Free things to do in Bratislava are really not hard to find. As usual, when I start researching a destination for my upcoming trip, I start with the affordable and free things to do. And that has happened before our trip to Bratislava, as well.

Bratislava is not that expensive either. Out of the cities we visited so far, I can safely rank it alongside Athens (with the only comment that accommodation was cheaper in Athens than in Bratislava). Still, it’s not very expensive to eat out or to visit museums. It’s even affordable to take a cruise on the Danube go to and visit Devin Castle.

But, even so, sprinkling some free things to do among the rest of the activities and will allow your budget to stretch even further.

1. Walk through the Old Town

The Old Town is compact and very photo friendly. It’s not “feet friendly” so make sure you wear some good walking shoes (yes, my feet ached because of my sandals. Oooops). It is a pedestrian area with cobblestones. Need I to say more?

But the place is so cute and nice. There are things to photograph everywhere. And you can also stop to eat – check out these vegan restaurants in Bratislava – or just eat gelato. Or try the local beer. Or wine.

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2. Walk across the ‘Novy most’ or ‘New Bridge

We skipped this one. It never seemed to “fit in” with either our plans or the heat. When we almost decided to go, it got cloudy and we feared the rain. But, it is a loooooong suspension bridge and I noticed some photos along the walkway, so it’s also an outdoor photo gallery.

3. Visit the Slavín Monument

We skipped this one, too. It wasn’t very far from us and it’s super close to the Train Station (Hlavna Stanica) plus it’s supposed to boast the best views of the city …still, it didn’t make it in our plans (but it’s a good reason to come back, right?)

4. Stroll through the parks

There are many parks in Bratislava and when / if you get tired of the Old Town or the Danube Promenade, you can spend some time in the parks. We only passed by parks this time.

5. Wander along Hviezdoslavovo námestie (or the Danube Promenade)

It spans from Slovak National Theatre to the New Bridge, and there’s absolutely no shadow (aside from two benches right near the Restaurant). But you can do some people watching – and watch out for the runners and bikes – plus take photos of the UFO (New Bridge and its revolving restaurant)

6. Visit the Blue Church

The Blue Church – otherwise know as Church of St. Elisabeth – is a Hungarian Secessionist (Jugendstil) Catholic church, located close to the Old Town. And it looks like a toy church. It was built in 1907-1908 in the Hungarian Art Nouveau style. And I love it.

7. Grassalkovich Palace and its garden plus the guard change

We only caught a glimpse of the garden and the Palace (from outside). No idea when the guard change takes place, though.

8. Elevator to the viewing platform of TV Tower

This is partly free because you would need to buy something from the restaurant to actually go up. I do not know how good this info is because we haven’t made it here. And this place is on my list to visit next time.

9. Free walking tour

Again a partly free thing to do; free walking tours are tip based. This one takes about 2 1/2 h and leaves from the Old Town. We haven’t managed to make it here, either.

Fallen in love yet? Check out this awesome Bratislava guide written by a local , which is especially useful for first time visitors!