Bratislava Travel Guide
As one of Europe’s smallest capital’s, Bratislava is a relaxed city with a delightful mix of beautiful old town, stylish restaurants and a wide range of music. Standing on the banks of the mighty River Danube it is easy to see why it is an increasingly popular choice. The once former royal capital of The Kingdom of Hungary, teamed up with the wrong side during the war and then, largely at the hands of the communist regime, lost a lot of its old beautiful buildings and charm to ugly buildings and major industrialisation.
Bratislava Castle
Best Time to visit Bratislava
Best time to visit Bratislava is in July and August, but the city is packed with tourists and prices are high. If you want to enjoy Bratislava, then May, June and September are ideal, with moderate temperatures and hotel prices, and a chance to see everything the city has to offers, on your own time.
April and October are fairly cold and rainy, but you can find great lodging deals.
Slovak winter may be cold and chilly, yet you can find amazing hotel deals. Hotel prices are at lowest, with a wide selection of lodgings. The city is also famous for bachelor party activities, therefore you can plan ahead for a crazy trip with friends.
Accommodation in Bratislava
If you are travelling on a budget, then this city is an ideal destination for you. Bratislava hotels represent excellent value for money and quality hotels at reasonable prices are in plentiful supply. You can choose from hotels to hostels for reasonable budget prices, within the whole vicinity of the city centre.
Book your stay in Bratislava using the map below or visit booking.com
Things to do in Bratislava
A symbol of the city, Bratislava Castle commands a panoramic view of the city and the Danube from its hilltop position. Now mostly restored and open to the public it houses items from the Slovak National Museum and is also used by the Slovak parliament. Outside are beautiful ornamental gardens to relax and take in the views.
If you’re feeling energetic, continue past the attractive hillside villas to the Soviet War Memorial at Slavin. Otherwise follow the quaint cobbled streets down to the traffic-free old town. Visit the historical main square Hlavne Namestie, where there is a modern statue of Napoleon’s Army soldier leaning over a bench.
The Town Hall is home to the City Museum and the Primatial Palace, where Napoleon signed the peace treaty are one of the main attractions.
Shopping in Bratislava
Bratislava is a city with a rich history and a vibrant shopping scene. There are a variety of options for shopping in the city, including modern shopping centres, traditional markets, and independent stores.
One popular destination for shopping in Bratislava is the Central Shopping Centre, which is located in the city centre and has over 150 stores and restaurants. The Polus City Centre is another popular shopping destination, with over 200 stores, a cinema, and a food court. The Aupark Shopping Centre, located just outside the city centre, is also worth a visit, with over 180 stores and a wide range of dining options.
For those interested in traditional markets, the Hlavné námestie (Main Square) in the city centre is a great place to visit. The square is surrounded by a number of stalls selling local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Slovakian products. The Dolnozemská tržnica (Lower Land Market), located just outside the city centre, is another popular market, with stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and other goods.
There are also many independent stores and boutiques scattered throughout the city, offering a wide range of products from clothing and accessories to home goods and gifts. Many of these stores can be found in the city’s historic neighbourhoods, such as the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter.
Overall, Bratislava offers a wide range of shopping options for visitors, with something to suit every taste and budget.
Where to eat in Bratislava
Bratislava has a diverse and vibrant food scene. The city has a rich culinary history that is influenced by its location at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Balkans, as well as its diverse population.
Traditional Slovak cuisine features hearty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as potatoes, cabbage, and meats like pork, beef, and chicken. Common dishes include halusky (boiled dumplings with cheese or potato filling), bryndzove halusky (dumplings with sheep cheese), and pirohy (boiled dumplings filled with meat or cheese).
In addition to traditional Slovak cuisine, Bratislava has a range of international restaurants offering cuisine from around the world, including Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. The city is also home to a number of craft breweries and wine bars, as well as coffee shops and bakeries.
The city’s food scene is also influenced by its location on the Danube River, which is home to a variety of freshwater fish, including carp and pike. Fish dishes, such as fried or grilled fish, are a popular choice in Bratislava.
Overall, the food scene in Bratislava is diverse and offers something for everyone, from traditional Slovak dishes to international cuisine. Check the list below with 10 of the most popular restaurants in Bratislava:
1. Roxor BRGR & BEER: a casual restaurant that specialised in burgers and craft beer.
Website: https://roxorburger.sk/en/
2. Houdini Restaurant: a modern restaurant that serves a variety of dishes with an emphasis on seasonality and locally sourced ingredients.
Website: https://www.restauranthoudini.sk/en/
3. Gatto Matto Panska: a modern Italian restaurant that serves a variety of traditional Italian dishes and a selection of Italian wines.
Website: https://www.gattomatto.sk/en/
4. Bistro St. Germain: a modern French bistro that serves a variety of traditional French dishes and a selection of French wines.
Website: https://www.bistrostgermain.sk/en/
5. Bistro Soho: a modern restaurant that serves a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/soho.dunajskan/
6. FABRIKA The Beer Pub: a casual restaurant and bar that serves a variety of dishes and a selection of local and international beers.
Website: https://www.fabrikapub.sk/en
7. LeTorri Restaurant: an Italian restaurant that serves a variety of traditional Italian dishes and a selection of Italian wines.
Website: https://letorri.sk/en/
8. Modrá Hviezda Restaurant: a traditional Slovak restaurant that serves a variety of traditional dishes and local beers.
Website: https://modrahviezda.sk/en/
9. Koliba Kamzik: a traditional Slovak restaurant that serves a variety of traditional dishes and local beers.
Website: https://zelena.kamzik.sk/en/
10. Dolnozemska Krcma: a traditional Slovak restaurant that serves a variety of traditional dishes and local beers.
Website: https://www.dolnozemskakrcma.sk/
Bratislava Nightlife
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia, and it has a vibrant nightlife scene. The city has a mix of modern clubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as more traditional pubs and beer halls.
One popular area for nightlife in Bratislava is the Old Town, which is home to many bars and clubs. The Hviezdoslavovo námestie and Rybné námestie squares are particularly popular, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from. The city also has a number of rooftop bars and clubs, which offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding region.
In addition to traditional clubs and bars, Bratislava has a number of cultural events and activities, including live music, theatre, and dance performances. There are also a number of casinos and gaming venues in the city, which can be a fun way to spend an evening.
Overall, Bratislava has something for everyone when it comes to nightlife, and visitors can find a range of options to suit their interests and preferences. Here are some of the most popular Clubs in Bratislava:
