Booking choice: The coach and catamaran day, from $107 per person. Check dates Tour details
Most day trips from Vienna walk you up to the castle for the view and stop there. The museum inside, run by the Slovak National Museum, is a separate ticket, and it is closed on Tuesdays.
Prices and hours below are from the Slovak National Museum's own pages.
The quick answer
The castle grounds are open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. The SNM Museum of History inside is open 10 AM to 6 PM (last entry 5 PM), every day except Tuesday. An adult ticket is 14 euros, children and students pay 7 euros, and under-6s go free. Day tours from Vienna generally do not include the museum.
How much is a Bratislava Castle ticket?
14 euros per adult for the Museum of History, including the Treasury and the Northern Walls exhibition.
Reduced and family tickets exist, and Bratislava Card holders get in free (SNM admission fees).
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 14 euros |
| Children and students (with card) | 7 euros |
| Seniors 62 to 69 | 8 euros |
| Children under 6, seniors 70+ | Free |
| Family: 1 adult + up to 2 children under 15 | 18 euros |
| Family: 2 adults + up to 3 children under 15 | 33 euros |
Planning the castle into a day trip? The catamaran day leaves free time after the guided walk.
Check dates for the coach and catamaran dayWhen is Bratislava Castle open?
The museum is open 10 AM to 6 PM with last entry at 5 PM, daily except Tuesday; the grounds are open 8 AM to 10 PM.
The grounds are free to walk around; the museum is the paid part.
Is the castle included on day tours from Vienna?
The grounds and the view usually are; the museum is not.
The classic coach-and-catamaran day lists the castle interior as not included. The private local-guide tour visits the castle but lists admission as not included. The free walking tour in Bratislava ends on the castle hill without going inside.
Short on time? The Prešporáčik vehicle tour stops at the castle with an audio guide.
Explore the Prešporáčik city tour Tour detailsWhat is inside the castle?
The Slovak National Museum's history exhibitions, the Treasury and the Northern Walls exhibition.
One guest on the catamaran day called the castle museum great, with artefacts going back to Roman times and earlier. Allow an hour or more.
How do you get up to the castle?
On foot from the Old Town: a short but steep walk uphill from St Martin's Cathedral.
Wear good shoes: the lanes and steps are steep and cobbled. The vintage vehicle tour drives up if you would rather not walk.
Is the castle museum worth it on a day trip?
Yes if your tour leaves long free time, which the catamaran day usually does; skip it if you only have a few hours.
Some guests on the classic tour found the afternoon long. The museum is a good way to fill it, as long as you are not there on a Tuesday.
Have a free afternoon in mind? The catamaran day gives you time for the castle on your own.
Check dates for the coach and catamaran dayWhat is the best view of the castle?
From the Danube, especially arriving on the Twin City Liner or from the Most SNP bridge.
The castle sits right above the river, so the boat gives you the classic view. See the Twin City Liner guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bratislava Castle free?
The grounds are open to walk around from 8 AM to 10 PM; the Museum of History inside costs 14 euros for adults.
Is Bratislava Castle open on Tuesday?
The grounds are, but the museum inside is closed on Tuesdays.
How long do you need at Bratislava Castle?
Half an hour for the grounds and view, an hour or more if you visit the museum.
Ready to book
Choose your day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Bratislava Day Trip with Danube Catamaran
- One-way coach from Vienna to Bratislava
- Return to Vienna on the Twin City Liner high-speed catamaran
- Two-hour guided walking tour of the Old Town with a local guide
Private Bratislava Tour with a Local Guide
- Private transport from the hotel or address you choose
- Local guide for your group only
- Lunch included
Bratislava & Devín Castle via Hainburg
- Pickup from your accommodation in Vienna
- Expert local guide all day, maximum 16 travelers
- Hainburg, Bratislava Castle grounds, Slavín, Old Town and Devín Castle
