Experience in Bratislava, Slovakia by Katarína

What is it like to live in Bratislava? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Bratislava is a really small capital city in comparison to other capitals. You can go on foot everywhere in the center. The old town is quite nice, I like it there, especially in summer when terraces of restaurants and pubs are open and there are a lot of people in the streets. There are also many town festivals related to slovak holidays during the year. They take place on squares and are for free always. It means that you can listen to concerts for example totally for free.

It's hard for me to say how it is to live there becuase i've lived here always so I can't compare with other places. However, I like living here. What I don't like are high prices almost of everything regarding average income. But for sure, you should come to visit Bratislava at least for a few days.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Bratislava?

Students drink a lot here. As I live with my parents I don't live typical student lifestyle. Students who live in dormitories live as a big family there and go to parties quite often. However they don't have much money and buy food and clothes that is on sale usually.

How much does it cost to live in Bratislava?

Students dormitories are for 60-80 EUR per month. Staying in a flat of 2 rooms in the center can vary from 500 € to 1200 €. Depends on how demanding you are.

Regarding food, here are some examples of prices in stores:

• bread: 1 €
• milk: 1 €
• beer: 0, 60 - 1, 20 €
• water 1, 5l: 0, 80 - 1, 50 €
• bananas 1kg: 1 - 1, 40 €
• yoghurt: 0, 30: 0, 80 €
• vodka 0, 5l: 5 - 15 € (depends on quality :P )

transport - 35 € per 3 months for students

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Not bad, I like dishes that you can't find anywhere but in Slovakia or Czech Republic.

What places would you recommend visiting in Bratislava?

• Bratislava Castle,
• Castle Devín,
• Slavín - a memorial monument and military cemetery on the hill above Bratislava (beautiful view)
• UFO - a restaurant above a bridge
• Old Town
• and many others.

Is it good to eat out in Bratislava? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Eating out in Bratislava is expensive for Slovaks but cheap for foreigners from Western Europe and drinking as well. The service could be much better, especially in places where tourists go, for example Slovak Pub, Flagship restaurant (which are no too expensive). At more expensive ones also service is nice - Irish Pub, Primi, Havana Cafe...

I really like Štúr Cafe, they provide not only coffee but great food and beverages as well. Everything homemade. The place looks very nice and staff is young, friendly and always willing to fulfill all your wishes. Highly recommended!

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Is the nightlife good in Bratislava? Where is good to go?

For me the nightlife is good but sometimes I am surprised how early they close discos (sometimes even 3-4 o'clock). But don't worry, not all of them and not always; ) Many good discos are for free or others provide discounts for girls. Slovaks usually buy a bottle of alcohol and drink at a dormitory or flat and then go to a disco because drinks are expensive there...

My favourite ones: Priatelia (always good music and fun), Primi, Rio Grande, The Club and Unique (the best one for students but it's outside the city center).

What advice would you give future students headed to Bratislava?

Prepare to be drinking much and often.