In Europe, on both sides of the Danube River, near the Austrian border and just 62 km from Vienna, lies the city of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
Bratislava was part of the Kingdom of Hungary from the arrival of the Hungarians in 895 until the end of World War I in 1918.
The city is known for its captivating historic center, where its many churches stand out as prime tourist attractions due to their unique designs.
Bratislava also benefits from a privileged geographical location, sitting at the edge of the mountains.
This location provides Bratislava with abundant parks and lush greenery, giving both locals and visitors the chance to enjoy forested areas near the city center, such as Forest Park and Horský Park.
What to see in Bratislava?
To begin with, the majority of tourists participate in activities and tours around the city. This is something we highly recommend, and here are some top choices:
Bratislava has many charming sites and unique features. One highlight is its historic center, home to everything from medieval towers to 20th-century buildings.
Bratislava’s culture is influenced by various ethnic groups and is home to numerous museums, concert halls, cultural institutions, and film clubs.
In addition to being the capital, it is also considered Slovakia’s historical and cultural center.
As you stroll through the city, you’ll notice several bronze statues along the way, adding a playful element to your walk.
These statues attract many visitors eager for photos, with one of the most popular being the Statue of Cumil, a figure peeking up from a manhole.
Bratislava Castle
Bratislava Castle, built in the 10th century, is the city’s main attraction.
The castle has undergone several transformations, the latest being a reconstruction in 1950 after a devastating fire in 1811 destroyed much of the structure.
Throughout history, the castle served as a political, military, and religious center and acted as a fortress against the Hussites.
The castle stands on a hill, offering a magnificent view of the city below.
It also houses the Slovak National Museum and serves as the seat of the Slovak parliament.
Here are two great activities to enjoy at the castle:
- 1.5-hour Walking Tour with Castle Admission
- Free Tour of Bratislava Castle and Cathedral
- Guided Tour of Bratislava’s Castles
St. Michael’s Gate
Wondering what to see in Bratislava’s Old Town? It’s a common question for first-time visitors, and we’re here to help.
St. Michael’s Gate is the main entrance to the historic center.
Built in medieval Bratislava, it is the only gate that has survived from that period.
The building houses a museum with displays of medieval weapons and artifacts. From the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
A legend says that if you pass under St. Michael’s Gate, you’ll die within a year and a day.
Ventúrska and Michalská Streets
This ancient street is the first thing you see upon crossing St. Michael’s Gate.
Ventúrska and Michalská Streets are packed with bars, restaurants, and various shops that bring the city to life.
In several parts of this street, you can glimpse how the historic center once looked, as restoration efforts aim to attract more visitors.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
The cathedral’s construction dates back to the 15th century and features a spire topped with a golden ornament.
Though it may lack the external grandeur of other churches in the country, its history makes it a special place.
It is said that 11 Hungarian kings were crowned in this cathedral from the 16th to the 19th centuries when Slovakia was part of the Kingdom of Hungary.
Inside, you’ll also find a cemetery with numerous graves of ecclesiastical and political figures from Bratislava. However, no burials have taken place here since 1895.
One thing to keep in mind is that the cathedral is closed to visitors during weddings, so weekdays are the best time to visit.
We recommend taking this free tour of Bratislava Castle and St. Martin’s Cathedral to fully appreciate the historical context and hear stories about these two incredible monuments from an expert guide.
Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is a complex of three buildings built around Bratislava’s main square.
Today, the Old Town Hall houses the Bratislava City Museum, where exhibitions showcase the city’s history.
Meanwhile, the current city hall is located behind the old one, in Primatial Square.
As a fun fact, the complex includes a tower that served as a defensive structure centuries ago.
In fact, the tower still bears a cannonball from the Napoleonic Wars as a reminder of that era in Bratislava.
Also in the square, there is an inscription showing how high the Danube River waters reached during the flood of 1850.
UFO Bridge
The UFO Bridge, or Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising, is a modern construction featuring a steel base suspended by steel cables.
Construction of the bridge began in 1967 and was completed in 1972 under the direction of A. Tesar and J. Lacko. To make way for the bridge, important parts of the old city were demolished, including a Jewish neighborhood.
The bridge spans over 300 meters across the Danube River, linking the historic center with the city’s southern part.
It also features an observation deck 85 meters above ground, providing panoramic views of Bratislava.
Did you know that atop the bridge is a UFO-shaped restaurant? Appropriately named “UFO,” it offers a unique dining experience with a view over the city.
How to travel from Vienna to Bratislava
Slovakia lies in the heart of Europe and is surrounded by major cities.
In fact, if you’re in Vienna, it’s very easy to reach Bratislava, as the distance between them is only 62 km.
This means that, depending on the mode of transportation, travel time ranges from one to two hours.
Your options include:
Organized Tour
If you’d rather not worry about transportation between the cities, a one-day tour is an excellent choice. Another advantage is having a guide to explain each place you visit, adding depth to the experience.
We took this Civitatis excursion with a return by boat, and we were very pleased with it. We’d happily do it again.
Another option is this half-day tour to Bratislava (7 hours) with an English-speaking guide, where you’ll explore the old town and learn about the most intriguing details of the area.
Train
Wondering how to get from Vienna to Bratislava by train? It’s simple.
Vienna’s main train station is close to the city center, and travel times vary depending on your destination in Bratislava.
- For example, arriving at Bratislava Hlavná Stanica, the station closest to the historic center, takes about an hour.
- However, the journey to Petržalka Station takes around an hour and 20 minutes.
When purchasing your train ticket, you don’t need to go to the station, as tickets are available online. Just be sure to bring a printed ticket with you for boarding.
Additionally, if for any reason you can’t travel on the date of your ticket, it’s possible to use the same ticket for the following day.
Boat
Traveling by boat from Vienna to Bratislava along the Danube River is a fantastic option, as it offers scenic views along the way.
Tickets are usually a bit more expensive than other modes of transportation, but it’s worth the experience.
The trip from Vienna to Bratislava by boat typically takes around an hour and forty minutes.
Bus
The roads between Vienna and Bratislava are well-maintained, making bus travel a viable alternative.
This is one of the most economical ways to make the trip. However, the journey between Vienna and Bratislava takes about an hour and forty-five minutes.
Like train tickets, bus tickets can also be purchased online, which we recommend. As with train travel, you’ll need a printed ticket to board.
One advantage of taking the bus is that there are stops along the way, allowing you to see the areas you pass through.