SLOVAKIA

 

Coming in at just under 30 years old, Slovakia is one of the youngest countries in the world. Its low prices, mountainous terrain, and proximity to other popular European travel destinations (Budapest, Prague, and Vienna to name a few) make it a great country for backpackers and vacationers alike! Speaking of Prague, you’d be surprised just how similar it is to Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. In fact, the two cities are oftentimes referred to as siblings separated at a young age due their parents’ “Velvet Divorce” - the unofficial name given to the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Don’t believe me? See for yourself!

  • Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:

  • Currency:

    • The official currency of Slovakia is the Euro (EUR) (€)

      • $1 USD = €0.85

  • Pricing for Leisure Travelers:

    • Average Hotel Expenses = €58-€70/Night ($70-$85 USD/Night)

    • Average Food/Drink Expenses = €17-€29/Day ($20-$35 USD/Day)

  • Pricing for Backpackers:

    • Average Hostel Expenses = €8-€17/Night ($10-$20 USD/Night)

    • Average Food/Drink Expenses = €8-€17/Day ($10-$20 USD/Day)

  • Communication:

    • Slovak, closely related to Czech, is the country’s official language. In Slovakia’s larger cities, you will find young people conversationally proficient in English. The same cannot be said for older generations and/or those living in rural regions of the country. These folks are more likely to speak Hungarian, Czech, German, or Russian.

  • Transportation:

    • Train: Slovakia’s main train operator is Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK). They run trains across Slovakia and to select destinations in Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, and Ukraine. If the route you are looking for is not available via ZSSK, try booking through České dráhy (Czech Railways).

    • Bus: The main bus company operating in Bratislava is Slovak Lines. They run routes to the airport and city center of both Vienna and Budapest. For all other European destinations, book through FlixBus.

    • Airplane: Slovakia does not have a flag carrier but Ryanair flies in and out of Bratislava. Tickets can be purchased on their website or via Skyscanner.

      • If you cannot find a cost-friendly flight into Bratislava, no worries! Given its proximity to Vienna, it is very easy to fly there instead and then take a bus straight from the airport to Bratislava (1 hour; €7.90)!

    • Taxi/Uber: Affordable taxis can be found all throughout the country; Uber only operates in Bratislava.

  • Miscellaneous:

    • As referenced above, Czechoslovakia (formed in 1918) peacefully split into Czechia and Slovakia in 1993.

 

BRATISLAVA

 

Thank you, Michaela, for the photo of Bratislava!