This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Bratislava.
Bratislava is the capital of the Slovak Republic. It's the center of business and education (with several universities), as well as the Slovak city with the most cultural and public institutions. The city has a lovely pedestrian zone in its historic center which is juxtaposed with massive communist housing blocks across a futuristic bridge over the Danube. You may enjoy taking in this extremely juxtaposed city from the castle, which is fittingly a very communist reconstruction of the city's past. The city is further known for its cheap yet hearty gastronomy and Slovak pub culture. Don't overlook the monuments in this city, many are quirky relics of the Czechoslovakian era.
Bratislava hostels are located mostly around the pedestrian city-center or just a few blocks outside the pedestrian zone. Though there are many choices, it's good to note security in choosing a place to stay. Some hostels in Bratislava have too little security and thieves have taken note, though there are also many good hostels in Bratislava. The few hostels near the Presidential Palace are particularly good, in terms of security, as well as for getting into town by train or plain (as the airport bus goes to the main train station) since they are between the center and the station. Those arriving by bus could look for a place on the west side of the center, though be leery of poor security reviews. If coming from Vienna consider that trains to Hlavna Stanica (Bratislava Central) go to the main part of town and those to Bratislava Petržalka stop among the markets and malls in the communist-built suburb.
Written by local enthusiast for Bratislava hostels
Carl
