Bratislava
Bounty

Weighing up the historic cities on the banks of the Danube, it's Vienna and Budapest that usually win the most hurrahs from the hussars. But travellers who want a break from the mighty metropolises of Central Europe will find a laid back treat in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Once the coronation city of the Kings of Hungary, Bratislava is an Old World gem that's sparkling anew having thrown off the Soviet yoke. It's a beguiling city with many strings to its bow. And for travellers keen to explore some of Europe's most lyrical landscapes, the city provides a glorious gateway to the Carpathians and beyond. Read more

Call us biased - but you'd be hard-pushed to find a more pleasant bunch than the Slovaks. But first things first - click onwards for tips on all the top places to try in Bratislava, including bars, restaurants, hotels, shops and places to have fun.

Local Life Bratislava is aiming to lasso as much handy info as we can ladle into this olive green portal. To kick things off, there's a nifty news section, travel tips and plenty of background info about the state of Slovakia. We're also armed with handy tips on culture as well as a beginners guide to the Slovakian language.

Whether you're counting down the days to your departure or you're already in town, we're here to help you zoom in on all that's best about Bratislava. We do our best to keep the information thorough and up-to-the-minute. And if there's something you can't find, please contact us!

Last but not least, if you're embarking on an epic tour of Central Europe - think Hannibal but without the elephants - don't forget our friends in Vienna, Prague, Krakow, Vilnius and Budapest.