One of the best parts of Europe is that you can easily take short trips to visit new countries and cities without losing a lot of time. There is never enough time to see everything on a vacation so, it’s hard to know if a day trip is worth it. I’m here to tell you that a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna is worth it.

You’ll get to see a different country with a very different feel. It’s a perfect bonus for a trip to Europe. I wasn’t convinced before my trip but I’m so glad I went. It doesn’t require extensive planning but you want to have some idea so you can make the most of your limited time.

This post will cover how to get there and what to do during your visit.

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Things to do know about Bratislava

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia. It also feels quite different from the rest of Europe so it makes an interesting day trip!

The country has only existed as it is now since 1993. The complicated history and vibrant culture mean there’s to learn and explore.

The country is quite modern and the people are friendly. The uniqueness of Bratislava makes it a worthwhile day trip from Vienna.

Thinking back on a trip around Eastern Europe Bratislava still stands out as a highlight; it exceeded every expectation.

Getting to Bratislava from Vienna for a Day Trip

Day trip from Vienna to Bratislava By Train

Train travel is the easiest and fastest way to get from Vienna to Bratislava. It’s also one of the easiest to navigate. There is a train almost once an hour to Bratislava and it takes an hour to arrive.

There is an option to purchase your train ticket in advance if you’d like. If you decide to travel last minute purchasing your ticket at the train station is also an option but it’s cheaper if you plan ahead. It will cost €18 round trip.

There are two different train stations in Bratislava.

Plan to arrive into Bratislava Hlavna. It’s only a 15-minute walk from the old town. It’s the most convenient option.

Bratislava Petržalka Station is across the river from the old town. It’s slightly farther away from where you’ll want to be. There are a few options to get to the old town from Petržalka Station:

It’s a 45-minute walk from the station to the Old Town.
Take the N93 or N80 Busses

Purchasing a Bratislava ticket from OBB will give you access to transit in Bratislava which will be very helpful if you arrive in Petržalka.

Navigating Bratislava is much easier if you have maps on your phone. Download the area on Google Maps for seamless navigation when you’re there; even on public transit.

By Bus

Regular buses run from Vienna to Bratislava. This is a cheaper option but does take about 30 minutes longer.

There are three different options for stations in Bratislava. Each would be fine but the Bratislava, AS Mlynské Nivy station puts you the closest to the old town; which is where you’ll want to spend most of your time.

By Boat

There are ferries that cruise down the Danube from Vienna to Bratislava. So, this is the slow scenic route. This is a great option if you want to travel slowly and let the journey be part of the fun.

With a Tour

Sometimes planning a full-day trip is more than you want to tackle on your vacation. You can take a full-day tour from Vienna to Bratislava. Transportation is arranged for you, you get a guided tour when you arrive, then spend some free time exploring Bratislava on your own.

Getting around Bratislava

Once in Bratislava, public transportation is easy. The city boasts an extensive system of buses and trams.

Using your maps app is the easiest way to determine the best route.

Once you’re downtown you should walk as much as you can. Take a bus up to Bratislava Castle. It’s quite an uphill walk.

Things to Do on a Day Trip to Bratislava from Vienna

There are several things to do in Bratislava but it’s easy to see the city in a short amount of time when you’re on a day trip.

Take a Walking Tour

As with anywhere, a walking tour is a good way to get your bearings and learn a bit more about the city from a local guide.

Bratislava has a complicated history; Slovakia was established as it is now in 1993! It caught up in conflicts in World War 1 and World War 2. Then, the communist state ran the country until a coup in 1984.

There’s much to learn about Slovakia and Bratislava; a guided tour is the best way to do it.

Plus, after your tour, you can return to the things you want to see a bit more of.

Visit the The Little Blue Church

The Church of St. Elizabeth is in the Old Town of Bratislava. The exterior of the church is strikingly beautiful blue. I visit so close to dark that my photo does do it justice!

It was originally built as the chapel of a nearby school; you can tell which one because it’s a similar design but the school isn’t blue.

Visiting the exterior of the church is easy but there are limited hours to visit the interior.

The church is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:30 pm- 5:00 pm.

But, even if the interior isn’t open you can still peek inside and see a bit of it. Plus, the exterior alone is worth the walk.

Wander the Old Town

Spend time exploring the Old Town of Bratislava. This part of the city has cobblestone streets lined with beautiful buildings and dotted with picture-perfect squares. There are plenty of things to see as you walk around the small area of the city.

Hlavné nám

This is the main town square and the center of the Old Town. You’ll likely pass through it as you make your way around the city. But, be sure to take in the scene and see the shops that line the square.

Old Town Hall

This tower rises above the main square in Bratislava. You can get an incredible view of the town square and the old town.

The Old Town Hall houses a museum. Since it boasted a collection of torture equipment I passed. I didn’t realize the tower was an option!

Michael’s Gate

Michael’s Gate is a city gate from the Medieval era that is still preserved. It was built around 1300 and reconstructed in 1758. It’s a tall white tower that you can still walk under.

Walk Down Kapitulská Street

Kapitulská Street is the old medieval part of the city. You’ll be able to tell that the streets are smaller and the cobblestones different than in newer parts of the city. Take a walk back in time as you wander this street.

St Martin’s Cathedral

St Martin’s Cathedral is the largest and oldest church in Bratislava. It was used for the coronations of Hungarian kings from 1563- 1830.

Primatial Palace

An 18th-century palace that is now the office of the mayor of Bratislava and is open to the public as a museum. There is even a hall of mirrors like in Versailles that is used for the city council meetings now! No pressure to go inside but it’s worth walking by.

Presidential Palace

This ornate white building is easy to spot as you walk by it. You can’t go inside but the striking exterior is incredible.

Hvienzdoslavovo Namestie

Hvienzdoslavovo Namestie is a city park worth wandering through; the mosaic on the ground is beautiful. This is really a pedestrian walkway along some of the most beautiful parts of the Bratislavan old town.

The Watcher

This is a statue of a man looking out of a manhole cover. It’s a fun little statue in the Old Town that’s worth seeing. It’s only one of several statues that dot the city. See this one but be on the lookout for the others.

Walk up to Bratislava Castle

Bratislava Castle is in the Old Town but it gets its own section of the list. Much like The Little Blue Church.

Bratislava is a massive rectangular castle. The white building overlooks the city; it’s impossible to see the city and not see the castle looming above.

Now, the castle houses the Slovak National Museum. Even if you don’t want to visit the museum you should still visit the castle. The views alone are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Hungary. But, if not you get a good view of Bratislava.

Castle Grounds are open from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily.

The Museum is open daily (except Tuesday) from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. final entry).

Admission is €12. Don’t feel like doing in the museum is a must-do.

See the UFO Tower

The UFO tower is really one of the supports for the Most SNP. A bridge in the middle of the city. There’s an observation deck at the top for a view of Bratislava. But, the architecture is a fun counter to the traditional structure of the nearby Old Town.

You can see the UFO tower from Bratislava Castle if you don’t want to walk over to it.

How to Include Devin Castle on a Day trip to Bratislava from Vienna

Devin Castle is outside Bratislava. If you love castles it’s possible to visit Devin Castle on your day trip to Bratislava.

The drive to the castle takes 20 minutes but going by public transport will take you an hour. You don’t have enough time to take transit out to the castle on a day trip.

So, either hire an Uber to take you or take a tour that goes to Bratislava and the castle.

The tour is a pricey option but it’s the best way. Otherwise, stay longer or come another time to see Devin Castle.

Detailed Itinerary for a Day Trip to Bratislava from Vienna

Take the 9:17 train from Vienna Central Station to Bratislava Hlavna. Arrive to Bratislava around 10:15

Walk to the Old Town passing the presidential palace on the way.

Wander the streets of Bratislava and take in the environment.

Visit Konditorei Kormuth if you want an elaborate cafe experience complete with beautiful pastries. It felt a little over-the-top for my taste but it’s a special environment if you’re into that. There are supposedly some gluten-free pastries but I didn’t find any on my visit. Matchu Matcha and Coffee was my pick for a treat.

Explore the attractions of the Old Town on your own or on a tour. This tour starts at noon.

After your tour, grab lunch. Bite & Byte is not downtown but this is worth the trip.

After lunch, head up the hill to visit Bratislava Castle.

Finish out the day with a trip to The Little Blue Church and anything else you may have missed on your tour.

Eat dinner in Bratislava and head back to Vienna for dinner.

Other Options

Staying in Bratislava

You can stay in overnight in Bratislava. There are excellent and reasonable, hotels in the city. The Double Tree was a good option but it is far from what you’ll want to see; you’ll need to take a tram in. But, it is nice to see a different part of the city.

There are apartment-style rooms near the Old Town.

Adding Bratislava as a Stop-Over from Vienna to Budapest

Bratislava is more or less on the way from Vienna to Budapest; it’s a perfect stopover.

You could make the stopover on your day trip and continue on to Budapest at the end of the day. To keep the day less stressful and ensure you get to see Bratislava it’s better to stay a night in the city.

Is a Day Trip to Bratislava from Vienna Worth It?

Yes, a day trip to Bratislava is worth it. You’ll never be able to see all of a city in one day; Much less on a day trip. But Bratislava is small enough that you can see major sites and have extra time to wander on your own. It’s perfect for a day trip.

Day Trip to Bratislava from Vienna

As you plan your trip to Vienna, carve out a day to explore Bratislava. You won’t regret stepping into this Slovakian capital.