Prague – Czech Republic
I’m sure I’m not the only one who keeps seeing drone photography of Prague’s brown buildings whenever you Google the city’s name! this can be severely misleading. Not that I am opposed to the wonderful architecture of the city, but it is not the most enticing advert for those looking to come over to enjoy the magic and all the extravaganza that Christmas has to offer. We picked Prague out of sheer curiosity and because it was the next city in line. Oh boy, and it did not disappoint. Arriving in Old Town Square, I was so mesmerized and blown away that I was in tears! It reminded me of the fairy tales I used to read when I was younger; the old castles, blacksmiths chipping away near a hearty fire, creating metallic pendants, numerous food stalls, Christmas ornaments, the smell of hot chocolate in the air, and need I go on? The best part of it all is the atmosphere, the people, all in a jolly fine mood and soaking in the festivities. We really did not feel like tourists and blended right in, so that is why Prague takes the top spot in my book.
Budapest – Hungary
To be completely honest, our start in Budapest was met with a bit of cheating and crazy wind! As much as both these events left a sour note in our mouths, I cannot discount the fact that this city is beautiful and has some of the best food I have seen in the Christmas markets we have visited. The spread of meat, cakes, and bread was honestly delicious! The best part is, once you get over the initial confusion of having to dish out large notes (Hungarian Forint), you realize they are not that expensive. The decorations were very Christmassy all around. In Vörösmarty, square, one of my favourites was a stall that carried three different types of hot chocolate-white, milk, and dark. I had the white and it was surreal! Besides the Christmas markets, I enjoyed the fact that all other attractions, such as the thermal bath houses and the “Ferris Wheel of Budapest”, were open even during Christmas, a definite plus point in our travel plans and a must-visit when in Budapest.