Must-see nightlife in Slovakia

Tumble straight from the cable-car base station into this big, wood-beamed club, diner and cocktail bar. There's an outdoor deck to bask in late-afternoon…

The name suggests a by-the-numbers tourist trap, but this rustic tavern-restaurant is a guilty pleasure among locals, too. Grab a draught beer, or perhaps…

Dating back to at least 1649, this former butcher's shop emanates history from every Renaissance portal and original fireplace. Sluggish service is an…

Gloopily thick hot chocolate, and a counter piled with cookies and cheesecakes, are excellent reasons to idle in vaulted Cafe Gavalier, which is tucked…

Beneath the stone arches of this trim beer hall, hop-heads cradle tasting paddles lovingly. Beers rotate but you can expect a high-quality selection from…

Jewel-like chocolates flavoured with chilli, mango and raspberry, and salted caramels are arranged temptingly in the display counters of this extra…

Rifle through some pages while getting your caffeine fix at this charmingly nerdy cafe and secondhand book store. It's an easy-going place with quality…

A royal haul of Slovak wine is found in this cavernous bar, where old frescoes heighten the storied atmosphere. There's a sheltered terrace area for mild…

Prohibition-era cocktails contribute to the vintage feel at Déjà Vu, which is awash in retro details like big timepieces and stone-effect tiles. This…

An uplifting, split-level cafe serving Žilina's best espresso along with wine and cocktails after sundown. The chocolate brownie goes well with either.

A local favourite for craft beer, this vaulted drinking haunt has an excellent selection of ales and microbrews for its small size.

‘The Wolf’ is a ramshackle, hippie-chic hangout with coffee, snacks and a huge range of teas. Cultural events take place year-round, from talks about…

Art Cafe's bar area overflows into a small outdoor terrace, and there's a snug attic upstairs – just the place to start random conversations, play darts…

Lost your taste for beer after too many hoppy nights? Cork invites appreciation of wine, from Slovak Tokaj to Grüner Veltliner from across the border in…

There's no better way to toast Košice's centuries of viticulture than with a glass of Tokaj in this bar, made cosy with cushions, candelabra and exposed…

Part cafe-bar, part nightclub, Jazz Club has something to suit most revellers. An appealing mix of medieval-style arches, steampunk brass and wood decor…

Unapologetically industrial with bare brick, exposed pipes and artfully rusty lamps, the 'Factory' (actually a hotel bar) serves its very own wheat beer,…

A pocket-sized craft-beer den with half a dozen beers on tap and a small library of beery books to peruse.

Behind the train station, this vintage-themed bar caters to a slightly more alternative set than standard local après-hike and ski haunts. Excellent…

A sophisticated little hideaway off of Banská Bystrica's main square, Bobule offers excellent coffee and more than 100 varieties of wine, many of which…