Churches, town walls and palaces pay tribute to the centuries of history. Thematic and humorous bronze statues, and a laser light show on summer evenings, are more modern additions. When you’re tired and ready to relax, you can move to the Danube and just watch the great river flow.
Museum-lovers will find a limited but respectable variety, and shoppers can choose from a mix of international and local shops, aesthetes have many galleries to explore – but there is much to enjoy simply by walking around.
Families enjoy the castle, and get even more from the spectacular half-ruined castle at Devin (a ten-minute drive up the Danube). Devin Castle features a variety of attractions, from historical displays of medieval combat to pony rides and other carnival-quality distraction. Another high point for kids is the Bibiana children’s museum, adjacent to St. Martin’s cathedral in the old town.
Some of the places visitors most like to see in Bratislava:
- St. Martin’s Cathedral
- Bratislava Castle
- St. Elizabeth’s Church, better known as “the Blue Church”
- Slovak National Gallery
- Bibiana Children’s Museum
- Zoo and Dino Park
- Botanical Garden
- Theatre and opera
- Classical music
- City Gallery of Bratislava
The Slovak National Museum, based in Bratislava, operates a number of museums and other institutions, including the following (generally housed separately):
- Museum of Natural History
- Museum of Archaeology
- Museum of History
- Museum of Ethnography
- Museum of Music
- Museum of Puppetry and Toys
- Museum of Jewish Culture
- Museums dedicated to various ethnic groups in Slovakia, including Germans, Hungarians, Ukranians and Ruthenians
