Nightlife

As the nation's capital, Bratislava is the center of Slovak culture. The Slovak National Theater (Slovenské národné divadlo) maintains an active program of high-quality drama, opera, and ballet in season (Sept-June). The theater operates from two buildings: the "historic" building at Hviezdoslavovo nám. 1 (tel. 02/5443-1723; www.snd.sk) and the "new" building at Pribinova 17 (tel. 02/5778-2534; www.snd.sk). The Reduta, Palackého 2 (tel. 02/5920-8233), home to the Slovak National Philharmonic, is an excellent venue for classical concerts. You can buy tickets at the box office, or ask at the tourist information office. To find out what's on, pick up a copy of Kam do mesta (Where in the City), the city's free monthly, available at tourist information offices and bars and restaurants. The English-language weekly The Slovak Spectator is also a good source for what's happening.

As for culture of the drinking and clubbing variety, there's no shortage of late-night bars, cafes, and music clubs. Most of the action is concentrated in and around the Old Town, and typically starts around 10 or 11pm and lasts until 1 or 2am.