Slovakia’s capital city is Bratislava, and it is also the biggest city in the country. In addition to being the center of the Slovakian government and economy, however, it is also a popular tourist destination. Its medieval city center is charming to stroll through, and if you should get tired of the list of attractions in the city you can always make a day trip to nearby Vienna for a little bit of a change of pace. You would be smart to stay in Bratislava, however, because the cheap hotels in Bratislava are going to be even cheaper than the budget places in Vienna.
This city has a huge selection of youth hostels, which is great for people on the strictest of budgets, but there are also plenty of cheap hotels in Bratislava for those of you who have graduated beyond dorm rooms and shared bathrooms! These budget hotels still let you save money while treating yourself to luxuries like private bathrooms and TVs in the rooms, and many even help you save more by offering free breakfasts. If your hotel is located outside the city center (which is easily explored on foot), be sure it is near a bus stop so you can get into the center easily.
The center of Bratislava is fun to wander in, as it is full of small streets lined with interesting buildings, but there are lots of attractions in the city as well. There are churches and cathedrals to explore, as well as Bratislava Castle and several palaces you can tour. Culture vultures will want to see if there are any opera or orchestra performances going on during your visit and take in the exhibits in the galleries and museums around the city. And for those of you who need a break from the city, Bratislava is surrounded by picturesque farmland and vineyards which can be a great escape – provided you have a car.
A few of the cheap hotels in Bratislava which are worth checking out for your trip are Hotel Turist (1.5km from historic center, 99 rooms, some rooms with balcony, on-site restaurant & hair salon), Hotel Junior (10 minutes from city center, on shores of Strkovec Lake, 95 rooms, parking available, on-site restaurant & bar, free breakfast, laundry services), Hotel Kyjev (in city center, 5 minute walk from historic center, 180 rooms, internet access available, on-site restaurant/bar & cafe, cheapest rooms without TVs), Hotel Echo (5km from city center via public transport, on-site restaurant, parking available, pets allowed), and Botel Marina (on the river Danube under the castle, 8 minute walk to historic center, 32 rooms, on-site restaurant & night club, internet access available).