Planning to visit Bratislava soon? These are the most fun and unusual things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia! Get ready to be enchanted by one of Europe’s most captivating, yet compact capital cities. Though smaller, it has its breathless details!

My story begins with three days in Bratislava at the beginning of summer, en route to a conference in Berlin.

For a newcomer, Bratislava might seem quite tiny, promising maybe less compared to its neighbouring Austrian counterpart, Vienna. But, once you get to know it better, though Bratislava might be small in size, it is bursting with charm and plenty of activities, enough for a 2-3 day trip!

The city center is packed with old palaces that host museums, hotels and restaurants, providing an incredible setting for some of the most weird historical facts and tales. Added to that, I must say the urban art scene is amazing, as well as the food.

Pass Quietly Through Michael’s Gate

Michael’s Gate / Michalská brána in Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

I did! Once forth, then back, and once more as shadows were starting to merge with the darkness. Couldn’t stop looking up at this beauty, trying to catch the last view for the day of archangel Michael, petrified, portrayed  as forever slaying his devil at the very top. It give you chills.

Michael’s Gate, or Michalská brána as known locally, is the entrance to the old center and the only ancient gate still standing out of the four within the medieval walls that once surrounded Pressburg / old Bratislava. Like in fairy tales, there was a moat beyond it and had a drawbridge. Now gone with all the rest of the fortifications. It is said that they were taken down at the order of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, in order to make way for new structures and to accommodate the expansion of the city. They kept one original gate due to the significant investment made to redesign it in the baroque style.

This gate used to be a stop on the route of the coronation procession of Hungarian kings, the place where, after they were crowned at the Cathedral, came to make their oath in front of an archbishop.

The tower above the gate houses a Museum of Weapons. And a local rumour says that if you don’t keep quiet while crossing, you might “wake up the executioner”.

Stroll Around the Old Center

Fountain in the Old Center of Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Beyond Michael’s gate, in the old center of Bratislava, Staré Mesto, there are plenty of tiny, cobblestone streets, with old stories and legends unfolding. You can walk there for hours and hours and not have enough.

Buildings and locals alike speak about kings and queens ruling empires, world famous musicians like Mozart or Liszt that enchanted the old world, fountains that once poured wine and artefacts now worth more than the structures sheltering them.

In fact, the old center is a cluster of palaces, medieval, baroque, and renaissance buildings hosting traditional restaurants and jazz bars, as well as history and art museums. For example, you can visit Mirbach Palace and Pálffy Palace hosting the Bratislava City Gallery. Not far, there are the wonderful City Hall and Primates Palace. On the top of a nearby hill stands the renovated Bratislava Castle.

And if you’re an art lover, I totally recommend you to visit Gallery Nedbalka. It’s a multilevel art space in an old edifice, but with a contemporary twist in the interiors, somewhat echoing the Guggenheim’s spatiality.

In this whole historical setting, you’ll find modern touches like whimsical statues (such as the famous Čumil or Napoleon) and colorful street art that add a playful dimension to the old town.

The Red-Roofs View You Should Not Miss

Old Town Hall Tower Panorama over Bratislava Stare Mesto, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

The Old Town Hall is a complex of multiple structures from different eras. You can easily notice the so-called architectural fusion especially on the main façade, which is showcasing three different vertical registers.

It’s one of the oldest stone-built structures in Bratislava and has served various purposes over the centuries: governmental seat, prison, mint, municipal archive, market, whatever you can and can’t imagine yet.

If you want to access one of the best views in the city, you should climb up the oldest part of the Town Hall: a Gothic tower from the 14th century.  It’s pretty cool and should be a must-do on your checklist!

Spot the Cannonballs in the Walls

Cannonball on Michalská St. House Wall, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

If you wander around the Old Town Hall and look really closely at the left side of the bottommost window on the main façade, you’ll find a super old cannonball stuck in the wall! Yup, it’s been there for more than 200 years! It’s from a time when Napoleon and his army sieged Bratislava as part of his Campaign against the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

After the war, the damaged buildings were entitled to tax relief. This led some property owners to deliberately embed cannonballs in their facades to qualify for the relief. Kind of sneaky, huh? While many such buildings have since been torn down, at least nine in the Old Town still bear these historical markers.

You can find some of the wall-stuck cannonballs on Michalská and Biela Street, and at the Apponyi Palace.

Experience Cake Nirvana at Konditorei Kormuth

Konditorei Kormuth Cakes, Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

This is one magical patisserie that was on my Bratislava must-visit list since even before leaving home. I read many comments about it and while spending around 40 minutes inside, I realized some people don’t understand Konditorei Kormuth is not a simple cake shop. It’s a museum serving tea, coffee and sweets, cakes and ice cream. And not the other way around.

The entrance to Kormuth Konditorei is based on a minimum consumption of 12 euro, which is not overpriced for how pretty the interior decoration is and how elegantly everything is being served. But I think you also have the option to pay a fee of 5-6 euros solely for the purpose of visiting.

Konditorei Kormuth Interior Details, Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

On the outside, the large windows are filled with vintage puppets, among which a figurine of the famous queen Maria Theresa. At the interior, the walls are decorated with paintings and sculptures in the Renaissance style, with heavy wooden furniture and original antiques from the 16th to 19th century.

This is the result of an extensive reconstruction which the old “Strutzer” sweetshop, as locals recall it, has undergone for almost a decade. Now, thematically focused on the history of Bratislava.

One amazing aspect lies in serving delicacies using vintage porcelain and crystal cups. Their impressive collection of antique porcelain sets, adorned with intricate floral designs and gold-plated edges on each piece, sourced from England or Germany, dates back a century!

If you’re in for ice cream at Konditorei Kormuth, try the dark chocolate one. If you want a cake, the swan éclair is light and not so sweet. And looks lovely.

Have a Tea in the Underground

Čajovňa v Podzemí | Teahouse in a Bomb Shelter in Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Exploring Bratislava’s unique underground scene is an experience you shouldn’t miss either.

If tight, closed spaces don’t make you anxious, you have the opportunity to venture about 12 meters below street level to discover a one-of-a-kind teahouse.

Part of the 17th century Zichy Palace, this is one of the almost 300 Cold War bomb shelters in the city.  The underground of the palace was rebuilt in the 1950’s as a civil protection cover against bombs, gas, and atomic attacks, but interestingly, never used for its original intent. More recently the bunker was repurposed into a comfy place that serves teas from all over the planet, from India to Morocco: Nepal White, Elderflower, Indian Black Tea and many, many others.

I’m not so much of a tea person, but this hidden gem also serves up delicious milkshakes and pretty good coffee. The food menu includes mostly snacks like hummus, baba ghanoush with pita bread, waffles, and even some Slovak specialties.

Plus, the ambiance is amazing as the venue features over several distinct rooms, each meticulously decorated to reflect various African and Asian themes. It actually feels like a home away from home.

Capture Your ‘Man at Work’ Moment

Čumil Statue in Bratislava Old Center, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Speaking of the underground, you just have to meet Čumil, the Man at Work! He’s this super fun statue of a man peeking out of a sewer in the Old Town.

What is he doing there? Could be he’s a hardworking sewer worker who’s taking a break? Maybe he’s playing the ultimate game of hide-and-seek? Or maybe he’s just a super-curious guy who likes to people-watch! I mean, he’s got the best seat in the house for that, right? Well, no one knows exactly, but he hasn’t moved an inch since 1997.

A silly photo with Čumil, pretending like you’re helping him out of the hole or just waving hello! is a must He’s so famous, people from all around the world come for that perfect selfie. And wait—there’s more! Arthur Gelato sells this super tasty Čumil-themed ice cream!!  In case you’re after a souvenir that won’t melt too soon, check the local shops for some miniature replicas.

Sightsee in a Vintage Train

Prešporáčik Vintage Train near Bratislava Castle, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

For me, nothing beats getting the feel of a place with a bus tour. In bustling metropolises, big buses do the trick, but Bratislava’s Old Town is a completely different story. You see, its charming streets aren’t made for those massive vehicles. So, without the Prešporáčik® Oldtimer trains, this area would be off the grid for hop-on, hop-off tours.

Bratislava has these super-cute, vintage-style trolley or trams that were designed to easily get around its narrow and winding streets. They take you where others can’t. We’re talking close-up views of the magnificent Bratislava Castle, the elegant Slovak National Theatre, and the super-ancient St. Martin’s Cathedral!

It’s quite a unique way to explore the city, which in my opinion adds an extra sprinkle of nostalgia to the sightseeing experience. All abord?

Have a Slovak Beer in a Once Monastery

There is a lovely corridor opening up from the street, followed by a series of themed rooms, all dressed up in hard, dark wood and dim light, that lead you to a grand staircase. Most of this part of the building it Bratislava’s Golden Alley and the walls are simply memorials of old times, simulating facades of original homes and shops that no longer exist: a wine cellar, a bakery, a reminder of Zuckermandel’s Town Hall and many others.

Upstairs, on the first floor, a huge, noisy, traditional restaurant serving craft beer and homemade Slovak food awaits for the visitors.

In one small capital, that’s one of the biggest restaurants in Central Europe. The premises of Bratislava Flagship Restaurant used to be part of the former Franciscan Monastery of the Merciful Brothers established way back in the 17th century. At that time, the monastery had not only a church, but also cellars, a hospital and a pharmacy. In the 1950’s, the building became a cinema and was rebuilt almost half century later into a dining establishment. Nowadays, apart from the upper floor restaurant, the ground floor and the basement, the monastic cellars, have been transformed in a small brewery making Pilsen-type monastery lager.

I must admit I had more than a beer! The food is also very tasty and it took less than 10 minutes to have it brought to the table. The menu includes a lot of meat-based dishes like pork knuckle or lamb, but it;s well worth trying the garlic soup in bread and  dumplings with ‚bryndza‘ sheep cheese, that comes from their own farm. For the desert, try Bobaky some kind of Bratislava dumplings with poppy seed!!

Or Join a Beer Ride

These beer bikes are quite cute. I’ve also seen similar ones on the streets of Berlin. And people were having a lot of fun!

I think this kind of activity is more appropriate for larger groups, especially when you’re travelling with friends. You get to see the city of Bratislava from a new perspective, plus music and draft beer. Party on wheels sort of.

Witness Bratislava’s Mini-Buckingham Moment

Grassalkovich Palace, Changing of the Guards, Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Well, changing of the Guards ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava (Grassalkovich Palace) is a smaller affair than Buckingham’s, sure, but it’s just as fun and colorful. They are called The Guard of Honour and represent a unit of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, with the role of defending the president, as well as participating in protocols and charitable events.

The palace itself, a Rococo-meets-late Baroque building, is usually off-limits to the public. Even so, they do have an “open door day” once a year, typically in June, where you can sneak a peek inside! For the rest of the time, you can watch the Guards change at noon, during weekdays. Afterwards head over to the beautiful French garden of the palace, which is nowadays a park that can be visited.

Drive Down Memory Lane at Bratislava’s Transport Museum

Transport Museum Inside an Old Railway Station, Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

As a child, I loved collecting small toy cars instead of dolls. They were so brightly coloured and each one seemed to have its own little story to tell. Childhood is how it feels at Bratislava’s Transport Museum. There are all these lovely cars and choo-choo trains coming all the way from the past.

The museum was built at Bratislava’s first steam-engine railway station, which makes even more charming.

Vintage Cars at Transport Museum, Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

There are two main halls where real-life vehicles are displayed. The first one is dedicated to ancient multi-purpose carriages, vintage cars, motorcycles and even bicycles manufactured before WWII in Czechoslovakia . You can check old train stations’ equipment and watch a group of old clocks synchronizing.

On the station platform, outside the hall, vintage locomotives have been at a standstill for quite a while.

Honestly, if someone hadn’t warned us, we wouldn’t have noticed that around the corner was a second, giant hall, with modernized vehicles including the pretty Skoda, a collection of the Soviet Union’s military vehicles, tiny boat models and many many other things.

Take a Retro-Car, Post-Communist Bratislava Tour

Bratislava, with all its enchanting tales of knights and castles, also bears the weighty scars of the communist past.  Deeply contrasting to the romantic face of Stare Mesto, multiple striking brutalist structures, Soviet-era buildings and monuments are scattered around the city. Just that alone makes visiting the sites of the city that once stood behind the Iron Curtain quite a challenge.

That’s why I couldn’t recommend more the lovely post-communist tour done by traveling around in a retro, iconic Skoda car.

For about 2-3 hours, you’ll be in an authentic Czechoslovakian time machine. You’ll get to witness the monumental Slavín Soviet memorial, derelict factories, bunkers from the 1930s, and the once formidable Iron Curtain border zone. Drive by the very first Czechoslovakian apartment block and Europe’s grandest socialist housing project – Petržalka housing estate.

Others places on route: SNP Bridge and Square of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, Presidential Palace and socialist-era fountain, Slovak Radio, the famous upside down pyramid-shaped building, Russian Cemetery, Stein Brewery and other places within Bratislava’s Soviet history.

Plus, it’s a one in a million chance to hear those very personal tales and experiences from guides who lived through it and the stories of their families. This is an absolute must do tour!

Visit the Museum of Clocks

The Quirky Museum of Clocks in Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

In the 1960s, Bratislava’s once-historic Jewish quarter in Podhradie fell victim to demolition by the city’s communist regime of the time. One building only survived and stands today as the Museum of Clocks. Or as Slovaks call it House at the Good Shepherd. It’s an old Rococo-style, three-story house repurposed into a museum of antique clocks which are primarily dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The house used to have a commercial space on the first floor with living quarters above.

Today, vintage clocks are ingeniously embedded within paintings, elegantly merged with high-end furnishings, and even flanked by intricate sculptures—representing some of the most unconventional methods of clock integration.

What I truly loved about this place was the feeling of old, tiny wooden stairs, creaking floors and cozy low ceilings. Adding to its charm, the windows on its extremely narrow side had a one-of-a-kind view towards the new bridge spanning over the Danube.

Do add it on your things to do in Bratislava list! It’s quite unique and just minutes away from the main part of the Old Center.

Get Sky-High Views Over Three Countries

Visiting the UFO Observation Deck is often recommended as one of the top things to do in Bratislava, especially for first-time visitors. So it couldn’t be missing from my list!

The Tower and its flying-saucer-like observation deck are an iconic part of the Bratislava’s skyline. And you’ve got to see this place! It is almost something straight out of a sci-fi movie! Even if it’s obviously not actually flying, the viewing platform is perched high up on a giant bridge over Danube as if it has just landed.

An elevator takes you at the top for a unique perspective on the city’s layout. And it feels as you’re floating above the whole city, with windows all around so you can see EVERYTHING—old castles, modern skyscrapers, and even teeny-tiny cars and people walking below.

The coolest thing about this place is that on a super clear day, you can even see all the way to Austria and Hungary! It’s like being on top of the world, but without leaving Bratislava.  Actually, Austria is just 5 minutes away distance, while getting to the Hungarian border takes about 20 minutes.

Float along the Danube

Devin Castle View, Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Guess what? The Danube, one of Europe’s longest rivers, flows right through the heart of Bratislava, making it sparkle!  Every day, cruise ships sail under bridges and even close to fairy-tale castles like Devin. If you want to see the UFO Bridge and Bratislava Castle from a new angle, you can hop on one of these boats! Some are quick adventures, while others take you on longer journeys to places like Vienna. Oh, and some boats even serve yummy food!

I noticed there is one boat terminal just outside Eurovea Shopping Center, close to Apollo Bridge. But the best things to do in advance is to check their calendar and clarify details of the departure location.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can grab a kayak and explore the Danube at your own pace.

Climb the Old Walls of the Devin Castle

Devin Castle View, Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

At about 10-15 km from Bratislava’s city center, there is one of the most important archaeological sites of Slovakia, an ancient castle that has had its fair share of knights and battles. Sitting atop pf a cliff, the craggy walls offer a jaw-dropping view of both the Danube and Morava rivers. The two of them meet right below the castle!

Due to its amazing positioning, Devin Castle has been a key fortress throughout various periods of history, a lookout point for military purposes, as well as a control point for trade routes. It was occupied by Celts, Romans, and various Slavic tribes over the millennia. Most notably, the castle was destroyed by Napoleon’s army in the early 19th century and remains in ruins to this day. There is a grotto-like museum keeping memories from all the periods.

You can get there by car, bus, or even by boat along the Danube River. The journey by car or bus usually takes around 20-30 minutes, But it will be really worth the time.

Take a Fairy Tale Day Trip to The Castle of Spirits

 Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

There are many beautiful places in Slovakia, but a day trip to Bojnice Castle, or the Castle of Spirits, is one of those rare, dreamy things to do when in Bratislava.

Somehow, when I saw Bojnice Castle for the first time, from the alley that takes you to the main gate, it reminded me about Disneyland. But this one is the real deal. Just like Neuschwanstein in Germany or Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. A castle like in fairy tales, but also as real and authentic as much as a 12-th century Romanesque structure can be! A castle surrounded by a functional moat and drowned in lush vegetation, with picturesque turrets, circular staircases, and furniture in full gilded splendour.

It can be reached by car in about two hours or by a combination of train and bus (Bratislava – Prievidza – Bojnice), on a route that can be made in around three hours.

If you combine it with the spa nearby and the zoo, you can easily spend a day.

Wine Tasting in the Little Carpathians

 Bratislava, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

May and November are the best months to join Slovakia’s ancient cellars for a wine tasting and explore some of the vineyards growing in the area of Little Carpathians for more than 2,000 years. There is this famous Wine Route stretching between Bratislava and Trnava, where 2 times per year about 120 cellars open their doors to the public. During the rest of the year, the easiest way to visit is by booking a wine tour.

I was lucky enough to sightsee Slovakia’s countryside from my own car. This gave me a lot of freedom of movement. However, the winery near Modra I was eager to visit wasn’t as welcoming as others I’d been to in France, Greece, or New Zealand. From my experience, I’d recommend calling ahead to some of these cellars to book a wine tasting session.

If you don’t want to leave Bratislava, but still enjoy some of the finest Slovakian wines, don’t skip Museum of Viticulture inside Apponny Palace. They have a magical collection in the basement. Or book this tour: Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská.

Bite Into the Iconic Pressburg Bajgel

Pressburg Bajgel Eatable Souvenir, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Once upon a time, in a world of knights and queens, in the heart of what we now call Bratislava, there was a tasty little treat called bajgel that everyone loved! A delicious, shiny pastry roll filled with poppy seeds and walnuts.

Its recipe became quite popular in the Austro-Hungarian Empire bakeries, but some old accounting book say that the tasty pastry might have been around since even earlier, around 16th century. The recipe was passed from generation to generation. So today, it lives on today bearing the old name of Bratislava, once known as Pressburg.

And you have to try it while in Bratislava! Or even take it home as a souvenir. Pressburg Bajgel seems to have like some kind of spell on it as it can stay fresh for weeks. You will find plenty of stores selling it on Michalska street. I bought some as souvenirs, but well, they were too tasty to get to their final destination.

Hunt for Unique Slovak Souvenirs

Corn Husk Dolls, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

The quaint heart of the Slovak capital, its old center, Stare Mesto, is a trove of lovely souvenir stores each inviting you in to pick a memory, a tale, a piece of Bratislava to carry back home.

In all windows, there is this stuffed toy Mole, Krtek, a whimsical character from a children’s cartoon on how flax is processed. And many shelves hold the very unique national corn husk dolls made of, obviously, dry corn husks. Their history as souvenirs goes back to the 50’s, but in the even more distant past, they were considered magical charms to ward off evil dream spirits.

As you wander deeper, you might stumble upon the sweet honey wine brewed in the tranquil vineyards of the Little Carpathians, outside Bratislava. And oh, the Modra ceramics! Simply beautiful, with intricate hand-paintings, often done in cobalt blue against a white background.

Useful tips for a Bratislava Trip

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📌  Bratislava City Card

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Bratislava Card is pretty useful if you plan to spend 2-3 days. But just for one day in Bratislava, not really.

I am a city pass freak and I managed to cover the value of a 3-day pass since day one in Bratislava by just vising a couple of museums, taking an organized walking tour and some food discounts. The advantage of the pass it the you can enter museums or have some discounts even outside Bratislava. For example, transport to Devin’s castle, Devin’s Castle itself, Red Stone Castle or the wineries in little Carpathians.

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📌 Accommodation in Bratislava

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Skaritz Hotel Bratislava, Lobby & Apartment, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

For my recent visit to Bratislava, I wanted a hotel as close as possible to the center. With limited options available, I settled on the Skaritz Hotel, snagging their last room, a standard apartment. I hadn’t planned my itinerary in advance, so discovering the hotel was on Michalska street, the actual heart of the old city, was quite a nice surprise!

Once a 16th-century burgher’s residence, the Skaritz has a plaque at the entrance proudly stating it was the first hotel to be hosted in a restored historic building in the old center of Bratislava.  The hotel is a combination of Renaissance, Baroque and modern touches. The lobby, in particular, hasthe sobriety and the concept of a throne room —  silhouette armchairs against towering walls, sans windows, with a radiant skylight above.

PROS:

• Perfectly situated in the old town, a hop away from attractions.
• Spacious rooms boasting huge, cozy beds.
• Handy kitchenette and a spot for dining or working.
• Delightful chocolate treat on the bed.
• Plenty of dining options and unique bars right at your doorstep.
• Great internet connectivity.
• Amazing prices for everything it offers.

CONS:

• Cars can’t get to it; be prepared for a short luggage walk.
• Breakfast wasn’t on offer during my stay.

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📌 Best Time to Visit Bratislava, Slovakia

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Bratislava Atmosphere in June, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

The best times to visit Bratislava would likely be during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to early October) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are more manageable.

I actually travelled in June and the city was already crowded with tourist groups. But I loved it! If you don’t mind the crowds and a bit of hot weather, you can easily pick summer. In summer the city boasts with all kinds of festivals, while plenty of outdoor restaurants and ice cream shops in Bratislava open their doors. The best part of summer in Bratislava is the sandy beach on the banks of the Danube, right in the centre of the city.

For those who love the festive season, December has its own charm, despite the pretty cold weather. I am actually preparing to head over again for the winter market.