thumbChristmas is arriving sooner as you think and one of the typical traditions in Central Europe is to visit the Christmas markets. It’s a good place to relax and have a break from the Christmas shopping madness.

This week I visited, the lately opened, Christmas markets in Bratislava and since I lived in this city for couple of years, I want to introduce you to this Slovak tradition.

The Christmas markets in Bratislava are not the largest in Europe and certainly not the most beautiful in Europe, but it’s a great place to experience some Slovak traditions and try local food in a cozy atmosphere. The markets in Bratislava are split in half. One part is right in front of the National Theater and a two minute walk away, at the Main Square, you will find another one.

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Christmas market in front of the National Theater
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Christmas market at the Main Square

Both of them offer a variety of local handmade products and local alcoholic beverages as “Medovina” which is wine made from honey and is very popular in Slovakia, particularly in winter.

medovina
An alcoholic Slovak honeywine is called “Medovina”
Another typical Slovak prdoduct are the hearts made from ginger bread
Another typical Slovak prdoduct are the hearts made from ginger bread

As in every country, there is a variety of traditional Christmas market – food. In Germany you can try various sausages, in Austria “Krapfen” and in Slovakia “Ciganska”. It`s grilled meat (pork or chicken) with mustard and onions, served in a roll. It tastes great and I absolutely recommend it.

"Ciganska" is a must try food at Christmas Markets in Bratislava
“Ciganska” is a must try food at Christmas markets in Bratislava

Another typical meal you should try are “Lokse”, it’s kind of a pancake made from potatoes filled with various sweet or salty toppings. Here is a sample of toppings: garlic, grease, chocolate, liver, poppy seeds, cabbage.

Very traditional Slovak meal is called "Lokse"
Very traditional Slovak meal is called “Lokse”

Apart from food you can also try some punch and hot wines which are nowadays found on nearly every Christmas market.

Typical hot-drinks offered in Bratislava in winter
Typical hot-drinks offered in Bratislava in winter

What is also nice about Christmas markets is the price for the food, drinks and other products. They are much cheaper than in the other cities as i.e. Vienna. Punch and “Lokse” cost around 1,50 EUR and “Ciganska” 3,50 EUR.

If you find yourself close to Bratislava or plan to pass it in the following weeks, I highly recommend to stop by and check out the Christmas markets.  If you are flexible with your visit, come closer to the Christmas Eve, by that time the atmosphere is even better.

In case you want to get more tips to do in Bratislava, check my post Bratislava on a Budget. To get the latest news about my travels connect with me on my FB page Kuba’s Journeys.