Bratislava

Catering to both travellers looking for a touch of luxury and frugal backpackers, Bratislava offers a wide range of accommodation. Couples looking for a romantic inner-city experience may want to consider Wilson Palace, a hotel based in the heart of the city which offers classic elegance that harkens back to the decadence of the 1920’s. Adjacent to Wilson Palace is Loft Hotel Bratislava, which mirrors the classy feel of its neighbour with a more modern twist. There’s also Merrol’s Boutique Hotel in the older part of the city, which has a much more rustic aesthetic, for those looking to immerse themselves in Bratislava’s rich history.

With several modern malls and a bustling market in the centre of the city, Bratislava offers everything you need to indulge in a little retail therapy. The first stop on every shopper’s visit to the city should be the Eurovea Shopping Centre, a huge mall featuring worldwide brands alongside local labels as well as a bustling promenade that follows the edge of the Danube River with entertainment, bars and food running late into the night. If you’re looking for a more relaxed shopping experience, you can try the Trh-Piac-Markt which showcases local produce and runs every Saturday - there are lots of free samples at the market so go with an empty stomach and an open mind.

To match its growing art scene, recent years have also seen Bratislava play host to many culinary innovations. No trip to Bratislava is complete without a sample of their incredible cuisine. A great place to start is Roxor BRGR & Beer, which specialises in mouth-watering American burgers and world-leading service that have given it a superb reputation amongst food-lovers. There’s also the option to experience some modern fine-dining with Tempus Fugit, a French-Asian fusion restaurant set in a 15^th Century vault beneath the city. And if you fancy a more traditional taste of Bratislava you can also try Prasna Basta, a bohemian restaurant often visited by local artists, writers and musicians.

With traditions that date back to the medieval Hungarian Empire, Bratislava offers some truly unique experiences for travellers:

Bratislava City Days

A yearly celebration of the city itself, Bratislava City Days take place around the end of April and see many of the city’s biggest attractions open their doors for free. This is a great time to visit the city as you can enjoy free sightseeing tours and free entrance to every museum and gallery. There are also many performances and exhibitions throughout the city, making for a bold showcase of Bratislava’s culture.

Bratislava Rag

Celebrating culture and music, as well as marking May Day, the first weekend of May sees the city of Bratislava hosting a series of open-air concerts, thought-provoking talks and an awe-inspiring fireworks display. A great highlight of any trip, Bratislava Rag is an experience that’ll last a lifetime.

Slovak Food Festival

With a growing culinary diversity and a rich history of dishes to explore, the Slovak Food Festival in late May is a wonderful experience for visitors to the area. Nicknamed ‘the biggest picnic in town’ this is a great way to try local food and even befriend the residents of Bratislava.

Coronation Days

Step back in time as actors take to the streets of Bratislava in late June to re-enact a traditional Hungarian coronation. With exhibitions of traditional clothing, music, dancing and fighting throughout the city, this is a fantastic event for children and adults alike.