Bratislava, Slovakia, is a charming city that often gets overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Prague and Budapest. As the only city in the world to border two countries, it’s well worth a day trip or more. Despite its small size, Bratislava is full of character and has plenty to offer. Initially, I planned to visit for just a day, but I ended up staying for three days and still felt it wasn’t enough time. You can easily reach Bratislava from Vienna by train in under an hour. Now, let’s explore six things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia, for your first visit:
- Visit the beautiful Blue Church, also known as the Church of St. Elizabeth or Kostol svätej Alžbety in Slovak. This is one of Bratislava’s most iconic landmarks with its distinctive blue colour and Art Nouveau design. This blue colour can be seen throughout the church from the roof tiles to the mosaics and even the interior decorations. The combination of the colours and design elements make it a perfect destination for architecture lovers. The church is located in the eastern part of the Old Town and is a relatively short walk from most areas in the downtown core.
- Grab a bite at the famous UFO restaurant perched atop the iconic SNP bridge. Although most people know it as the UFO restaurant, it is officially known as UFO watch.taste.groove and one of Bratislava’s most unique dining experiences. Others may consider it a tourist trap but its worth a visit if you’re interested in fusion cuisine. The restaurant features a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian ingredients in a minimalistic themed interior. You can dine a la carte or an 8 course tasting menu that feature local ingredients that are sourced within 30 km of Bratislava. But its definitely dinner with a view as you can catch the panoramic views of both Hungary and Austria from here.
- Visit the hidden gem of Sandberg, a remarkable paleontological site located in the Devínska Nová Ves district of Bratislava, Slovakia. This remarkable paleontological site, once a seabed, boasts fossils dating back 14-16 million years. Renowned for its well-preserved marine life fossils, including mollusks, corals, and shark teeth, Sandberg offers valuable insights into prehistoric marine environments. While direct access is restricted to protect the site, the area provides stunning views of the Morava River and the Austrian border, making it a perfect spot for a nature walk or hike. Due to its relatively remote location, I would recommend booking a tour guide to ease and enhance your visit.
- Marvel at Bratislava Castle, this is a must visit for anyone visiting Slovakia’s capital. The iconic landmark not only offers stunning panoramic views of the city but also provides a closer look into the region’s rich historical tapestry. There is a museum inside the castle that showcases Slovakia’s history from the Middle Ages to the present period and also includes a collection of historical artifacts and archeological finds. You can climb to the top of the Crown Tower for views of the Danube River or stroll through the well-preserved Baroque gardens which offers a serene moment to relax. Like most of Bratislava, this area isn’t swarmed with tourists but it can still get quite busy in the summer. The castle also hosts various concerts, events and exhibitions which makes it a lively site for both tourists and locals alike.
- Visit Biofarma Príroda, conveniently located in Stupava, just a short drive from Bratislava. This biofarm is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily activities of a working farm, gaining a unique hands-on experience. I was truly impressed by what I learned there. The Slovak education system encourages outdoor learning, and schoolchildren often book this space for their classes. It is home to a variety of animals including sheeps, horses, goats, ducks and deer. You can learn about cheese making and sheep milking to gain insight into traditional Slovak farming practices. This makes it a perfect family activity to experience with kids as there is a playground for children and picnic areas to enjoy some fresh air and scenic views.
As a foodie, I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious homemade food at the farm’s restaurant. They serve traditional Slovak dishes, including the national favorite, bryndzové halušky—potato dumplings topped with fermented sheep cheese and bacon bits. These hearty dumplings are incredibly filling, and it’s great to know that all the dishes are made fresh and in-house. Slovak cuisine, similar to other parts of Central Europe, is heavily meat-based, but there are vegetarian options available.
The farm also produces its own local juices. I opted for the blackberry juice, which was especially refreshing on the hot summer day that I visited. The farm is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, making it convenient to fit into most schedules. Entry to the farm is free, though there may be additional charges for certain events or activities. You can easily reach the farm by car from Bratislava, and there is ample parking on-site. I visited with a local tour guide who specializes in day trips and excursions in both Bratislava and Slovakia.
- Enjoy tea in an underground bunker cafe: Its called Cajovna v Pozdemi and its situated in the historic Zichy palace. This tea room is actually housed in a bomb shelter that is still active. The teahouse has a cozy ambience which makes it another great option for a tranquil spot in the city. There is something to be said about the vibe of this place. Some may call it hipster but I would say its definitely interesting. Each room in the teahouse is designed to relfect a different part of the world, like Africa or Asia. You can try out their selection of teas from around the world, including traditional Slovak herbal blends. But they also serve light snacks and desserts and offer board games like Scrabble to play with friends. It is more popular among the locals than tourists but it is definitely an intriguing addition to your Bratislava itinerary.
Other things to note about visiting Bratislava for your first time
1. Try the famous Kofola drink: This carbonated beverage was launched in Czechoslovakia in 1960 as a local alternative to Coke. This is because most American brands were restricted during the Cold War. I will preface by mentioning that I never drink Coke and haven’t for over 15 years as I don’t like how it makes me feel. But I was interested to give this drink a try. Of course, it is still a sugary drink but there is something different about it. As I did a bit more research, I discovered that its unique taste comes from a blend of 14 herbs and fruit juices spiced with licorice.
There wasn’t that weird aftertaste that some experience after drinking Coke. Its known as a healthier alternative to colas with its lower sugar content and the addition of healthy ingredients. Over the decades, its become a cultural icon of Slovakia and enjoyed in restaurants and cafes alike. This is not an advertisement for Kofola but I do recommend giving it a try while you are in Slovakia.
2. Learn a few Slovak phrases: Most people in Bratislava do speak English but there may be some places where they do not. For most English speakers, Slovak is relatively easy to learn the basics. Plus, it shows respect for the local culture. Some basic phrases would include: Ahoy(Hello), Prosim(Please), Dakujem(Thank You), Dobre Rano(Good Morning), Ano(Yes) and Nie(No)
3. Bring back the perfect souvenir/gift: As mentioned in my last trip to Ireland, I love finding a piece of the places I travelled to that leave me with memories of my experience. There are plenty of traditional souvenirs from Slovakia. but my favourite is the corn husk dolls called šúpolienky. These folk dolls are crafted from dried corn husks and depict scenes of rural life in traditional Slovak costumes.
They are lightweight and easy to carry which make it the perfect souvenir to bring back home. You can find them in most souvenir shops but I got mine from Ul’Uv which carries many traditional Slovak items.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia but this list covered a good mix of both well-known spots and hidden delights. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, Bratislava is truly an underrated gem in Central Europe that deserves a spot on every traveler’s itinerary. From exploring the charming Old Town and majestic Bratislava Castle to savoring traditional Slovak cuisine and enjoying the serene beauty of the Danube River, this city offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to all interests. I asked the tourist guide why more travelers don’t visit Bratislava to the same degree as Prague or Budapest. He mentioned that their tourism board isnt heavily invested in marketing. So, the fact that Bratislava, Slovakia is still relatively unknown to tourists makes it a great option for travelers who prefer a quieter scene. But that can change pretty soon.