Bratislava is redolent with Hapsburg baroque architecture, preserved in many historic row houses and the pedestrianised Old Town, which has been extensively renovated. But as an ancient trading post, its history is much older, with German settlers since the middle ages, Hungarians, Italians, and a large Jewish community with some places of worship still remaining.

Hlavne Square sits at its heart, containing the Old City Hall, and parallel, running north to south, the old Michalska and Venturska streets lead past a number of historical sites, including childhood performance venues of Mozart and Franz Liszt. Zelená Ulica (Green Street) runs off Michalska and is one of the narrowest streets in the city and home to Academia Istropolitana, the first university in the Hungarian Kingdom.

At the other end of Old Town is St Martin's Cathedral, which hosted the coronation of exiled Hungarian kings during the period when most of Hungary was under Ottoman rule. The city also boasts a number of copper-domed churches, palaces, and the dominant landmark of Bratislava Castle.

Bratislava boasts some art nouveau architecture, notably St Elizabeth Church (also known as the Blue Church because of its blue ceramic tile exterior). The city has been touched up significantly since independence with many of its most impressive historical buildings brought back to their best or slated for refurbishment. Check locally to make sure the attraction you want to visit is actually open and not currently under a welter of scaffolding.

Bratislava Tourist Information Office
Venturska 9 (Zichy Palace)
Tel: (02) 5464 1794.
Website: www.bratislava-info.sk

The tourist office provides tourist services, maps, information, souvenirs and lists of cultural events.

There are currently no passes for sightseeing in Bratislava.