Location: Bratislava
Top Things to do in Bratislava
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bratislava, Slovakia
Stare Mesto, the Old Town of Slovakia's capital, whisks visitors back a few centuries as they wander cobblestone streets, admire the Baroque architecture, enjoy summer and Christmas concerts at Old Town Hall and while away time at cafes and restaurants. Venture beyond for more sites, including the 15th-century hrad (castle) with its treasury and history and music museums, the Slovak National Theater and the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Slovak National Gallery, housed in an 18th-century palace.
Restaurants in Bratislava
1. Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
One of the most romatic modern art museums in Europe- the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum- is located less than 20 km south of Bratislava. It was founded by the Dutch collector and patron of the arts Gerard Meulensteen and the Slovak gallerist Vincent Polakovič. Since its opening in 2000, the museum has arranged numerous Exhibitions of leading figures of the Slovak, European and world art scene, including Karel Appel, Sam Francis, Miroslav Cipár, Markus Prachensky, Ilona Keserü Ilona, Rudolf Sikora, Martín Chirino, Vladimír Popovič and other artists. The museum has attracted thousands of Slovak and foreign visitors as well as royal visits and leading political, social and above all cultural figures. Its unique location bordering on three countries, and sensitive integration with the surrounding nature and the River Danube provide visitors extraordinary views of exhibited artworks and of the flora and fauna unique to the peninsula of art in every season of the year. The adjoining sculpture park features the Works of a number of artists, among them El Lissitzky, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Jim Dine, Hans van de Bovenkamp, Jozef Jankovič, Arman, Jean- Claude Farhi, Vladimír Kompánek and Rudolf Uher. A magnificent view of Bratislava and the mighty Danube offer unforgettable experiences at sunset. After the completion of the extension, supported by the Government of the Slovak Republic, the museum is a new symbol of modern Bratislava, recommended by prestigious world guide books and social networking websites. See you by the River Danube, friends!
Reviewed By meagle - W.Sussex, England
If visiting Bratislava it's well worth taking the 40 minutes bus ride out of town and spending time in this excellent gallery. Fascinating pieces (mostly Slovakian) nicely presented in this modern and well designed facility. Seemed very quiet mid week but really allows you to lose yourself in the exhibits.
2. Nedbalka Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
The building of the Nedbalka Gallery hides an impressive interior featuring an internal structure resembling the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Its four floors provide space for a permanent exhibition dedicated to the birth and development of modernism in Slovakia. The history of painting and sculpture in Slovakia in the 20th century is well documented by works by L. Mednyánszky, D. Skutezký, M. Galanda, M. Benka, M. Laluha and many others who fundamentally influenced the development of art in Slovakia. On the ground floor, the visitors will find the latest of the series of Exhibitions primarily dedicated to works by Slovak artists.
Reviewed By navigatornick - Dorset, England
We found this gallery by chance when walking around Bratislava. As my wife is an artist, we couldn't resist and we were not disappointed. The gallery houses a great collection of original works from artists, some of whom we had never heard of. The entry...MoreDear navigatornick, thank you very much for your review. We are happy that thanks to our gallery you discovered something you had not known about before and you felt comfortable here. We hope to see you again in Nedbalka Gallery. Alexandra
3. Bratislava Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Historic neighborhood filled with charming narrow lanes, burgher's houses and nobles' palaces in addition to many of the city's important buildings such as the former Palace of the Hungarian Estates, the late-Gothic building of the Academia Istropolitana and the Leopold de Pauli Palace where Franz Liszt performed as a child.
Reviewed By Peter F - Grantham, United Kingdom
The 'Old Town' is delightful, but gives the feeling that it is suffering from a lack of investment. The bronze statues in the main square are superb, and the 'worker' coming out of a manhole must not be missed, especially for a photograph. The buildings are simply delightful, but to get a real feeling for the history of this lovely town a guide really is required.
4. Slavin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 884 reviews
Reviewed By AbbieSchafer - Eastbourne, England, United Kingdom
Worth the visit, this memorial is absolutely striking. It does the perfect job of commemorating those lost within their fight. There are a few photos around that hit home too. Worth the walk up and a gorgeous view for those laid to rest.
5. Devin Castle (hrad)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Located a few miles west of Bratislava, this castle was once part of the Roman border in the first century A.D. and later became the seat of the Great Moravian Empire and a strategic post during the Turkish Wars.
Reviewed By greg-rocktape - Los Gatos, California
Lots of stuff to see. My favorite, which was unexpected was the collection of advertising that spans from the 30s-40s. So many interesting pieces that show art-deco influences of the time. Ads range from travel to toothpaste and reflect the European sentiment and culture of the time.
6. Slovak National Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By Neil K - Liverpool, United Kingdom
The Slovak National Theatre is an absolutely wonderful building that is a landmark piece of architecture located in Bratislava's most famous square name Hviezdoslavovo Namesti.
A beautiful facade,the beauty of the building is apparent especially when illuminated at night.
With opera,ballet and drama Performances it's a very popular theatre but as I have little interest in opera or ballet I can admire the sheer elegance of the building.
If you enjoy taking photographs this theatre is perfect .
Well worth checking out.
7. Slovak Philharmonic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By SteveJacksonnufc - Gateshead, England
Unfortunately we didn't have time to get inside and see a performance but did spend some time outside admiring the architectural brilliance of this building. It is a delight to behold standing overlooking the square on once side and close by the River Danube on the other. Another one of Bratislava's wonderful buildings.
8. St. Michael's Tower & Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 835 reviews
Reviewed By MPWEST10 - Mandurah, Australia
You can't miss the entrance tower to the old town. It's a great meeting point and the gift shops near it are full of wonderful treasures.... mostly locally made. Once you walk through the tower you enter the magical old town... it's like another world full of tourists, bars, restaurants and surprising public artworks.
9. Hviezdoslavovo Namestie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By Jozef L - Bratislava, Slovakia
Peaceful pedestrian zone in the historical center of Bratislava.
The dominant feature is the Slovak National Theater with a beautiful Fountain. Possibility to sit on benches in a large park with Fountains. A lot of restaurants.You can meet here many tourists from all over the world.Very close to the old town and also to the Danube riverbank.If you visit Bratislava you can not miss this place.
10. St Elizabeth's / Blue Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Les_Elaine - Wirral
Over the years we have visited loads of different churches and, apart from a few, they are all pretty similar, this one isn't. Our guide called it the Smurf church and that is a great description. It's a different shape, in a different location (building site at the moment) and definitely a different colour. Even the pews are blue. Not a brilliant building to go and see, just different.
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