Tehelné pole in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
Bratislava, a city often eclipsed by its more prominent neighbours Vienna and Prague, is set to bask in the limelight as it hosts several matches of the UEFA Champions League. The excitement is palpable as ŠK Slovan Bratislava, the most successful football club in Slovakia, has secured its spot in this prestigious tournament.
For Slovak fans and visitors from abroad, the atmosphere promises to be electric, filled with the cheers and chants that accompany Europe’s elite football competition.
Schedule of Slovan Bratislava’s matches in the Champions League
September 18 at 21:00: Celtic Glasgow vs. Slovan Bratislava (5-1)
October 1 at 21:00: Slovan Bratislava vs. Manchester City (0-4)
October 22 at 21:00: Girona FC vs. Slovan Bratislava
November 5 at 18:45: Slovan Bratislava vs. Dinamo Zagreb
November 26 at 18:45: Slovan Bratislava vs. AC Milan
December 11 at 18:45: Atlético Madrid vs. Slovan Bratislava
January 21 at 21:00: Slovan Bratislava vs. Stuttgart
January 29 at 21:00: Bayern Munich vs. Slovan Bratislava
All fans will want to make the most of their experience, but what can fans really expect from Bratislava? Whether you’re a seasoned supporter or a first-time attendee, these tips will help ensure a memorable match day.
1) Arrive early for the match
ŠK Slovan Bratislava knows how to set the stage for an unforgettable matchday experience at Tehelné pole, home of ŠK Slovan Bratislava since 2019. Before the first whistle blows, fans are treated to a vibrant line-up of pre-match events and delicious food stalls that cater to both the young and the old. Stay tuned to the club’s social media channels for the latest updates on what’s happening outside the stadium, and make sure to arrive early to soak it all in.
2) How to reach Tehelné pole
The football stadium, which can welcome up to 22,500 fans, is located just a short distance from the city centre.
Here’s how to get there smoothly:
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Hop on Tram 4, and you’ll roll up straight to the Nová Doba stop, just a stone’s throw from the action. If you prefer buses, you’re in luck: lines 39, 53, 60, 61, 63, 64, 74, 75, 78, and 98 all stop nearby at Nová Doba, Odbojárov, Bajkalská, and Zimný štadión.
And here’s a bonus for 2024: your match ticket grants you free public transport throughout Bratislava. Your ticket is valid from three hours before kick-off until two hours after the final whistle.
Don’t forget to check the transport schedules with the app for a smooth journey to the stadium.
BY CAR
Several convenient parking options are available to ensure a hassle-free experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Underground parking
Location: Directly under the stadium
Cost: €2 for each hour (billed per started hour) or €20 for a full-day pass
Access: Entrance from Bajkalská Street only. After parking, use the lift to reach the stadium level.
Post-match return: To return to your car, use the same entrance from Bajkalská Street. Please note that the lift entrance will be blocked after the match for security reasons.
Alternative parking options
Pasienky P3: Available for personal vehicles and buses, accessible from Trnavská Road.
Ondrej Nepela Arena: Paid parking available, entrance from Kalinčiakova Street.
National Tennis Centre (NTC): Paid parking available, entrance from Príkopová Street.National Tennis Centre (NTC): Paid parking available, entrance from Príkopová Street.
Parking guidelines
To ensure smooth parking around Tehelné pole, follow these steps:
Park only in designated areas: Use only the horizontally marked parking spaces in regulated zones, marked by green signs with a numerical code for visitors.
Pay hourly rates: Make sure to pay the hourly parking fee for legal parking.
Avoid resident spaces: Do not park in areas marked for residents.
Payment for parking can be made via mobile apps such as ParkDots, EasyPark, MPLA, Bmove, HOPIN, or through a parking meter. For more information, visit www.paas.sk.
Parking at the nearby VIVO and Central shopping malls is free for up to three hours each working day. After that, a fee of €3 is charged for each additional hour, starting from the fourth hour. Parking is free over the weekends, but if you’re planning to park your car at Central after regular opening hours (6-22), you can access the Central garage solely through the Metodova Street entrance.
BY TAXI
If you arrive at the main railway station, steer clear of those overpriced direct cabs waiting outside. Instead, download the Bolt or Hopin apps for a more cost-effective ride.
ON FOOT
While it might feel far away, a pleasant 30-minute stroll from the city centre will also lead you straight to the stadium. Alternatively, Bolt e-scooters, along with offerings from various other brands, have also emerged as a popular mode of transport.
A mother and daughter on a Bolt e-scooter. (source: TASR)
3) Where to eat Slovak cuisine, grab a cake, and enjoy a drink
Looking to sample some traditional Slovak dishes like bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) or kapustnica (cabbage soup) before heading to the match? Check out these popular spots in downtown Bratislava: Slovak Pub, Flagship Restaurant, UFO Restaurant (also a sought-after viewpoint!), and Koliba Kamzík. Be sure to make a reservation to guarantee your seat.
For sports fans, Sport Pub u Belasých is a must. Just minutes from Tehelné pole, this pub offers classic pub food, quality beer, and walls lined with historical sports memorabilia.
Tucked away in Bratislava’s popular Sad Janka Kráľa park, a former strip club has been transformed into a new bistro, Bistro Ferdinand. It offers top-notch food at reasonable prices.
Craving something different? Plenty of international restaurants are in the city too, and you can find reviews for some of them here.
If you are in the mood for coffee or a slice of cake, head to one of these cosy cafés: Apo+eka, black., Goriffee Košická, Emil, Pán Králiček, Soren, Blue Mondays, Miriss, Grão, Foxford, Čiary, Lab.cafe, Matsu.
If you’re looking for a place to grab a beer, you’ve got options. Check out the Dubliner Irish Pub, Kácečko, the International Bar, Uisce Beatha, Bratislavský Meštiansky Pivovar, Fabrika, Žil Verne, or Výčap u Ernöho in The Old Town.
As for wineries, head to Viecha malých vinárov (or other "viechas"), Vinotéka pri Modrom kostolíku, or Spanish Wine Bar.
4) What to see and do in Bratislava
You’ll find all the details in our Bratislava travel guide and in our two weekly overviews of events, Top 10 events in Bratislava and 3 free things to do in Bratislava, but here’s a quick look at some of the city’s must-see spots:
Bratislava Castle: One of the city’s iconic landmarks, offering a breathtaking view of the Danube and surrounding landscapes. For something more off the beaten path, consider Devín Castle in the Bratislava suburbs. Both castles also host museums.
Old Town and Main Square: The perfect spot for a stroll. Highlights include Michael’s Tower, Presidential Palace and its garden, Kapitulská Street, the Old Town Hall, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Hviezdoslavovo Square, and a host of quirky Bratislava statues like Man at Work (Čumil), Schone Naci, and the Napoleon’s army soldier.
Slavín: This World War II memorial honours Soviet soldiers and provides sweeping panoramic views of Bratislava.
Art lovers: The city boasts plenty of culture, from the newly renovated Slovak National Gallery to the charming Nedbalka Gallery and Bratislava City Gallery. If you’re staying longer, don’t miss the Danubiana art museum, nestled by the Danube in the suburbs.
Modern Bratislava: The city blends history with sleek contemporary architecture. Shop and explore at Eurovea, right by the Danube, or visit the ultra-modern Nivy shopping mall, complete with an underground bus station and a rooftop park.
Rooftop park at Nivy. (source: TASR)
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