The top 8 things to see and do in 24 hours in Bratislava
Looking for a short weekend trip in Slovakia’s capital city? Find out what to see and what to do in only 1 day in the charming and little city of Bratislava.
First of all, yes, it is totally doable to visit Bratislava in 1 day. In fact, it is usually considered as the perfect destination for a day trip from Vienna, as it can easily be reached by train in about 1 hour (cost is about 8,00€) from city center to city center. Most of the main attractions and best places to eat are comfortably located in the Old Town and they are all at walking distance. If you are planning to visit Bratislava as a day trip from Austria, have a look in here to find out what I did while in Vienna and just add one extra day to the itinerary to visit Slovakia too.
1.Explore the Old Town and look for Bratislava most photographed sculptures
Everything in Bratislava is basically at a walking distance so no need for public transport for a short visit (or just a short tram ride from the main station if you are coming from Vienna). The Old Town has a unique atmosphere and is full of historical buildings, cafes and nice places to enjoy a proper Slovakian meal (but more on that below).
While in Bratislava, getting the best and funniest picture with the human sized sculptures around the old town is a must! They add a unique touch to the Town center and each sculpture has its own legend. The most famous is Cumil ‘the watcher’, or the Man at Work. Story says that if you touch his head and make a wish it will come true, so go on and give Cumil a little cuddle on his head! Some others are Schone Naci sculpture, a man holding a hat greeting people on the streets, and the Napoleon Soldier leaning on a bench near the Town Hall. For more information and curiosities about each sculpture, have a look here.
2.Visit Michael’s Gate and Tower
Built around 1300, Michael’s Gate is one of the oldest buildings in town and the only standing medieval fortifications of the city. Right above the gate, you will see Michael’s Tower with a height of 51m, make sure you get a ticket and go up to the balcony for amazing views on Bratislava Old Town if open. Right under the Tower, you will also find a golden circle which illustrates the distance from Bratislava to other 29 capital cities around the world.
3.Reach Bratislava’s Castle for some beautiful views of the city from the top
The Castle is one of the main symbols of Bratislava. It was built between the 9th and the 18th and fairly recently restored. Nowadays, the castle serves as a representative venue for the Slovak Parliament and some collections of the Slovak National Museum can be visited. It is a beautiful place for a walk with great views on the city and the Danube River just below it. While there make sure you don’t miss the baroque garden just behind the castle. I did visit in January so the garden was of course not at its best but still beautiful to see (maybe check out some more pictures online if you are visiting during spring or summer so you can get a better idea on how it looks like).
On your way to the Castle Hill from the city center you will also be able to spot the rest of the ancient wall surrounding the old town, and a little street with colorful houses (Zidovska Street).
4.Visit the Blue Church
About 10-15 min walk from the Old Town you will find the famous Blue Church of Bratislava also known as Church of St. Elizabeth or Kostol Svatej Alzbety Church in Slovak. The Church was designed in the 20th century and both the exteriors and interiors of the church are colored in shades of blue. It is said that on a sunny day, the church is the same color as the sky (and I kind of agree). It is a very unique place to see, thus the church is open very rarely so you will be lucky if you’ll be able to visit the interior. Make sure you have a look online for opening hours when visiting. Although even though you cannot go inside, you will still be able to see the interior through the glass doors from the main entrance so not all is lost.
5.Presidential Palace
Visit Grassalkovich Palace or Presidential Palace. As usual the Palace is just a few minutes' walk from the old town. If you manage to get there on time, this is the change of the guard at noon during weekdays. Of interest also the big fountain right in front of the palace with a huge globe in the middle and the Palace’s large French Gardens if you have some extra time.
Now let's skip to the most important part of the trip… Food!
6.Have Lunch/Dinner at the Slovak Pub
If you are looking for a traditional Slovakian atmosphere and want to try some traditional cuisine, then you can’t go wrong with the Slovak Pub. Prices are very reasonable, and you will be able to get famous garlic soup in the bread bun and a Slovakian style Gulash as well as many other delicacies. They also have a shared platter if you want to try out a little bit of everything.
7.Get an amazing slice of cake and a coffee at the Konditorei Kormuth
Literally 2 min walk from the main square, a few shops right from the Starbucks, you will find the Konditorei Kormuth. Everything in this place is just stunning! The porcelain, the atmosphere, the staff’s uniforms and even the toilets, not to mention of course the exquisite cakes and coffees. It's like being transported back over 100 years ago in history. It is a little pricey (you have to spend at least 12,00€ per person) but definitely worth it!
8.Warm up with a nice ‘Selficcino’ at Five Point Coffee
Ever wondered how baristas are able to make such nice decorations on your cappuccino? Well, this is all on another level. At Five Points, literally a few minutes' walk from Michael’s Gate, you will be able to add a picture of your choice on your coffee!
The price is 4,20€ but for a once in a lifetime thing it’s kind of alright as that’s more or less what you would pay for in Starbucks anyways.
Bonus point:
Devin Castle
If you have a little more than 24 hours in Bratislava, then make sure you go and visit Devin Castle. About 30 min from the city center by public transport, in the town of Devin, the castle is located on a high cliff overlooking the Morava and Danube rivers, right at the border between Slovakia and Austria. Soak in the medieval charm that this place has to offer and enjoy some outstanding views of the green valleys and rivers below. I wasn’t able to visit but, to be honest, would definitely go back to Slovakia just to see it!
That said, I hope this post will give you an idea on what to see and do during your 24 hours (or maybe more) in the Slovakian capital. Happy travel everyone!
