# Bratislava by Motorcycle – May Ride Through Slovakia’s Capital

- Link: https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/europe/slovakia-motorcycle-may-holiday-in-bratislava-part-2/
- Published: 2024-11-01T19:11:51+01:00
- Author: Filip Chochół

Ten wpis jest również dostępny w języku:  [⌊Switch to Polski⌉Polski](https://warsawtravelers.pl/europa/slowacja-motocyklowa-majowka-w-bratyslawie-czesc-2/)

 Table of contents

## Hello! 👋

After a few intense days in Vienna, we continued our journey to explore Bratislava–
a charming city along the Danube. Our motorcycle trip for May continues, and Slovakia
welcomed us with a relaxed atmosphere and intriguing sights. If you haven’t seen
the **first part of our Vienna recap**, check it out [here](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/europe/austria-motorcycle-may-holiday-in-vienna-part-1/),
and for details on the places we visited, [click this link](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/europe/austria-what-did-we-see-and-recommend-visiting-in-vienna/).
Now it’s time for Bratislava!

 [ ⌊Bratislava City photos: historic white building with flags and ornate fence under cloudy sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bratislava City photos: a stone fountain with a standing statue in a European square, under cloudy sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-004.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bratislava city photos outdoor café terrace with wooden chairs, rustic tables, and a large wooden door backdrop⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Bratislava City cobblestone alley between historic buildings under a blue sky with a colorful banner⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## How did we get to Bratislava?

On our way to Bratislava, we decided to stop in Podersdorf am See—a peaceful, charming
town by the lake. We mentioned this in our post about places visited in Vienna. 
The view of the lake against the backdrop of small houses put us in a relaxed, vacation-
like mood, completely different from what awaited us in the bigger cities. Taking
the side roads instead of the highway was the perfect choice: no rush, less traffic,
and far more interesting scenery.

After crossing the border from Austria into Slovakia, we immediately noticed some
small changes—store hours seemed to return to normal, which was a welcome comfort.
We no longer had to worry about things closing suddenly. The route itself was pleasant,
although the wind was quite strong at times, which we could definitely feel. Still,
it had its charm, and the slower pace allowed us to fully appreciate the landscapes
and unique character of the local places.

 [ ⌊Bratislava City photos street scene with a man in an orange jacket and a church tower in the background⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Bratislava City photos: stone statue of a robed figure holding a chain in a city square with leafy trees⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-006-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## Documents and border crossing

For our motorcycle trip to Slovakia, we didn’t need passports; within the EU, an
ID card was enough. Instead, we focused on vehicle documentation. Since our motorcycle
is leased, we brought authorization from the leasing company, translated into several
languages. Additionally, we needed to have the vehicle registration, driver’s license,
and proof of valid liability and comprehensive insurance (OC and AC).

We crossed the border without stopping, allowing us to continue smoothly – a convenient
benefit of the EU’s free movement rules. By comparison, at the Czech-Austrian border,
you might encounter random police checks, so it’s useful to keep documents handy
and be prepared for a possible stop there.

_You can read more on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland –
[click here](https://www.gov.pl/web/slowacja/informacje-dla-podrozujacych)._

 [ ⌊Bratislava City photos illustration of a penguin shopkeeper and a bear, with cups, planes, and city landmarks⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Bratislava City photos: seated bronze statue fountain under leafy trees in a pedestrian plaza⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-008-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## Road conditions and public transport

Bratislava isn’t just a travel destination for Europeans – we were surprised to 
meet travelers from the United Arab Emirates as well. It was great to see that someone
had journeyed such a distance on wheels, adding an international vibe to the city.

 [ ⌊Black Kia car parked on a street in Bratislava, Slovakia, with Dubai car roof rack visible⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### Motorcycle

After crossing into Slovakia, we noticed a few differences. While main roads are
in good condition, some side routes can be less maintained, with uneven surfaces
or potholes. Slovak police also strictly enforce traffic laws, with fines for speeding
reaching up to €800 on the spot.

It’s also important to pay attention to local signage and adjust speed to road conditions.
During our trip, we didn’t encounter any major obstacles, and traffic was moderate,
making for a pleasant drive.

According to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, ratified by Poland, a motorcycle
registered in Poland only needs to comply with Polish equipment regulations. Police
abroad are not authorized to issue fines for missing equipment that is not mandatory
in Poland.

Motorcycles can park on sidewalks, provided there is at least 1.5 meters of space
left for pedestrians. It’s essential to ensure the vehicle doesn’t obstruct pedestrian
traffic or compromise their safety.

Avoid parking in no-stopping or no-standing zones, on pedestrian crossings, at public
transport stops, or in ways that obstruct traffic. Violating these rules may result
in fines or vehicle towing.

### Public transportation

We observed Bratislava’s public transport, though we didn’t use it ourselves. From
what we learned, the system includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses, with fairly
regular service. There’s a mix of modern vehicles and some older ones, which adds
a unique charm to the city. Many stops feature modern information points with LED
displays showing the next vehicle’s arrival. Bratislava itself is compact enough
that we explored it on foot, which had its benefits – walking off those Slovakian
treats was a plus!

_You can read more about public transportation on Visit Bratislava – [click here](https://www.visitbratislava.com/informations/transport/)._

 [ ⌊Bratislava public transport street scene with a red tram at a station platform in Slovakia⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## Accommodation

During our stay in Bratislava, we stayed at the **Chors Like a Hotel** hostel, which
offers both shared space rooms and regular hotel rooms. This property is in a prime
location at Obchodná 43, right in the heart of the city. This gave us easy access
to major tourist attractions, as well as numerous restaurants and shops.

Our room was spacious and comfortable, providing a relaxing space after a day full
of sightseeing. It’s worth noting, however, that the hostel doesn’t have its own
parking. For those traveling by car, this can be a challenge, as parking spots nearby
are limited. Traveling by motorcycle, we also had some difficulty parking directly
at the hostel. Ultimately, we managed to find a spot a bit further away.

## SIM card

During our stay in Slovakia, we used our Polish numbers without any extra roaming
charges, thanks to EU regulations. This allowed us to use the internet, make calls,
and send messages without worrying about costs.

Before traveling, it’s a good idea to check your contract with your provider. While
EU roaming is free of extra charges, there are often data limits. These limits can
differ from domestic ones, and exceeding them may incur fees. It’s wise to confirm
your available data allowance to avoid any surprises.

If someone plans a longer stay or intensive internet use, a local SIM card from 
a Slovak operator can be a cost-effective option.

 [ ⌊Bratislava City street corner with a bronze soldier statue and a red “blind man” warning sign outside shops⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-012-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Couple posing at a fountain in Bratislava, Slovakia, with the Crown Plaza building in the background⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Food

On our first day in Bratislava, we visited [Slovak Pub](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8qSPNyHniKUweGnX9).
We tried traditional local dumplings and ordered a beer to go with them – a tasty
combination that pairs well with Slovak cuisine.

Slovak cuisine is simple yet hearty, based on local ingredients like potatoes, flour,
cabbage, milk, and meat. **Bryndzové halušky** (potato dumplings with sheep cheese
and bacon) is Slovakia’s national dish and is often considered a symbol of traditional
cuisine. Other popular dishes include **kapustnica** (sauerkraut and meat soup),**
zemiakové placky** (potato pancakes), and **goulash**.

Desserts, like buchty or šúľance, are usually sweet, with popular toppings such 
as poppy seeds, nuts, or powdered sugar. Slovak cuisine combines flavors influenced
by Central Europe, offering dishes that are simple yet rich in flavor and calories—
perfect for those spending time outdoors in the mountains or in cooler climates.

The next day of our stay, we went for something classic… pizza 😛 But this time,
we skipped a visit to McDonald’s!

 [ ⌊Slovakia, Bratislava Foods: wood-textured book cover with Czech text “NE JE IBA PUB, JE TO INŠTITÚCIA”⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Bratislava Foods beer mug with amber drink and a printed Bratislava landmark and Slovak text⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-014-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Slovakia, Bratislava Foods—dumplings in a white plate dusted with flour and browned with sauce⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-015-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## Exchange office or ATM?

During our stay in Slovakia, we mainly used payment cards, which proved to be convenient
and widely accepted. In restaurants, shops, and for entry tickets, we easily paid
by card, allowing us to avoid the need for cash withdrawals.

However, if you plan to use ATMs, it’s worth keeping a few things in mind:

 * **ATM selection: **ATMs from major banks, such as Slovenská sporiteľňa or Tatra
   banka, usually offer better withdrawal terms. Avoid private operator ATMs, which
   may charge additional transaction fees.
 * **Withdrawal fees: **Before confirming the transaction, the ATM will inform you
   of any applicable fees. If they are high, you can cancel the withdrawal and look
   for another ATM.
 * **Currency conversion: **When withdrawing cash, select the option without the
   ATM’s currency conversion to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.

It’s also worth noting that in some situations, such as paying parking meters, cash
may be required. However, in many cities, including Bratislava, mobile apps allow
for cashless parking payments, eliminating the need for coins. An example of such
an app is **ParkDots**, which enables parking payments in city zones via smartphone.

## Climate and weather conditions

Slovakia, located in the heart of Central Europe, has a temperate climate with four
distinct seasons. In summer, temperatures can reach around 25°C, making it ideal
for tourism and outdoor activities. Autumn and spring are transitional periods with
mild temperatures and considerable rainfall. Winters can be cold, especially in 
mountainous regions, where temperatures may drop below zero, and snow is common.

Slovakia greeted us with quite pleasant weather, which – though not exactly hot –
was perfectly comfortable for sightseeing. For two days, we enjoyed stable conditions,
allowing us to explore the area without any major weather disruptions.

### Return to Poland

Unfortunately, the journey back was a completely different story. From early morning,
we faced constant rain that quickly turned into a heavy downpour. Setting off in
such weather, we knew it wouldn’t be a comfortable ride, but the conditions proved
even worse than expected. The rain poured nonstop all the way to the Polish border,
leaving us no choice but to brave these… delightful conditions.

In such heavy rain, even the best motorcycle gear has its limits. My Shima jacket
and Jadzia’s Revit jacket held up fairly well, but her motorcycle leggings were 
soaked through. As for the gloves… best not to mention them. We only had an extra
pair of gloves as backup, which proved insufficient in such weather.

When we finally stopped for a quick hot soup and tea, the mood was tense. Jadzia,
soaked and freezing, didn’t hold back her words of frustration. I was also tired
and not in the best spirits, but we had no choice – we had to make it to Katowice.
Once we arrived, a hot shower awaited us to warm up and ward off any chance of catching
a cold after such an exhausting journey.

 [ ⌊Bronze statue of a man in a coat, with Bratislava City photos backdrop and pedestrians in the courtyard⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-016-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bratislava, Slovakia: St. Martin Church tower with domed roof and people walking in front⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/slovakia-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Safety

During our stay in Bratislava, we felt safe and comfortable. The city has a calm
atmosphere, and the locals are friendly and helpful. We didn’t encounter any situations
that raised concerns about our safety.

According to available information, Bratislava is considered a relatively safe city.
Crime rates are low, and incidents involving firearms are rare. Tourists can feel
at ease while exploring the city, both during the day and in the evening.

## Places we visited

We visited many interesting places in Bratislava that deserve their own feature!
Check out our post for details on what’s worth seeing

👉 [Click here](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/europe/slovakia-what-to-visit-in-bratislava/)
and explore Bratislava with us! ✨

## Summary

Our trip ended with a stop in Katowice – the perfect place to rest before the final
stretch to Warsaw and to try some Silesian specialties. In summary, it was a truly
successful trip – intense days spent in Vienna followed by relaxed sightseeing in
Bratislava gave us exactly what we needed.

This trip had special significance for us, as it was the first long journey our 
motorcycle had completed. It was a great opportunity to test its capabilities and
think about which additional accessories might be useful for future trips. After
all, in 2025, we’re planning a bigger motorcycle adventure, which we’ll tell you
about soon!

See you later! 😉