If you’re trying to decide between Bratislava or Vienna, you’re not the only one. Since the two capitals are only about an hour apart by train, a lot of travelers end up asking whether they should visit Bratislava, Vienna or try to fit both into the same trip. The truth is that Bratislava or Vienna isn’t an easy choice because they’re completely different cities. One is a small, laid-back capital that’s easy to explore in a day or two, while the other is one of Europe’s grandest cities, packed with museums, palaces and historic landmarks. Which one is right for you depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. Bratislava…

If you’re visiting Vienna, taking a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna is one of the easiest ways to add another country to your itinerary. The two capitals are only about an hour apart by train, making this one of the quickest international day trips you can take anywhere in Europe. I’ve visited Bratislava twice and also traveled by train between Bratislava and Vienna, so I know just how easy it is to travel between the two cities. In this guide, I’ll explain whether a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna is actually worth your time, what you can realistically see in one day and whether I’d recommend staying overnight…