Today was bittersweet as we said goodbye to our home on the Avalon Illumination and our new friends from Southern Maryland. But the excitement of our next destination, Bratislava, kept our spirits high as we embarked on a journey into Slovakia’s charming capital.
Goodbye to Vienna and Onward to Bratislava
After disembarking the ship, Avalon arranged a taxi to take us to Vienna’s train station. Rob double-checked everything at the information desk, and they confirmed our electronic tickets were good to go. Since we arrived early, they suggested we take the 9:15 AM train instead of waiting for our 10:15 departure.
The Austrian countryside unfolded before us as the train sped along, transitioning from Vienna’s urban landscapes to rolling hills and picturesque villages. In less than an hour, we crossed into Slovakia, arriving at Bratislava, its capital city.
Since we were early, our scheduled transfer wasn’t quite ready, but after a short wait, we were whisked away to the Arcadia Hotel in Bratislava’s Old City. The hotel’s location couldn’t have been more perfect. Though our room wasn’t ready, they stored our luggage, and we asked how far the Christmas Market was. The hotel clerk smiled and said, “Walk out the door, turn right, and it’s about 100 meters ahead!”
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| As we waited for our driver, we could see a reflection of us from across the train station. |
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| And we were on the way to the hotel |
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| A view of the castle as we came in |
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| Arcadia Hotel |
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| The lobby |
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| Hotel is on the left and Christmas Markets down the street on the |
Exploring Bratislava’s Old City
With such a short walk to the market, we couldn’t resist diving right into the festive atmosphere. Bratislava’s Old City is a blend of history and charm, with cobblestone streets, embassies (including the U.S. Embassy), and plenty of surprises around every corner.
At the Christmas Market, we sampled halušky, a traditional Slovak dish made of potato dumplings with cabbage, bacon, or cheese—a comforting snack perfect for the chilly day. The market stalls offered a mix of holiday gifts, local crafts, and festive foods, and the Old City’s quaint streets made it feel like we’d stepped into a fairy tale.
We then went back to the hotel and got to our room and were amazed by the room.
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| the view down to the lobby |
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| The floor in the bathroom was heated |
A Taste of Slovakia: Half-Day Traditional Food Tour
In the evening, we joined a Tours by Locals Culinary Tour led by Daniella, a local foodie guide who gave us an unforgettable introduction to Slovakia’s traditional cuisine. Over the course of three hours, we indulged in a variety of flavors that told the story of Slovak culture.
Stops Along the Tour
- Retro Café: We started with a starter dish paired with a glass of local wine in a cozy, retro-style café.
- Microbrewery: Next came a hearty sauerkraut soup followed by a main dish of duck, dumplings, and cabbage, accompanied by a craft lager beer. The richness of the food was balanced by the crisp beer—perfect for the season.
- Honey Delights: At a local shop, we sampled honey wine and tasted different types of honey.
- Unique Slovak Drinks: We tried Kofola, Slovakia’s version of cola, which has a distinct herbal taste, and TatraTea, a strong herbal liquor at 52%!
- Sweet Finale: The tour ended with a plate of traditional Slovak desserts, a deliciously sweet conclusion to the evening.
Daniella’s knowledge and enthusiasm brought the flavors to life, and she shared stories about Slovak traditions and the importance of food in Slovak culture.
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| Daniella started us off before we even left the hotel with some of her favorite local chocolates |
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| This signified the site of one of the original city gates with them city emblem in the middle |
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| Some traditional bread spreads |
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| Local wines |
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| Some traditional food: roasted duck, Halusky and Dumplings |
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| The restaurant had a Bethlehem display |
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| Old well |
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| Local Cola from the cold war days when they couldn't import western goods so they tried to recreate them. |
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| And our final course, dessert |
Goodnight at the Christmas Market
The tour ended near the Christmas Market, where Daniella bid us goodnight. We lingered for a while, enjoying the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of the market, now illuminated against the night sky.
After soaking in the holiday cheer, we headed back to the hotel for a well-earned rest. Tomorrow, we’ll dive deeper into Bratislava’s history and culture with a city tour led by Daniella.
Reflections on the Day
From the scenic train ride through Austria to the warm hospitality and rich flavors of Bratislava, today was a perfect introduction to Slovakia. The Old City’s charm and festive spirit, combined with a delightful culinary tour, made for an unforgettable first day in this beautiful capital.
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