Budget airline Ryanair has crowned a new champion for 2026, and it's a European capital that British travellers often fly right past. Bratislava, the historic heart of Slovakia, has been named the carrier's top destination for the coming year, promising an enticing mix of culture, history, and remarkably affordable prices.
An Underrated Gem on the Danube
While nearby Prague attracts around six million visitors and Vienna nearly nine million, Bratislava welcomes a comparatively modest one million tourists annually. This relative quiet is set to change, however, with new Ryanair routes and a growing appetite for destinations free from overwhelming crowds. The city offers a compelling proposition: a walkable, historic centre where a large beer can cost between €2 and €3 (roughly £1.70 to £2.60) in tourist areas. So affordable is the local brew that many visitors note it's often cheaper to buy a beer than a bottle of water in supermarkets.
Castles, Culture and Cuisine
Dominating the skyline is the majestic Bratislava Castle, a 13th-century Baroque fortress perched 80 metres above the River Danube. Visitors can explore its gold-leaf adorned interiors, stroll the Baroque Garden, or climb the Crown Tower for breathtaking panoramic views. The compact old town is a treasure trove of history, home to the 14th-century Michael's Gate (Michalská brána), the Old Town Hall museum, and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral.
Slovakian cuisine is a highlight, with rustic restaurants serving hearty national dishes. A standout is the Bratislava Flagship, located in a renovated old theatre, where you can sample Bryndzové Halušky – potato dumplings with sheep cheese and crispy bacon. For a unique architectural sight, seek out the stunning Blue Church, an Art Nouveau masterpiece in a distinctive shade of blue.
Modern Thrills and Nightlife
For a contemporary contrast, the UFO Observation Deck offers a dramatic perspective. This 95-metre tower, topped with a flying saucer structure, features a high-speed elevator to a 360-degree viewing platform and a cocktail bar perfect for sunset. As night falls, Bratislava's reputation as a party destination comes alive. The old town buzzes with a diverse nightlife, from traditional pubs and chic cocktail bars to clubs playing everything from live music to EDM until dawn.
Ryanair will operate flights to Bratislava from Edinburgh, London-Stansted, and Manchester, with a seasonal service from Leeds-Bradford. Wizz Air also offers a year-round route from London-Luton. Journey times start from just two hours and 20 minutes from London, with one-way fares from Stansted beginning at a wallet-friendly £37.
