Bratislava special Christmas for your bucket list!

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, is a quaint little town located on the banks of the Danube near the borders with Austria and Hungary. Vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains dot this exquisite beauty, with pathways for cycling and hiking through the forest crisscrossing the area.

During the holiday season, Bratislava undergoes a dramatic transformation. In the city centre, kiosks offering regional specialties and hand-crafted goods fill the squares while hundreds of lights shine on the streets.

Try the customary (and wonderful) roasted goose, savour some mulled wine, and look for unique Christmas gifts. Bratislava’s Christmas market has gained recognition on a global scale recently and has even been ranked among the top five Christmas markets in Europe. So merry exploring these places!

Hlavne Namestie (main square) + Frantiskanske Square
The Main square is without doubt the most favourite spot where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Bratislava’s Christmas markets. Climb up to the tower of the Old Town Hall and breathe in a majestic view of the beautiful city in its Christmas attire. See the UFO tower, St. Martin’s Cathedral as well as the Castle in full view. The Bratislava Christmas market is a wonderful spot to dine and drink at the local fare for a get together with friends and family. Amidst such a lively atmosphere, about 100 booths are opened every year. The historical heart of Bratislava is where the market is organised. can be located in the Main Square, Frantikánske Square, Old Town Hall Courtyard, Hviezdoslavovo Square, Square of Milana R. Tefánika, and Primacial Square, open throughout most of the day and evenings.

Unique stuffs to eat, drink and buy
Start with the “Slovak hamburger,” or cigánska as it is known locally. This much loved street meal is a bun-encased combination of pork or chicken, onion, and mustard. Lokša is also offered at the stands with a variety of sweet and savoury fillings, the most favourite of which is the liver or plum jam blended with poppy seeds. Let’s hoist a cup of warm punch or mulled wine when it comes to beverages. You feel brave? Try hriatô, a traditional Slovak treat made with hot slivovitz (fruit brandy), caramel, and cracklings. Do save space for dessert – some of the renowned Bratislava rolls, which have been made there for more than 400 years. The poppy-seed-filled rolls have a horse-shoe shape, while the rolls with a C – shape are doused in a walnut filling.

Why is the Christmas Market in Bratislava a grand affair you must not miss?

• The sweet punch Loksa that also tastes of a salty pancake. The hotter, the better – and of course with butter.
• Mulled red or white wine in its assortments. This one is the much awaited, Bratislava Christmas market special local wine.
• The mulled wine is best enjoyed with a tender goose meat, an autumn and winter special.
• A traditional favourite, the mead is a sweet and hot honey wine with a unique flavour and power packed with vitamins.

This year’s edition of the main Bratislava Christmas Market will kickstart from November 24 to December 21, 2022. Do make sure to check out the beautifully renovated and now the Museum of History – Bratislava Castle.

Views of the old town and the extended city are nothing short of a magical experience. A unique Art Nouveau church with a blue facade and mosaic features, the Blue Church is also a traditional treasure to explore. The city is a budget-friendly vacation spot that you can visit on your own or as part of a tour of the area that also includes places like Vienna and Budapest.

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