Aupark Bratislava

Aupark Bratislava is one of the leading and most stylish shopping and entertainment centers in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Located in the Petržalka district on the right bank of the Danube, it is a true magnet for shopping and entertainment lovers. The complex is situated right next to the picturesque Sad Janka Kráľa park, making it an even more attractive place to visit.

The shopping center opened in 2001 and was subsequently expanded. Today, its total leasable area is over 58,000 square meters. This impressive space houses about 240 stores, offering goods from popular international brands like H&M, C&A, and Zara, as well as local brands. It is the perfect place for those who want to dedicate a day to shopping, as you can find everything from fashion to electronics and home goods.

In addition to great shopping opportunities, Aupark offers many options for relaxation and leisure. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes in numerous restaurants and food courts or relax in one of the cozy cafes. For movie buffs, there is a large Cinema City multiplex, and for the youngest visitors, there is a children's corner and a playground. Thanks to this combination of retail and entertainment, Aupark is rightfully considered one of the city's main spots for meetings and spending quality time.

To plan your visit, check the opening hours of specific stores, or get information about ongoing events, you can contact the shopping center management directly. Up-to-date information is always available on the official Aupark Bratislava website.

The main activity at Aupark Bratislava is, undoubtedly, shopping. The shopping center is home to hundreds of stores where you can find items for every taste. Visitors can spend hours exploring the latest collections of clothing, footwear, and accessories from popular international and Slovak brands. Additionally, there is a wide selection of electronics, home goods, cosmetics, and books.

Beyond shopping, Aupark offers plenty of options for leisure and entertainment. Guests can catch the latest movie releases at the modern 12-screen multiplex cinema. After a movie or a shopping spree, you can refuel at one of the many cafes or restaurants, which offer everything from quick snacks to full meals. An interesting fact from the center's history: in 2005, Bratislava's first water park was opened on its roof, though it only operated for two years.

Getting to the Aupark Bratislava shopping and entertainment center is quite easy thanks to its convenient location in the Petržalka district, on the right bank of the Danube. It is situated close to the city's historical center, making it accessible to tourists by public transport or on foot.

The most convenient and popular way is to take a bus. There is a stop right next to the shopping center called "Aupark". Numerous city routes stop here, including numbers 50, 83, 84, 88, 91, 93, 94, and 191. Buses 83 and 84 are particularly convenient for those traveling from the center of Bratislava. Since trams do not run to this part of the city, the bus is the best choice for public transportation.

For those who prefer to travel by car, Aupark offers a spacious parking lot with over 2,000 spaces. On weekdays, the first three hours of parking are free, and on weekends and holidays, it's free for up to five hours. This makes visiting by car very convenient. Alternatively, you can quickly reach it by taxi; the ride from the city center takes only a few minutes.

Walking enthusiasts can reach Aupark on foot. It is only about a 10-minute walk from the famous SNP Bridge (UFO Bridge) to the shopping center. The path leads through the picturesque Sad Janka Kráľa park, turning the trip into a pleasant and easy stroll. This option allows you to not only reach your destination but also enjoy beautiful views of the Danube and the city.

The history of Aupark Bratislava is rooted in a past that is very different from the current appearance of the site. Few people know that the area where one of Bratislava's main shopping centers stands today used to be part of the old village of Petržalka. Until 1989, residential streets such as Pri sade, Platanova, Dostichova, and Koshevego were located here; they were completely demolished for future development. Thus, hidden beneath the glittering storefronts and busy corridors is the history of an entire residential neighborhood.

The construction of the shopping center itself was carried out by the Slovak company HB Reavis between 2000 and 2001. The grand opening took place on November 15, 2001, and the first phase of construction was completed in the spring of 2002. The project's success was so significant that by 2006, the major European company Unibail-Rodamco acquired half of the complex, and in 2011, they bought it out completely, highlighting Aupark's high commercial value in the Slovakia real estate market.

Aupark did not stop developing. In January 2006, the second phase of construction began, expanding the shopping center and adding the high-rise Aupark Tower. These new facilities opened to visitors on August 23, 2007. Later, between 2013 and 2015, the complex underwent a massive modernization costing 40 million euros. During these works, the food courts and cafes were updated, and noticeable changes were made to the interior: for example, the famous glass stairs in the main lobby were replaced by more practical escalators, and the indoor fountain was reconstructed.

The time needed to visit Aupark Bratislava depends entirely on your goals. For a quick look around the shopping center—just to see the layout and pop into a few key stores—1 to 2 hours will be enough. This is sufficient to get a general impression of the complex's range and atmosphere.

However, if you are planning a serious shopping session with fittings, searching for specific items, and comparing prices, you should set aside at least 3 to 4 hours. Given that Aupark features around 240 stores, the time will fly by. Furthermore, if you plan to combine shopping with entertainment, your visit could easily extend to half a day or even longer. For example, watching a movie at the cinema takes 2 to 3 hours, and a leisurely lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants will add at least another hour to your stay.

The Aupark Bratislava shopping and entertainment center is open to visitors year-round and operates on a convenient schedule. On weekdays, from Monday to Friday, shops and services are available from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. On weekends—Saturday and Sunday—the center opens an hour earlier, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, providing more time for shopping and leisure.

No prior booking or ticket purchase is required to visit Aupark, as it is a public space with free admission. However, please note that the opening hours of individual shops, restaurants, or the cinema may differ from the complex's general schedule. Before visiting on public holidays, it is recommended to check the official shopping center website for the latest information to avoid any surprises.

Visiting Aupark Bratislava is not only a great opportunity for shopping and entertainment but also a perfect excuse to explore the surrounding area. A walk through the neighborhood will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of Bratislava and discover picturesque spots located just steps away from the shopping center.

Thanks to its prime location on the banks of the Danube, Aupark is near many interesting places that will enrich your trip experience. From cozy parks to famous architectural landmarks, everything is within walking distance and perfectly complements a day dedicated to shopping.