With Christmas markets in the UK known for being expensive, it’s worth looking further afield for a cheaper alternative – and one lesser-known spot is a fraction of the price
There’s nothing quite like a hot cup of mulled wine to get you in the festive spirit, especially when you’re wandering around a picturesque European Christmas market.
But let’s face it, they can be a bit pricey – for instance, a single cup of mulled wine at Berlin’s Christmas market will set you back five euros, and if you fancy keeping the mug as a souvenir, that’s an extra three euros.
And don’t think staying on home turf will save you any pennies – UK Christmas markets are notorious for being some of the priciest in Europe.
Visiting Manchester’s Christmas markets this year? Be prepared to shell out around £25 for a beer and a bratwurst, reports the Express.
If you’re eager to soak up some festive cheer but are watching your wallet, there’s a ‘hidden gem’ of a European Christmas market that offers an authentic experience without breaking the bank.
READ MORE: The stunning UK village that’s home to two of the UK’s best restaurants
Travel experts at eurochange have crowned Wroclaw in Poland as the most budget-friendly Christmas market destination for this year.
It’s a true winter wonderland, spread across the city with plenty of spots to discover.
Nestled in Rynek Marquet Square, Place Solny, Swidnicka Street and Oawska Street, there’s a wealth of stalls to peruse, offering everything from beautiful handmade crafts by local businesses to mouth-watering treats.
And the best part? According to the experts, it’s incredibly affordable, with a mulled wine setting you back just 15 PLN (£3.10) plus a 15 PLN deposit for the mug.
However, if the mug doesn’t tickle your fancy, there’s a plethora of restaurants and bars around the markets where you can nab a cosy cup of mulled wine for just 9 PLN (£1.86).
According to the travel gurus, getting there is also a steal. The cheapest flights are a mere £29 from London Luton per person, with return flights from Stanstead setting you back only £39.
Accommodation won’t break the bank either, with prices hovering around £29 per night based on two adults sharing.
But it’s not all about the Christmas markets. Wroclaw is steeped in rich history and offers a myriad of activities that folks of all ages will absolutely adore – let’s not forget the mouth-watering food scene.
Wroclaw’s numerous parks are stunning throughout the year, but they truly shine in winter. Szczytnicki, the city’s largest park, is a must-visit, conveniently located right next to the Centennial Hall.
This awe-inspiring dome-like structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and when it was erected in 1913, it was the world’s most impressive reinforced concrete structure.
And no journey would be complete without indulging in some of Poland’s scrumptious cuisine.
According to Wroclaw Guide, this year’s Christmas markets will host a variety of food and drink vendors, serving up delectable dishes for visitors to savour.
One standout is oscypek, a unique smoked cheese served with cranberries that hails from the mountains – and it’s a delicacy you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Sausages, bigos, skewers, potato pancakes and more traditional Polish dishes can also be bought while you’re browsing the stalls.
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