Untitled - Bratislavské dobrovoľnícke centrum
Transcription
Untitled - Bratislavské dobrovoľnícke centrum
DIGITAL MAGAZINE Welcome to Bratislava ! You have made it! If you are opening this guide, it means that you have just started your EVS in Bratislava. Congratulations ! The journey has been long since your application, but here you are, in the capital city of Slovakia. I made this guide to help you navigate in your new city. Don't be afraid, Bratislava is just a little big city. It is a capital, but soon enough you will see people you know randomly in the street. This guide is made to help you integrate. It's not extensive, it's just some hints and ideas to help you settle down. Soon you will discover places on your own or by following your friends' advices. This guide is made for you as a starting point. Transport The public transportation system in Bratislava consists of buses, trolley buses and trams – no underground :) They operate from early morning (around 4am) and end around midnight. During the night there is a net of night line buses. Those night buses lines begins with a N. The tickets must be purchased prior to entering a vehicle – at the ticket machines available at most of the stops, newspapers kiosks or special public transportation shops. After getting on the vehicle, you need to mark the ticket in a special machine which is built in each bus, trolley bus and tram – otherwise, if you are caught, you can get a fine of 50 €. Journey planner: http://imhd.zoznam.sk/ba/journey-planner.html Taxi It is cheaper when you dial in the taxi service to order a car, rather than to stop a car that you see on the street (they have a higher rate). You can save up even half of the price sometimes this way. Minimal fare is 3.00€ and the price for one kilometer is approximately 1€. Presporok 0904 700 699 Happy Taxi +421 2 16 223 Hello Taxi +421 2 16 321 Trend Taxi +421 2 16 302 Super Taxi +421 2 16 616 Fun Taxi +421 2 16 777 How to order in slovak ? Dobry den, prosim si taxi na _________ Hello I need a taxi to Meno _______ Name Idem do _____ I am going to Pät' (5) minut 2 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Bike You like cycling but you don't have a bike in Bratislava ? You can visit sport equipment places like Decathlon in Bory mall or you can get a second hand bike. How ? Go to Šafarikovo Namestie on wednesday night. From 18.00 till 23.45, volunteers are there to help you repair your bike. They also sell some as second hand. So, it's 2 things at once: learning to repair a bike and getting one at the end of the evening ! Website : http://cyklokuchyna.criticalmass.sk/ Shopping for your new home To fully feel at home you maybe need some decoration or new items for your new home. Here are the places where you can find cheap things to customize your slovak house. Ikea Like anywhere else, it's a bit out of the city center. But it's easyly reachable by bus and it is open until 22.00 everydays ! Address: Ivánska cesta 18, 821 04 Bratislava. Tiger Tiger is a good options if you are searching for small things for your new appartment. It's a shop where you can find all kind of things at cheap price and nice design. It's a small shop so you may not find what you were looking for but for sure you will find something to bring home ! Addresses: Eurovea shopping center, Pribinova 8, Bratislava Obchodná 45, Bratislava Smoking You're a smoker ? Here is all you need to know about smoking policy in Slovakia. Smoking is prohibited at the airport, bus stations and on all public transportation. However, smoking is widely spread among Slovaks and therefore there are some smoking restaurants or cafés in the city. Cigarettes are easily available at gas stations, supermarkets, newspaper stands and kiosks. Even a few restaurants, cafes, and pubs sell a wide range of brands of cigarettes. Discounts As a European Voluntary Service volunteer you will receive a European Youth Card either prior to your arrival in Slovakia or during your first month of service. The European Youth Card is a card for young people offering a large number of discounts on culture, travel, accommodation, shopping and services in most European countries. Check out the discounts in our online database, which you can search by category, city and/or country. You are searching for something more ? Slovakia has its own versions of Groupon, the website that finds the best deals for one product or one item. Two webistes offer discounts : www.zlavadna.sk and www.zlavomat.sk 3 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Markets Once you're settled in your home, you need to feed yourself. In the city there are plenty of Billa, Tesco, Lidl and other Samoška. But what about fresh food ? No worries, Bratislava has plenty of markets. Miletičova The most famous and biggest market in town is at Miletičova street and offers everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers to cheap clothes from Asia. Milk products, such as Slovak cheese specialties are not missing, nor are fresh meat from the most talkative butcher ever or several types of tasty pickles. Segedínsky guláš (meat in cabbage souce with dumpligs) is definitely the most popular dish here. Try it! Have you ever drunk fresh juice made from sauerkraut? Look for old grannies sitting next to huge wooden barrels. Watch out it has laxative effect :) Opening hours : Mon, Tue, Wen, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 06:00 - 16:30 Žilinská Compared to Miletičova, this one is smaller so it has a different vibe. There is a great bakery with the best brown bread in Bratislava, cheap flowers, organic vegetable and cider. Hungarian grannies growing carrots, parsnips, anything you want without all the chemicals that are generally used for growing fruit and veg. From time to time they bring some old bric-a-brac. Some of the vendors even sell home-made sausages. It is located on Žilinská ulica, next to the Slovak Radio's building (also known as the inverted pyramid). The busiest time at the markets is normally Saturday morning, when home gardeners as well as professional vendors bring their goods into town. In close proximity to the market, there are small shops selling inexpensive clothing, stationery and wine, as well as cafes and pubs, clustered around them. Opening hours : Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri : 8.00-15.00 Sat : 7.00–14.00 Market halls There are two market halls in the city : one on Trnavské Mýto and the other in Staré Mesto. Tržnica It is called a steamboat by the locals because of its architecture. A pleasant and good-sized year-round indoor market built in the communist era, selling the freshest of local produce (including forest products like herbs and mushrooms) as well as fruits, vegetables and nuts, and various general merchandise. Pubs, little restaurants are to be found on both floors - all of them with a basic charm which can be called authentic. Located on Trnavské Mýto. Opening hours : Mon, Tue, Wen, Thu, Fri Sat 06:00 - 17:00 06:00 - 14:00 4 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Stará Tržnica The Old Market Hall (Stará tržnica) is situated in a historical building dating from 1910. It currently serves as a meeting point, offering food markets every Saturday and cultural events on other days. The sellers, who take part in the the food markets, are carefully selected, providing only quality food, mostly locally grown or manufactured in the area of Bratislava. However, foreign delicacies can also be found there. The food markets are always accompanied by activities for children, workshops for young and old and various flea markets, which take place on the upper level of the building. The food markets in Stará tržnica take place every Saturday from 10:00 am (8:00 am in July & August) till 3:00 pm. Adress : Námestie SNP 25, Bratislava Other markets Dobrý trh (Good market) This market takes place three times a year at different locations. Check the website to know where and when. They gather farmers as well as book sellers and NGOs. Good Market is inspired by traditional street markets. It is a sustainable model that stimulates the local community, and consequently brings a new tourist destination in the district. Retailers presented all kinds of good goods such as bio-products, gastronomy, antiques, books, fashion and design products supported by local musicians and activities for kids and adults. Website : http://dobrytrh.sk/ Flea market Entrance fee is few cents only, but you will get an inimitable atmosphere and a chance to buy truly anything – ranging from rare radios, through Art Deco furniture to worthless little things, such as a left shoe or dried-out markers. If they don’t have something, it’s just because they forgot to bring it with them. The vendors really have everything, you just have to tell them. Adress: Inter stadium next to Polus City Center, Vajnorská 100 How to get there ? Trolleybuses 205, 204, buses 98, 39, 61, 74... – to Bajkalská Opening hours : Sunday, from 9.00 till 13.00. Unless there’s a football match. Entrance fee : 0.80€ Christmas market in the old town December is the traditionally the month when Hlavné, Františkánske and Hviezdoslavovo squares in Bratislava are alive with magical Christmas atmosphere. The most beautiful part of the town is full of savour of various delicacies and Christmas carols can be heard. Every year since 1993, between the end of November and December 23rd, large Christmas markets take place in the very city center of Bratislava. The Bratislava Christmas market has a unique atmosphere and attracts thousands of visitors each day who come together to enjoy pancakes or mulled wine. The program on the Main Square offers visitors carols, Christmas songs and dances from all regions of Slovakia. Openning hours : Every day from 10.00 till 22.00. 5 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Let's get social You are not alone! Bratislava is actually much more like a small village than a capital city. You will soon meet acquaintances and friends randomly on the street - having a chat, going spontanously for a coffee, making plans for the weekend. But first of all you have to get to know those people. There are many ways that makes it quiet easy to connect here. Let's start with number one: your mentor - he or she is supposed to show you some places, introduce you to people. But sometimes is just appears that you don't have this kind of connection, so let's get to number two. Slovakia is a small country, but you will be suprised how many evs-volunteers are walking the streets up and down. You could wait for your on-arrival training to meet some of them but to be honest you will regret it afterwards that you haven't met them before. There are several meetings for foreigners in Bratislava. Let us recommend you one of those meetings called BLEM (Bratislava Language Exchange Meeting) - Why we want to do that? Easy - A lot of people take part in this weekly meetings, you will listen to a lot of stories and it is every week in another Pub/Bar. To stay up to date you have to join their group on facebook - Bratislava Language Exchange Meetings – few days before they will create the event and inform about the place. Apart from our beloved time-robbing friend you can also ask your organisation to help you to connect to other volunteers. Once you know one, soon you will know many, many, many. Bratislava Language Exchange Meetings - a lot of people are in this group and with them a lot of spam; or let's call it: things you're not always interessted in. Don't waste your time trying to read everything! FLEM - French Language Exchange Meeting - this group is for those who really want to learn / improve their French. Every monday people meet from 6.30pm on in a bar, playing games, talking and learning - it is much more familiar than for example the BLEM. But you should speak or have motivation to speak French. 6 DIGITAL MAGAZINE SLEM (Slovak Language Exchange Meeting) Okay, so as you know these kind of language meetings now - this is the one for Slovak lanuguage. German Language Exchange Meeting in Bratislava HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL Bratislava Couchsurfing in Bratislava Couchsurfing's concept is to be hosted anywhere in the world for its members. And with that comes along a huge community of people who gather regularly in their city. In Bratislava, meetings are on monday. Check the Facebook group to know where because they change place every week. Jazyková kaviareň You wanna meet people while speaking your favorite languages ? Come to KC Dunaj on the first Wednesday of the month, you'll find a language café with plenty of people to talk to in any language from 17.30. KC Dunaj : The cultural centre Dunaj˜ is located on the fourth floor of a former warehouse at the SNP Square in Bratislava. The entrance is from the Nedbalová street. At Dunaj˜ you can attend live shows, club nights, literature, visual arts, theater, social events. Part of the venue is the bar, with a terrace with the best view of the Old town. Other facebook groups that could be interesting for you : Foreigners in Bratislava Secret Bratislava Life in Bratislava Cultural Events in Bratislava Exats in Bratislava Language Tandem Bratislava Used stuff for sale in Bratislava! The 'offline-way' is much more fun - participate in free festival, visit galleries or just have a walk around the city. You will notice there are a lot of foreigners, speaking any language. For sure some of them are tourist but a lot of foreigners also live in Bratislava. Free tour Now that you have settled down, it's may be time to get to know the city and its history. Like any toursitic city, Bratislava has its own free guided tour. The tour take place twice every day at 11.00 and 16.00. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and you will learn loads of information on Bratislava and Slovak culture while sightseeing the highlights of the city. No reservation needed, just look for an orange “Free tour” sign on Hviezdoslavovo namestie by the Statue of Hviezdoslav outside the U.S. Embassy. 7 DIGITAL MAGAZINE What to see outside of Bratislava You noticed the first time you saw on a map where Bratislava is : it's so convenient to travel ! Vienna is just an hour away and Hungary and Czech Republic are close too. So you got lucky to get to do your EVS here if you like to travel. To plan your journey, use cp.altas.sk it lists all train and buses schedule in Slovakia and in nearby countries. Listed here are some ideas of original day trips. But you can find more ! Devin castle It's a beautiful castle at the border of Slovakia and Austria, both countries only separated by the Danube river. Reachable by city bus 28 and 29 every half an hour from Most SNP , takes 20 minutes to get there. Entrance fee: 2€ with EYCA card Hainburg The closest Austrian town to Bratislava, very nice downtown and castle in the top of the hill. Reachable by city bus 901 from Most SNP, takes 15 minutes to get there and 0,75€ each way. Danubiana Muelensteen Art Museum Situated on a peninsula washed by waters of the Danube, it is a unique museum with modern art exhibitions. It is one of the youngest museums of European modern art as it openned in 2000. Unusual location close to the border of Hungary and Austria. A museum where not just the exhibitions that take place inside are unique, but also the architecture of the building itself is special. Beautiful scenery and surroundings, blue sky and endless river banks, peaceful and relaxing surface of the river. How to get there ? Take bus #90 from Nové SND and get off at the terminus ! Or, you can get there by ship ! The boat runs every Saturday and Sunday from 01.05 to 25.10 and the following public holidays: 1.5, 8.5, 1.9 and 15.9 Departure of the ship from the passenger port in Fajnorovo nabrezie 2 (street) in Bratislava is at 13:30, arrival to the Danubiana is about 14:30, then exiting the Danubiana at 16:30 and arrival in Bratislava at 18:00. Return ticket, which also includes admission to Danubiana costs 10 euro. Modra Nice village 30 km away from Bratislava. Modra is famous for its ceramic and you can visit a fabric. There is also a museum about Ludovít Štúr, important character of Slovak history. You can also come to Modra for wine testing. It is easily reachable by bus from Bratislava autobusova stanica (Bus main station). Ceramic fabric : www.majolika.sk Museum of ceramic in a hotel : http://www.hotelmajolika.sk/muzeum/?close=1 Štúr's museum : www.snm.sk 8 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Pezinok With Czech Republic, champion of beer drinking as a neighboor, you may not know that Slovakia is a wine destination. Wineyards are situated not far from Bratislava in the Small Carpathians region. Pezinok and Modra are the destination for wine tasting. Also, you will find a muzeum in Pezinok about wine-growing and wine-making in the region. Ticket includes a glass of wine =) Getting to Pezinok is really easy and by public transport it takes less than one hour. Wine museum : http://muzeumpezinok.sk/en/subpage.php?id=1336 Červeny Kameň Castle Situated on a rock in the Little Caprathians, the Red Stone Castle is one of the best preserved castle of Slovakia. Reachable by public transport via Častá village then walk up the hill along the road to reach the castle. Entrance is 7 € but you get a 50% discount if you show your European Youth Card. Website : http://hradcervenykamen.sk/?lang=en Cachtice Castle It is a large and picturesque ruin set on a hilltop above the small village of Visnove. Take the train north from Bratislava to Nove Mesto nad Vahom (75 minutes), and then change to a small local train for the short journey west to Visnove (15 minutes). Entrance fee is 2.50€ The castle is open from March to December but guided tours are provided only from April till October. Website : http://www.cachtice.sk/en/cachticky-hrad/otvaracie-hodiny-hrad/ Schlosshof, Austria A Baroque Austrian chateau with majestic Baroque garden build by the Prince Eugene of Savoy. Then it was used by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. How to get there ? Take bus #28 from Most SNP to Novoveska. Walk a little back and you will find the road to the pedestrian/cycle bridge. The walk to Schlosshof takes approximately 20 minutes. Or, you can take a train from Bratislava Main Station to Marchegg and there, there is a free shuttle that will get you to Schlosshof. Day pass is 13€ but you can get discounts if you come in winter, for the Chrismas or Easter market. Pottenburg Castle, Austria Take Bratislava city bus #901 from under Nový Most (New Bridge) to the Austrian border village of Wolfsthal, then hike up the red-marked trail to reach the castle ruin. On the hill between Wolfsthal and Berg there are the ruins of the former fortress Pottenburg (260 m). The large size of the castle will perhaps surprise you. It was built around the years 955-1025. There were more owners, duke from Bohemia, king Ottakar II, Otto von Pottenpurch (1253), knight Ulrich Stuchs von Trautmannsdorf (1256), duke Albert III. (1351), 9 DIGITAL MAGAZINE knight Falkenstein zu Mannersdorf (1471). Since 1519 the fort was not settled and later, after raids of Turks, was completely destroyed. After seeing the ruins, go back to the road, which ascends up the valley and in its upper part the road turns right. You will soon reach the asphalt road running on the forested mountain ridge. Turn right again and you will comfortably reach the top of the Koenigswarte Mt. (344 m). The watchtower on its top, (called Royal View), provides a wonderful view of Bratislava lying nearby. It is very easy to meet a big wild boar in the area of the Pottenburg castle. Go there on your own risk. Gyor, Hungary Nice city centre, with several cozy streets and some nice Austro-Hungarian style houses, it's very clean and walking here is quite relaxing. It has a beautiful downtown and is famous for it's thermal baths. Take the bus with the company called Student Agency from Bratislava main bus station (daily at 11:15am). Getting to Gyor takes one hour. Esztergom, Hungary Esztergom possesses the biggest cathedral in Hungary. To go there, check for a very narrow street with stairs (really, is just 1 metre wide). Uphill there are three things to see, the monument in the eastern corner, the Esztergom castle and the Cathedral (it's free!). After you finish with the upper part, you can spend some time in the lower streets and have something to eat, keep paying attention to the time since it can take you 40 minutes to reach the train station. How to get there ? You need to get the train to Sturovo, the last stop of Slovak rails, from there take the public bus (0.20€) to Sturovo itself, since the train stop is located 3km from the town. Once in the town, just go to the only bridge that crosses the Danube and be ready for stunning views. By the way, pay attention because the border between Slovakia and Hungary is in the very middle of the bridge (Check for SK/M sign). It takes approximately 1h30 to go to Esztergom. Brno, Czech Republic The second biggest city in Czech Repupblic and reaching it is pretty easy as there are plenty of buses and trains to go there. It takes approximately 1h30 from Bratislava to Brno. This city has a special vibe, diferent than Prague, but let's start with the city centre: It's bigger than the Bratislava one and is easily walkable in 1 or 2 hours, don't forget to try to guess the time in the weird shaped clock in the middle of the main square (actually, it' pretty hard even if there are instructions). There are other hidden secrets in this city like the two angels having sex statue in the window of the church after the main square or the Brno dragon (which is actually a crocodile). Once finished in the downpart, you should go to the cathedral hill and see the stunning views from there, but the city is not over... there is a fortress! You must go to the fortress hill and from there you can have the best pictures of the 10 DIGITAL MAGAZINE cathedral, also, the fortress is quite interesting to visit, specially the old prison part. If you want to have fun, go and get a beer in Vytopna where your beer will come by train, literally. But what makes this city so cool is the big ammount of cafes there is, with a lot of styles, so find the one which suits you better and enjoy tea or hot chocolate there. Culture When you are in Bratislava, you also need entertainment. Lucky you, there are plenty of cultural places in town ! Cinemas There are plenty of movie theaters in Bratislava. Some are more for blockbusters and are located usually in the numerous malls of the city (Eurovea, Aupark, Polus city center and Bory). With the European Youth Card you get a discount on tuesdays except for the theater in Bory mall. For more independant movies go to smaller theaters in the city : Kino Mladost' and Kino Film Europe in the city center, Kino Lamač in Lamač, Kino Igric in Dubravka, Kino Nostalgia in Ružinov or Bratislava's cinematheque : Kino Lumière close to MyTesco shopping center. They are also cheaper than the ones in shopping centers. Also, every november, Bratislava hosts its International Film Festival where directors from all over the world show their work in the theaters in town. Don't miss it, check its website : http://www.iffbratislava.com/home-2/ Palace Cinemas Aupark Kino Film Europe Address: Einsteinova 20 Aupark Shopping center Bratislava 5 Adress: Štefánikova 25, 811 05 Bratislava Palace Cinemas Eurovea Address: Súťažná 18, 821 08 Bratislava Address: Pribinova 8, GALLERIA EUROVEA, Bratislava Palace Cinemas Polus Address: Vajnorská 100, Polus City Centre, Bratislavaw Kino Mladost’ Kino Nostalgia Kino Lamač Address: Malokarpatské nám. 841 03 Bratislava Kino Igric Address: Saratovská 2/A 841 01 Bratislava Address: Hviezdoslavovo nám. 17, Bratislava Kino Lumière Program: http://www.citylife.sk/filmy Address: Špitálska 4, Bratislava 11 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Cultural center A4 - Association for contemporary culture A4 is a multifunctional non-commercial centre for contemporary culture in the centre of Bratislava which is oriented towards creation, presentation and education in present-day forms of theatre, dance, music and film, contemporary visual culture and new media art. Address: Karpatská 2, 811 05 Bratislava, Slovakia Program: http://www.a4.sk/program Theater Slovak National Theatre The Slovak National Theatre is the second oldest Slovak professional theatre consisting of 3 ensembles – opera, ballet and drama. It is housed in two buildings, a Habsburg-era building in the Old Town on Hviezdoslav’ Square and a modern theatre near the Danube river, which opened in 2007. Together they stage various performances in Slovak or German with a season running from the beginning of September to the end of June. Address SND Historic Building: Hviezdoslavovo nám. Entrance from Jesenského Street, Bratislava, Slovakia Address SND New Building: Pribinova 17. Entrance from Olejkárska Street, Bratislava, Slovakia Website: http://www.snd.sk/?home Tip: You can get discount with your EYCA card, check the conditions there : http://www.eyca.org/discounts/search Divadlo Nová scéna Nová scéna, established in 1946 is the second largest theatre in Bratislava. It is reputed for staging grand musicals on the styles of New York´s Broadway and London’s West End. They are also involved in top grade dance productions ranging from ballet and ballroom to alternative performances. Address: Živnostenská 1, 812 14 Bratislava Program : http://www.nova-scena.sk/program.php?work=performance Classical Music Reduta This historic building hosts the Slovak Philharmonic orchestra, choir and Slovak chamber orchestra. One good way to enter this majestic building is to attend a concert by one of the most prestigious music society of Slovakia. Unfortunately there is no discount with you EVS card but you can see a great concert for around 10 €. Address: Nám. E. Suchoňa 1, Bratislava Program: http://www.filharmonia.sk/en/calendar/ 12 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Water Summer is here, in Bratislava it can be veeeeeeeeery hot. But don't worry there are plenty of lakes where you can refresh. And if yoou prefer open air swimming pools, it's also available in every neighborhood of the city. Lakes Čunovo The lake in this town is located four kilometres past Rusovce and is easy to get to also by buses 91 or 191 from under Most SNP, or by bike (one hour along the Rusovce path). The two former reservoirs here are quieter and have crystal clear water. There are no refreshment stalls near the lake, but you can purchase food and drinks in the local Čuňovo food stores. Water in Cunovo Lake is the cleanest and clearest of all lakes in Bratislava. It is not deeper than 4 meters. There are two super grass beaches and you can taste Slovak beer and sausages in a buffet. Completely surrounded by trees and bushes, quiet surroundings and clean water, Cunovo is a beloved summer hang-out for local people, but not too crowded. Draždiak Vel'ký Draždiak is a natural lake in Petržalka that originated from gravel mining during the 1980s. Bathing here is at your own risk. Velky Draziak in Bratislava is located near to Hospital of St. Cyril and Metod and next to the playing field. There is an area for walking, swimming, fishing and other. Kuchajda It is situated near Polus shopping center. Those who like sports can do many activities besides swimming – beach volley, street ball and football or table tennis. The area is also suitable for running. Several restaurants and buffets offer refreshments. Kuchajda Lake is one of the artificial, but cool lakes of Bratislava, which serve to relax you all year around. In summer you can swim or water bike in its chilly water, in winter it turns to be a great outdoor ice skating surface. Rusovce Lake Rusovce is a favourite hang-out for local nudists. You can easily get there on bike by crossing any bridge to Petržalka and following the bike path south along the river for about 45 minutes. Stop when you see the bare bodies. You can also take bus 91 or 191 beginning under Most SNP. Plenty of greenery rings the lake, providing quiet if muddy alcoves for moderate privacy. The former reservoir, which is quite clean, quickly gets deep, making this not the best place for small children. Also a popular naturist spot. Situated in the woods on the margin of the city part Bratislava-Rusovce, the lakes provide clean water with stone bottom. The water gets deep fast though, which is not great for small children.There are possibilities for inline skaters and cyclists who come here to refresh themselves. If you prefer to swim naked, many nudists come to the smaller lake, too. 13 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Štrkovecké jazero It is situated in the city part of Ružinov and is popular cultural, social, recreational and sport area. A running track goes around the lake. Near the lake is a playground for children and young adults. Unfortunately, Štrkovské jazero is not a lake for swimming, but rather for fishing. Nonetheless, many people still come to sunbathe here during summer time. On warm days it is also possible to rent a little boat and scull around. In winter, when the water is frozen, the lake turns into one of the biggest natural surfaces for ice-skating in Bratislava. Moreover, the running path with its special surface is used 365 days a year. However, if you are not the running type, just walk around the lake as many people do. Zlaté Piesky Zlaté Piesky means Golden Sand =). The lake itself is the biggest of the city. The area has an entrance close to the tram station. This side of the lake is well kept; there are many trees, where one can hide in the shade as well as numerous possibilities to do some (water) sports. The “free of charge” side of the lake is hardly accessible without a car. However, if you prefer to enjoy the sunshine naked, you’d better get to THAT side (the one further from the centre). This shore is also well known as the gay friendly one. This sport and recreational area with a natural lake is situated in the north east border of the city surrounded by calmness and greenery. Besides swimming, you can visit sport playgrounds (tennis, volleyball and football field), mini golf, tube, wakeborad lift, restaurants but also a variety of cultural and social events. You will get the student entry fee if you show your European Youth Card, so don't forget it ! Outdoor swimming pools Delfin Bratislava Address: Letna kupalisko Delfin, Ružova dolina 18, Bratislava Opening hours: Mo-Fri: 12.00:19.00, Sa-Su: 10.00:19.00 Summer swimming pool Delfin in Bratislava (Letne kupalisko Delfin) is located in Ružinov. Summer swimming pool Delfin Bratislava offers 1 big basin (33,3 x 20 metres), 1 children's basin and basin with attractions. Get the student entrance fee by showing your European Youth Card Matador Address: Kupalisko Matador, ul. Udernicka, Bratislava Opening hours : Mo-Fri : 10.00-19.00, Sa-Su : 9.0019.00 Located in Petržalka, this pool is easy to find: just take bus 82 from Hlavná Stanica, 86 from Zimný štadión (Winter Stadium) or 180 from Most SNP to the end of the line. Matador is the most recently reconstructed swimming pool in Bratislava, often very crowded, and offers a wide range of services, including slides for the kids, food stands, and heated water. There are three pools: one for small children to crawl in, a middle pool for bigger kids and an Olympic pool for the serious swimmer. Admission is 3.5 €. 14 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Rosnicka Address: Letne kupalisko Rosnicka, Dubravka, Sch. Trnavskeho 2, Bratislava 4 Opening hours: Mo-Fri: 12.00-19.00, Sa-Su: 10.00-19.00 Summer swimming pool Rosnicka in Bratislava (Letne kupalisko Rosnicka) is situated in the part of the city – Dubravka. Summer swimming pool Rosnicka Bratislava offers 1 big basin (50 x 20 metres), 2 medium basins, slide, playing field, sports ground, showers, cloakrooms, snack-bar, restaurant, sauna and parking place. You can get the student entry fee if you show your European Youth Card. Don't forget it! Tehelne Pole Bratislava Address: Letne kupalisko Tehelne pole, Odbojarov 9, Bratislava Opening hours: Mo-Fri: 12.00:19.00, Sa-Su: 10.00:19.00 The season started on May 30 and will end on September 1st. Summer swimming pool Tehelne Pole in Bratislava (Letne kupalisko Tehelne pole) is located in the part of the city - Nove Mesto. Summer swimming pool Tehelne Pole Bratislava offers 1 big basin (49 x 18 metres), 1 medium and 1 children's basin, slide, playing field, showers, cloakrooms, snack-bar and parking place. Student entry fee on presentation of your European Youth Card =) Krasňany Address: Kupalisko Krasnany, Cernockeho ulica, Bratislava Opening hours: Mo-Su: 10.00:19.00 Description: Summer swimming pool Krasnany in Bratislava is situated in the part of the city – Raca. Summer swimming pool Krasnany Bratislava offers 1 big basin (33 x 18 metres), 1 children's basin, playing field, showers, cloakrooms and snack-bar. Get the student entry fee by showing your European Youth Card at the entrance ! Lamač Address: Kupalisko Lamac, Pod nasypom, Bratislava Opening hours: Mo-Su: 10.00:19.00 Description: Summer swimming pool Lamac in Bratislava is situated in the part of the city – Lamac. Summer swimming pool Lamac Bratislava offers 1 big basin (33,5 x 12,5 metres), 1 children's basin (5x2,5 metres), showers, cloakrooms and snack-bar. You can get the student entry fee by showing your European youth card at the entrance. 15 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Indoor swimming pools Iuventa Swimming Pool Opening hours: Mo-Fri: 10.00-22.00, Sa-Su: 8.00-20.00 Iuventa Bratislava is a indoor swimming pool located in a part of the city - Karlova Ves. Iuventa Bratislava is an institution for the leisure time of children, youth and adults. The organisation is directed by the Ministry of Education of the Slovak republic. Iuventa Swimming Pool in Bratislava also offers massage and solarium in its own space. -20'on the entrance fee if you show your European Youth card ! Schedule here : http://www.iuventa.sk/sk/IUVENTA/Sluzby-pre-verejnost/Plavaren-a-sauna/Otvaracie-hodiny-pre-verejnost.alej Pasienky Swimming Center Address: Junacka 4, 831 04 Bratislava Opening hours: Mo: 19:30–22:00, Tu–Fri: 6:00–7:30, 19:30–22:00, Sa-Su: 10:30-20:00 Pasienky Swimming Center Bratislava is located in the New Town, near shopping center - Polus City Center on Vajnorska street. Pasienky Swimming Center in Bratislava includes two indoor swimming pools. The longer adult swimming pool is 50 meters long and 18 meters wide with water height from 130 to 350 centimeters. The shorter (children's pool) is 25 meters long and 8 meters wide with water height from 90 to 130 centimeters. Hotel Nivy Address: Líščie nivy 3, 821 08 Bratislava Opening hours: Mo- Su: 10:00 - 22:00 Even if you're not a guest in the hotel, you can enjoy its swimming pools (3 with different size and temperature) and relaxing center. The sauna area is made of saunas, cold water swimming pool, whirlpool and relax room. Prices for the swimming pool : 5 € per hour, 1,5 € for another half an hour Prices for the sauna area : One-time entrance 7 € . Entrance fee for the sauna area is conditioned by use of the swimming pool area. Nice places to hang out Bratsilava, also known as Bartislava or Partyslava has plenty of bars, pubs, cafés and night clubs. Here are some original places to visit during your stay. 16 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Bars Fabrika This pub owns a minibrewery. It's the perfect place for beer lovers. They also serve food and a great selection of wine if you're not a beer. This place has great value for price offer. Address: Štefániková 4, Bratislava Kontakt This pub is the meeting point of the fashion industry in Bratislava. In the heart of Staré Mesto, the interior design of the place makes it one of my favorites. If you're hungry you can order food served with a fancy design. Address: Venturska 12, Bratislava Mark Twain This outdoor pub is a real local treasure. Hidden in one of the Danube meanders, in a tiny old ship that cannot be used for a proper cruise anymore. During the summer months people usually sit in and around the pub till late at night. A very relaxing place thanks to the amazing scenery. How to get there ? You can get here by foot from ‘SNP’ bridge when you walk along the river direction hotel ‘Kempinsky’. After reaching the ‘Lafranconi’ bridge, go straight till you find a group of people with drinks in their hands and smiles on their faces. Address : Botanicka 9, Bratislava Pod pyramidou The terrasse under the inverted pyramid, also known as Slovak Radio host a really nice bar and a community garden. In summer, concerts and open air cinema are also available. Come, enjoy the deckchairs and chill by the garden ! Address: Mýtna 1, Bratislava Papichulo Situated in a former public toilet, this hidden place on Americké Namestie, is the perfect place to meet your friends to party. The entertainment includes karaoke evenings, all sorts of electronic music parties, and televised sport matches and even beer pong evenings. Openning hours : mon – sat : 17.00 – 5.00. Address : Americké námestie 1, Bratislava 17 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Cafés and Tea Houses Avra Kehdabra A little bit hidden place in nice Grösslingová Street is some kind of combination of café, tearoom and second-hand bookshop. Cozy and comfortable interior design makes you feel like at home. Address: Grösslingová 49, Bratislava Axioma Café This is a lovely small cafe in the heart of Bratislava. Axioma is an unusual cafe featuring a large selection of different coffee, tea, wines,... Since there is no food served at Axioma, smoking while sipping your coffee is allowed. Young folks are more than welcome here – there's always some great happy hour on shots, and the library invites to a lengthy stay. You can purchase some of the exhibited books for 1€, howevver most of them are in Slovak. Address : Cintorínska 3, Bratislava Cafe & Souvenirs Zeppelin Cafe in Old Town offering a wide range of homemade cakes, pies and traditional pastry "Bratislava rolls", with the atmosphere of "Old Pressburg" where you can buy gifts and souvenirs. Address: Sedlárska 10, Bratislava Čajovňa v Podzemí A nice tea house, just under Michal's Gate. It's underground, cosy, you will feel like home. Address: Ventúrska 9, Bratislava Čajovňa Zamocká A tea house hidden in a newly built area. There, the atmoshere is very simple and cosy with exquisite teas, pita breads and other treats. Address: Zámocká 18, Bratislava. Čokoládovňa pod Michalom The most delicious, thickest hot & cold chocolates in town and a very lovely cafe in the city center. Situated at Hurbanovo namestie, in a building right between the Presidential Palace and Michael’s gate, this place offers amazing hot chocolate but also coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages as well as snacks and cakes. Be aware they accept cash only. Address: Hurbanovo namestie 1, Bratislava Ginger Cafe Gallery Another cosy place for coffee. It's situated just accross Kino Lumière, in the city center. The place also offers live music on Fridays. Address: Rajská 5, Bratislava. Don't be affraid to push the door, the café is at the first floor. Kava Bar A small spot with big atmosphere. Lovely interior, welcoming service, great breakfast with home-baked croissants and amazing cakes. Address: Skalná 1, Bratislava 18 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Next Apache The name of the place is a play on words with Nech sa pači, here you go in Slovak. This café is really nice and cosy with tons of second hand books on the shelves that you can buy if you haven't finished it with your morning coffee. Address: Panenska 28, Bratislava Tri—Šty—Ri Great place to have a snack, a -fair traide- coffee, a cake or a glass of wine. A quiet place in a quiet neighborhood, decorated with taste. Address: Palisády 34, Bratislava TUTO Tuto means here in Slovak. This café si situted in the hear of the city in the same building as Stara Trznica. It's a cozy place with nice service, cakes, good coffee and great daily menu for your lunches. Address: Namestie SNP 25, Bratislava Also for food Beer Palace This place is not called a palace just for nothing. It used to be the most luxurious house for aristocrats in the past. As one of the few places in Bratislava, Beer Palace offers tank beer Pilsner Urquell right from the original tanks. Delicious specialties from regional as well as international cuisine are served here. Address: Gorkého 5, Bratislava Downtown Backpacker's This place is a hostel, bar and restaurant. All 3 at the same place, here you can taste bryndzové halušky, slovak traditional dish for a cheap price. Locals like to come hear to mingle with some travelers. Address: Panenská 31, Bratislava Flagship Situated in the very center of the city, Flagship is a must. The restaurant used to be a cinema. The scenery is great for a good cheap typical slovak meal. Address: Námestie SNP 8, Bratislava Meštiansky pivovar This place is a brewery in the center. They brew their own beer, so this spot is the best place to try its own 100% local beer you couldn’t find in a supermarket. Other than good beer, the place offers also food and slovak specialties. If you're tired to take your visitors to Slovak Pub or Flagship, take them here. Address: Dunajská 21, Bratislava Obývačka In slovak, Obývačka literally means “living room”. There, you will find snacks, drinks and food. They also have a nice summer terrace. Address: Dunajská 54, Bratislava Omama A really nice pub, just next to Medicka Zahrada. The interior is decorated with hundred of advertising signs, so you will feel like at the Museum of Trade while enjoying your fine beer. They have a superb terrace and good food and sometimes even a live band. Address: Sasinkova 19, Bratislava 19 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Pulitzer Right under the castle, this restaurant is another idea to try Slovak food or something more international at an affordable price. They also propose some goose fest menu during the season (September to December). Address: Župné námestie 7, Bratislava Slovak Pub A touristic yet cheap place with decent service and a nice scenery. Slovak Pub is well known in Bratislava, situated right in the city center on Obchodna street. There you will be able to taste all the Slovak dishes for a reasonnable price. Address : Obchodná 62, Bratislava U Kubistu This is a nice trendy café restaurant not far from the blue church. Don't go there if you want typical Slovak food. At U Kubistu you will find soups, salads and dishes made from fresh and seasoned products. They also serve good coffee and a wide variety of tasty lemonades. Address: Grösslingova 26, Bratislava Clubbing Like any European capital worth its salt, Bratislava knows how to party. Hotspots can be found mostly in the area around Michalská, Obchodná and Ventúrska streerts as well as Hviezdoslavovo and Župné squares where opportunities abound for clubbing at a number of music bars and clubs with music provided by live musicians or Djs. Bratislava student parties Are you eager to come back to your student life? To find this place full of student parties, you take a bus number 31 or 39 from the city center. When you get off at the last stop- Cintorín Slávičie údolie, you have just arrived to the dormitory area with its clubs: Unique and ELAM. Literally, every day these clubs are full of students, host thematic parties, concerts or theater performances. 20 DIGITAL MAGAZINE KC Dunaj Where to begin! In KC Dunaj there is something to do all week long. During the week there are mainly cultural events centered around literature, theatre, discussion sessions or movies; as the weekend approaches, so does party time (if you want to try something special, try to get a ticket for the Swing or Retro party if you’re here on the right weekend… and don’t forget to dress up!); and Sundays are made for rest: it’s the board games evening. And of course, you can also just come anytime to have a drink with your friends and enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Bratislava castle. Address: Nedbalova 3, Bratislava. Enter this former shopping mall and go to the 4th floor. Nu Spirit Club Located next to Kamenné Namestie, this club is for you if you want to discover Bratislava's underground scene. This is club for people, who want more, not only the comercial side of world. Also if you go there before 10pm and you have a real chance to enter for free ! Address: Pasáž Luxor, Štúrova 3, Bratislava RockOK If you are a rock lover, this place is made for you. Opened every day until morning hours, it hosts regularly concerts of topical rock bands. Address: Medená 5, Bratislava SubClub Located under the castle, it's one of the most iconic clubs here since it's a old soviet nuclear bunker refurnished to host a disco, because of the big concrete walls and the bunker shape, music sounds amazing in this place! The entrance is 5-10€. Address: Nábrežie armádneho generála Ludvíka Svobodu, Bratislava The Club If you like big clubs, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. It is one of the biggest and most exclusive night clubs of Bratislava. Be ready to get wild at their thematic parties, to dance the night away and meet a mixture of good looking locals and foreigners. Addess: Rybné námestie 1, Bratislava Trafo Music Bar This nightclub is situated in the basement of a 18th century palace. Get wild on the dance floor enjoying a club mix music or enjoy your drink at the 15 meters long concrete bar – this is what Trafo offers to its visitors. Address: Ventúrska 1, Bratislava 21 DIGITAL MAGAZINE UHU club Every weekend it offers multi style colourful parties, to most of which the entrance is free if you come before 10:30 pm. The goal of Uhu club is to bring a new and different approach towards club music in Bratislava. Their philosophy is to play a broad spectrum of musical genres and to communicate interactively with customers. Address: Šafárikovo námestie 79/7, Bratislava Usefull links M_P_BA is a listing of places popular among the Bratislava locals with their authentic recommendations and subjective reviews. : http://mpba.sk/en Spotted by locals, city guides with insider tips by locals in 62 cities, including Bratislava : http://www.spottedbylocals.com/bratislava/ Like a local guide, online city guide with tips of local people : https://www.likealocalguide.com/bratislava WelcomeToBratislava, a blog about Bratislava in english where you will find events and places to go to : http://www.welcometobratislava.eu/ Internationals Bratislava is an association that organizes all kind of events for international people living in Bratislava : http://internationals.sk/ Website of Bratislava Tourist Information Center : vistibratislava.com Website of Slovak Tourist Board : slovakia.travel To learn slovak : slovake.eu The Slovak Spectator, news website in English http://spectator.sme.sk 22 DIGITAL MAGAZINE Copyright © 2016 Bratislavské dobrovoľnícke centrum Autorky: Carolin Tolkemit Claire Billon-Grand Grafická príprava: Mária Gubányová Miesto vydania: Bratislava Vydalo: Bratislavské dobrovoľnícke centrum Rok vydania: 2016 Bratislava Volunteer Centre (BVC) is a civic association established on November 28, 2012 thanks to the support of Bratislava – the Capital City of the Slovak Republic. BVC was officially opened on September 13, 2013. BVC is the member of The Platform of Volunteer Centres and Organizations (umbrella organization associating volunteer centres and volunteer involving organizations in Slovakia). BVC involve the inhabitants of Bratislava and the Bratislava region into the activities that benefit the place they live in and the people who need their help. We also teach organizations how to work with volunteers. We match organizations with volunteers; communicate with volunteers and provide them with information; reward and support volunteers; work with volunteer organizations by providing trainings, consultations, and supervisions in the field of volunteer management. It is important for us to know that our volunteers are satisfied in organizations they are active in and the organizations are satisfied with them. We create new volunteer programmes and cooperate with companies and schools. 23