If you already know the classic views from the castle and the UFO, I’d suggest three lesser-known places. My favourites are the green roof of the Nivy shopping centre and the Vydrica wildlife observation hut above Pekná cesta in the city forests. The view from the 30th floor of the National Bank of Slovakia is one you can only catch on an open day.
- Nivy green roof
- A rooftop park with a running track of more than 500 m and benches with USB ports; the view is best at sunset
- Vydrica observation hut
- About 45 minutes on foot along a forest track from the Horáreň Krasňany car park, though I haven’t seen any animals there yet
- Watch out for
- Parking at Horáreň Krasňany at weekends; you’re better off taking tram 3 to the Pekná cesta stop
- National Bank of Slovakia
- You only get the view from the 30th floor on an open day; I also liked the counterfeit money exhibition on the 16th floor
So where are the best views in Bratislava? I could, of course, point you to Bratislava Castle, the UFO restaurant, Michael’s Tower or the Slavín memorial. But you don’t need to read a blog for that: everyone knows those places. In this article I’ve put together tips for views in Bratislava that are less ‘overexposed’, ones you may not have heard of or haven’t visited yet. Get your selfie sticks ready, because we’re off to take some photos with Bratislava in the background.
Tip from Milan If you’re after the classic views I mentioned above, I’d recommend the article on Bratislava’s top viewpoints on the city’s official tourism website. It sums them up nicely in ten points. As someone born and bred in Bratislava, I’d like to add three extra tips: places I’m always keen to pop up to. Maybe I’ll bump into you there.
Tip from Milan I’d recommend booking your accommodation as early as you can, because rooms in a good location at a fair price go first. Here you’ll find accommodation offers in the area valid today.
Best views in Bratislava
The Nivy green roof and its view of Bratislava
Nivy opened in Bratislava in 2021. It combines a revamped underground bus station with a shopping centre, and to my mind that’s a welcome addition to the wider city centre and the offices around it. What I really rate, though, is the green roof with a view of Bratislava. If you’re picturing a tiny roof with a few shrubs, think again.
Right at the top of Nivy is a green roof that could easily pass for a park. Besides taking in the views of the Old Town, you can have a barbecue or a picnic with friends up here. You can also go for a run on a track more than 500 metres long, work out in the outdoor gym or just sit on a bench. The benches even have their own USB charging ports. I’d take a good book up to the green roof at Nivy, pick up some food or a coffee and enjoy the view over central Bratislava. I went up with my friend Nina Skalíková when the roof opened for the season. I’d also recommend a look at the insect hotel. At sunset, the view from the green roof at Nivy is one of the best in Bratislava, so do drop by.
Vydrica wildlife observation hut above Pekná cesta in Bratislava’s city forests
I only came across this observation hut recently, and it turned out to be a real beauty. Everyone who has been there has told me they never saw a single animal, and I haven’t either. Still, its architecture, the idea behind it, the craftsmanship and its setting in nature make it very photogenic and easy on the eye. It stands above Pekná cesta, near the Vydrica spring. I’d recommend driving up to the Horáreň Krasňany car park. From there it’s a pleasant walk of about 45 minutes along a forest track.
One thing to bear in mind: at weekends you’re unlikely to find a parking space at Horáreň Krasňany. It happens all the time. When it does, I’m afraid I can’t help you with parking, because Krasňany is in a controlled parking zone. You’re definitely better off taking tram 3 to the Pekná cesta stop. In the summer season, the hikers’ bus 154 also runs up there at weekends and on public holidays, from the Hubeného stop.
Matej Dobšovič, then director of Bratislava’s city forestry company (Mestské lesy v Bratislave), said of the project: ‘This unobtrusive lookout, sensitively set into its surroundings, lets visitors enjoy a peaceful view of the forest park. From Vydrica you can watch not only the animals but also how the forest, after the windstorm damage, is gradually turning into a natural forest. I would also like to ask visitors to treat this place with respect and not to disturb the wildlife.’
The Vydrica observation hut in photos
The view from the 30th floor of the National Bank of Slovakia
For this tip you need a bit of luck, but if it comes off, you get a view of Bratislava you don’t see very often. The headquarters of the National Bank of Slovakia (Národná banka Slovenska) was once the tallest building in Slovakia. The bank holds open days at irregular intervals, when selected floors are opened to visitors. The tour starts on the ground floor. There you’ll see exhibits from the Museum of Coins and Medals in Kremnica and the story of Slovakia’s currency, from the koruna to the euro. The gold bar is a big draw too.
I liked the exhibition on the 16th floor. It does a nice job of showing counterfeit money, security features and other ways to spot fake money. But the reason the National Bank of Slovakia made this list is its 30th floor and the conference room up there. The view of Bratislava from that room is special precisely because you can only see it one day a year, on the open day. When the bank decides to hold one again, don’t miss it.
So those are the best views in Bratislava according to Milan Bez Mapy. If you still haven’t had enough, read my tips on what to do in Bratislava in three days.
You might also like my article Bratislava main station mural: its hidden meanings explained.
This article was written in collaboration with the Nivy shopping centre.
A Slovak travel blogger who has been getting Slovaks out of their office chairs since 2013. Author of the book Influencer and founder of the Bez Mapy blog. "Bez Mapy" is Slovak for "without a map".
Leave it in a comment. It will help others who are planning a trip here too.
