One day in Bratislava was amazing, and of course, not nearly enough time! I wish I could spend a month in every country, or even a week. But I can’t. Spending a month in a place like Cyprus or Bulgaria means spending less time somewhere else. And as much as I would love to go back to Slovakia and spend more time there, I was really lucky to get to go for even a day.
But that day went by in a blur of fluffy pink buildings and bacon gnocchi. So much so that a detailed post about what to do, etc. seems like a complete lie. Instead, here are some of my favorite photos, some quick details on how to get in and out from Vienna, and my Snapchat story from my day. Plus gratuitous selfies, obviously.
My Day in Bratislava in Pictures
A (teeny-tiny) bit of context: Bratislava and Vienna are only about 80 km (50 mi) apart. They have a shared history as part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and thus they have very similar architecture. After World War II, Slovakia ended up behind the Iron Curtain, while Austria narrowly escaped.
Tips & Transportation
- I took the train from the Central Station in Vienna to Bratislava. It took about an hour, cost about 16 euros round trip ($17.28), and was crazy easy.
- When I got to the train in Bratislava, I took the tram for .9 euros (about $1), to Old Town.
- While there, I walked around on foot. I had been warned not to take a taxi, but I don’t know if they’re as bad as people said.
- I joined a free walking tour in the afternoon. I happened to be in the square at the right time.
- Neither the online train times nor the online tour times matched the reality during my actual visit. Don’t know if I was reading things wrong or if the websites were inaccurate. Both ended up being wrong in my favor though, so maybe it was magic?
- I went to two restaurants. The one right outside the Old Town was about half the cost of the one on the main square. Natch.
Further Reading
- Bratislava City Guides
- Podcast Episode: Choosing Slovakia
- The World In Between’s dispatches from Slovakia
My Snapchat Story from My Visit
One Day in Bratislava from Stephanie Craig on Vimeo.
If we’re not connected on Snapchat, hit me up. I’m @gothreetwenty4.
Final Thoughts
Whirlwind travel, while not ideal, can still be inspiring and rewarding. I’m so glad I got to see Slovakia, even if I didn’t get to see everything I’d like. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Pin Me:
ahistoryfangirl
Pingback: My UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bucket List - GoThreeTwentyFour
Pingback: UNESCO World Heritage Site #43: Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue (Hungary) - GoThreeTwentyFour
Pingback: The 18 Podcasts I Use for Travel Inspiration - GoThreeTwentyFour
Actually, Bratislava reminds me of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, in many ways! The old buildings resemble each other a lot. The top picture could very well be from the Old Town in Stockholm!
So, mayne you have to visit the cold north as well 🙂
I’ll have to go to Stockholm sometime soon! I’ve only been to Malmo/Lund, and that was for work. I know what you mean though, especially the green rooves on some of the buildings. Budapest looks very similar.
How beautiful! I didn’t realize it was so easy to get to Bratislava from Vienna. I have wanted to go to Slovakia and Slovenia as a separate trip but I could get a small introduction methinks 🙂 Great post
What a cool place! Also bacon gnocci?! I need to hear more about that!
Maggie recently posted…First Look at JWST