Bratislava on a Budget

The Slovakian capital may not draw the crowds of neighboring Vienna in Austria, but it’s well worth a trip.

Just an hour away from Vienna by train, Bratislava boasts the same charming Old Town, Danube river and opera houses as its more popular rival, but at a fraction of the cost. By way of comparison, you can see an opera at the Slovak National Theatre for as little as €6, and a glass of Champagne during the interval is just €1.50.

Granted, you might not be able to get as close to the mighty Danube as you’d like in the city center, but it still adds atmosphere to the city. Look down over the waterway from Bratislava Castle, which offers free visits, and then take a stroll around the old town.

Get around town with a Bratislava Card, which entitles you to 24-hour travel on buses and trams for €10. It also gets you a discount at museums such as the City History Museum and B-S 4, where you can learn about World War II and the Cold War.

Check into Patio Hostel for around $15 per night, or get a private room at Hotel Taxis for $35. Tuck into some authentic Slovak cuisine at Viecha U Sedliaka, or grab a coffee with hip locals at Urban House.

There is plenty to see and do in Bratislava, and the locals are incredibly friendly. Take a few days to see the city, and tack-on a trip to Vienna for a dual-city trip.