Bratislava (historically known as Pozsony and Pressburg) is the capital and largest city of Slovakia (in Slovak, Slovensko). Located in the southwest of the country, in the Bratislava Region (in Slovak, Bratislavský Kraj), it also serves as the capital of this province.
Along with Prague and Brno, Bratislava was one of the three largest cities of Czechoslovakia, a landlocked country that existed between 1918 and 1992. Nowadays, the Slovak capital is still the fourth largest of all cities on the River Danube!
So, do you want to know more about 2 Days In Bratislava: The Perfect Bratislava Itinerary? Keep reading!
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Brief History of Bratislava
The first known permanent settlement of the area began around 5000 BC, dating the history of Bratislava back to the Neolithic era. From the 1st to the 4th century AD, this region became part of the Roman Empire and consequently the Danubian Limes, a military frontier defense system.
The Slavs arrived between the 5th and 6th centuries, founded the Great Moravia state around 833, and turned the Brezalauspurk Castle (later, Bratislava Castle) into one of their most important centers. In the 10th century, the Pressburg territory (later, Pozsony County) integrated the Kingdom of Hungary.
Pressburg (Bratislava) was designated capital in 1536, under the rule of the Habsburg monarchy. For three centuries, the city became the seat of royalty, nobility, and clergy, while several Hungarian kings and queens were crowned at Saint Martin’s Cathedral.
After World War I, the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire led to the establishment of the new country of Czechoslovakia. The name Bratislava was officially adopted for the first time on March 27th, 1919, and the city became once again the capital of the new country of Slovakia on January 1st, 1993.
Visiting Bratislava
In my opinion, the best way to visit Bratislava is on a multi-day road trip through the Bratislava Region. In that case, I suggest exploring other destinations in the vicinity: Pezinok (21 km), Senec (27 km), or Malacky (37 km).
However, Bratislava is also an excellent stop on a two-to-four-week road trip in Slovakia. In this situation, make sure you visit cities such as Košice, Prešov, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Nitra, Trnava, Trenčín, Martin, or Poprad!
Bratislava Itinerary – Day 1
Bratislava Castle
The first day of this Bratislava itinerary begins at Bratislava Castle (in Slavak, Bratislavský Hrad), an imposing rectangular white building with four pointy corner towers. Standing on an isolated rocky hill directly above the Danube River, it has been the most recognizable postcard of the city for centuries.
Bratislava Castle houses the Museum of History and Treasury, one of the many branches of the Slovak National Museum (in Slovak, Slovenské Národné Múzeum). Its privileged location provides panoramic views of three different countries: Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary!
The SNM – Museum of History and Treasury is open Wednesday through Monday, from 10 am to 6 pm. As for tickets, these cost 14€ (full rate) or 7€ (reduced rate). The Castle’s Grounds are open Wednesday through Monday, from 8 am to 10 pm.
The Baroque Garden is open Wednesday through Monday, from 9 am to 4 pm (in January, February, November, and December); from 9 am to 5 pm (in March and October); from 9 am to 6 pm (in April and September); from 9 am to 8 pm (in May and August); and from 9 am to 9 pm (in June and July).
Access to Bratislava Castle’s Grounds and Baroque Garden is free for everyone!
Slavín
This Bratislava itinerary continues in Slavín, a memorial monument and military cemetery situated on a hill close to the center of the city. The site is a burial ground of thousands of soldiers from the Soviet Army, who fell during World War II while trying to take over the city in April 1945 from Nazi Germany.
Slavín was designed between 1957 and 1960, according to a project by architect Ján Svetlík. The public inauguration took place on April 3rd, 1960 on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the liberation of Bratislava. Slavín was declared a National Cultural Monument the following year.
Freedom Square
The next stop in this Bratislava itinerary is Freedom Square (in Slovak, Námestie Slobody), one of the major squares of the city. Still known as Gottko by the locals, it was called Gottwaldovo in honor of the first Czechoslovak communist president Klement Gottwald, whose statue used to be included.
In the center of Freedom Square, you’ll find the Fountain of Union (in Slovak, Fontána Družby), the biggest fountain in Bratislava and Slovakia. Built from 1979 to 1980 by some local artists, it features a sculpture of a linden flower that is 9 meters tall and weighs 12 tons!
Grassalkovich Palace
This Bratislava itinerary continues in Grassalkovich Palace (in Slovak, Grasalkovičov Palác), the residence of the President of Slovakia. The edifice is a Rococo-late Baroque summer palace with a French garden in the backyard, finished in 1760 for Antal Grassalkovich.
Antal Grassalkovich was a confidant of Maria Theresa, the Archduchess of Austria and the Queen of Hungary and Croatia at the time. He was also the President of the Royal Hungarian Court Chamber, an Imperial Real Privy Councilor, and even the Chief Justice of Hungary!
Capuchin Church
The next stop in this Bratislava itinerary is the Capuchin Church (in Slovak, Kapucínsky Kostol), also referred to as Saint Stephen’s Church (in Slovak, Kostol Svätého Štefana). This religious temple is in effect a Capuchin complex, made up of a monastery, a church, and other sacred buildings.
The foundation of the Capuchin Church can be traced to the first half of the 18th century, after the arrival of several members of the Capuchin Order in July 1676. Nevertheless, it was expanded and renovated several times over the following centuries.
Michael’s Gate
This Bratislava itinerary continues in Michael’s Gate (in Slovak, Michalská Brána), the only city gate of the medieval fortifications that has been preserved. Its current shape is the result of a Baroque reconstruction in 1758 when the statue of Saint Michael and the Dragon was crowned on its top.
Michael’s Gate is part of the Bratislava City Museum or Museum of the City History (in Slovak, Múzeum Mesta Bratislavy or Múzeum Dejín Mesta). Michael’s Gate is open Wednesday through Monday, from 10 am to 6 pm. As for tickets, these cost 6€ (full rate) or 4€ (reduced rate).
Saint Martin’s Cathedral
The next stop in this Bratislava itinerary is Saint Martin’s Cathedral (in Slovak, Katedrála Svätého Martina or Dóm Svätého Martina), the largest and one of the oldest churches in the capital. It’s known especially for being the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary between 1563 and 1830.
Saint Martin’s Cathedral is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; and Sundays from 1:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. And in case you’re wondering, access is free for everyone!
Hviezdoslav Square
This Bratislava itinerary continues in Hviezdoslav Square (in Slovak, Hviezdoslavovo Námestie), a town square named after the Slovak poet, dramatist, and translator Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav. His massive bronze statue is in the middle of the square, facing a water fountain.
Hviezdoslav Square is mainly a pedestrian zone with a lot of green areas. Around it, you’ll find the historical building of the Slovak National Theatre, the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, the Embassy of the United States of America, the German Embassy, and the Academy of Fine Arts and Design.
Slovak National Gallery
The first day of this Bratislava itinerary ends at the Slovak National Gallery (in Slovak, Slovenská Národná Galéria or SNG), a network of galleries in Slovakia. Its main collection is housed in the adjacent Esterházy Palace and the Water Barracks (in Slovak, Esterházyho Palác and Vodné Kasárne).
The Slovak National Gallery is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and from Friday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Thursdays, from 12 pm to 8 pm. Tickets cost 9€ (full rate) or 5€ (reduced rate) and allow access to the entire collection, from Baroque to Modern art!
UFO Bridge
The first day of this Bratislava itinerary ends at the UFO Bridge (in Slovak, UFO Most), an asymmetrical cable-stayed road bridge over the Danube River whose official name is the SNP Bridge or Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising (in Slovak, Most SNP or Most Slovenského Národného Povstania).
The UFO Bridge’s observation deck is open every day, from 10 am to 11 pm. As for tickets, these cost 9,90€ (full rate) or 7,90€ (reduced rate) from Monday to Friday; or 11,90€ (full rate) or 9,50€ (reduced rate) on weekends and holidays.
Bratislava Itinerary – Day 2
Slovak National Theater
The second day of this Bratislava itinerary begins at the Slovak National Theater (in Slovak, Slovenské Národné Divadlo or SND), the oldest professional theater in Slovakia founded shortly after the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
The Slovak National Theater consists of three types of performing arts – opera, ballet, and drama – and is currently based in this historic Neo-Renaissance building and the new building next to the Eurovea shopping center, which opened on April 14th, 2007.
Čumil
The next stop in this Bratislava itinerary is Čumil, one of the most popular sculptures in the city and one of the most photographed attractions by foreign tourists. Created by the local artist Viktor Hulík, this curious bronze statue was installed on July 26th, 1997.
Čumil is just one of the dozens of statues and sculptures scattered around the Old Town of Bratislava. Others are the Schöne(r) Náci, Napoleon’s Army Soldier, the City Guard, and Hans Christian Andersen (in Slovak, Napoleonov Armádny Vojak, Mestský Strážnik, and Hansa Christiana Andersena)!
Main Square
This Bratislava itinerary continues in the Main Square (in Slovak, Hlavné Námestie), a town square considered the actual city center. From 1948 to 1989, it was called April 4th Square (in Slovak, Námestie 4. Apríla); and between 1939 and 1945, Hitler’s Square (in Slovak, Hitlerovo Námestie).
In and around the Main Square, make sure you admire the Old Town Hall, the Roland Fountain or Maximilian Fountain, Napoleon’s Army Soldier Statue, the Kutscherfeld Palace (the Embassy of France), the City Guard Statue, the Vice Governor’s Palace, and the Palugyay Palace!
Old Town Hall
The next stop in this Bratislava itinerary is the Old Town Hall (in Slovak, Stará Radnica), a complex of buildings from the 14th-15th centuries – making it the oldest city hall in the country and one of the oldest stone buildings in Bratislava!
The Old Town Hall is part of the Bratislava City Museum or Museum of the City History, the oldest museum in the capital. The Old Town Hall is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. As for tickets, these cost 8€ (full rate) or 4€ (reduced rate).
Primate’s Palace
This Bratislava itinerary continues in the Primate’s Palace (in Slovak, Primaciálny Palác), a Neoclassical palace erected for Archbishop József Batthyány from 1778 to 1781. The monument was designed by the Austrian architect Melchior Hefele.
Serving as the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava, the Primate’s Palace is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. As for tickets, these cost 3€ (full rate) or 2,40€ (reduced rate) – and make sure you visit its most famous chamber: the Hall of Mirrors (in Slovak, Zrkadlová Sieň)!
Nedbalka Gallery
The next stop in this Bratislava itinerary is the Nedbalka Gallery (in Slovak, Galéria Nedbalka), a non-profit organization established in 2012. Its primary collection includes more than 500 works of Slovak fine art from the end of the 19th century to the present day.
The Nedbalka Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 1 pm to 7 pm. As for tickets, these cost 8€ (full rate) or 4€ (reduced rate) – and include access to its permanent exhibition of Slovak Modern Art (mostly paintings, sculptures, and graphics) and any temporary exhibitions.
SNP Square
This Bratislava itinerary continues in the SNP Square or Slovak National Uprising Square (in Slovak, Námestie SNP or Námestie Slovenského Národného Povstania). This town square was frequently used during the 20th century for national demonstrations for independence and sovereignty.
SNP Square is surrounded by the Church of the Christian Reformed Church, the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, and the SNP Memorial (in Slovak, Kostol Kresťanskej Reformovanej Cirkvi, the Kostol Navštívenia Panny Márie, and the Pamätník SNP).
Blue Church
The next stop in this Bratislava itinerary is the Blue Church (in Slovak, Modrý Kostolík), a Catholic church in Hungarian Art Nouveau style, whose official name is the Church of Saint Elizabeth (in Slovak, Kostol Svätej Alžbety). It received its nickname from the color of its façade, mosaics, and roof.
The Blue Church is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. And in case you’re wondering, access is free for everyone!
Natural History Museum
This Bratislava itinerary continues in the Natural History Museum, one of the several divisions of the Slovak National Museum. With a collection of around 2.5 million objects, this institution focuses on the investigation, documentation, and exposition of the natural environment’s diversity.
The SNM – Natural History Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm. As for tickets, these cost 6€ (full rate) or 3€ (reduced rate). As a personal note, make sure to visit both its collection of minerals and fossils!
Eurovea
The second day of this Bratislava itinerary ends in the Eurovea, a business, retail, and residential complex by the Danube River. Mostly known for its shopping center, Eurovea is one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset or enjoy the evening!
The Eurovea is open every day, from 7 am to 10 pm (supermarket); from 8 am to 11 pm (restaurants and cafés at the promenade); and from 10 am to 9 pm (shopping and food court). You can check the official website here for additional opening hours of its gym, cinema, casino, and recreation area.
Map of the Bratislava Itinerary
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Where Do I Make My Reservations?
- Hotels and Accommodation: Booking.com
- Tours and Activities: GetYourGuide
What Photography Gear Do I Use?
- Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless
- Camera Lens: Fujinon XF 18-55 mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
- Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action
- Small Tripod: Manfrotto PIXI Mini
- Smartphone Adaptor: Manfrotto PIXI Clamp
- Memory Card: SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC