Bratislava travel guide

Nestling between forested hills and the mighty river Danube, Bratislava lies at the heart of central Europe. In this unique city of contrasts, you can experience the historic old town with its bustling shops, cafés and grand buildings in the morning, before exploring tranquil hills by foot or bicycle in the afternoon.

Top things to see and do

• Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic and mainly traffic-free Old Town (Stare Mesto).Take in the view from the Castle and head for the main square, Hlavne Namestie, stopping at a café or two along the way.
• Hire a bike and head for the cycle paths that flank the Danube. For those wanting to explore on foot, try the hill trails that start around the famous Kamzik TV tower.
• Soak up some central European culture with visits to the restored Primate’s Palace and the Slovak National Gallery.
• Head out to the Čunovo Dam near the borders with Austria and Hungary. This stunning peninsula is the perfect setting for the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, which houses some of Slovakia’s most spectacular modern art.
• For some evening entertainment, try the beautiful Slovak National Theatre. With multiple stages, performances range from drama to opera and ballet.
• For fun and relaxation, head to the Senec Aquapark at the Sunny Lakes resort, just 20 minutes away from Bratislava. Open all year round, the complex has outdoor and indoor swimming pools with slides, beaches, saunas, and a wellness centre.

Tips for travellers

Bratislava is the only capital city to border two independent countries, Austria and Hungary. You can take advantage of its unique location by taking a day trip to Vienna, Austria’s romantic capital city, just under an hour away. Further afield is Budapest, Hungary’s historic capital with its famous thermal baths and stunning architecture.