The capital of Slovakia is known for its charming old town and its incredible buildings. Its strategic position on the banks of the Danube River means that it has been a major trading center for centuries. Today, Bratislava is a vibrant, modern city that attracts visitors from around the world.
For most visitors, the first stop is Bratislava Castle, set on a rocky outcrop that looks down on the city. This white-walled building with sharp red roofs has seen centuries of history. During the 16th century, it became the seat of the Kings of Hungary, and the Hungarian crown jewels were kept there. The castle today contains the National Museum, where you can learn all about Slovakia's past. You may also just want to admire the views, which stretch over the surrounding countryside and the neighboring countries of Austria and Hungary.
With car rental in Bratislava, you can easily visit another castle, 10 km from the city. Devin Castle was once a fortress that defended the confluence of the Danube and the River Morava. Today, it stands in ruins. It was destroyed by Napoleon's armies and never rebuilt. The ruins are very picturesque, though, and the surrounding countryside is like an image from a postcard.
One of the most striking buildings in the city is St Elizabeth's Church, popularly known as the blue church. Built in the 1910s, it's a rare example of a church in the Art Nouveau style. The bright blue walls make it completely unique - in fact, it looks like something from a Disney movie. The interior of the church is equally pretty and is definitely worth a detour.
The Slavín War Memorial is one of the most popular sights in the city. This is largely due to its location, on the peak of Bratislava's highest hill. When you walk up to the memorial, you'll enjoy the best possible views of the city below. You can take some great photos up here - but the area also has a sad history. There are six mass graves here, where 6,845 Soviet soldiers are buried. They died liberating Bratislava at the end of the Second World War, and the massive obelisk here was built in tribute.
Renting a car or van in Bratislava will also allow you to visit more modern monuments, like the Kamzík TV Tower. You'll be able to see this tower from almost anywhere in the city, but to get closer, you'll need to drive. There's an observation deck 70 m up, with a casual bistro and a more stylish fine-dining restaurant. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Czech Republic from this Communist-era tower.