© pa picture alliance
Bratislava is Vienna’s little sister. A little bit of modernity, a lot of tradition, a mixture that creates what is so important in a big city: a sense of security. Here you can sit down with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake – because the Slovaks are particularly good at sweet pastries – and relax. In Bratislava, you take life as it comes, stroll, discover and do it all at a leisurely pace. Because there is a lot to see. Martin Vrabko, born and raised in Bratislava, tells us where to make the first stop. He knows the places and the most beautiful corners – not least because of his profession as a photographer. So: read on.
© pa picture alliance
Living
It’s always about feeling. It’s about feeling at home in one place. At Hotel Marrol’s, you do just that from the moment you step over the threshold for the first time. At the boutique hotel in Bratislava’s old town, you can relax in the in-house spa or in front of the large fireplace – or simply stay in your cozy room.
Hotel Marrol’s, Tobrucká, 4, www.hotelmarrols.sk
© pa picture alliance
Food
The Schoppa restaurant serves up a full plate of Slovakian cuisine. Everything here is homemade, the interior is woodsy and rustic, and the waiters are dressed in traditional costume. The best thing is that the restaurant is located directly on Koliba Hill and is completely surrounded by trees – fabulous! Good quality at a reasonable price at Restaurant Verne. Thanks to its proximity to the Slovak Academy of Visual Arts, it is always a particularly creative and hip place to dine – the perfect place for cultivated people-watching. Café Štúr serves quiche and salads, delicious coffee and Slovakian dessert specialties. If you like really good Indian cuisine, pay a visit to Thali : organic and veggie food with an Indian twist and really tasty. The absolute insider tip: Palacinka Lacinka, even if it doesn’t look like it, but here you’ll find the best crêpes in town – according to old family tradition and for over 20 years.
Schoppa, Brečtanová, 4/B, www.schoppa.sk
Verne, Hviezdoslavovo námestie, 18, www.facebook.com/Verne
Cafe Štúr, Štúrova, 8, www.sturcafe.sk
Thali, Dunajská, 64, www.thali.sk
Palacinka Lacinka, Šancová, 18, www.facebook.com/Palacinka-Lacinka
© pa picture alliance
Shopping
Lovingly selected jewelry, bags, clothes and all kinds of knick-knacks can be discovered in the Slavica Dizajn boutique. Once you’ve shopped at Twigi, you’re never the same again. Everything here is handmade and comes straight from the minds of young creatives. The Silver Moon art gallery is the perfect place to stock up on decorative items, including jewelry by Slovakian designer Petra Toth and bracelets and charms by Born in Barcelona, a label with its roots in Bratislava. You can find cool books, travel literature and small gifts at Shop 82.
Slavica Dizajn, Laurinská, 19,www.facebook.com/slavicadizajn
Twigi, Klariská, 7, www.twigi.sk
Silver Moon, Cintorínska, 13, www.silvermoon.sk
Store 82, Šulekova, 58, store.82.sk
© pa picture alliance
Party
If you don’t want to stick to one style and music genre, you can party at Club KC Dunaj, which has something for everyone with its mixed program. Lovers of racy Latino music can kick up their heels and head to La Fiesta or Casa del Havana to the loud sounds and Cuba Libre.
KC Dunaj, Nedbalova, 3, www.kcdunaj.sk
La Fiesta, Prievozská, 18, www.lafiesta.sk
Casa del Havana, Michalská, 26, www.havanacafe.sk
© pa picture alliance
Quarters
If you want to stroll and store, the Eurovea Center is just the place for you. Here you can stroll from one boutique to the next and have your first nightcap in one of the many bars. What’s more, the Danube River flows right next to it – so a great view is guaranteed. The right place for any activity from morning to night is the historic old town.
Eurovea, Pribinova, 8, www.eurovea.sk
Historic old town, quarter, www.google.ch/maps
© pa picture alliance
Must do
Hire a bike and ride along the Danube. You can cycle around 20 kilometers from the old town to the Museum of Contemporary Art Danubiana – a great route
Events
Bratislava Jazz Days
21. to 23. october
International and national jazz artists perform in the city center
International Film Festival
12. to 17. november
At the 17. The 20th edition of the Bratislava Film Festival is all about beauty and emotion.
© pa picture alliance
Martin Vrabko
Is a photographer. Loves people, music, tantra, traveling, photography and European cinematography. Hates war, envy, weapons, hatred, fanaticism.