Bratislava

This is a very popular Irish pub that draws in the expats as well as locals. Typical of an Irish pub overseas, there is memorabilia galore. There's even a cobbled street. Naturally, Guinness flows steadily from The Dubliner’s enormous bar. Bands play most nights and the atmosphere is fittingly friendly and loud.

This is Bratislava’s prime spot for soulful music. If you like to chill out with friends to jazz, funk, soul or electronic music, the Nu Spirit Bar is the right place for you. Located just a short walk from the historical centre and the Opera, the Nu Spirit is an oasis of good music in the increasingly commercial Bratislava nightlife.

This bar with interior made of crystal clear ice can be found in the heart of the Old Town, under the Tesla Coffee & Bar Café. Open all year round, at -5°C / 23°F, this is the first and only ice bar in Slovakia. The drinks are cool (obviously), and so are the numerous ice sculptures that decorate the bar.

A great mix of fun, here you can experience the world of virtual reality: jump from skyscraper, walk on Everest, visit the universe or do some team-building. Wait for your turn and cheer your friends along while having a craft beer, lemonade or the VRBA speciality Gin & Tonic?

Relax in one of the comfortable leather chairs at this chilled-out bar with an impressive bar menu. From the bar, pick a classy cocktail but they also have a great variety of rum including cigars from many labels. A cool spot with knowledgeable staff and kind of a local secret since there is no flash on the outside and not that many tourists.

The winding cobbled streets of Bratislava are a delightful destination for beer enthusiasts. Post-socialist pubs, old world cafes and modern breweries offer a great variety of flavours at all price ranges. Cheaper than Vienna, less crowded than Prague or Budapest — what's not to like! Several new small breweries open in Slovakia every year. Book a walking and tasting tour to find new artisanal beer spots, and visit key landmarks at the same time.