Travelling to: Bratislava, Slovakia

Known for its picturesque old town, cheap pints, and location on the Danube River, Bratislava is a drastically underrated city to visit. If you find other European capitals a little too fast paced, busy and overpriced, Slovakia’s capital is a great alternative: much more lowkey; popular among locals and tourists alike. Bratislava offers the perfect combination of history and nightlife for a well-rounded break. 

An hour away from Vienna and two from Budapest, Slovakia’s capital is a centralised city ideal for day trips around Europe. Whether you’re wanting an action-packed weekend away, a relaxed city break, or a stop-off on your interrailing trip, this is why Bratislava should be next on your list. 

A rich history

Like other Eastern European cities, Bratislava has a colourful history which is not obvious at first glance. To learn more, I highly recommend booking a walking tour around the city, an opportunity to see — and gain an understanding of — all the major sites. Viator’s walk is utterly compelling: a combination of political and social history as well as funny anecdotes. The tour even included stopping for a local drink after the difficult walk up to the castle — a shot of rum and chai! Our tour guide Paras was incredible, keeping the walk lighthearted but still incredibly educational. Priced at just €3 (around £2.59) plus a tip, this is an affordable tour that is well worth your time.

Previously known as the black hole of Europe, the tour provides an overview of the rich history of Slovakia’s capital. The ruling Habsburg monarchy – specifically Maria Theresa, who introduced popular reforms to the country — life under USSR control, and the long term consequences that the country continues to face. The tour explains the origins of the iconic statues around the city centre, including the notable ‘Man at Work’ statue located in Bratislava’s old town. It is a long walk around the whole city, so make sure to wear your comfiest shoes!

An overlooked culinary capital

When considering European culinary hotspots, you likely think of Paris, Naples, or Barcelona; few people would believe Bratislava to be a foodie paradise. There are a number of excellent restaurants, cafes and pubs in the heart of the city, and they are well worth a visit. 

If you’re wanting a drink, Slovak Pub is the place to go. Half a litre of the house beer will set you back a meager €2.90 (around £2.51) and, combined with the traditional Slovakian food including potato dumplings and traditional soups, makes for a perfect lunch in the heart of the city. Similarly, Bratislava Flagship also provides affordable drinks and food with meals priced from €4.90 (around £4.24), an excellent option for students and families alike. 

Looking for international cuisine instead? Located in the heart of the old town, Levant combines delicious Lebanese food with an inviting atmosphere, great portion sizes and bold flavours. If you want to try a combination of the food they have to offer, I recommend the mixed grill for €19.90 (around £17.20) — the kafta is especially delicious.

TheMA is another superb option, providing a range of different cuisines at a reasonable price. A more lowkey and quiet ambience, the restaurant would be the perfect location for a date night, or a relaxed meal with friends. The risotto for grilled seabass, priced at €14.90 (around £12.88) and €17.90 (around £15.47) respectively, were both delicious; TheMA knows how to create perfectly balanced flavours. 

In need of a sweet treat? Bratislava offers no shortcomings of cafes and ice cream parlours; in particular, Mojasrdcovka is a great option for a mid afternoon snack. Great iced coffee, cakes, and a perfect place for social media pictures, we tried the brownie cake, strawberry cheesecake, and sakatorte for less than €5 (around £4.32) each — and recommend them all!

Day trips

Bratislava is a great location to make day trips from; located in central Europe, it is surrounded by beautiful cities and towns, both in and outside of Slovakia. 

Just an hour’s train ride away lies Vienna, Austria’s popular capital city and a haven for history buffs. A little further east lies Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Both cities have a lot to offer, and are well worth a visit!

Alternatively, take a trip to other parts of Slovakia. Priced at approximately £23, the Danube River provides boat access to Devin Castle, a fairy tale-like landmark overlooking the town of Devin which offers scenic views of the city below. The gorgeous natural landscape and mountain range are just some of the reasons to explore this understated country. Fancy a £6 bus trip instead? Just a 40 minute coach journey from the capital, the city of Trnava offers a peaceful day trip out of Bratislava. Enjoy a range of cafes and bars, before walking through the town square to spot the historic monuments dotted around the city. If you fancy a coffee and cake, visit Laskanka cafe and try a slice of the €4.50 (around £3.89) bounty cheesecake – a delicious mid-afternoon treat.

Bratislava is a capital city unlike others: it provides a slow-paced break, with lots to learn and explore. An understated city perfect for a long weekend away, be sure to make the most of the history, location, and cuisine that Bratislava has to offer – the perfect place to begin your exploration of central Europe. 

Words by Melissa O’Reilly

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