An Alternative Guide To Bratislava

As Slovakia‘s capital, Bratislava is home to interesting museums, modern art galleries, and many fabulous cafés and bars – however, it’s often very crowded, especially during the summer months. For a different take on this fascinating city, side step the typical tourist route with our alternative guide.

Visit a sky-high tower, but not the UFO

Bratislava’s UFO Tower is an incredibly popular tourist spot due to the spectacular photo ops from the Observation Deck and the world-class fusion cuisine served in the restaurant. But did you know that you can also dine in a restaurant in the TV Tower on Kazmik Hill? The Kazmik Tower offers both a beautiful Observation Deck and a Mediterranean themed restaurant. Best of all, you won’t be caught up in a horde of other tourists. The best way to reach the tower is by walking along the winding trails in Bratislava’s forest park for about 45 minutes. Enjoy the view!

The Kazmik TV Tower sits high on a hill overlooking the city I

Lounge at the beach

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Sleep amid modern art

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a hotel which is also a modern art gallery, here’s your chance. Hotel Galeria Spirit aims to give visitors “the opportunity to experience firsthand in their room, the relaxing effect of modern abstract paintings that were selected on the basis of a positive action on the human subconscious”. Also known as the ‘Butterfly House’ for its colorful and eclectic exterior, the hotel is conveniently located near the main train station.

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Marvel at the Slovak National Radio Building

It‘s worth the short walk from the Old Town to take a look at the controversial Slovak National Radio Building. This inverted pyramid has been voted by The Telegraph as one of the ugliest buildings in the world – but is still defended by Slovak architects as being something special. Regardless of whether it is ugly or special, it is certainly an interesting building to see. There is even a concert hall housed within, so if you’re lucky enough to be in town when there is a performance on, book a ticket for a double hit of culture.

The interesting Slovak National Radio Building I

Stroll through the Botanical Garden of Comenius University

The Botanical Garden is located just outside of the Old Town on the banks of the Danube River and offers a pleasant respite from the crowds. The garden is the perfect place to relax and step away from the busy city and has more than 5,000 species of plants to admire. The rosarium boasts more than 120 species of roses, while the Japanese-style garden is also a highlight. With an entry fee of just €3, it is well worth it to spend an hour or two lingering in Bratislava’s only botanical garden.

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Sip freshly brewed coffee in a Cubist-style café

Bratislava’s flourishing café scene offers a coffee place for every taste imagineable, but why not try one of the most unique? Dom u Kubistu is decorated in the Cubist style, and has a simple menu offering several options for vegetarians and vegans. The café is focused on using fresh and locally sourced ingredients for their menu, which features daily specials as well. Dom u Kubistu is just around the corner from Bratislava‘s famous Blue Church, so don’t miss it if you are in the area.

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Travel by boat to Devin or Danubiana

During the summer, river cruise boats whisk passengers from a dock near the Old Town to the medieval Devin Castle or the trendy and modern Danubiana Meulensteen Museum of Modern Art. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Devin, overlooking a bend in the Danube River from atop the remains of a great fortress which once served as an important trading center and military stronghold. Fuel up post-lunch with a coffee in Danubiana’s café to take in the thousands of modern art objects on display in the large building and outdoor sculpture garden, before enjoying a leisurely cruise back to the city in the afternoon.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.