In a word YES. It has these elements that at least in my mind contribute to considering a destination "good" for a first solo trip. It is a near by choice, economical, safe and very interesting. It can easily become a starting point for further excursions to cities like Vienna or Prague but even on its own it is extremely lovable. But let's go see my own 24 hours I spent on a solo trip to Bratislava. Is Bratislava worth it?
Read also: Photos that will make you want to visit Bratislava
Reaching city center
Arriving at M. R. Štefánik Airport (which is just 9 km outside the city), before departure you will find vending machines for tickets for bus number 61. You will choose a ticket for 2 zones of 30 minutes with 0.90 € or 3 zones of 60 minutes with 1.20 €. After 25 minutes (approximately 17 stops) you will reach the Hlavna Stanica terminal at the Central Train Station. From there, depending on the area of your hotel, you can take the appropriate bus or tram. Bratislava does not have a metro, but transportation is easy with its extensive tram network.
Your accommodation
When I travel solo I always choose to stay in a hostel. In this way I always have at my disposal someone who can solve my questions and any problems but I also get to meet interesting people from other parts of the world. I choose to live in women's dormitories but there are also mixed dormitories for those looking for even cheaper solution.
On my solo trip to Bratislava I stayed at the very new acquisition of the Safestay chain, which is a 5-minute walk from the Central Train Station and about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Old Town. The reason I chose it was its extremely convenient location (the next morning I had to be at the Station at 6 in the morning, so I wanted to be close) but also because of its very good reviews. The bed in a dormitory during this period (February 2020) cost 11 euros per night without breakfast and the whole hostel is brand new, very clean and with a 24 hour reception. Totally approved!
Explore Bratislava
The good thing about Bratislava is that it is not overwhelming for someone traveling solo for the first time nor boring for someone who has traveled a lot solo. It is a city with a long history and beautiful sights, but so much so that you do not run like crazy to catch them even if you come for a weekend. Near my hostel I discovered after a while this particular tiny shop, and I say after a while because it was literally a door. At Palicinka Lacinka, you will eat small crepes in various versions, sweet and savory, an ideal spot for a quick snack.
Since in this city I had traveled again and in the past on this visit I just walked and took pictures. It was very cold but at least it was not raining. I walked to the Old Town and was photographed very successfully; outside the Grassalkovich Palace and the fountain with the globe, a trademark of the city.
Read also: Bratislava’s to do
The city is small and easy to navigate. Slovaks are smiling and kind people and you will not have difficulty communicating since they speak very good English for the most part. Bratislava is a rising destination anyway. Find the most instagrammable spot of the Old Town and take an epic photo
Have a coffee at my favorite St.Germain Bistro, enjoy a sweet and relaxed Parisian atmosphere and later try some local flavors at the very specially designed (and a bit touristic, I won't hide it) Bratislava Flagship Restaurant.
This is one of the largest restaurants in Europe and its interior was formerly a theater. When you pass the entrance, you are led through a long corridor in which you watch the process of creating traditional beer until you reach the main area. The food is good but the whole place is probably a bit sad due to the lack of natural light and its huge dimensions.
Photo Album
Safety
Bratislava is a very safe destination for solo travelers, men and women. I walked alone after sunset and the city gave me a strong sense of security. As in all cities, you must follow the basic rules of logic (do not walk in narrow and dark places at 3 in the morning alone and other such crazy things that you would not do in your city either). Although Bratislava is generally a very safe destination, we never act recklessly.
If you want to take courage and make your first solo trip to Bratislava, then these articles may also be useful to you: How did my first solo trip go? What should i take with me in my first solo trip? Go for it!
