Bratislava holidays

Head to the Central Market or the open-air stalls on Mileticova Street for some of the best bargains. You’ll find lots of local gifts and traditional food stalls dotted around. There are a handful of second-hand shops around Kamenne namestie too, if you’re feeling thrifty.

Obchodna Street is the city’s lively main shopping street. Alongside local shops, you’ll find plenty of familiar high-street brands from back home, like H&M and Deichmann.

Laurinska Street and Gorkeho Street are in the heart of the city, and they’re both known for their high-end fashion boutiques. Think Gucci, Burberry and more.

With its wine bars, cosy craft beer pubs, and café-bars tucked into narrow streets and historic cellars, the old town’s got plenty of places for a relaxed night out. Head to the town square – Hviezdoslavovo namestie – for some of the most laidback spots. Venturska Street’s another popular spot for chilled evenings.

For livelier nights out, the old town’s still the place to go, but at the opposite end to Hviezdoslavovo namestie. Streets like Obchodna and Michalska come to life at night, when youngsters flock to their buzzing bars, cocktail lounges, and late-night clubs.

Often considered Slovakia’s national dish, these small potato dumplings are mixed with bryndza – a creamy cheese made from sheep’s milk. The dish is usually topped with crispy bacon bits and a little bacon fat, making it a hearty and comforting winter warmer.

This traditional sauerkraut soup’s eaten year-round, but it’s especially popular at Christmas. It’s packed with smoked meat, sausage, mushrooms, and spices like paprika and caraway, with a tangy, smoky flavour.

These potato pancakes are made from grated potatoes, garlic, flour, and marjoram, then fried until golden and crispy. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and often eaten on their own or as a side dish with meat or sauerkraut.

These dumplings come with sweet or savoury fillings – usually jam or bryndza. The sweet ones are usually topped with powdered sugar, while the savoury version’s finished off with butter and bacon.

These thin potato flatbreads are traditionally baked and brushed with fat. They can be served savoury style and wrapped around duck or goose with cabbage. Or, you can opt for a sweet version, which is spread with poppy seeds or jam.