The city now known as Bratislava has had many different names, reflecting its varied and multifaceted history. The city suffered greatly during WWII and the Soviet Era, and the effects of this can still be seen in some parts. Being a Communist country for so long naturally affected the capital and many buildings were simply left or neglected during this time, it is only in recent years that they have been restored, and because of this there has never been a better time to visit this fascinating city. Here is a guide to the best budget options to keep you occupied during your visit.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Visit the Bratislava Castle
The stunning Bratislava Castle is one of the most popular sights in the city, and is located on a hilltop with some amazing views to the city down below. Make sure to bring your camera as you’ll want to snap some pictures of the white building with its four iconic towers. It really does look like something straight out of a fairy-tale, and is visible for miles around. The castle has a pretty interesting history too as it was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century, and then left alone until the 1960s.
Bratislava Castle
Address: Zámocká 2, 811 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Contact: +4212/54411444
Tip from Content Creator
Built between the 9th and 18th centuries and rebuilt in the late 1950s after a fire had gutted the building, Bratislava Castle is the main castle in Bratislava, Slovakia. It certainly takes the cake for featuring one of the most beautiful gardens in Eastern Europe.
The castle is best enjoyed at sunset. You can watch the sun duck below the horizon and the city below glow with a beautiful orange hue.
2. See the Slavin Memorial
This huge towering Memorial is located a little out of the main centre, but it’s worth taking the bus to go and see it. This memorial and cemetery are dedicated to the Soviet soldiers who liberated the city from the Nazis during WW2. There are six mass graves here which make up the memorial, and it’s a sombre site.
Walk up the stairs and you will also see a nice view of the city from this high viewpoint.
Slavin Memorial
Address: 811 04 Old Town, Slovakia
Opening Hours: 24 hours
3. Wander through the ruins of a medieval castle
This castle is a short bus ride out of the city. It’s an old crumbling castle perched high on a cliff face looking out along the banks of the river Danube. Ticket costs the equivalent of less than 2 USD (2 EUR) to enter, and the remains serve as a museum with various different exhibitions. Spending the day in the surrounding area is also a great option, especially if the weather is nicer because there are many hikes around.
Devín Caste
Address: Muránská, 841 10 Devín, Slovakia
Price: from 2 USD (2 EUR) to enter
Opening Hours: 10 am to 4.30 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Access: Take city bus number 29
Contact: +4212/65730105
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Be impressed by the UFO Bridge
One of the few pieces of strikingly modern architecture in the city, it definitely stands out from its surroundings and cannot be missed. This bridge crosses over the Danube River and is a really spectacular piece of architecture. Once you see it you’ll realise why it is called the UFO Bridge by many, because of the flying saucer shaped structure at the top, which is also home to the award winning restaurant.
If the thought of heights doesn’t make you queasy then you could also go up into the Observation Deck. The bridge has a pretty interesting history, and many people don’t realise that there used to be another bridge here which got blown up by the Nazis, and to make way for the construction in the 1970s a huge portion of the city’s Old Town was destroyed.
Most SNP Bridge
Address: 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia
5. See St. Martin's Cathedral
As one of the oldest churches in the city, it is definitely worth a visit. The simple Gothic architecture of this large church is impressive, and it distinguishes itself wonderfully from its surroundings. It is one of the iconic features of Bratislava’s skyline, and you certainly won’t regret getting up close to it.
St. Martin's Cathedral
Address: Rudnayovo námestie 1, 811 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
6. Be in awe of the pink Primate's Palace
This pale pink building is truly an impressive piece of classical architecture. It can be found in the city’s Old Town, and seeing the exterior costs nothing, but if you wish to enter a ticket only costs less than 4 USD (4 EUR), so this option is great for those on a budget. With this ticket you will be able to walk through the decadent Hall of Mirrors, and see the impressive paintings lining the walls.
Primate's Palace
Address: Primaciálne námestie 494/2, 811 01 Staré Mesto, Slovakia
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Contact: +4212/59356394
7. Step back in time at St. Michael's Gate
This is the old city gate which would have been part of the original fortification of the city, complete with tower. It has been well preserved and has its origins in the 14th century. It is the last city gate which is still standing in Bratislava, and used to be one of the main entrances to the city, so definitely a must see for those interested in history. There is also the tower, which offers great views over the Old Town, and is worth the climb up.
St. Michael's Gate
Address: Michalská 806/24, 811 03 Staré Mesto, Slovakia
8. Hang out by the Roland Fountain
When exploring the Old Town be sure to stop by the most famous fountain in Bratislava, the Roland Fountain. It was originally constructed in the 16th century, but it has been reconstructed and modified many times since, so how it looks now is probably completely different to the original. It is extremely easy to find because many locals love to use it as a meeting point, so just look for the fountain with people crowded around it. Be sure to bring your camera because it makes the perfect backdrop for photographs.
Roland Fountain
Address: Hlavné námestie, 811 01 Staré Mesto, Slovakia
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Low prices combined with a fascinating history
It is no wonder that Bratislava is becoming more popular with visitors heading to Eastern Europe. It is a city with a fascinating (and sometimes tragic) history, which is extremely accessible to visitors through low prices, and many free options, too. Hopefully this has convinced you that if you are looking for a great budget destination, Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, should be high on your list!
Tip from Content Creator
Before my trip, the only times I had heard about Bratislava were while watching the films Eurotrip and Hostel. If you’ve seen either, then you must know that it wasn’t painted out to be the best place to go visit! Our tour guide also told us that tourism dropped 70% when those movies came out. However, as you can see from these photos, it’s actually a beautiful city and the food is even better! Here are the things I loved during the trip:
- Having brunch at Urban House or Cafe Mindieu; whether you prefer sweet or savoury treats, you won’t be disappointed with their menus.
- Trying a Slovak three-course meal featuring Kapustnica (sauerkraut soup with sausage), Haluski (gnocchi with sheep’s cheese and bacon) and apple strudel for dessert!
- Taking a walking tour of the old town with Sandermans; don’t worry, it won’t feel like a boring history lesson. This company always makes the tours entertaining!
- Getting a perfect Instagram photo in front of St Elisabeth’s Church (The Blue Church).
- Checking out other good photo spots by The Man at Work and Kapitulska Street.
- Visiting Nedbalka Gallery.
- Ending the evening with a ‘Spooky Legends of Bratislava’ tour.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
