Bratislava Archives - Bratislava Guide

Slovakia or Sweden? That is the question!

Posted on October 24, 2024October 24, 2024 by Bratislava Guide

A few weeks ago, the Swedish national team in football came to Bratislava to play against Slovakia at Tehelné Pole, the home field of the football club Slovan Bratislava. After 40 minutes, Sweden was in the lead with 2-0 after goals scored by Ayari and Sema. But, as the match reached 90 minutes, the result was 2-2 and both nations got 1 point each. As a result, whether it will be Slovakia or Sweden winning the group depends on the outcome of the match in Stockholm at Friends Arena on November 16.

During the European Championship in 2020 (2021), Sweden won 1-0 against Slovakia. In other words, Sweden has a good tradition when it comes to at least getting one point or winning against Slovakia. But, that doesn’t have to mean anything, because everything comes to an end one time or another.

The math is quite easy. If Slovakia wins the match against Sweden, Slovakia will win the group and get a better chance at reaching the World Championships in football. If Sweden wins the match, then Sweden gets a better chance at reaching the World Championships in football. If they play a draw, then the final matches of both teams will be what decides which team will win the group.

In Sweden, the TV channel TV4 will broadcast the match between Sweden and Slovakia at Friends Arena, while RTV/AMC has the broadcasting rights in Slovakia. You can read more on the topic of watching Nations League and other content on TV4Play outside Sweden at https://www.svensktvutomlands.com/.

Will Sweden or Slovakia win on November 16?

I asked ChatGPT for a prediction, and the conclusion of a long text was the following:

“Given Sweden’s historical strength and home advantage, they might be favored to win. However, Slovakia has the potential to pull off a surprise, especially if they defend well and capitalize on counterattacks. Overall, Sweden might be the slight favorite, but Slovakia could make it a close contest, depending on the dynamics closer to the match date.“

I don’t really know for sure, but I do keep Sweden as favorites to win the match, first of all because of their advantage with the home field. But, since we are a Bratislava Guide, we cheer for Slovakia and we hope that all the key players will be at their best and make sure that Slovakia gets back into Nations League level B once again.

It is obvious that Slovakia needs to stop Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, as the players have scored seven goals in total during the recent four Nations League matches. That is a lot.

David Strelec is the only player with three goals in the Slovakian squad, but if he is at his best together with Ondrej Duda, then Slovakia will cause big trouble for Sweden.

Five Books that will bring Bratislava to Life Before You Arrive.

Posted on February 15, 2024February 15, 2024 by Bratislava Guide

As you prepare for your upcoming trip to Bratislava,, why not enjoy the city’s history, culture, and atmosphere through the pages of literature? Bratislava’s captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy has inspired numerous authors to set their stories within its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and picturesque landscapes. Here are five books that will transport you to the heart of Bratislava and deepen your connection to this enchanting city.

Five interesting books about Bratislava.

“The Good Soldier Švejk” by Jaroslav Hašek:
Step into the comedic world of Jaroslav Hašek’s iconic character, Švejk, as he navigates the absurdities of war and bureaucracy in early 20th-century Bratislava. This satirical masterpiece offers a humorous yet insightful portrayal of life in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with Bratislava serving as a backdrop for Švejk’s misadventures and witty observations.
“The Glass Room” by Simon Mawer:
Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Bratislava, “The Glass Room” follows the lives of a wealthy Jewish couple who commissioned the construction of a modernist villa designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. As political tensions rise and the shadow of war looms, the villa becomes a symbol of both aspiration and vulnerability, reflecting the city’s tumultuous history and the resilience of its inhabitants.
“Samuel’s Story” by Mark Childress:
In this gripping novel, Bratislava becomes a city of intrigue and espionage as American journalist Samuel journeys to Slovakia in search of his family’s roots. As he delves into the mysteries of his past, Samuel uncovers a web of secrets that intertwine with the city’s tumultuous history, from the Nazi occupation to the Communist regime, offering a compelling glimpse into Bratislava’s complex identity.
“In the Shadow of the Castle” by Rebbeca Goldstein:
Rebbeca Goldstein’s captivating novel transports readers to Bratislava’s Jewish quarter during the tumultuous years of the Holocaust. Through the eyes of protagonist Lena, a young Jewish woman forced into hiding, we witness the courage and resilience of Bratislava’s Jewish community as they confront persecution and strive to preserve their heritage amidst unimaginable adversity.
“Bratislava: A City in Poems” edited by Alexandra Büchler:
Experience the beauty and diversity of Bratislava through the eyes of its poets in this enchanting anthology. From medieval legends to contemporary reflections, these poems capture the essence of the city’s landscapes, architecture, and people, offering a lyrical journey through Bratislava’s past and present.

You can buy these and lots of other books at

As you read these literary works, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history, culture, and resilience that defines Bratislava. Whether you’re strolling along the Danube River, exploring the narrow streets of the Old Town, or marveling at the majestic Bratislava Castle, let these books serve as companions on your journey, enriching your experience and deepening your connection to this captivating city. Bratislava awaits, ready to enchant and inspire you at every turn.

If you have further advice on books worth reading about Bratislava, write a comment and let us hear from you!

Cities worth visiting within a 300km radius of Bratislava.

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by Bratislava Guide

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a charming city with a rich history and culture. However, there are also many other destinations worth exploring within a radius of 300km from Bratislava. From picturesque medieval towns to stunning natural landscapes, here are some of the top locations near Bratislava worth visiting.

If you come to Bratislava, you should obviously spend some days discovering the city first. But if you have more time left and want to see even more, these destinations are all within 300km of Bratislava. As a result, you can easily reach them within a couple of hours of driving (or less).

Places worth visiting near Bratislava.

Vienna, Austria (67 km)

Just a short drive from Bratislava, Vienna is a city that needs no introduction. The imperial capital of Austria is famous for its stunning architecture, grand palaces, and world-class museums. Visitors can explore the historic center, attend a classical concert, or enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many traditional cafes.

Highlights include the Imperial Palace, the Belvedere Palace, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the famous coffeehouses where you can enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee and a slice of Sachertorte.

Budapest, Hungary (197 km)

The capital of Hungary is a vibrant city that straddles the Danube River. Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, grand architecture, and buzzing nightlife. Visitors can explore the historic Buda Castle, relax in a traditional spa, or take a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective.

Highlights include the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Chain Bridge, and the famous thermal baths such as Gellert and Széchenyi.

High Tatras, Slovakia (231 km)

For nature lovers, the High Tatras mountain range is a must-visit destination. The Tatras are the highest range in the Carpathian Mountains and offer stunning scenery, hiking trails, and winter sports opportunities. Visitors can stay in charming mountain towns like Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso and explore the rugged terrain.

Brno, Czech Republic (130 km)

Brno is the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere. There are plenty of things worth seeing and doing in Brno. One of the most interesting places to visit is the Spilberk Castle, a historic fortress that has been used as a prison, barracks, and now a museum. You should also take a look at Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important examples of modern architecture in Europe. If you come with kids, the Brno Zoo is popular, and if you like high speeds you should visit the Masaryk Circuit hosting the Czech MotoGP and other racing events.

Prague, Czech Republic (330 km)

I realize that Prague is more than 300 km from Bratislava, but it is still worth mentioning in an article like this one. The city is the capital city of the Czech Republic, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It is known for its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and famous landmarks such as the Charles Bridge, the Vitus Cathedral, the Old Town square, and the Jewish quarter.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic (230 km)

Would you like to visit a mighty little town with an awesome atmosphere in the Czech Republic? Only 230 km distance from Bratislava you will find the city of Cesky Krumlov. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage site list and if you get there you will quickly understand why. The surrounding area might not be beautiful, but once you walk into the old town, you will stand amazed at what you see and the mighty castle surrounding a part of the center.

Sopron, Hungary (95 km)

Sopron isn’t far from Bratislava, making it a place easy to visit while in Bratislava. The city isn’t very special, but it has a very nice city center and makes it ideal if you want to taste Hungarian food and travel home able to say that you have been to Hungary during your trip to Slovakia. Some of the highlights in Sopron include the old town, the fire tower, and the Karoly lookout tower.

Familypark, Austria (72 km)

If you travel with kids you shouldn’t tell them about this option unless you seriously consider going there. If you tell them about it without going there, you will suffer from kids who complain a lot later. Familypark is an amusement park in Austria (not far from Bratislava). It is a fantastic place for the entire family with rollercoasters and lots of other fun things to do.The park attracts visitors from Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia every year between April and the end of October. Your kids will love you for taking them to this place!

Schneeberg, Austria (170 km)

Forget about city sightseeing and shopping. Schneeberg is the place to go if you want to climb a mountain and enjoy the fresh air at above 2000 meters. You can travel to the top by train, or you can walk to the top and sleep in a cabin at the top. There are many options, but this is recommended for those who want adrenaline and a stunning view.

What will you do? Where will you go?

We have shared lots of ideas and suggestions for day excursions from Bratislava in this article. Which sounds most tempting to you? We would love to hear your thoughts. If you have gone to any of these places and ready to share your experience, write a comment below.

What to eat at the Christmas markets in Bratislava: A story about John.

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by Bratislava Guide

John had always been fascinated by the Christmas markets in Europe, and this year he decided to visit Bratislava in Slovakia to indulge in the local cuisine. He had rented a cozy apartment in the historic center of the city, just a stone’s throw from the main square where the Christmas market was located.

As soon as John arrived at the market, the aromas of roasted meat, baked goods, and mulled wine filled his nostrils. He walked through the stalls, admiring the twinkling lights and colorful decorations, while his stomach rumbled with hunger.

He made his way to a food stall selling “bryndzové halušky,” a traditional Slovakian dish of potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon. The dish was hot and steamy, and the cheese melted in his mouth, with a salty and tangy flavor that left a lasting impression. The bacon added a crispy texture and a smoky flavor that complemented the cheese perfectly. John savored every bite and promised himself he would learn how to make it back in Norway.

Christmas market Bratislava — Christmas market in Bratislava at the main square – By Stefano_Valeri

Next, John tried a serving of “lokše,” a Slovakian version of a pancake made from potatoes and flour, filled with sweet or savory toppings. John opted for the sweet version, filled with Nutella and topped with whipped cream. The pancake was soft and fluffy, with a slight crispiness on the edges, and the Nutella added a rich and creamy sweetness that melted in his mouth. John licked his fingers and smiled with satisfaction.

For his main course, John chose “segedínsky guláš,” a hearty stew made with pork, sauerkraut, and paprika, served with bread dumplings. The meat was tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor that blended perfectly with the tangy sauerkraut. The bread dumplings were soft and pillowy, soaking up the flavorful stew. John closed his eyes, savoring the taste and the warmth of the dish.

After his meal, John wandered around the market, enjoying the festive atmosphere and the beautiful Christmas decorations. He bought a mug of hot mulled wine, infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. The wine was warm and soothing, with a subtle sweetness and a spicy kick that warmed him up from the inside out.

As John walked back to his apartment, he realized how much he was going to miss the flavors of Bratislava. He had tasted the local cuisine like a true foodie, and the memories of the flavors, textures, and smells were going to stay with him forever. He smiled, thinking about the recipes he was going to try and replicate back home, and promised himself he would come back to Bratislava someday.

We just made it easier to travel from Bratislava Airport to your hotel in the center.

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by Bratislava Guide

Exciting news for anyone traveling to Bratislava – our website now offers the opportunity to book a private taxi from Bratislava airport directly to the city center! No more worrying about public transportation, walking with heavy luggage, or waiting for buses – we’ve got you covered with our convenient, fast, and affordable taxi service.

The distance between Bratislava airport and the city center is around 12 kilometers, which may not sound like much, but when you’re tired, every minute counts. With public transportation, you’ll need to walk to the bus stop, wait for the bus, and potentially change buses or take additional modes of transportation depending on your destination. This can be time-consuming, stressful, and inconvenient – especially if you travel with a lot of luggage or have mobility issues.

That’s where our private taxi service comes in – our friendly and professional drivers will meet you at the airport, help you with your luggage, and take you directly to your destination in the city center. You won’t have to worry about navigating the public transportation system or getting lost in an unfamiliar city. Plus, our taxis are clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant and stress-free ride.

But perhaps the best part of our taxi service is the affordability. While you may think that private transportation is expensive, our prices are competitive with public transportation, especially when you factor in the time and energy saved by not having to navigate the bus system.

So, why choose public transportation when you can enjoy a fast, convenient, and affordable private taxi service with our website? Book your taxi today and start your Bratislava adventure off on the right foot!

Eating in Hacienda in Bratislava – Worth the money?

Posted on October 11, 2018 by Bratislava Guide

Hacienda is a restaurant located in the heart of Bratislava, easy to spot, and with lots of tempting food on the menu. But, is it worth the time and the money?

We recently wrote about our dinner in Los Mexikas in Bratislava which was a total disaster. But, what about our stay in Hacienda in Bratislava?

The first impression of Hacienda is way better than the Los Mexikas impression. The place looks nice both from the outside and on the inside, and the menus make you hungry!

The prices of the restaurant are just average, not very cheap, but not at all that expensive either. In other words, if you want to eat dinner in Bratislava at an average price, Hacienda might be a good option for you!

The food we were served in Hacienda Bratislava

The menu in Hacienda is packed with food that most people will like, meaning that families can easily visit the place and find something that they will like and enjoy at the menu. We ordered a hamburger and a quesadilla.

hamburger in hacienda — The hamburger in Hacienda in Bratislava

The hamburger, as you can see in the picture above, looked nice and everything was fine. It wasn’t a hamburger I would travel to Bratislava to taste, but as an average hamburger, I would judge it to be just fine. If you want a better burger, then there are for sure other places worth visiting in Bratislava, and there is also Lucky 7 Burger in Budapest.

There were lots of different quesadillas at the menu in Hacienda, and they all looked very good. As you can see at the picture above, it looked nice on the plate, and the taste was just the same.

The judgment on the quesadilla was quite similar to the hamburger judgment. It was a great thing to eat for dinner, but not a taste and an experience we would return to the restaurant to taste several times. But, if you like a good quesadilla, it is a sure winner if you pick it from the menu.

The price level in Hacienda Bratislava

How much did this experience cost us? It wasn’t bad at all. The prices for most main courses were between 8 and 20 Euro, with most costing around 10 Euro. In other words, not bad prices at all, and not at all more expensive than most other restaurants in the center of Bratislava.

We have no problem recommending Hacienda as an option for a family dinner in Bratislava. It might not be the best restaurant you will ever visit, but there are for sure a hundred times worse restaurants you could pick!

Conclusion: Hacienda is a safe bet for a safe and good dinner in the Slovakian capital!

Come to the Christmas markets in Bratislava in 2018

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Bratislava Guide

Are you still thinking about which city to visit for some Christmas market shopping in 2018? Why not do something un-traditional and visit Bratislava?

Bratislava is a quite small city with a population of approximately 500,000 people. You can easily feel this when you visit the city, as the inner city is quite small and easy to discover. This is what Thomas tells about in the story of his day-trip to Bratislava as well. But, the fact that the inner city is small, doesn’t make it boring. There are plenty of things to see and discover while in town, and it is perfect if you want to visit the different Christmas markets only by walking a few hundred meters.

There are several smaller markets here and there in Bratislava, but the two main markets can be found at the cities main square, and at the Hviezdoslav square. These can be found very close to one another, making it very easy to walk between them.

The market on the main square has beautiful lights and the famous Maximillian fountain in the middle. The market at the Hviezdoslav square is much bigger (due to the size of the square). Here you can also find an ice skating rink for kids, and if you want to live in the heart of the city, the Radisson Carlton hotel at this square can be warmly recommended.

What are the Christmas market dates in Bratislava in 2018?

Are you unpatiently waiting for us to reveal the Christmas market dates in Bratislava in 2018? The markets will open two weeks after the opening in Budapest, and one week later than the first markets in Vienna. That is, they will open on November 24th, and they will remain open until December 22nd.

Christmas market dates 2018: November 24 – December 22nd

If you want to read more about the different Christmas markets in Bratislava, check this article.

If you have any comment or questions, use the comment field!

Can I visit Prague on a day-trip from Bratislava?

Posted on May 29, 2017September 13, 2018 by Bratislava Guide

Are you bored in the capital of Slovakia and look for options for day excursions from Bratislava. Are you considering a day-trip to Prague from Bratislava?

Most travelers would agree that Prague has lots more attractions and famous sights to offer its visitors than Bratislava. For that reason, most people have already been to Prague, but they have yet to discover the beauties of Bratislava. But, if you still come to Bratislava and would like to do a day trip to Prague, then it can be done quite easily.

There are bus companies operating buses between Bratislava and Prague, for example, Orangeways and Flixbus. You can do a quick Google search for those companies to book your tickets right away. There is, however, better options, and the best option is for sure your own private car. If you use a bus you will have to use time getting to the bus station in Bratislava first, then you need to get from the bus station in Prague to the city center, and as you leave Prague in the evening you will have to repeat those actions again. For that reason, a private driver or your own private car is far more convenient.

Driving from Bratislava to Prague

The distance between Bratislava and Prague is 328km. Almost the entire road is done on highways, and the quickest route passes by the city of Brno, another Slovakian city you might consider to visit. According to Google Maps, the travel time from Bratislava to Prague with your own car should be a bit more than 3 hours, without stops. If you want to stop and have something to eat along the way, then the travel time will, of course, be even longer.

You should of course not forget that when you actually arrive in Prague you will also need to find a place to park your car, and often you spend a long time doing so (unless you have planned where to park your car in Prague), so our recommendation is that you plan this beforehand in order to save time and get the most out of your day in Prague.

Visit the Prague Christmas market on a day trip from Bratislava – Source: Fotolia

What to do in Prague on a day trip?

You will find lots of advises concerning your day trip to Prague in the Prague Guide. There you can also check the list of what’s on in Prague, in case you would like to travel to Prague to check out a concert, a festival or some other cool program.

Our general suggestions for a day in Prague would include walking across the Charles Bridge, visit the Old Town square, eating a Czech Goulash and taste some local beer, and maybe do a river cruise on the Vltava River.

We hope this information will help you out. If you have further questions or comments, just use the comment field beneath.

Sports bars in Bratislava where you can watch Euro 2016

Posted on May 25, 2016October 3, 2016 by Bratislava Guide

Euro 2016 is coming up in only a few weeks and this time it will be more interesting than ever before with Slovakia qualified for the tournament. But, where can you watch Euro 2016 in Bratislava?

There will for sure be TV screens available all around Bratislava in bars, restaurants and in pubs, and also in hotel rooms and so on, but if you want to watch Euro 2016 in Bratislava with lots of other fans then a sports pub is a good place to go. Now it isn’t that easy in Bratislava as in other cities, because Bratislava isn’t exactly packed with fantastic sports bars, but there are some places you clearly should consider!

If you want to watch Euro 2016 open air then you can also go to Vienna where there will be fantastic broadcasting of Euro 2016 in front of the City Hall, but there will probably be something similar in Bratislava as well, we only do not know about it yet!

Watch Euro 2016 in Bratislava

Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant, Sedlarska 6, Bratislava 811 01

Do a Google on this bar and you will find everything from fantastic reviews to the most terrible and people saying that the entire staff should be fired. Maybe you should go and give this place a try yourself and write a review afterwards telling us how you felt watching Euro 2016 in Dubliner Irish Pub in Bratislava?

U Belasych, Junácka 4, 83104 Bratislava

This might be one of the best sports bars in Bratislava, a bit outside the inner city center, but still quite easy to get to using a cab or some other sort of transportation. They are showing live sports every day of the week, so a good place to visit throughout the entire year.

Magic Sport Pub, Jungmannova 16, 851 01 Bratislava

This is just as much a restaurant as a pub, but it has a clear focus on sports and should serve as a great place if you want to watch Euro 2016 in Bratislava in a pub.

All Stars Cafe, Sedlarska 5, Bratislava

This is a place that has a quite good rumor, but also quite some reviews that are not so good, but in general a place people like to visit as they come to watch football matches and other sports events. They have lots of food and drink on their menu as well, so here you can combine watching the European Championship with some food.

Watch Euro 2016 in Bratislava somewhere else

You can of course watch Euro 2016 online while in Bratislava. All you need is a computer, a tablet or a phone and then you can follow these instructions and you will be ready to watch Euro 2016 online right away on UK television.

Slovakia will play their first match in the European Championship against Wales on June 11th and if they want to have any chance at getting to the knockout stage they will have to stop Gareth Bale in this match and grab the three points themselves.

You can also watch most of the Euro 2016 live on Slovakian TV in your hotel room.

Watch Slovakian Netflix

Posted on January 8, 2016October 17, 2022 by Bratislava Guide

Netflix is available in Slovakia and after its launch on January 6th in 2016 you can now watch four Mission Impossible films, lots of romantic films like Jackpot in Vegas, No Strings Attached and Bride Wars and tons of great TV series like The Blacklist, Elementary and of course Netflix productions like Orange is the New Black and more.

After years of waiting people were very happy to see that Netflix turned available in Slovakia and we believe that thousands of people will start their thirty day free trial at once as they realize that Netflix has arrived. But, what can you do if you are from Slovakia but live abroad and want to see Slovakian Netflix? It is very easy! All you need is a Netflix subscription in one nation (doesn’t matter which nation you have your subscription in) and in addition you will need a HideMyAss subscription. HideMyAss is a VPN provider and using their services you can get access to servers in more than 150 nations worldwide, and one of these nations are Slovakia. If you connect to a server in Slovakia you will get a Slovakian IP address, and once you have that you will get access to Slovakian Netflix as you visit netflix.com. That is in other words how easy it is to watch Slovakian Netflix from outside Slovakia.

In the same way you can do if you want to watch US Netflix in Slovakia or so. Because Netflix check your IP address you can just again use HideMyAss to change your IP address, and if you connect to a server in Mexico then you will get access to Mexican Netflix and if you connect to a server in Spain then you will get access to Spanish Netflix and more. If you want to know more about region switching with Netflix then this article and site is perfect for you!

If you want to know more about HideMyAss before you continue, then this review is useful reading!

netflix in Bratislava — Watching Master of None on Netflix in Slovakia

Upon the Netflix launch in Slovakia all content were available in English only, but it is expected to be made more Slovakian within the coming days and months, and thus Slovakian subtitles can be expected and also more content made in Slovakia and made by Slovakians!