Europe Day in Bratislava's Old Town Market Hall, 2022. (source: Facebook/Czech Centre in Bratislava)
Despite its proximity to Vienna, Bratislava remains a significant diplomatic hub, hosting more than 40 embassies. While some nations, particularly from the Nordic region, have relocated their embassies to nearby capitals such as Prague and Vienna, many continue to maintain a presence in Slovakia through general consulates.
Beyond diplomacy, several countries have established cultural institutes in Bratislava, enriching the city’s international character through exhibitions, language courses, and artistic programmes. In addition, several countries maintain a presence in Slovakia through their chambers of commerce.
In this guide, The Slovak Spectator offers a curated list of embassies, cultural institutes and chambers, highlighting where to find details on events. Several embassies — including those of Egypt, Azerbaijan and Israel — are not listed due to their minimal or non-existent online presence. We will add them as information becomes available.
Looking for your country? Browse by continent to find embassies, cultural centres and more:
There are also several major events in Bratislava well-suited for foreigners, including:
SPRING
Bratislava Marathon (April)
Bratislava City Days (April)
Europe Day organised by the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia (May)
Good Market (May)
European Night of Literature, with support from several embassies in Slovakia, including those of the Netherlands and Italy (May)
Bratislava Book Festival (May/June)
SUMMER
Viva Musica! (June)
Bratislava Pride (July)
Bratislava Coronation Days (July)
music festival such as Lovestream and Uprising (August)
AUTUMN
White Night (October)
Bratislava Jazz Days (October)
Month of Photography (November)
WINTER
Christmas Bazaar organised by the International Women’s Club of Bratislava (December)
Bratislava Christmas Markets (November/December)
New Year’s Eve celebrations (December)
For more inspiration, be sure to check our weekly roundups: Top 10 Events in Bratislava and 3 Free Things to Do in Bratislava.
BRaK festival in Bratislava, 2022. (source: Facebook/BRaK/Nina Pacherová)
Europe
(To stay informed about upcoming events, please refer to the links below.)
Albania
As the embassy told The Slovak Spectator, it hosts a reception each year to mark the country’s Declaration of Independence, observed on 28–29 November. For further information, please contact the embassy.
Austria
The Austrian Cultural Forum in Bratislava promotes Austrian art, culture and science in Slovakia, hosting events ranging from literary evenings and exhibitions to concerts, theatre performances, film and music festivals, lectures, workshops and academic symposia. For those with a business focus, the Slovak-Austrian Chamber of Commerce also offers a programme of events.
Bulgaria
The Bulgarian community in Bratislava gathers each year on 3 March to commemorate the Day of Liberation from Ottoman rule.
Croatia
Each February, the cultural association hosts formal balls in Bratislava. In June, the city’s Devínska Nová Ves borough comes alive with the Festival of Croatian Culture. The neighbourhood is also home to the Museum of Croatian Culture in Slovakia.
Cyprus
Embassy: website
For the latest updates on events, the embassy’s Facebook page is the recommended source.
Czechia
In addition to hosting a range of cultural events in Bratislava, the Czech Centre also offers Czech language courses. The centre also oversees a project that tracks Czech cultural events throughout Slovakia.
France
Embassy: website
Major French events in Slovakia include French Day in July and the Month of Francophonie in March. Those interested in business-related gatherings should consult the chamber’s calendar for upcoming networing opportunities.
French Day in Bratislava, 2022. (source: Facebook/Institut français de Slovaquie - Francúzsky inštitút na Slovensku)
Perspectives Talks 2: Feminism and Gender Equality in Central Europe, an event hosted by Goethe-Institut Bratislava, 2024. (source: Facebook/Goethe-Institut Bratislava/Waldemar Švábenský)
Germany
If you’re drawn to all things German, the Goethe-Institut is a natural destination — even if you do not yet speak the language, you can begin learning it there. As one of Slovakia’s key economic partners, Germany also maintains an active chamber of commerce that regularly hosts events that may be well worth your time.
Georgia
Many smaller embassies, such as Georgia’s, do not host cultural events — but in this case, you can still get a taste of the country through its cuisine. Georgian restaurants like Batoni and Pirosmani’s Samovar offer a rich introduction to the nation’s culinary traditions.
Greece
While there are no official Greek events, you can still savour a slice of Greece at the restaurant on Krížna Street in Bratislava.
Hungary
The Liszt Institute Bratislava, Hungary’s official cultural centre in the Slovak capital, offers a wide range of programming. It is also the only institution in Bratislava that provides Hungarian language courses.
Ireland
While Ireland does not have a dedicated cultural institute in Bratislava, the embassy frequently supports Irish-themed events, from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to film screenings and concerts. Keep an eye on its social media for updates.
Italy
If you are captivated by Italian culture, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Bratislava is your gateway—from art exhibitions and language courses to concerts and film screenings. Among the standout events is Dolce Vitaj, a festival that offers a taste of the very best in Italian culture and the arts. Another highlight is Italian Design Day, co-organised by the Italian-Slovak Chamber of Commerce, which also hosts a variety of business-focused gatherings throughout the year.
Netherlands
The Dutch Embassy in Bratislava supports a broad range of cultural and business initiatives, often focusing on innovation, sustainability and human rights. The annual King’s Day celebration, known as the Orange Party, is held at the end of April. If you spot tulips brightening the streets, there is a good chance they were planted with a little help from the Netherlands.
North Macedonia
Embassy: Facebook
While North Macedonia does not operate a dedicated cultural institute in Slovakia, its embassy in Bratislava occasionally supports cultural and community events, especially around national holidays and key anniversaries. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for event invitations.
Poland
Polish culture enjoys a strong presence in Slovakia, thanks in large part to the Polish Institute in Bratislava. Whether you are drawn to Polish literature, music or visual arts, the Polish Institute is an essential stop for cultural programming.
Polish Institute, Bratislava (source: Facebook/Polish Institute in Bratislava/Marek Jančúch)
Portugal
Established in 2024, the Portuguese Cultural Association promotes Portuguese culture and traditions through various events.
Romania
For current information on Romanian cultural events and organisations in Slovakia, it is advisable to contact the Romanian Embassy in Bratislava.
Russia
The Russian House in Bratislava promotes Russian culture and education.
Serbia
For the latest updates on events, follow the embassy’s account on X.
Slovenia
Embassy: website, Facebook
Cultural initiatives: Culture.si
The most reliable way to stay informed about upcoming events is by following the embassy’s Facebook page.
Spain
Slovak-German Chamber of Commerce: website
The Spanish Embassy and the Cervantes Institute regularly host a range of cultural events. The institute also maintains a dedicated Vimeo channel, offering viewers the chance to explore Spanish cinema from home.
Switzerland
Embassy: website, Facebook
Swiss-Slovak Chamber of Commerce: website, LinkedIn
The Swiss Embassy in Bratislava engages in various cultural and educational initiatives. The Swiss-Slovak Chamber of Commerce supports business relations, offering a platform for networking and collaboration between Swiss and Slovak enterprises.
Ukraine
Key updates on upcoming events are regularly posted on the Facebook pages of both the institute and the embassy. In May, for instance, Ukrainian people in Slovakia celebrate Vyshyvanka Day, while August marks Ukraine’s Independence Day. With a large Ukrainian community in Slovakia, it is no surprise that numerous local groups also organise their own cultural events throughout the year.
United Kingdom
The British cultural footprint in Slovakia is anchored by the British Council, which offers English language courses and exam preparation. The embassy works closely with the Council and other partners to promote UK arts. On the business front, the British Chamber of Commerce is one of the most active foreign chambers in Slovakia.
Asia
(To stay informed about upcoming events, please refer to the links below.)
China
The Confucius Institute in Bratislava plays a central role by offering Chinese language courses, cultural workshops, and community events.
India
The Indian Embassy promotes Indian culture through events like film screenings, classical dance and the annual Diwali celebration, which draws both Slovaks and the Indian community. Each June, Yoga Day attracts wide public interest, highlighting India’s wellness traditions. On the business front, the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia supports trade and investment between the two countries.
Indonesia
The Indonesian Embassy serves as a hub for cultural exchange, showcasing the country’s rich heritage through traditional dance performances, batik workshops and culinary events. A standout on the calendar is Indonesian Days, which invites people in Slovakia to experience the archipelago’s vibrant traditions first-hand.
Japan
The Japanese Embassy plays an active role in cultural diplomacy, organising events such as Japan Day and the Japanese Film Festival to share the country’s traditions and contemporary culture with audiences in Slovakia.
Japanese Summer Festival, Bratislava, 2016 (source: Facebook/Japanese Embassy in Bratislava)
Kazakhstan
Embassy: Facebook
The Embassy of Kazakhstan promotes Kazakh culture through a range of public events. In April 2025, a traditional yurt was set up by Kuchajda Lake to mark Nauryz, the Kazakh New Year, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s nomadic heritage through music, dress and ceremonial displays.
Palestine
Embassy: Facebook
The Palestinian Embassy in Bratislava engages in both cultural and diplomatic outreach. Updates on its activities can be found on its official Facebook page.
South Korea
For upcoming events and courses, follow the institute’s Facebook page — though it’s also worth keeping an occasional eye on updates from the embassy. In Bratislava, the global reach of Korean pop culture is evident in the presence of a dedicated K-pop store, where fans browse albums, merchandise and memorabilia from their favourite idols.
Türkiye
Vietnam
Vietnamské korene: Facebook
If you’d like to connect with Bratislava’s Vietnamese community, this Facebook page offers a window into the culture. Each summer, the organisation Vietnamese Roots (Vietnamské korene) hosts Vietnam Day — a lively celebration of tradition, cuisine and community.
North America
(To stay informed about upcoming events, please refer to the links below.)
Canada
For the latest updates on upcoming events, follow the embassy’s Facebook page — a reliable way to stay informed and never miss a noteworthy occasion.
Cuba
USA
The US Embassy recommends following its social media channels, which regularly share updates on upcoming events and cultural activities. AmCham Slovakia also hosts a range of events for business professionals, offering opportunities for networking, policy dialogue and collaboration across industries.
South America
(To stay informed about upcoming events, please refer to the links below.)
Brazil
The most dependable source for updates on Brazilian cultural events in Slovakia is the embassy’s Facebook page. In September 2024, the embassy hosted Brazilsava, a vibrant cultural festival celebrating Brazilian music, dance and cuisine in the heart of Bratislava.
A concert during the Brazilslava festival in Bratislava, 2024 (source: Facebook/Brazilslava)
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