official site for visitors to Bratislava  

The next few weeks, marking the end of summer and the annual harvest, is marked by traditional celebrations of local produce in several country towns near to Bratislava. They are within easy reach of the city, and provide a great opportunity to try regional food and drink in an original setting.

Slovakia is a relative newcomer to the European golf scene, but several top-quality Slovak courses have opened in recent years, some of them close to Bratislava. In addition, there are many more opportunities to tee off in neighbouring Austria and Hungary, just a short drive from the capital.

The Slovak National Museum's complex on Žižkova Street, at the foot of Bratislava's Castle Hill, has one of the biggest and most diverse collections in the city. James Thomson went along to check it out.

Hundreds of men and women are preparing to take part in Bratislava's second annual night-time running event on the evening of Saturday, 18 September. If you fancy the idea of a 7-kilometre dash through the centre of the city, it's not too late to join them...

Ryanair, Europe’s favorite low cost airline, today launched its Bratislava schedule for the winter season 2010/11, which will start from 1st November 2010. It will operate 14 routes including routes to/from Stockholm, Alicante, London, Dublin and Brussels.

The sights and sounds of the Roman Empire will return to the Bratislava district of Rusovce on Saturday, 11 September, for the twelfth annual Roman Games.

The Centre for Folk Art Production in cooperation with the Bratislava Cultural and Information Centre and the capital city of SR will bring specific traditional folk culture and crafts from different regions of Slovakia to Bratislava and present this way cultural diversity of the country, its dialects, smells, sounds and skills through various events. 28th - 29 August 2010, Old Town pedestrian zone of Bratislava

One of Bratislava's biggest historical festivals will draw thousands onto the streets of the old town in the first weekend in September. The spectacular Coronation Festival, now in its eighth year, will have an unusual twist in 2010: the king of Hungary being crowned this year is a child, 13-year-old Ferdinand IV.

For anyone with an interest in this region's recent history, there is a well-hidden attraction on the edge of Bratislava: a restored 1930s defensive bunker and gun emplacement. This gem, rescued and maintained by local volunteers, is a must-see for anyone with an interest in military technology.

Here you can download our Bratislava city map 2010 (pdf). We wish you pleasant exploring of all the things the City of Bratislava has to offer.

It is some time since the castle at Devín, near Bratislava, last saw real military action – it is now mostly ruins – but some keen enthusiasts will be trying to start a fight on Saturday, 28 August, at the Devín Festival.

If you are in Bratislava on Saturday, 21 August, and happen to have a mountain bike (or access to a friend’s), one of the city’s top cycling events, open to all comers, is taking place in the picturesque forests on the edge of the city.

A very popular sightseeing tour driving trough the historic viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian wine region, also known as the Small Carpathian Wine Route. You will participate in a wine tasting in the historic wine cellar where you will sample delicious local wines.

Bratislava's Museum of Clocks is located in one of the city's most distinctive buildings: the pretty 'Dom U dobrého pastiera', or 'House At the Good Shepherd' as the name is rather awkwardly translated into English. This delicate yellow rococo structure is one of only two historical buildings to survive on Židovská, one of the main streets under the castle.

One of the things Slovakia is most proud of is its folklore. A largely rural people until the twentieth century, Slovaks maintain their links to the land through innumerable music, dancing and craft groups. The ÚĽUV Craftsmen Days event, being held in central Bratislava over the 28-29 August weekend, will showcase the work of some of the best master craftsmen and women from around the country.

A market for antiques and collector’s items at Devín Castle offers chances to sell as well as buy some rare items or simply to admire old items and antiques. Starts: August 7, 7:00 (for sellers) or 8:00 (for buyers), until 13:00, Devín. Admission: €9 (sellers), €3 (public). More info: www.muzeum.bratislava.sk.

The Feast of St. Lawrence (Patron of Cooks) is worth to see and taste! Enjoy it on Saturday 7th August 2010, 11am - 5pm on the Main Square in Bratislava. Enjoy cooking demonstrations at 12:00 - no matter what kind of cuisine you prefer, the Feast of St. Lawrence has something for everyone!

Finding somewhere to have breakfast in Bratislava outside the confines of a hotel dining room can be a challenge. But there are some good spots to enjoy an early bite, especially on the summer terraces of the city's cafes. James Thomson has been checking out what's on offer.

Visitors to Bratislava's Hviezdoslavovo Square may be surprised, given the recent baking heat, to spot a large, ice-skating wolf in front of the Carlton Hotel. The wolf, named Goooly, is the mascot of the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship, and the clock on his hockey stick is counting down to the beginning of next year's tournament, which will be held in Slovakia. As James Thomson reports, Bratislava is already preparing for what could be the country's biggest ever sporting event.

Bratislava's Summer of Culture and Castle Festival continues throughout August, with events taking place in and around the old town. Many of them are free to attend, and most are suitable for children as well as grown-ups. Here are just some of the dozens of highlights...

From June 25 to August 27, each Friday beginning at 20:00, everybody is welcome to join the 7th year of organised in-line skating rides through downtown Bratislava.

Local products can make great souvenirs and gifts but in an increasingly globalised world genuine locally made goods can sometimes be tricky to find. Slovakia has a number of strong brands even if, as James Thomson reports, some of them are more ‘famous’ regionally than globally.

Now if you are in Vienna, from upcoming Thursday July 15, you will have a change to get as much information on Bratislava and Slovakia as you want. The city opens up a new information centre in downtown Vienna, Schwedenplatz, as a part of the brand new Vienna City River Port. The metro line U4 will bring you right there...

Temperatures in Bratislava are forecast to top 30 degrees Celsius (90 degree Fahrenheit) during mid July. If you're feeling frazzled, here is a perfect place to take five.

A 82-page guide to the city. Bratislava is a modern city with rich history, beautiful places, breathtaking view points, cosy cafes and restaurants and a unique atmosphere. Inhabitants of Bratislava are very hospitable and easygoing and they are an inseparable part of the city´s charm. We wish you pleasant exploring of all the things the City of Bratislava has to offer.