Bratislava Essentials

Bratislava Essentials & Tourist Information

Tourist Attractions

The vast majority of Bratislava's cultural attractions and museums open 6 days a week from 10am - 5pm (closed on Monday). Perhaps the most popular attraction is the imposing castle, which offers unrivalled views of the city, and houses the spacious National Museum. The Slovak National Gallery is another impressive attraction, well worth an afternoon's visit.

Opening Hours

Shops and other commercial establishments in Bratislava operate similar hours of operation to much of western Europe. Large department stores and supermarkets are open from 8 or 9am until as late as 10pm seven days a week. This is also the case for the major shopping malls. Small independent retailers stay open until 6pm and are invariably closed on Sundays. Cafes, pubs and restaurants open daily at around 10am with last orders at 11pm, with some having extended hours at weekends.

Food & Drink


Pork beef and poultry are consumed extensively in Slovakia. Halušky is the national dish and many Bratislava restaurants will feature these potato dumplings with various flavours such as venison, bacon and even wild boar. There are many delightful Slovak traditional sweets and desserts such as Laskonky, a fluffy dough with walnuts and cream and chocolate Trotle. Slovaks are renowned beer and wine drinkers and most city restaurants stock a good selection of local brews. 



Tipping & Etiquette


Tipping is not normal practice in Slovakia, although this is gradually changing as Bratislava becomes more attuned to the social graces of visiting foreign tourists. As a rule of thumb, rounding up the bill to the nearest 10SKK is considered sufficient and should be given directly to your waiter/waitress. In general, customer-facing staff rarely expect a gratuity in the line of their work.

Slovak Phrases For Tourists

Hello - Ahoj

Do you speak English? - Hovorite po anglicky?

Goodbye - Dovidenia

Excuse me - Prepácte

Good Evening - Dobry vecer

How much is it? - Kolko to stoji?

Yes - Ano

Where is...? - Kde je...?

No - Nie

Hotel - Hotel

Please - Prosim

The bill please - Ucet, prosim

Thank you very much - Dakujem

Beer - Capovane pivo

How are you? - Ako sa máš

Coffee - kava

Useful Numbers

• Calling the UK from Bratislava – 0044 + area code minus zero + number • Police – 112 • Ambulance – 112 • Fire – 112

Disabled Access


Compared with many other European capitals, Bratislava is some way behind when comparing facilities for wheelchair users. However, most of its newer attractions and buildings have implemented barrier free entrances, disabled toilet facilities and ramps. Around 50% of its public transport system - where newer trams and buses are used - are wheelchair friendly. A relatively small number of the city's hotels can accommodate wheelchair users, although almost all properties do have lifts installed.

Slovakian Embassies


• GB Embassy - Panská 16 811 01 Bratislava Slovak Republic Telephone +421 2 5998 2000 
• Slovakia Embassy - 25 Kensington Palace Gardens London W8 4QY telephone +44(0)20 7313 6470

Weather

Bratislavia enjoys a continental climate, with definite changes in season, and can experience unpredictable conditions. Spring and autumn see pleasant warm weather, with temperatures between 10C - 20C, whilst summers experience average highs of 21C and see an increased amount of sunshine, up to 9 hours daily. Conditions are rarely too hot, and the humidity level stays low. Winters see cold temperatures and snow, with skiing and snowboarding possible in the Carpathian Mountains.