How to Spend 2 Days in Bratislava

With two days in Bratislava, branch out beyond the cobblestoned Old Town to see the city’s Communist-era landmarks. Along the way, catch sunset from Bratislava Castle, taste the city’s top dishes, take a crash course in Slovakian history, and explore one of the city’s great museums. Here’s how to make the most out of two days in the Slovakian capital.

Day 1: Old Town Sightseeing

**Morning:**Start the day in the Old Town’s maze of narrow, car-free streets, linking up the tightly packed landmarks on foot or aboard an open-air trolley. Buildings here span a long history, so a guided tour is a great way to get oriented. These generally include the Old Town Hall, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and SNP Square (short for Námestie Slovenského Národného Povstania, or Slovak National Uprising Square).

**Afternoon:**Take a break for lunch in one of the Old Town’s many atmospheric cafés. A rich blend of potato dumplings, sheep cheese, and bacon,bryndzové halušky is Slovakia’s national food, but another favorite is paprika-rich goulash. If you want to sample a little of everything, consider a food tour that visits a series of eateries.

**Night:**As sunset approaches head to the Bratislava Castle, the perfect place to watch the evening light on the Danube River, Old Town, and UFO Tower.

Day 2: Communist Landmarks

**Morning:**Soviet architecture is a stark reminder of Slovakia’s years under Communist rule, so those sites are a fascinating introduction to the city’s more recent history. Many Communism-themed tours visit historic apartment buildings, homes of former Communist leaders, bunkers, and even the border that once divided Czechoslovakia from Austria.

**Afternoon:**Pick one of Bratislava’s excellent museums for a deeper dive: the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, the history-focused Bratislava City Museum, or the impressive Slovak National Gallery.

**Night:**Energetic nightlife has earned Bratislava a party-town reputation, so join a local crowd at pubs and bars on your final evening here. Craft-beer tours, wine-tasting tours, and pub crawls take you straight to the action, and they can be a great way to connect with fellow travelers, too.