Bratislava is one of the smaller capitals in Europe.
However, it holds a charm few can resist.
Don’t rush to book only a night or two in the Slovak capital. There are a gazillion cool things to do in Bratislava, as well as a ton of day tours you can take.
In this guide, you’ll find 33 ideas for day trips from Bratislava, arranged into four categories.
Excited? Let’s explore!
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Day Trips from Bratislava within Slovakia
Slovakia is a tiny country, which makes it great for day trips. In this section, you’ll find plenty of ideas – ranging from medieval castles to UNESCO Heritage Sites, and from picturesque villages to old mining towns.
1. Day Trip from Bratislava to Devin Castle – the Medieval Fortress
Less than half an hour away from the city center, you’ll discover Devín Castle. Perched on a craggy hilltop, it’s a 9th-century fortress that overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers.
As one of Slovakia’s oldest castles, Devín is a fantastic archaeological site with important history. It was a military shelter and served as defense for many empires until Napoleon blew it up in 1809.
The views from the castle to the surrounding area are truly spectacular. As is the castle’s exhibition that displays many sculptures and artifacts from various periods of its existence. You can walk through numerous ruins, walls, and courtyards – feeling like you’re marching along the soldiers who defended it fiercely.
When you grow tired of exploring, Devín Castle also offers archery, jousting, dressing like a knight, and other medieval activities. And they’re all free of charge.
The best way to visit is getting bus #29, renting a taxi, or opting for a tour – click here for details.
Travel time: Around 30 minutes.
2. Small Carpathian Wine Country Tour from Bratislava – Vineyards and Mountains
Love wine? Well, the capital’s surrounding area invites you for a delicious alcoholic treat.
The Small Carpathian Wine Route starts from Bratislava and goes all the way to Trnava. Along the route, you’ll have a chance to explore dozens of wine cellars in lovely royal towns like Modra, Pezinok, and Svätý Jur. In each, you can discover facts about the local production of wines and also taste them.
If you happen to be in Slovakia in May or November, you’ll also have the opportunity to join the Wine Cellars Open Day festival. When you buy a ticket, the organizers give you a wine glass. With it, you can visit as many cellars as you want. Hundreds of fragrant local wines are waiting your discerning palate.
Even if you’re not a huge wine drinker, the route is fantastic because it passes by the sunny slopes of the Little Carpathians – an area of spectacular beauty.
Travel time: Half a day to a full day.
3. Bratislava Day Trip to Cachtice Castle – the Story of the Bloody Countess
This castle is not for the faint-hearted. Why? Because you’ll be exploring the history of a female serial murderer.
Less than two hours from Bratislava lie the ruins of the mysterious Čachtice Castle. During the tour, you’ll hear the story of Elizabeth Báthory, also known as the “Bloody Countess”. Her nickname originates from her sadist habits.
During the time she lived in the castle, Elizabeth tortured and murdered over 600 young women within the castle’s walls. Later, she was imprisoned in Čachtice.
The castle was burned to the ground in 1799 and remained a ruin until 2014 when local authorities turned it into a tourist landmark. Since it stands on a hill with rare plants, it has been declared a national nature reserve.
So, if bloody history is not your cup of tea, maybe you’ll love the surrounding natural spots? The scenic village below the castle also unveils a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture.
Travel time: Approximately 2 hours.
4. Day Trip from Bratislava to Bojnice Castle – the Fairy-Tale Stronghold
The medieval Bojnice Castle was built in the Romanesque style. It also epitomizes Gothic and Renaissance elements. Its stunning architecture turned it into a famous filming spot for fairy-tale and fantasy movies.
The chateau is one of Slovakia’s most visited spots, welcoming hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. In 2017, National Geographic listed it as one of the top 10 castles in Europe.
Inside, you’ll find art collections and other treasures. In the museum, you’ll discover various types of medieval weapons. These include maces, swords, halberds, and shining armor suits. Other exhibitions reveal oil portraits, Chinese vases, and hand-painted Turkish tiles. Don’t miss the late Gothic Bojnice Altar that was created by a master from Florence.
One of the highlights of a day trip to Bojnice Castle is the underground tour. It will take you to a stalactite cave below the castle. A peculiar fact about the cave is that it is connected to the 85-ft. (26-m) deep castle well.
If you want to do something different, opt for a candlelight night tour or visit the annual International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits, which starts at the end of April. And if you happen to travel in winter, the Bojnice’s sparkling Christmas decorations will leave you speechless.
When you’re ready to leave the castle, take a stroll in its gorgeous park. Among the numerous tree species, don’t miss the 700-year-old King Matthias Linden Tree. There’s also the Bojnice Zoo – one of Slovakia’s oldest and most visited animal parks.
Travel time: Between 2:00 and 2:15 hours.
5. Bratislava Day Trip to the High Tatras – Voted Europe’s Best Place to Visit in 2019
The High Tatras is Slovakia’s oldest national park. In 2019, it received the honorary “Best Place to Visit in Europe”.
The mountain range will surprise you with:
- Breathtaking lakes – the picturesque glacial lakes Štrbské Pleso and Veľké Hincovo Pleso are the largest in the area.
- Diverse wildlife – you’ll have a chance to spot wild brown bears and chamois.
- Endless trails – if you love trekking and hiking, the High Tatras offers over 370 mi (600 km) of marked trails for you to explore.
Your tour will also include a visit to jaw-dropping waterfalls, such as the majestic Vodopády Studeného Potoka at an altitude of 4,087 ft. (1,246 m).
The best way to explore the High Tatras is by joining an organized tour. If you have more than a day, we suggest this tour.
Travel time: Between 3:30 hours and 4:00 hours
6. Day Trip from Bratislava to Trencin – the City of Poets and Heroes
We can give you five reasons to immerse into this day tour:
- Location. The picturesque town sits on the meandering Váh River, the longest in Slovakia. It adds a fantastic charm to the cute city center. Don’t miss the town’s gorgeous synagogue. Bear in mind you can visit inside only a few times per year.
- The Trenčín Castle. The castle dates back to the 11th century. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it served as the residence of Matthew III Csák, the mythical Lord of the River Váh and the Tatra Mountains. Don’t miss to visit the lower castle where you’ll find a well that’s 262 ft. (80 m) deep.
- Plenty of history. Roman Emperors occupied the area around 4th century BC, setting military camps just below the castle. In the Middle Ages, a plague wiped most of its population. Numerous historical figures called the town home, including war heroes, famous poets, and prolific painters. Trencin’s central square is over 900 years old.
- The café experience. Dozens of sidewalk coffee shops and hidden cafés line the town’s historic streets and squares. At night, these quaint places turn into lively pubs and event spaces.
- The Pohoda Festival. This 3-day event is Slovakia’s most popular multi-genre festival. It takes place at the town’s small airport at the beginning of July. Every year, it attracts 30,000+ visitors.
Travel time: Between 1:15 and 1:30 hours.
7. Bratislava Day Trip to Driny Cave – the Underground Gem of the Little Carpathians
Driny Cave is the only accessible cave you can find in Western Slovakia. Standing at less than an hour away from Bratislava, the cave awaits your discovery-thirsty eyes in the Small Carpathian Mountains.
Driny Cave opened to the public in 1930 and boasts lavish dripstone ornamentation. A 1,476-ft. (450-m) long track through tiny halls and narrow passages is open to visitors. It takes you around a jaw-dropping underworld full of limestone stalactites and unbelievable dripstone shapes.
Pay special attention to the so-called “sinter curtains” phenomenon. That’s a special form of dripstone shaped as elephant ears.
Driny Cave is one of the few secret natural marvels of Slovakia, so it’s worth every minute you spend there.
Travel time: Less than one hour.
8. Day Trip from Bratislava to Devínska Kobyla – the Forsaken Missile Base
Do you fancy urban exploring in the outdoors? Then, a tour to Devínska Kobyla is a fantastic idea for a day trip. You’ll find Bratislava’s highest point at just 6 mi (10 km) northwest of the city. That’s also where the Danube and Morava Rivers merge into a gorgeous confluence.
At the other side of the rivers is Austria. Back when Czechoslovakia was a satellite state of the Soviet Union, this area marked the border of the Iron Curtain.
Such a strategic spot on the outer frontier had a very important purpose. So, the military erected a rocket base on top of Devínska Kobyla. Their missiles were armed and pointing towards the west.
Nowadays, you won’t find any rockets, and the site is forsaken. With some caution and a camera in your hand, you can explore some of the bunkers that held the missiles.
Get your sturdiest shoes as the hike up is quite exhausting. At the top of the hill, you’ll find a lookout tower. From there, you can admire a 360°-panorama of the stunning surroundings, including the confluence of the majestic rivers and the jaw-dropping Devin Castle.
Travel time: Less than 30 minutes.
9. Bratislava Day Trip to Nitra – the Oldest Town in Slovakia
Nitra is Slovakia’s oldest town. As such, thousands of years of history wait for you to discover them.
When in Nitra, take an hour to explore the castle, which you’ll find on the hill in the very heart of the town. It served as the headquarters of the Great Moravian rulers in the 8th and 9th centuries.
During that time, Nitra flourished and became one of Central Europe’s largest agglomerations. It consisted of over 20 non-fortified villages and many fortified centers. The territory of the agglomeration exceeded the present town.
A noteworthy attraction is the castle’s cathedral. It has three parts, and each of them attracts a lot of visitors, including Pope John Paul II who visited in 1995.
Nitra is also home to the oldest Jewish community in Slovakia according to historians.
Travel time: 1 hour by car, 1:25 hours by public transport.
10. Day Trip from Bratislava to Trnava – the Little Rome
Trnava stands at just 40 minutes northeast of the Slovak capital. This makes it one of the easiest day trips from Bratislava.
Locals often call it “The Little Rome” due to the large number of churches and towers you can find in the town. An interesting fact about the settlement is that it was the first place in Slovakia which received the right to be a free royal town.
Nowadays, you can marvel at many historical buildings and monuments in Trnava. One of the most interesting landmarks is the city wall, which is among Europe’s longest remaining.
To admire a jaw-dropping panorama of the town, go to the tower. The charming city doesn’t get a lot of attention, which is good news as you won’t rub shoulders with a ton of tourists.
To finalize your great trip, visit one of the most unique coffee shops. You’ll find it in the synagogue.
Travel time: Between 40 minutes and 55 minutes.
11. Bratislava Day Trip to Cunovo – Water Activities and Art
If you’re searching for some adventure in Bratislava’s vicinity, Čunovo’s Water Sports Center is a great place to find it. The complex provides you with a broad array of water sports and activities, including kayaking, canoeing, surfing, rafting, jet skiing, wakeboarding, hydrospeeding, aquarollering, and paddleboarding.
If you’re not a water sports fan, don’t worry. Get your friends and engage in paintball, beach volleyball, beach football, archery, or pony riding. You can even ride a quad with automatic steering.
Čunovo’s location is less than 9 mi (15 km) from Bratislava. Just a minute away from the sports center, you’ll find the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum. Inside, you can marvel at the masterpieces of prestigious local and international painters like Markus Prachensky, Jozef Jankovič, Miroslav Cipár, Joan Miró, Rudolf Sikora, Sam Francis, Karel Appel, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and many more.
Travel time: 20 minutes by car.
12. Day Trip from Bratislava to Piestany – Europe’s Only Spa Island
Piešťany is a popular spa town, standing 50 mi (80 km) northeast from Bratislava.
When you get there, start your day tour at Spa Island. At the Colonnade Bridge, you’ll see the spa complex’s symbol – a statue of man who’s breaking his walking crutch.
The town draws its fame from its medicinal sulphuric mud and geothermal water. Both of them are unique not only for Europe but globally, too. The island has 10 different thermal sources. The water in some originates from as deep as 6,560 ft. (2,000 m) below the ground. If you fancy drinking the water, that’s possible, too.
Not a spa fan? Not a problem. The town has a small but lively center. Start around Winterova street where you’ll discover various cafés, restaurants, and ice-cream shops.
Once downtown, stroll by the Váh River, which heads south to the Marina (Lodenica). The promenade takes around 25 minutes to stroll and offers many spots to sit down, relax, and people-watch.
Travel time: 45 minutes by car, 1:00 hour by train.
13. Bratislava Day Trip to Banska Bystrica – Ideal Summer and Winter Destination
Right below the Low-Tatra Mountains and the Kremnica Mountains, in the very center of Slovakia, lies Banská Bystrica. The gracious Hron River dissects the town, which sits in a wide and long valley.
Banská Bystrica is a famous summer and winter destination because of its rich history and easy access to mountains.
The city’s main landmark is the town square. Fountains, restaurants, coffee shops, historical monuments, as well as gorgeous buildings dot the Slovak National Uprising Square. When you find yourself exploring the square, search for the Clock Tower – its most famous building.
Other attractions include the City Castle, as well as the SNP Museum. In the latter, you can dip yourself in the history of the Slovak National Uprising’s army. It played a significant role during the Second World War.
Travel time: Between 2:00 hours and 3:00 hours.
14. Day Trip from Bratislava to Banska Stiavnica – a Blend of Charm and History
Banská Štiavnica was born from the collapse of an ancient volcano. It created a gigantic caldera where the modern-day town sits today.
The town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites not only because of its irresistible allure. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the most significant historical mining towns in Europe.
Over time, the mining center expanded into a town where elegant squares and castles mix with 16th-century churches and Renaissance palaces. The cobbled-stones streets and the houses in vivacious colors make Banská Štiavnica incredibly picturesque.
You can tour the town in a few hours and use the rest of the day for hiking as it sits very close to the Štiavnica Mountains. While trekking the hills, pay special attention to the remains of the old mines.
If you’re lucky and the weather is good, you can experience a jaw-dropping view of Central Slovakia or even spot the Tatra Mountains.
Travel time: Around 2:00 hours.
15. Bratislava Day Trip to Budmerice – Castles and Long History
The small village of Budmerice sits just below the stunning Small Carpathians Mountain Range. It prides itself on a long and intriguing history.
Duke Jan Pálffy and his wife constructed a gorgeous manor house in 1889. If you’re an architecture fan, you’ll immediately notice the Romantic style of the building. The manor’s main façade ends with a tall tower and a coat of arms.
When inside, pay attention to the mansion’s monumental staircase. Outside, you’ll find great delight in the English garden of the manor – perfect for a relaxing walk after a few hours of exploration. Note: the park is open to the public during the whole year except for July and August.
Among the best sights in Budmerice is the Červený Kameň Castle (see more below). It served as a defense mechanism during the 13th century when the Kingdom of Hungary ruled the area.
If you’re a history aficionado, you’ll love visiting this town.
Travel time: 35 to 45 minutes.
16. Day Trip from Bratislava to Cerveny Kamen Castle – the Renaissance Fortress
The Small Carpathians are home to numerous castles. The Červený Kameň Castle traces its roots back to the 13th century when it belonged to the Kingdom of Hungary.
The first half of the 16th century saw the Červený Kameň’s complete transformation from a castle into a fortress thanks to the German family Fugger. In 1588, the Austria-Hungarian noble family Pálffy seized the premises. That’s when the Gothic castle turned into a Renaissance fortress with a storehouse for goods that merchants traded across the whole Old Continent.
Fires damaged Červený Kameň several times, but the Pálffys always rebuilt it. They owned it until World War Two ended in 1945.
Today, the castle is a museum open to the public. You can benefit from two tours – a museum tour and a Renaissance fortress tour. Don’t miss visiting the wine tavern before you leave.
Travel time: Around 50 minutes.
17. Bratislava Day Trip to Cicmany – Log Houses and Striking Ornamentations
Čičmany is tucked in the mighty embrace of the majestic Strážov Mountains. The tiny village boasts one-of-a-kind folk architecture and geometrical patterns that trace their origins over 200 years ago.
The most impressive landmark of this open-air museum are the traditional wooden houses that bear white ornamentation. Locals added these decorative ornaments with one reason – to protect the buildings from the sun rays.
You can marvel at more than 130 log houses in Čičmany. Each of them bears its own royal beauty. However, the most striking ones are the Gregorov dom and the Radenov dom.
Next to the gorgeous timbered houses, you’ll also have a chance to enjoy folk music, dances, and traditional costumes.
Travel time: Between 2:00 and 2:45 hours.
18. Day Trip from Bratislava to Spania Dolina – Picturesque Hiking Trails
The spectacular hills of Central Slovakia hug this former mining village. International and local tourists alike often ignore Špania Dolina, which makes it a real hidden gem that deserves your attention.
Several stunning hiking trails begin from the town. At every route’s start, you can explore the old houses where miners lived. After that, you’ll step into enchanting forests with flowers and butterflies.
Each hiking trail is easy and takes you to a unique vantage point. It offers a jaw-dropping view of the neighboring hills and the church. A stunning covered stairway leads to the church.
You’ll need between one and two hours for most of the hikes. Once you’re back at the beginning, you can check out a mini mining exhibition. After all, some of the prehistoric mining tools found on the territory of Špania Dolina are as old as 2000-1700 BC.
Travel time: Between 2:10 hours and 3:00 hours.
19. Bratislava Day Trip to World War II Bunkers – a Journey Through War History
Are you a history buff? Do the events around World War II interest you? If so, you can teleport back to the 1930s and 1940s by visiting the bunkers on the Austrian border.
Czechoslovakia built them to shield the borders against Hitler’s invasions. Among the 14 bunkers, the largest and best-maintained is BS-8. Today, it hosts a museum. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition of weapons, photos, old maps, and other military equipment that served the soldiers during the most devastating world war.
The concrete bunkers are the best-preserved remains of an expansive border defense system against the Nazis. And while at the time of their construction, they were state of the art, they had little use.
Why? Because under the Munich Agreement between France, Britain, and Germany, Czechoslovakia had to surrender most of its borderland areas, including the bunkers.
Next to the bunkers, you can explore a cemetery from World War I, where fallen soldiers from nine European nations rest in peace.
Travel time: 10 to 15 minutes.
20. Day Trip from Bratislava to Kosice – the True Epitome of Architecture
The European Capital of Culture for 2013, Košice, is one of Europe’s most underrated little towns. Although it’s a bit far from Bratislava, the second-largest city in Slovakia offers a ton of activities for every traveler.
If you’re an architecture aficionado, you’ll absolutely love the blend of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Classicist, Cubist, and Art-Nouveau styles in Košice.
The Plague Column is one the town’s most peculiar monuments. The 46-ft. (14-m)-high memorial sits on a stone basement and features sculptures of St. Sebastian, St. Joseph, and St. Ladislaus. On the top of the pillar, you’ll see the sculpture of Virgin Mary, commemorating the gratitude to Mary for ending the plague that lasted from 1709 to 1710.
If you like churches, don’t miss the St. Elisabeth’s Cathedral as it’s the biggest in Slovakia. Constructed in Gothic style and completed in 1508, the religious temple will stun you both with interior and exterior.
Other highlights of Košice you shouldn’t miss exploring include St. Michael’s Chapel, the State Theater, the Singing Fountain, and the Neo-Gothic Jakab’s Palace.
Travel time: 4:30 hours.
21. Bratislava Day Trip to Komarno – Gorgeous River Dissections
If you love the sight of the confluence of majestic rivers, head to Komárno. The town sits on the convergence of the Danube and the Váh rivers.
In fact, the Danube River divides the city into two parts – Komárno (in Slovakia) and Komarom (in Hungary). In other words, the city lies in two different countries.
The Slovak town prides itself on a long history. The first settlement dates to the Bronze Age. Due to the confluence of the two rivers, the place has always played a strategic role in the region.
A few of Komárno’s attractions include the Zichy Palace, the Town Hall, and The Courtyard of Europe. The last one is a tiny plaza just behind the town hall. Every building on the square represents a particular part of Europe. That’s why each of them has a different architectural style.
Travel time: Between 1:20 to 1:45 hours.
22. Day Trip from Bratislava to the Carpathian Castle Ruins – Sweeping Views of the Mountains
Slovakia boasts one of the highest densities of castles and castle remains in the world. Hundreds of them lie hidden in the majestic Carpathian Mountains. In fact, many of them served as a defense mechanism against Tatar invasions in the 13th century. They were in use in the next 500 years.
On this day trip, you can explore two of the most peculiar castles in the region – the Pajštún Castle and the Plavecký Castle.
The Pajštún Castle was destroyed by Napoleon in the 19th century, but the views from the ruins are still fantastic. The Plavecký Castle served as a fortress from 1256 until 1703. It provides sweeping panoramas of the forested lowlands of Záhorská.
Travel time: 30 to 35 minutes.
23. Bratislava Day Trip to the Záhorie Region – Basilicas, Pilgrimage, and Castles
Záhorie is a region in the western part of Slovakia, sandwiched between the Morava River to the west and the Little Carpathians to the east. The area creates the borders between Slovakia, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
A few stops are worth your while in Záhorie Region:
- Šaštín Basilica. The Basilica of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in the town of Šaštín traces its history to 1736. It’s a major pilgrimage site, especially during the Celebration of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows (Sept 15th) and during the Feast of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost).
- Holíč Castle. At first, it used to be a defense mechanism against the Ottoman Empire. In the 18th century, Maria Theresa rebuilt it into a summer château of the Habsburg family.
- Town of Skalica. The delightful, small town is home to St. George Chapel – a gorgeous Romanesque church. When in Skalica, don’t miss tasting their local wine – Skalický Rubín – and the local pastry Skalický trdelník.
Travel time: 40 to 50 minutes.
Day Trips from Bratislava to Austria
Austria is less than an hour away from Bratislava. So, visiting a few spots there is always a great idea when you’re staying in the Slovak capital. Let’s discover the best destinations:
24. Day Trip from Bratislava to Vienna – the Royal Austrian Capital
The gorgeous capital of Austria – Vienna – is just an hour away from Bratislava. While Bratislava is one of the best day trips from Vienna you can take, you can also visit the Austrian capital in a day from Slovakia.
Vienna is chock-full of attractions, and it’s better to spend a few days sucking in all its royal beauty. But even if you only have a day, you can still cover a lot of ground.
On your day trip from Bratislava to Vienna, we recommend starting in the city center where you’ll find Stephansplatz. In the very heart of the square stands St. Stephen’s Cathedral. A climb to the top of the church will reward you with a stunning view of Vienna.
A visit-worthy spot on your tour is the Hofburg Palace. It served as an imperial residence in the past. From Hofburg, you can go on foot to the Ring Road where you’ll discover many of Vienna’s most important buildings and attractions. These include the Parliament, the Opera House, the Town Hall, and the State Theater.
If you’re a fan of architecture, head to Karlsplatz to explore the magnificent Karskirche church and the striking Art-Nouveau buildings. Your day trip should end at the Schönbrunn Palace where Empress Sisi lived. If you have time, saunter through the gorgeous park, which you’ll find next to the palatial complex. The views to the city are nothing short of amazing.
If you still have time to explore and wish to check out some of the unusual things to do in Vienna, head to Kegelgasse. On the small street, you’ll find the quirky Hundertwasser House.
And last but not least, don’t forget to stop at one of the famous traditional coffee houses the Austrian capital prides itself on. One of the coolest facts about Vienna is that its coffee houses are on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list.
Travel time: 1 hour.
25. Bratislava Day Trip to Lake Neusiedl – a UNESCO Heritage Site
If you don’t want to visit Vienna, but you’d still like to benefit from Bratislava’s close location to Austria, here’s another idea. You can visit Neusiedl – the biggest lake in Austria.
In fact, the lake is so large it straddles the Austrian-Hungarian border. Neusiedl offers tons of attractions for tourists and plenty of sunshine. This makes it a popular vacation spot.
What’s more, if you love ticking UNESCO objects off your travel list, you’d be delighted to hear Neusiedl is one. Add to this tons of wildlife in the lake’s surroundings, including 300+ bird species, and you have the perfect day trip in nature.
If you like water activities, “The Sea of the Viennese” – as they call it locally – offers many. These include sailing, windsurfing, and even commercial fishing.
Around the lake, you’ll find tiny villages with acres of vineyards. So, don’t miss your chance to sample of the best wines in Austria.
Travel time: 35 to 40 minutes.
26. Day Trip from Bratislava to Carnuntum – a Former Roman Military Campsite
You don’t need to venture far out of the Slovak capital to explore Roman history. Some 30 minutes from the city lie the Carnuntum Archaeological Park in Austria.
Put your history belt on as you’ll be journeying through ancient Roman times. Carnuntum is an open-air museum in a spot which used to be a Roman military campground of the province Pannonia.
In fact, Römerstadt Carnuntum was the headquarters of the Pannonian fleet from 50 AD. At some point, it turned into a large city with over 50,000 citizens.
As you can imagine, there’s a ton of history for you to uncover. So, pack your best archaeology boots and prepare for gladiator schools, legendary fortresses, civilian cities, and amphitheaters packed with history.
Travel time: 35 minutes by car, 1:25 hours by bus.
Day Trips from Bratislava to the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers a few great ideas for day trips from the Slovak capital. Find them all in this section:
27. Bratislava Day Trip to Prague, Czech Republic – the Golden City
A day trip to the capital of Czechia might seem like a crazy idea. However, with careful planning and an early start, you can benefit from a few priceless hours in the Golden City.
Traveling to Prague from Bratislava is only for the toughest explorers as the ride is quite long. However, if you decide to commit, heart-stopping sights and delectable specialties will reward your bravery.
When in Prague, cross the majestic Vltava River by walking on Karlův most, the city’s stunning bridge. Then, wander around the gigantic Prague Castle and lose yourself in a maze of cobble-stoned streets in the area.
When you head back to the river, cross Charles Bridge again. This time, though, take some time to admire the intricate statues adorning it. Now, it’s time to explore the Old Town. One of the most interesting facts about Prague is that its whole historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attraction – the astronomical clock tower – is waiting for you on the main square.
Before heading back to Bratislava, feast on some local delicacies like Prague ham and deep-fried cheese. Wash them down with the divine Czech beer for the ultimate ending of a long day trip.
Tip: If your time only allows for one day trip and you can’t decide Prague vs Budapest, our detailed comparison will help.
Travel time: Between 3:30 and 4:00 hours.
28. Day Trip from Bratislava to Brno – the Little Vienna
If you want to check the Czech Republic off, but you don’t want to spend most of your day traveling to Prague, Brno is a fantastic option.
The second-biggest Czech city often goes by the name of the Little Vienna. If you go to Brno by train, you can immediately start exploring because the Old Town is just a few steps away from the train station.
As a typical Central European city, Brno boasts gorgeous architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries. Wandering around the Old Town’s narrow streets is a true pleasure for all senses.
Once you’re done exploring, head to the medieval Špilberk Castle for a stupendous vista of Brno. After that, you can visit the beautiful St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the enchanting Capuchin Monastery, and the symbolic Liberty Square.
The city is also home to Villa Tugendhat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re a fan of beautiful designs, you’ll love the blend of functionalist and modern architecture of the house. Just make sure to book tickets in advance if you want to explore the interior of the villa.
Don’t miss a chance to taste Czech Republic’s mouthwatering beers and meat delicacies by visiting one of the many rustic pubs in Brno.
Travel time: Between 1:30 and 2:00 hours.
29. Bratislava Day Trip to Mikulov – the Heart of the Moravian Wine Production
Mikulov is a delightful village you’ll find nestled in the hills of the South Moravia Wine Region. Many trains serve the two routes from Bratislava to Mikulov, but it might be best to rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive that takes a little over one hour.
You’ll find Mikulov in the very heart of the leading wine-producing region of Czechia. So, going there and not tasting a few wines is like going to Italy and not having pasta.
The divine location of the village in the Palava Protected Area offers heart-stopping panoramas, especially from Goat Hill. For the most gorgeous views of Mikulov, climb your way up to Holy Hill and find the small chapel.
If you have time, consider a visit to the neighboring villages of Lednice and Valtice.
In the former, you can discover a palace in the Renaissance architectural style or stroll through its royal gardens. The latter also boasts a majestic palace where you can taste wine from the vineyards of the Old Gatehouse. Both villages are UNESCO sites.
Travel time: Between 1:15 and 1:20 hours.
30. Day Trip from Bratislava to the Punkva Caves – Underground Adventures
The Punkva Caves sit in the biggest karst area in Central Europe, and they’re a part of the Moravian complex. To reach the caves, you first have to get to Brno and travel 19 mi (30km) northeast.
While a bus is an option, it takes forever. So, we recommend traveling by car. Near the entrance, you’ll find a big parking lot and an information center.
The cave system is spectacular in itself. But what makes it truly an amazing experience is the Punkva River that flows through all the caverns.
At first, the guide will take you around gorgeous underground formations until you reach the Macocha Gorge. Its sinkhole is over 454 ft. (138 m) deep and the deepest of its kind in Central Europe.
Here comes the best part. Once you reach the abyss, you’ll hop on a boat to explore the last part of the tour on water. The ride follows the underground streams of the Punkva River passing through narrow tunnels and broad halls.
We recommend buying a ticket online in advance to secure your spot.
Travel time: A little over 2:00 hours.
31. Bratislava Day Trip to Breclav – Medieval Castles and Breathtaking Temples
The small town of Břeclav in the Czech Republic is a great option for a Bratislava day trip.
The main landmark of the town is the Břeclav Castle. Its history stretches all the way back to the 11th century when it was a border castle erected by Duke Bretislaus I. The castle took his name – in Czech, Břetislav → Břeclav. The palace used to be one the administrative centers of the duke in Moravia. Later, it became a manor house.
Among the best things to do in Breclav is seeing the Temple of the Three Graces (Chrám Tří grácií). It’s a staffage building, standing opposite a lake. The white stone and the 12 iconic columns that support the roof of the building make this complex a breathtaking piece of architecture.
Travel time: 55 minutes to 60 minutes.
Day Trips from Bratislava to Hungary
Hungary offers a couple of options for day trips from the capital of Slovakia. Here are the best ones we recommend:
32. Day Trip from Bratislava to Budapest – the Capital of Spas
People often refer to Budapest as the Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths for a good reason. The Hungarian capital is chock-full of spas, pools, and mineral springs.
Gracefully straddling the Danube River, Budapest is a majestic city with magnificent architecture.
Start discovering with a visit to Castle Hill. After that, hop on the funicular – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll around Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion. Stop for a minute to marvel at the gorgeous meanders of the Danube River that dissects the capital.
And finally, admire the Parliament of Hungary, the largest and most striking building in the country. One of the most peculiar facts about Budapest is that no building may rise above 96 m (315 ft.). The Parliament Building is one of only two of this height in the city.
When done, check the Jewish District out. Inside, you’ll find the unique ruin bars of Budapest, as well as the biggest synagogue in Europe.
Before you head back to Bratislava, don’t miss trying the typical Hungarian goulash or the surprisingly diverse lángos.
Travel time: Between 2:00 and 2:30 hours.
33. Bratislava Day Trip to Gyor – the Vibrant Student City
Just an hour away from Bratislava, Győr is a great idea for a day trip if you’d like to visit Hungary but don’t want to go all the way to Budapest.
The town’s first inhabitants lived in the city in the 5th century BC. Over the years, it was one of Hungary’s most significant centers, bearing large historical value.
Nowadays, Győr is a vivacious student city with many landmarks. The oldest buildings find their roots in the 13th century. Most of the town’s architecture epitomizes the fascinating Baroque style.
Three majestic rivers merge in the heart of the city: the Danube, Rábca, and Rába. That’s the reason Győr is often called The City of the Rivers. Other areas of interest include the 15th-century Gothic Dóczy Chapel, the Town Hall, the Dwelling Tower, and the Museum of Roman Archaeology.
Győr is another concealed gem in the heart of Europe, so make sure to pay it a visit.
Travel time: Between 1:00 and 1:15 hours.
33 Day Trips from Bratislava – Tours through History, Castles, and Pilgrimage Sites
Despite its small size, Bratislava enchants with its divine beer, delectable local delicacies, gorgeous river meanders, and a truly irresistible Old Town.
As you’ve seen, it also seduces with numerous day tours. And we bet you’ve already chosen at least a few for your next visit.
If you’d like to know more about the city, check these fun facts about Bratislava.
Now, we’re curious:
What would be the first day trip from Bratislava you’d do?
