Where to visit in Europe in December (4 Days)..?

Tdireddi

Hello,

Looking to book a nice city break for myself and herself right before Christmas..Ideally somewhere theres lots to do for a young couple (21 Years of Age)..?

We both like shopping clothes ect, and she mentioned she would love to do her shopping abroad this Xmas, we're both into our sports and im very into beautiful sights ect.. Love taking pictures A nice Christmas Market is also a must

As we are both students the trip will have to kept within a tight budget..im prepared to buy her the flights and Accommodation for Xmas (Budget of €250 P.P MAX)..

I had Krakow in mind but have also heard a lot about Cologne, Prague and Munich..Theres to much to choose from, just don't want to land somewhere where we will be bored without nothing much which interests us to see nor much shopping outlets to shop for our families

Any recommendations people, thanks for any info

hawkwind23

Krakow ticks all the boxes , id stick with it.
Maybe spend a night in Zakopane , plenty of nice walks and it is spectacular with the Tatra mountains , takes around 2 hours to get there by coach and only a fiver, might even get some skiing in.

hawkwind23

Sorry , only negative is that the flights might be pricey in December with so many Poles visiting family etc

Mark74

Prague is very nice at christmas...was there 3 years ago.
Also which airport is your closest here....as you will save a lot going direct. Take a look on the daa website to see the list of direct options.

Mr rebel

Prague is beautiful and dirt cheap. You can get a gorgeous 4 star hotel for about €120pps for 4 days. In fact, I'd recommend the Clarion Prague City hotel which is lovely and in a great central location.
Charles Bridge at night is very romantic too.

Munich is also beautiful but it isn't so budget friendly as accommodation is quite expensive there.

Berlin would be another one to consider with extremely cheap flights from Shannon (if you are living in the west/south west of the country).

Tdireddi

I'm from Galway myself so airport wise Dublin and Shannon would be an equal commute for me. Is there much to see in praque..? Krakow sounds good, but how is it for shopping etc..?

hawkwind23

Krakow for shopping this time of year it has the Xmas market type stuff you find in all major European cities, has a large square which will be decorated.

When you arrive in the city by bus or train from the airport you enter a shopping mall, take you all day to walk round it , has all the stores you would expect in any global city.

http://www.galeriakrakowska.pl/pl (should be an English option)

Belox

Prague for sure. Worth each and every penny spent during my last visit.

Mark74

i cant post links, but trip advisor gives good info on cities like Prague etc. for instance that the markets are open over christmas etc.

Spanish Eyes

Prague or Kracov for value for money and a real Christmassy feel with the snow and the Christmas markets. Plenty to see and do.

Cheap as chips if you seek out the right places. I think you will enjoy either city at that time.

It will be COLD so bring warm clothes, hat scarf and gloves. I wish I was going myself now!

Ryan Mac Sweeney

Hi
I have read your post. Yes I would highly recommend Berlin for Christmas shopping as it is great value for money and you would also get a cheap return flight from Dublin with Ryanair. Also Krakow sounds nice as it is great value for money and there is lots to do there such as the cathedral for example. Also in Berlin there is a fablous Christmas market where they sell pretzels and frankfurthers. So if I were you I would definitely settle on Berlin.

Tdireddi

Well i bit the bullet and have booked Krakow Will be leaving Dublin Monday evening, landing over in Krakow that night, il be coming back Friday morning, so about 3 whole days...hope this is enough Anyways just looking for info now regarding taxis and stuff, heard about a lot of Taxis ripping of travellers over there, is this true..? Im also looking to visit, Auswithz, Salt Mines and hopefully Zakopane..question is whats the best way of booking trips to the atractions i mentioned and should I book them before I leave Ireland..?

In regards to Zakopane, Would it be costly enough to get a taxi return to Zakopane, I see the bus takes 3 hours or so..?

Also any other tips ect..? Places to eat, Shop ect..

Il be staying at Ostoya Palace Hotel also...would a taxi be dear from the airport to the hotel on arrival, its only 12Km away..?

Thanks for all the info people, cant wait

hawkwind23

Booking tours- i would wait till you get there , check out the walking tours , they are free. Also consider Howa Nuta , its a bit different and very interesting.
I would choose one or the other with Salt Mines/Auschwitz , both are a full day.
The free walks take in the Castle and Kamirez etc , be the guts of a day doing that.
Plenty to see in the city without going too far out of town.
Maybe do Auschwitz and see Pope JP's place in the same day

In regards to Zakopane, Would it be costly enough to get a taxi return to Zakopane, I see the bus takes 3 hours or so..?

No Zakopane would be a nights stay , its around 2 hours depending on traffic , suppose it could be done with an early start. Just take the bus from the main station, theres a few each hour all day long. Its around €20 return.
Id stay the night though.

Also any other tips ect..? Places to eat, Shop ect..

Go into the streets just off the main square for food, always a bit cheaper , TA is a decent pointer.

Il be staying at Ostoya Palace Hotel also...would a taxi be dear from the airport to the hotel on arrival, its only 12Km away..?

Train and 20 minute walk to the hotel but maybe handy to get taxi , been ages since i took one , around €20 i would imagine for a taxi.
get the train back once your used to the city

Thanks for all the info people, cant wait [/QUOTE]

Yeah you'll have a great time! hoping to get a few days in myself mid dec

amber2

Have used Artur from Dream Cabs can recommend him.

http://www.dreamcabkrakow.com

Return Taxi trip to Zakopane would cost in or around 660zl

spurious

Suggest you get a booked transfer from the airport, using the guy Amber recommended or this guy, Adam who I can vouch for (if you use him, tell him the teacher from Dublin recommended him - he might do you a deal). He does one day Ausckwitz/Birkenau - Wieliczka trips and also a day trip to Zakopane.

Parchment

Berlin