<img class="alignnone wp-image-65896 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67969/BRATISLAVA-City-Guide-e1549205970293.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><h2>Bratislava</h2>Home to around half a million people, Bratislava is Slovakia's capital and largest city. It is close to the borders of both Austria and Hungary, and is in easy reach of the Austrian capital Vienna.The history of Bratislava stretches back to Roman times, who introduced wine-making. In the communist period, it was decided that Prague would be the grand city of Czechoslovakia while Bratislava would be an administrative centre. This is reflected in soviet architecture and missing chunks of the city where medieval buildings lay.Nowadays, Bratislava has the third highest GDP of the European Union and is an important hub for manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, and IT. It has a reputation of being a stag party destination. However, there are plenty of museums, cafes, historic sites and shopping opportunities for those after a more relaxed vacation.&nbsp;<h2>Gay Rights in Slovakia</h2>Same sex activity was legalised in 1962 and the equal age of consent (15) was established in 1990. Anti-discrimination legislation is in place and a 2013 amendment to the criminal code classed homophobia as a hate crime.Slovakia is, however, relatively conservative when it comes to addressing same-sex issues as a bill to recognise same-sex marriage was voted against in 2012. In 2015, a referendum on amending the constitution's definition of marriage failed due to lack of voter turnout.Religious beliefs prevail in Slovakia, with the Catholic church having a lot of influence here. In recent years, however, there has been a marked increase in public approval towards same-sex issues. This is especially noticeable in younger generations.&nbsp;<h2>Gay Scene</h2>Compared to neighbouring Vienna, Bratislava's gay scene is modest with a handful of <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/bratislava-gay-bars/">bars and clubs</a> and <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/bratislava-gay-saunas/">a single sauna</a> catering for gay clientele. Bratislava is essentially the gay hub of Slovakia as outside of this city there is practically no gay scene anywhere else in the country.While violence against gays is not common, it is not unheard. Social attitudes in Slovakia are a bit backwards, even in comparison to some of its ex-communist neighbours, so prudence is advised.There is a pride parade in July that is supported by many of the foreign embassies in the city. There are some counter-protests, but generally the event is peaceful.&nbsp;<h2>Getting to Bratislava</h2>By planeM. R. Štefánik Airport (BTS) or Bratislava Airport is located 9km north east of the city centre. It is mostly connected to other European, North African and Middle Eastern destinatons by charter and budget airlines with only limited connections to hub airports.Busses 61 and 96 take you into the city centre during the day with services starting around 4.45am and finishing around 11.25pm (N61 hourly night service). Tickets can be bought from machines in arrivals, at the stop and from the Mediapress stall in departures. Journeys take around 20 minutes (location depending) and cost €0.70.Taxis can be hailed from outside the terminal although to save time and get the better rate it is advisable to book in advance. Journey times are around 15 minutes and cost €15-20 if pre-ordered. If flagged at the airport you may end up spending closer to €30.Vienna International Airport (VIE) is only 57 miles west of Bratislava and is a major international hub. You can take a bus for  €7.20 and depending on where you want to go in Bratislava, taxis from Vienna can cost anything in the region of €40-140.By trainBratislava Central Station has excellent rail connections to central and eastern European destinations. Vienna is just an hour away, with sleeper services on to Berlin, Minsk and Moscow. The train station is about 1km away from the city centre but you can take a busses 93 and x13 take you into town. Taxis can also be hailed from the train station.By boatA river ferry service between Vienna and Bratislava takes you along the Danube from spring to fall. The journey takes around a similar time to the train and, unlike the train, stops in the heart of the city. Many Danube river cruises also stop at Bratislava on their route.&nbsp;<h2>Getting around Bratislava</h2>On footBratislava is a great city for walking as the city centre is for the most part pedestrianised. You may expect the odd cyclist and the occasional car. The city centre is relatively compact, so it won't take long to cross from one side to the other. You'll only need to take public transport for longer journeys, if you have a lot of luggage or in bad weather.By public transportPublic transport in Bratislava is cheap and efficient with an integrated network of trams, busses and trolley busses getting you from A to B. 15 minute singles start at €0.70 and 24-hour tickets starting from €3.50. You cannot get tickets from the driver, and you must remember to validate your tickets.Most lines run from 4.30am until around 11.30pm. Most night lines are hourly and run to the main rail station and the presidential palace. During peak travel time the busses used can be quite old.By taxiCatching a taxi from outside the train or bus station will almost invariably result in you being ripped off. Most locals call a taxi however don't be surprised if the dispatcher does not speak English. Taxi apps such as Uber and HopIN are gaining popularity and eliminate any language problems.&nbsp;<h2>Where to Stay in Bratislava</h2>For some of the best and most popular hotels in Bratislava, please check out our <a href="https://www.travelgayhotels.com/Place/Bratislava.htm">Gay Bratislava Hotels</a> page.&nbsp;<h2>Things to See &amp; Do</h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-73706" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67970/Bratislava-Castle-Bratislava.jpg" alt="" width="100%" />Bratislava Castle - believe it or not, but this castle was actually left in ruins by fire in 1811 and restoration only began in 1957. Not only is the building itself impressive, the cafe bar outside offers amazing views of the city. You can actually see the Slovakian, Austrian and Hungarian countryside from on top of this hill.St Martin's Cathedral - Bratislava's largest church and built in the Gothic style. The concrete developments and busy road beside it diminish its effect but look closely at the spire. On the top is a gilded Hungarian royal crown.SNP Bridge - this is one of the most divisive sites in Bratislava. Engineering aficionados praise the architectural ingenuity involved in its construction. Others think it's an eyesore Some say the restaurant in the "flying saucer" offers the best views in Bratislava because you can't see the bridge. It costs €6.50 to get to the top if not dining.Church of St Elizabeth - also known as the Blue Church (or irreverently by locals as the Smurf Church) this art nouveau building is a must see. It puts Istanbul's Blue Mosque to shame when it comes to being blue.Slovak National Theatre Building - beautiful Neo-Renaissance building that hosts classical performances. The fountain of Ganymede outside the entrance is particularly breathtaking. The National Theatre company has opened a modern new theatre that lacks the charm of the original.Primate's Palace - the neo-classical residence of the Mayor of Bratislava. You can take tours inside and see the famous Hall of Mirrors (unless it's being used for a city council meeting).Slovak National Gallery - the Bratislava branch of this art museum is located in the Esterházy Palace and has a great selection of Baroque art works. The Berlinka cafe is famous throughout Slovakia.&nbsp;<h2>When to Visit</h2>Slovakia is known for its spring blossoms and spring is a good time to visit as the weather is pleasant and mostly dry. Summer can get unbearably hot and the old town gets swarmed with tourists. Winters are cold but the dusting of snow does make the city appear quite charming, especially around the Christmas markets.A variety of festivals are scattered throughout the calendar which draw people to the city. The Bratislava Music Festival in September and October attracts classical music lovers to the city whereas Cultural Summer from June to September brings performance and visual arts to the city. The annual gay Pride is held in July.&nbsp;<h2>Visa</h2>Slovakia is within the Schengen visa area. As it is part of the European Union, its visa requirements fall in line with what you would expect from most EU states.&nbsp;<h2>Money</h2>Slovakia became part of the Eurozone in 2009. There are many places to change money in town including banks and independent currency exchanges, although the rates can vary (even in banks) Debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels. Do not risk changing money with street vendors.

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LGB couples cannot adopt in Slovakia as of 2023. All single people regardless of sexual orientation can however 

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

Though no official legislation exists, the ministry of culture under directions of Minister Martina Šimkovi?ová shut down the Bratislava Art Gallery as it hosted art the ministry deemed to be “homosexual”. Potential legislation in the future is supported by the Fico Government 

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

Ministry of Health approved a Public Health Standard, eliminating the forced sterilisation requirement for changing the gender marker in the Registry Office. 

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

In 1975, the first sex reassignment surgery in Czechoslovakia and the associated change of legal gender took place in the clinic in Brno.

Prior to 2022, Gender change was legal and easier to access 

Currently it is de facto not possible to change the legal gender. The law requires surgery and sterilization, which was ruled illegal under EU court. 
Due to a lack of standards and regulations as of November 18, 2022, healthcare facilities in Slovakia are refusing to treat transgender patients, forcing them to travel abroad for care.

Not criminalized or regulated, Due to Christian attitudes, this isn’t likely to change 

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Homophobia is now considered hate speech, though some policies haven’t been filled like in the west 

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Act No. 365/2004 on Equal treatment gives protections for LGB People, Trans people would be covered later on when the act was amended in 2018

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.

Homosexuality was legalized in the former Czechoslovakia.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

Under the amendment Anti-Discrimination Act, Gays and lesbians are protected, this doesn’t apply to trans people unfortunately 

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.

Since 2018, Slovakia recognizes a close person, defined as a sibling or a spouse. A family member or a person in a relationship shall be considered under law a close person if an injury suffered by one of them is "reasonably felt by the other person as an injury suffered by him or her." Limited rights are granted, namely in the area of inheritance.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Only place you cannot serve is in Cyprus.

A report by Ilga’s rainbow map shows Slovakia doesn’t recognise none Binary genders 

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Slovakia

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