Travel Guide Bratislava
The "old village" charm and relaxing atmosphere of Bratislava make it a unique place in this part of Europe. Situated on the banks of the Danube, close to Vienna, Budapest and Prague, the Slovak capital - Presburg for German speakers, Pozsony for Hungarian speakers - is a mix of sophisticated restaurants, traditional pubs, music ranging from jazz to opera, and history of course, dating back to pre-Roman times. The city has been occupied by Celts, Romans, Germans, Hungarians and Jews, so all these cultures have left a legacy of architectural, linguistic and gastronomic treasures. The Bratislava tour guide will take you from the palaces of Austro-Hungarian noble families to the ancient vineyards on the city's slopes, from the castle with its breathtaking views of the medieval city and the Danube valley to the Museum of Jewish Culture and the Hatam Sofer Memorial, named after the city's most famous rabbi. Communism has also left its mark: the rows of concrete block housing - paneláky in Slovak - on the horizon and the UFO (UFO-shaped monument overlooking the new bridge) in the foreground. The Danube itself is one of the city's main assets and the cafes along its banks are legion. Nonchalant atmosphere, amazing historical heritage, intoxicating nightlife, sporty and gourmet routes, there is something for everyone in Bratislava!
What to visit Bratislava?
Suggested addresses Bratislava
When to go to Bratislava?
When to go to Bratislava? The best season to visit Bratislava and the rest of Slovakia is from May to September. The mild weather allows you to fully enjoy the city without fear of the cold. The rest of the year, museum opening hours are restricted. May, June and September are ideal months, as they are spared the summer heat waves of the continental climate. Bratislava is not a very touristy city, so you won't feel drowned in a flood of visitors in shorts and caps. Some hotels offer discounts the rest of the year, but this is not a common practice. Winter, and Christmas in particular, is a charming time to visit the Slovak capital as well. So when to go to Bratislava? Ideally in May, June and September!
Weather at the moment
The climate of Bratislava - and of Slovakia in general - is continental: winters are long, cold and snowy, and summers are hot, even very hot and stormy. Half seasons are almost non-existent, although spring and autumn can be rainy. Temperatures in Bratislava range from -3°C in the dead of winter to 27°C in August.
Accommodation in Bratislava is the most important part of the budget even if the prices are generally cheaper than in France. Hostels, youth hostels and student rooms are very cheap. Getting around the city, as well as restaurants, are cheap. To get an idea of the prices in general, we will keep in mind that the Slovak minimum wage is around 400 € net.
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, which is a European country. European nationals therefore do not need a visa, an identity document is sufficient. Prefer a passport if you may be planning a getaway to Ukraine's neighbours. You will be asked for identification at each of the hotels where you will be staying. For Canadians and Swiss, Bratislava does not require a visa for tourist stays of less than three months.
No specific vaccine is required to travel to Bratislava. Be sure to keep your vaccinations up to date, especially against tetanus. The Slovak medical system is good, especially in the capital. For on-call pharmacies, a list is generally available at the tourist office and on the city's website. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Bratislava.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Bratislava? Our advice & tips
Although some travel agencies offer short stays in Bratislava, it is more often combined with a visit to the rest of the country or included in a larger tour of Eastern Europe that the Slovak capital can be found in the catalogs of tour operators and other travel professionals. It is possible to discover Bratislava only for a weekend with family or friends, for a honeymoon or even for a solo trip.
The average price of a flight from Paris to Bratislava is around €150 for a traditional airline and between €20 and €100 for low cost airlines. Please note that the price variation depends on the airline used and, above all, on the reservation deadline. To get good rates, it is essential to book in advance.
Before any trip, we advise you to consult the indispensable CP (Cestovné Poriadky) website. In Slovak and in English, it is the best comparative site for travel in Slovakia, listing all bus/train/airplane connections in Slovakia and abroad. Also good to know, Bratislava is connected to the two other capitals of the Danube, Vienna and Budapest, by boats. The excursion is a real pleasure and is not very expensive.
