See why I loved my DIY Christmas market tour in Europe.
I’m not sure what it is I love about Christmas markets. I don’t even really celebrate Christmas.
But there’s something about the lights, the smell of food and the chocolatiest of hot chocolates that makes me that little less emo. Unless I’m listening to Chris Farren’s Like a Gift From God or Whatever.
With ten days of holiday at work left to take before the end of the year, I decided to travel to four countries around Europe visiting Christmas markets.
Here are my photos from a trip I’ll never forget.
Cologne Christmas Market
First on the list was Cologne (as there was a super cheap plane fare from London).
German Christmas markets are bigger and better than your average Christmas market. The first ever Christmas market was Dresden’s Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434.
Cologne had five giant Christmas markets – Cathedral, the Old Town, Angel’s Market in the City (Neumarkt), the Harbour and Gay Christmas Market. I think the Cathedral market was my favourite. It provided a stunning backdrop.
Bruges Christmas Market
After a 3/4 hour train journey, I arrived in Bruges. I was most excited about visiting Bruges out of the four destinations as I loved the movie In Bruges.
It’s very picturesque with its cobbled roads and historic architecture, particularly Grote Markt.
I loved the ice rink taking centre stage with the markets around it. And it’s no surprise the Belgians make a mean hot chocolate!
Read more: Is this this most expensive hot chocolate in Venice?
I arrived late at the historic bell tower which overlooks the square. I could only stay around and take photos at the top for minutes as the wind chill was too much to bear! But it was worth it for the views.
I also went to Brussels for a few hours as I had to catch a plane from there to Budapest, but their Christmas market was a bit anti-climatic compared to Cologne and Bruges’.
The grand square lived up to its name however.
Budapest Christmas Market
Budapest may have had the least grand Christmas markets of the four, but I unexpectedly fell in love with the city.
I went to Budapest knowing very little about the history, culture or food.
I loved walking along the hills of Buda which seemed to get better and better as I went along.
Starting at Citadella, you can capture terrific views of the river Danube and the city skyline.
I even tried archery at the old Olympic stadium (which I was awful at).
And walked all the way along to the fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion.
Across the water, there’s the impressive government building.
And the food is maybe my favourite thing about Budapest. Delicious meat, desserts and stews galore, just what you need when it’s -10°C! My absolute heaven.
Actually, the pinball museum runs Hungarian food for a close first place. I must have spent 2-3 hours playing all the pinball machines.
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Vienna Christmas Market
Vienna also took me by surprise.
Grand buildings everywhere you turn, which includes the grand palace, Schonbrunn.
The Christmas market isn’t bad either. It’s huge, even against the dominant Rathaus building.
I didn’t have a lot of time in the city, so I’ll definitely come back for the art museums and galleries.
