Фотогалерея ‒ Bratislava, Slovakia

Guide to Bratislava

Virtual city tour

Bratislava, a petite European capital with just over 400,000 residents, is truly a city made for exploring on foot. Much of its area is car-free, allowing you to traverse Bratislava from end to end in a single day. It's a place that's impossible not to fall in love with, where medieval castles, formidable fortresses, and opulent palaces seamlessly blend with modern infrastructure.

The magic of Bratislava truly comes alive during the New Year and Christmas holidays, as the warm and cozy atmosphere of the main square, Old Market, captivates every visitor.

This Slovakian capital is an excellent choice for a gastronomic adventure. Local breweries produce several varieties of national craft beer, while local chefs have delightful surprises in store for you.

Visitors often remark on Bratislava's unique spirit of freedom in the air. Despite challenging times during the Middle Ages, including the Turkish invasion, Bratislava played a pivotal role in the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) movement. The city's residents hold this period of history in high regard, evident in the names of main landmarks like the New Bridge and Walking Square, as well as transportation stops named after the SNP. After experiencing these places, Bratislava is sure to hold a special place in your heart forever!

Photos of Bratislava

Tips for tourists

If you have only one day to explore Bratislava, you don't have to go beyond the Old Town. This is where the main highlights of the capital are concentrated.
Those wishing to save money on accommodation should stay in such areas as Ružinovo, Nové Město, Petřalka. In the center (Stare Mesto) hotel rooms are significantly more expensive.
It is more practical to order a cab over the phone or through a special Internet application. Stopping a car on the street can cost 2-3 times as much.
Population
425 000
Time zone
GMT+1
Language
Slovak
Currency
EUR

Tours to Bratislava

Today, there are numerous package tours available for Bratislava. A standard trip, which typically includes flights, hotel accommodation, meals, and basic medical insurance, can be found online starting from 560 EUR for a week-long stay in Slovakia's capital.

If you opt for similar conditions through a travel agency, you may expect to pay from 630 EUR. Keep in mind that hot ticket deals can be as low as 400 EUR, but it's essential to carefully consider the accommodation options and choose a hotel with good recommendations.

During a week's vacation in Bratislava, most visitors find the time to explore the city's rich cultural heritage. Castles, palaces, and both serious and humorous monuments leave lasting impressions on travelers.

For those who are undecided about visiting Bratislava, a visit during Christmas Eve is highly recommended. Unlike other bustling European capitals, Slovakia's heart feels cozy and warm.

Bratislava is a place where Russian and Ukrainian languages are well understood, alongside English and German (Slovak language includes many borrowed words). Local cuisine is not only delicious and hearty, with influences from Slavic national cuisines, but also intriguing with its own unique twists and specialties. This makes Bratislava an excellent choice for a gastronomic vacation.

Additionally, its convenient location for visiting "big brothers" Vienna and Budapest makes the choice clear. Bratislava is undoubtedly a city worth exploring.

Interesting places in Bratislava

Bratislava has earned a unique distinction, as highlighted by a recent UNESCO statistical report. It boasts the highest density of cultural monuments "by weight," meaning per square kilometer. Beyond the iconic palaces and castles that define the city, Bratislava's landscape is adorned with a fascinating array of original monuments. Some carry historical significance, while others are crafted specifically as picturesque photo spots for tourists.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

The Bratislava Štefánik International Airport, also called Bratislava-Ivanka, (IATA code: BTS, ICAO: LZIB) is located east of the city center in the small village of Ivanka. The airport receives about one and a half million passengers annually.

Tickets from Paris to Bratislava and back, on average, cost from 150 EUR. Direct flights are operated by Wizz Air and Ryanair. These carriers offer the cheapest tickets.

A flight London-Bratislava-London will cost 200 EUR. You can get there without connections with the air carrier Pobeda. This is the most budget travel option.

Flight during New Year, Christmas, and Easter holidays is 30% more expensive. In the low season (February through April and October through November), airfares are 25-35% cheaper.

Flighting during the New Year, Christmas, and Easter holidays is 30% more expensive.

The best hotels in Bratislava

Bratislava has only recently begun to actively develop its tourism sector. Nevertheless, there is accommodation to suit all tastes, from modest hostels to luxurious five-star hotels, the number of which has been increasing rapidly in recent years.

A double room in Bratislava in a three-star hotel (e.g. Elisabeth Old Town, Ibis Bratislava Centrum or Viktor) will cost from 50 EUR per night.

The price for a similar room in a 4-star hotel (Tatra, Austria Trend Bratislava, DREAM Bratislava) starts from 75 EUR.

Luxury 5-star hotels (Boutique Capsule Hostel CHORS, Marrol's, Sheraton Bratislava) offer double rooms from 100 EUR per night.

The cost of vacation

Bratislava is an ideal city for a romantic getaway for couples or a relaxing week-long vacation for large families. As the Slovakian capital gains popularity among tourists from all over Europe, it remains reasonably priced.

For a rough estimate of a four-day, three-night vacation, consider the following costs:

  • Flight to Bratislava-Ivanka Airport
  • 3-star hotel accommodation with breakfast included
  • Lunch and dinner at local restaurants
  • Basic cultural activities, such as a visit to Bratislava Castle

The budget for a trip to Bratislava
Flight from 150 EUR Accommodation from 50 EUR
Average check in a restaurant from 10 EUR Excursion from 10 EUR
Travel by public transportation from 0.7 EUR
Total: from 398 EUR for 1 person for 4 days of rest

Bratislava: tips for tourists

Tips from tripmydream will help make your vacation in the capital of Slovakia truly unforgettable.

Visa to Bratislava

No visa needed for European citizens

Airport

The airport near Bratislava, in the village of Ivanka, is the closest airport to the Slovak capital, named after Štefánik, a famous scientist and politician. The airport has three terminals, two of which serve passenger flights, the last one for cargo transportation.

Transfer

To get from the airport to the center of Bratislava you can take a cab (the trip will take up to 20 minutes and cost 15-20 EUR) or a 24-hour city bus (public transport will take half an hour and cost 2 EUR). An alternative option is a pre-booked shuttle service for 10 EUR.

Car rental

To rent a car in Bratislava, you need to be over 21 years old, have a driver's license, credit card and a year or more of driving experience. It is better to rent a car in advance by booking your favorite model online. Car rental costs from 8 EUR per day.

Transport

Bratislava's public transportation is buses, streetcars, and trolleybuses. There is no subway in the city. The cost of transportation ranges from 0.7 to 2 EUR. Cab around the city will cost from 8 to 20 EUR. When ordering a taxi, you should use phone numbers of dispatchers or special Internet applications.

Safety

Bratislava is rightly considered one of the safest European capitals. The laws here are quite strict. Under no circumstances should you get behind the wheel while drunk, nor should you drive over the speed limit. You can go to jail for "innocent" driving faster than 60 km/h or with a small amount of alcohol in your blood.

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