Unlikely city hailed best value Christmas market - boasting free festive train

In any discussion of Europe's best markets, the festivities put on in the likes of Vienna, Prague, and Cologne often feature prominently.

But one major European city has been hailed as the best value for a break, with a wealth of traditional treats and eye-catching decorations.

The Post Office analysed 14 places in its ranking and found Bratislava to be the most affordable destination among them for a festive break.

The analysis took various factors into account, including which destinations had the cheapest two-night holiday package, including return flights and two nights, reports.

The cost of airport transfers, evening meals with wine and coffee and drinks and snacks at markets were also considered, with the Slovakian capital found to be the cheapest at £510.

The estimate is almost 50% percent cheaper than the most expensive destintation for a Christmas market getaway, the Danish capital Copenhagen, according to the report.

Bratislava's fesitivies kick off from November 22 and fill the Main Square for a month, and it's fair to say the city gets fully into spirit.

A prime example is the famous Express, a specially decorated, richly illuminated - and free - tram that runs every half hour with carol singers aboard serenading passengers.

The square itself is completely taken over, with pictures from past markets showing bright lights, stalls and people amassing on the city's Old Town to celebrate.

Visitors can enjoy classic national staples including Lokše, a potato pancake packed with deliciouss filling like sauerkraut or duck fat.

Another favourite is a traditional grilled pork bun known as a Cigánska.

There are also plenty of options for those with a sweet tooth, like medovniky, a honey cookie typically decorated in swirls of white frosting or potato pancakes with jam and Nutella, as per The Sun.

Not to mention the variety of warming drinks like honey wine or a classic mulled wine.

According to the Post Office's analysis, nine out of the top 10 cheapest locations for a Christmas market break were in eastern Europe, with the Lithunian capital Vilnius coming in second place (£511) and the Latvian capital Riga in third (£546).