Shopping in Bratislava

Shopping in Bratislava ranges from large malls and boutique designer shops to small antique dealers and shops selling local folk art.

Key areas

Individual shops to try in the Old Town are Cheesy (for Slovak and international cheeses) Baštova 2, next to St Michael's Tower, and Twigi for clothes, jewellery and nick-nacks at Klariská 7 and Klariská 16. Central Europe has a justified fame for crystal, and shops to try are Katka, Panska 24, and Rona, Súhradka 427. For better bargains and antiques, however, try the zalozna (pawn shops) or the underground passage of Hodzovo námestie. For local wines, tokaj and brandies, try Trunk, Hurbanovo námestie 8.

Markets

There are two large fruit and vegetable markets near the old town, one about a 15 minute walk from the old town off Žilinská, the other slightly further away on Miletičova. The best shopping for traditional Slovakian crafts is in the Old Town, particularly Obchodna Street, where the huge Uluv craft market (www.uluv.sk) is located. There are also Christmas markets on Hlavné and Hviezdoslavovo Squares in December, with small kiosks selling traditional handmade goods.

Shopping centres

Bratislava has many large department stores with the latest fashion lines. The biggest is Polus City Center, on Vajnorská Street.

Opening hours

Most shops in Bratislava are open Monday to Friday 0800-1800, and Saturday 0800-1200, with large department stores and shopping centres staying open later (until 2100) and some open on Sundays. During high season most shops of interest to visitors stay open all weekend.

Souvenirs

Folk art, traditional pottery and woodcarving from all over Slovakia, locally made jewellery, Slovak wine, tokaj, spirits and cheeses can all be bought at a variety of shops in the old town.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

City Hostel

This is a basic but cheap and clean hostel on the edge of the old town. The single, double, triple and quad rooms each have their own ensuite bathrooms, and there’s free internet access at reception. Other amenities include a summer terrace and secure bicycle parking.

Hotel Film

This attractive Hollywood-themed hotel, a 5-minute walk north of the Old Town, offers 13 rooms each dedicated to a different film star. It also boasts a pleasant café, cocktail bar and restaurant.

IBIS Bratislava Centrum

This modern 120-room hotel is close to the Old Town and the business district. Its sound-proof rooms with internet and an international on-site restaurant and bar run with the business clientele in mind.

Mercure

The smart Mercure is conveniently located near the main railway station, and just a 15-minute walk from the old town. The comfortable rooms are dark-furnished but spacious, with gleaming, semi-transparent bathrooms. The hotel has its own bar and upmarket restaurant, as well as the requisite fitness centre. Impeccable service.

Kempinski Hotel River Park

Über-luxurious hotel complex on the banks of the Danube, just a short walk from the old town. With some 231 rooms and suites, the Kempinski boasts its own restaurant, a lobby lounge and a cigar bar, not to mention an 11th-floor spa with jaw-dropping views over the Danube. Possible extras to ensure a seriously good pampering range from a complimentary luxury Rolls Royce or BMW to drive you into town, to your own personal chef.

Hostel Blues

This fun and friendly place, just on the edge of the Old Town, is perfect for young travellers on a budget, particularly music-lovers. It hosts concerts weekly and provides free internet access.

Introducing Bratislava

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