Central European Christmas Markets

Warm and Stuff Your Belly at Prague's Christmas Markets

Located near some of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets, Prague can more than compete with its rivals, especially at the Old Town Square. Here, Christmas music and short plays are performed from a stage. Below, you’ll find the usual Christmas crafts and decorations, but the real draw are the food and drinks for sale. There are many alcoholic drinks to help keep you warm, from mulled wine (Svarak) to warm mead (Medovina) and grog (a blend of Czech rum, hot water, and sugar). If drinking on an empty stomach doesn’t suit you, then enjoy traditional favorites, such as roasted chestnuts, smoked Prague ham, sausages, sweet pancakes or (Palacinky) or some Czech gingerbread (Pernik). The Christmas markets usually open at the end of November and don't close until January 6th.

Our blog has for plenty more details, here and especially here.

Prague Private Walking Tour

This three-hour walking tour of the Golden City is the ideal way to get to know the beautiful historic center of Prague. You will walk the Royal Route, originally used for the king's coronation procession. The walk takes you through the center of Old Town, where you'll see all of the most famous sights, and also learn about the fascinating history that has made Prague a unique destination throughout the ages. Crossing Charles Bridge, your guide will tell you all the stories of the past as you head up to Lesser Town, where the tour finishes.

Prague Venice Sightseeing Group Cruise

Take a 45 minute boat tour aboard the Vodouch and cruise through Prague Venice and the waterways of old Prague. Learn the history of Prague in the Charles Bridge Museum right next to the dock. This historical boat tour will give you the chance to see Prague from a different perspective. Don’t forget to enjoy the complimentary beverages during the tour and visit the Charles Bridge Museum.

Prague Castle Private Tour with Interiors

This tour of Prague Castle is the best way to quickly and easily take in the main star of the city's skyline. Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the castle by tram. Once inside the castle grounds, you'll see the most impressive sites while your guide fills you in on the vibrant history of the area and its importance for the Czech nation. Highlights of the tour include the Basilica of St. George, the Golden Lane, Daliborka Tower, the Royal Gardens and the Old Royal Palace, to name just a few. In three hours you'll take in all the must-sees at the castle, as well as a few hidden gems.

Experience the Life Monastic

One of the most breathtaking interiors in the city is to be found at the Strahov Monastery. The halls of the library here have featured in several Hollywood films. After feasting your eyes you'll have the chance to feast on some Czech classics and brewed on-site beer at the monastery brewery, then head to New World, a charming, quiet part of Prague Castle.

Museums of All Kinds, from Alchemy to Kafka

Prague’s got museums aplenty. In the center, the Museum of Communism tells the story of five decades of totalitarian rule. Hidden away in Old Town is the Alchemist's Workshop, celebrating the fact that Prague was the world center for alchemy back in the day. In Mala Strana district, you can find a Museum dedicated to Franz Kafka. The National Technical Museum in the Letna neighborhood celebrates above all the achievements of Czech engineers. Last but not least, the National Museum on Wenceslas Square's historic building is finally open again after several years of reconstruction.

Salzburg's Christkindlmarkt

Located next to the cathedral and at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg's Christkindlmarkt is an excellent way to explore Austrian culture, while keeping your belly warm and satisfied! In addition to around 100 market stands, the square hosts many daily events, from choral concerts to Krampus parades. If classical music is your thing, be sure to check the Salzburg Advent Festival. See our blog for plenty more details. Christmas Markets usually open around mid November and close on December 26.

Salzburg Private Walking Tour

Discover the beauty of Mozart's hometown as an experienced guide leads you on a walk through the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg. Your walk includes all the sightseeing highlights, such Mozart's birthplace and residence, the Getreidegasse, Cathedral, Residenz Palace, and Mirabell Palace, with its splendid gardens. If you come across anywhere you'd like to spend more time and go inside, your expert local guide will tailor the tour to your interests.

Apple Strudel and Salzburger Nockerl Small Group Cooking Class

The City of Music

Choose a true musical treat during your stay in Salzburg. The Mirabell Palace's grandiose Baroque-style Marble Hall awaits connoisseurs and enthusiasts of classical music almost daily. Apart from Mozart, pieces of Schubert, Vivaldi, Beethoven, and many more form the list of compositions. Experience the talent of soloists and ensembles dedicated to transmitting the musical spirit and heritage of Salzburg.

Advent Markets and Christmas Villages

Vienna hosts over 20 Advent Markets, but the most popular is held before the city hall. The city hall has an area where kids can learn to make Christmas cookies, and hosts international choirs, which sing carols on weekends. We also recommend the Christmas Village set up in front of the Belvedere Palace, at the opposite end of Vienna's historic Inner City. While smaller, the market matches the palace, and specializes in elaborate, traditional crafts and decorations. See our blog for plenty more details. Most of the markets open in mid November and close on December 26, some of them stay open until beginning of January.

Classic and Hidden Gems of Vienna

Tour Vienna's Old Town and listen to captivating stories from one of our local guides on this special excursion. The tour includes a perfect blend of old and new, from historic buildings to modern architecture, and insider info on places to eat and drink. This private English-language walking tour not only offers a great introduction to the city, but also delves deep into the city's amazing history, from the darkest hours to the brightest moments.

A Colorful Advent Feast and Calendar

The Advent Feast in front of St. Stephen's Basilica has crept its way up "best of" lists to become one of Europe's highest rated Christmas markets with a colorful Christmas tree, sitting in the middle of an ice skating rink. Nearby Vorosmary Square is transformed into the city’s largest Christmas market, with over 100 stands. The square’s Cafe Gerbeaud is one of Europe’s most famous coffeehouses, but the market’s projectors turn its facade into the world’s largest Advent calendar. Every night, another “window” is opened, accompanied by light and music shows, live entertainment, and food and wine tastings. Christmas Markets usually open at the beginning of November and close on January 1st.

Pest Private Walking Tour

Walk on the Buda Side

If you've seen enough of the Pest side of the city, walk across the river and explore the Buda side of Hungary's capital. In hilly Buda, you'll find several amazing baths, such as the famous Gellert Baths or the more hidden and local Kiraly Baths. Visit the Matthias Church, where Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth were coronated and stop at the Royal Palace, the home of Hungarian National Gallery. Don't forget to take a ride on the Buda Castle Funicular!

Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

You're invited for a panoramic boat ride at night, when the city will be beautifully lit up for your pleasure. Glass in hand, you will be able to experience how the legends of Budapest come alive. Look behind the walls of the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the bridges, and other splendid sights all bathed in light.

Culinary Walk: Food and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour

On this walking tour you will be introduced to the drinking and eating habits of the Hungarian people, shown why the Hungarian cuisine is one of a kind. We provide insights into the latest local food trends, and food shops of Budapest, as well as tasting some of the traditional drinks and food. We show you old and historical, but also new and hipster. Between the stops we spice up the tour with interesting historical facts and legends, and by the end of the tour you will be familiar with some great Hungarian inventions as well.

Bathe with the Locals

Is there anything more quintessentially Budapest than a visit to one of the legendary baths? With more hot springs than any other capital, the city lets you take your pick of various styles, from the old school Turkish Rudas Baths to the Art Nouveau Gellert Baths on the Buda side of the city, or even the Neo-Baroque Szechenyi Baths with a large outdoor pool in Pest’s City Park. These are very much for locals, don't expect day-spa luxury! We've written a handy roundup of Budapest's best baths here.