If you’re into your up-and-coming, hidden-gem city breaks, we’ve got good news for you! From 2024, it’s very much Brat winter here at Jet2CityBreaks, as we’ve put the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, on the map!

Right on the Austrian border (you fly into Vienna to get there), with Hungary below, this part of Slovakia is a buzzy, brightly coloured bigwig that paves the way for super sightseeing, finger-licking food and Christmas markets galore. It also makes a fab choice if you’re after a destination that isn’t as bustling as its larger-city counterparts. Ideal, right? So come on – let us whisk you off on a whistle-stop tour of how to city break in Bratislava...

Flights

Bratislava might be in Slovakia, but you’ll fly with us into Vienna to unlock your city break there.

Transfers

There are lots of different public transport options to get you from A to B when you arrive in Vienna. So depending on your budget and the flight arrival time, you can take the train, a bus or hop in a taxi – all of which could be worth pre-booking. And then you can do the same for your return journey.

Hotels

Brilliant Bratislava has a few well-known hotel chains up its sleeve – that means you can pick a property with a familiar feel. These include Hiltons and Ibises, for instance. And generally, all the hotels here are four-star.

Things to do

Follow the cobbles around Bratislava Old Town and you’ll soon be immersed in a warren of history. Bratislava Castle should be your first port of call, as it not only oozes Slovakian architectural charm, but it overlooks the flowing Danube River. St. Martin's Cathedral and Michael's Gate add to the roll call of bygone treasures. And things continue down a cultural route at Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum and Nedbalka Gallery, where you can admire various works. When it comes to wining and dining, follow your nose to a café or restaurant for dumplings or soup, then hit a trendy bar for a glass of vino.

Come Christmastime, the main squares are aglow with twinkling lights strewn across stalls as the air fills with aromas of Slovakian must-eats. Grab yourself a piping-hot pork roll or potato pancake to nibble on as you wander around. Expect whimsy by the bucketload as carollers add to the enchanting atmosphere. You might even be tempted to belt out a tune or two yourself.

Fancy more festive feels? Read our guide to Bratislava Christmas markets now.

Day trips

It doesn’t get much more ornate than Vienna. City breaks here tell similar tales of history, but with a lens on all things Austrian. Our favourite place to start the sightseeing? MuseumsQuartier, of course. That’s where the Kunsthistorisches Museum lays Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities bare – and the buildings themselves are totally resplendent. Schönbrunn Palace is pretty epic too – especially at Christmas! Don’t pass up the chance to stop for a wedge of chocolatey sachertorte topped with cream, before a night at the opera. Talk about swish.

The Zahorie region also surrounds Bratislava, where vineyards enrobe the countryside. Depending on when you visit, you might want to book a tour of one of the wineries to sample the local drops of red. Sounds cosy, doesn’t it?

Mentally packing for a Bratislava city break? We don’t blame you. Ready, jet, go...