Travelling anywhere internationally as a Kiwi requires a minimum of three hours on a plane (plus 2 hours of waiting at the airport and the obligatory customs routine), so it always amazes me how easy and quick it is to travel between countries in Europe.  My sister recommending Bratislava as one of her favourite spots, and at only 1 hour from Vienna on the train (and 16 Euro return) we had the perfect excuse for a a “Day trip to Slovakia!”

The weather didn’t quite play ball, and the GPS went on the blink leading to a pretty dismal start.  The area around the train station in Bratislava is a little more communist-era than pretty city, and wandering aimlessly in drizzling rain wasn’t quite how we had imagined the day.

More by good luck than anything, we stumbled on the tourist centre and from there we were set. We headed into the old town and even the rain decided to hold off.  Success!

The old town of Bratislava is gorgeous. It’s now clearly on the tourist map with loads of souvenir shops and the telltale signs of the English Stag-do/ Hen’s parties (1 euro shots heavily advertised) but thankfully it retains all its charm during the day.

So what do you do on a day in Bratislava?

Wander the Old Town… 

Keep an eye out for Bratislava’s statues

Check out the beautiful buildings, and maybe a few shops.

Walk through Michael’s Gate and stop for Goulash at one of the many restaurants lining the streets. 

Climb the hill to Bratislava Castle for a great view over the city and the old town.

Visit the Blue Church

Wave goodbye to Bratislava, and jump on the train back to Vienna.