Hlavne Namestie

The basics

Hlavne Namestie is a great place to start your explorations of the city, and many Bratislava tours either stop at the square or pass by it, including Old Town tours and food-themed tours. Group tours are an excellent way to get an overview of the local history, while private tours are ideal for those who want to customize their experience. Many day tours from Vienna and Budapest also include stops at the square, and Danube cruise ships dock just a short walk away.

Things to know before you go

• Hlavne Namestie is an excellent spot for people-watching or getting a feel for the city.

• Hlavne Namestie is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

• While there are no public restrooms at the square, there are some less than a 5-minute walk away on RIgeleho Street, right next to the Park Inn by Radisson hotel.

How to get there

Hlavne Namestie is in the heart of Bratislava, about an 8-minute walk from the banks of the Danube and a 5-minute taxi ride (or 25-minute walk) from the railway station. Much of the area near the square is pedestrianized, and you can get to most local attractions on foot. Nearby tram stops include Kapucínska (Line 9), Centrum (Line 1), and Jesenského (Lines 1 and 4).

When to get there

Hlavne Namestie is a year-round attraction, though it's at its most bustling in the summer months when the weather is nice and again in the weeks leading up to Christmas when it fills with market stalls, a large number of which focus on serving mulled wine and snacks. Christmas concerts and a Christmas tree add to the festive cheer.

Michael's Gate (Michalska Brana)

A short walk north from the square will take you to Michael's Gate (Michalska Brana), one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It's the only preserved medieval gate in the town and houses the Museum of Arms, which showcases the weapons collection of the Bratislava City Museum. Head up to the sixth-floor terrace to take in spectacular views over the city.