What are the best things to do in Bratislava?

What does Bratislava evoke in you? Is it dry or wet? A city surrounded by mountains, or a raging ocean? Well, Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. Situated on the banks of the Danube, it is a city perfectly situated on the border with Austria and Hungary. It is here that you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful walks of your life. As you make your way along the various mountain paths, take a deep breath of fresh air and appreciate the world for what it is: simple, vast and beautiful. If you’re travelling to the south-west of the country, there’s a whole host of interesting activities to try. Do you want to know more? Let’s take a trip to the heart of the country we like to call the “Tiger of the Tatras”.

What to do in Bratislava

1. Bratislava Castle

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: We’re off to a great start. First of all, head to the historic centre of Bratislava. Here stands proudly and majestically the mythical castle that is the pride of the capital and its inhabitants. The castle, known as the “Hrad”, stands on a large hill overlooking the city. Built in the 10th century, it was the main castle of the Kingdom of Hungary. It was subsequently burnt down in 1811, then refurbished almost forty years ago. Today, it remains the symbol of the country and arouses a wave of curiosity among visitors because of its history. When you enter, you can admire the large halls that have been transformed into museums: the Music Museum and the Historical Museum. Come and admire the magnificent tapestries and fine furniture! One thing’s for sure, this medieval building will leave you breathless. Open from 10am to 6pm, welcome…

2. Lake Zlaté Piesky

Category: €€/Sporting

Description: To continue this ranking, head north-west of the city to cool off in the splendid Zlaté Piesky lake. Accessible by tram, it is around thirty minutes from the city centre. Are you anxious to take a dip in this large body of water? Don’t worry, Navaway would never send you to a dangerous place. We value our readers above all else. That’s why we’ve done our homework: lifeguards are stationed in every corner of the 54-hectare area and are always on the lookout. Safety is paramount. Many families like to arrive in the late morning to set up their little belongings under the nearby trees, which offer a perfect spot of shade. Throughout the day, you can have fun on your own or in a group, with water-based activities such as paddle boarding, water skiing and sailing. Not a fan of all things water-based? How about a game of tennis on dry land? Take a break from your visit to the city and treat yourself to a well-deserved day out in nature, on the banks of the Zlaté Piesky…

3. The Bratislava City Museum

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: If this is your first trip to Slovakia and you’ve landed in Bratislava, it’s best to visit the oldest places to get a better idea of what’s happening in the present. The City Museum, the oldest of its museums, is located in the “Old Town Hall”, on the small square of Hlavné. What’s inside? A sumptuous collection of archives, as well as a sweetly original mix of artefacts, such as very old clocks. But what visitors love most of all is the panoramic view from the top of the tower. It will take your breath away. When you come back down, don’t leave just yet. The bravest among you will certainly enjoy visiting the basement: this is where a whole exhibition of torture objects from ancient times is hidden… Open every day from 10am to 6pm, except Mondays, this little trip into the past will allow you to find out more about Bratislava.

4. A night out on the town

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: What you need to know about Bratislava is that during the day it looks like a perfectly peaceful city, but at night it puts on its best evening wear for dancing and fun! Yes, the nightlife here is pretty lively. If you’re travelling with your best friend, or your other half, you’ll be delighted to be able to enjoy it together. For reasonable prices, there are nightclubs offering a variety of music styles. If you prefer a romantic evening, there are plenty of restaurants to tempt your taste buds. You’ll be spoilt for choice! Why not try a delicious traditional dish? We recommend “Bryndzové halušky”, one of the city’s most emblematic dishes, made with bacon and potato pasta.

5. Devín Castle

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Yes, another castle! And this one is well worth a visit. Devín Castle is located in the village of the same name. It’s a medieval fortress with a turbulent past located around fifteen kilometres from the city, and many people get there by boat or bus. What makes it so majestic? It is located at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, at the very intersection of Austria and Slovakia. This strategic geographical position was cleverly designed to better control trade routes and keep an eye on enemy armies. Over the centuries, it belonged to various peoples, before being demolished by Napoleon’s army in the 19th century. Open every day from 10am to 5pm, except Mondays, the ruins of the castle arouse the curiosity and interest of visitors every year. Not to mention the absolutely magnificent views over the surrounding area, so you’ll be sure to feast your eyes!

6. Go in search of the city’s statues

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: Yes, you read that right. This is a treasure hunt, right in the heart of Slovakia’s capital. If you’re planning a day’s shopping in the city centre to pick up some souvenirs, stop for a few minutes at a café terrace and sip your drink. Take a good look around you. Can’t you feel the strange atmosphere? As if someone were watching you? It’s no coincidence, as there’s a whole collection of statues all over the place, designed to ‘liven up’ the city centre! If you’re out walking, take a look around: a statue may be staring back at you… The most famous is undoubtedly the “worker”, emerging from the manhole looking tired and worn out. There are plenty of others, just as amusing as they are intriguing. We’ll leave you to discover them…