Bratislava on a Budget

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and shares its borders with two neighbouring countries: Hungary and Austria. It is often a city overshadowed by Budapest, Vienna and Prague. If you’re stopping in any of those three capitals, Bratislava is a great stop for a 24 hour day trip (or longer if you can spare it!). It is less than an hour from Vienna, 2 hours from Budapest and 3 hours from Prague. Notably, it is halfway between Prague and Budapest which makes it a perfect place to stop for a day if you’re travelling between the two places.

It is a relatively cheap place to visit because there are a lot of free or cheap things to do! Slovakia uses the Euro. One of my favourite travel hacks is to use BudgetYourTrip.com to plan a budget and it is bang on for this one! Read on for how to do Bratislava on a budget, including a budget break down of my trip in 2018.

Full disclaimer: I don’t include my tips or donations in any of the costs below because it varies by person. Free walking tours are by donation/tip and are highly encouraged. Costs are from a 2018 trip and are likely to have increased since then.

Blue Church (Church of St. Elizabeth) in Bratislava

potato spaetzle/gnocchi in Bratislava with a beer on a checkered tablecloth

There are two ways to enjoy Bratislava. The first is to arrive early in the morning and leave late at night to give yourself one day in Bratislava. The second, which I recommend, is to arrive mid-day and stay the night. Bratislava nightlife is vibrant in the Old Town (City Center).

Beer prices in Bratislava are as cheap as Prague and the food is typically international with a mix of Slovak delicacies. Bratislava hotels are reasonably cheap. A hostel bed ranges from €13 to €15 per night, or you can book a 3-star hotel for €44 (a double room). Dinner ranges from €10 to €15 if you’re looking for the right deal. The Bratislava City Card is €20 for 24 h and includes admission to museums, galleries, walking tours, discounts and more! The fact that it is for 24 h (and not one day) makes it an excellent price for anyone arriving in the city for 24 hours. (NOTE: some cards are per DAY which means if you get it at 3 pm, it expires at midnight. However, this one gives a full 24 hours of use).

Bratislava Budget Breakdown

Day one in Bratislava:

Bratislava Card: €20
Wander Old Town: FREE (see places like Bratislava Castle, Grassalkovich Palace, Michael’s Gate, churches, riverfront)
Wander along the Danube River: FREE (check out the UFO Bridge!)
Walking tour: FREE (included in city card)
SNM-Museum of History (Bratislava Castle): FREE (included in city card)
Public Transportation: FREE (included in city card)
Dinner at 1. Slovak Pub: €10
Beer at bar: €2
Hostel (Patio Hostel): €11
Day one total: €43

Day two in Bratislava:

Breakfast at Buchtáreň (if you do one thing, do this): €4,90
Bratislava Castle Tour: €9,60 (Discounted with city card)
Exposition of History of the City at Old Town Hall: FREE (included in city card)
Grassalkovich Palace on Hodžovo Square Photo Installment: FREE
Day two total: €14,50

Bratislava on a Budget | Cost Breakdown Included