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Things to see in Bratislava

Tourist information: 

Bratislava Tourist Information Office
Klobučnícka 2 (Old Town)
Tel: (02) 5443 3715.
http://visit.bratislava.sk

Another tourist information office is located in the arrivals hall B at Bratislava International Airport (tel: (02) 4363 0306).

Passes: 

The Bratislava City Card (BCC) offers small discounts on sightseeing, transport and shopping and includes a free walking tour. It is available for one, two or three days, from tourist offices and leading hotels.

Bratislavsky Hrad (Bratislava Castle)

Situated high above the Danube, this 17th-century Habsburg castle is often called 'the upturned table' due its four octagonal corner towers. It is currently closed for major renovation and will hopefully reopen by 2012. Meanwhile its precincts contain a small museum with one exhibition devoted to the city's most famous musical family, and another one dedicated to the Kosice Gold Treasure, though the best reason to take a stroll up here is for the view over the town and the Danube.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Beblaveho ulica from the Old Town or from Mudronova ulica, Bratislava, Slovakia
Telephone: (02) 5441 1444.
Dom svateho Martina (St Martin's Cathedral)

From the 16th to the 19th centuries, this 13th-century Franciscan cathedral was the coronation place of four Hungarian monarchs, including Empress Maria Theresa. Its Chapel of St John is regarded as a gothic masterpiece and the crypt is also worth a visit. The cathedral accepts visitors by prior arrangement or between mass times.

Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Rudnayovo námestie, Bratislava, Slovakia
Telephone: (02) 5443 1359.
Website: http://dom.fara.sk
Galéria mesta Bratislavy (Bratislava City Gallery)

The City Gallery contains Gothic, 19th-century, 20th-century and contemporary works of art; the most interesting works are the latter, particularly the astonishing trompe l'oeil Passage by Matej Kreén.

Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1100-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Pálffy Palace, Bratislava, Slovakia
Telephone: (02) 5443 3627.
Website: http://www.gmb.sk/
Mestke Muzeum (Old Town Hall Museum)

With sections dating back to the 14th century, the Old Town Hall offers a mix of architectural styles, including a renaissance courtyard from 1581. It is currently closed for major renovations. When it reopens, it will probably include the Bratislava City Museum, which offers treats such as dungeons and torture devices as well as a winemaking museum.

Opening Times: Currently closed.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Primaciálne námestie 3, Bratislava, Slovakia
Telephone: (02) 5920 5130.
Website: http://www.muzeum.bratislava.sk/
Michalska Veza (St Michael's Tower)

Michael's Tower's blue copper roof is one of the symbols of Bratislava. The best views in the city are from the viewing platform of the tower, which dates from the 14th century. To the south, you can see the baroque town houses of Michalska Street, to the west the red tiled houses at the foot of the castle. Entrance to the tower is via the Museum of Arms, a small museum of old weapons and firearms. The admission charge includes entry to the Pharmaceutical Museum a few doors away at Michalská 24.

Opening Times: Tues-Fri 1000-1700, Sat-Sun 1100-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Michalská ulica 22, Bratislava, Slovakia
Telephone: (02) 5443 3044.
Website: http://www.muzeum.bratislava.sk
Primaciálny Palác (Primate's Palace)

This late 18th-century Baroque Palace hosts the signing of the Pressburg peace treaty (in its Hall of Mirrors) after Napoleon's armies defeated Austria at Austerlitz in 1805. It is also home to a fine collection of 17th-century English tapestries, found during restoration hidden behind the wallpaper.

Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Primaciálne námestie 1, Bratislava, Slovakia
Telephone: (02) 5935 6166.
Slovenska Narodna Galeria (The Slovak National Gallery)

Housed in an impressive neo-classical building originally built in the 18th century, the Slovak National Gallery overlooks the Danube and contains works of art from the 13th century to the present. Many of the temporary exhibitions take on the country's past and Slovakia's intercultural history, offering a lively and colourful insight into Slovakia's history with all exhibits also captioned in English.

Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Rázusovo nábrežie 2, Bratislava, Slovakia
Telephone: (02) 5443 2081.
Website: http://www.sng.sk

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