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A lit tree, a festive atmosphere and stalls full of traditional goodies. These are also things that attract people to Christmas markets in Bratislava. Our reader Bibiána, who was accompanied by a friend, also visited them. Cherry punch caught the eye of the Slovaks. They paid a total of 14 euros for two drinks. The punch cost 5 euros and the deposit for the glass was two euros. “I was surprised,” she admitted.
Biba also sent a photo of the menu of the Christmas bar on Hviezdoslav Square to the Koktejl.sk editors. The interested party pays €3.50 for two cases of mulled wine. The original punch costs €4.50, but the ginger and cherry version is fifty cents more. Those tempted by the turbo punch will reach even deeper into their wallets. Its price varies from €6 to €6.50. Mead, which costs four euros, is also a popular drink.
The Christmas markets in the center of the capital attract thousands of visitors every year, but with increased attendance, the risk of pickpocketing also increases. The city police therefore reminds several recommendations on how to protect yourself from them. He informs about it on the social network. “Be discreet. Do not unnecessarily display your personal property and valuables in public,” emphasizes the city police.
He also does not recommend leaving phones unattended on tables, stands or benches. If someone needs to make a phone call, he recommends putting the phone back in the backpack or in another safe place. Phones or wallets should not be carried in back trouser pockets or outside jacket pockets, especially if they do not have a zipper. Nit is better to store them as deep as possible in backpacks or purses.
He recommends carrying only necessary cash to the markets, visitors should leave larger amounts of money at home. Rather, they should use secure payment by card or mobile phone. However, you should also be careful of people who approach you with a request for money change, help with orientation, other “small help” or, for example, when you “unwanted” spilled a drink. According to the police, these are often tricks to divert attention.
“Keep in mind that while following these policies will greatly reduce the risk of pickpocketing, it can never be completely eliminated. Therefore, take measures so that pickpockets have the most difficult position if they do get to personal things.” the city police points out. For example, he points to blocking the phone with a complicated pattern or code, regularly backing up data, or using an application such as Find My Device, which will not only allow you to locate the device, but also block it remotely.
Reinforced police patrols supervise safety and public order around the Christmas markets, and the camera system also helps. They also supervise compliance with traffic rules, especially when supply vehicles enter the pedestrian zone. This is allowed only for the necessary time and with a valid permit.
The state police also supervises the safety of visitors. During the entire duration of the markets, he reinforces the patrols of the public order, traffic and criminal police. They supervise safety, public order and the flow of road traffic around the Christmas markets. “We recommend visitors to be cautious and always have their personal belongings under control,” Bratislava regional police spokeswoman Katarína Bartošová told TASR.
