I especially loved seeing Slovakia’s capital in the wintertime.
Bratislava has Christmas markets in the winter.
Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images
Nestled in Central Europe, Slovakia is high on my list of must-visit countries.
When I visited Slovakia during the winter, I found myself captivated by its capital Bratislava’s small-town charm. A light dusting of snow provided the perfect backdrop while I explored its massive castle overlooking the city.
The Christmas market anchored the holiday festivities. Stall after stall in the heart of the old town overflowed with spiced wine, Bratislava rolls (filled with poppy or nuts), gingerbread cookies, crafts, and ornaments.
It felt like a great alternative to the often overcrowded Christmas markets in Germany and France.
My best meal was at Bratislava Flagship, a family-owned brewery in a former monastery. It’s a gathering spot for locals and features traditional dishes like pierogi, dumplings, and sausage.
I would definitely like to go back.
Correction: March 10, 2025 — An earlier version of this story misspelled Francis Mallmann’s name.