If you’re planning a trip to Bratislava in December, it’s likely to take advantage of the Christmas market season. minibar which is restocked daily, as well on the on-site brewery FABRIKA which produces its own beer (wait, a brewery in a palace? Want even more castles? In case you don’t know much about Bratislava (I certainly didn’t, until planning this trip), here’s a quick but comprehensive guide to 13 of the most magical things to do in Bratislava in winter. Food you can find in both countries include potato pancakes, sauerkraut soup, goulash, bread dumplings, and steamed fruit-filled dumplings for dessert. She's happiest when climbing things, snuggling any animal who will let her, and eating improbably large amounts of food. Bratislava at Christmas is always special - and there are only 111 days til it's here again! His photographs form a part of important…. If you have extra time in Bratislava, watching a movie at the Kino (many titles are in English with Slovak or Czech subtitles) followed by some cozy time at the café sounds like one of the best uses of a winter day there is. CHRISTMAS IN BRATISLAVA ; Christmas is coming! During December, the historic centre is lit up with Christmas lights and the markets feature regional Slovak food and producers and traditional Christmas music. Bratislava is one of those cities you tell people you're going to and they say "oh cool!...where is it?". An unusual year is asking for an unusual celebration of Christmas! (Before any Slovakians get mad at me for that comment – I live in Bulgaria and the number of people who ask me “is that by Russia?” or “is it safe there?” is insane). The rooms are enormous and spacious with plenty of room to spread out without feeling cramped. If you’re more interested in history and culture, check out the Bratislava City Museum, the oldest museum in the city which tracks the development of Bratislava from the medieval ages on, or the Museum of Jewish Culture located a short walk from Bratislava Castle. Although snow is really pretty unlikely, it's always nice to imagine sitting by an open fire, singing christmas carols and looking out of the window to see the snowflakes falling on Christmas Eve. Get one step ahead of them by keeping track of your valuables and being proactive about your safety with anti-theft gear. Bratislava’s squares in the Old Town are filled with Christmas stands, the streets are nicely decorated and you can go ice skating on two ice rinks. It’s hard to impress me after a while. But the other and decidedly more delicious way to warm up from Bratislava’s winter cold is through your stomach with some delicious Slovakian beer and comfort food! The one bummer is that the interior is only open a few hours a day. In my opinion, the can’t-miss food in Slovakia is bryndzove halusky or pirohy. Stay warm on a bus tour of the Old Town and castle, which you can pre-book here. I found that the stuff at the Old Market Hall actually felt more handmade and less mass-produced (more akin to a farmer’s market, but with a still Christmassy vibe). Despite feeling like a bit of an oasis away from town, the city center is just 15 minutes’ walk away, so you’re never far from a good meal. It comes complete with a wine tasting of Slovak wines (which are as underrated as they are delicious!). 4 Sep. Albín Brunovský/Selected Graphic Art Works In Danubiana . The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. When we planned a couple of days in Bratislava, Slovakia, last December during our European Christmas Market explorations, I had no idea how much we would both fall in love with the city.Our short visit of just 48 hours was packed with festive Christmas Market strolls, a stop at the castle, clock towers and statues in old town, cute cafes, cozy pubs, and even a speakeasy. Bratislava Christmas will be launched by Tolstoys concert on 29 November at 5PM, followed by the official opening ONLINE using this link. Whatever the reason, if you make Bratislava a priority – and you should – you’ll be delighted that you included this gorgeous Central European city on your winter itinerary. 17s is so popular that we couldn’t get in the first night. While I didn’t have the chance to try others, I can’t imagine a dish being better than theirs – it was absolutely divine (and the dark house beer I paired with it certainly helped!). Want to save this post for future reference? I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. The dorm rooms have tons of space – so much so that they even have beanbag lounging areas in the rooms – and a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. December temperatures be damned! Neither of these times are particularly convenient in the winter in Bratislava, when the sun doesn’t even rise until 7:30 AM and it’s well and dark by 5:30 PM. Therefore, a glass that is, say, 3 euros per deciliter will actually be two deciliters and therefore 6 euros. Bratislava Christmas Market (November, December) Location: Bratislavský kraj, Bratislava GPS: N48°8'37'' E17°6'31'' Send to a friend. To get a great view of it all, I suggest climbing up the tower of Old Town Hall. But whatever the reason, if you make it a priority to visit Bratislava in the winter, I’m sure you’ll be as charmed as I was. Check tours and book online today. Print. Bratislava doesn’t have a ton of street art, but there is a small, nascent street art scene emerging. I lived in Prague many years ago and really warmed up to Czech food. You can see works by Albín Brunovský…, Gérard Rancinan is a well-renowned French modern artist and photographer. Not a healthy combination, to be sure, but it’s insanely comforting in winter. Bratislava is the cultural heart of Slovakia. christmas guinea pig - bratislava christmas … I’m not sure why it is most people skip Bratislava on their winter trips through Central Europe. 28 Oct. Exhibition: Gérard Rancinan – Artists’ Portraits. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Slovakia lost 75% of its Jewish population during the Holocaust, so visiting the Museum of Jewish Culture is a sobering reminder of these horrific times and the endurance of the few Slovak Jews who remain. I especially like Bratislava Castle when comparing it to Prague Castle, as it’s way less crowded and you’re actually able to get photos without people in it quite easily. While Christmas markets are cute, they are decidedly cold – no matter how much glühwein you try to pump into your veins. Check out this day trip to Bojnice Castle – rated one of Europe’s top 10 castles, a pretty high distinction on a continent jam-packed with them. Read my privacy policy and disclaimer here, Check out reviews, prices, and availability here, One Day in Bratislava: Itinerary for a Quick Bratislava Trip, Prague Off the Beaten Path: 15 Ways to Experience Alternative Prague, Read my privacy policy and disclaimer here. If you’re a fan of Communist architecture and have the time, Authentic Slovakia’s Soviet-era Communism Tour of Bratislava enjoys a 5-star rating on Get Your Guide and lasts 2.5 hours. I tried a delicious frankovka modrá (also known internationally as Blaufränkisch) while in Slovakia and can confirm that Slovakian wine deserves its place in the wine world! You will feel spellbound with the charming atmosphere walking along the Danube, which you can feel only this time of the year! Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. We are here to to help you make the most of your visit. The tour takes you around Bratislava’s communist past, from the Slavín monument to slain Soviet soldiers to old Communist factories and apartment blocks, bunkers, an Iron Curtain border zone, in a vehicle right from the era – an old school Škoda! Bratislava Tourist Board in cooperation with the Old Town has prepared a unique project of art…, Don’t miss this exhibition in the unique Danubiana gallery. Even the beloved Bratislava Christmas markets don’t do much to add chaos to Old Town, dispersing the tourists in smaller, more manageable numbers. When I visited I was lucky enough to get to watch an ice sculpting contest in one of the squares. The rooms are huge, furnished elegantly as would befit a palace, with modern bathrooms including soaking tubs (swoon) and fancy espresso machines (double swoon). Christmas markets close on 23rd December and Christmas Day in Slovakia is celebrated on 24th December, so it will generally be very quiet throughout your stay, but maybe that is what you are after. If you know Czech food, you’ll recognize quite a few things on most menus. The parking lot around Rajská street is the hotbed for most of the street art in central Bratislava. Yet Kapitulska is just one small street amongst a city of thousands, showing you Slovakia’s determination to overcome its past and reclaim its roots. Generally, Slovakia is better known for its white wines but I find I prefer red in the winter. Christmas Eve in Slovakia There's also towers to climb, castles to see and a too many cafes and bars to choose from over a 3 night stay. Bratislava, December 20, 2010, (BratislavaGuide.com) - Below are the ten finalists we chose for the 2010 Christmas Market Ciganska Pecienka taste testing. Sorry, but nothing matched your search terms. Bratislava is undoubtedly cold in the winter. Slovakia isn’t known for its wine, but it’s not because it’s not high quality and delicious – it’s just because as a small country, they don’t produce much to export and instead almost all Slovakian wine is enjoyed within the country. If you want to further explore the alternative side of Bratislava, you can do a self-guided tour via an app that will bring you to a less touristed side of Bratislava in a scavenger hunt-style game. Yes, I know that’s the most spoiled thing to say, but it’s true. So imagine my delight when I stepped inside the Old Market Hall (Stara Tržnica) in Bratislava and found plenty of Christmas goodness, yet zero wind or cold. Actually I had never been to that city before, although it is not far from Vienna and also from my hometown. One of my favorite Bratislava cafés is Mondieu, a Parisian-inspired mini-chain with a few locations in the city. The Christmas tram has already become some tradition not only for citizens of the capital but also visitors of Bratislava admire the tram. Information on the use of cookies. It’d probably be where I shopped for souvenirs if I wasn’t a massive Christmas Grinch. There are several restaurants you can try this at, as it’s one of the most common Slovakian dishes, but according to locals the best is at Bratislavský Meštiansky Pivovar. I’m here for all the gelato. Travel diary: Bratislava at christmas time Last weekend I enjoyed a girls weekend with a good friend in Bratislava. The stand owners were not notified that the competition was taking place. If you’re just visiting Bratislava for a day trip, you won’t need to stay overnight, but just in case you are planning a night in Bratislava, here are my recommendations for hotels and hostels. In a way, it’s almost a museum street. Bratislava Christmas Market Specialities The main Bratislava market is located in Hlavné Námestie and spills into the surrounding streets. Designed & Developed by Solo Pine. Kids (and chocoholics) will love the Mondieu Laboratoire, where you can see chocolate fountains ready to pour a thick, steamy mug of hot chocolate to warm you from the inside out. Around 100 booths are opened every year. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. If you’re looking for what makes a Bratislava Christmas market distinct, look for lokša, thick salty pancakes served salty (with roasted pork or a delicious Slovak sheep’s cheese called bryndza) or sweet (with nutella or poppy seeds). Bratislava in Christmas time. I mean, how often can you say you slept in a European palace? Christmas markets close on 23rd December and Christmas Day in Slovakia is celebrated on 24th December, so it will generally be very quiet throughout your stay, but maybe that is what you are after. You will find some places that are open. This special times brings magic in The Bratislava city. Bratislava’s is meticulously well-preserved and quite pleasant to stroll, so definitely save some time to wander around these streets. All Rights Reserved. Reviews on TripAdvisor are mixed on whether visiting the interior is worth it; I’d say it depends on how much you like castles and how high your expectations are. Assume it’ll be cold and pack accordingly! Most rooms have A/C and the bathrooms are ultra-clean and well-kept. You will find some places that are open. Bratislava in Winter: 13 Magical Things to Do in Bratislava for Christmas Visit the Christmas markets. Perhaps it’s a bit of lingering Cold-War-phobia of countries with hard-sounding names like Slovakia, which make it sound more cold and inaccessible than it actually is. I’m a huge fan of odd Communist architecture and Bratislava’s UFO bridge is in fact one of my favorite pieces of Communist architecture of all time – perhaps because it reminds me of Bulgaria’s very own UFO, Buzludzha. I personally didn’t go inside, but I still found walking around the exterior to be a fantastic use of about an hour, especially since it offered such beautiful views over the city. In comparison to previous years, the Christmas Tram has grown younger two years ago, as the original ČKD Tatra T2 manufactured in 1955-62 has been replaced by a T6A5 dating back to 1991. There are a variety of room types available, including suites if you want a separate living area, and family rooms that can accommodate up to 5. The Bratislava Christmas Market is a major annual event in Slovakia's capital, and it allows visitors to celebrate Christmas the Slovakian way even if they won't be staying through the holidays. You can get great views of the UFO bridge from several vantage points in the Old Town but the best in my opinion are on the way up to Bratislava Castle. Denmark doesn’t have a monopoly on hygge – Bratislava in winter is definitely cozy and charming. Christmas Market Advent at the Castle – at around the Bratislava Castle Vegan Christmas Market – held in Umelka Pub Bratislava’s Christmas market is on every day from 10AM to 10PM, until 22nd or 23rd December. While it’s a Catholic church, you’d have a hard time guessing it from the exterior. If you’re a reminds me, Christmas markets lost their magic around my second one of the trip (and my most recent trip through Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary took me through at least 10 and likely more). Compared with its more popular Central European neighboring capital cities – Prague, Vienna (just an hour away and a world apart), and Budapest, to name a few – Bratislava is an oasis of calm. Kids adore Christmas. There’s always something going on in the parks and squares of Bratislava, even in the freezing cold! It is opened most of the day as well as in the evening. Don’t miss this exhibition in the unique Danubiana gallery. Answer 1 of 7: We are going to Bratislave on the 23rd December for 5 days, just wondering if Bars, Restaurants and Shops close over the christmas period of just for Christmas Day. For the artistically inclined, check out the Galerie Nedbalka in the Old Town, which focuses on modern Slovakian artists (19th century to contemporary). If I hadn’t just have eaten lunch, I’d have probably inhaled a bowl or two right then and there. Is Christmas a busy time of year in Bratislava? They are so popular among locals and tourists that the city is probably never so constantly packed like it is from the end of November (22.11.2019) until the … Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most beautifully decorated places in Bratislava, such like Old Town Hall, Nedbalka Galery, Horsky Park. Too cold to walk around? While travel in Europe is safe, pickpocketing is a major issue. Okay, thanks. For gorgeous views over the Danube River and a prime location just 500 meters from Bratislava Castle, River View Residence is my top pick in Bratislava if you’re visiting on a middle-of-the-road budget. Kapitulska Street is the oldest in Bratislava, tracing its roots back to the 13th century, and one of the most interesting. Can I just move in already?). Five days in Your Bratislava Town Christmas stock images are ready. Be aware that like Hungary, Slovakia often measures wine by the deciliter. But the best part is definitely the floor-to-ceiling windows that give you sweeping Danube views! A month before Christmas the Main Square in Bratislava is illuminated by a Christmas tree and the Christmas market stalls are officially opened. The Christmas season is called “Vianoce”. While the cobblestones and colorful houses conjure up that classic European charm, the sad ramshackle decay of some of the other houses reminds you of Slovakia’s darker hours under Communism. It warmed up a bit from its initial freezing cold, but not by much: the warmest it got during my time in Bratislava in December was -2 °C / 28 °F. 24th December, of course, is when Christmas Day is celebrated in Slovakia, so that’s why the week before is the last they open most of the time. The hostel also boasts a clean and well-stocked kitchen, lockers, and free coffee and tea. LOFT Premium & Wilson Palace is a fantastic find in Bratislava, with just 32 rooms in the LOFT hotel and another 10 rooms/suites in Wilson Palace, a real historical palace in Bratislava. Bratislava transforms into a completely different city during Christmas time. On a hill overlooking the Old Town, its four white turrets peep from behind rooftops all over Bratislava. Eternal Arrival is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Whereas the rest of the Old Town has been buffered and polished to tourist-friendly perfection, Kapitulska is a bit rough around the edges, a testament to the atrophy of the Communist years. It’s a good idea to be covered in case you have an accident or fall victim to petty theft, and travel insurance will help you recover your expenses so you can continue to enjoy your trip. 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