A SHORT GAY GUIDE TO THE SLOVAK CAPITAL

As befitting a capital city of less than half a million inhabitants, the Bratislava gay scene is small and limited to just a couple of clubs. If you are planning to visit the city however it is certainly worth taking these places in, especially when the local boys are so beautiful, it sometimes seem like the set of a Bel Ami movie.

Bratislava itself, although small, is a beautiful town with a particularly attractive and fully restored old town. When exploring the city at night time, don’t just limit yourself to the gay places below; the old town is full of trendy bars and restaurants. We are pretty sure that the local gay boys and girls are following this advice as well.

APOLLON DISCO CLUB

Bratislava’s only out and out gay venue is a medium-sized subterranean disco club with two small bars, a dancefloor and seating area. It’s rather sparsely decorated and a bit cold out of season and the staff exhude a certain unwarranted self-importance – they are particularly concerned about you carrying your jacket into the bar. There is a disco playing cheesy pop on Wednesdays to Saturdays and regular themed parties. Especially popular on Friday nights. It’s Men Only on Thursdays but on other nights there are a good sprinkling of lesbians. Mainly a younger crowd. Located just outside the old town, around 10 minutes’ walk from Mikulas Gate. They have somewhat complicated working hours and it is best to check the website before turning up: http://www.apollon-gay-club.sk/.

Panenska 24

DE ANJELOV

Small, crowded cafe/bar with a nice local feel, specialising in tea, coffee and pancakes but with a wide selection of spirits also on offer. Friendly, warm atmosphere. Seating evenly split between high and low tables. Walls crammed full with angel-related bric a brac. Situated in the old town. Describes itself as gay friendly but has an almost exclusively gay clientele and the barman was camp as you like when we were there.

Open Monday to Thursday 9am to midnight, Fridays 9am to 130am, Saturdays 130pm to 130am and Sundays 130pm to midnight.

Laurinská 19, 81101 Bratislava. Tel: +421 2 5443 2724. Email: anjeli@stonline.sk