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Irene Clunie, Short Break Specialist

"Expect charming streets and squares, because Bratislava is filled with them, making this delightful city perfect for winding down and enjoying yourself. I love finding an ancient wine cellar in the city centre or a small brewery in the Old Town, these are the best places for your beer or wine fix! If you’re a cultural buff then you will appreciate the terrific city walls and St Michael’s Gate, the bell tower and the castle."

Bratislava at a glance

Bratislava welcomes visitors with it peaceful and atmospheric riverside setting. Serving as the capital of Slovakia, the city rests on the banks of the Danube, with the scenic hillside vineyards and forested Carpathian Mountains a short distance away.

Evidence of a Linear Pottery culture along the riverbank dates Bratislava’s settlement to 5000BC, with winemaking later introduced by the Romans, influencing the present tradition of vineyards in the region.

The pedestrianised Old Town is a great place to soak up the city’s rich, historic atmosphere with its colourful pastel buildings, museums, palaces and pavement cafés. Dominating the Old Town, Bratislava Castle provides a great birds eye view above the Danube. A range of attractions including the Slavín Memorial Monument and Museum of Jewish Culture, tell of the city’s diverse past.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • Picturesque setting
  • Weekend short break
  • Arts and culture

Getting around

Transportation networks in Bratislava include buses, trams, trolleybuses and a metro system. Tickets can be purchased for single journeys in increments of 15, 60 and 90 minutes. Tourist tickets are also available for unlimited travel. Tickets must be purchased before travel at ticket machines or ticket shops and are validated after boarding.

Dining in Bratislava

Bratislava’s cuisine is a creative mix of influences reflecting its ethnically diverse heritage, with Slovak, Hungarian, German and Jewish traditions all playing a role in its traditional faire. 

At one time the region provided wine to the monarchy. With a lasting tradition of fine wine production, a number of local specialties are on offer, from the white Riesling and Veltliner to the Devin variety, known for its spicy aroma and citrus scent.

Must-try local dishes

  • Bryndzové halušky – boiled potato dough, similar to gnocchi, served with sheep cheese and bacon
  • Treska – a salad made from Codfish and mayonnaise with vegetables such as onions and carrots
  • Žem?ovka – a sweet pudding made by combining apples or pears with white bread steeped in sweet milk

Shopping in Bratislava

In more recent years Bratislava’s shopping scene has grown to reflect the status of a capital city, with new malls, such as the Aupark and Eurovea, providing an extensive selection of designer name brand shops.

For something a little different, head to the boutiques of the Old Town for a variety of unique shops selling everything from books, antiques and souvenirs to jewellery, wine and clothing.

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information
Population 411,228
Languages Slovak
Currency Euro
Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Distance from airports
Bratislava 12 km

Tours and Excursions

Bojnice Castle Tour

Bojnice is one of Slovakia’s most beautiful castles; straight out of a fairy-tale with scenic gardens and a lake that houses turtles and swans. This small-group day tour includes a guided tour of the castle and its grounds, a visit to a traditional Slovak village and museum plus a glass of traditional Bosacka Slivovica! 

Small Group Walking Tour

Stroll through Old Town Bratislava with a local guide and hear about the history of this medieval city. The tour will take you to sights such as the neoclassical Primate’s Palace, St Martin’s Cathedral and St Michael’s Gate and Tower, the last preserved gate of the medieval fortification.

Banska Stiavnica UNESCO Site

Discover the beautiful medieval town of Banska Stiavnica on this private day tour from Bratislava. Hidden in the Stiavnicke hills, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in a caldera created after the collapse of an ancient volcano and is renowned for its mining history and wonderfully preserved architecture. Entrance fees to the Old Castle and New Castle are payable on the day.

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.