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This post is all about the best 14-Day European Christmas Market Itinerary.

The Most EPIC 14-Day European Christmas Market Itinerary

No one does Christmas markets like Europe!

As the temperature plummets and the days get shorter, European cities are decked out in twinkling lights, city squares are filled with wooden stalls selling intricate local crafts and delicious delicacies, and the calendar is filled with wonderful Christmas events. A trip to Europe at Christmas is guaranteed to instantly put you in the festive spirit!

This is where this 14-day European Christmas market itinerary comes in! The itinerary takes you to five of the most unforgettable cities in Europe; Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. These European cities are consistently voted as having the best Christmas markets in Europe, with Dresden even having the oldest markets in the world.

This is the most EPIC European Christmas Market Itinerary that you will ever read!
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This post is about the ultimate 14-Day European Christmas Market Itinerary.


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14-Day European Christmas Market Itinerary Overview

European Christmas Market Itinerary
European Christmas Market Itinerary

Things To Do In Berlin At Christmas

1. Visit Some Of The Best Christmas Markets In Europe

Germany takes their Christmas traditions very seriously, they actually have the oldest Christmas market in the world, which dates back to the 15th century (and it's included in this itinerary!).

Berlin alone is home to over 100 Christmas markets every year. So, you know that it is one of the best places to visit to get you in the festive spirit.

The Christmas markets in Berlin are dotted all around the city, but I've given you a list of some of the best and most popular ones to visit below.

At each Christmas market, you can expect a variety of stalls selling handcrafted items, traditional German cuisine and most importantly, mulled wine to help warm you up!

Fabulous Christmas markets to visit in Berlin:

  • Christmas market at Bebelplatz
  • Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace
  • Christmas market at Spandau
  • Christmas Market at Berlin City Hall
  • Christmas market at Alexanderplatz
  • Historical Christmas Market at the RAW compound

If you want expert knowledge on which Christmas markets in Berlin to visit, you should book this tour. On this 4-hour tour, you'll be guided around the best Christmas markets by a local and along the way, you'll get to enjoy six different food tastings. If you'd like to book tickets for this tour, click here.

2. Go Sledding At The Winter World at Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin's most famous squares and is also a major shopping district. Each Christmas, it is transformed into a Winter World.

In addition to the typical Christmas markets, Potsdamer Platz is also home to a 12-metre high and 70-metre long winter slide, which you can toboggan down. At the top of the slide, you'll even be treated with an incredible view over to the Brandenburg gate.

In past years, there has also been curling and ice-skating at Winter World. It is definitely a must-visit when you are in Berlin at Christmas!

3. Grab Your Skates It's Time For Ice-Skating

The Neptune fountain is located directly in front of Berlin's Red City Hall on the western side of Alexanderplatz.

At Christmas time, there is a huge circular ice-rink which wraps all the way round the Neptune fountain. The perfect place to grab a pair of skates for some Christmassy ice-skating.

Afterwards, you can warm up in one of the heated mulled wine taverns around the ice-rink.

4. See The Christmas Lights On Kurfürstendamm

In the west of Berlin along the boulevards of Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzienstraße, there are thousands of festive decorations to instantly put you in the festive spirit.

Around 500 trees all the way from Wittenbergplatz to Rathenauplatz are illuminated with an extensive amount of lights each year. The 4.5km stretch is also home to large glowing characters such as the Nutcracker, the Snowman, and Santa Claus.

5. Take An Enchanting Stroll Through Berlin's Botanical Gardens

Berlin's Botanical Gardens are located 30-minutes away from the city centre by public transport. At Christmas time, they are well worth a visit as they are transformed into a winter wonderland.

When strolling along the 1.5km round trip around the Botanical Gardens, you can expect a magical forest, light sculptures and thousands of festive lights.

A lovely peaceful Christmas activity away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

6. Go On A Berlin Christmas Sightseeing Cruise

Enjoy a winter cruise along the River Spree in Berlin. You'll be welcomed on board the catamaran with mulled wine and cookie, before embarking on a 2.5 hour cruise with commentary from an audio guide.

You'll past some of Berlin's most important sites including the world-famous Eastside Gallery, the Mühlendammschleuse lock, and Museum Island and the government quarter of Berlin with the Reichstag and the Federal Chancellery.

If you'd like to book tickets for the Berlin Christmas Sightseeing Cruise, follow this link.

Things To Do In Berlin At Christmas

Things To Do In Dresden At Christmas

1. Visit Germany's Oldest Christmas Markets

Dresden could quite possibly be the Christmas capital of Germany. Being home to the oldest and most traditional Christmas market in the country, dating back to 1434.

The Striezelmarkt, which is located in Altmarkt, is the most popular Christmas market in Dresden. Here you'll find the tallest Christmas pyramid in the world. The market is named after "Striezel", a type of fruitcake which eventually became the famous Dresden Stollen.

The Striezelmarkt is home to over 200 stalls selling handcrafted gifts and festive delicacies. It's also got a carousel, and a small ferris wheel to keep the little ones entertained. There's so much to see and do!

Other Christmas markets in Dresden include:

  • Christmas market at Frauenkirche
  • Christmas market at Neumarkt
  • Christmas market at Hauptstrasse
  • Winterlights of Dresden at Prager Straße
  • Stallhof Advent Festival at Schlossstraße

2. Enjoy The Original Dresden Christmas Stollen

Stollen is a type of fruitcake, which has been long associated with the festive season. Learn the original Dresden Christmas stollen secret on this guided 2-hour tour to a traditional Dresden bakery.

You'll even get to enjoy a variety of stollen bread tastings with Emil, a stollen baker, including the classic raisin stollen, almond stollen, or poppy seed stollen. Along with your tasting, you'll get to enjoy a cup of Scheelchen Heeßes, coffee from the in-house roastery.

If you'd like to get tickets for this tour, click here.

3. Marvel At The Beautiful Decorations At The Dresden's Christmas Garden

The Pillnitz Palace and Park was the former summer residence of the Saxon royal dynasty, and is located 50-minutes away by public transport from the historical centre of Dresden.

During Christmas, Pillnitz Palace opens its gates to allow you to go on a walk around their Christmas gardens, which are decked out in beautiful lights. You can pick up a Christmas delicacy and a warm drink, including mulled wine, for your walk.

There's even child-friendly attractions, like a carousel, to keep the little ones entertained.

If you'd like tickets for this lovely event, click this link for more information.

4. Go On A Walking Tour Of Dresden And The Christmas Market

If this is your first time in Dresden, then it is a good idea to get acquainted with the city and a great way to do this is by going on this award-winning walking tour.

On this 2-hour walking tour, you will be guided around all the main spots including Theaterplatz, Frauenkirche Dresden, and the Royal Palace. The guide is very knowledgeable and will teach you all about the city's history.

The guide will also take you to the Dresden Christmas markets. If you would like to book a space on this tour, click here.

5. Attend A Festive Christmas Concert At Zwinger

Zwinger is one of the most incredible baroque palaces in Germany. It is located only a couple of minutes walk from Altmarkt.

You can enjoy a wonderfully festive concert in the Wallpavillon of the Zwinger. During the 1.5 hour concert, the Dresden Residenz Orchestra will play famous works from the likes of Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart.

If you look like to get tickets to this unforgettable concert, you can do so by clicking here.

6. Enjoy The Christmas Lights On An Evening River Cruise

What better way to experience the city's scenery and Christmas lights than on a heated evening river cruise?!

You'll board the festively decorated cruise in Dresden and then, embark on a 3-hour journey on the Elbe River through the Elbe Valley to Pillnitz Palace, passing the three Elbe castles and the Blue Wonder along the way.

If that wasn't enough, you'll also be treated to a delicious 3-course meal, accompanied by a live pianist who'll provide the best atmosphere.

If you would like to buy tickets for this romantic evening cruise, then follow this link.

7. Embark On An Adventurous Outdoor Christmas Escape Game Around Dresden

For any adventurous types out there, you can go on an exciting outdoor Christmas escape game around Dresden. It's a great way to get to know the city whilst also embarking on a quest.

As part of this escape game, you'll be given an iPad, which will contain the immersive Christmas story. You'll then have to navigate your way around the city and the Christmas markets searching for clues.

This outdoor escape room game will take around 2-hours, so you'll need to wrap up warm, but you'll also get two complimentary hot drinks to warm you up! If you'd like more information about this activity, just click here.

Things To Do In Dresden At Christmas
Things To Do In Dresden At Christmas

Things To Do In Prague At Christmas

1. Visit Prague's World-Famous Christmas Markets

The biggest and longest-running Christmas market in Prague takes place in the Old Town square. This market is extremely famous around the world due to being incredibly picturesque.

At this market, you'll find hundreds of wooden stalls selling lovely local crafts including Czech blown glass balls. You'll also be able to taste local delicacies. Everything from Czech Christmas biscuits, hot roasted chestnuts, gingerbread biscuits, to typical Czech sausages.

Other Christmas markets in Prague include:

  • Christmas market at Wenceslas Square
  • Christmas market at Prague Castle
  • Christmas market at Namesti Miru
  • Christmas market at Namesti Republiky

You could join a 2.5-hour guided tour of the Christmas markets in Prague. You'll visit two central markets and two hidden gems tucked away in residential neighbourhoods. You'll also get to sample local delicacies and learn about Czech Christmas traditions from your local guide. If you've like more information about this tour, click here.

2. Go On A Guided Tour To See The Christmas Lights Around The City

With any new city that you are visiting, especially if it's only for a short amount of time, you need to get to know the city and fast!

This 4-hour walking tour will not only allow you to become acquainted with important sites in the city, but it will also allow you to experience the full festive magic of Prague.

Your local guide will take you to the Mala Straná district of Prague and the Old Town Square, and will even show you some secret Christmas locations along the way.

Get your tickets here and get ready to be immersed in the beauty of Prague on this walking tour.

3. Attend A Christmas Concert At Church Of St Martin In The Wall

The Church Of St Martin In The Wall is a centuries-old Gothic church, located only 10-minutes walk away from the Old Town Square in Prague.

For this festive season, you can attend a Christmas concert at this beautiful church, which provides brilliant acoustics and a wonderfully intimate atmosphere.

The 70-minute concert will feature the Old Prague Music Ensemble, who will play well-known classical music from the likes of Bach and Vivaldi.

If you'd like to get more information for this concert or to buy tickets, follow this link.

4. Meander Down The Vltava River On A River Cruise

Board a festively decorated boat, illuminated in Christmas lights, for a 1-hour cruise down the Vltava River. The cozy interior of the boat makes it the perfect escape from the cold.

With a mulled wine in hand, you'll meander down the river and will be treated to incredible views over Prague's landscape and important sites including Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Old Town.

A wonderful way to see a different side to Prague. If you'd like to buy tickets for this river cruise, click here.

5. Be Mesmerised By The Nutcracker Ballet

At Broadway Theatre, right in the heart of Old Town Prague, you can experience a performance of Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' ballet.

This fairytale ballet is filled with the magic of Christmas. The performance lasts just over 1.5 hours and features top dancers and soloists from the Prague National Theatre.

A great and unique way to spend an evening in Prague. Get your tickets here.

6. Have Some Fun With This Christmas Market Smartphone Game

Get to the know the city a bit better and have fun along the way by taking part in a digital Christmas market game around Prague.

Your phone will be your guide, directing you through the city, whilst giving you exciting challenges and quizzes on your adventure.

All you'll need to take part is a smartphone, this interactive smartphone game and a team of up to 6 people to embark upon a 3-hour quest around the Christmas markets in Prague.

Things To Do In Prague At Christmas
Things To Do In Prague At Christmas

Things To Do In Vienna At Christmas

1. Visit The Biggest Christmas Market In Europe

Vienna's most renowned Christmas market is in front of Rathausplatz, the city hall which provides the most beautiful backdrop.

At Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, there's a large decorated Christmas tree surrounded by over 100 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, delicious food, and of course, mulled wine. The markets are open from mid-November to boxing day.

You can also go ice-skating at Rathausplatz, next to the popular Christmas markets and Rathaus Park behind Rathausplatz is decorated with Christmas lights, which makes it a romantic place to go for a winter stroll.

Vienna isn't just home to the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, it actually has a total of 12 Christmas markets around the city.

Other popular Christmas markets in Vienna include:

  • Weihnachtsmarkt at Stephansplatz
  • Art Advent at Karlsplatz
  • Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien Platz
  • Am Hof Advent Market
  • Old Viennese Christmas Market
  • Weihnachtsmarkt at Spittelberg

You could join this 2-3 hour guided tour of the Christmas markets in Vienna, in which you'll hear stories and facts about Christmas in Austria, enjoy sweet treats, and delicious drinks. If you've like more information about this tour, click here.

2. Get In The Festive Spirit At The Beautiful Schönbrunn

Schönbrunn is a wonderful palace, located about 20-minutes by train from Vienna city centre. It was once used as the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. It is truly a remarkable place to visit year-round.

However at Christmas, you could say it is even more special. As the courtyard is encircled with dozens of Christmas stalls selling high-quality arts and crafts, which make for lovely Christmas gifts for your friends and family.

There's a giant Christmas tree, and a small stage, which usually hosts open-air advent concerts.

The markets at Schönbrunn are open from mid-November through to just after Christmas, and they are not to be missed!

3. Experience Christmas At Belvedere

The Belvedere Palace was the former home of Prince Eugene of Savoy. It consists of two Baroque palaces; the Orangery, and the Palace Stable, and is about a 25-minute walk from the city centre.

During the festive period, Christmas markets come to the front of Belvedere Palace and they tend to be quieter and smaller than other markets in Vienna. You can still find lovely handcrafted items, and delicious food and drink here.

What they lack in size, they make up for in beauty! The markets at Belvedere are open from mid-November through to the end of December.

4. Enjoy A Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Around Vienna's Old Town

Get to know Vienna a bit better with a relaxing 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride around the city's Old Town.

The tour will take you to the Hofburg, then you will travel along "The Ring" in Vienna, where you'll get the chance to see the Natural Museum of History and Fine Arts and the statue of Maria Theresia.

You'll then pass by the Austrian Parliament and the Vienna Town Hall, where you'll be able to see the famous Christmas markets, before finishing your tour at St Stephans Cathedral.

A truly unique and memorable way to see Austria's capital city at Christmas. If you've like to book your space for this tour, follow this link.

5. Attend An Advent Concert

Many famous composers have come from Austria including Johann Strauss, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This means that there are a lot of concerts throughout Vienna that you can attend which showcase the incredible masterpieces from these composers.

You can attend a classic concert at Mozarthaus, which is where Mozart himself once played and listen to the very best Classical Viennese Music played by the Mozart Ensemble Vienna.

There's also the Strauss and Mozart Christmas Concert in Kursalon. At this concert, you'll get to hear the incredible Salonorchester Alt Wien and performances by international opera singers, and ballet dancers.

Lastly, there's a Christmas & New Year's Concert in St. Peter's Church. At this concert, you'll be treated to wonderful interpretations of beloved works by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and many more.

These concerts make for a particularly lovely experience at Christmas time too.

Things To Do In Vienna At Christmas
Things To Do In Vienna At Christmas

Things To Do In Budapest At Christmas

1. Visit Some Of Europe's Most Budget-Friendly Christmas Markets

The two most important Christmas markets in Budapest take place in Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen Basilica, which are located only 10-minutes walk from each other.

The Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square is the bigger of the two with over 100 wooden stalls selling delicious Hungarian sausages and goulash, along with lovely crafts. It has even been voted by Time Out as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and also, as one of the most affordable too.

There's also Christmas markets on Erszébet square and a Christmas Fair at ‘Városháza Park’.

If you want the insider knowledge of the Christmas markets, then you can book a 2-hour Christmas market walking tour. On this tour, you'll visit 3 Christmas markets and get to sample traditional Hungarian delicacies along the way. You'll also hear myths about the local area and learn about the city's holiday traditions from your local guide. If you'd like to book tickets for this tour, click here.

2. Board Budapest's Festive Tram

See if you can spot the Fényvillamos, aka Budapest's festive tram, travelling around the city. It should be pretty easy to spot as it's decorated in a whooping 39,000 lights.

There are a couple of routes with illuminated trams, but the best tram circulates on tram line 2. An excellent way to escape the cold and take in the sights of Budapest.

No special tickets are needed for the tram, a standard ticket will do the trick.

3. Get To Know The City With A Christmas Walking Tour

If you've never been to Budapest, then what better way to get to know the city than going on a walking tour.

On this 2.5 hour walking tour, you'll be taken to some of the city's most important sites including Andrássy Avenue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian State Opera House. Afterwards, you'll head to the Christmas markets for a cup of mulled wine and chimney cake.

Along the way, your local guide will also entertain you with stories about traditional Hungarian Christmas culture. If you'd like to get tickets for this tour, follow this link.

4. Go Ice-Skating On The Massive City Park Ice Rink

The City Park Ice Rink is one of the largest and oldest ice rinks in the whole of Europe. It is located between Heroes square and Vajdahunyad Castle.

The ice rink opens in winter, usually in late November. So grab your skates, or rent them there, and go ice-skating this Christmas in Budapest.

After you've been ice-skating, you should head to the thermal spa (mentioned below) to heat up!

5. Escape The Cold By Visiting The Thermal Spa

Budapest gets very chilly in winter, with highs of only 4°C in December. So, visiting the Széchenyi Spa is an absolute must!

The Széchenyi Spa is the largest public bath in the city with 18 heated indoor and outdoor pools. Set in a beautiful neo-baroque, you'll have a full day access to steam rooms, saunas, and springs-fed baths.

With this skip-the-line ticket, you'll also have access to your own private changing cabin. If you are looking for total relaxation, you could even upgrade to include a massage!

6. Admire The Christmas Lights From A Cruise Down The Danube

When the sun starts to set, board an incredible evening cruise this festive season to take you down the Danube river, which separates Budapest into two halves; Buda and Pest.

Admire the city and its beautiful landmarks adorned in twinkling Christmas lights, from the comfort of a sightseeing cruise with English commentary and unlimited refills of champagne, spritzer, or lemonade.

The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and you can get your tickets here.

Things To Do In Budapest At Christmas
Things To Do In Budapest At Christmas

Optional Cities That You Can Visit For Day-Trips During This 14-Day Itinerary

Brno, Czechia

To split up the long journey from Prague to Vienna, you could visit Brno. Brno is the second largest city in Czechia, and is 2 hours 30 minutes from Prague by bus or train.

You can easily see most of Brno's main attractions in one day including Špilberk Castle, Cathedral of St Peter and Paul, Old Town Hall, and more. Or you could join a free walking tour.

Brno also has its own Christmas markets in Freedom square and Dominican square.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, and is only 1 hour 15 minutes from Vienna. It's a fantastic stop-off between Vienna and Budapest.

Bratislava is a small city meaning it is relatively easy to see all the main attractions in one day including Bratislava castle, the Blue Church, Michael's Gate, Čumil, and the presidential palace.

Bratislava also has two Christmas markets in Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square.

Bratislava Slovakia
Bratislava Slovakia

How To Get Around Europe

Traveling around Europe is a relatively easy and straight forward process due to the excellent transport links.

How To Get Around Europe

By Train

Here's all the information needed to get around the five cities (Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna and Budapest) included in this 14-day European Christmas Market Itinerary by train:

  • The quickest train from Berlin Hbf to Dresden Hbf takes 2 hours and 6 minutes (direct), and the cheapest adult one-way ticket costs €14.90.
  • The quickest train from Dresden Hbf to Prague Main Station takes 2 hour and 21 minutes (direct) and can cost as little as €13.90 for an adult one-way ticket.
  • The quickest train from Prague Main Station to Vienna Hbf takes 4 hours and 4 minutes (direct), with the cheapest adult one-way ticket costing €27.80.
  • The quickest train from Vienna Hbf to Budapest-Keleti station takes 2 hours and 37 minutes (direct) and costs €24.00 for an adult one-way ticket.

You can buy tickets for any of these journeys through RailEurope or the Trainline.


By Bus

Here's all the information needed to get around the five cities (Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna and Budapest) included in this 14-day European Christmas Market Itinerary by bus:

  • The quickest bus from Berlin Central Bus Station to Dresden Central Bus Station takes 2 hours and 30 minutes (direct), and costs €18.99 one-way for an adult ticket.
  • The quickest bus from Dresden Central Bus Station to Prague Central Bus Station takes 1 hour and 50 minutes (direct), with the cheapest adult one-way ticket costing €14.99.
  • The quickest bus from Prague Main Railway Station to Vienna Erdberg Station takes 3 hours and 55 minutes (direct), and costs €15.99 for an adult one-way ticket.
  • The quickest bus from Vienna Central Station or Vienna Erdberg Station to Budapest takes 2 hours and 55 minutes (direct), and can cost as little as €11.99 one-way for an adult ticket.

You can buy tickets for any of these journeys through Flixbus.

How To Get Around Europe
How To Get Around Europe

Berlin Restaurants

  • Döner Kebab Restaurant TERAS Berlin (£) - A counter-serve restaurant, only a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate, offering up Turkish classics, burgers and vegetarian options.
  • Ristorante A Mano (££) - A lovely Italian restaurant close to Alexanderplatz, serving up comforting bowls of pasta, and meat and fish dishes.
  • Burger Turm (££) - Located 30-minutes away from Alexanderplatz by public transport, this burger restaurant gets rave reviews with some claiming it is the best burger they've ever had!
  • Night Kitchen (£££) - Beautiful, modern restaurant in the centre of Berlin serving up Israeli and Mediterranean sharing plates.
  • Restaurant Tim Raue (££££) - Stylish, fine-dining restaurant offering delicious aromatic, Asian-inspired cuisine. It is ranked within the 50 best restaurants in the world and even, has two Michelin stars, so you know it's going to be good!

Dresden Restaurants

  • Curry am Schloss (£) - Simple German restaurant serving traditional currywurst and sandwiches.
  • Hans im Glück (££) - This restaurant is situated right on the square where the Christmas markets are in Dresden Altstadt. It serves up delicious home-made burgers with vegan and vegetarian options.
  • Kutscherschänke - Uriges Wirtshaus (££) - Located at the corner of the Frauenkirche in Dresden Altstadt, this Rustic restaurant serves delicious home-cooked German cuisine.
  • Restaurant Genuss-Atelier (£££) - Beautiful fine-dining restaurant with adventurous tasting menus featuring outstanding German dishes. It even has a Michelin star.
  • Elements Deli (££££) - One Michelin star restaurant serving up high-quality, carefully curated, refined dishes.

Prague Restaurants

  • Johnny Pizza Bistro (£) - An unpretentious restaurant, about 30-minutes walk from the Old Town Square, serving up delicious pizza.
  • The Street Burgers & Cocktails Bar (££) - Modern restaurant close to the centre of Prague, serving incredible burgers and drinks.
  • U Kroka (££) - For the proper Authentic Czech experience, you need to visit this restaurant. It was founded in 1895 and serves up traditional Czech cuisine. Always packed with locals so you'll need to book a table in advance.
  • Café Imperial (£££) - The architecture of this restaurant is absolutely stunning; beautifully decorated in an art deco style. It also serves up some great food too. A definite must-visit whilst in Prague!
  • Terasa U Zlaté studně (££££) - This award-winning fine-dining restaurant has rave reviews. It even has a beautiful terrace with amazing views over Prague.

Vienna Restaurants

  • Vienna Sausage (£) - An unpretentious restaurant with a great atmosphere, close to the centre of Vienna, serving up high-quality sausages and hotdogs.
  • LOLA - Spanisches Tapas Restaurant (££) - A beautifully designed restaurant in the first district of the city, offering delicious Spanish specialities and tapas.
  • LETO Restaurant Bar (££) - Located in the heart of Vienna, this restaurant offers exceptional Mediterranean cuisine including hummus, seafood plates and gyros.
  • ef16 Restaurant Weinbar (£££) - A lovely restaurant and wine bar with a large courtyard garden in Vienna, serving Viennese dishes with a Mediterranean touch.
  • Steirereck (££££) - A formal fine-dining Austrian restaurant in Stadtpark, Vienna. Amongst the world's best restaurants, Steirereck has two michelin stars and serves up unforgettable tasting menus.

Budapest Restaurants

  • Restaurante Fuego (£) - Located right next to Szimpla Kert, this trendy restaurant serves up delicious grilled chicken and duck with a range of accompaniments from croquettes to potatoes.
  • Mazel Tov (££) - A highly-popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Budapest's historic Jewish Quarter.
  • Fat Mama (££) - A combination of American style BBQ restaurant and cosy European pub with live concerts everyday.
  • Trattoria Pomo D'Oro (£££) - Traditional Italian restaurant with rave reviews in the centre of Budapest.
  • Prime Steak & Wine (££££) - Beautiful fine-dining steakhouse in the centre of Budapest with an amazing steak and wine selection.
Recommended Restaurants
Recommended Restaurants

Accommodation For All Budgets

All the options below were chosen by selecting dates in December (during low season) and with two people sharing.

Budget Accommodation Options (£0-£100 per night)

Berlin Budget Accommodation

St Christopher’s Inn Berlin Mitte, Berlin, Germany
This hostel is centrally located in Mitte, Berlin’s culture and museum district.
★★★ Motel One Berlin-Bellevue, Berlin, Germany
This Motel One Berlin-Bellevue provides air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour bar and free Wi-Fi.
★★★ aletto Hotel Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany
Newly opened in May 2020, this hotel is centrally located in Berlin, within a 15-minute walk from Potsdamer Platz.

Dresden Budget Accommodation

Premier Inn Dresden City Prager Straße, Dresden, Germany
Well set in Dresden, Premier Inn Dresden City Prager Straße provides air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar.
MEININGER Hotel Dresden Zentrum, Dresden, Germany
Situated in Dresden, 600 metres from Central Station Dresden, MEININGER Hotel Dresden Zentrum features accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking,…
NorthApartments Dresden, Dresden, Germany
Set 1.9 km from Brühl’s Terrace, NorthApartments Dresden offers accommodation with a balcony, as well as a garden.

Prague Budget Accommodation

★★★★ Golden Angel Suites by Prague Residences, Prague, Czech Republic
Featuring city views and free WiFi, Golden Angel Suites by Prague Residences features accommodation attractively situated in the centre of Prague, within a…
★★★★ City Nest Apartments by Prague Residences, Prague, Czech Republic
Set in Prague, City Nest Apartments by Prague Residences offers studios and apartments with free WiFi and air conditioning.
★★★ Onefam Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic
Situated in Prague, within a 7-minute walk of Prague Astronomical Clock and 600 metres of Charles Bridge, Onefam Old Town offers a shared lounge.

Vienna Budget Accommodation

Space Home Apartment - City Hall, Vienna, Austria
Located in Vienna, within 1.1 km of Hofburg and 1.2 km of Imperial Treasury Vienna, Space Home Apartment - City Hall provides accommodation with free WiFi.
★★★ MEININGER Hotel Wien Downtown Franz, Vienna, Austria
Featuring a bar and a games room, this contemporary hotel has a guest kitchen and offers free Wi-Fi in the entire building.
Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt, Vienna, Austria
This Viennese hostel is located at the Naschmarkt within a 5-minute walk from the U4 metro stop Kettenbrückengasse.

Budapest Budget Accommodation

Vagabond Grand’Or, Budapest, Hungary
Vagabond Grand’Or offers accommodation within 1.3 km of the centre of Budapest, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a microwave, a toaster and a fridge.
Luxory place in the heart of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
Luxory place in the heart of Budapest provides accommodation within 500 metres of the centre of Budapest, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a microwave, a…
Onefam Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
Onefam Budapest is located 300 metres from the Deák Ferenc Tér stop, which connects to 3 of the Budapest metro lines, as well as bus and tram lines.

Mid-Range Accommodation Options (£100-£200 per night)

Berlin Mid-Range Accommodation

★★★★★ The Westin Grand Berlin, Berlin, Germany
This hotel on Berlin’s historic Friedrichstrasse offers a spa, an attractive garden, and a unique lobby with grand staircase.
★★★★ Precise Tale Berlin Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany
Precise Tale Berlin Potsdamer Platz features a fitness centre, garden, a terrace and restaurant in Berlin.
★★★★ Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity, Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Germany
Located in Berlin and within 200 metres of Checkpoint Charlie, Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity, Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie features a garden.

Dresden Mid-Range Accommodation

★★★ Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt, Dresden, Germany
This hotel is perfectly located on the Altmarkt square, in the heart of Dresden.
limehome Dresden Wallstraße - Digital Access, Dresden, Germany
Situated in the centre of Dresden, limehome Dresden Wallstraße - Digital Access has well-equipped accommodation boasting free WiFi, 500 metres from Zwinger…
★★★★ Hotel Indigo Dresden - Wettiner Platz, an IHG Hotel, Dresden, Germany
This stylish boutique hotel is situated between the Kraftwerk Mitte cultural area and Dresden’s world-famous Baroque attractions.

Prague Mid-Range Accommodation

Betlem Prague Apartments, Prague, Czech Republic
Located in the heart of Prague Old Town in the Betlémské Square in a renovated historic building from the 14th century, a complex of apartments of various…
★★★★ Allure Hotel Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
Ideally located in the centre of Prague, Allure Hotel Prague offers air-conditioned rooms, a terrace, free WiFi and a bar.
★★★★ Maximilian Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Maximilian Hotel features a restaurant, a bar and garden in Prague. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk.

Vienna Mid-Range Accommodation

★★★ Hotel Kärntnerhof, Vienna, Austria
Decorated in a blend of the Viennese Art Nouveau and Italian elegance, the Kärntnerhof is set in a quiet location in Vienna’s city centre, only a 5-minute…
★★★★ Mercure Wien Zentrum, Vienna, Austria
Located right in the heart of Vienna’s historic centre, the Mercure Wien Zentrum is only a 5-minute walk away from Saint Stephen’s Cathedral.
★★★★ Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien, Vienna, Austria
Right on the famous Kärntnerstraße Shopping Street, this 4-star hotel is only a 5-minute walk from Saint Stephen’s Cathedral and the State Opera.

Budapest Mid-Range Accommodation

★★★★ Hotel Rumor, Budapest, Hungary
Attractively set in the centre of Budapest, Hotel Rumor provides 4-star accommodation close to Dohany Street Synagogue and Hungarian State Opera.
★★★ Roombach Hotel Budapest Center, Budapest, Hungary
Opened in April 2014, Roombach Hotel Budapest Center is located in Budapest and offers a 24-hour front desk, a lounge with a snack bar, and en-suite rooms…
★★★★ Emerald Hotel, Budapest, Hungary
Attractively located in Budapest, Emerald Hotel features air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a bar.

High-End Accommodation Options (£200+ per night)

Berlin High-End Accommodation

★★★★★ Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Berlin, Germany
The quintessence of luxury lodging, the Adlon is a legendary 5-star hotel situated in Berlin’s Mitte, beside the Brandenburg Gate.
★★★★★ The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Experience The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin, a 5-star hotel in Berlin just a few steps from Potsdamer Platz and other local attractions.
★★★★★ Regent Berlin, an IHG Hotel, Berlin, Germany
Ideally located on Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt Square, this classical-style, 5-star hotel offers a casual dining at the Charlotte & Fritz restaurant, exclusive…

Dresden High-End Accommodation

★★★★★ Townhouse Dresden, Dresden, Germany
This luxury hotel boasts a prime location beside the renowned Frauenkirche church in the heart of Dresden. It offers free WiFi.
★★★★★ Hotel Suitess, Dresden, Germany
This 5-star-superior hotel with original Baroque façade stands beside Dresden’s famous Frauenkirche Church.
★★★★★ Relais & Châteaux Bülow Palais, Dresden, Germany
This 5-star-superior hotel offers elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi, a 400m² day spa and Caroussel Novelle restaurant.

Prague High-End Accommodation

OREA Place Seno, Prague, Czech Republic
OREA Place Seno offers accommodation within 700 metres of the centre of Prague, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave.
★★★★ BoHo Prague Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels, Prague, Czech Republic
Located 600 metres from Old Town Square, BoHo Prague Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels offers air-conditioned accommodation in Prague.
★★★★★ The Grand Mark Prague - The Leading Hotels of the World, Prague, Czech Republic
The Grand Mark Prague - The Leading Hotels of the World, situated in a 17th-century residential palace dating in the heart of Prague, will surprise guests…

Vienna High-End Accommodation

★★★★★ The Leo Grand, Vienna, Austria
Situated in Vienna and with St. Peter’s Catholic Church reachable within 100 metres, The Leo Grand features concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a…
★★★★ Hollmann Beletage Design & Boutique Hotel, Vienna, Austria
Surrounded by the historic buildings of Vienna’s inner city, the Hollmann Beletage Design & Boutique Hotel is a boutique hotel offering air conditioning…
★★★★★ Rosewood Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Set in Vienna, a few steps from St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rosewood Vienna offers accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a terrace and a…

Budapest High-End Accommodation

★★★★ Barceló Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
Ideally situated in the centre of Budapest, Barceló Budapest features air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a garden.
★★★★★ Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
Situated 700 metres from the Chain Bridge and Saint Stephen’s Basilica, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest offers several restaurants, luxurious…
★★★★★ Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection, Budapest, Hungary
Offering a rooftop bar with panoramic views of downtown Budapest, the non-smoking Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection boasts rooms and suites…

This post is all about a 14-Day European Christmas Market Itinerary.

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