Always trying to find unique ideas to pass along to my fellow travellers, I have been successful here. It almost seems like every time I turn a corner, something crosses my path that makes me pause and take note. Here are 10 free things to do in Bratislava Slovakia that I hope you find as intriguing as I have.
Blue Church
Perhaps the prettiest building in Bratislava is this exquisite Art Nouveau Catholic Church. Officially called St Elisabeth, it is known by the locals as The Blue Church. Built in 1909 by a Hungarian architect, it is only a ten-minute walk from old town. Don’t miss the school that is down the street, another example of this architectural style with flowing organic lines and beautiful details.
Witch Hunt
There is a history in Slovakia of witch hunting and two places in the city commemorate those women who lost their lives in a savage manner. This statue, the Bratislava Witch, officially ‘Girl with Ravens’ represents the witches that were hunted and executed during the 17th & 18th centuries. She is located on the walk up the hillside to the castle. One in particular named Agata Toot Borlobaschinova is the most famous. A plaque exists at the exact spot she was burned alive under the arch at Michaels Gate.
Her and other women’s crimes? Flying on broomsticks, jumping around like cats, dancing, drinking and harming local businesses. Agata and others were first tortured in the dungeons of the Town Hall, then sentenced to death either by execution with a sword, beheading or burning alive at the stake. Witch hunting took place in Slovakia between 1506 and 1766; it is not known how many women were tortured and killed during that time.
House Attack
A unique and modern structure in Bratislava is called House Attack. On the roof of the Strabag Building on Bajkalska street, you can look up and see a family home perched precariously on the side of a glass office building. Austrian artist Erwin Wurm created this unique installation that will most certainly catch you by surprise as you walk up the street.
UFO Bridge
Perhaps the coolest thing in the city is the SNP or the UFO bridge built in 1972. It is a single pylon suspension bridge the longest one in the world! And it’s the only bridge on the Danube that doesn’t have a pillar in the river. What is most unique however is the UFO at the top of that 95 metre high singly pylon. Built as an observation deck, it has a premium restaurant too.
You can take an elevator to the top for €15 and use a toilet or urinal with glass walls, looking directly towards the border of Austria. A cheeky snub perhaps? 🤭 As a pedestrian you will walk across underneath the traffic and are deposited onto the western back of the Danube.
Gothic Tower
All that remains of a Franciscan church is this large 15th century gothic bell tower, seeming springing straight from the ground. Located in Sad Janka Krala beside the Danube, it’s a marvellous sight sitting there in this beautiful park and garden. Angle yourself just right and you can see the UFO through the centre of the arch.
Radio Tower
Often referred to as ‘ugly’ it is anything but. Built in the 1980’s it is the Bratislava Radio & TV broadcasting station. An inverted pyramid, it is also home to a very unique concert hall that is mounted on springs to dampen the vibrations from outside. So special is the effect, that the Vienna Philharmonic records here! Inside too, is one of the largest organs in Slovakia. The building has been recognized as a monument and is protected as an example of European Modernism.
Eurovea
A huge modern complex comprised of two shopping malls and a plethora of other buildings. The architecture of the malls is beautiful with enormous glass ceilings. There are many smaller whimsical statues inside and a larger installation outside including a reflecting pond. Located right beside the Danube River, it’s a marvellous place to walk and enjoy the sunshine, river views and upscale atmosphere of Bratislava.
Fountain of Union
This unique fountain is the largest in Slovakia and was constructed in 1980. It stands as a remnant of the former Soviet era. Water no longer flows but the space is still impressive as is the giant linden flower at the centre. Beyond the fountain itself is manicured green space, lots of seating and a popular place for locals to gather.
Memorial Park
A monument that can be seen from just about anywhere in the city, this one requires a bit of a climb. Walking from old town, you will enter a series of streets that are full of beautiful old homes, those of the wealthy. Many towards the bottom of the hill have been converted into embassies.
Within these is a staircase that you can use to make the climb shorter, or simply follow the streets as they zigzag up to the top. That obelisk is at the centre of a war memorial was built in 1960. Buried here are 6,845 fallen soldiers. They died while defending Bratislava from the occupying Germans during WWII. On the site are six mass graves and 278 individual burial plots. Walk around the entire site for the views of the city are incredible. From one side see the newer part of Bratislava stretch out in the distance, and from the other see the castle and Old Town.
Street Art
Lastly, I need to show you the street art. It is incredible and the best way to take it all in is simply to walk around. The core of Bratislava is fairly compact and small and it’s always an adventure to explore the streets outside of this central area.
Bratislava has been an interesting place to live in for a short while. Each day I go out for an exploratory walk, I encounter something new, something unique from any other city I have visited. You will want to see the castle, Old Town and the popular places, but this is one city where it pays to go beyond the confines of the tourist heavy district.
