A still from the symbolic opening of the gates of Bratislava. (source: TASR)
BRATISLAVA CITY DAYS
The best way to explore the capital
The upcoming weekend will offer the best way to explore Bratislava and get a closer look on its history, culture, architecture and many more. Bratislava City Days will symbolically open the city's doors to residents and visitors alike on Saturday at 09:00 at the Primate's Palace. The event commemorates the occasion, when King Ondrej III granted Bratislava its municipal privileges in 1291. This period was also connected to election of the town mayor.
The programme of this year's 22nd edition includes dozen upon dozens of individual events scattered throughout the centre and the wider city. You can find the full programme here, there is plenty to choose from. Most of the events are free of charge, they are family friendly and barrier-free as well.
During the weekend, many of the buildings that are usually unavailable to the public will open, such as the cellars of the Rómerov Dom, which will be available for the first time, the interior and basement areas of the Slavín monument, the tugboat Šturec, or the Klarisky monastery. You can find the full list here. You can also taste wine in the historic cellar at Michalská Street throughout both weekend days for free, no registration required. Historic public transport vehicles will operate on certain lines, the Hroboňova Trolleybus Depot will open its gates to everyone interested in these vehicles.
The Sad Janka Kráľa city park will play host to sports and educational activities, with the latter linked to the Earth Day. If you ever wanted to try skateboarding or parkour, this is the place to be.
A still from a previous edition of the Bratislava City Days event. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
A gorge worth visiting
Not long ago, this narrow stone corridor in north-western Slovakia was utterly impassable. Even horse-drawn carts had to be dismantled and carried through, piece by piece. Today, the Manínska Tiesňava gorge is one of the country's most extraordinary natural landmarks – a magnet for hikers, climbers and cyclists drawn to its towering limestone cliffs and serpentine paths.
The Manínska Tiesňava gorge. (source: Roman Ripka)
Take a ride on a historic railway
This weekend opens the new season of the Children's Historic Railway in Košice. The railway was built between 1955-56 for the Czechoslovak Pioneer youth organisation. Although other railways such as this one were built throughout the country, only the one on Košice survived. On Saturay, the historic trains will start running again. On Sunday you can look forward to a special programme, including rides in open carriages, and re-enactments of train robbery. The train will start operating on a regular schedule from May 1. Find out more here.
Orava Castle opens summer season
The popular Thurzove Slávnosti (Thurzo Celebrations) event returns to Orava Castle, northern Slovakia, for another edition. On Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00, the celebrations will be dedicated to the marriage of a daughter of Juraj Thurzo, a nobleman and former owner of the castle. In addition, visitors will get to see falconers, cuisine of the past, dances and more. Admission is between €1 to €3 depending on age. Find out more here.
Orava Castle. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
By fans for fans of pop culture
It's once again here. The annual SlavCon festival, dedicated to pop-culture, fantasy, sci-fi, films, TV series and games and created by fans for fans, will take place from Friday to Sunday in the the premises of the Faculty of Architecture and Design on Námestie Slobody square in Bratislava. In addition to talks, you can expect creative workshops such as building wargaming terrain from scratch and on a budget, playing board games, a quiz on J. R. R. Tolkien, World of Warcraft, and much more. Find out more and get your tickets here.
A miniature skirmish game called Warcry. (source: TASR)
Enhance your antiques collection
Are you a collector of antiques, memorabilia or other things of the past? If so do not miss the first antique market of this year that will take place on Saturday at the Červený Kameň castle near the village of Častá in Bratislava Region. You'll find antique furniture, jewellery, old books, pictures, coins and much more. Make sure to be there quick, though. The market takes place from 7:30 to 14:00.
It's all fun and games
It'll not be just Bratislava having fun with games this weekend, Trnava is ready to join in on the fun with the 2nd edition of its PixelZest game festival. The event will take place this Saturday and Sunday in the University of St Cyril and Methodius aula and will showcase the latest trend in games and technology, including virtual reality, simulators, console and computer games and more. Admission is starts at €3, learn more here.
Gardening 101
Are you looking to setup a garden on your balcony, grow vegetables, get some tips on how to go about having a garden? Then you need to visit the Festival Záhrad a Hobby (Garden and Hobby Festival) held this weekend in the premises of the Zlaté Piesky recreation area in Bratislava. Admission is free, click here to learn more.
Witness a Porsche race
On April 24-26, the Slovakia Ring racing circuit near the village of Orechová Potôň in south-western Slovakia is playing host to the Porsche Sprint Challenge Central Europe event, offering thrilling action for audience as drivers have to show their skills - every single one is driving the same car, a high-performance 911 GT3 Cup. The event will feature a mix of endurance and sprint races. Admission is free, click here to learn more.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
April 24-26: The Sharpe music festival & conference in Bratislava
April 25-27: Prešov Street Food Festival
April 26: The Punktík children literature festival in Košice
April 26: The PokéShow game event in Bratislava
April 26-27: The Bratislava City Days event
April 26-27: The Hobby and Gardens festival in Bratislava
April 27: The Slovak Motocross Championship in Gbely
May 3: The United Colours of Football tournament in Bratislava
May 3-4: The Remeselné Trhy craft market at the Červený Kameň castle
May 10: The Dobrý Trh market in Bratislava
May 18: The Spring vegan festival in Bratislava
May 29-June 1: The BRaK book festival in Bratislava
June 6-7: The Bratislava Collector Days
June 6-8: The Weekend of Open Parks and Gardens
Until June 1: The Trnavská Hudobná Jar classical music festival in Trnava
BEFORE YOU GO :
WHAT TO DO FOR NOTHING: Explore the buildings that are usually closed to the public or enjoy free public ice skating.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: Take a ride on bus from 1950s, see the life history at the city centre and run together with the mayor.
WHAT TO WATCH: If you are a foreigner living in Slovakia, you have probably marvelled at its rich history, dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture. But have you discovered its cinematic heritage?
WHAT TO LEARN: Slovak scientists help tear down two objections to the Jurassic Park premise. Just don't expect cloned dinosaurs to appear any time soon.
WHAT NOT TO MISS: Think embassies are boring? Think again. They are behind some of the Bratislava's coolest gigs, fests and food pop-ups.
WHAT TO READ: Communication, data, money, connection of devices - the amount of technology that works wireless today is staggering. Slovak priest, painter, inventor Jozef Murgaš belongs among the pioneers of the technology, earning nicknames such as "radio's forgotten genius" and "priest-scientist" for his contributions.
WHAT TO TRY: The Trnava-based Bistro Perk may not enjoy the high-profile marketing of a particularly popular fast food chain. Actually, one could argue it's hiding. To avoid it would be a shame, as the food is stylish, good value and, most importantly, tastes really good, opines The Slovak Spectator's Mark Taylor in his review.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A Slovak and Czech teen duo awarded the Global Earth Prize 2025.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a great long weekend.
