The café culture in Bratislava has blossomed over the past few years, with more and more activity spilling out onto the streets and courtyards, and since the spring is here, more outside seating will become available. Listed below are a few of our favourite cafés in the nation's capital.
Be aware that most cafes serve several different varieties of coffee (káva). To help you decide, keep this phrases in mind: strong Turkish coffee (Turecká káva) with the grounds at the bottom, is what you sometimes get when you don't specify, but more often you'll get espresso (presso). Delicious Viennese (Viedenská) is coffee with whipped cream. Other choices include coffee with milk (kava s mliekom), Algierian (Alžírska) with egg liqueur, and cappuccino.
Café Regina
Wooden décor and large windows facing the street make this a comfortable place to relax over some java and watch the world pass by. Right on the corner of Michalská ulica, just over the former drawbridge from Old Town.
Michalská ulica. Tel: 5441 6431. Open Mon-Fri 7:30-24:00, Sat 8:00-24:00, Sun 10:00-24:00.
Café u Maximiliána
This cosy, two-floor café is right on Hlavné námestie (the main square) in the old town. Wooden tables and wall panelling, great coffee and reasonable prices make this a local favourite.
Zelená 5. Tel: 5443 5474. Open daily 9:00-22:00.
Café Múzeum
Still the largest and best Internet café in the centre of Bratislava, Café Muzeum at the rear of Slovenské Národné Múzeum (Slovak National Museum),is a great alternative to many of the noisy cafés in town. In a beautiful high-ceilinged hall, patrons can chat over a coffee to occasional live piano music. Famous locals from pop-star Richard Müller to Prime Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda can sometimes be seen taking a coffee and smoke break. The Internet room is downstairs to the right.
Múzejná ulica. Tel: 5934 9111. Open Mon-Fri 9:00-22:00, Sat 10:00-22:00, Sun 10:00-22:00.
Gremium Café
Just a few steps from the Opera house. The relaxed, bohemian atmosphere mixes well with paintings, jewellery and other art objects on display. Occasional live piano music in the evenings.
Gorkého 11. Tel: 5413 1026. Open 8:30-24:00 daily.
Kaffee Mayer
This ritzy Viennese café also on Hlavné námestie (main square) serves up great coffee and scrumptious desserts in grand old Habsburg style and posh environment.
Tough to find a seat after the opera. Prices make you feel just like you're in Vienna.
Hlavné námestie 4. Tel: 5441 1741. Open 10:00-1:00 daily.
U Anjelov
U Anjelov (Angels' Rest) is divided into two separate cafes; one is a cubby hole at the bend in Laurinská Street and the second is the larger, more modern joint next door. Angels of all sizes and persuasions cover the walls and ceiling and the waitstaff works the crowds well. Apart from coffee and tea, a selection of Italian sparkling wines are available as well as numerous special drinks. No food is served but tasteful music ranging from jazz and funk to Latin American can be enjoyed
Laurinská 19. Tel: 5443 2724. Open Mon-Sat 9:00-24:00, Sun 13:00-24:00.
