We enjoy visiting Christmas markets and recently went to Bratislava’s in Slovakia. It completely charmed us from the moment we arrived. The city’s lovely old town feels like you are stepping back in time. At the heart of it all is the Christmas market set around the main square. We felt a real sense that this city is on the rise. It has a forward-thinking mayor who is clearly investing in making Bratislava even more attractive and vibrant. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the festive buzz of the market itself. The air was filled with the irresistible smells of ginger bread, spicy sausage, pickled vegetables, dumplings and hot wine. Stalls were overflowing with local treats, Christmas music could be heard and locals gathered to eat, drink and celebrate. There was a warm, lively atmosphere and it was impossible not to feel the Christmas spirit. For a truly magical experience, we recommend climbing the clock tower at dusk and watch the Christmas market glow, as the city lights begin to twinkle
One of the best ways to appreciate the city is to avail yourself of the free walking tours. You tip guides at the end based on satisfaction. One tour was centred around the historic old quarter. We visited the castle, the medieval centre and the iconic St Micheal’s gate, standing proudly as the last remaining city gate. The other walking tour showcased modern Bratislava. We visited Stalin Square and Gottwald Square, whilst we learnt about their not so nice history when they were a dictatorship.
Food and drink were a real highlight of our visit. The local cuisine is hearty and full of flavour. We loved the schnitzel and the rich, garlicky sausages. The dark beer is superb, and for something a little different, the |Ukranian cherry liqueur is well worth trying. For a change of pace, the American cocktail bar offers a fun and stylish spot for an evening drink,
Bratislave also has its fair share of quirky sights. There’s the UFO-like restaurant perched at the top of a tower on one side of the bridge. The charming blue “smurf” church that really looks like something from a fairy tale. The upside down pyramid is also quite the sight.
One of the most memorable experiences was a wine tasting in a cellar – in complete darkness. We were served five Slovakian wines and were asked to describe the flavours and even guess their colour. When the lights finally came on, we were amazed to discover one of them was orange wine!
We enjoyed sitting in cosy cafes watching the world go by, or visiting the interior of the castle where medieval scenes brought history to life.
Bratislava surprised us in the best possible way – festive, flavourful and full of character. A perfect winter escape
Top Tips
American Antique Bar
https://www.antique-americanbar.com/
City Walking Tours
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/48200-city-and-castle-with-locals-the-story-of-bratislava
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/32988-discover-bratislava-part-2-20th-century-the-dark-past
Blind Wine Tasting
QuitandExplore.org 
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