Highlights of Bratislava's Old Town with Castle

Bratislava , Slovakia

Highlights of Bratislava's Old Town with Castle

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About this experience

Discover all the Highlights of the Old town, Bratislava can offer. Take this introduction tour and learn more about our history, food, politics, traditions and interesting stories from the area. We can talk about anything related to the city as this tour is more like a discovery tour of Bratislava and Slovakia. On our way I will show you some of the restaurants, bars, places where you can enjoy your evening while being here.

If you are curious where Nicole Kidman with George Clooney filmed their movie here, what is the tradition behind Eastern Monday, why Slovakia is one of the youngest countries in the world or why Bratislava became the capital and coronation city of the Kingdom of Hungary, this tour might be the one for you.

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Highlights of Bratislava's Old Town with Castle

What's included

Glass of local sparkling wine on castle hill ( maybe the whole bottle ) We can't miss the possibility to try our traditional drink as well.

Local guide

My own created map of wonderful local recommendations, where to eat, drink or just have fun.

Detailed itinerary

We meet and greet at the Main square where I will briefly introduce you into our history. We will be talking about the square and its highlights as well.

We admire the Historical building of the Slovak National Theatre, Hotel Carlton, statue of one of our most famous poet.

We talk about the former city fortification, about the Slavic language groups and according to the square we dive into cinematography.

On the way to the square we meet and greet our two most popular statues of the city.

Stop 3

Shortly visit of the Cathedral. It depends on if there is no service or a wedding. This is the place where Hungarian monarchs were coronated, which symbolizes the top of the tower with a crown and not with a cross as it is usually.

If you have not heard about what we do on Easter Monday, this is the best time to talk about it as we pass by one weeping willow tree.

We talk about the former Jewish district with its seat of the Neolog synagogue ( demolished in the 1960s ), how it looked like in the past and how it is now, the origin of Krav Maga and other information related to the Jewish culture in Bratislava.

This area is called by locals as our Bermuda Triangel. In this case, there are no aircrafts or ships that disappear, so do not worry. There are few pubs, back in the day when we used to use Slovak crowns, drinks were much cheaper. I might share with you some of my experiences from that place...

We are going to talk about traditional dishes, I ll show you some places where to go for lunch or dinner, where to grab a glass of wine or just grab a nice drink for the evening.

We will walk through the last standing gate from the city fortification, passing the narrowest building in Slovakia and also considered the narrowest street in Bratislava.

We have a small refreshment on the castle hill, talking about Iron Curtain, interesting facts about Bratislava and our castle as well. Exactly this castle was chosen for Bush-Putin summit back in 2005.

On the other side of the river you can admire Petržalka, which is the largest residential district in Central Europe built in the previous regime...

On the way back to the city centre, we will be passing our National Council, discussing about our political situation and from there I will point out one Second World War memorial, which is worth visiting while being in Bratislava for sure.

What's not included

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet me at the Maximilian/Rolland fountain on the Main square (Hlavné námestie). Look out for the four guys taking a piss...

About Bratislava

Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, is nestled along the Danube River with a backdrop of the Little Carpathians. Known for its compact historic center, stunning architecture, and rich history, it offers a blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. The city's strategic location at the crossroads of several European cultures makes it a unique and fascinating destination.

Top Attractions

Bratislava Castle

This iconic castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city and the Danube River. It has a long history dating back to the 9th century and now houses a museum with exhibits on Slovak history.

Historical 1-2 hours €6

Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is a beautiful Gothic building that has served as the seat of the city's self-government since the 14th century. It now houses a museum with exhibits on the history of Bratislava.

Historical 30-60 minutes €4

St. Martin's Cathedral

This Gothic cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Bratislava. It has been the site of coronations of Hungarian kings and queens for centuries.

Religious 30 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Blue Church

The Blue Church is a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture, known for its distinctive blue color and fairy-tale appearance. It was built in the early 20th century and is a popular spot for photos.

Architecture 30 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Danube River Cruise

A Danube River cruise offers a unique perspective of Bratislava and its surroundings. You can choose from various cruise options, including dinner cruises and sightseeing tours.

Entertainment 1-2 hours €15-30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bryndzové halušky

Potato dumplings with sheep cheese and topped with crispy bacon. A classic Slovak dish that is a must-try.

Main dish Contains dairy and meat

Kapustnica

A hearty soup made with sauerkraut, smoked meats, and sometimes mushrooms. It's a traditional dish often eaten during Christmas.

Soup Contains meat

Zemiakové placky

Potato pancakes, often served with sour cream or garlic sauce. A popular street food in Slovakia.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Little Carpathians Cycling along the Danube River Rafting on the Danube River cruises Spa treatments Coffeehouse hopping Museum visits Concerts and performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

The summer months offer warm weather, outdoor festivals, and lively atmosphere. This is the best time for exploring the city's parks, enjoying river cruises, and attending cultural events.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Slovak
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Bratislava is generally a safe city for travelers. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to be vigilant. Violent crime is rare.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxi stands or app-based services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys

Getting there

By air

Bratislava Airport • 9 km from city center

By train

Bratislava Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Bratislava Bus Station (Mlynské Nivy)

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the backbone of Bratislava's public transport system, covering the entire city and connecting to suburbs. They are efficient and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Freetaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Petržalka Nový Mesto

Day trips

Vienna, Austria

80 km • Full day

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a stunning city known for its imperial palaces, museums, and coffeehouses. It's a perfect day trip from Bratislava, offering a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.

Devín Castle

10 km • Half day

Devín Castle is a stunning ruin perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. It has a rich history and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Prague, Czech Republic

330 km • Overnight

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a magical city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. It's a longer trip from Bratislava but well worth the journey.

Festivals

Bratislava Music Festival • September Bratislava Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit the UFO Bridge observation deck for the best views of the city
Explore the local markets for fresh produce, souvenirs, and a taste of Slovak culture
Take a day trip to Devín Castle for a unique blend of history and nature
Try traditional Slovak dishes like bryndzové halušky and kapustnica
Use the Bratislava Card for discounts on attractions, transport, and dining