Even though the shops on Obchodná tend to come and go, ÚĽUV has been there for years. Avoid the tacky Slovakia Drinking Team T-shirts shops in the Old Town and come here for the quality Slovak design and crafts products. I usually visit it when I'm about to go for a trip abroad and want to bring something typical from my country or to buy decorations for home.
You can find beautiful traditional dresses here which are actually wearable, incredibly coulourful wedding bonnets with meticulous embroideries, warm wool socks or gloves and various household decorations such as wooden and wire bowls tailored into modern shapes. You can even buy fabrics to make your own clothes, including the ever more popular blueprint (modrotlač). I can recommend the corn husk dolls which are very typical for Slovakia and quite cute.
ÚĽUV is an acronym for Centre for Folk Art Production. It's not just a shop facing the street. Walk into the courtyard and you can visit their gallery just next door. Right now they have an exhibition of artworks of talented kids from all around Slovakia. There is also a small library and a crafts school open to the public where you can join a course for leather crafts, weaving, pottery, wood carving or even such obscure specialities as bobbin lace weaving. The courtyard is usually decorated with some installations. I like how they don't try to overdo it with decoration, but keep it minimalistic.
Find your way with 64 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Next Apache might easily be the place in Bratislava with the most books to have a beer in! Once you discover it, you'll wish you'd known it sooner...
by
"Park Svoradova" in Bratislava is pure serenity. Narrow trails, benches, greenery... but it also has an underground artistic side, as well!
by
"The Old Bridge" in Bratislava (which isn't so old anymore, as it was renovated recently) is impressive & industrial looking... And it's now car-free!
by
"Cafe Eden" in the centre of Devín, Bratislava, bears its name with pride. Walls covered in ivy, flowers in every corner, homemade ice cream & pints!
by
The "Franciscan Garden" in the shadow of the Franciscan church & monastery creates a complex of splendid architecture in Bratislava's Old Town...
by
"St. Nicolaus Church" in Bratislava, built in 1661, is a historical sight in the center that's usually devoid of people! Lucky you!
by
"Dungeon Pub" in Bratislava is a genuine city pub for all rockers, metalheads, larpers, cosplayers or simply board game fans out there!
by
"The House of the Good Shepherd" in Bratislava is one of the only surviving buildings from the 18th century from the Podhradie area. Almost one of a kind.
by
"Rusovce Mansion" in Bratislava is a neo-Gothic-style building that's neglected & still hasn't reached its full potential. It's still worth seeing though!
by
Despite its location in the center of Bratislava, "Čierny Pes" (Black Dog) is an excellent place to have a good draft beer for a reasonable price.
by
The "Church of the Clarisses" is a church of historical significance and cathedral-like magnificence in the most historical part of Bratislava...
by
There are many ways to get to Bratislava's Castle, but Zámocká street is one of my favorites and is criminally overlooked...
by
64 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 64 Insider Tips