Slovakia City Breaks

A guide to Slovakia

Slovakia might not be the first place you think of when planning a few days away in Europe, but with its vibrant cities and spectacular natural scenery, it may just be the ideal choice. Situated in the heart of Eastern Europe, Slovakia is perfectly placed for exploring this part of mainland Europe, and is home to a number of characterful cities including the capital, Bratislava. With budget airlines offering cheap flights to Bratislava from airports across the UK, it's perfect for anyone on limited funds and the relatively short flight time of 2.5 hours from London makes it a good choice for a cheap weekend away. Plus, accommodation, food and entertainment are all better value than some of the larger countries in Western Europe, meaning you can really make the most of your time whilst in Slovakia.

Cultural weekends city in Bratislava

As the Slovakian capital, Bratislava is also the country’s cultural centre, with a wide selection of arts and entertainment venues throughout the city, as well as national museums and art galleries, to keep even the most eager culture-vulture busy. With its location on the border with Austria, and close to the nearby countries of Czech Republic and Hungary, it is a melting pot of styles and scenes, and the city’s culturally-diverse influences can be seen in everything from architecture to theatre. Highlights of a cultural trip to Bratislava include the impressive Slovak National Theatre, the Slovak National Museum and the Bratislava City Gallery. For evening entertainment, head to one of the many bars just outside of the central area to enjoy a taste of the local music scene.

Historic sights, cosy charm

A walk through the attractive Old Town, home to many of Bratislava’s oldest buildings and architecture, is the perfect start to a weekend here, with regular stops in cosy cafes making this an enjoyable and easy-going way to soak in the ambience of the city. Bratislava Castle, perched above the Danube River, is probably the most prominent landmark, and it's well worth a visit here, to enjoy the surrounding views. Touring the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, or one of the city’s many Baroque Palaces, also allows you to learn a little about Bratislava’s history, and the city’s many parks and gardens are perfect for enjoying a tranquil afternoon during the warm summer months.