People dont often think of Bratislava when planning their exotic European vacation, which is very unfair because not only is this city one of the most beautiful cities in Europe it is also filled with rich history and architecture that is centuries old. From blue churches to ancient castles theres everything for everyones taste here. So if youre planning your next Eastern European vacation follow our guide to top 12 things to do in Bratislava.  

There is something about European Old Towns. It might be the rich history behind every city or just an aura of mysticism that attract millions of people worldwide every year. Its the same with the old town of Bratislava, with its narrow lanes and historically rich buildings. It feels like taking a walk through a history book. Also if youre not a history snob you can explore some of the "hidden bars and shops in the city. Wed recommend taking a walk down the street and capturing good pictures of beautiful old architecture. 

When youre taking your walk in Old Town, youll come across a blue establishment. Technically a church, it is blue not only from the inside but also from outside! It is quite a known fact that Churches in Eastern European countries tend to be a lot more beautiful than the rest of the world. But you can check that yourself! 

 

Just like every other country in Europe Slovakia too was affected by Hitlers Nazi Germany. This giant enormous pillar which was built in 1960 serves a great way to remember the 6000 Soviet soldiers that died while pushing the Nazis out of West Slovakia. It is a great reminder of the Slovakian past that not many people have heard of. Dont forget to check this place when you visit Bratislava.

If you want to escape the humid weather it is the ideal place to lose all the summer heat and enjoy some water sports. This resort lake near the city is the crowd's favorite attraction, and offers rentals, lessons and equipment for whatever you want to enjoy. 

Davin Castle was built in the first centaury AD (no really) so its safe to say that its filled with a lot of history that has accumulated over time. Located on the frontier between Slovakia and Austria, it was built in this specific spot because it lays at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. A self-guided tour will take you through its many terraces, walls, staircases and open courtyards, visitors can feel the glorious past and the rich history of this fort. 

For some authentic Slovakian food visit this place. With the interiors filled with pictures of old Bratislava and the friendly atmosphere makes it a favorite hot-spot for the locals to visit. It will also not burn a hole in your pocket, unlike many other European restaurants!

 

It is considered to be the worlds 7th longest suspension bridge with an observation deck of over 95 meters above the ground. It is commonly known as the UFO bridge because of its round structure with glass windows all over it, offering a fantastic view of the entire area. The locals call it the most important construction of the 20th century in Slovakia. The top of this bridge consist few of the most popular restaurants in the country.

The Slovak National Gallery is a network of galleries situated in Slovakia, with its headquarters based in Bratislava. It was established in an 18th century palace, which was reconstructed for the purposes of the gallery in the 1950s. It consist nations largest gallery and museum collection in the country.

 

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Due to its great and strategic location, in the center of Europe at a passage between the Carpathians and the Alps, this Bratislava castle was inhabited and played an important role in the region for thousands of years. The castle building includes 4 towers, the exterior walls and inside corridors contain fragments of old Gothic and Renaissance construction elements. The second-floor houses the-the Slovak National Museum and the west wing of this floor house the 4 halls of the Treasure Chamber with a collection of the most precious archeological finds and other objects of Slovakia, including the prehistoric statue called the Venus of Moravany. The first floor in the south wing of the building houses the rooms of Slovak parliament 

It is one of the three objects of the fortification which were constructed in Czechoslovakia before the Second World War. From the year of 1935 to 1938, total of 9 artillery forts, around 265 infantry buildings and nearly 10 000 light pillboxes were built, mostly along the north border with Germany, but also on the borders with Hungary, Austria and Poland. There are still some unexplored sections in the underground which makes for a popular discussion amongst the locals. 

 

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This famous Bratislavan attraction is the only city gate which has been preserved since the medieval fortifications therefore it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was built in the year of 1300 but reconstructed in a baroque style in 1758 when the statue of St.Michael and the Dragon were added to embellish the establishment. On the sixth floor of the tower, there is a balcony that offers a spectacular view of the Old City. It also in-houses many of the popular restaurant in the city.

Bratislava is considered an excellent destination to enjoy an opera show, it may be a surprise to a lot of people but this city has two opera houses. The Old Opera Building in Bratislava is a neo-Renaissance structure and interior with a charming Ganymede Fountain by Viktor Tilgner in the front of it. So catching an opera performance in one of the oldest opera houses should be on the top of your list.

We hope this eastern European marvel has made it to your top vacation list. It's definitely something to cross off your bucket list!