Guide to discovering Bratislava and its surroundings

Slovakia

Looking for a getaway that combines culture, nature, and great food? Bratislava offers all that and more. At CarJet, we’ve put together a guide to make your trip truly unforgettable. Not only will you discover the city’s highlights, but also hidden spots and day trips that are easily accessible—especially if you hire a car. Ready to go?

Why hire a car in Bratislava?

Hiring a car in Bratislava is the best way to explore the Slovak capital and its surroundings with total freedom. While the historic centre is easy to explore on foot, having your own car lets you reach spots most tourists miss.

With CarJet, you can start your adventure right from the start. Just head to CarJet.com, enter your travel dates and pick-up location, and we’ll show you the most competitive deals available. All that’s left is to choose the car that fits your plans and hit the road with complete peace of mind.

What to visit in Bratislava and its surroundings

Explore Bratislava’s historic centre

The city’s charm is palpable the moment you step into Bratislava’s old town, Stare Mesto. Cobbled streets, colourful facades and little squares give you the feeling of stepping back in time. At the heart of this district, the Main Square (Hlavne namestie) draws attention with its pastel-coloured buildings and the old town hall, now home to the city museum.

As you stroll around, you’re likely to come across Cumil, the famous “watcher” statue emerging from a manhole. This playful and original bronze sculpture delights both locals and visitors, capturing Bratislava’s cheerful spirit. Stare Mesto is full of life, where history, architecture and little surprises come together to create an experience that’s both authentic and full of charm.

Visit Bratislava Castle

Perched atop a hill, the Bratislava Castle stands over the city, offering (probably) the best views of the Danube and the red rooftops of the old town. The walk up to the castle, winding through quiet alleys and hidden courtyards, is part of the experience.

If you’re a history lover, don’t miss the exhibition on Slovak history and its monarchy. However, the main reason most visitors make the climb is for the views from the castle walls: the Danube River, surrounding hills and Bratislava’s old town will leave you speechless.

Bratislava: a city where tradition meets modernity

Bratislava is a place where the echoes of history come together with the rhythm of modern life. The city preserves traces of its mediaeval, Austro-Hungarian and communist past, while moving into the future. In the heart of the old town, Michael’s Gate rises just a stone’s throw from the UFO Bridge —a striking example of 1970s architecture.

We recommend going up the bridge’s observation deck, which stands 95 metres above the ground. From up there, you can admire the historic rooftops, the Danube River, and contemporary neighbourhoods. On clear days, you can even catch sight of Austria in the distance.

Explore the surroundings of Bratislava by car

If you have a little extra time during your stay in Bratislava, hiring a car is a brilliant way to venture further afield and discover some truly remarkable places—just under an hour away. From age-old castles to charming wine villages and towns rich in heritage, here are a few inspiring ideas for a memorable day out.

Vienna, the Imperial Capital of Austria

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is an unmissable destination if you’re staying in Bratislava. Just 80 kilometres from the Slovak capital, it’s an easy drive with a hire car. This city, renowned for its rich imperial history, classical music and magnificent architecture, offers endless opportunities to explore: Schönbrunn Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral, the State Opera and world-class museums. Simply strolling along its grand avenues is a cultural experience in itself. Vienna blends elegance with modernity, making it a perfect choice for a day trip from Bratislava.

Explore the most beautiful villages around Bratislava

Thanks to your hire car, you won’t miss a single charming village near Bratislava. Nestled at the foot of the Little Carpathians, not far from the capital, you can find villages where you can discover a different side of Slovakia. One such gem is Modra, about 30 km from Bratislava. It’s well known for its delicious local wines. If you’re travelling in autumn, don’t miss the local wine festivals.

Make sure to visit Trnava, located 50 kilometres from Bratislava. Often called “Little Rome”, this city is famous for its calm atmosphere and abundance of churches. Its well-preserved historic centre boasts cosy cafes and ornate baroque buildings that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Devin Castle

Just 15 km west of Bratislava, Devin Castle rises majestically from a cliff where the Danube and Morava rivers meet. Though now in ruins, the site retains a truly magical aura. Once a major mediaeval stronghold, wandering through its remains is also a chance to take in spectacular views of the countryside and river—especially at sunset.

Hire a car with CarJet for a unique Slovakian adventure

At CarJet, we help you find the most affordable hire options in Slovakia by comparing real-time offers from the leading rental companies. With our filters, you can easily choose the vehicle that best suits your journey—whether you prefer a compact car to navigate the streets of Bratislava or an SUV to explore the mountainous landscapes of the Tatras. Whatever your plans, we’ve got the perfect solution for you.