Historical Walking Tour of Bratislava's Old Town & Castle
We trace Bratislava’s history—from medieval coronations to today—through the Old Town and Castle Hill: Hlavne Namestie, Michael’s Gate, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Bratislava Castle and Čumil; we also pass the Bratislava Opera House, the UFO and Jewish heritage sites.

Basic Information
Total time
2h 45m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
Meeting point
Frantiskanske Namestie Square, between the fountain of a lady with a jug and the Vintage Shop Nearest public transport: Kapucínska tram stop; Poštová tram stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Discover Bratislava guides. Look for the guide with the large signs with FREE WALKING TOUR on it.
Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 8 people on them. If you travel in a party of 9 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.
About the tour
Bratislava, surrounded by 4 tourist giants – Prague, Krakow, Budapest and Vienna – is often overlooked by tourists. But it is a big mistake! Yes, you won’t find here the splendour of Vienna, the liveliness of Krakow, Budapest’s neo-Gothic architecture or a castle as grand as Prague’s Hradcany. But you will find something completely different – authenticity, special charm, peace and quiet (although not in the evenings!) and lots of greenery! Bratislava does not live only for tourists, it is a true asylum for its inhabitants. Drop in for a day or two to take a break from the crowds and get to know the history of this intriguing city!
Bratislava for the Slovaks, Pozsony for the Hungarians, Pressburg for the Germans. Whatever it was called in the past, it has always been a cultural melting pot. Founded by the Celts, taken over by the Romans who set up a fortified camp here. When it belonged to the Hungarians, it was here – not in Budapest – that Hungarian monarchs were crowned! After the First World War, it became the capital of the young Slovakia and it was then when it got renamed to Bratislava – the city “celebrating brothers.”
Join our tour and fall in love with this enchanting city. During the walk you will learn about the history of Slovak statehood from the Middle Ages up to the present day. You will hear stories big and small, but certainly worth telling. We will visit the beautiful old town, full of gothic, renaissance and baroque buildings, with Hlavne Namestie Square, where you can still feel the small-town charm of Bratislava. We will also climb up the castle hill, from where we will admire the panorama of the city and see that a lot of time has passed since it was small. Today Bratislava has a modern and metropolitan flair. Of course, there will also be plenty of recommendations on what and where to eat – Slovak cuisine will certainly not disappoint you!
Highlights
- 1
Hlavné Námestie
The city's main square, the historical heart of the Old Town featuring diverse architecture and small-town charm.
- 2
Bratislava Castle
A prominent landmark on a hill overlooking the Danube, offering panoramic views of the entire city.
- 3
St. Martin's Cathedral
The magnificent Gothic church where Hungarian monarchs were crowned for centuries, a key site in local history.
- 4
Michael's Gate
The only preserved gate from Bratislava’s medieval fortifications, a symbol of the city's past.
- 5
Čumil Sculpture
A whimsical bronze statue of a man peeking out of a manhole, one of the city's most photographed spots.
- 6
UFO Bridge
A unique bridge with a flying saucer-shaped observation deck representing Bratislava's modern and metropolitan flair.
- 7
Hungarian Coronations
Stories of the city's past as the coronation site for the Kingdom of Hungary, underlining the importance of Bratislava.
Map
Frantiskanske Namestie Square, between the fountain of a lady with a jug and the Vintage Shop Nearest public transport: Kapucínska tram stop; Poštová tram stop