A Capital You Can Explore in 2 Days?

That's Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia! Nestled between Vienna and Budapest, this small city often attracts visitors for just a half-day trip. However, I decided to spend 2 days and 1 night here as a budget-friendly stopover on my way to Prague. The result? Absolute satisfaction! From the Old Town to the hilltop castle and the Danube riverside, I enjoyed every moment. 🗓 Day 1: Arrival → Blue Church → St. Martin's Cathedral → Bratislava Castle → Old Town & Night Views ▸ Arrival & Check-in I arrived in Bratislava after a 1.5-hour bus ride from Vienna. Despite being a capital city, it's so compact that you can walk almost anywhere. After checking into my accommodation, my first stop was the Blue Church. ▸ Blue Church 💙 St. Elizabeth's Church, with its pastel blue exterior, looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The interior is simple yet warm, making it a great spot for a quick prayer or photos. Be sure to check the limited opening hours before visiting! ▸ St. Martin's Cathedral ⛪ Walking towards the Old Town from the Blue Church, you'll come across this Gothic-style cathedral. It was historically the coronation site for Hungarian kings, and you can feel its historical significance. The golden crown atop the spire is a standout feature and a symbol of Bratislava. ▸ Bratislava Castle 🏰 A short uphill walk from St. Martin's Cathedral brings you to this white castle. While the castle itself is modest, the panoramic views are breathtaking. You can see the Danube River, the Old Town, and even the borders of Austria and Hungary. ⚠️ Pro Tip for Getting There: Use bus routes 44 or 47! The tram route involves steep inclines, which can be tough on your knees if you walk. (I recommend walking up from the cathedral initially.) Inside the castle: As of September 2025, there's a special exhibition on Marie Antoinette in addition to the regular museum displays. I skipped the special exhibition since I've seen similar ones in France, but I loved the panoramic view from the top tower. ▸ Old Town & Night Views 🌙 Dinner can be easily sorted in the Old Town, which is full of popular local pubs. The charming buildings and statues in every alley make it perfect for a stroll, and the nighttime lighting creates a completely different atmosphere. The Grassalkovich Palace, which serves as the presidential office, is also worth a visit! 🗓 Day 2: Exploring Devín Castle 🏰 ▸ Morning Departure After breakfast at my accommodation, I headed to Devín Castle. It takes about 30–40 minutes by tram and bus from Bratislava's city center, offering scenic views of the river and hills as you leave the city. Highlights: The castle ruins and walls are great for photos, and the riverside walking paths offer postcard-worthy views. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the castle. Bring a jacket as it can get windy. Day 2 was simple: Devín Castle → lunch → return to Bratislava, wrapping up the 2-day itinerary neatly. From here, heading to Prague is the most cost-effective option! 📝 Bratislava Travel Tips ✅ Getting Around: The city is small enough to explore on foot. For the two castles, you'll need public transport. Download the IDS BK app and purchase a 24-hour pass. ✅ Recommended Duration: Half a day to 2 days is perfect. Any longer might feel too slow-paced. ✅ Cost: Slightly cheaper than nearby major cities (Vienna, Budapest), making it great for meals and beer. Coming here right after Vienna felt especially satisfying. ✅ Best Spots: Bratislava Castle's daytime and nighttime views. ✨ Final Thoughts Bratislava may not be flashy, but it's full of small, charming attractions. It exceeded my expectations! You can enjoy a fulfilling yet relaxed experience in just 2 days and 1 night. Highly recommended!