Bratislava

General Information

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. Its population is approximately 427000 and it is also the largest city in the country. Bratislava lies on both banks of the river Danube in southwestern Slovakia. Its originality between capitals is that it borders with two countries – Austria (Vienna 60 km apart) and Hungary.

Bratislava is a political, economical and cultural centre of the country. It is a seat of the parliament, Slovak president and the executive branch of government. Several universities, museums, galleries and other important institutions have their headquaters here. It is also the home of many large businesses and financial institutions.

Bratislava City Districts

• Bratislava I – Staré mesto (Old Town)
• Bratislava II – Ružinov, Vrakuňa, Podunajské Biskupice
• Bratislava III – Nové Mesto (New Town), Rača, Vajnory
• Bratislava IV – Karlova Ves, Dúbravka, Lamač, Devín, Devínska Nová Ves, Záhorská Bystrica
• Bratislava V – Petržalka, Jarovce, Rusovce, Čunovo

Map

History

Bratislava is one of the youngest capitals in Europe, but has a very rich history. For the first time, it was mentioned in the Stone Age. As the city lies in the heart of Europe on the bank of Danube River, it easily became a centre of trade and business meetings as much as of the centre of different cultures.

Transport

The Public Transport System (Mestská Hromadná Doprava – MHD) in Bratislava consists of buses (“autobus”), trolleybuses (“trolejbus” – looks like a bus, but takes electric power from overhead power lines) and trams (“električka”). There is no subway (“metro”), although it has been a subject of municipal discussions for over 20 years.

The network is relatively dense and most lines operate between 5 am and midnight. During the night, there are special night lines, but they are not very frequent.

If you want to travel by public transport, you have to buy a ticket before the ride. The drivers do not sell the tickets. The ticket dispensers are missing on some stops, so you are well advised to stock up with all necessary tickets in advance. For example, if you expect to change busses before you get to your destination, then buy both tickets before you start your journey.

You should mark your ticket as soon as you get in. The marking device is operating the whole time except when the controllers get on board. The controller gives a small magnetic stick to the driver, who inserts it into the on-board computer. In this case, about 15 seconds after the doors are closed, the marking devices stops operating and noone is able to mark their ticket. The controllers then walk through the vehicle and ask for a valid ticket. If you do not have a valid ticket, then it is your problem how you weasel out of this situation. You will have to pay a fine.

Separate fare must also be paid for a dog or any larfe piece of luggage, and of course, don’t forget to check whether you have all the necessary tickets for all members of your family before the ride.

There are different tickets for rides of various duration: 10 minutes, 30 minutes and 60 minutes. The first one is good if you travel only by one line without changing. The official time needed to get from one stop to another is always written on the diagrams at the stop. This stated time is binding for the controller and even traffic jams do not affect it. If you change the line, then the total time is accounted. So if your first ride takes 3 minutes and the second ride 5 minutes and you have to wait 6 minutes for the second line, then the 10-minutes ticket won’t enough.

For tourists expecting to use public transport more frequently, or wish to avoid the minefield, which we have just described, a 24-hours or 48-hours ticket is a better choice. It allows you to travel as much as you wish by all forms of transport. People living, working and studying in Bratislava prefer to buy special tickets for one month, three months or even one year.

Sights

Bratislava Castle

Bratislavský hrad (Bratislava Castle) is situated on a rocky hill of the Little Carpathians in the centre of the city and is overlooking the river Danube. It also provides an excellent view of Bratislava and Austria. The massive building has four corner towers, reminding an upturned table.

Rich history of the castle started in the late Stone Age. It had a very important role in 16th, 17th and 18th century, as it was the Main Castle of the Kingdom of Hungary. During the centuries Bratislava castle was ruined by Celts, Romans, Germans, Slavs, Austrians and Hungarians. Monument had to be rebuilt several times. Latest reconstruction started in 2008 and should take approximately 5 years.

Nowadays the Bratislava castle is used for exhibitions and state functions. You can find a Treasury of Slovakia on the ground floor. To other interesting things in the castle belong a collection of archeological findings, branch of Slovak National Museum that covers historical furniture, modern art and history. Gardens of the castle are the most convenient place for pleasant walks, offering beautiful views.

St. Martin’s Cathedral

Just under the castle hill there is a gothic structure – Katedrála sv. Martina (St. Martin’s Cathedral). The church was built in the 13th century originally in Romanesque style. It was replaced by 3-nave Gothic Dome in the late 14th century. The Dome became the coronation church of Hungarian kings in the 16th century. Maria Theresa and another 18 Hungarian Emperors were crowned here.

The most interesting sights inside the St. Martin’s Cathedral are St. Stephen’s Crown and the 18th century statue of St. Martin and the Beggar who was sculpted by Austrian baroque sculptor Raphael Donner. St. Stephen’s Crown is a 1 meter high copy of the Hungarian royal crown placed on the church tower.

Main Square

Hlavné námestie (The Main Square) is considered to be the real heart of the Old Town. Square is especially charming during the summer season, as it is full of outdoor cafe seating, market stools, and blooming trees.

The atmosphere is just getting better thanks to beautiful Roland fountain. It is simply the best place for relaxing and taking in the amazing atmosphere of the old town. There are many more interesting palaces on the square. The most important and according to many opinions the most beautiful building on the square is the Old Town Hall.

Slovak National Theatre

Slovenské národné divadlo (Slovak National Theatre) is a building in Neo-renaissance style built between 1884 and 1886 that is situated on Hviezdoslavovo námestie (Hviezdoslavovo square). It was designed by Viennese architects F. Fellner and H. Helmer. You can see interesting Ballet or Opera performances there. Ganymede’s fountain is placed in front of the Theatre.

Primate’s Palace

Primaciálny palác (Primate’s Palace) belongs to the most significant buildings in Bratislava. The Palace was built in 13th century. Requirements were not met, so the building was pulled down in the 18the century. A new bigger luxurious palace was built in the spirit of French Classicism. Since 1903 the Palace belongs to the city. Nowadays it is used as the city’s mayor’s residence.

Accommodation

Apartments

Apartments usually offer more space and privacy than hotel rooms, having the prices on the same or lower level than hotels. You can try one of these on BratislavaHotels.com.

5 star Hotels

Hotel Arcadia

• Address: Františkánska 3
• Tel: 00421/2/59 49 05 00

Hotel Albrecht

• Address: Mudroňova 82
• Tel: 00421/2/59 35 61 11

4 star Hotels

Hotel Devín

• Address: Riečna 4
• Tel: 00421/2/599 85 856

Hotel Marrol’s

• Address: Tobrucká 4
• Tel: 00421/2/57 78 46 00

Hotel Crowne Plaza

• Address: Hodžovo námestie 2
• Tel: 00421/2/59 34 81 11

Art Hotel William

• Address: Laurinská 17
• Tel: 00421/2/25 98 98 111

Hotel Radisson SAS Carlton

• Address: Hviezdoslavovo námestie 3
• Tel: 00421/2/59 39 00 00

Hotel Holiday Inn

• Address: Bajkalská 25/A
• Tel: 00421/2/48 24 51 11

Hotel Brix

• Address: Stromová 32
• Tel: 00421/2/54 79 19 79

Hotel Antares

• Address: Šulekova 15
• Tel: 00421/2/54 64 89 71

Hotel No.16

• Address: Partizánska 16a
• Tel: 00421/2/54 41 12 98

3 star Hotels

Aston Business Hotel

• Address: Bajkalská 22
• Tel: 00421/2/53 63 20 38

Hotel Michalská Brána

• Address: Baštová 4
• Tel: 00421/2/59 30 72 00

Hotel Matyšák

• Address: Pražská 15
• Tel: 00421/2/20 63 40 01

Hotel Tatra

• Address: Námestie 1. mája 5
• Tel: 00421/2/57 27 21 11

Hotel Esprit

• Address: Zadunajská cesta 12
• Tel: 00421/902 500 300

Hotel Dominika

• Address: Vlastenecké námestie 3
• Tel: 00421/2/62 52 02 23

Hotel Set

• Address: Kalinčiakova 29/A
• Tel: 00421/2/49 10 96 00

Hotel Color

• Address: Pri Starom mýte 1
• Tel: 00421/2/49 10 12 55

City Hotel Bratislava

• Address: Seberíniho 9
• Tel: 00421/2/20 60 61 00

Hotel Medium

• Address: Tomášikova 34
• Tel: 00421/2/48 20 65 22

Hotel Echo

• Address: Prešovská 39
• Tel: 00421/2/55 56 91 70

2 star Hotels

Taxis Hotel

• Address: Jaskový rad 9-11
• Tel: 00421/2/54 79 37 24-5

Hotel Dom Športu (House of Sport)

• Address: Junácka ulica 6
• Tel: 00421/2/49 24 93 98

Hotel Orlan

• Address: Strojnícka 99
• Tel: 00421/904 008 159

Hotel Nivy

• Address: Líščie nivy 3
• Tel: 00421/2/55 41 03 90

Hotel Turist

• Address: Ondavská 5
• Tel: 00421/2/ 55 41 05 08-10

Hotel Družba

• Address: Botanická 25
• Tel: 00421/2/65 42 00 65

Hotel Avion

• Address: Ivánska cesta 15
• Tel: 00421/2/43 42 69 12

Hotel Tereza

• Address: Hradská 20
• Tel: 00421/2/45 24 54 60

Hostels

Red Star Hostel

• Address: Botanická 25
• Tel: 00421/908 567 092

Patio Hostel

• Address: Špitálska 35
• Tel: 00421/2/52 92 57 97

Possonium Hostel

• Address: Šancova 20
• Tel: 00421/2/20 72 00 07

Restaurants

Al Dente Restaurant

• Address: Hodžovo námestie
• Tel: 00421/2/54 64 80 57

Alize Restaurant

• Address: Hurbanovo nám. 6
• Tel: 00421/2/59 30 60 41

Antica Toscana

• Address: Maďarská 27
• Tel: 00421/2/62 85 93 07

Au Cafe Restaurant

• Address: Tyrsovo nábrežie 12
• Tel: 00421/2/62 52 03 55

Axton Restaurant

• Address: Bajkalská 29/D
• Tel: 00421/2/53 63 43 47

Brasserie Opera

• Address: Hviezdoslavovo námestie 3
• Tel: 00421/2/59 39 04 00

Camouflage Restaurant

• Address: Venturská 1
• Tel: 00421/2/59 22 71 11

Caribic’s Restaurant

• Address: Žižkova 1/A
• Tel: 00421/2/54 41 83 34

Celebrity lounge

• Address: Panská 14
• Tel: 00421/2/54 41 98 24

Chez David Restaurant

• Address: Zámocká 13
• Tel: 00421/2/54 41 38 24

Due Amici

• Address: Venturská 7
• Tel: 00421/2/54 64 82 84

El Gaucho Restaurant

• Address: Hviezdoslavovo námestie 13
• Tel: 00421/2/32 12 12 12

Flowers Restaurant

• Address: Venturská 1
• Tel: 00421/2/20 92 27 33

Impresia Restaurant

• Address: Záhradnícka 46
• Tel: 00421/903 808 959

Kogo

• Address: Hviezdoslavovo námestie 21
• Tel: 00421/902 093 540

Le Monde

• Address: Hviezdoslavovo námestie
• Tel: 00421/2/54 41 54 11

Leberfinger Restaurant

• Address: Viedenská cesta 257
• Tel: 00421/2/62 31 75 90

Medusa Restaurant

• Address: Michalská 21/A
• Tel: 00421/2/54 64 73 44

Mezzo Restaurant

• Address: Rybárska brána 9
• Tel: 00421/2/54 43 43 93

Preego Restaurant

• Address: Žilinská 4
• Tel: 00421/903 246 226

Rambla Restaurant

• Address: Michalská 9
• Tel: 00421/2/32 13 13 13

Steam & Coffee

• Address: Mýtna 1
• Tel: 00421/2/52 45 01 70

Štefanka Restaurant

• Address: Palisády 59
• Tel: 00421/2/52 62 08 47

Three Musketeers Restaurant

• Address: Sládkovičova 7
• Tel: 00421/2/54 43 00 11

Theatres

Slovenské Národné Divadlo (Slovak National Theatre)

• Historická budova (Historical building) – Hviezdoslavova ul.
• Sála opery a baletu (Opera and Ballet) – Gorkého 4
• Sála činohry v novej budove (Drama in the New Building) – Pribinova ul.

Malá scéna (Small Scene)

• Address: Dostojevského rad 7
• Tel: 00421/2/54 43 30 83

Nová scéna (New Scene)

• Address: Kollárovo nám. 20
• Tel: 00421/2/52 96 76 38

West

• Address: Kolárska 3
• Tel: 00421/2/52 96 58 31

Radošinské naivné divadlo (Radošin Naive Theatre)

• Address: Škultétyho 5
• Tel: 00421/2/55 56 36 08

Aréna

• Address: Viedenská cesta 10
• Tel: 00421/2/67 20 25 53

Museums

Slovak National Museum

• Address: Vajanského nábrežie č. 2
• Tel: 00421/2/59 34 91 11

Historical Museum of Bratislava Castle

• Address: P.O.Box 13, Bratislava 16
• Tel: 00421/2/59 72 42 16

Danubiana Museum

• Address: Meulensteen Art Museum
• Tel: 00421/903 605 505

Museum of Transport

• Address: Šancová 1/a
• Tel: 00421/2/52 44 41 63

Museum of Bratislava

• Address: Radničná 1
• Tel: 00421/2/59 20 51 35

Museum of Milan Dobeš

• Address: Zámočnícka 13
• Tel: 00421/2/54 4323 05

Museum of Trade

• Address: Linzbotova 16
• Tel: 00421/2/45 24 31 67

Museum of Slovak Police

• Address: Gunduličova ul č. 2
• Tel: 00421/961 056 096

Museum of Jewish Culture

• Address: Židovská ulica 12

Galleries

Slovenská národná galéria (Slovak National Gallery)

• Address: Vodné kasárne, Rázusovo nábr. 2
• Tel: 00421/2/54 43 20 82

Galéria Nova (Nova Gallery)

• Address: Baštová 2
• Tel: 00421/2/5443 3039

Photoportgallery

• Address: Grösslingova 21
• Tel: 00421/904 288 278

Galéria Medium (Medium Gallery)

• Address: Hviezdoslavovo nám. 18
• Tel: 00421/2/54 43 53 34

Kressling Gallery

• Address: Grösslingová 37
• Tel: 00421/948 813 220

Galéria X (X Gallery)

• Address: Zámočnícka 5

Galéria mesta Bratislavy (Gallery of Bratislava)

• Address: Mirbachov palác, Františkánske námestie 11
• Tel: 00421/2/54 43 15 56

Galéria F7 (F7 Gallery)

• Address: Františkánske námestie 7

Cinemas

Palace Cinemas

Palace Cinemas Polus

• Address: Vajnorská 100 Multiplex Palace Cinemas
• Tel: 00421/2/68 20 22 22

Palace Cinemas Aupark

• Address: Einsteinova 20
• Tel: 00421/2/68 20 22 22

Kino Tatra (Tatra Cinema)

• Address: Námestie 1. mája 5
• Tel: 00421/2/59 27 21 71

Kino Dúbravka (Dúbravka Cinema)

• Address: Saratovská 2/A
• Tel: 00421/2/69 20 30 30

Clubs

Klub radosť

• Address: Obchodná 48
• Tel: 00421/907 723 678

Flamenco Music Club

• Address: Štefánikova 14
• Tel: 00421/910 112 228

Harley Davidson

• Address: Rebarborová 1/a
• Tel: 00421/2/43 19 10 95

Vega Music Club

• Address: Malý trh 2/A
• Tel: 00421/2/33 52 69 94

Unique Club

• Address: Staré grunty 36
• Tel: 00421/911 435 661

Randal Club

• Address: Karpatská 2
• Tel: 00421/ 907 749 413

Hlava XXII (Head XXII)

• Address: Bazová 9
• Tel: 00421/902 879 935

Elam Club

• Address: Staré Grunty 53
• Tel: 00421/2/65 42 63 04

Sparx Club

• Address: Cintorinská 32
• Tel: 00421/903 403 097

Shopping

Aupark Shopping Centre

• Address: Einsteinova ul.18
• Tel: 00421/2/68 26 62 00

Avion Shopping Park

• Address: Ivanská cesta 16
• Tel: 00421/2/48 22 68 00

Polus City Center

• Address: Vajnorská 98
• Tel: 00421/2/44 44 12 34

Tourist Information

Main Tourist Information Office

• Address: Klobučnicka ul. 2
• Tel: 00421/2/54 43 37 15, 00421/2/59 35 66 52

Information Office – International Airport M.R.Štefánika

• Address: Ivánska cesta
• Tel: 00421/2/43 63 03 06

Information Office – Main Railway Station

• Address: Predstaničné námestie 1
• Tel: 00421/2/52 49 59 06

Information Office – Passenger Port

• Address: Fajnorovo nábrežie 2
• Tel: 00421/2/52 74 31 6 02