Bratislava's underused 'Freedom Square' was one of the country's first to be renamed after the Velvet Revolution. Sadly, the centrepiece of this Soviet-era plaza, Slovakia's largest fountain, was out of action for more than a decade. Fortunately, the bulging, silvery, lime-flower-shaped attraction resumed operation in April 2023, and now you can once more witness the waters of Fontána Družby (Union Fountain) in Nám Slobody.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum
9.82 MILES
The windswept location of this world-class art gallery is as invigorating as the works on display. On a promontory jutting into the Danube, the…
0.62 MILES
The nucleus for Bratislava's history, festivals and chic cafe culture is Hlavné nám (Main Sq). There's architectural finery in almost every direction,…
0.65 MILES
Dedicated to St Elisabeth of Hungary in 1913, the early-20th-century 'Blue Church' is a vision in sapphire and powder-blue. From its undulating arches and…
-
0.61 MILES
Rove through Bratislava's past in the former town hall. First, scale the tower for a lookout over Bratislava. Then tour the exhibition rooms; loveliest of…
0.88 MILES
Magnificently rebuilt in Renaissance style, Bratislava Castle looks as though it has been transplanted from a children's picture book. Inside is a history…
0.76 MILES
The coronations of 19 royals have taken place within three-nave St Martin's Cathedral, alluded to by the 300kg replica crown atop its spire. The interior…
6.31 MILES
Perched between Slovakia and Austria, rugged Devín Castle makes a popular day trip from Bratislava. From the ramparts there are admirable views of rivers…
-
18.34 MILES
Nationalpark Donau-Auen is a thin strip of natural flood plain on either side of the Danube, running from Vienna to the Slovak border. Established as a…
Nearby Bratislava attractions
0.18 MILES
Shaped like an upside-down pyramid, this memorable building is either an eyesore or a marvel of brutalist design, depending on who you ask. The 80m-tall…
0.35 MILES
This transport museum is housed in a 19th-century steam-train station. There is not much explanation in English – or in general – but it's good for kids …
3. Monument of the Slovak National Uprising
0.44 MILES
The central feature of broad Nám SNP is a bronze monument honouring the antifascist revolt for which the square is named. In November 1989 huge crowds…
0.52 MILES
In an original burgher house, a tiny museum gives a glimpse of the unguents and ghoulish cures that would have been offered by the pharmacy that stood…
5. Michael's Gate & Weapons Museum
0.53 MILES
Of Bratislava's original 13th-century walls, Michael's is the last gate standing. Capped with an onion dome, the gate's tower was rebuilt in baroque style…
0.56 MILES
Honouring 6845 Soviet soldiers who died when Bratislava was freed in April 1945, this lofty monument yields great views over the city. The soldier on top…
0.58 MILES
The Jesuit Church of the Holy Saviour, just off Hlavné nám, was built in the 17th century. It's worth peeping inside to see the baroque altar.
0.61 MILES
Rove through Bratislava's past in the former town hall. First, scale the tower for a lookout over Bratislava. Then tour the exhibition rooms; loveliest of…