Travel tips · Bratislava · Slovakia
Bratislava travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Bratislava blends Habsburg, Hungarian and socialist history in a small capital that only became the seat of an independent state in 1993. People are reserved at first but friendly, English is common among younger Slovaks, and Sunday is a family day for walks in the hills.
Key facts
- Language
- Slovak
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Say 'Dobrý deň' when entering shops and restaurants and 'Ďakujem' when leaving.
- When toasting, look each person in the eye and say 'Na zdravie'.
- Remove shoes when entering a Slovak home.
- Keep noise down late at night in the Old Town, where many people live above the bars.
- Dress modestly and keep quiet inside churches, especially during services.
- Eat the weekday lunch menu at Slovak restaurants for the best value.
Tipping
Rounding up or adding about 10% for good service is customary in restaurants; tell the server the total you want to pay rather than leaving cash on the table.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dobrý deň | Good day / hello |
| Ahoj | Hi / bye (informal) |
| Ďakujem | Thank you |
| Prosím | Please / you're welcome |
| Na zdravie | Cheers |
| Účet, prosím | The bill, please |
What to wear
Casual; comfortable shoes for cobbles and steep castle lanes, and a warm coat in winter, when the Danube wind bites.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- EU roaming applies to European SIMs, coverage is good, and many cafés and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- Europe/Bratislava
Bratislava is generally calm for visitors. Watch your belongings in crowded Old Town bars and at the Christmas markets, and use ride-hailing apps or agree a fare before taking a street taxi.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Slovakia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Bratislava?
Rounding up or adding about 10% for good service is customary in restaurants; tell the server the total you want to pay rather than leaving cash on the table.
+Can you drink the tap water in Bratislava?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Bratislava?
Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Bratislava?
Slovak.