Vienna to Bratislava: How to Spend One Day in Bratislava
Lying on the banks of the Danube River in Eastern Europe, Bratislava is the historic and charming capital city of Slovakia.
I’d actually been to Slovakia twice before finally making it to the capital (it’s a long story), but that changed when I visited Bratislava on a day trip from Vienna, Austria.
Getting from Vienna to Bratislava couldn’t be easier, and it’s a fantastic day trip to add to your Vienna or Austria itinerary. As it’s a small city, you can see most of the highlights in a day and get a real feel for the city. Bratislava also feels very different from Vienna and offers a different insight into the history of the region.
In this travel guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna, including how to spend a day in Slovakia’s capital and the best things to do in Bratislava.
How to get from Vienna to Bratislava
Getting from Vienna to Bratislava without a car is relatively straightforward. There are three main options: a train, a bus or a boat.
Personally, I think the train is the easiest, quickest and best option for getting between the two cities.
Getting to Bratislava by train
Reaching Bratislava from Vienna by train is the easiest option (in my opinion). The trainline, OBB, offers the Bratislava-Ticket which only costs €18 (July 2025), and includes a return train between the cities, as well as public transport once you’re in Bratislava. It was a no-brainer to do this.
You can book your train tickets in advance here, or go to the station to purchase one on the machines.
The trains depart from Vienna Hauptbahnhof Central Train Station throughout the day, and the journey only takes one hour.
When I visited, the trains from Vienna were running to Bratislava-Petržalka station rather than the Central Station. From what I can see online, it looks like this is still the case.
As Bratislava-Petržalka is south of the river, you’ll need to take the 93 Bus to the Old Town once you arrive in the city. The bus stop is right outside the station (you can get a taxi or Uber, but the bus is included if you bought the Bratislava Ticket).
Feel free to let me know if the trains have started going to the central station in Bratislava again. This is closer to the Old Town, and there’s no need to take a bus.
Getting to Bratislava by boat
If you want to cruise on the Danube River, consider taking the boat from Vienna to Bratislava with Twin City Liner.
It takes longer (90 minutes), is a lot more expensive (around €80 return), and has a very limited schedule. However, I’m sure cruising the Danube River might make it worthwhile for some people.
Getting to Bratislava by bus
Flixbus also operates a bus between the two cities. The bus takes about 90 minutes but has quite a limited timetable.
I don’t really see any advantages of taking this over the train, but each to their own.
Things to do in Bratislava
Explore the city on foot with a walking tour or a bus tour
Bratislava is a small city, making it easy to see most of the sights on foot. There’s a fantastic free walking tour company in Slovakia’s capital, who offer several free walking tours with different themes.
They operate on a tip-based basis, meaning you tip the guide at the end, but the tour itself is free.
Guided walking tours can be a fantastic way to get to know a new city, especially with just one day to explore. However, the city is easy enough to explore on your own.
Self-guided walking tour
If you do opt for a self-guided walking tour of Bratislava, don’t miss these key spots.
St Michael’s Gate
Begin your walking tour of Bratislava at the last remaining medieval gate into the city. You can walk through the gate or climb up to the top for views of the area (there’s an entry fee to go up).
Old Town Hall
This collection of historic buildings offers a glimpse into the city’s past. You can wander around the courtyard or go inside the Brastislava City Museum.
Primate’s Palace
Built in the 1700s, this beautiful pink building is home to a wealth of Slovakia’s history. One of its most famous attractions is its hall of mirrors, and the building also houses a range of English tapestries. You can admire the building from the outside, and go inside for just 3 Euros (correct in 2025).
Man at Work (Čumil)
One of Slovakia’s most unique attractions, this bronze statue depicts a man coming out of a manhole. It can be easy to miss it on the ground, so keep an eye out.
Hviezdoslavovo Square
This is a tree-lined promenade perfect for strolling, relaxing, or people-watching. Surrounded by cafés, fountains, and statues, it’s a lively part of the city.
The Blue Church
The Blue Church (the Church of St. Elizabeth) is one of the most photographed spots in Bratislava. It’s usually closed to tourists (although you might get lucky), but it’s still well worth admiring from the outside.
Slovak National Theatre
This Neo-Renaissance building is home to Slovakia’s National Theatre. You can admire it from the outside, or book to watch a show in the evening.
The medieval streets of the Old Town
I loved wandering the many streets through the Old Town. It sounds cliché, but it really feels like stepping back in time. Dedicate some time to walking around the streets, doing some souvenir shopping and admiring the many historical sights.
Presidential Palace
As the name suggests, the Presidential Palace (Grassalkovich Palace) is where the president resides. You can’t usually go inside, but the gardens are open to be explored. You can also see the Changing of the Guard on days when the president is home. This is generally at 12pm.
The ‘World’s Ugliest Building’
Bratislava is home to the Slovak Radio Building, fondly nicknamed the “world’s ugliest building”.
Shaped like an upside-down pyramid, this unusually-shaped building is home to a large concert hall and several radio stations.
It’s around a fifteen-minute walk from the centre of the Old Town.
Bus tour
Although Bratislava is small, there’s the option to go on a bus tour. The bus, which looks almost like a train, takes you around the city on a two-hour tour with audio commentary.
It includes stops at all the major landmarks and gives you some time to explore some of the locations, including the castle and the Slavin War Memorial.
This bus tour is a fantastic option for those with only a few hours in the city, but be aware that you will have limited time at each of the stops. So if you want to take your time exploring, it might not be the best option.
🚎 You can book your bus tour here
Admire Bratislava Castle
As you arrive in Bratislava, it’s hard to miss the beautiful castle overlooking the city and the Danube River.
The castle was built in the 9th century and has been renovated many times throughout history, serving as a royal residence, military barracks, and now a museum.
It’s arguably the city’s most iconic landmark and is an absolute must for your Bratislava itinerary. Inside, you’ll find several exhibitions about the history of Slovakia.
Even if you don’t want to go inside, I recommend walking up to the castle grounds. The views of the Danube River and the city are beautiful, and you can also wander around the castle gardens for free.
Walk the City Walls and go inside St Martin’s Cathedral
Spend part of your day in Bratislava walking along the remnants of Bratislava’s medieval city walls, which once stood to protect the city.
While only part of the walls remain, it’s still a fascinating insight into the city’s historical past. You can enter the walls on the way down from the Castle. Cross the bridge over the road, and you’ll see the entrance.
From there, walk to the right through the walls and make your way to St Martin’s Cathedral, one of the most famous buildings in the city of Bratislava.
This gothic cathedral is beautiful, and as long as no services or performances are happening, you can go inside and admire the architecture. You can sometimes climb the tower for views of the city, although this was closed when I visited, and I’m not sure if or when it’s due to reopen.
Visit one of the many galleries
Bratislava has a surprisingly vibrant art scene, featuring several galleries that showcase a diverse range of artwork, from classics to modern.
The Slovak National Gallery is one of the most popular galleries in Bratislava and offers a range of Slovak and European Art. Another famous gallery is the Nedbalka Gallery, which is known for its spiral interior and range of fascinating artwork.
Pro tip: If you want to visit one of the galleries, don’t go to Bratislava on a Monday. I made this mistake, and for some reason, nearly all of the galleries are shut on a Monday.
Try some local Slovak food
Slovak cuisine might not get much attention, but it offers several local dishes well worth trying.
My first experience of Slovakian food was in the High Tatras Mountains, where many of the mountain huts serve a lentil & vegetable soup with cheese. It’s SO delicious, and it’s vegetarian.
I was looking forward to having this again in the city, but annoyingly, I could only find versions that contained meat (not great for a vegetarian).
Thankfully, there are a few other dishes to try, and often they can be made veggie (although vegans may struggle).
Bryndzové halušky | This is the national dish of Slovakia. It’s potato dumplings topped with sheep’s cheese and crispy bacon bits (I asked for these without the bacon, and the restaurant was more than happy to do so).
Zemiakové placky | These are delicious potato pancakes, seasoned with garlic and other flavours. They’re usually vegetarian and a great starter or side dish.
Pirohy | These are the Slovak version of the pierogi (Polish dumplings). My Polish friend introduced me to these a few years ago, and oh boy, I am obsessed. They often come with bacon, but you can ask for them without.
Smažený syr | This is basically deep-fried cheese… not quite my taste, but if you love cheese, give it a go.
Admire the views from the Slavin War Memorial
The Slavín War Memorial is a monument and cemetery built in recognition of the Slovak soldiers killed in World War II.
It’s a beautiful area and has some of the best panoramic views of the city.
To get there, you’ll need to take bus 147 from the city centre and then walk up some steps to the monument and viewpoints.
Alternatively, the Sightseeing Bus Tour includes this in their itinerary.
Cruise the Danube River
During the summer months, you can enjoy a cruise down the famous Danube River to see the city’s historical architecture and unique bridges from a different perspective.
This 45-minute cruise is a popular choice and includes an indoor and outdoor seating area.
I think Bratislava is best explored on foot, but for those who enjoy a river cruise and want to see the city from a different perspective, a cruise is a great choice.
Try some local wines
I was very surprised to learn that Slovakia has a long history of winemaking, especially white wines. As a girl who loves a glass of white wine, I was more than happy to try a few glasses.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the wines were genuinely fantastic (and so cheap)!
While most restaurants and bars in the city offer local white wines, you can also go on dedicated wine tasting tours.
One of the most unique things to do in Bratislava is a wine tasting tour in the dark (I’m not overly sure why it needs to be in the dark, but I guess it adds to the fun). During the 40-minute tour, you’ll taste a selection of wines and learn about the winemaking process in Slovakia.
As it’s pretty short, it’s the perfect activity to add to your day in Bratislava. If you’d prefer to skip the darkness, consider this wine tasting experience in the Old Town.
Watch the sunset from the UFO Tower
One of the best things to do in Bratislava is watch the sunset from the famous UFO Tower, found on the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP Bridge).
The unusual structure offers panoramic views of the city and the Danube River, and it’s the perfect place to grab a drink and watch the sun go down.
It costs €10-11 to visit the observation deck (prices vary depending on the time of day), and you’ll still need to pay this even if you buy a drink.
Visit Devin Castle
If you have the time to or want to go further afield, consider adding Devin Castle to your Bratislava itinerary.
The history of Devin Castle dates back to the Stone Age, with its location close to the Danube River making it an important site for hundreds of years. The ruins you see today mostly date from the medieval period, but archaeological findings reveal layers of Roman, Celtic, and even earlier prehistoric settlements.
This beautiful castle is about one hour from Bratislava on the No. 29. bus. Alternatively, you can take the seasonal boat that takes about 90 minutes to get there, and you’ll have free time to explore the castle.
While it’s a fascinating and beautiful place to explore, it’s better suited as a day trip from Bratislava. If you only have one day in the area, I recommend focusing your time on the city instead.
How to spend one day in Bratislava
One-day itinerary
Here’s exactly how I would spend one day in Bratislava. The following is based on visiting Slovakia as a day trip from Vienna, but it can easily be adjusted for those staying in Bratislava.
I would personally start the day off with a trip to Bratislava Castle before the crowds arrive. You can walk up to the Castle, spend some time admiring the views of the Danube River, explore the museums and Castle grounds, and then walk back down to the Old Town via the City Walls and St Martin’s Cathedral.
When you walk down from the Castle, a bridge takes you across to the City Walls. Follow the path along to the right and you will come out at St Martin’s Cathedral.
After this, grab a coffee or some food at one of the many cafes in Bratislava. I had a lovely coffee at Urban Bistro and KeP’s Caffetteria.
From here, you’re in a prime position to start your walking tour of the Old Town, either on a guided tour or a self-guided walking tour (see above). Don’t miss the Blue Church, the Slovak Radio Building and the Man at Work sculpture.
Grab a traditional Slovakian lunch along the way (see recommendations below), and then spend your afternoon at one of the museums, cruising the Danube River, or visiting the Slavín War Memorial.
Finish your one day in Bratislava with drinks at the UFO Tower, before heading for dinner or back to Vienna.
Where to eat & drink
The centre of Bratislava is filled with local eateries and cute cafes serving up delicious Slovakian and international food. Here are a few options for where to eat in Bratislava.
If you want a quick bite or some tasty coffee, consider either Urban Bistro or KeP’s Caffetteria. I had a coffee at both of these spots, and they really didn’t disappoint.
In all honesty, the city has no end of local cafes, and you won’t struggle to find somewhere to grab a quick drink.
For something a bit different, I recommend trying Soupculture. This unusual restaurant serves a variety of homemade soup inside bread. I was sceptical of this, but the reviews don’t lie.
If you’re after a bigger meal, consider Dolnozemská, Gatto Matto, or Levant Restaurant.
Is one day in Bratislava enough?
Yes, one day is enough to see the highlights of Bratislava and to get a feel for this charming city.
I arrived in the city around 9 a.m., and by late afternoon, I felt like I had seen the majority of the highlights (although all of the galleries were closed).
One day won’t give you enough time to see everything or to go further afield to somewhere like Devin Castle, but unless you want to visit every single gallery and museum, it’s enough to cover off the main attractions.
When planning my trip to Austria, I was torn between visiting Bratislava separately or doing a day trip from Vienna. In the end, I went with the day trip and think it was the right option.
The Bratislava Card
The Bratislava Card gives you free or discounted entry to several places in the city, including St Martin’s Cathedral, the Museum of History and the Old Town Hall. There are also discounts for several restaurants, and even an included wine tasting.
At €30 for 24 hours, I’m not convinced the card is worth it for those with only a day in the city.
Having said that, if you plan to visit most galleries and museums, you might find it beneficial. The best thing to do is add up the entry fees to everywhere you want to go, and see if the Bratislava Card could benefit you.
Summary: Is Bratislava worth visiting?
Yes, I love Bratislava. While it’s small with only a limited number of things to do, it’s a charming and beautiful city and offers a fascinating insight into Slovakia’s history.
A Vienna to Bratislava day trip is an excellent addition to your Vienna itinerary. Bratislava has an entirely different feel from Austria’s capital; it’s much more relaxed and, in my opinion, has a lot more character to it.
If you’re torn on whether to stay in Bratislava or Vienna, I would personally choose Vienna. While Bratislava is interesting, there’s a lot more going on in Vienna, and it would be difficult to explore the city on a single day trip.
Having said that, Bratislava is much calmer than Vienna, and it’s also a hell of a lot cheaper!
