Budget Travel in Slovakia

Slovakia, the divorcee of the Czech Republic , is a very interesting and fun budget travel friendly country. There are many options to choose from when visiting Slovakia. Like its capital, Bratislava, which is in close proximity to Vienna, which is a popular destination throughout Europe. Or one of its many beautiful castles throughout the countryside, the Tatra Mountain range for hiking and the outdoors, and its second largest city, Košice, in the eastern part of the country. Slovakia is no third world country nor a western European country either, which makes travel here allow your dollars to stretch pretty far. The further east you go, the cheaper the travel is. But for those on the common travel circuit passing through can say that even Bratislava is budget travel friendly.

After arriving in Bratislava, I had a very accurate idea of where to go to find my hostel and Because I am inclined with direction and maps, this was probably far easier for me than the average person. But Bratislava is no doubt a very easy city to navigate considering is size and its landmarks allowing you to see much of the highlights in probably a few hours to a whole day. This being said, whether you are here for a few hours or a few days, public transport passes are not too bad. Me being there for 2 days pushed me to purchase a 48-hour pass for 10 Euros. Using the bus service to and from the main terminal to the city center, across the Danube for the shopping center and bridge observation deck, and to Devin Castle and back was worth the 10 Euros.

Random appealing looking street.	Atop Slavin Hill.	Slavin Memorial commemorating fallen soldiers in WW2.
Most SNP, Petrzalka, and the Danube River	Random sidestreet.	Bratislava Castle from Michaels Gate.
Michael’s Gate.	View of Bratislava from the UFO observation deck on Most SNP bridge.	View of Petrzalka from the Most SNP bridge.

Aside from public transport, walking around the city is very easy to accomplish. After looking at a map and with a good sense of direction, I saw all I wanted to see and did all I wanted to do within the city limits in about 6 to 7 hours. I started from my hostel , Downtown Backpackers (US$20 for two nights), up to the Slavin memorial hiking up to the top of the hill overlooking the city. From there I took a short bus down the hill to the castle overlooking the Danube. Next, walking across the highway into and out of the old town square. With about an hour to rest my feet and legs, I then hopped on the 93 across the Danube into Petrzalka to make my way up to the UFO on the Most SNP bridge for a spectacular night view of the city and a cold Slovak brew. From here I walked across the bridge and walked in the city center once again for a nice up close glimpse of the old town at night. That night I ventured across town into an underground nightclub for a Drum and Bass venue at SubClub, a bomb shelter turned into a nightclub. The cost to get in for a night without a live DJ performing was 4 Euros one night but for another with live DJ’s it was at 10. Average cost of brews here were about 1.20 Euros.

Having a Slovak brew overlooking Bratislava from Most SNP’s UFO restaurant.	Strolling along the Most SNP bridge on the Danube River.	One of many places of graffiti throughout the city.
Tunnel at SubClub, a former bomb shelter turned nightclub.	Drum and Bass at Subclub, an old bomb shelter turned nightclub.	Devin Castle.
Dinner mmm.

Around the city, I never found myself wine and dining in the common tourist areas in order to stretch my money out. Eating out at vendors along the way I found myself spending an average of 4 Euros per meal throughout my time there not to forget a stop at a market for a cold cut sandwiches and fruits which cost about the same. Outside of the city is Devin castle, sitting right on the Danube River. It’s easy to take a tour but also possible to take public transport. With a 48 hour pass, this costs nothing but attention to bus arrival and departure times. I was only limited to an hour self guided tour around the castle, perfect enough time for a solo traveler. Arriving back at my hostel, I dined at the downstairs restaurant for my only “wine and dine” meal costing me about 8 Euros for a dinner plate and a large beer. Say what?! 🙂

In conclusion, Slovakia is still transitioning it’s political status with the European Union, which is joined recently in 2004. And adapting the Euro as it’s currency in 2009, I can see why it is so cheap to travel. Unfortunately, according to a local I chatted with, much of the country, especially the more east you go, lives under poverty and is very underpaid in contrast to it’s western neighbors. Therefor leaving room for budget travelers to, budget travel. Slovakia is a fun country and good to stretch your dollars/euros pretty far. I hope to return someday to see the Tatras and the eastern parts of the country. I shall return.