Recommendations for what to do in Bratislava in 2 days. A budget Bratislava itinerary from €25 per day.
Forget everything that you have ever heard about Bratislava.
And if you have never heard of Bratislava, it is the capital city of Slovakia. Sitting south of Poland, north of Hungary and east of Austria. In fact, Bratislava and the Austrian capital are within an hours’ distance of each other via train, bus or car. It is easy to make a day trip from Vienna, however, I would recommend staying at least two.
Going in, I had no idea about what to expect. Perhaps I could have researched more or maybe I just like to be surprised. Either way, Bratislava exceeded my expectations in beauty and fun activities to do around this walkable city.
Recommendations for two days in Bratislava include:
- Bratislava itinerary for 2 days
- Affordable tour options
- Where to stay in Bratislava
- My 2 days in Bratislava travel budget.
Bratislava itinerary for 2 days
Day 1: Bratislava
Devin Castle
If you like exploring castles and historic locations, then you will adore Hrad Devin. This castle is just 10km (6 miles) outside of the city center and accessible by local bus (numbers 29 or 28). For those who would prefer the convenience of a guide and transport, try the Devin Castle 3-Hour Guided Tour from Bratislava.
The site dates back to the 5th century and provides panoramic views of the Slovakian countryside, Danube river and across the “border” to the Austrian side. The castle sits perched on top of a formidable looking hilltop, however, the walking trails are at a moderate gradient, making it easy to ascend. After exploring the castle, you can further explore the grounds surrounding it, grab some lunch or even a quick beer for as little as 1.20 Euro.
Photo credit: Bratislava Tourism Board http://www.visitbratislava.com/
Old Town
Like most major cities, Bratislava has free walking tours. These tours are operated by a company called “Bratislava Free Tour”, based on tips, and run twice daily at 11 am and 4 pm. The meeting place is in front of the Hviezdoslav statue in Hviezdoslav Square. As we visited in mid-September and the days were quite hot, I chose to go for the cooler time of 4 pm.
The tour guide was a charismatic theater performer, named Andy. She guided us through the city center and Old Town districts, taking us to some of the most historic and important sites of the city. The tour touched on the history of Czechoslovakia’s independence from the Hungarian empire in 1920, as well as the separation of Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.
Andy shared with us anecdotal tales from her family and local legends, including insights into the Communist era, Slovak National Uprising, and Velvet Revolution. What I really enjoyed about this walking tour, was hearing a local’s perspective on Slovakian history and culture.
Photo credit: Bratislava Tourism Board http://www.visitbratislava.com/
Slovakian Dinner
Following the recommendations of our walking tour guide, I headed to a restaurant called “Flag Ship”. Here they serve traditional Slovakian dishes, including garlic soup in a bread bow called “cesnaková v bochníku” and “halusky” which is a type of small dumpling made out of potato and covered in a sheep cheese sauce with bacon. Both meals were delicious, rich in flavor and texture.
Don’t worry too much about not knowing the Slovakian names, as the menus have English translations and the waiters are happy to help.
cesnaková v bochníku. Photo credit: Bratislavská reštaurácia – Flag Ship Bratislava http://www.bratislavskarestauracia.sk/en/
Day 2: Bratislava
Bratislava Castle
The Bratislava Hrad sits above the city of Bratislava and is visible from multiple locations. A gentle 15-minute walk from the city center, the castle is home to decadent gardens which are usually open until midnight. Unfortunate for me, the castle grounds were closed due to a European Union event when I tried to visit. Still, it was nice to wander around outside the castle walls and enjoy the view of the city.
Photo credit: Bratislava Tourism Board http://www.visitbratislava.com/
Slavin War Memorial
For another great city view, head to the Slavin War Memorial. The monument was built to honor the Soviet Union soldiers who died whilst fighting the German occupation of Bratislava in 1945. Certainly an interesting and important period of Slovakian history.
Slovakian Street Food and Beer
While walking around downtown, you might notice a large shopping mall called “My Bratislava”. Well, I am not one for malls, but it has other treasures hidden inside. Here you will find some cheap restaurants and a range of affordable street food. What makes it even better, is that you can pick up the free WiFi signal from the Tesco while you peruse the food vendors.
I ate here on more than one occasion, after falling in love with Langose. These are a doughy pastry, stretched out into a pancake shape and then deep-fried. A thick layer of buttery garlic is smothered on one side followed by an even thicker layer of cheese and any extra sauces you may want (I opted out of the sauce and it was still delicious!). Wash it down with either a Budweiser (brewed in the Czech Republic) or Kofolo (the Czech / Slovakian version of Coke).
To finish off my last night in Bratislava, I visited Klasterni pivovar Strahov (The Strahov Monastic Brewery). This pub and restaurant is located right next door to Flag Ship and serves beer that they brew onsite.
Photo credit: Bratislava Tourism Board http://www.visitbratislava.com/
My travel budget for Bratislava
All costs are quoted for two people and in the local currency (EUR). See below for the average daily spend per person including currency conversion to USD and AUD. I always try to find and negotiate the best prices to share with my readers. If you know of a better deal, tell me about it in the comments below.
Accommodation: 2 nights’ in an 8-bedroom hotel dorm (€54.60). I stayed at Hostel Folks – see current prices or view other accommodation options in Bratislava.
Food: Our hostel provided free coffee, tea, and snacks. Each morning I would go to the local supermarket to buy pastries for breakfast and lunch. Tap water is drinkable in Slovakia so I did not have to buy bottled water.
Day 1 – Pastries (€4.65), 2 beers at Devin Castle (€2.40), Slovakian dinner at Flag Ship (€9.60), ice creams (€2).
Day 2 – Pastries (€2.52), 1 langose, 1 Kofolo and 1 beer (€3.60), 2 beers at The Strahov Monastic Brewery (€4), 1 Twister pastry with icecream (€3.50).
Activities: Entrance fee to Devin Castle (€6), Old Town Walking Tour (€5 Euro tip).
Transport: Public bus to Devin Castle and back (€3.60).
Average daily spend: €25.36 Euros each ($28.51 USD and $38.11 AUD as of 16 September 2016), excluding transportation in and out of Slovakia. This daily amount could be reduced by sticking
The images used for the feature and vertical pin were sourced from Pixabay under Creative Commons CC0. Originally published in 2016, updated in February 2018.
Have you visited Bratislava or planning to anytime soon? Tell us about it below!
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Gina says
I always adore the beauty of Slovakia. Devin Castle looks stunning. How I wish I could visit Bratislava too. I’m gonna put this on my list.
Chantell Collins says
Thanks Gina. This was our first time in Slovakia and we were impressed by the beauty of Bratislava too!
Amanda Williams says
Bratislava looks really cool, and it’s great to read about travels in Slovakia. It is a country I’d really like to visit. I have pinned this for future reference. I really like the look of the two castles and especially Devin Castle.
Chantell Collins says
Thanks Amanda! I think you would really love it here. It is a pretty city with a relaxed vibe. Also the castles are awesome!
Megan Indoe says
This itinerary looks great for two days! I love how you didn’t slam pack the days with things to do, you give yourself time to breathe and enjoy the places! Also, thanks for the budget breakdown, those are so helpful when planning and budgeting for a trip. I will be using this as a resource when we plan our eurotrip!
Chantell Collins says
Hi Megan, thanks for the lovely comment! Yes we definitely had a leisurely time in Bratislava. It was a nice break between Krakow and Budapest which were really packed full of activities. It’s not to not have to rush around 🙂
Christina says
This is the second time I’ve come across a post on Bratislava in the last couple of days. I passed through there once very briefly but didn’t really get a good chance to explore. You’ve given me something to think about for my upcoming trip to Europe.
Chantell Collins says
What a coincidence! It’s definitely a city worth exploring for a least a couple of days 🙂
Patricia says
I’ve never been to Bratislava, but it looks like a beautiful place to explore. I love doing walking tours when I visit new places, so that would definitely be on my list, too. I’ve also started getting more and more interested in castles, so Bratislava Castle and Devin Castle would be musts for me.
Chantell Collins says
Hi Patricia, yes we love doing walking tours in cities – we also did them in Krakow and Budapest. This one in Bratislava is great :).
Samantha | There She Goes Again says
Such a nice itinerary– and your budget is so doable (brb looking at flights to Slovakia!). And holy wow that church looks amazing. It must have been spectacular to see in person!
Chantell Collins says
Ha ha you should definitely go Samantha. It is a great budget destination with some beautiful architecture 🙂
Mimi says
I have past by it by train but sadly have to admit I’ve never been to Bratislava. I love Eastern European countries…Bratislava seems like a beautiful place to explore. Keen for a few walking tours and beers!
Chantell Collins says
Thanks Mimi. The last time I visited Europe, in 2015, I mistakenly did the same thing. So glad that I came back again to explore 🙂
travel4lifeblog says
Hello Chantell,
Thank you for sharing a beautiful post of Bratislava with us. Your post and your pictures reminded us how much we loved Bratislava when we visited this place 10 years ago! You made us want to go back! In January 2017, we are taking a year off and we will probably spend 6 months in South America then we will probably go to Europe. We will make sure to keep all your travel tips in mind if we can make it to Bratislava! Keep up the great work!
Patrick and Cecile
Chantell Collins says
Hi Patrick and Cecile, thanks for the comment. Sounds like you have a huge journey ahead. I hope you have the best time in South America 🙂
Monica is The Wanderlusteur says
I’m reading a lot about Slovakia from fellow travel bloggers recently – love that, makes me want to add it to the bucket list. I, too, enjoy being guided by locals and learn anecdotal tidbits of their home country.
Chantell Collins says
Thanks Monica. It is great to hear that more people are visiting and writing about Slovakia. It’s a country not to be overlooked.
Vyjay says
Bratislava figures in or East European itinerary, which still has to see the light of day. This is a picturesque place. Your post will definitely be a reference for us as and when we get there.
Chantell Collins says
Hi Vyjay, happy to hear that you enjoyed the post. Hope you get there one day soon!
Izzy says
Wow, how have I not been introduced to the wonders of Slovakian food sooner??!?! Seriously halusky and langose sound epic! I feel like countries with colder climates do hearty comfort food best. And I love free walking tours! Sometimes I think they are even better than their paid counterparts! One of the best walking tours I ever went on was the one in Budapest!
Chantell Collins says
Hi Izzy! The Halusky was like nothing I had ever eaten before. The Langose are a Hungarian / Slovak food (as Slovakia was originally a aprt of Hungary). Those you can also get in Hungary and come in different types e.g. meat, cheese, sour cream. Amazing!
Paige Wunder says
I absolutely love hearing more and more about the budget locations in Europe. I’ve been dying to visit Eastern Europe anyway. I’ve never tried a free walking tour, but when I go to Reykjavik I think I’m going to give them a shot. Thanks for sharing about your experience in this beautiful city!
Chantell Collins says
Thanks Paige! We love walking tours – hope you have a great time in Reykjavik 🙂
Carol Jean says
Appreciate this posting esp since you include tips for cheap eats. I am a senior solo traveler always on the look out for budget spots to explore. I have made note of your suggestions for my upcoming 6-8 weeks in Eastern Europe spring 2020.
Chantell Collins says
Hi Carol, I’m so happy to hear that. I think you will really love Bratislava – it’s so charming. Enjoy your trip to Europe!