Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Bratislava. While many travel blogs will tell you all the fun things to do in Bratislava, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you plan a Bratislava trip.
Don’t Worry About Your Budget
Many European destinations can really put a dent in your wallet, but Bratislava is super affordable. Hotels, attractions, dining, and transportation are all very reasonable in Bratislava. I wouldn’t call it a cheap destination, but you really do get your money’s worth when you visit Bratislava. Vienna is just one hour away and the prices there are much higher.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Locals
The people of Central and Eastern Europe don’t always have a reputation for being friendly, but that’s not the case in Bratislava. I’ve been to Bratislava several times, and have quite a few Slovakian friends. We’ve always encountered super helpful locals, who are more often than not happy to offer their suggestions of things to see and where to eat in Bratislava.
Don’t Worry About Sore Feet
Bratislava is very compact, especially all of the Bratislava attractions. It’s super easy to walk around, and it feels like the whole Old Town area is just 15 minutes across. If you are coming from Prague, Vienna or Budapest, your feet will thank you!
Don’t Get the Bratislava Card Without Some Research
The Bratislava Card is a great deal if you’re going to see a lot of attractions. You can choose 1, 2, or 3-day passes, and it includes public transportation and 18 Bratislava attractions. Unless you plan to visit the majority of the attractions and museums, it may not be worth it. We haven’t found that using public transportation is even necessary, as it’s so easy to walk around Bratislava.
Don’t Judge the City by the Train Station
You will probably arrive in Bratislava by train from a nearby city. Don’t let the train station fool you. It’s definitely seen better days, and it could use an upgrade. Once you get outside, there are buses and taxis waiting to take you to Old Town, which is the charming part of Bratislava. You can also walk in about 20 minutes.
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Bratislava
Don’t Worry About Tourist Crowds
Bratislava is not on the radar of many travelers. Most people will visit nearby Budapest or Vienna, without considering Bratislava. Sure, it’s a smaller town with fewer attractions, but it’s always way less crowded! If you’ve ever been to other European capitals in the summer months, you’ll appreciate the extra space in Bratislava! It’s easier to find good accommodation, and you won’t have to fret about getting a good table for dinner.
Don’t Overdo the Food
It’s easy to go overboard when eating in Bratislava. The food is hearty and affordable, but it’s usually pretty fatty food. Slovakian food consists of a lot of creams, dumplings, and fatty meats like duck and pork. This is why an after-dinner digestif is so popular; try it and it will help you digest your big dinner!
Don’t Miss The Best Things to Do in Bratislava
- Devin Castle is about ten kilometers down the river. It’s easy to reach by bus or taxi and offers amazing views of the Danube River valley.
- Bratislava Castle looms over the Old Town of Bratislava, also offering amazing river views. If you’re running low on time, don’t bother touring the interior as there isn’t a ton to see. From the castle grounds, you can really see the stark difference in architectural styles, as the Soviet-style cement buildings are just across the river.
- Old Town Bratislava is a great place to just walk around and admire the architecture. The Old Town Hall has beautiful views from the tower.
- The Museum of Jewish Culture tells the story of the last remaining house of the former Jewish District that was destroyed during the Holocaust.
- The UFO Bridge and Tower (pronounced oof-o) connect the two parts of Bratislava, and the UFO shape is unmistakable. The restaurant at the top is overpriced but offers great views back over Old Town Bratislava.
- The Slavín Memorial is the burial ground and tribute to thousands of Soviet soldiers who died liberating Slovakia during WWII.
- In the summer, they build temporary beaches along the Danube River, and it’s a fun place to relax and enjoy a beer on a nice summer day.
- The Slovak National Museum is another great spot, with cultural displays of art and costume, including regions outside of Bratislava.
- There is some fun and whimsical public art in Bratislava. The most famous is Cumil the Sewer Worker, who rests his head on the edge of a manhole cover. You might find a line of tourists waiting for a photo, but it’s fun to seek out these little statues around town.
- There are several churches around Bratislava that are also worth checking out for the architecture and history.
- Climb Michael’s Gate for a close-up view of Old Town. It’s the entrance to Old Town and the only city gate that has been preserved since the medieval period.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the Slovakian capital city! There are many fun things to do in Bratislava; It’s a cute town with wonderful people! It’s a great day trip from nearby cities or a good stopover for one or two nights on your Central European tour. Want more Central Europe travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: