I had no expectations before my first visit to the Slovakian capital. Not least that it has a really cool café scene! There were only so many I had the time to try during my 2‑day trip. So, for now, here are 6 cafés I recommend in the centre of Bratislava.

Urban House

This was the first café I went to, tempted by the enthusiastic rave on MyWanderlust.pl. The décor has changed a lot since then, though. Gone are the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, replaced with a short partition and lots of plant pots. Bare brick walls are now covered with quirky, if a bit pretentious, quotes in spray and neon lights.

This versatile café has an extensive breakfast and brunch menu, and transforms into a lively bar in the evening. It attracts a varied crowd: friends catching up, tourists taking a break from sightseeing, people working on their laptops. Located on one of the busiest streets of the Old Town, it’s the hippest and the priciest café on this list, but also the one with the best service.

Urban House, Laurinská 14, 811 01 Bratislava

Priatelia Dobrej Kávy

This small café was next door from my hostel. I liked that it goes against the trend and boasts a name in the local language, when it could easily be Friends of Good Coffee. My iced latte was indeed good, generous and very reasonably priced. With no air conditioning, it provided a much-needed respite from the scorching heat.

The décor is a bit vintage: there are old books and a record player. The music playing on the radio was a pleasant pop from a decade or two ago in English, Italian and Slovak. A big plus for being dog-friendly. Perfect for watching people, cars and trams passing by on the busy Špitálska Street.

Priatelia Dobrej Kávy, Špitálska 31, 811 08 Bratislava

2 Zebras

It’s easy to walk past the unassuming exterior. But once inside, you’ll be captivated by a huge mural of the café’s patrons – two zebras – spread around the walls. Friendly service, air conditioning, Charli XCX playing back-to-back. What’s not to love? The menu has a decent selection of coffee, soft drinks and cocktails. All at surprisingly affordable prices, especially for a hip place in prime location. Well worth a stop after your visit to the nearby Slovak National Gallery.

2 Zebras, Mostová 4, 811 02 Bratislava

F. X. Messerschmidt

Named after German-Austrian sculptor Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, who spent the last few years of his life in Bratislava. This is the most traditional coffee house on this list. It’s huge and very stylish inside, but I opted for an outdoor seat, among the greenery of the SNP Square. The service is friendly and attentive, and the prices quite reasonable, considering the very central location.

Bratislavská Kaviareň F. X. Messerschmidt, Námestie SNP 8, 811 02 Bratislava

Café Židovská

This corner café sits at the top of Židovská (Jewish) Street, in what used to be the Jewish Quarter. Eye-catching neon signs and hanging plants decorate every window. There are seats outside on the pavement, but my favourite spot (and surely not only mine) is the small corner room. That’s where I cosied in my seat for almost an hour after a long evening walk. That’s right – on some days, they are open until as late as 10 pm!

This café will be perfect for a caffeine boost on your way to the castle, or a pick-me-up on the way back.

Café Židovská, Židovská 21, 811 01 Bratislava

Matsu

This one-of-its-kind café offers a good matcha and a few Japanese delicacies. I was tempted to try mochi – a soft, chewy rice cake with fruit filling. The Japanese inspiration is further reflected in the somewhat minimal interior: white walls, wooden tables, lots of potted plants. The quieter area at the back is perfect for studying or working.

While all of these cafés came across as LGBT-friendly, Matsu went an extra mile and declared itself a “safe space” on a rainbow sticker gracing the door. A very welcome touch. The staff were indeed most welcoming, and the general atmosphere – very pleasant.

Matsu Premium Tea & Coffee, Špitálska 51, 811 08 Bratislava

Have you been to any of these cafés? Have I missed any that you recommend? I’d love to know!