The Christmas market in Bratislava’s Old Town may not be as pretty as some other Christmas markets out there, like the one at Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt, but it remains one of my favorites.
Years back, I spent a couple of happy hours enjoying the Bratislava Christmas market, sipping on mulled wine, chowing down on a delicious sandwich, and wandering the surrounding area on foot. The atmosphere of the Christmas market was fairly casual, filled with more locals than tourists, and there weren’t any long queues. You could take your time to enjoy the market without feeling stressed or pressured to hurry. Exactly my style!
Check out my photos of the Bratislava Christmas market to get an idea of the vibe and why you should make the visit it for yourself.
The Bratislava Christmas Market At The Main Square
As you can see, the square is full of many stalls and festively decorated. I wish I’d been able to see the Christmas market by night.
After taking photos of the square, it was time to indulge in food and drink, as well as browse the stalls to see what was on offer.
So what is it about this particular Christmas market in Bratislava that I love so much? Aside from the several very tall, dark, and handsome men I spied, the fact that it’s not so touristy resonated well with me. The point I had a very tasty sandwich and a cup or two of very good mulled wine, sweetened the deal.
What do you think about the Bratislava Christmas market? Do you have further city tips for our readers? Drop us your best recommendations in the comments section.
Location
Good To Know
1) When visiting Bratislava, find yourself a place to stay with booking.com.
Booking.com2) Make your time in Bratislava special, by booking a guided tour.
3) If you love Christmas markets, check out some of our top recommendations for different markets across Europe:
- Berlin Christmas Market Guide, Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Charlottenburg – One of Berlin’s most beautiful Christmas markets is set at the foot of the city’s largest castle, the Schloss Charlottenburg.
- Christmas Markets: Old Town Square in Prague – Prague’s Christmas markets add to the festive vibe that overtakes the city during the holiday season. Visit the city’s most famous market in Old Town Square.
- Christmas Markets: Schönbrunn Castle In Vienna – What’s better than a Christmas market set up beside a castle? Not much. The market held at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Castle is nothing less than spectacular.
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Love, love, love a good Christmas market and these photos have convinced me. We’re with you on that one, too – we love all things Eastern Europe. Sadly, we didn’t make it to Bratislava on our little route through the area but at least we’ve got somewhere (and a few other Eastern European cities) to visit next time. We don’t do travel snobbery – we’ll go anywhere! 😉
Julia
I have not seen any mulled wine down in Australia yet, I hope I can find some because it is so good 🙂
@Turkey’s For Life – Glad that I was able to convince you. I adore Eastern Europe .. I’m intrigued by the dark history and love the roughness about some of the more remote destinations. Hope you make it to Bratislava soon. 🙂
@James – I think you can make it as well! Maybe give that a whirl? Agree, it’s realllyyyy good. 🙂
Never been to Bratislava but this market looks fantastic!!
@Andrea – I definitely recommend going. 🙂
Pork & Onion Sandwhich is infact Pork Burger in Macvu..which is the best in Burgers…thanks for photo…
@Tabitha – Not a prob. Glad you enjoyed.
This is one of my fave Christmas markets, too; so down-to-earth.
@Sophie – Glad we’re on the same page. I hope to go back someday! 🙂
I’m totally addicted to European Christmas markets. Was hoping to get to Bratislava on my trip earlier this month, but will have to save it for next year (hopefully). The pork and onion sandwich does look irresistible!
@Cathy – I’m missing the markets this year as I’m home in Toronto! I hope to be in Berlin next year for Christmas and new years and can’t wait to experience them again. So I completetly understand your addiction. Hope you make it to this market in Bratislava, it’s charming! And yes, that sandwich was oh so yummy.