You might want to put this overlooked European capital on your radar this festive season, as it hosts a Christmas market that has been praised by previous visitors. Christmas markets are one of the true markers that the festive season has started. Although there are some stunning Christmas markets dotted around the UK, there are some beautiful ones in Europe that many Brits decide to fly to when the festive season fully kicks in.

Popular Christmas markets in Europe include the iconic one in Prague and the one in Vienna. However, there are some underrated ones that you might not have heard of before, but they have received rave reviews from visitors who have been there before. If you are looking to avoid the crowds at your chosen European Christmas market this year, then you might want to consider this one for a more relaxed time. 

A number of previous visitors have labelled the Christmas market in Bratislava, Slovakia, as underrated. Travel blogger Bea Adventures called it “cosy and underrated,” including it in her list of the best Christmas markets in Europe that nobody tells you about. 

There are actually more than one Christmas market in Bratislava, and they are all located close to each other. The main Christmas markets in the Slovakian capital are at the Main Square in the Old Town and Hviezdoslavovo Square. A more recent one opened in 2016 at Bratislava Castle, adding to the festive atmosphere spread across the city.

One TripAdvisor reviewer was happy about the lack of crowds and gimmicks at the Christmas markets in Bratislava. They wrote: “We didn’t feel too overpowered by gimmicky, tacky gift shops at every corner.”

Another said: “I visited Bratislava in end of December and was lucky to catch the Christmas market. The old town is small but very pleasant with a few nice walkable areas.”

A third shared: “It was very cosy and snowy, with a small Christmas market and a beautiful Christmas tree. A must-visit in Bratislava. Does not take a lot of time.”

The Christmas markets in Bratislava first launched in the early 90s and have become a staple event in the city since. They normally start between the middle and the end of November. In addition to locally made crafts and gifts, there are plenty of opportunities to try some local food at these markets. 

Things on offer include Lokse, which are thin baked potato cakes. There is also Chlieb s mastou (bread served with goose fat and onion) and Ciganska pecenka (meat in a bread roll with mustard and onion).

Bratislava is relatively cheap to get to. Usually, flights to the capital of Slovakia from UK airports can be purchased for as cheap as £14. However, it does get slightly more expensive when it comes to November and December, but not by much.

Ryanair offers flights to Bratislava from Manchester Airport for £25 in November, while flights from London Stansted can be booked for £20 around the same time of year. Ryanair flights from Edinburgh cost around £25. 

Flights tend to be more expensive in December as Christmas approaches, with many upwards of £50. Bratislava is also very close to Vienna, the capital of Austria, so it can be easily done as a day trip while in the neighbouring country.