Shopping in Bratislava

Shopping in Bratislava ranges from large malls and boutique designer shops to small antique dealers and shops selling local folk art.

Key areas

Individual shops to try in the Old Town are Cheesy (for Slovak and international cheeses) Baštova 2, next to St Michael's Tower, and Twigi for clothes, jewellery and nick-nacks at Klariská 7 and Klariská 16. Central Europe has a justified fame for crystal, and shops to try are Katka, Panska 24, and Rona, Súhradka 427. For better bargains and antiques, however, try the zalozna (pawn shops) or the underground passage of Hodzovo námestie. For local wines, tokaj and brandies, try Trunk, Hurbanovo námestie 8.

Markets

There are two large fruit and vegetable markets near the old town, one about a 15 minute walk from the old town off Žilinská, the other slightly further away on Miletičova. The best shopping for traditional Slovakian crafts is in the Old Town, particularly Obchodna Street, where the huge Uluv craft market (www.uluv.sk) is located. There are also Christmas markets on Hlavné and Hviezdoslavovo Squares in December, with small kiosks selling traditional handmade goods.

Shopping centres

Bratislava has many large department stores with the latest fashion lines. The biggest is Polus City Center, on Vajnorská Street.

Opening hours

Most shops in Bratislava are open Monday to Friday 0800-1800, and Saturday 0800-1200, with large department stores and shopping centres staying open later (until 2100) and some open on Sundays. During high season most shops of interest to visitors stay open all weekend.

Souvenirs

Folk art, traditional pottery and woodcarving from all over Slovakia, locally made jewellery, Slovak wine, tokaj, spirits and cheeses can all be bought at a variety of shops in the old town.