Aupark
Petrzalka’s Shopping Mall
About
One of Slovakia’s first major shopping malls that replaced the traditional department stores and boutiques as the primary place for shopping in the early 2000s, Aupark has been benefiting from its advantageous location between Petrzalka and Old Town, as well as its proximity to the popular Janko Kral Park. There are dozens of stores, restaurants and coffee shops, a multiplex cinema, a game zone, and a large supermarket. Benefit from the shopping center’s garage parking policy, allowing its customers to park 3 hours free of charge on weekdays and 5 hours on weekends. After that period, you pay 3 euros per hour.
Tips
Nearby restaurants
Aupark Shopping Center offers plenty of dining options, including coffee shops, fast food outlets, and more upscale restaurants. One standout is Kubu, located right at the entrance to Janko Kral Park. This New York–inspired restaurant with an open kitchen serves homemade pasta, risotto, quality steaks, and much more.
Bistro Ferdinand situated in the Janko Kral Park offers very good coffee and a selection of cakes and snacks for an affordable price. If you seek a romantic place with a nice view, check one of the restaurants on Petrzalka’s waterfront, some of them with a view of the Old Town. Bubbles is a popular floating restaurant moored on the Danube River, offering not only delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes, but also an incredible panoramic view of Bratislava’s skyline, especially stunning at sunset. We recommend that you check the availability in advance, as it is regularly used for private events.
The UFO restaurant atop of the SNP Bridge houses a high-end restaurant with a fantastic view. It might be a good idea to check availability and book a table. For latecomers, Au Cafe and Leberfinger also are pricier options which are open every day until midnight.
Things to do nearby
The right bank of the Danube offers several options. After a stroll or picnic in the Janko Kral Park, visit the UFO observation deck and enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the restaurants with stunning views of the Old Town, beautifully lit at night. If you’re up for it, cap off the evening with a relaxing riverside walk to soak in the serene atmosphere of the Danube.
Although named after a 19th century romantic poet and Slovak national activist Janko Kral whose statue is situated at the central crossroads, the park’s origins are much older. It was established in 1774-1776 as the first park for the general public (not just for the nobility) in Central Europe. Janko Kral Park features precious old trees, resting areas with sculptures representing the zodiac signs, and a unique gothic gazebo, originally a tower of the Franciscan Church in the Old Town.
Bratislava features one of the world’s most unique bridges, housing an open-air observation deck and a fancy restaurant atop of its pylon, with a stunning view on the Bratislava Castle and the Old Town. Thanks to its futuristic flying-disc shape, it has become known as UFO.
The strip between the SNP ‘UFO’ Bridge and the Old Bridge on the Petrzalka side of the Danube river offers an alternative to the Old Town’s promenade, or an additional loop option. Less crowded in the peak season, with a closer access to the river, and, most importantly, with a nice view of the Castle and the Old Town. Those are Petrzalka Waterfront’s greatest benefits. Also, there are some nice restaurants in this area, including on a boat.
