With the ever-growing popularity of Eastern European cities for both regular tourists and the odd stag do, the range of choices on our Guru's recommended list of the best places to stay in Bratislava has expanded accordingly.
Bratislava promises a colourful mix of nature's beauty and man's design, with "small", "cosy" and "eclectic" featuring heavily in guide books of the city. A castle-topped capital surrounded by flood plains and forests with a blend of medieval and Socialist architecture, this small city is a place brimming with fascinating contrasts.
If you want to venture further afield, Bratislava is a great base for popping to Vienna, or jump on a boat down the Danube and catch a glimpse of the ruined Devin Castle.
You don't have to stroll far from the city centre before you start to feel the presence of dense woods around the city - it's just a 30 minute walk from the train station to the Small Carpathians (the lower of this mountain range), where there's hiking, vineyards and skiing in season.
The city has a very buzzy atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to be discovered in the maze of pedestrian streets and squares of the tiny old town. If you want a truly Slovak experience then head off to the Prasna Basta Restaurant which is always packed with locals, or alternatively give Slovenska Restauracia a try.
What not to miss:
- Be sure to visit Bratislava Castle, standing proud on the hill and providing breathtaking views of the city.
- Make a stop at St. Martin’s Cathedral, where the Hungarian Monarchs were crowned between the 16th and 19th centuries.
- The Slovak National Gallery, National Museum and Holocaust Museum all lend fascinating perspectives on Slovakia's past.
- Get out of the city for the day and go hiking or skiing in the surrounding mountains.
Where to stay - which neighbourhood?
Whilst Bratislava itself is divided into three large districts, each of which is home to multiple neighbourhoods, the majority of hotels are located in the Old Town or the New Town. The other districts are mainly residential: full of large apartment blocks, and not the prettiest surroundings for a trip abroad.
- Stare Mesto, the Old Town, is where you'll find all Bratislava's most historic sights. Meander through charming narrow streets, admire the opulent palaces and enjoy a spot of people-watching with a coffee.
- Alternatively, if you fancy more modern surroundings then you could always stay in Nove Mesto, the New Town. Whilst not nearly as characterful as the Old Town, it's home to the city's sport stadiums as well as the large Kraft factory.
As with all increasingly popular destinations, the best places to stay in Bratislava can get booked up well in advance. So plan ahead, or else visit this city in the quieter months, when there's less competition for the top properties!