Although Bratislava is quite an alternative travel destination in itself, it’s always fun to spend some time exploring beyond the beaten path. Lucie, our passionate local ambassador, shares 10 truly unique things to do and see in her home city.
1. Meet pilgrims from around the world at a unique Jewish heritage site
An old Jewish cemetery was destroyed in 1943 when a tunnel was constructed, and only the most important underground section was preserved. Architect Martin Kvasnica designed a striking new complex, the Chatam Sofer Memorial, named after one of the founding fathers of Orthodox Judaism.
If you decide to visit, you must dress modestly. If you’re a man, don’t wear shorts, and keep your head covered with a hat or a cap. If you’re a woman, wear long sleeves and a long skirt or trousers.
Photo credit: Visit Bratislava
2. Be adventurous and try slalom canoeing
The Divoká Voda water sports complex is situated at the widest section of the Danube River in Čunovo, the southernmost part of Bratislava. There’s something about this place, since most of the gold medals won by Slovakia at the Olympics were in slalom canoeing.
If you want to try this adrenaline sport, you can have a go here with an experienced instructor. You must be in good health and able to swim.
Photo credit: Divoká Voda
3. Visit Bratislava’s Guggenheim Museum
The Nedbalka Gallery is a 20th-century building that was constructed on the old city walls that date back to the Middle Ages. Its interior structure resembles the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Here you can get an overview of modern Slovak art and sculpture and see how it has evolved over the past 100 years.
Photo credit: John Fielding
4. Travel by boat to the Devín Castle ruins
In Bratislava, taking a boat to Devín Castle is one of the traditional family outings. It’s over 1000 years old and a symbol of Slovak history, looming on a cliff 212 metres above the Danube and Morava Rivers. It was blown up by the armies of Napoleon. Take in the wonderful view from the top with a glass of local currant wine.
Photo credit: Straße der Kaiser und Könige
5. Discover ancient Roman monuments
During the first centuries A.D. Bratislava was part of the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Slovakia, inhabited by Germanic tribes, bordered the northern part of the Pannonia province.
The Danube River formed the border, next to which an extensive fortification system, the Limes Romanus, was constructed. You can find around 3000 kilometres of this system in Europe, stretching from Britain to the Balkans.
Part of it is the military fortress in Rusovce. In southern Bratislava you’ll also find Gerulata, an important Roman auxiliary camp and civil settlement.
Photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko
6. Explore an exceptional art gallery by the Slovak Sea
Although it’s located a bit out of the centre, the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum is one of the best places to visit in Bratislava. It sits on the edge of a peninsula on the Danube River, near the Austrian and Hungarian border. The huge water reservoir gives this contemporary gallery a unique genius loci.
You can take a bus directly to the museum from the Slovak National Theatre or, on weekends during summer, a boat from downtown. After checking out the exhibitions, it’s a must to sit in the cosy riverfront Art Café and enjoy the atmosphere.
Photo credit: Dr. Pinczés Sándor
7. Find the cave of the Virgin Mary of Lourdes
Time stands still in this cave. It’s off the conventional tourist route and is a favourite Christian pilgrimage destination. People have been placing marble tablets with words of thanks on the walls since 1892.
Next to the cave there’s a church and a retro pub called Funus, which translates to ‘Funeral’ in English. Take a seat beneath the old chestnut trees and enjoy a glass of Budvar 10°.
Photo credit: Welcome to Bratislava
8. Rent a canoe and paddle down the Little Danube
The Malý River, also known as the Little Danube, is a branch of the Danube River in Bratislava. It’s nice to rent a canoe and paddle down it directly from the Vrakuňa district to Žitný Ostrov, the most fertile region in Slovakia. The water is very calm and plenty of water birds and beavers can be seen. It’s also possible to camp on the riverbanks.
In Jelka you can visit a unique historical water mill that still functions today. There’s a restaurant next to it that serves Hungarian cuisine, mostly consisting of fish from the river.
Photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko
9. Get back to nature at the Iron Well
Železná studienka (Iron Well) is one of the most famous recreational sites in Bratislava. People once thought the water here was rich in iron and minerals, hence the name, but after analysis it was discovered that it isn’t mineral water after all.
Families with children, mountain bikers, hikers, and runners love this place for its forest paths and picturesque lakes. It’s easily reachable by bus or train.
Photo credit: T. Gindl
10. Go for a refreshing swim
There are many lakes around Bratislava where you can swim. Some people swim in winter, but the high season is obviously summer. With temperatures over 30° C, it’s sometimes the only way to survive.
The best way to reach the water is by bike. There’s a place opposite Eurovea where you can swim in the Danube. There are popular lakes further south in Rusovce and Čunovo, some of which are visited by nudists. On the way back, don’t forget to taste the renowned baked fish in Rusovce.
Photo credit: Andrij Bulba
Like the sound of Lucie’s tips but not sure where to start? No problem. She offers a wonderful and affordable 2-hour walking tour and would love to show you around!
Opening photo credit: Miroslav Petrasko