Bratislava Christmas Market: lokše and honey wine

Bratislava's Christmas market fills the Main Square and neighbouring Franciscan Square in the compact Old Town. It is smaller and more relaxed than the big markets in Vienna, with local food, folk crafts and an easy-going, friendly crowd.

Fun facts

• Bratislava, then called Pressburg, was the coronation city of Hungarian kings from 1563 to 1830.
• The Old Town Hall on the Main Square grew out of several medieval houses joined together.
• The restaurant tower on the Most SNP bridge is nicknamed the UFO for its flying-saucer shape.

What to see

• The stalls and Christmas tree in front of the Old Town Hall.
• Bratislava Castle, lit up above the Danube.
• The pastel Blue Church of St Elizabeth, a short walk from the centre.

What to taste

• Lokše, thin potato pancakes filled with goose fat, poppy seeds or plum jam.
• Medovina, sweet honey wine served warm.
• Hriatô, warm spirits with honey and crispy bacon bits, a Slovak winter speciality.

What to do

• Wander the narrow lanes of the Old Town after dark.
• Walk up to the castle for views over the Danube and Petržalka.
• Combine your trip with Vienna, only an hour away by train or bus.

💡 Tip: Bus 61 links Bratislava airport with the main railway station. Vienna airport is also close, with frequent coaches to Bratislava taking about an hour.