The Cheapest & Most Popular European Christmas Market Breaks
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As soon as the festive period approaches and those dark nights settle in, there’s one thing we all look forward to and that’s the return of the beloved Christmas markets. With the celebrations starting as early as November, it seems every European city wants in on the action.
With the run-up to the big day fast approaching, look no further as we reveal which markets are the cheapest alongside the most popular so you know where to head for some seasonal fun this winter.
The Winner
In more detail
Krakow named the best value city for all-round savings
Krakow comes out on top when it comes to great value for money with a two night break including your flight, hotel, transfers, food and drink for the duration of your trip costing around £317 for two people. Despite being the second cheapest in terms of accommodation and flight, when you factor in the cost of food, drink and transfers it offers the biggest all-round bargains.
It’s easy to stick to your budget when it comes to eating out here, considering Krakow doesn’t use the euro. It’s also worth mentioning that three out of the top four cheapest Christmas market destinations use a different currency. If you want to get a feel for the prices here, two evening meals, a glass of wine and a pint of beer in a run-of-the-mill restaurant will set you back £50.42! While, essential extras such as return airport transfers will cost just £3.51.
It looks like Krakow Christmas markets are here to stay. Hosting the largest wintertime fair in Poland with wooden stalls taking over its Main Market Square, searches are at an all-time high too. That said, we’re bound to see an increase in people flocking to its well-preserved Old Town for a slice of the festivities this year.
Riga is the cheapest choice for flight + hotel
Fairly new to the Christmas market scene, Riga has been ranked the cheapest for a festive break with your flight and accommodation costing less than elsewhere for two nights. The official currency of Latvia is the euro, which may be a determining factor for those looking for countries which sit outside the eurozone as such destinations have proved better value for money when it comes to the price of food and drink.
Trips to the capital have peaked over the last five years. There was a slight drop in searches during 2018, but it still remains a top choice for winter getaways. Despite being evidence to suggest the city put up the first every Christmas tree, this lesser-known hotspot was relatively unheard of compared to Europe’s mainstream market spots. However, with its ideal flight time and low costs, it seems to have made a name for itself.
Budapest 2nd cheapest for overall price
The Hungarian capital is bursting with twinkling lights by the time winter comes around and you’ll be happy to discover this emerging city is the second cheapest for overall price. In fact, a two night break including your flight, hotel, transfers, food and drink for the duration of your trip will cost £327 – which is just a £10 increase in relation to the cheapest city (Krakow).
Seasonal trips to this magical city certainly won’t break the bank. When you look at the price of four cups of coffee, Budapest is actually cheaper at £5.10, while four cups in Krakow will cost £7.04. What’s more, its interest has nearly doubled compared to 2018 – and its popularity is now at the highest it has ever been.