Directory :: Nightlife

Bratislava is largely known as a stag do destination, and the two major factors driving this are cheap booze and shapely locals. While most of us who live here share the dislike Slovaks have for stag parties, that pair of factors is still a great selling point for the city. Fortunately it is possible to enjoy them while avoiding the atmosphere and experience that we associate with the worst elements of Brits abroad.

During the summer months the streets of the pedestrianised old town are full of al fresco eaters and drinkers and there’s a sophisticated but unpretentious atmosphere. During the winter it’s all about cosy, dark bars and pubs. That homely feel is necessary as in the coldest months bar crawls are not advised, it’s far better to find one place and bed down for the evening.

If you’re into music there plenty on offer. Jazz has always been prominent in the city and there’s plenty of variety in the places where you can see it. For example, Cafe Studio Club is like a smokey dive from a black and white movie and attracts top musicians. Hlava XXII is somewhere you can eat while you listen, clean without being sterile, and with live music every evening.

Randal Club is the place for (loud) live guitar music, especially for rockier or punkier stuff. You’d never want your mother to know you’d used those toilets and you have to put up with warm beer in a plastic cup but it’s all part of the experience. It’s a bit like venues in Camden Town were before the place turned into a punk rock Disneyland.

If that’s not your cup of tea the city’s sports stadiums and exhibition centres regularly host international acts touring Europe. While the megastars (such as Rihanna and James Blunt) who’ve come recently have arrived behind swathes of publicity, many gigs aren’t heavily promoted. Checking our What’s On section is the best way to make sure you never miss out!

For dance music aficionados, Sub Club is the place to go. It’s got everything you need for a good nights clubbing, great music, friendly crowd, and good lights and sound. Drum ‘n’ bass is the biggest thing in Bratislava right now, with hip hop and house (especially the minimal and techy strains) also popular. The student club Elam also puts on some good nights and Nu Spirit (formally called and still frequently referred to as Buddha Bar) is a great late night bar for more laid back forms of dance music.

If you like dancing but prefer more mainstream music there are other options. Trafo plays commercial house, r’n’ b and hip hop and is full of unfeasibly glamorous people paying European prices for drinks. Channels and Nonsense also play mainstream dance, r ‘n’ b and hip hop, don’t have a cover charge and are open late.