SAVVY ADVICE FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELLERS
If you are thinking of visiting Slovakia, here are 15 essential Slovakia tourist tips, and some savvy travel advice, for first-time travellers. For those of us who love visiting less crowded places, Slovakia is a great choice, with beautiful sights and very much underrated. Small in size but rich in authentic places, the country is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Slovakia, officially known as the Slovak Republic, was born in 1993, when Czechoslovakia dissolved during the Velvet Revolution, ending 40 years of Communism.
Please don’t get confused with Slovenia, a common mistake people make, which is nearby and has some similarities.
Slovakia is a land-locked country, located in central Europe, and shares borders with 5 countries. It is part of the Schengen zone of Europe, making it easy to travel, to and from, neighbouring countries like Austria, Czechia, Poland and Hungary. You can even travel to several countries in one day if you want to.
Getting Here
Flying to Slovakia from nearby countries is easy. There are 2 international airports in Slovakia – Bratislava Airport (BTS) and Kosice Airport (KSC). Alternatively, many travellers fly into nearby Vienna, then a short trip to Bratislava.
Trains connect Slovakia from major European cities, one of the most convenient and easy ways to travel. Bratislava Main Station is the main connecting hub for long distance trains. There are direct train connections linking Bratislava to other major European cities.
Road trips to Slovakia are common from other European cities. I visited Bratislava from Vienna in less than an hour by bus. Driving from Prague takes 3.5 hours, and from Budapest, 5.5 hours.
Arriving by boat is also easy and a picturesque way to travel, via the Danube River which forms a natural border with Hungary and flows right through Bratislava.o
Driving
You may want to rent a car in Slovakia, especially for visiting national parks.
Driving is on the right-hand side.
Non-EU citizens require an International Driving Permit to drive in Slovakia.
Driving on motorways and expressways requires a digital toll permit, vignette, which you can purchase online.
Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day.
Blood alcohol level for driving is strictly 0%.
Petrol prices are generally cheaper than many other European countries.
Tourism
Slovakia does not have an over-tourism problem, like many other European countries. You can explore major sites without the huge crowds found elsewhere, such as in the neighbouring city of Prague.
The peak travel season is between May to September when the weather is warm. Spring and autumn sees less tourists.
Languages
The official language spoken throughout the country is Slovak.
English is commonly used in tourist areas, such as Bratislava.
German and other European languages are also spoken in some parts.
Money
The official currency is the Euro (€).
Credit cards are widely accepted, as is tap and go. Carry a small amount of cash with you. Some merchants in rural areas may only accept cash.
ID
Always carry ID with you. Police may fine you if you can’t produce ID when immediately requested.
Slovak Food
The cost of food and drink is cheaper than other nearby countries. An average lunch costs around 10 Euros, and a beer, 3 Euros.
Traditional Slovak foods consist of potatoes, pork, goat’s cheese and cabbage.
Slovakia also has its own brands of beers, wines and spirits.
For foodies, I recommend a traditional food tour to get a taste of the local cuisine.
Alcohol
Legal drinking age is 18 in Slovakia.
Being drunk in public is not tolerated and you can be fined.
Drinking outdoors in Bratislava Old Town is illegal and carries a fine, unless at an event.
Safety
Slovakia is a safe country, with low crime rates, but always exercise sensible precautions. There are cases of petty crime and scams.
For emergency services in Slovakia, call 112.
Avoid crossing the border with Ukraine.
Transport
Public transport is the best way to get around, reliable and very affordable. Use trains or buses between cities. Validate your public transit tickets immediately upon boarding buses or trams.
National trains are operated by State-owned Slovak rail – ZSSK.
Get an Interrail Slovakia Pass here, available for tourists only.
Cabs
Avoid catching random cabs off the street. There are some dodgy drivers who will try and scam you.
Instead, use licensed taxi companies or reputable apps like Uber or Bolt. However, availability will drop in smaller towns.
Tipping
Tipping is modest and not compulsory. A 10% tip is sufficient if the service is good.
Bratislava Card
When touring the capital, I recommend purchasing a Bratislava Card which is for tourists only, and can be with or without public transport.
The card includes free admission to many sights and attractions, guided walking tours and discounts, even on food and wine.
Hiking
Hiking trails in National Parks are very popular for nature lovers. June through October provides the best weather and trail conditions.
There are 9 National Parks in Slovakia and they are generally free to explore.
Check here for hiking information and a useful hiking map.
Tatras hikes in the rugged mountain ranges are particularly challenging. Check out this 3 day hiking tour with a local expert.
Finally
Be sure to check out tours and experiences that are available with Viator, to make your time in Slovakia memorable. Guided tours offer you interesting information, local knowledge and stories you don’t get when wandering around on your own.
I always take a walking tour with a city expert for a few hours as a great starting point in a new city.
You may want to check the festivals calendar, to see what’s on during your stay.
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