Bratislava is an 18th century town that’s surrounded by rolling vineyards and the Little Carpathian Mountains. That makes it a popular travel choice amongst travelers who enjoy the outdoors, wine, history, and great food.
This surge in popularity also means that you’ll have plenty of choices when you’re looking for the best places to stay in Bratislava.
Bratislava is a great place to relax and take in the scenery, enjoy old world castles, and explore the great outdoors. It’s a lively, exciting city that’s one of the smallest capitals in Europe in terms of size but has a big personality.
And you want to enjoy that personality in your individual way. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best areas to stay in Bratislava depending on your biggest travel concerns.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Bratislava
Danubia Gate | Best Hotel in Bratislava
This mid-range hotel is absolutely perfect when you’re deciding where to stay for families or when on your own. It’s absolutely central to everything and offers free Wi-Fi and a free fitness center for your use. The rooms include international cable, LCD TV and private bathrooms and there is a restaurant and café on site.
Nice 2 BD Apartment Below the Castle | Best Airbnb in Bratislava
This roomy apartment is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Bratislava with kids or with a larger travel group. It fits up to 7 people with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. The decorations are bright and cheerful and the apartment is located on a cobblestone street that leads to Bratislava Castle.
Hotel Blues | Best Hostel in Bratislava
This hostel in Bratislava is within walking distance of all the most interesting sites in Bratislava. There is an atmosphere of comfort and welcome in Hostel Blues that few others can match, and the rooms and common areas are comfortable, welcoming, and roomy enough for a short or long stay.
Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Bratislava!
Old Town
Old Town is Bratislava’s historic center and close to everything. It’s an are that’s filled with medieval buildings, squares, shops, and baroque churches. No matter what you like to do when you’re on holiday, you’ll find this area fascinating.
Nové Mesto
Nové Mesto is one of the coolest places to stay in Bratislava if you want a little peace and quiet as well as cheaper accommodation options. This area is a newer part of the city located in the north and northeast.
Petržalka
Petrzalka is on the right bank of the Danube River and was built during the Iron Curtain era. The architecture strongly reflects these beginnings. It’s all Soviet style concrete high-rises which will give you a slightly uncomfortable view into the city’s not so distant past.
Palisády
If you want to be close to Old Town, but have a little more peace and quiet, then Palisády is the area for you. It’s a great choice whether you’re deciding where to stay in Bratislava for your first time or for longer trips.
Bratislava is a city with a lot of charm and a long history. It’s a fairly compact city too, much smaller than other European capitals, so you shouldn’t have any trouble exploring most of it on foot. You also shouldn’t have any trouble finding the best places in Bratislava to stay no matter how much you want to spend.
Whether you’re looking for where to stay in Bratislava for one night or for a longer visit, Old Town is the best choice. It’s close to everything and most of the points of interest in the city are in Old Town. It also has a vibrant, historic atmosphere that will make your trip amazing.
Nové Mesto is a great choice if you’re deciding where to stay in Bratislava on a budget. Its name means “New Town” and this district is located in the north and northeast areas of Bratislava near the Little Carpathians. This quiet residential area is ideal if you want to be close to nature.
Petržalka is close to the downtown but it has a more communist flair. This is where you’ll find all the best communist architecture and a unique, urban experience of the city. And the final area in this Bratislava neighborhood guide is Palisády, which is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay for families.
It’s technically part of Old Town, so it’s close to everything, but it has a quieter, more local feel to it. So, you can enjoy a more authentic visit and your kids won’t have any trouble sleeping because of traffic or street noise.
Bratislava’s 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
When you visit Bratislava, you want to be central to everything so you can explore on foot. And all of these Bratislava accommodation options will let you do that no matter what your budget or travel group side.
1. Old Town – Where to Stay in Bratislava for the First Time and Best Area to Stay for Nightlife
Old Town is Bratislava’s historic center and close to everything. It’s an are that’s filled with medieval buildings, squares, shops, and baroque churches. No matter what you like to do when you’re on holiday, you’ll find this area fascinating.
The streets and alleys are built for wandering and exploring and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants around when you need to sit down and take a break.
There are also lots of accommodations options in Old Town at every budget point, which makes it the best neighborhood to stay in Bratislava. So, whether you’re deciding where to stay in Bratislava for nightlife or want a quieter stay, this is where you need to be.
Old Town is popular amongst all types of travelers. Some of the activities and past times to enjoy in this area include:
Wild Elephants Hostel | Best Hostel in Old Town
This hostel in Bratislava is right in the center of all the action. It’s also famously friendly, with staff who will do their best to get you involved in the life of the city and the life of the hostel. The hostel is located in a historic building and has spacious common areas as well as comfortable dorm rooms.
Garni Hotel Virgo | Best Hotel in Old Town
Located under the Bratislava Castle, this hotel in Bratislava is an excellent choice for solo travelers and people traveling with a group. The staff are polite, friendly, and helpful and will do their best to ensure that you have an awesome stay in the city.
The rooms have lovely, Baroque style furniture and all the modern amenities, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds during your stay.
Quiet Apartment in Old Town with Garden | Best Airbnb in Old Town
If you’re deciding where to stay in Bratislava with kids, this apartment is a great choice. It’s centrally located but in a quiet environment that everyone will enjoy. Supermarkets, shops, and transport options are just a short walk away and the apartment is spotlessly clean and can sleep up to three people easily.
Things to See and Do in Old Town
- Wander the streets on food and find hidden gems in one of the many alleys.
- Sleep the day away and head out to enjoy Bratislava’s famous nightlife.
- Visit Bratislava Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Tour the city on a retro Škoda vehicle.
- Eat until you can’t eat anymore at one of the many restaurants in the area.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Nové Mesto – Where to Stay in Bratislava on a Budget
Nové Mesto is one of the coolest places to stay in Bratislava if you want a little peace and quiet as well as cheaper accommodation options. This area is a newer part of the city located in the north and northeast. Part of the area is taken up by the Bratislava Forest Park, so you’ll be able to hike and enjoy nature right at your doorstep.
This is a more local part of the city, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants a more authentic stay. literally means “New Town”. It’s one of Bratislava’s best neighborhoods for travelers who are looking for both convenience and a bargain.
Hotel Set | Best Hotel in Nové Mesto
These spacious, comfortable rooms indicate exactly why Nove Mesto is the best neighborhood to stay in Bratislava. They’re much larger than you’d find in the city center and reasonably priced.
The city center is a short drive or tram ride away and the hotel is close to supermarkets and shops for convenient access to snacks. There’s also a great buffet breakfast available as well as access to sporting facilities.
Socialist Apartment Building | Best Airbnb in Nové Mesto
If you want to stay somewhere local, chances are that it will be a little quirky, and this Bratislava accommodation option certainly fits that bill. It’s located right in the center of this part of the city and close to Old Town for convenience.
The building is a typical example of communist architecture and it’s populated by lots of locals for an authentic feel that you can’t get anywhere else.
Green and Orange Apartment | Best Hostel in Nové Mesto
Nové Mesto is the best area in Bratislava to stay in for some local flavor, and it doesn’t get more local than this budget apartment. The furnishings are unique and slightly quirky, befitting the name of the apartment, and comes with a balcony for you to enjoy the nights and free Wi-FI.
There are several points of interest near the apartment such as the National Tennis Centre NTC, the Ice Hockey Station, and the Tehelné Pole Stadium. It offers a lovely local feel for your stay in Bratislava.
Things to See and Do in Nové Mesto
- Get out in nature and do some hiking, animal watching, or picnicking.
- Find the city’s unknown gems like local cafes and restaurants where only the locals go, and the best food can be found.
- Check out the quirky Kamzik TV Tower.
- Head into Old Town for the day and then retreat to your quiet accommodation for a good night’s sleep.
3. Petržalka – Coolest Place to Stay in Bratislava
Petrzalka is on the right bank of the Danube River and was built during the Iron Curtain era. The architecture strongly reflects these beginnings. It’s all Soviet style concrete high-rises which will give you a slightly uncomfortable view into the city’s not so distant past.
This is a mostly local area that still contains many areas for sports and recreation as well as restaurants that are mostly frequented by locals. It has a lively vibe and is one of the best places to get a feel for the authentic soul of the city.
Petrzalka is the best neighborhood to stay in Bratislava for an authentic feel. It’s probably not the best area for first timers to the city. But if you’ve seen all the usual sites, then spend some time looking for more unusual landmarks in this area.
As an added bonus, Petrzalka is also quieter than other areas, so it’s ideal for families. And it still offers convenient access to Old Town and all its charms.
Spacious Studio Apartment | Best Airbnb in Petržalka
This lovely apartment is located close to Old Town as well as shops, the lake, and a church. It offers complete privacy for up to 3 people, and the building is newly renovated to include an elevator and all the modern conveniences.
The decorations are bright and clean and make the apartment feel even more spacious and welcoming for a short or long stay.
Terrace Room Rental | Best Hostel in Petržalka
At this stage, accommodation options are fairly limited in this area. But if you’re looking for a budget option, then this is a good choice. These basic rooms will suit your budget whether you’re deciding where to stay in Bratislava for your first time or if you’re staying for a longer trip.
They’re functionally furnished and within 700 meters of the train line, putting the rest of the city within easy reach. The rooms include a bathroom with a shower, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Viktor | Best Hotel in Petržalka
This hotel in Bratislava is just a short walk from the train station, offering easy access to the rest of the city. It’s one of the best places in Bratislava to stay for a comfortable room in a local area at a great price.
The hotel offers spacious, colorful rooms and a delicious breakfast every morning. There are a variety of room sizes available, so no matter who you’re traveling with, this hotel will suit your needs.
Things to See and Do in Petržalka
- Explore Bratislava’s largest garden, Sad Janka Krála.
- Spend the afternoon strolling along the riverside promenade and do some people watching.
- Check out the famous UFO bridge with its distinctive shape.
- Explore the streets and discover restaurants, cafes, and sights that most visitors to Bratislava never see.
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If you want to be close to Old Town, but have a little more peace and quiet, then Palisády is the area for you. It’s a great choice whether you’re deciding where to stay in Bratislava for your first time or for longer trips.
This is a more local area of Old Town, where you’ll find fewer tourists and more people going about their daily life. And that authentic feel is a real bonus when you’re traveling.
You won’t find lots of bars or souvenir shops in this area. Instead, you’ll find yourself spending time in peaceful, romantic streets, cozy cafes, and exploring local sites.
There are also some great public transport options in this area so that you can explore Old Town and other places around the city. And the walk to the City Hall from this area is around 15 minutes, so you’ll never be far away from all the action.
Hostel Folks | Best Hostel in Palisády
This hostel is close to the area of Palisády and at the edge of the downtown pedestrian zone. This means you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: you’ll be close to all the best attractions and nightlife and far enough away that you’ll sleep like a baby.
The hostel has private single or double rooms as well as dorm rooms of varying sizes. They’re clean, comfortable, and modern and will make a great base as you explore Bratislava.
Mamaison Residence Sulekova | Best Hotel in Palisády
This elegant hotel is in Palisady, one of Bratislava’s best neighborhoods. It’s in a quiet residential area but still offers awesome view of Bratislava Castle.
The spacious rooms are decorated in a contemporary style with all the latest technology available for you to use. And Old Town and its attractions are within 600 meters of the hotel’s front doors, which makes it the perfect location.
Huge, Quiet 3 Bedroom Apartment | Best Airbnb in Palisády
If you’re looking for a little extra space, then this enormous apartment might be for you. It can hold up to 9 guests in 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, so it’s perfect for large groups of friends or a family. It’s located right in the center of Palisady, the best area in Bratislava to stay in for convenient access to everything.
It’s also close to shops and restaurants and the furnishings are clean and colorful and there’s an on site kitchen available if you want to prepare your own meals.
Things to See and Do in Palisády
- Head into Old Town to explore the city’s best attractions.
- Check out the Goat Gate Cemetery if your tastes run a little towards the macabre.
- Learn about the darker history of the city at the Slavin War Memorial.
- Have a slow, lazy day explore the city streets and lingering over tea or coffee in one of the local cafes.
- Do some people watching and try to live like the locals do!
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Bratislava
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Bratislava and where to stay.
What To Pack For Bratislava
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Bratislava
Bratislava is a vibrant, exciting city that’s just starting to come onto everyone’s travel list. This city is small enough that, after a short stay, you’ll be able to see not only the top attractions but also get a feel for the heartbeat of the city as well. And of course, along with the city’s recent popularity, has come lots of accommodation options.
That’s why you’ll need our Bratislava neighborhood guide. It will help you find the best places to stay in Bratislava no matter what budget, travel style, or travel group you arrive with.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Bratislava.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
