Bratislava

Eco-friendly travel guide to Bratislava advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Air quality: 3 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 3 / 5

Public transportation: 3.5 / 5

Parks: 3.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3 / 5

Locals' English level: 2 / 5

Safety: 3 / 5

Accommodation: US$150 - $220

Budget per day: US$250 - $300

Responsible Travel

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia. It is also its political, social, and economic center. With a population of about 700,000 people, it is its largest city. It has on its borders two sovereign states; Hungary and Austria.

Located along the Danube River is this beautiful city of Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia was named after the Prince Braslav and stands at 413ft above sea level. This city would probably be be top of your bucket list by the time you are done reading this article.

Getting to Bratislava by air means that your journey will begin upon landing at Bratislava Airport, 9.5 kilometers northeast of the city center. The international hub is serviced by all major airlines including Emirates, Ryanair, and Wizz Air UK at affordable prices. The airport is in operation 24 hours a day so no need to worry about the time of arrival.

Once settled in, there are various ways of getting around the city and enjoying the views it has to offer. The choice of transport depends on personal preferences taking into consideration the budget, experience of tourists, and whether it is a solo journey or as a tour group. The possible choices are discussed below

Public transport in the capital is provided by the state-owned operator and covers most of the city lines. If traveling as a group, it is recommended to take trolleybuses. Public transport is a bonus if you want to see the rest of the city outside your set tourist destinations. Timetables of the buses are easy to find and tickets must be purchased before entering the bus.

For the adventurous tourist, it is recommended to use pedestrian avenues to navigate around the city. This is presumably for those with accommodation close by. Walking the streets of Bratislava is the same as walking any in any other metropolis. The energy and vibe accompanied by closeness to malls, food outlets are argued to improve the tourist experience. Just like travel in any other place, it is recommended that tourist keep their valuables close and leave important documentation at their accommodation.

Responsible travel means you have to make sure you are respecting the place and its people. Try to be as eco friendly as possible. Some of the ways you can do this are:

Do not litter
Use public transport
Support local businesses
Do not use plastic bags and plastic straws
Carry metal straws with you

Air Quality and Pollution

Slovakia nationally has done moderately on the regional statistics of pollution within Europe. It was ranked as having the 10th worst air quality in Europe indicating the rather grim nature of the purity of the air in its atmosphere.

Traffic growth in Bratislava during the last 15 years has reached an unsustainable level. Metro has been promised as a solution to the problems the city faces, it is continually pushed further and further into the future. Time has been working against improvements to residents' quality of life.

The largest contribution to the pollution of air is that of the chemical industry, energetics, and automobile transport. The significant secondary source of air pollution in the city is secondary dustiness, the level of which depends on meteorological factors, earthwork and agricultural work, and character of the surface.

However, there is a glimmer of hope for the situation. Recently, a regional court in Bratislava defended the rights of a group of 10 citizens from the city and non-governmental environmental pollution. Residents won their battle against state pollution and in a bid for cleaner air. This comes as a huge step towards clean air as reports claim that 93% of the world's children under the age of 15 years (1.8 billion) breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk.

Respect the Culture

Bratislava like any other booming metropolis is multiethnic. The majority are Slovaks whilst other ethnic groups such as Hungarians, Romani, Czechs, Russians are also found in the capital. All these groups, though they dress differently and have different traditions but they all call Bratislava home.

Whilst it may be difficult to spot anyone wearing it, Slovaks have a traditional dress called the Kroje. They do also have a couple of fascinating traditions explored below:

Drinking Herbal Liquor in the Mountains: This might be interesting for tourists who enjoy hiking mountains. Slovaks believe that herbal beverages boost the immune system and even aid in digestion. Popular beverages are Demänovka, Tatra Tea, and Becherovka. This is one for the adventurers and certainly not a dull way to spend your time in Bratislava.

Every meal starts with soup: Lunch or supper stats the same way in Bratislava, with a bowl of soup. Cream or vegetable-based soups are served at restaurants, hotels, and homes. Interestingly, some soups feel like whole meals, so it is advised to consult local chefs which ones are lighter.

The Fujara: Instruments and music play pivotal roles in any tradition. Slovaks in Bratislava are very fond of the large folk shepherd’s flute. The instrument is called the Fujara. Tourists can take time to learn the instrument or rather enjoy its melody whilst relaxing or having a meal out.

As a foreigner, respect must be shown in a certain way of doing things as lead by the locals. Such traditions are under constant threat from globalization and revolutionaries seeking to regrettably undermine traditions that have stood the test of time. However, it is advised that you should always be respectful towards all the traditions and customs of the local people in the city.

Top 10 Places to Visit

A tour of Bratislava will enable one to experience a blend of how the past is giving way to a vibrant present and brighter future. The stunning architecture alone is inspirational.

Bratislava Castle: Stroll in the same streets as those once occupied by Prince Braslav and earn yourself a date with history. The Castle offers a breathtaking view of the city from a tower that is nearly 50 meters high. It is recommended to commence the day by touring the castle. The Museum of History is also located within the castle.

St Martin’s Cathedral: The Cathedral was a coronation site between 1500 and 1800. With huge stained-glass windows, the Cathedral is built in true Gothic style. Furthermore, tourists can explore the bowels of the Cathedral to see crypts and catacombs located there.

Old Town Hall: The Museum of City History occupies most of the space inside. The reward for a climb is an amazing view of Bratislava's Old Town square. For the adrenaline junkies, the basement offers a chance to see old Medieval torture instruments.

Primate’s Palace: Built-in the !8th Century, this Classicist building still holds Council Meetings even now. However, there is adequate room available for tourists to enjoy unique collections of tapestries from the 17th Century. The palace also serves as the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava.

Michael’s Gate: This Medieval preserved gate marks the entry into the old town. It is recommended that tourists climb to the top of the tower for glorious views of the Old Town and Bratislava Castle.

Devin Castle: If the Bratislava Castle left you yearning for a more royal castle experience, be sure to spare some time to visit the Devin Castle. The castle is only about half an hour away from the Danube River. Getting to the castle is as per one's preference. You can choose to catch a bus, cycle, or even catch a boat cruise in the river. Amazingly, the castle has not been restored giving it a rich history filled with delicacies any tourist would enjoy.

Blue Church: The church derived its name from the color of its façade which was made in true Art Nouveau style. Fancy a wedding, lucky tourists may even witness ceremonies as the church is a popular venue for weddings and other commemorations.

Cumil the Statue: It would be a complete trip without plenty of photographs and videos taken to remember the occasion. Statues often wonderful background to man photographs and Bratislava has quite a few of them. Of them all, Cumil is probably the most favorite of many tourists. Contrary to the belief that the higher the statue the more beautiful it looks, Cumil is not very tall yet very attractive. He is a representation made in bronze of a man working in the who had just got his head up to get some air. Be sure to take a photo!

Bratislava Zoo: Many of the heartfelt, adrenaline rush moments of tours are often derived from unique experiences with nature. What way better to make a date with nature than at the zoo. This is recommended if you are on a trip with kids or even with other adults alike. Bratislava Zoo Is home to a variety of species of monkeys, giraffes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, pandas, and apes.

UFO: To cap it off, enjoy the city's view for up to 100 kilometers view from the pylons on SNP Bridge. This observation deck provides beautiful views especially at dusk to help the tourist just to take everything in as they wind down on their experience in Bratislava.

Bratislava Castle, Bratislava

Explore

Bratislava has four weather seasons and lies in the north temperate zone and continental climate. There is a marked variation between hot summers and cold, humid winters. Make sure to carry some sunscreen if visiting during the hot summer months from June to October.

Although not as cheaper as it used to be, Bratislava offers more to the adventurous tourist per unit cost than many other cities. It is considered cheaper than Moscow or London. However, visitors may be discouraged by the language barrier especially if planning to visit fewer tourist areas of the city. It is encouraged that visitors download a language app or dictionaries to help them.

The fun does not stop there in Bratislava. Tourists can relax along beaches within Bratislava whilst enjoying the waters or even catching up with some locals for braai and drinks.

City Parks

This is a community garden that was opened in 2013. The project turned an unused grassy area of a medical center into a fruit and vegetable garden. They picked the fruits (and vegetables) of their job already and in 2014 started the second season. Currently, there are 27 independent plots plus smaller boxes in the garden, cultivated by their owners. They plant mostly vegetables and herbs.

National Parks

Following is the list of parks in the city:

The Botanical Garden of Comenius University in Bratislava: The 7.5 hectares garden is home to some 5000 plant species and is a favorite place for tourists to relax in nature's midst. Part of the garden was reserved for roses and has grown over 150 hybrids of rose varieties.

Presidential Garden: The Grassalkovich palace opens behind to the majestic Presidential garden. In the garden is also found a copy of Empress Maria Theresa's Statue and a fountain called youth. The garden is open to the public during working time and is a great spot to relax and take photographs.

Many politicians as a sign of friendship to Slovakia and its people have planted trees in the famous garden.

Fountain at the Presidential Garden, Bratislava

Beaches

Some of the beaches that you can visit in the city are:

Magio Beach: If you visit Bratislava during summer, be sure not to miss relaxing at this amazing resort filled with all kinds of leisure for both kids and adults alike. Be sure to stop by earlier in the summer as the beach fills up very in and space may be a complication. At the beach, travelers can enjoy volleyball, or just relax on the big beds laid out for tourists.

Zlaty Piesky: Although not having beds like Magio, Zlaty Piesky is more natural and beautiful. This is a lake and the beach at lakeside offers beautiful views of the 30-meter-deep lake and its tiny island in the middle. Entrances to the place are all under 5 pounds for children and adults.

Landmarks

Bratislava boasts of some of the most iconic landmarks in the country and some of the landmarks that you can visit during your trip

The Building of Slovak Radio: Commissioned in 1983 after 16 years of construction, the building resembles an upside-down pyramid. The engineering marvel was the brainchild of architects Štefan Svetko, Štefan Ďurkovič, and Barnabáš Kissling and is home to the national radio and television corporation.

Slavin: The military monument was inaugurated in 1960. It consists of mass graves and individual graves of soldiers who perished whilst liberating Bratislava from the Nazis.

Slovak Philharmonic: Orchestra fans should definitely make a pit stop at the 1949 Slovak Philharmonic theatre. The Slovak Philharmonic consist of three entities namely:

The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
The Slovak Philharmonic Choir
The Slovak Chamber Orchestra

Hlavné Námestie: The name translates to Main Square and is one of the best-known squares in Bratislava. It is in the center of the Old Town and is sometimes called the center of the city.

Holy Trinity Column: Sculptured by the Italian Stanetti, the landmark remembers the plague that hit Bratislava in the past. It is designed with seven historic figures-saints of miners- protectors and patron of the town.

Slavin Memorial, Bratislava

Museums

History and artifacts of any culture or tradition are often stored in modern museums and Bratislava has quite a number of these. Visitors can also spend time in art galleries in Bratislava adding on top to the knowledge of Slovakia history and culture within the museums. Here are some, and not all the museums in Bratislava:

City Museum of Bratislava: The museum is housed in the Old Town Hall and has had some of its rooms restored with images and paintings consistent with Slovakia's tradition. On display also, are advertisements from 1900 of companies from Slovakia.

Slovak National Gallery: The same collection held at this gallery in Bratislava is held in galleries in four other cities of Slovakia. Notable pieces of art in the galleries include religious art pieces produced in the Slovak Republic from the 14th to the 18th Century.

Museum of Arms in the St Michael’s Tower: This is recommended for young boys who love to see Medieval weapons and tools. St Michael’s is the only remaining ancient entrance to the Old Town and in the tower, you will find the small Museum of Arms.

A view of the City Museum of Bratislava

Eat

Great cities are characterized by delicious food served with the right amount of flavor. The blend between traditional and modern-day dishes adds to variety and excitement when it comes to food. Bratislava has an array of traditional restaurants, specialist restaurants serving Indian, Czech, and dishes from Peru. Here are some of the restaurants that you can try when visiting the city:

Bratislava Flag Ship: This is one of the largest restaurants in Europe for all menu types and beverages. The restaurant offers several local Bratislava cuisine and traditional Slovak dishes like the bryndzové halušky – potato dumplings served with sheep's milk cheese. Reserved inside the restaurant is a section for traditional dishes open to the public for tasting. It offers a 15% discount to all travelers using the Bratislava Card.

Ashoka Restaurant: This is an authentic Indian food restaurant where travelers can enjoy exotic Indian cuisine close to the city center. All food as expected is made from original Indian ingredients and spices, herbs are imported directly from India. Indian vegetarian dishes are also available for the selection made with love from Indian chefs.

Al Faro: Translating to the lighthouse, the restaurant has been operating smoothly located on the waterfront of Bratislava’s Eurovea center. The restaurant serves a variety of local and imported dishes as per the customer's request.

Aucafe: The restaurant offers a nice view of the Danube River which is most pleasant during the hot summer. Whether you are grabbing a cup of tea or a whole meal, be sure to gaze at the river inside Aucafe Restaurant.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Traditional restaurants in Bratislava serve dishes harnessed from Slovak, Hungarian, German, and Austrian cultures. It is hugely recommended to try some of these restaurants.

Modrá Hviezda: This beautiful 18th Century restaurant fittingly lies right under the walls of the Bratislava Castle. Modra Hviezda offers traditional Slovak meals with traditional beer or homemade wine. One such dish is a rabbit with red wine sauce or strudel with beetroot and farm cheese.

FlagShip: The restaurant houses the so-called Bratislava Golden Lane, where you can sample local specialties and see what Bratislava looked like around 100 years ago. Other attractive dishes include traditional latke, potato pancakes, stewed beef, and plenty of roast meats.

Traja Mušketieri: For something fancier, try Tjaja Musketieri for a unique blend of classic Slovak dishes with a hint of French cuisine. The restaurant serves other delicacies including veal ragout with butter dumplings and grilled fish and seafood. Other restaurants worth mentioning are:
Slovak Pub
Reštaurácia Hrad
Buchtáreň

Vegetarian and Vegan

There are quite a few vegan places that you can visit. Some of them are:

Balans Bistro: This vegan food outlet was established in 2016. It serves burgers and quesadilla with a variety of dressings plus pancakes, desserts, and a daily menu. Beverages on offer include lemonade, coffee, local beers, and kombucha.

Bemba raw food & plant-based: The location of this vegan outlet is Kollarovi nameste 17, Bratislava, Slovakia. Interestingly, the restaurant offers gluten-free, refined sugar-free, à la carte meals. Such meals include raw, plant-based starters, soups, main dishes, salads, and dessert.

Vegan Pub: This is one vegetarian restaurant offering street food. Menus are available on Facebook. All dishes start out as a vegan, then guests can choose between plant and dairy cheeses. The restaurant opened in 2019 officially as Fresh House but then changed its name to the current Vegan Pub.

Street Food

If you find yourself in a hurry and hungry, look to benefit from Bratislava's booming street food service. Fast-food takeaways serve burgers, hotdogs, or even local Slovak meals. The two most famous street food takeaways are:

Barkers
Buchtaren

Drink

Wine is very important to Bratislava's cuisine. The capital is in close range to some of the richest wine-producing districts of Europe. Specialized wine bars are scattered across the capital and the traveler is spoilt for choice.

Tap-water

Tap water is very safe to drink in Bratislava. Studies have shown that water in Bratislava is amongst the safest to consume in the world.

Organic Cafés

Coffee drinkers are also catered for in the majestic capital. Whether you are on a tour break or just catching up with the daily news. The following Cafes are available to quench your thirst:

Avra Kehdabra
Axioma Café
Café Café Cremeria Milano
Crémechic

Breweries

Wine bars available include:

Grand Cru Wine Gallery
Slovak National Collection of wine
Vínimka
Vinotéka Trunk

Activities

Shopaholics are welcome to their Bratislava shopping paradise. They offer everything any shopper could desire. Fashion, accessories, jewelry, home goods, books, and even furniture can all found in one place. You can even visit a contemporary art gallery and the shopping malls also offer creche facilities to entertain your little ones. Please note that little ones must be at least three years old to enter.

Yoga and Retreats

Afraid to miss out on your Yoga sessions? No Problem, we have made this quick guide where you can find some yoga studios and yoga shops to buy yoga equipment. The following are available for Yoga sessions:

Iyengar Yoga in English Bratislava
Ashtanga Yoga in Bratislava
Internationals.
BrighterLife Center

Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in Bratislava can be frustrating so travelers are encouraged to plan well on time in line with their budgets.

It is recommended that travelers avoid booking on third party sites but rather communicate directly with the accommodation service provider to avoid being defrauded of their money.

Avoid soliciting for hotels and making payments on Twitter, Facebook as the risk of fraud is often high. Some of the recommended hotels and apartments are tabulated below:

Marrol’s Boutique Hotel
Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel
Danubia Gate
Hotel Avance
LOFT Hotel Bratislava

Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava

Green Hotels

Green hotels in Bratislava and across Slovakia focus on sustainable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring proper waste management. Unlike other competitors, such hotels are constructed from sustainable material and aim to keep a low or no carbon footprint. So for those conscious about the environment, consider supporting the following hotels in Bratislava:

Marrol's Boutique Hotel: The five-star rated hotel is within walking distance from the Old Town and its entrance at St Michael's Gate. Marrol's offers free of charge services such as coffee, a daily refilled minibar, and Wi-Fi.

Besides focusing heavily on ecotourism, the hotel offers parking to tourists opting to use hired vehicles whilst on tour.

Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel: Rated four and a half stars, the hotel offers proximity to some of the most popular features in Bratislava in the Cumil statue and Hlavne Namestie. In line with its focus on ecotourism, all linen is sanitized in the high-temperature wash. In addition to the air-conditioned rooms equipped with a flat-screen television set, the hotel has a fitness center designed with your health in mind.

Mercure Bratislava Centrum Hotel: The 4 start, 175 roomed hotel is in the city center, a 10-minute walk to the Bratislava Castle. The hotel offers a 24/7 meal service. To ensure no carbon footprint, no smoking Is allowed inside rooms at the hotel.

Hotel Danubia Gate Bratislava: Hotel Danubia Gate is located 5 min. walk from the Old Town and is a small but very friendly hotel in the Bratislava city center, offering a complex package of services. The hotel offers airport transportation, a business center with internet facilities, and a workout room amongst other luxurious services found inside its rooms. Three languages English, Czech, German are spoken making it easier for local, regional, and international tourists.

Hotel Danubia Gate, Bratislava

Hostels and Guest Houses

Hyde Park Hostel: Located in the heart of Bratislava, the facility offers four languages English, Russian, Czech, German. This low-cost accommodation is located 400 meters from Old Town. Available for guests is free Wi-Fi and luggage storage services. This is a non- smoking hostel which may be disadvantageous to smokers.

Ubytovanie Pohoda: This upmarket stylish accommodation was established in 2018 designed to serve business personnel on trips in Bratislava. The place offers rooms for adults and children separately which is a bonus to families on trips to Bratislava. A kids' play area is available for some funs with the kids or to just have some space to reply to emails and catch up on some work. Recommendations are only for non- smokers owing to the non-smoking restriction.

CHORS like a hotel: Chors is an art boutique offering accommodation in capsules. Capsule accommodation is a growing trend in Europe that combines the social experience of lodging whilst creating perfect privacy. The capsules are separate cells for guests to stay. Be sure to visit for a unique experience.

Apartments

Hostel Folks: The hostel is suitable more for its location on the edge of downtown Bratislava close to the pedestrian zone. It offers a kitchenette, 24- hour front desk. More of a disadvantage is the shared bathroom available.

Centrum Salvator: Located within a functional monastery where nuns live, in a quiet place, Centrum Salvator is set in the Bratislava Old Town, 1 km from Michalska Tower and 1.4 km from UFO Observation Deck. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi is available in all areas and free private parking is possible on site. Visitors interested in cycling can hire bicycles from the hostel.

Penzión Donet: The guest house is popular amongst couples. It is ideally located 400 m away from the train station. The is a bus stop, Sancova, 300 m from the property. The Bratislava Airport can be reached within 7 km, while the Presidential Palace and Bratislava Castle can be visited 2.5 km away.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a global homestay and social networking service accessible via a website and mobile app. Members can request lodging publicly or directly from other members, create events.

Harassment is against the terms of service. Bratislava has more than 10000 hosts available ready to connect with members from across the world visiting the capital. It is recommended that travelers intending to use Couchsurfing thoroughly follow protocol when choosing a host to avoid regrets.

Camping

For a bit of outdoor fun, visitors can opt for camping on one of many campsites in Bratislava. Camping is recommended for summer visits, however, those brave enough for winter camping can also hang out at campsites. Whether solo or with family, be sure to try out the following campsites:

Camping park Karpaty: This quiet, comfortable, and calm site can be in addition to camping, as a place to do Yoga. Such is the quietness and comfortability awaiting travelers. Also interesting is the common fireplace with drinks, singing, and dancing.

Camping Zlate Piesky: The site is situated to the northeast of the city Bratislava, beside the main highway. Let the location not dampen your expectation though. Camping Zlate Piesky offers accommodation in caravans, tents, simply equipped chalets, moderately equipped bungalows, and 2 apartments. The location offers a wide range of possibilities for social and cultural entertainment such as important national and historic monuments of Bratislava.

How to Get There

Bratislava is located along the Danube River by the border of Austria and Hungary.

Air

Getting to Bratislava by air means that your journey will begin upon landing at Bratislava Airport 9.5 kilometers northeast of the city center. The international hub is serviced by all major airlines including Emirates, Ryanair, and Wizz Air UK at affordable prices. Other international couriers may offer connecting flights as well.

Bratislava Airport, Slovakia

Bus

Public transport in the capital is provided by the state-owned operator and covers most of the city lines. The roads in the capital are in good condition, especially the main roads. The speed limit of 50km/hour is enforced in towns and 130kn/hour in motorways. Timetables of the buses are easy to find and tickets must be purchased before entering the bus.

European Union citizens can use their respective national licenses to drive in Bratislava. Otherwise, an international driver's license is required. Traffic drives on the right and drivers must be over the age of 18 with zero blood alcohol level.

The following companies can get you to Bratislava by bus: · Flixbus · Regiojet · Crnja · Nomago · Racic Eurobus · Union Ivkoni Ltd · Slovak Lines Express a.s.

A public bus in Bratislava

Train

Railway services are operated by the Slovak Republic Railways. Trains generally require a seat reservation. Bratislava's main railway station is the major railway station in Bratislava. It is located near Šancová Street, around 1 km or a 15 min walk north from the historical part of the Old Town. Bratislava is accessible from several destinations in Europe such as Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Budapest, and other cities. Train fares range from £17 to £250 for the longer routes.

Hitchhiking

The potential threat of robbery and carjackers hinders drivers from picking up random people on the streets. This is, however, not an indication of how the people in Bratislava treat strangers.

There are a few exemptions, but it is recommended that visitors make transport arrangements in advance.

Others

Bratislava's centrality makes it accessible by other means such as via cruise. Most drivers in Bratislava's motorways apart from tourists are those in transit to other parts of nearby Europe. For purposes of moving around within the capital is by vehicle, cycling, or even walking around.

Moving Around

There are different means by which you can move around the city. Being the capital city, infrastructure has been put in place to facilitate movement around.

Walk

If you are planning to visit the Old town or staying at hotels in and around the area of the Old Town, then walking is one way to enjoy your experience. Vehicles are only allowed in the town in the early morning for delivery. Afterward, the area is a pedestrian zone making exploration easier and ecofriendly. Areas such as Bratislava Castle are also accessible on foot depending on where the visitor is residing.

Bicycle

Cycling is very popular across Slovakia for couples, the workforce, individuals, and families. Bratislava has well-developed cycling routes which are very busy on weekends. Bratislava's cycling infrastructure consists mostly of tourist-aimed paths along the river Danube.

The city center has received bicycle parking corridors and bicycle symbols painted on the roads. Finding a ride is easy as there is a share of a bicycle system that was developed in the capital.

Electronic Vehicles

A growing trend in the car industry is the use of electric cars mostly for their ecofriendly nature. Most petrol heads are turning to smooth sailing electric vehicles and it's no surprise that Bratislava has many electric motors charging ports at petrol stations. To be exact, there are 83 charging stations in the capital.

Public Bus

Public transport in the capital is provided by the state-owned operator and covers most of the city lines. If traveling as a group, it is recommended to take trolleybuses. Public transport is a bonus if you want to see the rest of the city outside your set tourist destinations.

Timetables of the buses are easy to find and tickets must be purchased before entering the bus. Taxi operators are also available for booking. Travelers planning to take short journeys to the city center can use airport taxis. However, it is recommended that travelers use local taxis for such a journey as they are on average three times cheaper than airport taxis.

It is recommended that travelers discuss taxi fares before embarking. Prices per kilometer are not regulated in Bratislava so caution is recommended.

Tram, Train and Subway

Trams cover heavily used routes within the capital. There are 152 tram stops served by 8 lines.

Bratislava subway metro and tramways. Besides a tramway, a light rail line has been approved with construction due to begin in late 2011. The north-south line will be above ground, though plans are to eventually route it under the Danube in a 2.5 km subway.

Sustainable Shopping

Trips abroad are remembered at times by pieces and souvenirs purchased from locals selling on streets or inside beauty shops. The purchasing experience is usually a good one unless it is characterized by vendors jostling for customers. It is recommended that visitors shy away from such crowded areas as there is a high risk of theft.

Bratislava is famous for its hand-made crafts and folk art. Here is a list of some of the pieces one can bring from Bratislava · Decorated Easter eggs · Traditional embroidered clothing · Cornhusk dolls · Decorated wooden crosses

There are plenty of shops in Bratislava which sell artifacts and some of them have online platforms accessible to potential tourists.

Food Markets

Some of the best locally produced fresh produce can be found at food markets that are open all year round. This is with exception to the Vianoce (or Christmas) market which opens one annually. Produce at these markets include fresh fruits and vegetables, regional wines, and home-made jam. Food markets are recommended for those doing their cooking in hostels or apartments. Popular food markets include:

· Old Market Hall- Open on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm · Mileticova Central Market- Mostly used by locals as it is located further away from the visiting area. · Žilinská Market Place- Farmer's markets near the railway station dates back to the fifties · The Good Market- Takes place a few days of the year in different locations · Vianoce – Christmas market

Flea Markets

Low-income locals or visitors who do not afford the big shopping malls or exhibition stores can settle for flea markets. Some flea markets are open weekly and other only on special occasions. It is recommended that visitors take their time to select clothes that fit them and avoid being rushed by those selling.

Inter Stadium Flea Market: The football stadium is Bratislava is repurposed for many events and on weekends it is host to the Bratislava Inter Stadium flea market. The market attracts locals and tourists looking for bargains. The range of merchandise on sale at the market include vintage clothes, antique household items, crockery, glassware, framed paintings, old radios, toys, and pieces of furniture.

Other Flea Markets available include: Červený Kameň Flea Market

Second Hand Stores

Again, one for those under tight budgets or locals who cannot afford the expensive shopping mall sprees. It is possible to get fairly good quality clothes if time is given to do a thorough search. Second-hand stores are famous for their vintage clothing which comes with very low pricing.

Popular vintage/ second- hand shops include: · Textile House · Luxury Vintage · Nox Vintage

Eco-Fashion

More sustainable fashion can be defined as clothing, shoes, and accessories that are manufactured, marketed, and used in the most sustainable manner possible, considering both environmental and socio-economic aspects.

Sustainable fashion is a growing trend and stores in Bratislava are quickly adapting to it. One of the biggest sustainable fashion brands in Slovakia, Earthling, has its headquarters in Bratislava. The brand has an online e-commerce platform ready to assist travelers.

Recycling

The rate of recycling in Bratislava and Slovakia is generally low. This has led to poor air quality and huge landfills which are not properly managed. Waste management is an area Bratislava's city fathers are set to improve on. Production of communal waste increased greatly from 2014 and a lot of investment is needed to increase recycling at both residential and industrial levels.

The Environmental Ministry has set its sight on improving recycling at all levels by putting in place relevant legislation. The Ministry is prioritizing the approach to increase the volume of separated and recycled waste to reduce landfill. To achieve this goal, it is preparing new laws regarding landfill fees.

Waste

The production of communal waste in Slovakia increased in 2014, breaking the downward trend since 2010. The new data for Slovakia and its capital remains considerably below the EU average. EU has set an average of 321 kilograms per year per inhabitant compared to around 475 kilograms per year per inhabitant of Slovakia. The recycling of communal waste, including composting, amounts to only 12 percent, while the EU average is 44 percent.

Work and Study Abroad

Bratislava provides such a dynamic market linking several European cities that many multinational companies have chosen to establish branches within the city. Huge multinationals such as Amazon, IBM, Accenture, Henkel, Dell, Mondelez have branches in Bratislava and are regularly on the lookout for brilliant upcoming minds to employ.

If successfully employed by a company based in Bratislava, work permit status depends on whether you are a European Union citizen or not. Citizens from EU member states will not need a permit to work in Bratislava, but they will need to register their presence to gain a residence permit. Those not from EU member states will require an application for a work permit. This must be done before coming to Bratislava.

There is also plenty of opportunity for academic study in Bratislava. Below is a list of some of the universities or branches of universities found in Bratislava: · The Comenius University of Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences · Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Informatics · The Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava Faculty of Architecture · Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Pharmacy · Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Pharmacy

Exchange Student

The world-class universities in Bratislava attract thousands of international students annually for conventional programs and exchange programs too. Exchange programs have a duration ranging anywhere from one month to a full year. The Slovak University of Technology offers such exchange programs.

Eligible students should be enrolled in a degree program at home university at the time of application for exchange study stay. The student also must complete at least the first year of university studies.

Au Pair

An au pair is a helper from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs take on a share of the family's responsibility for childcare as well as some housework and receive a monetary allowance for personal use. There are plenty of agencies that work in the sector in Bratislava and if in need visitors can find helpers.

Volunteering

Bratislava volunteer center connects volunteers and organizations in Bratislava and the Bratislava region a little more. The center motivates people to volunteer and teaches organizations how to work with volunteers. It constantly tries to improve the volunteering conditions as well as volunteering as such in this area.

The volunteer center in Bratislava involves people and motivates them to do volunteering in Bratislava and the Bratislava region. Registered to the center about 5000 volunteers recorded in the organization's database. Every day we have new volunteering offers for registered people. Volunteers can utilize their talent and free time for benefit of people who need it, e.g. helping patients at oncology, accompany elders in retirement homes, or clean their neighborhoods. We support and reward them in return. If you decide to volunteer don´t hesitate to contact the center.