95-meter-high observation deck offers an excellent panorama, accessible by a fast elevator. There’s also a restaurant at the top.
Kamzík TV Tower
Located to the north of the city center on a hilltop, the TV tower functions as an observation deck and restaurant.
It offers not only views of the city but also distant views of the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary.