Bratislava is a small but beautiful city with lots to see. There are restaurants, castles, museums and observation towers for you to visit.
The city is also a great base to explore Slovakia and Eastern Europe. You can go to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria within a few hours from here.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
Located in the Stary Mesto (Old Town), this Gothic cathedral was built over an earlier Romanesque basilica. Consecrated in 1452, it served as the coronation church for Hungarian kings between 1563 and 1830.
As you walk around the exterior, it’s easy to imagine what it must have looked like when it was first constructed. The 85m-high spire, a neo-Gothic tower that once formed a part of Bratislava’s fortifications, dominates the skyline.
The cathedral’s interior, consecrated in 1637, includes four chapels and crypts that conceal 90 graves. Among its most remarkable features is the equestrian statue group depicting St. Martin, who divides his coat to give half to a beggar.
The three-nave, 14th-century sanctuary is also notable for its huge rib vaults and stained-glass windows that lift the eye. Small gold-coloured crowns are placed in the pavement around the cathedral, and its spire is capped by a 300kg replica of the Hungarian royal crown. It’s a must-visit when in Bratislava.
Bratislava Castle
Bratislava Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It sits high on a rocky hill overlooking the city and the Danube River.
It’s a huge four-tower fortress that dominates the area above the city. From the top, you’ll get fantastic views over Bratislava, the Danube, and Austria.
The castle is a museum, so it’s a good place to learn about the history of the area. There are lots of artifacts from different times in the castle, including a treasure trove of gold and silver objects from the olden eras.
You can also explore the baroque garden at the castle. It’s a lovely spot to stroll through among the silver linden trees and statues, with a central fountain in the center. The gardens are open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and last entry is at 5 p.m.
Slovak National Gallery
The Slovak National Gallery is one of Bratislava’s most famous museums and has an impressive collection of artworks. The museum has a range of permanent and seasonal exhibitions to keep visitors engaged throughout their time in Bratislava.
The museum’s collection contains everything from sacred art to modern and contemporary painting. The collection also includes a wide selection of sculptures and photographs.
The Slovak National Gallery was established in 1949 and is located within two historic buildings along the Danube river, namely in the Esterhazy Palace and in the Water Barracks. These buildings were originally built in the Baroque period and they have been reconstructed and extended to meet new needs.
Slovak National Memorial
The Slovak National Memorial is located in a quiet spot in Bratislava, Slovakia. The monument is dedicated to the Slovak National Uprising of 1944.
- The monument is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the Slovak people in their struggle against Nazi occupation. However, the uprising was ultimately unsuccessful.
- There are several other memorials to the Slovak National Uprising throughout the country. Nevertheless, the uprising has been a powerful symbol of resistance against a brutal oppressive regime.
- Visiting the Slovak National Memorial is recommended as part of your tour of Bratislava, Slovakia.
- The Slovak National Museum is the most important institution focusing on scientific research and cultural education in the field of museology in Slovakia. It also serves as the coordinating, methodological, professional advisory, statistical, educational and informational centre of the entire museum sector in the Slovak Republic.
