Is Bratislava Castle worth visiting?
I kept spotting it through little pockets of the alleyways in the Old Town..
Perched high overlooking Bratislava.. a symbol of the city for sure!
So when I finally reached the iconic Bratislava Castle at night, and it was lighting up the night sky over the city, it was pretty epic.
If you are visiting Bratislava soon and want to know whether the castle is worth visiting, then this blog has all the information you need to make your decision.
You will be adding the historical landmark to your Bratislava itinerary.
Bratislava Castle is the symbol of Slovakia.
How to visit Bratislava Castle.
Bratislava is easily accessible from the majority of Europe via cheap direct flights, alongside having many good ground transport links to nearby European countries.
Once you arrive in the Slovakian capital, you cannot miss the Castle as it dominates the city’s skyline.
At night the castle is lit up by spotlights, and like a golden treasure, brightly lights up the capital city from its position on a rocky hill of the Little Carpathians.
The castle shines brightly at night.
A walk through Bratislava.
I found the easiest way to get to Bratislava Castle is to take the fifteen minute walk from Hlavne Namestie (main square) in the Old Town.
There is a steep walk to reach Bratislava Castle so make sure you plan for this, especially in the height of summer when temperatures can reach extremely hot levels.
I visited in December, so the exercise was a welcome warmer!
The cold walk to the iconic castle.
A street performer in Bratislava.
I also enjoy wandering around a new city and exploring it by foot. It is the best way to experience the true essence of a place.
While I was walking to the castle, I spotted several nice cafés on the way, which make for great pit stops if you need a break during your walk.
Map showing directions from Hlavne Namestie (Main Square) to Bratislava Castle.
Ride a famous red tram to Bratislava Castle.
Riding one of the famous trams is another option for your journey to Bratislava Castle, as they regularly make their way up the Little Carpathians, or trolleybus numbers 203 & 207, which drive past the ‘Hrad’ stop just outside the castle gates.
There are many public transport options.
Practical visitor information for Bratislava Castle.
Costs.
The grounds of Bratislava Castle are free of charge to explore, however, there is a €10 entrance cost if you want to enter the Castle.
Tickets need to be purchased in the ticket office near the front of the castle. If you purchase a Bratislava card, you can enter the museum free of charge.
Opening times.
Bratislava Castle is open to tourists all year round, however the opening times vary depending on the season.
Winter runs from November 1st until March 31st.
Open daily - 9am to 5pm, last entry at 4pm.
Summer runs from April 1st until October 31st.
Open daily - 10am to 6pm, last entry at 5pm.
For more detailed information on your visit to Bratislava Castle check:
Bratislava Castle gardens.
A brief introduction to the castle.
Bratislava Castle has been inhabited for thousands of years, as a result of its strategic location in the centre of Europe.
Despite this, the historical landmark has been rebuilt several times, with the latest renovation being conducted in the early 2000’s.
The distinctive rectangular building is the symbol of Bratislava and can be found in the city’s logo, or printed on souvenirs throughout the city.
The castle makes an appearance through many spots in the Old Town.
It looks eerie at night from some places.
Bratislava Castle is the most famous landmark of Slovakia and has had a tumultuous history!
In 1811 it burned down, and gradually deteriorated into ruins until 1953 when its reconstruction began.
The latest development to the castle grounds was completed in June 2010, with the Honorary Courtyard completed, in addition to a ceremonial statue of King Svätopluk I.
Interesting fact: It only has one turret
The castle only has one authentic turret located on the southwest side. The others are only superstructures to the roof.
Bratislava Castle courtyard.
Views from the top of the castle.
My experience at Bratislava Castle.
I visited Bratislava at the beginning of December, as I wanted to check out the Christmas markets, so the temperature was just above freezing for my whole trip, making for a very chilly visit.
As I left my hostel on my first evening in the intriguing city, the castle was one of the first things that captured my attention. It was illuminated bright overlooking the city and is virtually visible from all over Bratislava.
The historical landmark blends in perfectly, as it makes regular appearances through gaps in the narrow streets of the Old Town.
After a very cold evening visit to Bratislava Castle to capture it in its creepiest form, I made a second trip the day after, as I wanted to go inside and learn about its fascinating history.
My daytime visit to the castle.
Outside of the castle.
The first notable piece of history that I found at the castle was the bronze statue of King Svatopluk (the most important ruler of Great Moravia and Prince of the Principality of Nitra).
Located just next to the ticket office at the front of the castle, the statue represents a proud city.
After collecting my tickets and grabbing some refreshments, I made my way through the main entrance into the castle’s courtyard, where it was decorated for Christmas with several trees, a sleigh (for photos) and some festive lights.
You have to walk through the courtyard to access the inside of the castle and the museum.
The famous statue.
While I was admiring the castle’s picturesque exterior, I also found the beautiful garden. A well maintained baroque garden filled with greenery, a fountain and plenty of figures adds to the magnificence of Slovakia’s most famous landmark.
While exploring the castle’s surroundings, you are treated to fantastic birds-eye views of the Danube river and panoramic views of the city.
Make sure you use one of the telescopes that are located near the walls for the best view of Bratislava.
There is also a small gift shop near the gates entrance, towards the Slovakian Parliament building for you to grab your souvenirs.
Inside of Bratislava Castle.
After you have crossed the castle courtyard and enter the inside of the building, there is an opportunity to put your bags and coats in the cloakroom (for a small fee).
The first thing that came to my attention was the interior design throughout the grand building!
White and Gold covered the pillars, walls and ceiling, complimented by red carpet, which also covered the many flights of stairs.
As I made my way through the building, I witnessed various exhibitions; it felt like a time capsule into Slovakia’s past.
here was a detailed explanation of the creation of the old state of Czechoslovakia in 1918 to 1920, and all the incredible political machinations.
Every room within the castle was different, offering a mixture of history from all ages - its Soviet era past, modern art and antiquity.
Interactive displays are used in some rooms to give more thorough storytelling.
Don’t forget to climb one of the towers for the best views of Bratislava, but be aware the stairs are very steep and narrow.
White & Gold architecture in Bratislava Castle.
Christmas time in the castle.
Christmas time at Bratislava Castle.
At Christmas time, Bratislava comes alive!
The city’s Christmas markets are in full flow across the city, including a small one at Bratislava Castle.
From Advent Sunday onwards, you will find traditional Slovakian celebrations for Christmas, including street food stalls, live music and nativities.
The Christmas trees and lights all round the castle’s grounds add a festive dimension to the area, which is picture perfect!
Christmas time at Bratislava Castle.
The best viewpoints of Bratislava Castle.
Bratislava has many popular spots where tourists flock to so they can grab the perfect Instagram shot of the castle.
As I said earlier, it just pops up in random spots throughout the city!
Here are two of the common photo spots:
The top of the UFO Building.
Visitors find the views from the top of the UFO to be some of the best in the city, so it is no surprise that this one makes the list.
If you dine at the top on an evening, you will capture the glow of the iconic structure.
From the Danube River.
Danube river cruises are a popular tourist attraction in Bratislava, and one of the highlights of a boat trip are the splendid views of the historical castle.
Tip: Make sure you climb one of the archetypal towers for panoramic views of the Danube River and some of the city.
My favourite viewpoint was from the Danube.
Visiting from Prague.
If you are visiting Prague in Czech Republic and would like to add a taste of Slovakia to your trip then Bratislava is definitely worth visiting from Prague.
Bratislava is approximately 200 miles from Prague, meaning that the best way to travel between the International neighbouring cities is by train or road.
Prague to Bratislava by train.
Regular connections between Prague and Bratislava, every two hours between 6am and 6pm makes it a straightforward journey. It takes just under 4 hours with tickets costing around €12 if booked in advance.
Plan ahead for your day trip to Bratislava as the tickets gradually rise in price, the closer to departure time.
Prague to Bratislava by bus.
Travelling between Prague and Bratislava by bus is also convenient as there are several planned connections daily.
Although it does take a little longer by bus, it is a good alternative to rail, and the prices come in slightly cheaper starting at €9 if booked in advance.
Prague to Bratislava by car.
Due to the relatively short distance between Prague and Bratislava, it makes for the perfect road trip destination.
If you are fortunate enough to rent your own car, then you have the flexibility to check out other notable Czech cities on your way towards the Czech-Slovakian border. Brno, Třebíč and Břeclav are all must visit destinations in the Czech Republic.
Is Bratislava Castle worth visiting from Prague?
With regular connections between Prague and Bratislava at a very reasonable cost, it is definitely worth adding the charming Slovakian capital and its proudest landmark to your perfect European itinerary.
One of the many informative museum rooms at Bratislava Castle.
A day trip from Budapest.
Bratislava Castle is one of the best trips from Budapest on a weekend.
The Hungarian capital is approximately 200km away from Bratislava, therefore, a day trip is very manageable.
The two best options to travel from the Hungarian capital to see Bratislava Castle is by bus or train.
Budapest to Bratislava by train.
Frequent trains leave Budapest every two hours, with the journey time taking 2hrs30m one way between the two cities.
One way tickets can be purchased online and start at €18.80 on trainline and progressively increase in price the closer you get to departure.
The trains are very rarely, full so you do not need to worry about reserving a seat on your day trip to Bratislava Castle from Budapest.
Budapest to Bratislava by bus.
Similarly to travelling by train from Budapest to Bratislava, the bus journey takes around 2hrs30m depending on traffic.
The majority of connections are operated by RegioJet and Flixbus, with a couple of departure times everyday available.
This is a slightly cheaper option with prices starting at approx. €7 with advance tickets. Nepliget (main) bus station is the departure point in Budapest.
Is Bratislava Castle a good day trip from Budapest?
A day trip from Budapest to Bratislava is definitely worthwhile and available within a reasonable travel budget.
Budapest is also a city full of highlights, therefore, planning a multi-city trip is a great option for travellers.
View from top of one of the towers at Bratislava Castle.
Another angle.
A day trip from Vienna.
Bratislava is in close proximity to Vienna, and is located only around 70 km (45 miles) from the Austrian capital, making Bratislava a must visit destination during your trip.
If you want to experience different cultures across a multi-centre break, then there are several options to travel between the two capital cities at a reasonable cost, ensuring Bratislava is a good day trip from Vienna.
Vienna to Bratislava by train.
The rail network operates very frequent and cheap costing services between the two international neighbouring cities offering much convenience.
Train fares are around €10-15 each way, depending on how far in advance you book your travel. Most trains are modern and comfortable, being operated by the Austrian state railway (OBB) or Railjet, and take around 1hr10m.
You will find charging ports, arm rests and electronic display boards keeping you updated on your journey across the Slovakian/Austrian countryside.
You can buy tickets at Bratislava or Vienna train station when you arrive or purchase in advance and they will be valid for any service on the date you choose, offering flexibility for your day trip to Bratislava.
Vienna to Bratislava by bus.
Taking a bus from Vienna and Bratislava is a great option for budget travellers, as it is cheaper than rail travel at around €6/7 one way and offers flexibility through various city pick up points.
You are at the mercy of traffic though, so journey times can differ - therefore, maybe not the best option if you are in a hurry. Several bus companies such as Slovak Lines, Eurolines and Flixbus offer regular reliable services, with comfort and free Wi-Fi on some services.
Vienna to Bratislava by boat.
A more extravagant method of travel from Vienna to Bratislava is by ferry. The Twin City Liner offers up to six trips a day between the two International capital cities.
Journey time takes around 75 mins, and you can enjoy some premium seats, free Wi-Fi and some refreshments.
If you are one for an idyllic journey along the Danube, onboard a catamaran then this is the perfect option for your day trip from Vienna to Bratislava.
This option is a bit more expensive at €30-35 one-way, but travelling in style for your day trip to Bratislava Castle certainly makes for a lovely day out.
Is Bratislava Castle a good day trip from Vienna?
With three great travel options available, visiting Bratislava on a day trip from Vienna is a good option on any travellers itinerary.
Winter time at Bratislava Castle.
Is Bratislava Castle worth a visit then?
When I was planning my trip to Slovakia, Bratislava Castle was recommended as a must see in the Slovakian capital.
It presents the opportunity to learn some interesting facts about Slovakia’s diverse history.
It also makes for the perfect postcard snap, in particular, if architecture fascinates you as it does for myself. I found the castle and the Blue Church to be the best photo spots in Bratislava.
During the summer months, the surrounding areas and well maintained gardens are a nice area to chill and have a picnic, or capture the perfect sunset from the walls overlooking the Danube and Old Town.
The castle is undeniably a proud treasure to the Slovakian people and It is one of the best things to do in Bratislava.
If you enjoy historical landmarks, then consider Gothenburg?
I enjoyed learning about the history of Gothenburg when I visited.
Skansen Kronan is a historical fortress, rich in history, just like Bratislava Castle.
I will let you decide which iconic landmark you prefer?
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