Hotels near Bratislava Castle

Topping every list of things to do in Bratislava, Bratislava Castle (Bratislavsky hrad) crowns the 85-metre rock above the Danube, visible from every angle of the city. The four-cornered white palace with red-tile roofs and corner turrets is the postcard shot of Slovakia. Occupation of the hill goes back to the 9th century Great Moravian empire, but the current appearance is a full 1953-1968 reconstruction after the fortress burnt down in 1811.

The main baroque wings house the Slovak National Museum's history and archaeology collections, including the 22,700-year-old Moravany Venus figurine and the Slovak crown jewels replica. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00; admission is 12 EUR for adults, 6 EUR concession. The terraced south garden with its baroque parterres and views of Petrzalka and the UFO Bridge is free to enter. The Sigismund Gate leads down the hill directly to St Martin's Cathedral.

Pro Tip: Walk up via the Zamocke schody (Castle Steps) from Zamocka street rather than the ring road. The steps pass the medieval Jewish quarter and give you the classic view of the castle from below. Aim for the last admission at 17:00 to catch sunset from the south terrace on your way back down.