Bratislava

Not only is Bratislava the capital of Slovakia, it is also the largest city in the country. The city houses the central Slovak government, the national ministries, and other major administrative bodies.

Bratislava is located in the foothills of the Lower Carpathian Mountains, and is divided by the Danube river. The city can trace back its history to before the 10th century when it became a border fortress of the Hungarian kingdom. Bratislava was originally known as Pressburg, and played an important part in the military history of the region. During the 12th century additional fortifications were built, which gave it strategic importance. After being given its city rights by King Andrew III in 1291, in the following two centuries Bratislava subsequently gained the right to mint coins, and the right to use its coat of arms. In 1526 the city became the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom, and remained so for the next 300 years. The city continued to grow both in size and economically, and in 1775 the old city walls were destroyed to allow for expansion. Today, Bratislava is a modern city with 450,000 inhabitants, and a thriving business and manufacturing community. This fascinating combination of history and business makes the city an attractive destination for both leisure and business travellers.

The old city offers many attractions. The city centre is an excellent shopping area, with many specialist boutiques. Major shopping malls are also located in the heart of the city, rather than on the outskirts, making shopping even more fun! The streets of the Old Town have many restaurants, bars, and cafés, offering all kinds of food – from modern to traditional Slovak cuisine, such as cheese dumplings.

Many museums are located in the city centre, such as the Slovak National Museum. Here the country’s history, social and actual, is explained through an extensive collection of artefacts and documents. The Natural History Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, and the Museum of Music are situated in the Old Town also. The Municipal Museum holds a particular attraction, as it comes complete with torture chambers!

Bratislava castle is a must. Although the current castle has been destroyed and re-built several times during its long history (most recently between 1953 and 1962), it is an imposing sight, with great views over the city. The site where the castle is located has been occupied since the late Stone Age and, during the reign of the Roman empire, from the 1st to 5th centuries BC, it was a frontier post. In later centuries the castle functioned as strategic stronghold, and most recently it has been the home of the Museum of Folk Music!

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Airport information

M.R. Stefanik Airport Bratislava is located 9 kms to the north east of Bratislava city centre, and has one passenger terminal. Check-in is located on the ground floor.

By car

On motorway D61 turn off at the exit marked ‘Letisko’ (Airport). The car park is located in front of the passenger terminal. Parking fees: for the first 30 minutes: 15 Sk; one hour: 30 Sk; 24 hrs: 175 Sk; 7 days: 1050 Sk.

By coach

Bus line 61 operates between the Central Station in Bratislava and the airport between 05.00 and 23.00. At peak times this service leaves every ten minutes, and every 20 minutes outside of peak hours. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes, and the cost of a ticket is approximately 18 Sk. Tickets can be purchased from the coin-operated machines located at the bus stops next to the arrivals and departures hall.

By taxi

The taxi rank is located outside the arrivals area, and the journey into Bratislava takes approximately 20 minutes.