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GAY BRATISLAVA
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in BRATISLAVA?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
WHAT TO SEE in BRATISLAVA?
10 THINGS TO SEE in BRATISLAVA
Bratislava Castle
It dominates the city of Bratislava and the Danube from the top of a hill from which on clear days it is even possible to see the Austrian territories. Its four towers are unmistakable and have become a symbol of the city. The castle houses one of the branches of the Slovak National Museum. The first news of the manor dates back to the 10th century but it is only in the 18th that it assumed the aspect we see today.
St Michael's Gate
Known as Michalska Brana, it is the only gateway to the city that has survived to this day. Going beyond it you find yourself in Michalska street, one of the main arteries of the old city (Staré Mesto). From the top of the tower you can enjoy a beautiful view of Michalska Street and part of the historic center of Bratislava.
Grassalkovich Palace
Another of Bratislava's landmarks. Dating from the mid-18th century, it is located on Hodžovo Námestie Square and is the residence of the President of the Slovak Republic. The palace cannot be visited but every day at twelve you can watch the changing of the presidential guard. Furthermore, you can take a nice walk in the French gardens at the rear of the building, which are open to the public and free to enter.
Most SNP New Bridge & UFO Tower
The SNP Bridge (in Slovak Most Slovenského národného povstania, or Slovak National Uprising Bridge) was inaugurated in the early 1970s and aroused quite a few controversies for its aesthetics, for having involved the destruction of the Jewish quarter of the city and for passing just 3 meters from the west facade of the Cathedral of San Martino. The only pylon that supports the bridge is known as the UFO Tower (due to its resemblance to a spaceship), and is one of the symbols of the city. At the top is a restaurant from which the view of the city and the castle is incomparable.
Hlavne Namestie Square & Town Hall
This Hlavne Namestie square is the pulsating hub of Bratislava's Old Town. In the center is the Maximilian Fountain (the first emperor to be crowned in the Slovak capital). The square also overlooks the old Town Hall of Bratislava, the Stara Radnica, dating back to the 14th century.
Primate's Palace
Known for hosting the signing of peace between Napoleon and Francis II of Austria after the battle of Austerlitz. Built in the late 18th century, the Primate's Palace served as the winter residence of the Archbishop of Esztergom.
St. Martin's Cathedral
Another mandatory stop in Bratislava. The main tower is 83 meters high and has been adorned since 1848 with a golden crown resting on a cushion. This is a reminder that it once belonged to Hungary (under the name of Pozsony), and it was here that Hungarian rulers were crowned for nearly three centuries.
Blue Church
The most famous and particular church in Bratislava. There are various stories and legends as to why this church, or Modrý kostolík, has this particular colour. The Church of St. Elisabeth of Hungary (this is the official name) was built in the 20th century by Ödön Lechner, known as the "Gaudí of Hungary". It is located about ten minutes walk from the historic center.
Old & New Slovak National Theatre
Two magnificent and different buildings in the city. The Old National Theater is a beautiful neo-Renaissance building in the historic center of Bratislava. The Nuovo, on the other hand, is a large contemporary building full of mirrored windows.
House of the Good Shepherd
In the second half of the 18th century this house was built, a rococo building located near the Ponte Nuovo. On one side of the facade we can find a small statue of Christ, which represents the name of the house.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Complete Bratislava - Google Maps
Extra - Devín Castle - (by Public Transportation) Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
10 BEST EXCURSIONS from BRATISLAVA
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Vienna
Budapest
Brno
Devín Castle
Wine Tour & Červený Kameň Castle
Praga
Banská Štiavnica UNESCO
Small Carpathian Wien Road, Modra, Pezinok & Pajštún Castle
Trenčín & Bojnice Castle
Terme di Piestany
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in BRATISLAVA?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in BRATISLAVA
W Hotel *** ® Tested by World Mappers
WHERE TO EAT in BRATISLAVA?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in BRATISLAVA Quality / Price
€€€ - UFO ® Tested by World Mappers
€€€ - Modrá Hviezda
€€ - Slovenská Reštaurácia ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - KORZO Café & Restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - 1. Slovak Pub
€€ - Bratislava Flagship
€ - Divny Janko
GAY NIGHTLIFE in BRATISLAVA
5 BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in BRATISLAVA
Tepláreň Café (Gay Bar)
Apollon Gay Club (Gay Club)
W Café (Gay Friendly Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
VRBA - Virtual Reality Gin&Tonic Bar (Gay Friendly Bar)
Café Bratislava restaurant (Gay Friendly Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
TRAVEL TIPS about BRATISLAVA by World Mappers
The ideal solution for exploring Bratislava and the surrounding region? The Bratislava Card! The Official Tourist Pass is available with a validity of 1, 2 or 3 days. It offers discounts in restaurants, free or discounted entrances to Bratislava's main attractions and free use of all public transport in the whole region. However, we advise you to carve out at least 72 hours to better visit Bratislava and the surrounding areas, such as the Devin Castle. Find out more by clicking on the Bratislava 72-Hours-City.
The Most BEAUTIFUL VIEWPOINTS of BRATISLAVA
Enjoy the city from above from the best viewpoints in Bratislava that we recommend:
Bratislava Castle
From the terrace of the castle you can admire the city in all its beauty, the Danube and the surrounding territories.
UFO Tower
One of the best views from one of the city's most famous landmarks. The elevator will take you to the top of the 95m tower in just 45 seconds! The ascent is paid.
Town Hall (Stara Radnica)
The tower of the town hall, in Hlavne Namestie square, offers a beautiful view over the roofs of the old town (the ascent is paid).
TV Tower (Kamzík)
North of the city is this tower that is easily accessible by public transport. At the top is the Altitude Brasserie, a restaurant where you can dine in the company of a breathtaking view of the city.
Ascent of the Slavín
From this memorial you can have a breathtaking view of the castle and the UFO.
Old Bridge (Starý Most)
It may seem strange but the Ponte Vecchio is actually the most recent (it was inaugurated in 2016). Along its pedestrian streets you can see beautiful views of the city area on the banks of the Danube.
"SECRET BRATISLAVA"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Bratislava
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Bratislava" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 11 Things and Places to See in Secret Bratislava:
Matej Krén Passage - The installation at Pálffy Palace which, thanks to thousands of books and mirrors, creates an illusion of infinite space. One of the places that most surprised us in Bratislava.
Inverted Pyramid - The Slovak Radio Building is one of the strangest buildings in the city.It is in fact a sort of inverted pyramid.
The Funny Statues - We had a lot of fun looking for all the funny statues scattered around the city. Among these, the most famous is "Čumil, Man at Work" who comes out of a manhole to observe who passes in front of him. Other statues that you will find in the city are that of a Napoleonic soldier leaning on a bench, the "paparazzo" hidden behind a building, the Baron of Munchausen, sitting on a cannonball driven into the facade of a building and many others.
Secret Bar - How about having a drink in a secret bar in the city? To find it, just go to the top floor of a bistro on Michalska Street. Approach the bathrooms and enter the closet!
Galleria Multium - Optical illusions and mirror effects. An amazing place to visit.
Hotel Galéria Spirit - An extravagant and colorful building. Located behind the Bratislava train station, it houses a hotel and an art gallery. Seeing it we were speechless.
Obrazáreň pri Dóme - An abandoned church with images created by local art school students instead of windows.
Space Sculpture - Created by local artist Juraj Hovorka, this large spaceship sculpture in the middle of the Slovakian capital looks like it has just landed.
Slavín - Thousands of Soviet soldiers are buried in the shadow of this huge obelisk, one of the largest WWII memorials in Central Europe. A tribute to the Soviet troops who died defending the city from the German armies. Six mass graves and 278 individual burials for a total of 6,845 fallen combatants.
Bratislava Hidden Bunkers - On the outskirts of the city (Petržalka) is a number of disused military bunkers. In the 1930s, what was then Czechoslovakia invested in a line of military fortifications to defend against invading Nazi Germany. At the time of construction the bunkers were state of the art, but ultimately proved of little use and Czechoslovakia fell under Nazi control. There are 14 bunkers that survived along the stretch of border. The largest and best preserved is BS-8, maintained as a museum by some volunteers.
Meulensteen Art Museum - The modern art gallery on the Danube with works from all over the world. About 20 minutes by bus from the center of Bratislava.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES to LIVE in BRATISLAVA
In Bratislava you can experience 10 unique experiences that will make you love the Slovak capital even more (find out more in detail by clicking here)
Biking the Bridge of Freedom - Chuck Norris Bridge
Organize a party in a mall
Find the cannonball marks in the buildings of the Old Town
Have a beer in the former public baths
Spend a night on a floating brewery on the Danube
Visit a real military bunker in Central Europe
Attend a concert in the inverted pyramid (Palazzo della Radio)
Walk in the forest of Horský park in the middle of the city
Visit the Gallery of Modern Art on the Danube peninsula
Dine in a UFO
INSTAGRAMMABLE BRATISLAVA
Instagrammable Places to See in Bratislava
Want to find out which are the 10 most instagrammable places in Bratislava? Then click here and have fun finding them all.
Unmissable event in Bratislava is the Gay Pride, known as "Dúhová Bratislava" held in the Summer. Find out more about the Slovak capital's LGBT scene and community at this link.
GAY FRIENDLY TOURS
Do you want to discover the city more deeply through Bratislava's Best Gay Tours? We recommend the following local operators:
Gaily Tour - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT + community throughout Europe. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination. Info & Booking: info@GailyTour.com
Bratislava • Classic Tour
Discover the splendid Bratislava together with our LGBT Friendly Tour Guide. Start your tour from the Old Town of Bratislava. Afterwards enter the historical quarter through St Michael's Gate, the only remaining Medieval access and observe the Old Town Hall. This was the former seat of the city self-government and it's the seat of the Bratislava City Museum, the oldest museum in Slovakia. After climbing up the narrow stairs leading to its 45-metre-high tower you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the Old Town. Take a look to St Martin's Cathedral, a Gothic church which has been the site of the coronation of all the Hungarian monarchs since 1563 and for almost 300 years. Then continue to Grassalkovich Palace, a Rococo summer palace from the 18th century used to be known for its rich social life and a famous composer Joseph Haydn also performed here. Since 1996 it serves as the seat of the President of the Slovak Republic. Relax and enjoy a walking tour through its precious gardens. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours) * Entrance Fee – Bratislava City Museum (Closed on Mondays) * Entrance Fee – Crypt & Catacombs of St. Martin's Cathedral
Bratislava • Gay Tour & Ganymede's Secrets
Did you ever heard about Ganymede? Many people don't know the Greek legend behind the Ganymede's Fountain, in front of the Slovak National Theatre, about God Zeus and his love with Ganymede. Take a look to the special statue on Venturska street and visit the unique PASSAGE project by Matej Kren, installed in Palffy Palace (GMB), which achieves the illusion of infinite space from the books. The installation has been appreciated by many world experts, visualization and photos published in leading international magazines on art. It has won the top prize in the global art competition Promotion of the Arts, organized by UNESCO in Paris. Afterwards continue you walking tour to Bratislava Castle, one of the main tourist attraction and the most significant symbol of the city. The Castle which in the past was controlled by Great Moravia and for almost 200 years stored the crown jewels of Hungary, nowadays hosts many expositions and is an ideal place for walks with beautiful surroundings and views. It serves as a representative venue for the Slovak Parliament and houses collections of the Slovak National Museum. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours) * Entrance Fee – Castle History Museum * Entrance Fee – Unique Passage by Matej Kren
Bratislava by Night • Gay Tour
Enjoy an enlightened Bratislava and an amazing walking tour through Bratislava's gay & lesbian bars and clubs to live on your skin the magic atmosphere and LGBT scene of the city. Enjoy your included drink (also alcohol free drink available) and own the night ! Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for Night Tour (2 hours) * Drink in Gay Bar (1 Drink)
What to See near Bratislava ?
