Bratislava deserves more than a quick day trip visit but if time is limited you can easily do it from Vienna. It’s only a one hour drive or you can get the train from Vienna’s Sudbahnhof using their special day trip ticket (€15) which includes public transport in Bratislava. If you prefer a more scenic route you could take one of the high speed boats along the Danube but it’s more expensive than the train or driving.
Visiting Bratislava
Most of Bratislava’s sights are within easy walking distance of the main square Hlavné námestie. This square with it’s pretty architecture and quirky market stalls is one of the main meeting points for locals and tourists alike. It’s also the location of the small Bratislava Christmas market which is a great alternative to overcrowded Christmas markets in nearby Vienna and Prague.
The Old Town Hall is one of the main attractions on the square and is where you’ll find the Bratislava City Museum with its torture instruments and the old town dungeons.
Around the corner from the Old Town Hall is the Primate’s Palace. The Primate’s Palace is home to the mayor of Bratislava but the building is open to the public if you’d like to see inside.
From there the best thing to do is wander and explore the medieval streets, cute shops and countless cafes.
It’s almost impossible to get lost in the compact city centre, especially when you have Bratislava Castle up on the hill in the distance as a landmark.
One of the prettiest areas is around the Bratislava National Theatre with its tree-lined pedestrian street and cooling fountains.
Don’t forget to try some Slovak beer and food while in Bratislava for the day. The pedestrian area near the theatre is a great place to stop and eat with many pubs and cafes serving cheap, filling meals and dark Slovak beer.
Bratislava isn’t all pretty baroque and neoclassical architecture. It has its fair share of ugly communist era buildings and squares including Freedom Square (Námestie Slobody) with its permanently out-of-order Fountain of Union and the Post Office Palace, the largest post office in the world.
Not to mention the rows and rows of concrete block apartment buildings just outside of the historic city centre in Petržalka. The high rise building at the end of the bridge is known as the UFO and you can visit the observation deck for a fee or enjoy the views for free if you eat at the restaurant.
The lighter side of Bratislava can be seen in the quirky statues found around the city. I’m not sure of the history behind the life-sized statues but tourists love to pose with them.
Not to be missed is a hike up to the perfectly restored Bratislava Castle. You can visit the castle and the grounds for free or just enjoy the views.
Vienna is known for its coffee houses but Bratislava has a very famous one of its own and I’d recommend stopping at Cafe Mayer before heading back to Vienna.
There are many other things to do on a day trip from Vienna to Bratislava and it’s probably worth spending more than a day in Bratislava if you can. There are plenty of museums and palaces to keep you busy and popular beer gardens to sample the local Slovak food, beer and wine.
Bratislava is almost like a smaller, less touristy version of Prague and it’s one of my favourite day trips from Vienna. If you’re interested in more destinations in Slovakia, consider the quirky neighbourhoods of Kosice in the east or Esztergom on the Slovakian/Hungarian border.
Driving Tips
A vignette (sticker) is required when driving on the motorways in both Austria and Slovakia. Vignettes can be purchased at the border or from most petrol stations in either country.
Yes, its a great tip for a day trip from Vienna. I took a train trip as well as a boat trip to Bratislava. The boat trip offered a fine view of the castle from the Danube river.
I might take the boat next time as it seems like it might make for a more relaxing trip.
I hadn’t realized it was so easily accessible – great information and pictures and I’ll definitely go next time I’m in Vienna.
It really is an easy trip from Vienna. Let me know if you end up going.
I spent three nights in Bratislava during September. It is a great little city which I would recommend to anyone.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
When my parents lived in Vienna for a few years they used to love going to Bratislava. Your pics are gorgeous so looks like we should go there too.
Cheers,
Larissa
It sounds like travelling is in your blood.
We’re heading to Vienna and were thinking of this.. thanks for the post!
Let me know if you end up going, I’d be interested to hear how you find it. 🙂
We just did this day-trip today. I have to say, I like your photos better! Ours will be at 0 degrees and with snow! We didn’t know what to expect, but were absolutely charmed by Bratislava – the people and the quaint old center. It’s well worth the day trip from Vienna.
I think it’s an underrated destination in Europe and you’re right, it is charming. Glad you enjoyed it!
Bratislava looks so much like Sibiu, or Sighisoara, doesn’t it?
It does look a bit like Sibiu now that you mention it.
Will conducted day trips from Vienna to Bratislavia be operational on October23rd seeing that it is a national holiday in Austria that day?
I don’t run day trips but if you get in contact with the tour company or the tourist office I’m sure they can help you.
Hi. I and my husband will have 7-day trip from Vienna – Budapest – Bratislava and back to Vienna on August 23rd. We plan to rent car from Vienna airport for this trip. Is it good choice of transportation? How is parking car in Budapest and Bratislava? Thanks
Driving is a great way to get around, it’ll give you so much freedom to stop and take detours if you want to. If you stay out of the old town you should be fine with parking in Bratislava. In Budapest there are car parks everywhere but they can be expensive overnight. Check prices before you enter.
Hi Andrea,
I am from New Delhi, India, and have been closely following your travel diaries. Let me tell you that your write ups have motivated me to plan a East European trip in the first week of August.
I wish you all the good luck for your future travels and would be eagerly wait for the ‘rearviewmirror emails’ to drop into my inbox!
Cheers,
Akshay Gupta
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope you have a wonderful trip. Let me know how it goes!
I really loved Bratislava, it is a compact city not far from Vienna. It is not too big but worth to see for a couple of days and my favourite was the castle, the old town, the National Theatre and the two palaces (Primatial and Grassalkovich), the statues and churches, especially the Blue Church. And there are good restaurants and cafés also in the city, in my opinion the Slovak pub is the best, because they offer delicious local foods and beers.