Planning to spend 3 days in Bratislava? Excellent idea! This little-known European capital has everything to surprise you: a charming historic center, a perched castle and a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts with more touristy capitals. Between strolls along the Danube, culinary discoveries and unusual tours of the city center, Bratislava seems the perfect destination for an original city break. But what can you do in Bratislava in 3 days? Follow the Petit Futé guide! We'll take you on a tour of this uniquely atmospheric city!
Day 1: What to do in Bratislava in 3 days? Free Tour, Bratislava Castle and the Blue Church
There are many ways to visit the heart of Bratislava. The Free Tour and the Little Tourist Train are good options!
What to book: Embark on a walking tour of the most historic and important sites in Bratislava's Old Town by booking here. Discover the Opera House, the Old Town Hall, Michael's Gate and the unique St. Martin's Cathedral.
Morning: Bratislava Free Tour and Castle
Some Free Tours start at 10.30 am. Schedules are then staggered at noon and 2.30 p.m., but please note: reservations are required! There are four options:
- Bratislava Old Town and Castle: lasting 2.30 hours, this Free Tour includes several must-see sights, such as the main square (Hlavne Namestie), the bronze statues of Bratislava, the Michel Gate, the National Opera House and the Cathedral. Bratislava Castle and the New and Old Parliaments round off this free tour of Bratislava.
- The XXᵉ Century Tour: here too, allow 2 h 30 for this Free Tour, which takes you on a journey through Slovakia's history, from the Second World War through the Communist era to the Fascist state. The tour includes the Iron Curtain, the UFO Tower and the city's iconic Freedom Square.
- Scary Legends Tour: meet in the evening for this blood-curdling Free Tour. Witch hunts, plagues and other dark tales of the city are told during this unusual one-hour tour.
- Bratislava's hidden treasures: a fine follow-up to the first tour. Here, you'll discover how Bratislava has changed over time, through discoveries off the beaten track.
Good to know: free Tours are conducted in English, accompanied by an experienced guide.
Afternoon: Little Tourist Train, City Museum and St. Elisabeth's Church
Click here to book your guided tour of the Old Town's most famous landmarkson the Little Tourist Train .
Continue your tour of the city on the Little Tourist Train. Here's the good news: audio guides are available in several languages, including French! Dressed all in red, with a vintage look, you can't miss it. For just over an hour, the little tourist train takes you past the main points of interest.
The tour continues at the City Museum, comfortably housed in the Apponyi Palace, not far from the old Town Hall. Since 1868, the museum has displayed a rich collection of objects from the past to more recent times:
- handicrafts,
- historical documents,
- works of art on the theme of everyday Slovak life through the ages.
The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with guided tours available in several languages on reservation. This palace is also home to the museum of Viticultureoffering a fine collection of Slovak wines, as well as tasting workshops in its ancestral cellars.
Finally, the day ends atSt. Elisabeth's Church, famous for its astonishing blue color. An unusual visit to round off the day!
Book your guided tour of the historic city centerhere. Alternatively, book your Segway tour of Bratislavahere : an eco-friendly and memorable way to see the city!
Day 2: What to do in Bratislava in 3 days? Museum day!
Bratislava has many museums. We've put together a small selection of the city's must-see museums for this second day.
Morning: Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum
You can easily spend two to three hours in the danubiana Meulensteen Art Museumlocated on the Danube! Its futuristic design, accompanied by superb contemporary outdoor sculptures, seems to invite visitors to push open its doors. Let yourself be tempted!
Here, the passion of Gerard Meulensteen, the museum's founder, is evident in every work of art. The exhibits are colorful, modern and cheerful, in the image of this art collector. It's just as pleasant to contemplate these varied collections, including temporary exhibitions, as it is to stroll outside, discovering abstract sculptures here and there. A real must-see in Bratislava!
Tasting break: before starting your afternoon visits, we invite you to taste Slovakia's emblematic dish, Bryndzové halušky. It's a kind of gnocchi made from potatoes and Bryndza, a typical Slovak sheep's cheese.
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Afternoon: Slovak Police Museum and Transport Museum
Now that you've enjoyed a good Slovak meal, it's time to visit the slovak Police Museum... and there's a lot to talk about! Let's not forget that Slovakia has lived through troubled times, including fascism and communism. As well as the objects on display, you'll discover a whole chapter of the country's history. This fascinating museum appeals to young and old alike. From uniforms to police artefacts, not forgetting an exhibition on espionage, you're in for a treat!
To reach the next museum, the Musée des Transports, it's just a ten-minute walk. Antique cars, old locomotives, vintage vans, boats of yesteryear: you're in for a real plunge into the history of transport. Over a century of transport history is on display, in a superbly preserved collection.
Day 3: What to do in Bratislava in 3 days? Malá Fatra and a cruise on the Danube
You have two choices: spend the day in the Malá Fatra park, or devote a lovely afternoon to it after a cruise on the Danube.
Morning: Olympic Museum and Danube cruise
Visit olympic Museum bratislava's Olympic Museum is a must for sports fans. Even the most assiduous visitors are sure to discover many interesting and previously unpublished anecdotes, particularly about Slovak athletes. From the history of the Olympic Games to Paralympic performances, this is a museum as comprehensive as it is fascinating.
The morning continues with a cruise onthe Danube, booked here under the bridges of Bratislava.
Some of the excursions, lasting four hours, take you from Bratislava to Devin Castle. A great experience, but you'll need to set aside a good half-day for it!
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Afternoon: Hiking in Malá Fatra Park
The Malá Fatra National Park is a true natural gem, covering 226 km² of mountains, beech forests and alpine meadows. A dream come true for nature lovers!
Classified as a nature reserve in 1967, and a national park in 1988, it boasts numerous trails winding between spectacular gorges and peaks. Get your cameras ready for breathtaking panoramas! Your tour begins in the charming village of Terchováknown as the birthplace of the legendary Juraj Jánošík, the "Slovak Robin Hood".
Good to know: if you're interested in his story, there's a museum dedicated to this colorful character.
There are two other starting points for visiting the park: Vrátna and Štefanová.
Where to stay in Bratislava for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Would you like to do most of your sightseeing on foot? Then stay in Staré Mesto, the old town. For a quieter alternative, there are some very good hotels on the other side of the Danube. Just cross a bridge to reach the Old Town. Further north, Nové Mesto, the newer town, also offers good accommodation.
- Top of the range
The Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel 's impeccable service is perfectly suited to guests seeking perfection. Close to the Old Town, this hotel, which you can book here, offers all the comforts you could wish for, including a gym!
- The perfect compromise
Located close to the train station, the Garni Hotel DOCK Bratislava offers comfortable rooms with spacious bathrooms. From the buffet breakfast (included in the room rate) to the amenities (bus service right next door to various points of interest), everything is top-notch! Book your to book your room.
- The most modern
Ideally located in the heart of the city, theArt Hotel William is nonetheless a quiet establishment. A good point for this comfortable, modern establishment with XXL beds. Click here to book this beautifulBratislava hotel.
Petit Futé Tip: the easiest and most economical way to get around Bratislava is by bus. There are plenty of lines, running early in the morning and late at night. With the Bratislava Card bookable herebuses are free of charge.
Bratislava, and Slovakia in general, are among the best destinations for cheap travel in Europe. Make the most of it! Although still an undervalued destination, the city has 1001 treasures to offer. Best of all, prices are very affordable, especially for hotels, as tourism is not very developed here. Ready to get off the beaten track? You might just be surprised!
Discover also the most popular activities to do during a 2 or 3-day stay in Bratislava:
