Bratislava, Slovakia is a hidden gem of Central Europe. It is the capital of Slovakia and one of the smallest capitals within Europe. Its history has been influenced by numerous nations. An easy day trip from Vienna or Budapest, Bratislava has a plethora of cute streets to wander and several sites to explore. The following is a guide to spending two days in Bratislava.
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History of Bratislava
The first known settlers to the area were from 5000 BC. Throughout the years, the area changed hands many times. It later became part of Czechoslovakia and was hit hard during World War 2. Eventually, Bratislava became the capital of Slovakia.
When to Spend Two Days in Bratislava
Bratislava is a fun place to visit any time of the year. Although winters are typically cold, summers are usually really nice weather.
How to Get to Bratislava
Taking the train is a very inexpensive way to get to and from Bratislava. It is super easy to come from many cities to spend two days in Bratislava.
We opted to come in from Vienna and our ticket was $12. Trains run at least once an hour from Vienna and the train ride is about an hour. When we left, we headed to Budapest and our ticket was $10. Trains run every two hours and take a little over two hours.
You can also get there easily from Prague and Budapest. Prague is about a 4-hour train ride. Budapest is about a 3-hour ride.
Transportation In Bratislava
Bratislava is a very walkable city. The main sites are all mostly in the Old Town and close together. A small number of Ubers are available but plan on it taking a while to pick you up. There are also several bus lines that run throughout the city as well as taxis.
Where to Stay in Bratislava
If you choose to spend more than two days in Bratislava, make sure to stay in the city center. We stayed at the Art Hotel Williams which was in the center of many of the attractions and close to endless food places. We paid $92/night.
Things to do During Two Days in Bratislava
Day 1
Arrive in Bratislava
I opted to get to Bratislava in the late morning/early afternoon from Vienna. This allowed for most of the day to be spent in Bratislava.
Bratislava Castle
Cost: 10€
Hours: Tues-Sun: 9am-7pm
Start off your first of two days in Bratislava at the Bratislava Castle. Bratislava Castle is a major castle of Bratislava and is located on the hill above the Old Town and provides fabulous views of Bratislava. It was built in the 800s and was rebuilt in 1956. Inside the castle is a museum and a guided tour of the palace is included in your ticket.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat: 9am-6pm, Thurs: 9am-5pm, Sun: 1:30pm-4pm
After the Bratislava Castle, visit the St. Martin’s Cathedral. This Catholic Cathedral stands on the western end of Bratislava. It was built in 1452 and contains some gorgeous stained glass inside. Once upon a time, its tower was part of the city’s fortifications.
UFO Observation Deck and Bridge
This unique looking bridge is work taking a picture of and it offers great views of Bratislava. It is the world’s longest single pylon bridge. The UFO tower, which is connected to the bridge, also has views of Bratislava and contains a restaurant and offers panoramic views of Bratislava.
Take a stroll through Old Town
After visiting the cathedral take a stroll through Old Town. Make sure to stop at the following sites. Michael’s Gate is the only city gate left from medieval times. It was built around 1300 and used to be the only way in and out of the city.
Old Town Hall is the oldest city hall in the country and was built in the 1300s. It houses the Bratislava City Museum which tells the history of the city. Visitors can also climb the tower for views of the city. The Primatial Palace is a neoclassical palace that stands in the Old Town of Bratislava. In this building, the fourth Peace of Pressburg was signed and present-day is the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava.
Konditorei Kormuth
Cost: 10€-15€
Hours: 9am-8:30pm
Grab a snack at Konditorei Kormuth. This shop serves desserts, coffee, and other beverages. You can get a set of a beverage and a dessert for 10€. If you would like to add an alcoholic beverage, it will cost 15€. This cafe was the perfect break from all of the walking around the old town and will get you refueled before your next stop.
Sad Janna Kral’ Park
Cost: Free
Hours: 24 hours (but I would not recommend going at night)
Take an afternoon stroll through Sad Janna Kral’a. This park was established in 1774 and provides the perfect opportunity for photo opportunities of Bratislava and there is a walking trail right along the Danube.
Slovak Pub
Cost: $$
Hours: Mon-Thus: 11am-11pm, Fri: 11am-12am, Sat-Sun: 12pm-11pm
Eat dinner at the Slovak Pub. The Slovak Pub is one of the most popular places to eat in Bratislava. The menu is quite extensive, so everyone can find something they like to eat. Make sure to try their local brew as well as a Kofola. Kofola was the Coca-Cola substitute that people drank during the communist era when Coca-Cola was outlawed.
Day 2
Blue Church (St. Elizabeth Church)
In the morning, take a quick stroll to the St. Elizabeth Church. This church is named after the daughter of a previous king of Hungary. It is known as the Blue Church due to its exterior (including the roof) being blue.
Devin Castle
Cost: 5€
Hours: November-March: 10am-4pm, April-October: 10am-7pm
Spend the morning at Devin Castle. Devin Castle is about 20 minutes outside the city center of Bratislava. We opted to take an Uber there and take the bus back. Built during the 15th century, Devin Castle is located on the border of Austria and Slovakia, along a once important trade route. Visitors can spend time exploring the different nooks of the castle as well as the tiny museum. I recommend allowing for two hours including transportation.
Freedom Square and the Grassalkovich Palace and Gardens
After visiting Devin Castle, take a walk over to Freedom Square. Freedom Square is the main square of Bratislava. In this square is the Grassalkovich Palace and Gardens. Also known as the Presidential Palace, this is the residence of the Solvakian president, much like the White House in the United States. The gardens are located behind the palace and are open for the public to walk through.
Mondieu
Cost: $$
Hours: Mon-Wed: 8am-1pm, Thurs-Sat: 8am-11pm, Sun: 8:30am-9pm
Grab lunch at Mondieu. It is the perfect place to grab a light bite to eat. This cafe has delicious smoothies and lemonades to quench your thirst and an array of salads and sandwiches to fill your belly.
After lunch, take one last stroll through the Old Town of Bratislava and check out the Man At Work Statue. Bratislava has many statues in random places throughout the main area. The Man at Work depicts a man coming out of a manhole. After finishing up the two days in Bratislava, catch the train to Budapest or beyond! Make sure to check out my 3-week Eastern European itinerary for more ideas on where to head.
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Such a great and extensive guide! I’ve been hearing a lot about Slovakia recently, and it’s definitely on my bucket list – Bratislava looks like a beautiful city.
Thank you for highlighting an underrated place. We really need to do so
I really have been enjoying visiting some less popular places.
Great post with such a plethora of information! It’s great to know the transport is so well priced! We head to both Vienna and Budapest next year so we have to do a day trip here!
Thank you! You will have to or stop there in between the two cities.
Wonderful post! Especially liked the random statues around the city, I think I’d go just to try and find them all! Thanks for sharing.
Right!? It was like a scavenger hunt!
I’ve heard of it, but I had no idea where it was – much less what to do there! Thanks for this guide! I definitely have to get over there one day!
It was totally worth a bit stop! It was a cute little city
It was awesome! You’ll definitely have to get out there.
Wow this was such an exhaustive list! You visited so much there, definitely sounds like the next trending destination. Added to the list!
Everything was so close together it was easy to get around!
What a wonderful location and really great information. I’ve never been to this part of the world.
You’ll have to find your way there!
Love the extensive guide. I am yet to travel to Europe especially I am scared to apply and get rejected on my Indian passport. However, someday!
Thank you! Hopefully you can get to Europe someday! It’s an amazing continent!
Great list! I truly enjoyed Bratislava. I have been a few times since I live in Austria.
Me too! I feel like it’s a nice hidden gem.
I still haven’t been to Slovakia! It’s one of those places I always mean to visit, saving this for when I do eventually travel there! 🙂
It was a really pretty country!