bratislava
While visiting Vienna, we made the spontaneous decision to spend a day in Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava. With affordable transport links and such close proximity, it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
Bratislava is compact and easy to explore in a day, with an Old Town full of pastel-coloured streets, quirky statues and lively squares. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants serving Slovak food, and it is well worth stopping for a drink in the Old Town or along the river to take in the views.
Although Vienna feels grand, with its palaces, museums and wide boulevards, Bratislava offers a very different atmosphere. The Slovak capital is smaller and more relaxed, with everything within easy walking distance. Where Vienna impresses with its scale and history, Bratislava charms with its colourful streets, cosy cafés and quirky details, making the two cities a perfect contrast to experience in one trip.
ONE DAY ITINERARY
10:45 - Take the train from Vienna’s Wien Hauptbahnhof to Bratislava Petržalka.
11:45 - Arrive in Bratislava and catch the bus from the station into the Old Town.
12:00 - Enter the historic centre through St Michael’s Gate and wander the Old Town streets admiring all of the historic buildings and fountains.
13:00 - Stroll along the Danube River and admire the UFO Bridge and Tower.
13:15 - Continue to Hviezdoslav Square and take in the elegant Slovenské Národné Divadlo (Slovak National Theatre).
13:30 - Stop for a drink or lunch at Baudelaire Bistro. Sit outside if the weather is nice and watch the world go by.
14:30 - Hop on a tram or walk to the Street Food Park for a browse and a bite of local cuisine.
15:00 - Visit the striking Blue Church (Church of St Elisabeth).
15:30 - Wander through local parks and pass by Grassalkovich Palace.
15:45 - Take the bus back to Bratislava Petržalka train station.
16:15 - Board the train back to Vienna.
17:15 - Arrive back in Vienna, just in time for dinner.
transport links
Vienna and Bratislava are so close that visiting both is not only easy, but also affordable.
I travelled by train from Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station) to Bratislava Petržalka, a journey of just one hour. Tickets are simple to buy at ÖBB counters or ticket machines. Look for the ‘Bratislava Ticket’, which is excellent value at €18 per person. It includes return travel (valid for three days) and free public transport in Bratislava on your first day. The trains are clean and comfortable, with plug sockets and tables on board, and they run every hour.
From Bratislava Petržalka Station, you can take bus 93 or 94 from directly outside the station to the city centre, getting off at Zochova or Hodžovo nám. If you arrive at Bratislava hlavná stanica (the main station), you can take bus 93, tram line 1, or walk into the centre, which takes about 15 minutes.
You can also purchase the ticket on the ÖBB website, but it must be printed in advance at an ÖBB self-service machine or ticket office in Austria before you travel.
Alternative options:
Bus - FlixBus runs frequent services with fares averaging €19 return. Travel time is 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and route, with several departure and arrival points in both cities.
Car - Driving takes around 1 hour via the A4/E58 motorway. This is a flexible choice if you want to make stops along the way, although you will need a vignette (toll sticker) for Austrian motorways, and parking in both city centres can be difficult.
Plane - Technically possible, but not practical. The flight takes 35 minutes, but once you factor in airport transfers, security, and boarding, it is slower and much more expensive than trains or buses.
GETTING AROUND
Getting around Bratislava is straightforward and inexpensive, with buses and trams serving the entire city. A single 30-minute ticket costs €1.10, while a 60-minute ticket is €1.30 and a 24-hour pass is €3.50.
If you are travelling from Vienna by train with the Bratislava Ticket, your first day of public transport is included, making it even easier to get around. Most of the Old Town is pedestrian-friendly, so you will probably do the majority of your exploring on foot, and only using public transport when heading further afield or if you are trying to save time by fitting more into your day.
things to do
St Michael’s Gate – One of Bratislava’s most recognisable landmarks and the only surviving gate from the city’s medieval fortifications. Dating back to the 14th century, it is topped with a green copper spire and offers excellent views from the tower. Today it marks the entrance to the Old Town, with lively streets of cafés, shops and restaurants below.
Old Town – The Main Square sits at the heart of Bratislava’s Old Town and is surrounded by colourful historic buildings, cafés and restaurants. It has long been the centre of city life, hosting markets, festivals and concerts throughout the year. The square is also home to the Old Town Hall, one of the city’s oldest buildings, which now houses the Bratislava City Museum.
St Martin’s Cathedral – One of Bratislava’s most significant landmarks and the city’s largest church. Built in the 15th century, it is best known for hosting the coronations of Hungarian kings and queens. Its Gothic architecture, tall spire and peaceful interior make it a must-see when exploring the Old Town.
Blue Church of St Elisabeth – One of Bratislava’s most photographed landmarks. Built in the early 20th century, it stands out with its pale blue walls, decorative mosaics and fairy-tale appearance. Located just outside the Old Town, it is only a short walk and well worth a visit for its unique design.
Čumil Statue – A playful and much-loved attraction in the Old Town. Found at the corner of Laurinská and Panská streets, it depicts a man peeking out of a manhole. Popular with visitors for photos, it has become a quirky symbol of the city.
Danube River – The Danube flows through the heart of Bratislava and provides a scenic backdrop to the city. Strolling along its banks, you can enjoy views of the bridges, including the striking UFO Bridge, or stop at cafés and bars by the water. It is also a hub for river cruises connecting Bratislava with Vienna and Budapest.
UFO Bridge and Tower – One of Bratislava’s most distinctive landmarks, spanning the Danube with its futuristic design. At the top, a viewing platform offers panoramic views over the city and river, while the restaurant provides a unique dining experience high above the skyline.
Grassalkovich Palace – Today the official residence of the President of Slovakia, this is one of the city’s most impressive buildings. Located just outside the Old Town, the palace is fronted by a beautiful square and fountains, while its surrounding gardens are open to the public and make for a peaceful place to stroll.
Hviezdoslav Square – A bustling area in the heart of the Old Town, lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. It is a lively spot to sit and soak up the atmosphere, with fountains, trees and sculptures adding to its appeal. The square is also home to the Slovak National Theatre.
Slovenské Národné Divadlo (Slovak National Theatre) – A cultural landmark in Bratislava, standing proudly at the end of Hviezdoslav Square. Housed in a beautiful historic building, it hosts performances of opera, ballet and drama throughout the year. Even if you do not attend a show, the theatre is worth admiring for its architecture and its central role in the city’s cultural life.
Bratislava Castle – Sitting on a hill above the city and the Danube, Bratislava Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its grounds offer sweeping views over the Old Town, the river and even across to Austria on a clear day, making it a must-visit spot.
Food + Drink
Baudelaire - This popular bistro is tucked away on a side street in the Old Town. It serves steins of local beer alongside a varied menu, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options that are both affordable and delicious.
We enjoyed a board of chicken wings, mozzarella sticks and fries which was delicious - although not very traditional.
Street Food Park - This zero-waste street food park sets up in front of the Old Market Hall (Stará Tržnica) for four days each month. It brings together a wide range of vendors offering local specialities, international favourites and plenty of vegan-friendly options.
Fach - Unfortunately, I only discovered Fach after leaving Bratislava, but it would have been top of my list. Located in the Old Town, this stylish spot combines a bistro, bakery and juice shop, with a varied menu that includes cold-pressed juices, a dedicated vegan lunch menu, and an array of freshly baked breads and pastries. With its dine-and-share dinner menu, it seems like the perfect place to visit at any time of day.
keep reading to explore my photos, along with my highlights, and top tips for visiting bratislava.
keep reading to explore my photos, along with my highlights, and top tips for visiting bratislava.
MY HIGHLIGHTS + TOP TIPS:
Getting there using the train is the best option. At €18 return, with departures every hour and a journey time of just one hour, it is by far the easiest and most affordable way to travel between the two capitals.
The city is flat and walkable making it easy to get around and explore. With the addition of frequent public transport links allowing you to hop on and off of trams to get to your next stop quicker.
Streets lined with pastel coloured buildings and stunning architecture.
There is so much to see that you don’t need to extensively plan your trip, if you head for the old town and wander from there, you will be sure to see lots of beautiful buildings and popular Slovak churches and architecture.
Currency: Euro (€)
Plug Socket: Type C
Although I would recommend taking some cash, I didn’t use any while in Bratislava as everywhere accepted card payment.