What budget for activities and outings Slovakia?
Many of the country's museums and castles open their doors to visitors free of charge on the first Monday of every month - find out more on the relevant websites. Otherwise, visits to the main sites are not very expensive (€2 to €8). Children, students and pensioners benefit from reduced rates, and admission is often free for children under 6.
There are various formulas available, such as the Bratislava City Card (€18/25) (http://card.visitbratislava.com) or the Orava Pass or Liptov Region Card, which offer substantial savings on entrance fees to sites and on certain restaurants and partner accommodation.
If you want to do some sport in Slovakia, the best plan is to go hiking. There are so many trails all over the country that you'll never get bored. In winter, cross-country skiing and ski touring are the most economical, natural and environmentally-friendly ways to enjoy sport and discover the country's riches. Then there are the classic ski resorts scattered across each of the country's mountain ranges. Large or small, ski passes are cheaper than in France. You can also try paragliding or climbing the country's highest peak, Gerlach, but these activities require the supervision and support of a professional.
For mountain rescue (Horská záchranná služba - www.hzs.sk - [email protected]), 18 300 is the number to remember and call in the event of a serious problem during your hikes. The home page of the website provides real-time information on the weather and snow conditions.
Life in Slovakia is generally less expensive than in France, but don't expect to find any bargains when it comes to shopping. Foreign and consumer goods are priced much the same as in France, and sometimes even more expensive. Stores are concentrated mainly in large shopping malls, where you'll find the same classic brand names that you'll find everywhere. Payment by debit or credit card is generally accepted, even in small stores.
Going out in Slovakia doesn't cost much. Some discotheques, especially in Bratislava, which host international DJs, raise their prices, sometimes very artificially, but without becoming more expensive than in France, far from it. If you stick to beer, you'll get by for a few euros and have an excellent evening, but the bill will quickly rise if you go for cocktails or champagne.
What budget to eat Slovakia?
Easy and cheaper to eat at the restaurant at lunchtime! The majority of the country's restaurants offer a "Denne menu", a weekday lunch menu (2 to 4 choices of soup + main course, often with a salad buffet) for a price of between €3.50 and €5.50. That's how Slovaks eat lunch, and it's good. So there's no reason to save up by just trying to make yourself a sandwich for lunch.
As for the gourmet breaks, you will have no trouble finding cheap pastries or viennoiseries. Espresso coffee is in the same price range as in France, the locals having more of a tea tradition. During the Soviet era coffee was a luxury product and even today shops are still very poorly stocked with expensive coffee of poor quality. On the other hand, this is not the case for its beers, which are of excellent quality and particularly cheap with an average price around €1.50 per pint. Wine is available by the glass or bottle in classic establishments, but rarely of excellent quality. If you're a wine lover, wait until you're in a vinoteka or gourmet restaurant to order wine. It'll be more expensive, but you'll be sure to have something drinkable
What is the budget for accommodation Slovakia?
There's a whole range of accommodation available to travelers in Slovakia, with prices to match. In the low season, you can find a nice room in a hostel or hotel for between €50 and €60, a rate that rises and can even double in the high season, especially during the long Easter weekends or during the festive season and mountain vacations. All methods of payment are accepted, and most small hotels even accept credit cards.
Travel budget Slovakia and cost of living
The cost of living in Slovakia is lower than in France: the local minimum wage, although rising every year, is €575.18 (net). Transport and meals - between €6 and €15 for lunch in a restaurant - are not expensive. Accommodation will probably be the main expense of your stay in Slovakia. The cheapest option is to find a bed in a youth hostel. Otherwise, standard hotels outside Bratislava are more affordable than in France.
