What is it like to visit Bratislava’s UFO?
Getting to the top of the UFO is probably one of the coolest things you can do in Bratislava – although the high-speed elevator might make you question that recommendation altogether. It’s fast, noisy and, at one point, you can even feel it shaking as it races up the pylon.
But the view at the top more than makes up for that ‘slightly’ uncomfortable ride. Here, 95 metres above the Danube, on top of the flying saucer, you really do get the best 360-degree views of Bratislava.
North of the Danube is the Old Town – a sea of red roofs, with buildings packed so tightly together you’d think there were no streets between them. Bratislava Castle, high on the hill above it, looks so grand that it’s hard to believe its demolition was seriously considered in the first half of the 20th century, when the castle was still a ruin. So, yes, right now, you could be looking at office buildings instead.
And then there’s St Martin’s Cathedral, sitting so absurdly close to the road, having only narrowly escaped demolition during the construction of the very bridge from which you’re now admiring these views. Other buildings weren’t so lucky. When the bridge and its approach roads were built, a large section of the historic neighbourhood beneath the castle was demolished, including the city’s Neolog Synagogue.
Looks south across the river and Bratislava changes completely.
This is Petržalka – a sea of seemingly endless rows of concrete blocks of flats and one of the largest housing estates in Central Europe. It’s Bratislava’s largest borough, home to more than 110,000 people. Connecting the Old Town with the rapidly growing Petržalka on the opposite bank of the Danube was one of the main reasons Bratislava needed a major new bridge across the river. The result was this extraordinary structure, carrying busy lanes of traffic across the Danube every day.
Standing above it all, with the historic Old Town on one side, Petržalka stretching out on the other and a futuristic bridge in between, really is one of the coolest experiences you can have in Bratislava.
The only thing is, you’re just going to have to take that elevator again to leave.
Planning a visit to the UFO?
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Around an hour before sunset. Sunset is one of the most popular times, so expect it to be busier and a little more expensive.
TIME NEEDED: Around 30-45 minutes. Allow longer if you’re eating or having a drink.
OPENING HOURS: Observation Deck & Bar: 10:00 – 23:00; Restaurant: 12:00 – 23:00.
COST: Adult admission is €12.50, or €11.50 Monday – Friday between 10:00 and 13:00. Bratislava card holders receive a 20% discount for the observation deck. Prices are slightly higher over Christmas.
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