Top 10 things to do in Bratislava

2. Shop for vintage fashion

Thrifty fashionistas and retro-lovers will be happy to find at least half a dozen high-quality vintage clothing shops within the Old Town.

At Vintage on Františkánske Square dig through racks of ’80s leather jackets, vintage Doc Martens, original band tees, classic Levi’s and more, with the occasional prize of a high-fashion designer piece or handbag.

3. Sample specialties

While there are plenty of places touting “authentic” Slovak food in the Old Town, take a 10-minute walk beyond Michael’s Gate to find cosy pubs, restaurants and bakeries where you can try Slovakian specialties such as bryndzové halušky – dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon; garlic soup served in a cob loaf, or potato pancakes.

Sweet treats include krémeš, the original vanilla slice or makovník, poppy seed scrolls.

4. Time travel at a museum

“Bratislava’s Old Town evokes the feeling of a medieval fairytale, it feels like you are stepping back in time when walking through its cobbled streets”, says mycruises.com.au.

The Tardis-like city hall in Main Square is home to the Bratislava City Museum, inaugurated in 1868, although parts of the building date from the Middle Ages. Apart from the extensive historical displays and temporary exhibits, there are well-preserved original interior features.

5. Visit Devin Castle

Take a bus or leisurely boat cruise along the Danube to Devin Castle, just outside the city. Perched high on a crag at the confluence of the Danube and Morava Rivers, it was largely destroyed by Napoleon’s troops in 1809. Aside from the romantic ruins, there’s a fascinating collection of archaeological finds, as well as an exhibition on the Cold War and the role these borderlands played.

6. Try Slovakian wine

Despite its small size, Slovakia boasts six wine-producing districts and a history of winemaking that dates back to the 6th century BC. In an ancient atmospheric cellar at the National Wine Salon of the Slovak Republic, you can taste as many as 72 wines from across the country, while those with less robust livers might choose the more restrained but informative sommelier-guided tasting of between two and eight glasses.

7. Enjoy a beer tasting

With a brewing history dating back to the 15th century, Bratislava is celebrated for its beer making. Take an organised tour, or DIY with a visit to some of the city’s centrally-located microbreweries and brew pubs. Try a Pilsner at Kláštorný Pivovar Monastic Brewery in a baroque cellar in the Old Town, a dark ale at Mestianský Pivovar, or settle into the leafy beer garden of Sladovna House of Beer.

8. See the cathedral

Consecrated in 1452, this Gothic-style cathedral is one of the city’s most revered buildings and one of the country’s oldest churches. Ten kings, a queen and seven royal wives from the Habsburg dynasty were crowned here. At the top of its spire, rather than the traditional cross, there’s a gold-plated 150kg replica of the Crown of St Stephen, indicating its status as a coronation church.

9. UFO tower

Inaugurated in 1972, during the Cold War, the UFO tower sits on a bridge. Take the lift to the flying saucer’s observation deck at 95m for the panoramic view and you can also dine at the restaurant inside the UFO itself.

10. Take a walking tour

Setting off from the Tourist Office in Main Square, this walking tour is the ideal way to orient yourself while gaining an understanding of the city’s (and the country’s) complex history. Tours daily at 2pm.

This article first appeared in Escape as Top 10 things to do in Bratislava.