Devin Castle: Located at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, overlooking the Slovakian- Austrian border, are the ruins of Devin Castle. An important strategic point from the 5th century B.C to the early 1800s, the castle was eventually destroyed by Napoleon’s Troops in 1809. Now a museum, this castle is only a 20-minute drive from Bratislava.
Banská Štiavnica: Slovakia’s oldest mining town, Banská Štiavnica is a surprisingly beautiful gem. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this town lies in a great caldera created by a collapsed volcano. Just under two hours from the capital by car, the town has volcano climbs and Renaissance palaces which are not to be missed.
The Small Carpathians Wine Route: Beginning at the eastern edge of Bratislava, the Small Carpathian’s 60-kilometre wine route meanders its way through the countryside, taking in photogenic villages and vineyards. Make sure you stop by the settlement of Grinava and enjoy a dish of roast goose — the local delicacy. You can also visit wineries and have tastings, but remember to have a designated driver.