9 Unmissable Things to Do in Bratislava: Day Tour with 360 Video
Bratislava, Slovakia is a great destination for a day tour. From exploring the Old Town to taking a cruise on the Danube River, there are plenty of opportunities to make your trip memorable.
If you are in the vicinity of Vienna and touring that location, it is especially worth considering a visit, and that link being my guide to Vienna.
I went to Bratislava with my Insta360 360 camera and took the video below.
I went as a part of an Eastern Europe group tour and took a day tour to Bratislava from Vienna. I’ll add some tours I researched and you can see the locations in my video.
Here is a highly rated tour that takes you around Bratislava in open side vehicle (good for pictures)
Things to do in Bratislava
- The Old Town Square of Bratislava
- Visit Bratislava Castle
- Take a Cruise on the Danube
- Admire St Martin’s Cathedral
- Sample Local Cuisine
- Primates castle
- Michaels gate
- ufo tower
- Slovak national theater
- FAQs in Relation to Things to Do in Bratislava
- Conclusion
Here’s my Youtube Shorts video if you just want a super quick cinematic overview.
The Old Town Square of Bratislava
If you’re planning a trip to Bratislava, Slovakia, you won’t want to miss the city’s charming Old Town. And at the heart of this historic district is the Main Square, a bustling hub of activity and culture.
Admire Maximilian Fountain
In the center of the square stands Maximilian Fountain (otherwise known as Roland’s fountain). Legend has it that the knight comes to life at certain times of the year.
Stroll around Hviezdoslavovo Namestie
To the south of Main Square lies Hviezdoslavovo Namestie, another popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Here you’ll find theaters, galleries, restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating options that offer prime people-watching opportunities.
In my video you can see the beautiful tree lined avenue.
Explore Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is located on one side of Main Square and houses a museum dedicated to Bratislava’s history. Visitors can admire its Gothic architecture from outside or go inside and take a tour and even go up the tower for a view of the city.
Statues
Bratislava is known for its interesting statues including Cumil, Napoleans soldier, Schone Nasi, and Strazna Budka.
Here are my Guides to more famous Old Town areas not too far from Bratislava.
Visit Bratislava Castle
Bratislava Castle is a must-see for any tourist visiting the Slovakian capital. Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, it offers stunning views of Bratislava and its surroundings. Having undergone various renovations throughout its long history, Bratislava Castle is now recognized as one of the most impressive fortifications in Central Europe.
The exterior walls are made from sandstone blocks that were quarried nearby and feature four towers with red tiled roofs. Inside, visitors can explore several rooms including an exhibition hall featuring artifacts from past occupants as well as displays about Slovakian history. There’s also a chapel dedicated to St John of Nepomuk which was built in 1740.
Visitors can take guided tours around the castle grounds or simply wander around at their own pace admiring the architecture and learning more about this historic site. You can also visit the Castle’s Treasury.
For those looking for some exercise after exploring inside, there are plenty of walking trails surrounding the castle offering spectacular views across Bratislava and beyond – perfect for taking some memorable photos. For the more daring, you may even attempt to ascend one of the castle’s turrets – however, caution is advised.
For a truly immersive experience of Bratislava, explore the grandeur and culture of its Castle. After taking in the history and culture of Bratislava Castle, explore further by embarking on a cruise down the Danube.
Take a Cruise on the Danube
Take a Cruise on the Danube and experience Bratislava from a unique perspective. Enjoy views of the city’s skyline, while you relax in comfort on board one of the many river cruises available.
The most popular route takes passengers downriver to Devín Castle, offering stunning panoramic vistas along the way. Passengers can also opt for a longer cruise that goes all the way to Vienna, taking in sights such as Devin Castle, Gabčíkovo Dam and Čunovo Waterworks en-route.
Onboard amenities include comfortable seating areas with tables and chairs, so you can enjoy your own snacks or drinks while taking in the scenery. There is usually an onboard bar serving local beers and wines as well as light snacks like sandwiches or pastries. Live music is often played during these cruises too.
A knowledgeable guide will be on hand throughout your journey to provide interesting facts about Bratislava’s history and culture; they may even share some traditional Slovakian sayings or idioms with you.
The best time to take this cruise is between April and October when temperatures are milder; however if it rains there are covered sections onboard so you don’t have to worry about getting wet.
Cruises typically last around two hours, but if you want more time exploring then look out for extended trips which run up until sunset – perfect for watching those amazing sunsets over Slovakia’s capital city.
Embark on a voyage down the Danube to experience Bratislava’s captivating scenery, architectural wonders, and cultural heritage. Now let’s move onto admiring St Martin’s Cathedral – one of the most iconic landmarks in Slovakia.
The Danube connects to these cities which I have guides for.
Admire St Martin’s Cathedral
St Martin’s Cathedral is an awe-inspiring Gothic-style church located in the heart of Bratislava’s Old Town. This exquisite edifice stands out among the many other architectural splendors of the city, featuring a complex facade and distinctive design.
Completed in 1245, St Martin’s Cathedral was a highly sought-after pilgrimage site for Catholics from all over Europe.
St. Martins was the coronation church for the kingdom of Hungary from the 1500’s to 1800’s. The crown atop the cathedral in my picture below is a replica of the Hungarian crown.
The exterior of this magnificent structure features two towers which are crowned by Baroque domes that reach up to 65 meters high. The main entrance is adorned with statues of saints and angels, as well as various symbols such as keys and swords representing spiritual power.
Visitors can also admire the stunning stained glass windows that line both sides of the cathedral’s interior walls – these depict scenes from Jesus’ life including his birth, baptism, crucifixion and resurrection.
Cardinal Jan Palkovič, who served as Archbishop for more than half a century is interred in the crypt alongside other illustrious Slovakian figures. The main altar has been consecrated to Saint John Nepomuk who was martyred on March 20th 1393 during a power struggle between King Wenceslaus IV and Pope Boniface IX over Church appointments in Bohemia (now part of Czech Republic).
Gaining an appreciation of St Martin’s Cathedral is a great way to explore the culture and heritage of Bratislava before sampling its delectable local fare. Next, sample some of the delicious local cuisine that this vibrant city has to offer.
Sample Local Cuisine
If you’re in Bratislava, be sure to sample some of the local specialties, including Bryndzové halušky. This traditional Slovak dish consists of potato dumplings mixed with sheep’s cheese and bacon bits, served with an onion salad on the side. It’s delicious and hearty – perfect for those cold winter days.
Another classic Slovak meal is kapustnica, a savory cabbage soup made with smoked meat and mushrooms. Both dishes can be found in most restaurants around town, so make sure to give them a try.
For a sweet indulgence, visit one of Bratislava’s many pastry shops or cafes to sample traditional treats such as koláče, štrúdle and palacinky.
Here you’ll find all kinds of treats like koláče (sweet yeast pastries filled with fruit or nuts), štrúdle (apple strudel) and palacinky (crepes). For an even more authentic experience, try some pirohy – small dumplings stuffed with either potatoes or fruit filling – they’re sure to hit the spot.
Experience the unique flavors of Bratislava by sampling some local cuisine during your visit. Next, we’ll take a peek at the famed Primates Castle in Bratislava.
Primate’s Castle
Primates Castle, located in the Old Town of Bratislava, is a must-see destination for tourists and travellers alike. Constructed in the 12th century, Primates Castle is a prominent part of Slovak history and offers visitors an exploration of its grounds.
In the castle is St George Statue which depicts a Roman Christian slaying a dragon that was terrorizing a city. (as you can see in my picture below)
Tourists will find plenty to do here, whether they’re admiring St George Statue, seeing the tapestries, or visiting the Hall of Mirrors.
The Primates Castle is a fascinating historical landmark that stands as a testament to the city’s past. For those looking for more of Bratislava’s rich history, Michaels Gate should be next on your list.
Michaels Gate
Situated in the old town, Michael’s Gate is a 14th century remnant of fortifications and features two towers connected by a bridge with arched entrances.
Two towers, linked by a bridge and each having an arched doorway, make up Michael’s Gate. Michael’s Gate has been restored several times throughout its history, but it still retains much of its original charm.
The main feature of Michael’s Gate is its Gothic style architecture. Its most distinctive element is a large stone statue depicting St. Michael and dragon on top – an iconic symbol associated with Slovakia and Bratislava itself.
Visitors can also find other sculptures adorning both sides of the archway, including those depicting King Ladislaus I and his wife Elizabeth Granerová, who founded Bratislava Castle back in 1291 AD.
One unique aspect about Michael’s Gate is that it serves as more than just an architectural landmark; it also houses some interesting artifacts inside its walls. For example, visitors can explore exhibits related to military life during medieval times.
At night time, Michael’s Gate looks especially beautiful when illuminated by spotlights.
Unfortunately when I visited, as you can see in the video, it was under reconstruction.
Michaels Gate stands as a prominent reminder of Bratislava’s past, its architecture embodying the city’s heritage. Next, let’s explore the UFO Tower – a modern architectural marvel with incredible views of the surrounding area.
UFO Tower
UFO Tower on UFO Bridge, also known as the SNP Bridge, is a unique and eye-catching structure located in Bratislava, Slovakia. The tower was built between 1967 and 1972 during the communist era and designed by architect Peter Lacko.
You can see the UFO tower in 2 of my pictures above.
Its distinctive shape resembles an upside down flying saucer or UFO hovering over Danube River with its lights glowing at night making it a popular tourist attraction for visitors from all around the world.
And if you like bridges these cities in Eastern Europe are famous for them and I have these articles.
Moving on, another must-see attraction in Bratislava is the Slovak National Theater.
Slovak National Theater
The Slovak National Theater is a beautiful and historical building located in the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia. Constructed in 1886, this renowned cultural centre located in the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia has been drawing thousands of people annually to witness performances from all over.
My 360 video ends at the Slovak theater and the square in front of it.
The Slovak National Theater boasts three stages, with one for opera, another dedicated to drama productions and the third reserved for ballet performances. Thousands of people flock to this iconic theater annually, eager to witness performances from around the globe.
The architecture of the theater is quite impressive with its grand facade that includes two towers on either side of the entranceway. Inside, one will be amazed to find a large auditorium capable of seating up to 1,200 guests in plush comfort as well as multiple balconies for added capacity.
The interior design consists mostly of marble columns and walls decorated with frescoes painted by renowned artists from all over Europe including Hans Makart from Austria and Henryk Siemiradzki from Poland among others.
There are also several sculptures depicting figures from Greek mythology placed throughout various parts of the theater adding even more beauty to this already breathtaking space.
Be sure to take in the awe-inspiring Slovak National Theater if you ever find yourself in Bratislava. At night time when illuminated by spotlights or during intermissions between shows when lights dim down low, you can experience true theatrical magic at Slovak National Theater.
FAQs in Relation to Things to Do in Bratislava
What is Bratislava best known for?
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and one of Europe’s oldest cities. Founded in the 9th century by Germanic tribes, Bratislava is one of Europe’s oldest cities and has served as the capital of Slovakia since then. The city is best known for its stunning architecture, which ranges from Baroque buildings to modern structures like Eurovea shopping mall.
Its Old Town area contains many historical sites including Bratislava Castle and St Martin’s Cathedral, while its riverside promenade offers breathtaking views over the Danube River. In addition to its historic and architectural attractions, Bratislava offers an array of cultural activities including museums, galleries, bars and clubs for those seeking a vibrant nightlife.
Is there a lot to do in Bratislava?
Yes, there is a lot to do in Bratislava. The city offers a wide range of activities for tourists and travellers alike. From historical sites like the Bratislava Castle and St Martin’s Cathedral to modern attractions such as UFO Observation Deck, Old Town Hall, or the Slovak National Theatre – all provide an exciting experience for visitors.
Outdoor fun is also plentiful, with options like trekking trails, biking paths, kayaking excursions on the Danube River and more. With its rich history, vibrant culture and abundance of outdoor activities, Bratislava is sure to make your visit a memorable one.
Other sites that I didn’t mention above are the Blue Church, Slavin Memorial, and Grassalkovich palace.
Is Bratislava worth visiting?
I would say one day in Bratislava is worth it. We went for the day as a day trip out of Vienna.
Here is a popular day trip from Vienna to Bratislava. Pick up from hotel with 4 hours in Bratislava.
Tour Bratislava in one day trip
Discover all of the amazing things to do in the stunning capital city of Bratislava on this one day trip and catch a glimpse in my 360 VR video! Review and book a tour today to see all that this wonderful place has to offer!
