Comparison · Bratislava vs Vienna · Slovakia / Austria
Bratislava vs Vienna
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Bratislava for Bratislava Castle, St Martin's Cathedral, lower day-to-day costs and free sights; choose Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses. Bratislava is generally less expensive, and the two are about 55 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 55 km
- Less expensive
- Bratislava
- Best time for Bratislava
- May–June and September
- Best time for Vienna
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Bratislava | Vienna | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Slovakia | Austria |
| Known for | Bratislava Castle, St Martin's Cathedral and UFO bridge | Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses and Klimt and Schiele |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 2 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$190 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 27°C (81°F) | July, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BTS, VIE | VIE, BTS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Bratislava for…
Bratislava Castle, St Martin's Cathedral, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Slovakia's capital sits on the Danube where Slovakia meets Austria and Hungary, with a small, walkable Old Town of Baroque palaces below a white, four-towered castle. Hungarian kings were crowned in St Martin's Cathedral for almost three centuries, and the…
Choose Vienna for…
Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses. The Habsburgs ruled from Vienna for more than six centuries, and their palaces, museums and churches still define the city. Inside the Ringstrasse, the old centre holds St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg and dozens of traditional coffee houses; just outside…
Top sights compared
| # | Bratislava | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bratislava Castle | Schönbrunn Palace |
| 2 | St Martin's Cathedral | Tiergarten Schönbrunn |
| 3 | Michael's Gate and Michalská street | Hofburg Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum |
| 4 | Main Square and Old Town Hall | Spanish Riding School |
| 5 | Primate's Palace | St Stephen's Cathedral |
Food compared
| Bratislava | Vienna |
|---|---|
| Bryndza dumplings | Wiener Schnitzel |
| Bryndza pierogi | Tafelspitz |
| Sauerkraut soup | Sachertorte |
| Bratislava rolls | Apple strudel |
Which is cheaper?
Bratislava is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$190 per person there, against $170–$300 in Vienna (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Bratislava on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Bratislava and Vienna are about 55 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 2 days in Bratislava and 4 in Vienna.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bratislava or Vienna cheaper?
Bratislava is usually less expensive: about $110–$190 a day mid-range against $170–$300 (estimates).
+Is Bratislava or Vienna better for a first trip?
Pick Bratislava for Bratislava Castle, St Martin's Cathedral, lower day-to-day costs and free sights, or Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses.
+How far is Bratislava from Vienna?
About 55 km in a straight line.