Hostelworld Guide for Bratislava

Hostelworld Guide for Bratislava
The Essentials
A small city with a bubbly personality, Bratislava is one of the most attractive and welcoming cities to be
found along the Danube. Each year it attracts huge numbers of visitors thanks to its myriad of attractions
and its friendly residents. Visitors to the city run the gamut from culture vultures looking to enjoy all that
the city's historical centre has to offer, to the partygoers who come to Bratislava to sample its far from
insubstantial nightlife. Throughout the city you'll come across a number of great sights including Bratislava
Castle, St. Martin's Cathedral and a plethora of museums and art galleries. Shopaholics are well catered
for too, with a number of large shopping centres to be explored. When the sun goes down, you won't
believe the sheer number of options this city boasts. Whether you fancy a leisurely dinner, some live
music or an all-night dance party, you'll find it here. Home to close to half a million people, the Slovakian
capital is a worthy stop on any trip to Eastern Europe.
In this Guide...
Useful Information
After Dark
Places to Eat
Top Attractions
Budget Tips
Where to Shop
Getting There
By plane: Bratislava is served by the R. Stefánik
Airport, which is located 9km from the city centre.
To get into the city centre, you can hop on one of
the inexpensive buses departing from outside the
terminal. A taxi to the city centre will cost between
€15-€20 but make sure you use official taxis as
there are others who will rip you off and charge you
up to €50.
By train: Bratislava's main railway station is about
10 minutes walk from the city centre. Services from
all over the country, as well as from Hungary,
Germany, Austria and more, terminate here.
By bus: Bus services from across Europe operate
through Slovakia, with many services terminating at
Bratislava's Central Bus Station at Mlynské nivy.
Getting Around
On foot: Many of the city's main attractions are in
and around the Old Town area and are reachable
on foot; however, you will need to use public
transport at some stage during your stay.
By bus: Bratislava's extensive bus network runs on
approximately 60 routes each day, with around 18
routes served during the night.
By tram: Trams run across Bratislava on 13
different lines and are a very popular way of getting
around the city.
Useful Phrases
Hello: Dobrý deň
Goodbye: Dovidenia
Please: Prosím
Thank you: Dakujem
You're welcome: Nie je zač
Yes: Áno
No: Nie
Of course: Iste
Excuse me: Prepáčte mi
How are you?: Ako sa má ?
Open: Otvorené
Closed: Zatvorené
What is your name?: Ako sa volá ?
My name is...: Volám sa...
How much?: Koľko?
May I have the bill?: Prosím si účet?
Hostelworld Guide for Bratislava
Climate
As a result of its continental climate, Bratislava
usually sees four distinct seasons over the course of
a year. Summers are warm, with July being the
warmest month and seeing temperatures of around
21ºC. These summers can also be quite wet, and
July gets the most rainfall at an average of 73mm.
January and February tend to be the coldest
months, with temperatures sometimes dropping
below zero. In terms of sunshine, the months of May
to August typically get 9 hours every day.
Good to know...
Language: Slovak
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 220V, AC/50Hz
Area code: +421 (Slovakia), 02 (Bratislava)
Emergency codes: Ambulance 112, Fire
112/150, Police 112/158
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT +1)
Central Post Office: Namestie SNP 35
Main Tourist Office: Main Tourist Information
Office, Klobučnicka ul 2
Embassies and Consulates
UK: +421 (0)2 5998 2000
USA: +421 (0)2 5443 0861
Canada: +421 (0)2 5920 4031
Australia: +43 (0)1 506 740*
New Zealand: +49 (0)30 206 210**
South Africa: +421 (0)2 2077 1025***
Ireland: +421 (0)2 5930 9611
Germany: +421 (0)2 5920 4400
Spain: +421 (0)2 5441 5724
Italy: +421 (0)2 5464 0067
France: +421 (0)2 5934 7111
*Embassy in Vienna
**Embassy in Berlin
***Consulate in Bratislava
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Cheap Eats
Bagel and Coffee Story, Stúrova 13, Old Town
This top-notch bagel shop is the place to go if
you're looking for quick service and reasonable
prices. It offers breakfast bagels, as well as a whole
range of other fillings including salmon, tuna, ham
and cheese, vegetarian and much more. Coffees,
milkshakes and virgin cocktails round off the menu.
Open Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm, closed Sun.
And the Verdict is...
Verdict, Panská 6, Old Town Perfect for a
cheap and tasty lunch, Verdict offers outdoor
seating on a shaded deck area. Prompt service
is provided by friendly staff. Slovakian
specialities such as 'bryndzové pirohy', a type of
dumpling (pictured), are available. Open
Sun-Thurs 11am-12am, Fri & Sat 11am-1am.
Sole Mio, Grösslingova 31, Ruzinov A stone's
throw from the beautiful Blue Church, this
restaurant boasts a great view from its outdoor
seating area. Very good value, Sole Mio offers tasty
food prepared quickly. Daily specials on pizzas and
pasta dishes are available, so check it out for a
relaxed meal in a great location. Open Mon-Fri
7.30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am & 10pm.
Medusa, Michalská 21, Old Town Medusa serves
up everything from steaks to salads, along with
pasta, soups, risotto and much more. This funky
restaurant and bar boasts reasonable prices and a
friendly air. A great spot to relax with a meal in one
of the wicker chairs outside. Open Mon-Thurs
11am-1am, Fri & Sat 11am-3am, Sun 11am-12am.
Bella Napoli, Drevená 10, Old Town Offering a
huge range of Italian dishes, it's no surprise that
Bella Napoli is a very popular restaurant. The low
prices offered also help. You should be able to get
a table easily as there are lots both inside and
outside. A relaxed yet lively atmosphere completes
this eatery's appeal. Open daily 9am-11pm.
After Dark
Aligator, Laurinská 7, Old Town Perfect for rock
fans, this dark gem of a bar is reached by heading
down a flight of stairs under the watchful eye of, you
guessed it, an alligator. Not a live one, of course,
just a pretty cool statue. Once inside the bar you
can sample the extensive drinks menu, find some
space on the floor to mosh along to the music, or
catch one of the many live performances. Open
Tues-Sat 6pm-3am, closed Sun and Mon.
The Sl ov ak P ub, Obchodná 62, Ol d Town
Beloved by both the local students and the visiting
hordes of backpackers, the Slovak Pub serves up a
slew of cheap drinks. Spirits, beers, cocktails and
wines are all available here are rock-bottom prices
so make sure you check it out. Open Mon-Thurs
10am-12am, Fri-Sat 10am-2am, Sun 12pm-12am;
free WiFi available.
Downtown, Klariská 8, Old Town With its chic
interior and outdoor seating, this bar offers lots of
different options depending on what you want from
your night. You can sit outside and watch people
pass by as the sun sets, or sip your drinks inside
surrounded by a buzz of conversation. The bar area
is narrow but quite long, and features a big screen
TV and a substantial stereo system. Open
Sun-Thurs 11am-12am, Fri-Sat 11am & 3am.
Gay/Lesbian Bratislava
Despite its relatively small size, the gay scene
in Bratislava is pretty lively with a number of
bars and clubs to check out across the city. The
city's oldest gay club is the Apollon on
Panenská 24. Other top venues include 4Pinks
(Zupné nám 3) and Spider (Jedikova 9).
Café Viki, Banskobystrická 18 Away from the
main nightlife areas, this relaxed bar is a great
place for a quiet drink during the day after visiting
Grassalkovich. It also has internet access, if you
feel the need to check your email. Everything from
whiskeys to fruit juices can be found on the drinks
menu, and prices couldn't be any more reasonable.
Open Mon-Fri 9am-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun
4pm-10pm.
Castum Pub, Obchodná 36, Old Town Head up
the stairs and cross Castum's outdoor deck area to
reach the long bar area inside. Bright and airy, it
stretches back a long way and is filled with
chattering locals and visitors alike. Cheap beer,
cocktails, spirits and more are all available from the
prompt bar staff. Open Mon-Thurs 8am-12am, Fri
8am-1am, Sat & Sun 11am-12pm.
Hostelworld Guide for Bratislava
Don't Miss
Gone to the garden
Grassalkovich Garden, Hodzovo nám, Old
Town Found behind the Grassalkovich
Presidential Palace, this large garden area was
opened in 1919. Today it's filled with colourful
flowerbeds, tall trees and well-kept expanses of
grass. Open daily, Nov-Feb 10am-6pm, Mar
10am-7pm, Apr-May 8am-8pm, June-Sept
8am-9pm, Oct 10am-8pm; admission free.
Bratislava City Gallery, Pálffy Palace, Panská
19, Old Town Probably the most interesting thing
about this gallery is the 'Passage' exhibit, an
intriguing corridor of mirrors, giving the effect that
you're standing between endless walls of stacked
books. Housed inside a 19th century building, the
gallery also boasts Gothic paintings and sculptures.
Open Tues-Sun 11am-6pm, closed Mon; admission
€3.50.
Natural Science Museum, Vajanskeho nabrezie
2, Old Town Housed over four floors, this natural
history museum hosts lots of interesting displays.
You'll see animals of both national and international
origin, including birds, fish, insects, mammals and
more. Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm, closed Mon;
admission €3.50.
Devín Castle, Muránska ul., Devín This fortress
was constructed in the 13th century, with other
buildings added later. Make sure to check out the
exhibits covering the castle's history, along with the
castle well. Open Apr-Oct Tues-Sun 10am-5pm,
May-Sept Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm;
admission €3.
St. Martin's Cathedral, Rudnayovo nám 1, Old
Town Built in the early part of the 13th century, this
Gothic Cathedral is one of the city's most important
houses of worship. The largely stone interior is
enhanced by stunning stained glass windows. Open
Mon-Sat 9am-11.30am & 1pm-5pm, Sun
1.30pm-4.30pm; admission €2.
Mark Your Calendar
April - Bratislava for Everyone Over the course of
one weekend in April, both locals and visitors have
the chance to visit important buildings which are
usually closed to the public.
May - Night of Museums and Galleries Each year
on this day many of Bratislava's numerous
museums and art galleries open their doors to the
public late into the night.
June - Children's Day An annual event, Children's
Day celebrates Slovakia's young people. A wide
variety of events, exhibits and competitions are all
part of the festival.
August - Organ Music Days During this popular
festival the history of organ music is celebrated.
Performances by local and international artists can
be heard over the course of the event.
September - Coronation Festivities Throughout
this celebration which remembers the
Austro-Hungarian monarchs crowned here, actors
dress up in period costumes and perform
reenactments. Parades and fireworks are also part
of the festivities.
October - Bratislava Jazz Days Initially started in
1975, this hugely successful festival of jazz boasts
performances from top-class musicians from
around the world.
November-December - Bratislava Music Festival
Now in its 45th year, this annual event is a
celebration of classical music and is hosted by the
Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. Over 2 weeks the
event features performances by national and
international musicians.
November-December - Christmas Market Held in
and around the Old Town's main square, this event
sees 100 different stalls setting up shop. These
offer everything from traditional foods to crafts to
handmade jewellery and more. This market attracts
a large number of visitors to the city.
December - Next Music Festival On the go since
the year 2000, this is a popular alternative music
event. Throughout the festivities, numerous musical
performances, video events and more take place.
December - International Film Festival Heading
into its 11th edition, the International Film Festival
sees national and international feature films and
short movies screened across the city.
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Neighbourhood Watch
'Staré Mesto' or 'Old Town' Bratislava's Old Town
area is where visitors usually spend most of their
time. That's due to the high concentration of
attractions here, including everything from the
Bratislava City Gallery to St. Martin's Cathedral.
The Slovak National Theatre, along with a large
number of bars and restaurants can also be found
here.
'Nové Mesto' or 'New Town' 'Nové Mesto',
Bratislava's New Town, is easily reachable by tram.
H er e y ou'l l find plenty to o cc upy your t ime .
Shopping fiends will delight in the expansive
selection at Polus City Center, while the more
outdoorsy types will love the Bratislava Forest Park.
This park covers over 27 kilometres, and is home to
various things to see and do, including a chairlift.
Petrzalka Across the river from the Old Town area,
this section of Bratislava boasts lots of things to
tempt visitors into crossing the Danube. While in
Petrzalka, you can walk through the beautiful
expanse of the Sad Janka Kral'a, shop at the huge
AuPark shopping centre or even check out the
UFO-like structure at the top of the New Bridge.
Cunovo Located a mere 20 kilometres from
Bratislava's city centre, Cunovo is well-worth the
trip. Not only boasting cultural attractions such as
the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, it is also
home to the Water Sports Centre Cunovo. This
centre has its own artificial white-water slalom
which is popular with visitors, and it also hosts a
number of water sports events.
The Castle's village
Devín While Devín Castle is without a doubt the
main attraction in this village, there are also
other things to tempt visitors here. Only around
20 minutes by bus from Bratislava city centre,
Devín boasts pretty walks along the Morava
River, as well as various places to sample some
of the local food and drink.
Hostelworld Guide for Bratislava
Retail Therapy
Stalls and all
Jedlíkova Open-Air Market, Obchodná, Old
Town Beneath the Castum Pub, this market is
comprised of numerous stalls offering
everything from shades to shoes. Prices are
reasonable, making this a great spot to pick up
some extra clothes during your trip. Open
Mon-Fri 9am-6.30pm, Sat 8.30am-2pm, closed
Sun.
AuPark, Einsteinova ul. 18, Petrzalka Stretching
over three floors, the AuPark shopping centre
provides a smorgasbord of local and international
brand names for avid shoppers to feast upon. Some
well-known brands on offer here include Esprit,
Benneton, Mango, H&M, C&A, and Swarovski,
among others. Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat & Sun
9am-9pm.
Polus City Center, Vajnorská 100, Nové Mesto A
short trip by tram will bring you from the city centre
to this shopping behemoth. From the main, domed
atrium various avenues branch off and these are
filled with shops of all sizes. A staggering range of
goods is available, from clothing to electronics and
much more, with both local and international brands
well-represented. Open daily 9am-9pm.
Main Square Market Stalls, Hlavné nám, Old
Town Lining two sides of Bratislava's historic main
square, these stalls are a popular stop with visitors
to the city. As well as offering the usual souvenirs,
you'll also come across an interesting collection of
crafts, handmade jewellery, tin soldiers and more.
Open daily 9am-7pm.
Obchodná, Old Town Bratislava's main shopping
street is home to numerous shops, with local
brands the most prominent. Various boutiques,
electronics stores, gift shops and more can all be
found along this busy stretch. Some globally
recognisable brands are also evident here,
including New Yorker, Intimissi and a number of
others.
Bratislava for Free
Walk across the 'Novy most' or 'New Bridge'
Spanning the Danube, this bridge was completed in
1972 and carries both road and foot traffic across
the river. As you cross you'll be afforded great
views of the Danube and Old Town. You'll also be
able to get a good look at the UFO-esque construct
at the top of the bridge's 84-metre tall tower.
Visit the Slavín Monument An important
monument, Slavín was built to honour the almost
6,900 Soviet soldiers who were killed in Bratislava
during WWII. A visit here is a solemn experience,
as you'll see many soldiers' graves surrounding the
towering 39.5-metre tall monument.
Stroll through Sad Janka Kral'a Park Calm and
peaceful, this is the place to go if you're looking to
unwind. A walk through this beautiful, open park will
take you past colourful flowers, funky free-standing
art, a large fountain and more. Locals can often be
seen enjoying a respite from city life here, whether
that's playing frisbee on the grass or just lounging
under the shade of one of the many trees.
Wander along Hviezdoslavovo námestie From its
collection of fountains to its variety of interesting
artworks and statues, Hviezdoslavovo nám is a
must while in Bratislava. Reaching from the Slovak
National Theatre to the New Bridge, it offers shade
under tall leafy trees. Numerous cafés line one side
of this well-loved stretch.
Hey blue, here's a song for you
Marvel at the Blue Church A visually stunning
structure, the Blue Church or 'Modry kostolik'
exterior is painted in a variety of pretty blue
hues. Inside, the church also features bright
blue pews. Colourful stained glass windows
hanging chandeliers and a number of
interesting statues increase the appeal of the
peaceful interior. Open daily 7am-6pm.
A Day in Bratislava...
Start the day with a tasty breakfast bagel at the
Bagel and Coffee Story on Stúrova in the city's Old
Town area.
From here it's a short walk to the intriguing Natural
Science Museum. Here you can learn more about
animals from around the world thanks to the
numerous exhibits.
Cross the New Bridge (below) enjoying the view.
Then exercise your wallet at the AuPark shopping
centre, before taking a walk through Sad Janka
Kral'a Park.
Return to the Old Town Area, stopping for lunch at
one of the many restaurants along Laurinská or
Panská.
Visit the intriguing Bratislava City Gallery, home to
'the Passage', which is housed inside the 19th
century Pálffy Palace.
Walk through the Main Square, having a look at the
various stalls that set up shop there. You can also
sit by Maximilian's Fountain.
Check out the Grassalkovich Presidential Palace
with its impressive fountain out front. Don't forget to
have a wander through the lovely gardens behind
the Palace too.
Enjoy a delicious and very reasonably priced meal
from the extensive selection of dishes offered by
Bella Napoli on Drevená.
Climb the stairs to go have a few drinks in the
Castum Pub, a popular spot just above Obchodná's
market.
Spend the rest of the night sipping cocktails and
enjoying the music at Cocoloco on Nam. SNP.
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