4.5 days in Vienna, 1 day for Wachau Valley, is Bratislava worth it??

We did a quick trip of 3 days in Vienna plus a day trip to Bratislava and really enjoyed it. You could definitely spend longer in Vienna, but I didn't feel the trip was rushed. Coming from London so we didn't have any jet lag to deal with.

I really loved Bratislava- a very small, easily walkable city with very friendly people.

I spent less than a day walking around Bratislava on my river cruise a few years ago, but I really enjoyed it. I loved the little statues peeking out everywhere.

I wouldn't give up 1 out of 3.5 days in Vienna to see Bratislava. Okay, maybe, just maybe if you hire a guide that gets you out of Old Town. Old Town is a lovely restored museum district that exists only to serve tourists. But lovely. But not much culturally authentic about it. But lovely.

I echo Mr E. I wouldn't give up the time on Vienna to visit Bratislava.

In fact, I would add a half day or so at least to the Wachau Valley. It is sooo beautiful.

I am similarly aged with similar interests. I would say just stick with your plan to see Vienna in 3.5 days plus your day trip to the Wachau.

But important question - what time of year is this trip happening?

We are in Budapest from 15 - 19 Oct, Vienna from 19 - 24 Oct and Prague from 24 - 28 Oct.

A few of my favorite places for walking in the fall in Vienna:

1. Botanical Garden/Belvedere Garden
2. Schonbrunn Garden (try to find the Taubenhaus and the tree arches near Finstreallee)
3. Kahlenberg and the walk down to Nussdorf using Stadtwanderweg 1 (stop at the wineries along the way for some wine or fresh grape juice with cold cuts, I like Mayer am Nussberg; to reach Kahlenberg take the 38a bus from Heiligenstadt U4 station).
4. Oberlaa Kurpark
5. Zentralfriedhof (absolutely stunning in the fall)
6. The Saturday farmer's market at Karmelitermarkt
7. The Hauptallee at Prater

For architecture:

1. Otto Wagner/Secession Highlights (Majolikahaus, Secession Building, Otto Wagner Pavilions, Main Post Office, Kirche am Steinhof)
2. Wien Museum (a museum, I know, but it is free and gives a great overview of architecture for Vienna - also newly renovated).
3. Churches (Stephansdom obviously, Karlskirche, Jesuitenkirche which I think is the most beautiful)
4. Hundertwasser (Spittelau incinerator, Hundertwasserhaus, Kunsthaus)
5. Biedermeier (Spittelberg, Kurrentgasse, Naglergasse, Schonlanterngasse)
6. Innenhof or Inner courtyards (the one as you go into the Deutschordenskirche, the building on the corner of Blutgasse/Singerstrasse just go inside, Heiligenkreuzerhof)

Thanks a lot for all your responses, this is very helpful.

I wanted to mention there is a high speed catamaran between Vienna and Bratislava on the Danube( twin city liner) that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is fairly scenic and you go through at least one lock.

Some people would choose to stay in Vienna as evidenced by comments above. I would choose the day trip to Bratislava. I found it’s Old City very walkable and interesting.

Carol now retired, did you sit inside or outside? What time of year? Did you find it noisy or rough? I see tickets are 34euro to 54euro each way?

@ James E I did not sit on the ferry, I watched it go by while I was on a river cruise ship. Our cruise director spoke highly if this connection and I can vouch that the scenery on that section was interesting.

We are doing the same itinerary a month earlier! Glad you asked the question about Bratislava.