Where to Stay in Bratislava [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

The Slovakia capital city of Bratislava sits on the Danube River near the Hungary and Austria borders, and many travelers visit Bratislava as a day trip from Vienna or Budapest.

However, the location of Bratislava makes it a good budget-friendly alternative as a home base for exploring central Europe.

Bratislava hotels are decidedly more affordable than those of Budapest or Vienna, so we’ve put together this guide to help you decide where to stay in Bratislava.

We will cover off all types of Bratislava accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Bratislava hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Bratislava Slovakia 2024.

This guide show the best Bratislava hotels, best places in Bratislava to visit, the best places to stay in Bratislava, hotels near Bratislava attractions, Bratislava neighborhood guide, the best hotels in Bratislava and many more.

Below are 7 of the best neighbourhoods in Bratislava to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Bratislava for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Bratislava so you can use this as a go to guide.

Old Town Bratislava – Where to Stay in Bratislava for First Timers

If you only have a short time in town, then Old Town Bratislava, or Staré Mesto, is the best place to stay in Bratislava. 

You’ll find all of the best things to do in walking distance of the historic centre. The Old Town is compact and full of shops, restaurants, and bars, all in the shadow of Bratislava Castle, which sits on a hill overlooking the Old Town area. 

This is the best area for tourists who want to be with a ten-minute walk of the best Bratislava attractions. Below is a list of the best hotels in Bratislava Old Town:

Why Stay in Old Town Bratislava

For first-time visitors to Bratislava, staying in Old Town will keep you close to all the main attractions and give you a great insight into this beautiful city.

With great restaurants that serve both authentic Slovakian food as well as international dishes and shops to browse, a walk of these quaint streets will give you a good feel of the old charm of Bratislava.

Things To Do in Old Town Bratslava

• Bratislava Castle

Get a sweeping view of the city and the Danube at the top of this Baroque castle dating back to 907 A.D. Take a stroll back in time through the halls of history and the beautiful gardens that are on the grounds of Bratislava Castle.

Visit the small museum and learn the history of this majestic building and stop to pick up a souvenir at the shop to take home to remind you of an excellent adventure. This is a must-see free admission destination when visiting Old Town Bratislava.

• Medicka zaharda Park

Go for a stroll and visit Medicka Zaharda Park. Peruse the shops and stop for coffee at the many cafes within the park. View the beautiful Labutia Fontana and sit around the fountain for a relaxing moment listening to the water fall.

As you stroll throughout the park, admire the statues and sculptures laid out within its walls and soak up a little of the calm within the city.

• Visit the Main Square

This beautiful 18th-century square holds many treasures. Along with the many boutiques and cafes in and around the square are statues and historical points you do not want to miss while you are in Old Town.

Maximilian Fountain stands in the middle of the square. Competed in 1760, it is a dedication to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II.

The buildings within the square include the Primate’s Palace and Old Town Hall to complete the historic ambiance of the Main Square in Bratislava.

Best places to stay in Old Town Bratislava

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Old Town Bratislava

• Hyde Park Hostel
• Schöndorf Hostel – virtual reception
• Patio Hostel
• Wild Elephants Hostel

Budget accommodation in Old Town Bratislava

• Centrum Salvator
• City Center Best Place Apartments
• Downtown Bratislava B&B
• Botel Gracia

Mid range accommodation in Old Town Bratislava

• AC Hotel by Marriott Bratislava Old Town
• BlueBell Hotel
• Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava
• Hotel Devín

Family Friendly accommodation in Old Town Bratislava

• Apartments City Centre
• Pension Petit
• Apollo Hotel Bratislava
• Crowne Plaza Bratislava, an IHG Hotel

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Old Town Bratislava

• Marrol’s Boutique Hotel
• KLINGER Downtown Central City High Floor
• Sheraton Bratislava Hotel
• CHORS like a hotel – 1st World NFT Block & Art Capsule Hostel MetaCHORS (luxury Hostel)

Palisády – Where to Stay in Bratislava for Tourists

If you want the feel of Old Town, without the touristy shops and bars, then Palisády might be the best area for you, it’s also the best area to stay in Bratislava. This area includes the Presidential Palace, where the President of Slovakia lives. 

The availability of gardens and parks makes this a family-friendly area this is still within walking distance of Old Town.

Other attractions in this Bratislava neighborhood include the Slavin War Memorial, which sits on a hill with great views, and the Museum of Transport, with classic cars housed in a former train station. 

Why Stay in Palisady

Staying in Palisady will give you a more natural tourist experience. With a plethora of tourist attractions and museums in the area and Old Town being only steps away, it is the perfect place to stay in Bratislava when taking in the sights of Bratislava.

Take a stroll through beautiful Mountain Park or climb the staircase at Edukacny Chodnik Horsky Park to enjoy some nature in the city.

Visit the many museums and historical buildings within this quaint neighbourhood when staying in Palisady.

Things To Do in Palisady 

• Visit a Museum and Experience the History

Take a stroll through automobile history at the Museum of Transport, which is housed in the old train station. Nearby is Klub Priatel’ov Historie Zeleznicneh Dopravy, the history of the railway.

Be humbled at the Slavin War Memorial and be amazed at the art within Galeria Zahrada Art Gallery. Admire the sculptures that are in and around this beautiful neighbourhood of Bratislava.

• Tour the Presidential Palace

Take a tour of an authentic working Presidential Palace. A beautiful, stately building with gardens and an large Earth Scupture in the middle of a cascading fountain.

Enjoy the simple yet ornate rooms of the palace with the golden accents and sculptures throughout the palace. Visit at night when they turn the lights on the Palace and within the fountains for a truly magical visit. 

• Get back to Nature

Take a stroll through the many parks that are in the area. Mountain Park is a large city park with hiking trails and even a cafe to stop at and enjoy a coffee along the way.

Climb the stairway at Edukacny Chodnik Horsky Park for a beautiful view of the area and enjoy the gardens at Vily Tajovskeho. Take in a little nature in the city when staying in Palisady.

Best places to stay in Palisády

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Palisády

• Hostel Old Town

Budget accommodation in Palisády

• Ibis Bratislava Centrum
• Apartments Lafranconi
• Castle Wall Apartment
• 7Days B&B

Mid range accommodation in Palisády

• Hotel SOREA REGIA
• Falkensteiner Hotel Bratislava
• BEIGLI Hotel & Garden
• OldTown Safari Lodge

Family Friendly accommodation in Palisády

• PÁLFFY
• Garni Hotel VIRGO
• Hotel Antares
• Apartment Breeze

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Palisády

• Grand Hotel River Park, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bratislava
• Mamaison Residence Sulekova Bratislava
• Park Inn by Radisson Danube Bratislava

Petržalka – Where to Stay in Bratislava on a Budget

Across the Danube River from Old Town is the Communist-era neighborhood of Petržalka. To get there from Old Town, you will cross the Most SNP, more commonly known as the UFO bridge. 

Petržalka is a striking contrast from the quaint buildings and streets of Old Town, as it is marked by Soviet-style apartment blocks lacking any character.

This is not the best area for tourists necessarily, but for long-term travelers looking to stay near the city center while saving money, this is a good option. You can easily catch a tram or bus to the city center in just a few minutes.

Why Stay in Petrzalka

When travelling on a budget to Bratislava, Petrzalka is a wonderful choice. Just across the UFO Bridge, which has a beautiful observation deck, from Old Town, without the expense of the tourist area accommodations.

Experience this side of the Danube with cocktails at Tyrsak and visit the many old military sites from WWII. There are many city parks to relax in and shops to browse to enhance your stay on the Petrzalka side of the Danube.

Things To Do in Petrzalka 

• Relax and Enjoy Nature in the City

Enjoy the Fountain Drinking Doves in Sad Janka Kral’a Park or a beautiful stroll through the woods at Lesopark Zrkadlovy haj. Explore the wilderness at Stare Chorvatske Rameno where there are no paths and raw beauty.

There are many small parks with a variety of sculptures and fountains within them, making Petrzalka a nice relaxing place to stay in a busy city. 

• Shop and Dine in Petrzalka

Small boutiques and specialty shops line the streets of Petrzalka. Shop exclusively for women’s clothing at Kristin and Butik MISS, or grab a cute outfit for the kids at Lulubee Design.

Check out the hip apparel at H&M or find a new watch at Time. Stop and dine while you shop at the variety of cafes and eateries you can find in Petrzalka.

Sit on the side of the Danube and sip cocktails and enjoy a nice dinner at Tyrsak and enjoy the great atmosphere of Meat & Greet. Enjoy a coffee and a pastry at Pink Garden while perusing the streets of Petrzalka.

• Get a birds Eye View at Most SNP (UFO Tower) 

At the foot of the UFO Bridge is UFO Tower. An observation tower 95 meters into the air will give you a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

Take the elevator to the top and dine in the restaurant as you take in the landscape from above. Want to soak in the views from the outside of the dome?

With the instructions from an instructor, get strapped in and take in the sights from the clouds. A beautiful view, a wonderful dinner, and a lasting memory are what you will get when you see the city from the UFO Tower.

Best places to stay in Petrzalka

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Petrzalka

• Dominant Suite Studio Hostel

Budget accommodation in Petrzalka

• Terrace Room Rental
• Útulný apartmán v Bratislava 6
• Mari Kiri Penzion
• Apartment NH12

Mid range accommodation in Petrzalka

• More Than Hotel & Accommodation
• Hotel Esprit
• Strawberry apartment
• Apartments Danube

Family Friendly accommodation in Petrzalka

• Penzion BERG
• Hotel Viktor
• 2 room apartment, near OC Galeria, Petržalka
• Penzion RAKI

Nové Mesto – Where to Stay in Bratislava with Family

Nové Mesto is Bratislava’s “New Town” which encompasses a large area from Palisády to Rača. It is a bit more modern than Old Town but also offers more space and activities for travelers seeking family-friendly accommodations. 

Kuchajda Lake is a large recreational area with sports fields and open spaces, as well as ice skating in the winter months.

For a traditional shopping center, there is the Polus City Centre.  When you want to visit Old Town, it’s just 20 minutes by tram from Nové Mesto.

Why Stay in Nove Mesto

Nove Mesto offers modern amenities, nature hiking and up-to-date shopping and cinema activities.

A quieter neighbourhood than the more touristy area of Bratislava, it is a nice place to stay when travelling with family.

Plenty of woodland activities, parks and kid-friendly activities will keep everyone entertained during your stay in Bratislava.

Things To Do in Nove Mesto 

• Spend a Day at Kuchajda Lake

Spend a fun-filled day at Kuchajda Lake. Go for a swim or try water biking at this beautiful oasis in the city. Surrounded by parkland, food vendors, and shops that dot the roadways around Kuchajda Lake, it promises to be a wonderful day on the lake.

Stop in at the Flinstone Pub for a good meal and cool cocktail, or enjoy a show at Amphitheater Kuchajda. End the day with a shopping trip at the shopping mall just down the street. It will be a great day spent on the lake.

• Hike and Horseback Ride in the Forest

There are plenty of opportunities in a variety of ways to enjoy the natural side of Nove Mesto. Hike into the woods and get a sweeping view from Observation Deck American Meadow or stop in for a cold beer at Klepac Mill.

Enjoy climbing through the trees on wooden platforms with rope walkways at Lanove Centrum Lanoland and go horseback riding at Ranc Matony. Whichever way you choose, it will be a great day spent in the forest of Bratislava. 

Best places to stay in Nové Mesto

Budget accommodation in Nové Mesto

• Hotel SET
• Bastion apartments
• Booklovers apartment close to center
• Bajka Studio

Mid range accommodation in Nové Mesto

• PREMIUM Business Hotel Bratislava
• Kamzik Tower View One
• Spacy Modern Apartment near Hockey Stadium
• Luxury, bright Studio with parking and balcony in Bratislava center

Family Friendly accommodation in Nové Mesto

• Svarog Unique Apartment
• Flora Cozy Apartment
• Jarila Boutique Apartment
• Slavic Spacious Apartment

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Nové Mesto

• DoubleTree by Hilton Bratislava
• Lindner Hotel Gallery Central

Koliba – Where to Stay in Bratislava for Nature Lovers

Koliba is located in the foothills where Nové Mesto meets the Carpathian Mountains. This is the best area for tourists are are visiting Slovakia for outdoor adventure pursuits. 

The area is largely covered by forest, which contains many trails for hiking and biking. There’s also a fun bobsleigh track on one of the hills, as well as a chairlift for spectacular views. 

The Kamzík TV Tower is also here, with an observation deck offering the second highest point in Bratislava. 

Why Stay in Koliba

For those wanting to stay in a natural setting, Koliba is the perfect place to stay in Koliba. Hiking into the vast forest in this area will give you many adventures.

Beautiful views from the many bluffs in the area as well as some fun nature activities.

See the area high atop The Kamsik TV Tower or swish down the bobsled track for a fun and exciting adventure. Enjoy the natural atmosphere when you stay in Koliba.

Things To Do in Koliba

• Enjoy the view from The Kamzik TV Tower

Enjoy a beautiful dinner and a wonderful tree-top view at the Kamzik TV Tower. At the top of this 110-meter tower is the Lookout.

There you can see miles of the forest and the city of Bratislava. Dine in excellence at the revolving restaurant as you take in the views in this extraordinary dining adventure.

• Take a Slide on the Bratislava Bobsleigh

A fun adventure for people of all ages to experience a bobsled ride. Swoosh around corners and slide the “rails” as you experience what it is like to bobsled down a mountain.

Listen to the children’s laughter as they slide and stop to grab a drink and a snack at the snack bar. It is fun for all ages when you play and slide at Bratislava Bobsleigh.

• Take a Ride on the Mountain Cable Car. 

Take a Mountain Cable Car to the top of the mountain and hike down, or vice versa. Get beautiful views of the forest below as you ascend or descend on a variety of cable lines available.

Get to the top and enjoy a nice dinner at Bufet Horna Stanica while you enjoy the incredible views from the top. A fun way to climb the mountain when staying in Koliba.

Best places to stay in Koliba

Budget accommodation in Koliba

• Hotel Taxis Bratislava
• Pension Zlata Noha

Mid range accommodation in Koliba

• RAJ zdravia
• Apartmán Koliba

Family Friendly accommodation in Koliba

• Luxury Garni Hotel Brix
• Bratislava design apartment
• 2 separate BD apt very close to the city centre

Ružinov – Where to Stay near Bratislava Airport

Business travelers or anyone who wishes to stay near the Bratislava Airport may decide to stay in Ružinov. Just 25 minutes by tram to the city center, Ružinov is largely residential. 

You’ll have no trouble finding local services like grocery stores and shops, but aside from the airport, there aren’t many tourist attractions here. 

The D1 highway is also nearby, making this a good place to stay if you are on a road trip and just passing through. 

Why Stay in Ruzinov

When you are here for only a quick visit or layover and want all the amenities but still would like to see a few things, staying near the airport is convenient.

Business travellers will appreciate the business hotels in the area and the restaurants and bars in the area to go to relax after a day’s work. With most hotels having airport shuttles, it is a easy and comfortable way to enjoy the city.

Things To Do in Ruzinov

• Shop, Dine and Relax in Ruzinov

Take a shopping trip to Shopping Palace Zlate Piesky or Avion Shopping Park and find all the up-to-date fashion and accessories you are looking for. Sit and dine at the many restaurants that offer both authentic and international cuisines.

Rest and relax at the many city parks that are hidden throughout this busy but convenient neighbourhood.

• Try Your Luck at the Casino

Try your luck at the casinos offered in the area. Card Casino Bratislava is the largest of the casinos in the area, with three floors of excitement.

Hosting live poker tournaments and a plethora of other game machines you are sure to find a winner. Try your hand at the slots at Herna Monaco for a chance to win. It’s always a fun time at the casino.

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Ružinov

• Hostel: Hostel Bratislava
• Budget: Hotel Remy
• Mid- Range: Aviator Garni Hotel Bratislava
• Family: Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Bratislava
• Luxury: NH Bratislava Gate One

Best places to stay in Ružinov

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Ružinov

• Hostel Bratislava

Budget accommodation in Ružinov

• Hotel Orlan
• Hotel Prim
• Hotel Remy
• Penzion Jarka

Mid range accommodation in Ružinov

• Aviator Garni Hotel Bratislava
• Hotel Plus
• Tempus Club Garni Hotel
• Hotel Avion

Family Friendly accommodation in Ružinov

• Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Bratislava
• Aviator Garni Hotel Bratislava
• Modern & cozy house with 3 bed rooms and garden
• Dream apartment

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Ružinov

• NH Bratislava Gate One

Devín – Where to Stay in Bratislava for Relaxation

Located about 12 kilometers west of Bratislava Old Town, this is the area surrounding Devin Castle. The castle sits on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Morava and Danube Rivers, which also happens to be the Austrian border. 

The castle is the only real tourist attraction in this area, but it’s a nice place to stay if you prefer a quieter atmosphere with a short commute to the city of Bratislava. 

Why Stay in Devin

Sitting next to the Danube and Morava Rivers, this quiet neighbourhood is a great place to stay for a restful and relaxed vacation. With the majority of attractions not far away, it creates a wonderful base for your stay.

Tour Devin Castle and hike into the forest to see the Land Art. A relaxing vacation is to be had when you stay in Devin.

Things To Do in Devin 

• Explore Devin Castle

Get an extraordinary view of where the Danube and Morava Rivers meet at this medieval walk back in time.

Learn the extensive history of this historic castle and admire the monuments in and around the castle grounds.

Visit the museum within the castle to witness amazing artifacts from past eras. An interesting trip through history with magnificent views is what you will find when visiting Devin Castle.

• Hike into the Forest

There are plenty of hiking trails to be found in Devin. Hike into the woods to not only enjoy the nature only hiking can give you but enjoy a few scenic and artistic spots along the way.

Lantisov hrad (Land Art) is a mix of sculptures and creations all made from the natural earth. Experience the beautiful views in the hiking area of Vyhiadkova Luka nad Devinom. Nature is everywhere when you stay in Devin.

Read more: 10 of The Coolest Castles in Slovakia

Top 3 favorites accommodation options for Devin

• Budget: Penzión U Srnčíka
• Mid- Range: Hradná brána u Slovanov
• Family: Rezident consult s.r.o.

Best places to stay in Devin

Budget accommodation in Devin

• Penzión U Srnčíka

Mid range accommodation in Devin

• Hradná brána u Slovanov

Family Friendly accommodation in Devin

• Rezident consult s.r.o.

Rača – Where to Stay in Bratislava for an Authentic Experience

On the northern edge of Bratislava, the Rača neighborhood offers a quiet alternative to the other areas of Bratislava. 

Originally a vineyard village, Rača was eventually annexed as a borough of Bratislava but has retained its unique village atmosphere.

In addition to surrounding vineyards, this area also butts up against the Little Carpathian mountains, making Rača the best area for tourists who want a quiet getaway in the Slovakia countryside, with convenient tram access to more lively neighborhoods. 

Why Stay in Raca

With the Slovakian countryside just steps away and modern amenities at your fingertips, staying in Raca allows for a more authentic atmosphere. Wineries are plentiful in this area.

Take a winery tour and take in the beautiful countryside as you sip some of the best wines in the world.

Take a tram to the major attractions and visit a few in the area. For the tourist that would like an authentic Slovakian experience, Raca is a great place to stay.

Things To Do in Raca

• Take a Wine Tour

Take a wine tour in the vineyards of this beautiful neighbourhood of Raca. There are a plethora of wineries to visit in the countryside of Bratislava.

You can visit the wineries on your own or take a tour with places like We Are Wine to get the best of the best.

Visit Vino Chvostek wine bar to experience a wide selection of wines without leaving your seat. Enjoy the wine among nature in Raca.

• Visit a Museum

Learn the history of the railway at the Railway Museum and Stary Rusen. Have an interactive Olympic experience at Slovenske olympijske a sportove muzeum or be amazed at the fun of science at the Centrum vedy CVTI SR science museum. Visiting museums is a fun way to spend the day when staying in Raca. 

• Take in an event in the forest at Amphitheater Raca

Take a hike into the forest to experience an event at Amphitheater Raca. Hosting a variety of events including concerts, sporting events and cultural events, there is always something happening at the amphitheater. A great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing and commune a little with nature.

Top 3 favorites accommodation options for Rača

• Budget: Meoptis
• Mid- Range: BIVIO hotel
• Family: Raca Retreat

Best places to stay in Rača

Budget accommodation in Rača

• Meoptis
• U Teodora

Mid range accommodation in Rača

• BIVIO hotel
• Air-conditioned, 2 room Apartment with balcony, new building Rača

Family Friendly accommodation in Rača

• Marilyn príjemný 3 izbový byt v Rači
• apartman-Rača
• Raca Retreat

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