Six of the cheapest festive cities in Europe for budget travellers
Discover the cheapest Christmas markets in Europe this year and enjoy some much-needed festive cheer. If you're looking for a budget holiday in Europe, then visiting illuminated wooden stalls is the perfect way to celebrate. Large or small, each city’s market reflects a unique local culture – food, drink, music and more.
Search for hand-made gifts and mulled wine, buy a bratwurst and drink hot chocolate in some of Europe’s most historic cities.
Visitors can enjoy a wholesome taste of tradition visiting a Christmas market in December. Here are six of Europe’s cheapest.
Image by Gabriel Hess (Flickr/Creative Commons)
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas markets are world-famous and can be found all over the city, but the biggest one is opposite the City Hall. Head here for handcrafted gifts, bratwurst sausages and all the glühwein you can muster. Across the city, you'll find festive wooden stalls serving delicious Austrian cuisine, including sweet chestnuts and lots of waffeln (waffles).
Where? On the square in front of the City Hall
When? 18th November - 30th December 2017
Where to stay? Situated in Vienna’s Naschmarkt district, the Wombat's hostel is perfect for budget travellers wanting to hang out after drinking Glühwein. Beds from only €20.30.
Image by Top Budapest (Flickr/Creative Commons)
Budapest, Hungary
Christmas markets in Budapest are some of the most affordable in Europe, with the most popular being in Vörösmarty Square. After browsing the market stalls, refuel with some local specialities such as roast chestnuts and mulled wine. Check out the Gerbeaudcafe and soak up the wintry atmosphere, where you’ll find street entertainers, dancers, Christmas choirs, and string orchestras.
Where? Vörösmarty Square
When? 10th November - 31st December 2017
Where to stay? Crash out in modernist style at the LOL Boutique Hostel City Center in Budapest city centre. Beds from only €12.00.
Image by Roderick Eime (Flickr/Creative Commons)
Prague, Czech Republic
With its romantic postcard views, the Czech capital is the perfect Christmas destination for travellers. Prague's Christmas markets are held in the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) and the Havelska market (Havelské tržiště), which dates back to the 13th century.
Where? Old Town Square
When? 2nd December 2017 - 6th January 2018
Where to stay? Sophie's Hostel is a comfortable modern residence in Prague city centre. Perfect for meeting new friends and unwinding in style. Beds from only €13.12.
Image by yeowatzup (Flickr/Creative Commons)
Berlin, Germany
Germany’s capital has over 60 Christmas markets this year and like the rest of the city, they can be enjoyed cheaply. From the incredible WeihnachtsZauber, which is one of the most popular markets in Berlin, to the iconic Winter World at Potsdamer Platz, there is something for everyone. You can also go to the Alexanderplatz Christmas market and experience Europe’s largest Christmas pyramid under the gaze of the iconic Fernsehturm tower.
Where? Gendarmenmarkt next to the Französischer Dom
When? 27th November - 31st December 2017
Where to stay? Pegasus Hostel Berlin is situated close to Alexanderplatz and is a budget friendly choice in the city centre. Beds from only €14.00.
Image by davesandford (Flickr/Creative Commons)
Brussels, Belgium
Winter Pret (Places d'Hiver) is one of Belgium's cheapest Christmas markets and here you’ll find cosy stalls serving mulled wine, dark chocolate, bratwurst, and a seriously cool ice rink. Some of the cheapest hostels in Brussels are within walking distance of the market too. It’s perfect if you’ve over-indulged on Glühwein all day, and want to relax in comfort on a backpackers’ budget.
Where? Brussels city centre
When? 24th November - 31st December 2017
Where to stay? Sleep cheap in the heart of Europe this Christmas at Génération Europe Youth Hostel and enjoy modern luxury in style. Beds from only €28.00.
Image by Kārlis Dambrāns (Flickr/Creative Commons)
Riga, Latvia
Riga's Town Hall Square will be hosting a picturesque Christmas market this year, serving mulled wine, gingerbreads, Latvian sausages, sauerkraut, and smoked meats. Situated on the eastern side of the majestic Daugava River, the Christmas market is a magical place to spend a winter city break.
Where? Riga city centre
When? 26th November 2017 - 7th January 2018
Where to stay? If you want a 'good time and a good sleep' on a budget, then check out Central Hostel Riga in Riga's city centre. Beds from only €6.00.
*Header image by visitBerlin (Flickr/Creative Commons)
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