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Market Magic: Find The Best Christmas Markets In Europe This Festive Season

December 4, 2019 Cherie Carter Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, News, Poland, UK Comments Off

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

With the year slowly drawing to a close and the festive season creeping up on us, cities across the world are decking their halls and trimming their trees in preparation for one of the best-loved Christmas traditions there is – the Christmas market.

With so many stunning locations across the globe offering their take on the traditional Christmas market, it can be hard to choose where to head for a festive break and a chance to grab those extra special gifts. Some of the most popular locations are in central Europe, including the site of the first ever Christmas market – this means not only are they a great way to fit in a city break before the holidays, they’re also relatively cheap and cheerful for travel, stays and shopping. We also offer our car rental services in every single one of these locations, giving us the ability to help make your travel even simpler. To make the hustle and bustle of travelling through the holidays just that little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the top Christmas markets in Europe to help you decide where to visit next – all that’s left for you to do is work on that Christmas list!

Vienna, Austria

Home of the first ever Christmas market held all the way back in 1289, Christmas in Vienna is the product of centuries of tradition – but that doesn’t mean it’s old fashioned. During the holiday season, Vienna is home to more than 20 different stalls offering everything from traditional homemade gifts and Christmas decorations, to fresh local foods and hot mulled wine to keep you cosy while you shop.

The Viennese Dream Christmas market is definitely the main attraction of the festive season – set against the backdrop of the beautiful City Hall and offering ‘creative workshops’ for children to make their own special gifts and post their wish lists, it’s the perfect Christmas getaway for the family.

With flights from the UK starting at £80 and hotels in the area from £80 for a long weekend (based on two sharing) it is slightly on the higher end in terms of budget, but if you’re looking to lose yourself in festive tradition then Vienna is definitely the spot for you.

The Viennese Dream Christmas market is open 10am-10pm, 15-26 December
Admission cost – FREE

Prague, Czech Republic

With nativity, choirs and angels galore, Prague’s Christmas market in the Old Town district is the cornerstone of everything advent – if you’re after winter wonderland, then look no further. Surrounded by a backdrop of Prague’s beautiful gothic architecture, the rustic wooden huts of the Old Town Square market are the perfect place to pick up one of a kind gifts and experience some cosy Christmas magic at the same time. You’ll be able to find traditional wooden toys, handmade jewellery and delicate Christmas decorations to name just a few, so you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone. Mostly known for its twinkling lights and delicious food and drink, Prague’s Old Town market also has a petting zoo for younger children, and daily tree-lighting ceremonies that are held every hour from 16:30.

Return flights from the UK to Prague in December start at around £60, with hostels near to the markets starting as low as £30 for a long weekend (based on 2 guests) or a cosier, quieter hotel room setting you back just £50 for the weekend, Prague is definitely a good location if you’re looking for a classic Christmas trip with more money saved for the presents!

Prague’s Christmas markets are open every day from 30 November – 06 January, with the lights switched on in Old Town Square every hour from 16:30 – 21:30
Admission cost – 25 CZK (approx. 0.85 GBP)

Berlin, Germany

German Christmas markets, or chriskindlmarkt, are the ones that we in the UK most associate with the festive season, as these magical markets are where ours take most of their inspiration from. Although they’re not the origin of the Christmas market they are arguably the most famous, so it’s a no brainer that they’re one of the most popular locations for a festive break.

There are over 70 markets to choose from in Berlin alone, the largest of which is the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt. Not only is it the perfect place to pick up creative gifts such as blown glass and origami; there is also an array of theatrical and dance performers to enjoy. Popular for its varied entertainment, beautiful backdrop and delicious food, this is the perfect place to visit if you want your experience to be something a little out of the ordinary.

At this time of the year Berlin is fairly middle range in terms of cost – a return flight from the UK to Berlin will set you back around £75. however the accommodation is a little on the pricier side, with hostels from around £50 and hotels from £90 for 3 nights.

The WeihnachtsZauber Christmas Market is open 11am – 10pm daily, 25 November – 31 December (closed at 6pm on Christmas Eve, and 1am on New Year’s Eve)
Admission cost – 1 EUR

Gdasnk, Poland

If you’re looking for some Christmas market magic on a tighter budget, then Gdansk’s picturesque market in Old Town is the perfect festive getaway that doesn’t break the bank.

This traditional attraction has everything you could want in a Christmas market, from cosy handmade woollen scarves and gloves to sledding competitions and a Christmas lights ceremony from Santa himself. The market also features their traditional Christmas fair, which boasts new attractions every year – this year visitors can enjoy a 2-level carousel and food court with traditional mulled wine, hot cider and delicious Polish food.

As well as visits from Santa and his elves for younger visitors, you can also expect light shows and carol performances to entertain you while you take in the sights, along with an ice skating rink within the market itself – what better way to enjoy the twinkling lights and festive spirit?

This is definitely the cheapest option for those looking to travel on a budget – flights from the UK are just £35, with hostels as cheap as £35 for 3 nights and hotels from just £50 GBP.

The Christmas Market and Fair are open 11am-7pm daily, 01 – 23rd December
Admission cost – FREE

Copenhagen, Denmark

Home of hygge and famous for its dedication to all things calming and comfy, Denmark is the perfect place to visit for a cozy Christmas break. Copenhagen certainly seems like the city with everything to offer over the holiday season – from a festive theme park at Tivoli Garden’s Christmas market, to a twinkling kayak parade, you’ll never be short of new experiences in this city that really does take Christmas to the next level.

Copenhagen was also home to storyteller Hans Christian Anderson – and of course, there is a Christmas market dedicated entirely to bringing his fairy tales to life. With a unique theme to each stall named after a classic fairytale, this old fashioned market is a magical experience that’s not to be missed.
If you’d prefer a more traditional market with a cosy Copenhagen backdrop, head over to Nyhavn’s Christmas market; situated right by the harbour it’s the perfect place to lose yourself in the city, with its cobbled streets and some of the oldest architecture in Copenhagen.

It’s no surprise that with its wealth of tradition and extensive list of must-see experiences, Copenhagen is one of the most expensive places to visit at this time of year. Flights start from around £55, however accomodation is on the pricier side, with hostels upwards of £100 and hotels from £160 for a long weekend – however if you’re looking for rich tradition and the cosiest of Christmases, Copenhagen is definitely the city for you.

Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market is open now – 05 January, from 11:00-23:00 Sun-Thurs, and 11:00-midnight Fri-Sat
Admission cost – 110 DKK (approx. 12.60 GBP)

Manchester, UK

Looking for something a little closer to home? Here in the UK we have a long list of great Christmas markets, but none quite as impressive as Manchester.

Voted the best in the UK, Manchester’s award-winning Christmas markets are spread across the city with over 300 stalls to tempt you into the festive spirit. The market is host to a range of suppliers, both local businesses and those from across Europe, so there’s certainly no shortage of stocking fillers to be found. Manchester’s Christmas markets are also famous for their food – with everything from a traditional Bratwurst to more exotic dishes like fresh paella and chorizo rolls from Little Spain and a range of vegetarian options, it’s festive street food at its best.

Albert Square is always the main attraction, with stalls in other various locations across the city. Cathedral Gardens is home to a family-friendly activities hub – this features an ice rink, and the stunning Ice Village with ice sculptures and an ice slide for children – but Santa’s grotto is guaranteed to be the main attraction. This year, Manchester’s markets will also be home to a Tiki Ice Bar serving delicious cocktails –perfect for those who aren’t too keen on the traditional mulled wine, but still fancy a festive tipple.

If you’re based in the UK, Manchester is easy to reach from almost anywhere, and transport is relatively cheap. Hotels in the centre start from £85 for 3 nights, so you can stay close to the festivities without breaking the bank.

Manchester Christmas Markets are open now – 21/22 December, 10:00 – 21:00
Admission cost – FREE

So if you’re looking a quick festive getaway this year, there’s no shortage of stunning Christmas markets across Europe to get you into the yuletide spirit – whether it’s picking up last minute gifts or losing yourself in the hustle and bustle of a sparkling city, our top holiday markets are guaranteed to be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re heading away and looking to make your trip that little bit easier in the hectic run up to Christmas, why not treat yourself to a hire car to make exploring a new city simpler? Here are Indigo we offer rental services in all of these locations and many more – get in touch with our team to find out more about Christmas car hire.

Car Hire With Free GPS

November 20, 2019 Robert Gillespie Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France Offers, Germany, Holland, Netherlands, Switzerland Comments Off

Car Hire With A Free GPS

One of the questions we are asked most here at Indigo is whether our rental cars include a GPS. While travelling in a new country is exciting, it’s important to know where you’re going to be able to make the most of your trip – which is likely why this is one of our most requested extras.

With most rental companies, a GPS is charged as an additional extra – and with most suppliers charging per day, the cost can soon add up. However, we have managed to secure a deal with our suppliers to offer FREE GPS in some European locations, meaning that customers travelling in the following locations can find their way around, without the fuss and without the fee:

This option guarantees you will receive a vehicle with a built in GPS, rather than an additional device which can be often be tricky to use. There are other alternatives when renting, such as using a mobile phone – however a vehicle with an inbuilt GPS means you get to avoid any extra roaming charges and still enjoy exploring a new city with ease, at no extra cost.

Car hire with a free GPS is only available in certain locations through us directly (not available online) and supply will be limited. If you’re travelling in any of these locations and a free GPS is an absolute must-have for your rental, contact our reservations team – they will be happy to do all the legwork to find you the best possible rental deal and help your trip go smoothly.

Hiring A Car In Austria With Winter Tyres

October 21, 2019 Robert Gillespie Austria, winter car rental Comments Off

Austria attracts over 20 million tourists annually, whether that is to visit the old castles and palaces or to hit the slopes. Although a lot of people visit Austria in the summer, there is a large amount who visit in the Winter season. With ski resorts and other places of interest a considerable distance from the airport, a lot of tourists choose to hire a car for their holiday.

If you are travelling in Winter, there is a lot you need to know. Luckily for you, we have done all the research for you and compiled it into one blog. All the information you need related to winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks in Austria is in this blog.

Is It A Legal Requirement To Have Winter Tyres In Austria?

Yes, if you travel between the 1st November and the 15th April you must have winter tyres equipped on your car. The good news for you is that the cost of Winter tyres is included in the cost of your rental and are fit as standard.

Do I Need Snow Chains In Austria?

Yes, in some areas, in particular mountainous regions, you will be required to use snow chains. Although it is possible to travel in Austria and not use snow chains once, it is always best to have them just in case. Failure to use snow chains in the required areas can result in a hefty fine. On top of that, if you have an accident and you should have used snow chains but didn’t, it is automatically considered to be your fault. Snow chains can be requested with your supplier for around £40 for 1 week.

What Else Should I Consider?

If you are planning to use your hire car for a ski trip, you may need a ski rack, these are available from the supplier, but will incur an extra cost of around £40 per week. Please be aware that the ski racks are made to hold a maximum of 2 sets of skis, if you are travelling as a family this may not be suitable. Alternatively, it might work better to hire a larger car in order to fit the skis in.

If you plan on going across the border with cross border car hire, you need to research the legal requirements of the countries you intend to visit. If any of the countries you plan to visit by law require you to have snow chains, winter tyres or anything else specific, this must be arranged when booking the hire car. Failure to meet these laws can void your insurance and get you in trouble with the local law enforcement. Always check local driving laws before you travel to avoid any problems.

When hiring a car, we always recommend that you call us, especially when you have specific requirements. Our dedicated team of specialists can answer any questions you have and ensure you have a stress-free car hire. Contact our team today!

Car Hire For New Drivers In Europe

May 2, 2019 Robert Gillespie Austria, Germany, News, Spain, UK Comments Off

Car hire for new licence holders in Spain

If you have just passed your driving test you and have tried to hire a car you will know the difficulties of finding a supplier who will accept you. This is because you are an inexperienced driver and there is more chance of you having a crash. Previously, we have announced we can offer car hire for newly qualified drivers in the UK, but we wanted to offer more locations for you.

We are pleased to announce that we now offer car hire for newly qualified drivers across Europe providing you have your drivers licence photocard with you. Not all vehicle sizes are available with this offer, but you can hire up to a compact size car, for example a Peugeot 308 or VW Golf.

Is There An Age Limit To Hire A Car As A Newly Qualified Driver?

Unlike before where you had to be 25 to hire a car if you had just passed your test, you can now hire from as young as 18! So if you are looking to go on your first holiday with your friends you can now hire a car and save the hassle of using public transport abroad.

Can I Use Debit Card For This Offer?

Yes, you can use your debit card for this offer as long as it meets the restrictions. If you are unsure if it meets the restrictions contact our team and they will walk you through the process from start to finish, making car hire easier than ever before.

I Can Get A Low Deposit Too?

The last thing you want to do is put down a big deposit because you’re a newly qualified driver. This is unfair and sometimes not possible if you don’t have spare money lying around. Don’t worry Indigo has an offer of low deposit with prices as low as €300 deposit, now there is no excuse to not hire a car when you go abroad.

Where In Europe Can I Hire A Car As A Newly Qualified Driver?

Salzburg a fairy tale in the heart of the Alps

July 28, 2014 Robert Gillespie Austria, Travel Advice Comments Off

There’s a fairy tale surrounded by green hills and classical music. Once you step inside you’ll walk into romantic gardens, castles and fortresses with dreaming spires. Salzburg′s attractions are loved by millions of visitors from all over the World. With a tourist-per-capita ratio higher than Venice or Florence, the city is among the busiest places of Europe all year round. We can call Salzburg a fairy tale in the heart of the Alps.

It is difficult not to burst into song when you’re seeing Mirabell Palace and Gardens for the first time. During summer Salzburg organizes small private concerts in the Marmorsaal in Schloss Mirabell. From its charming gardens you can admire the Hohensalzburg fortress which looms over the city. It’s easy to get there too, after crossing the beautiful Salzach River. The “Old Town”, is world famous for its baroque architecture and is one of the best-preserved city centers in central Europe being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Salzburg is showing at every corner that this is the place where Mozart was born. We have to admit that this amazing Austrian city is the ‘home’ of the Sound of Music…and some great beer. It’s a pleasure to walk among these wonders and feel the atmosphere which by the way is festive all seasons. During summer you can spend your time between hiking and open-air concerts and during winter between skiing and astonishing Christmas markets. Anytime you may take a walk at Getreidegasse which is in fact a long and narrow street running parallel to the river in the centre of town, with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants.

When visiting Salzburg you should hire a car

If you travel to Salzburg by car, you’ll have plenty of places to visit around the city. If you don’t have one, then when visiting Salzburg you should hire a car! Travelers are enthusiastic about visiting the entire area which is simply flabbergasting: Mount Untersberg, Mount Gaisberg, Glasenbach Klamm, National Park Hohe Tauern, Mount Großglockner, Krimml Waterfalls, etc.

One of the first impressions when you arrive in the Austrian Alps is that there are more hotels and guesthouses than dwellings. So finding a suitable accommodation would not be a problem at all in Austria. You can choose from a large range of prices and features from hostels to ultra-luxury apartments. The only thing you should keep in mind though, is that you should book your room early enough, as most of the hotels are full in high and peak season.
It is not permitted to visit Salzburg and ignore its various lakes and charming towns around them! They’re gorgeous on a level with the famous English Lake District! Try a circular route: stop in Strobl, St. Wolfgang, Bad Ischl, Ebensee, and have a dinner Gmunden. You could deviate a bit your journey at Bad Ischl, when instead of going directly to Ebensee you’d go south towards Hallstadt, a breathtaking place in the mountains.

So if you love art and history, music and silence, castles and romantic gardens, lakes and the mountains wearing the most charming green you have ever seen, then summer is the best reason to come in this wonderful Austrian area. This is one of those paradises where you can laze in the sun for hours, by the lake, somewhere in the heart of the Alps. Or you can rent a boat. Or a bike. Or you could just walk and keep asking yourself if it’s real!

If you are interested in hiring a car for your trip to Salzburg or anywhere in Austria and need guidance in terms of vehicles or any other special requirements then our reservation agents will be happy to assist you. Contact us directly by calling +44 (0)113 880 0748 or emailing us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk and we will get right back to you.