I'm off to Bratislava, Slovakia in three weeks. Can anyone recommend any good places to go?

Question

Nightlife, clubs, bars, shops, alcohol prices, daytime stuff, etc...

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Here's a response that isn't a cut&paste, doesn't talk about a city in a different country, and is from someone who've been there.

My most meaningful experiences were visiting a young woman who'd stayed as an au pair with us for a year and the mother of another woman who was with us for two years. Lacking that, I'd look for opportunities to talk to locals - English has replaced Russian as the preferred langauge to study for those under about 25.

There's a museum that fronts the main square. I wasn't keen on the torture exhibit in the basement, but liked the upstairs historical displays.

The castle on the hill is emblematic of Bratislava and has great views of the surrounding countryside. I actually preferred stomping around an abandoned castle 15 km away at the intersection of AU, SK, and CZ on the SK side of the rivers.

I was with my 5-year old son so I didn't bar hop, but there certainly were clubs around the main square. They seemed very trendy and maybe not were the everyday locals would go.

I didn't go to the University but that is an obvious place to meet young people.

Imported goods and McDonalds cost the same as everywhere. The things the locals do - shop in the grocery store, take the tram, etc, were maybe 1/3 Western European prices when I was there in 2005.

Answer 2

An excerpt from our Bratislava travelogue:

"We had a lovely day for the pretty ride from Prague to Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic. The first 80 kilometers were a mixture of forests, running rivers, and rolling green hills. As we approached Brno near the border, the scenery changed to lush agriculture, vineyards, fruit trees and crops of all types.

The population of Slovakia is 5.3 million with 453,000 living in Bratislava. One third of the population lives on the right bank in a concrete jungle built in the 1980's. Views from the castle high on the hill of the left bank are spectacular. The castle is large and very imposing. There is major reconstruction underway to improve the property and increase its commercial potential.

This is a university town so it was no wonder the streets were filled with young people. The outdoor cafes all had televisions rigged-up because Slovakia had done the impossible, made it into the hockey finals playing against whom else but the Czechs for the gold. It was quite exciting with cheers blasting throughout the town."

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 3

Depends how long you will be there. First I'd go next door to Vienna.
I hope the weather is warm for you. You'll love how the Slovenkas dress when it's warm. They are just waitin' for a cute boy from Essex to come & play. If you head up to Zilina or Martin, stop by Sundance Cafe in a little village outside of Martin, I heard it's the nicest place in Slovakia. The owners are a cool couple from California.

Answer 4

I live in Bratislava so I think I'm responsible to answer your question.
So at first you should go to the downtown called Old town, the best clubs, pubs, bars, hotels, restaurants are there.
The best clubs: Charliies, Laverna, Sparx and coyote ugly but this one is far from the old city..it depends on the kind of music you like....
Bars: every good bar is in the old town... doesn't matter the name... there are all good enough...good and cheap coctails, but very full of people in the evening..
If you want to go shoppin... don't look for it in the Old town...look for Shopping centers called Aupark and Polus... these two have good bus and tram connection from the Old city.
Daytime..mmm....I don't know... try white water in the Cunovo=rafting, or Aqua city in Senec, or just stay in the old town drink wine or beer and watch for girls.
Prices: beer: from 0.5 Eur - 1,5 Eur for a half litre
coctails from 2 Eur
pizza 3 Eur
I think it's cheap for incoming guys....
but be aware ..when you go to the clubs men pay entrance fee girls no...and when you speak english,etc... you will pay more, because you are tourist, I feel ashame for this like Slovak
I hope you will enjoy the time here in Bratislava

more questions..no prob write me..I'll answer you... I'm in the old city clubin every weekend....

Answer 5

Go to the old part of town and visit the little hookah smoking joint. I wish I could remember the name! The owners are very sweet. Drink some absinth and enjoy the eclectic crowd! Great people watching ...

Answer 6

Wien.

But for real, the city is great to explore. Check out the castle/

Answer 7

You better read this first. It's the US State Department's official information sheet about travel to Slovakia.

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Slovak Republic is a rapidly developing European nation. Tourist facilities are not as developed as those found in Western Europe, particularly outside the major cities, and some goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are occasionally unavailable. Please read the Department of State Background Notes on the Slovak Republic.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. A visa is not required for stays for tourism or business up to 90 days within six months of the date of first entry into the Slovak Republic. Persons wishing to remain in Slovakia longer than 90 days or arriving for purposes other than tourism or business travel can apply for residency permits locally, however, they must bring an FBI record check authenticated by an apostille not older than 90 days from the United States, as this document cannot be obtained or requested from Slovakia. Apostille authentication is also required on all foreign documents intended for official use in Slovakia . All foreigners seeking entry into the Slovak Republic must carry proof of a medical insurance policy contracted for payment of all costs for hospitalization and medical treatment in the Slovak Republic. Border police have the right to request evidence of finances sufficient to pay for the proposed stay in the Slovak Republic in the amount of $50 per person per day. Visit the Embassy of the Slovak Republic web site at http://www.slovakembassy-us.org for the most current visa information.

See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Informationto learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Taking photographs of security/military installations -for example, military bases, government buildings, nuclear power plants, etc.- is prohibited. Violation of this law may result in confiscation of the film, a reprimand or fine, or even expulsion from the country. Serious cases may be reported to and handled by local and/ military police.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME: The Slovak Republic has a high rate of crime. Police forces suffer from a lack of manpower resources and equipment. Local police are not likely to speak English. Western visitors, especially short-term visitors such as tourist and students, are the primary foreign targets of street crime. The majority of street crime is non-violent and ranges from pick-pocketing (particularly in the summer) and purse and cellular telephone snatchings to muggings, armed robbery, shooting, drugging and robbing of unsuspecting victims at nightspots and bars. Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites (such as Old Town area) or on public busses or trains. Thieves in the Slovak Republic often work in groups or pairs. In most cases, one thief distracts the victim another performs the robbery, and then hands off the stolen item to a near-by accomplice. Groups of street children are known to divert tourists’ attention so that a member of their group can pickpocket the tourists while they are distracted.

Do not leave personal items in unattended vehicles, even if locked.

Reports of racially motivated incidents against foreigners and person of color, perpetrated by groups with a history of targeting persons of Roma, African or Asian descent, have occurred in the Slovak Republic. In addition to incidents of assault, persons of Roma, African, or Asian heritage may be subject to various types of harassment, such as verbal abuse.

Both indigenous and foreign organized crime groups are well-established in the Slovak Republic. They do not target U.S. or other foreign individuals and tend to co-exist peacefully in the tourist district so as not to scare away tourist dollars. Though not common, violent incidents sometimes do occur outside of the Old Town in the greater Bratislava area.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy or Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. For more information, see Victim’s of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities are available in the Slovak Republic. However, a limited number of doctors speak English. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment for health services unless the patient can present an insurance number from the Slovak National Insurance Company. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.

Medical prescriptions issued in the U.S. are not valid in the Slovak Republic. If needed, a local doctor must issue a prescription. Medicines are generally available locally, if not under the American name the doctor can be consulted for a substitute. The Ministry of Health of Slovak Republic administers the use of medicines and medicine brought to the Slovak Republic for personal use may become subject to comparison against the list of those authorized for use in the Slovak Republic.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Please see our information on medical insurance overseas

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning the Slovak Republic is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Roads in the Slovak Republic typically are safe and well maintained. Four-lane highways exist in and around Bratislava. However, most roads outside of built-up areas are two lanes only, and aggressive drivers attempting to pass at unsafe speeds pose a serious hazard. Due to poor lighting and narrow, winding roads, nighttime driving outside of built-up areas is not recommended.

From November through March there is often heavy snowfall, which is not adequately cleared from many rural roads. Roads in the mountainous northern part of the country are particularly prone to hazardous conditions during winter months. Winter tires are recommended. Headlights must be on all day and chains are required for all roads from October 15 until March 15. In the Slovak Republic, vehicles travel on the right side of the road. The maximum legal speed on highways is 130 kilometers per hour (78 mph). On smaller roads the maximum speed in 90 kph (54 mph). The limit in towns is 60 kph (36 mph). The use of cellular phones while driving is strictly prohibited. Safety reflection vests and first aid kits are compulsory equipment of each vehicle.

Drivers must yield the right of way to all vehicles with flashing blue lights (police, ambulances, fire trucks, motorcades). Vehicles with yellow or orange lights usually mean that traffic must slow down. Drivers must always be cautious, however, as many slowly moving vehicles, such as agricultural vehicles, are not well marked.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. The blood alcohol tolerance level is zero percent.

Penalties for drivers involved in car accidents involving injury of death are decided by a court of law. Penalties for minor offenses are not generally large, but foreigners are sometimes targeted for additional sums. Anyone suspecting this has occurred should ask for a written receipt and should make note of the name and number of the traffic officer imposing the fine.

Gasoline is readily available, although many gas stations are closed on Sunday, especially in rural areas. Gas stations typically do not offer repair service; private mechanics must be found. Most gas stations accept credit cards, but mechanics less frequently accept them, so travelers should expect to pay for these services in cash.

A highway user decal must be purchased for travel on most major roads outside of Bratislava. The decal is valid for the calendar year in which it is purchased, and is available at gas stations, post offices and some newspaper kiosks. The cost is 1100 Sk (Slovak crowns) fro all vehicles up to 3.5 tons. A short-term decal valid for 30 days may be purchased for 300 Sk and for 7-day days fro 150Sk.

Taxi companies provide generally reliable, safe, and economical services. Avoid independent cabs that do not prominently display a company name. Visitors should be alert to the potential for substantial overcharging by taxis, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. Radio-dispatched taxis are often much more reliable.

Buses, trolleys, and trams are mechanically safe, but there have been reports of thefts on city transportation and of harassment by the transport police. On public transportation it is obligatory to have a time-ticket validated after entering the vehicle (valid for 10, 20, 60 minutes), or a prepaid zone ticket (24-.48-.168-hour, 1-, 3-month and 1-year). Children from 6 to 15 years of age pay reduced fares. Passengers who are traveling without a valid ticket will be fined by the ticker inspector. The ticket inspector has to have an identification card and must provide a ticket for the fine. More information is provided in English at www.imhd.sk .

Inter-city travel is widely available by bus, train, or taxi and is generally safe (inquire about taxi fares in advance). There are regular international trains and buses that are mechanically safe. However, there is a danger of theft, even from locked compartments, particularly on international night trains serving Warsaw, Prague and Budapest. Taxi drivers with special permits may provide international taxi service.

A motorcycle driver’s license and helmet are required. Small motorcycles are not allowed on highways. All traffic regulations apply.

Tourists coming to the Slovak Republic are required to have an International Drivers’ Permit. A U.S. driver’s license alone is not sufficient to drive in Slovakia. The U.S. driver’s license must be accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit, obtainable in the United States from the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

A Slovak Driver’s License can be applied for at the Dopravny Inpsektorat in the district of the applicant’s place of residence in the Slovak Republic. Completion of the regular driving course and a written examination (in Slovak) are required for issuance of a Slovak driver’s license. For specific information concerning Slovak driver’s permit, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Slovak embassy in Washington, D.C.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:
As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and the Slovak Republic, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Slovak Republic’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Slovak customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from the Slovak Republic of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, etc. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Washington, D.C, or one of the Slovak consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Please see our information on Customs Information.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Slovak laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Slovakia are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans living in the Slovak Republic are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy of Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within the Slovak Republic. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Bratislava is located at Hviezdoslavov nam. 4, Bratislava telephone [phone], fax [phone]; mailing address: U.S. Embassy, P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovak Republic; e-mail: [e-mail]; web site: http://www.usembassy.sk.