Germany · MARKETS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 12 market tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Start near the Reeperbahn with guides such as Berti or Fredo, then walk through Spielbudenplatz, the port, and the old Elb Tunnel. Ride the ferry toward Finkenwerder, visit Schellfischposten and the fish market, and finish with coffee, Hanseatic pastries, and live music.
“Unser Guide Fredo war super, mit tollen Geschichten über die Stadt. Die drei Stunden vergingen wie im Flug. Mega Klasse”
Spend 3 to 4 hours with an English-speaking guide visiting Munich’s best-known Christmas markets, from Marienplatz and the Residenz to Theresienwiese. Sample several glühwein styles, festive foods, and seasonal drinks in a small group of up to 15 people, with time to shop.
“Hugo was awesome! He was very pleasant and informative, smiling all throughout the tour. He kept checking on everybody, very accommodating. Glad to have made our first day of our Christmas market trip with him!”
Meet Utta Becker-Walter or another German-speaking guide outside Merz and Benzing for a 90-minute tour of Stuttgart Market Hall. See its historic architecture, hear lively stories, browse international delicacies, and finish with a glass of prosecco in the cellar.
“Durch die Markthalle von Frau Becker-Walter geführt zu werden ist ein großes Vergnügen :-) Echt schwäbisch, mit viel Temperament und Humor hat Frau Becker-Walter uns einen tollen Eindruck von diesem wundervollen historischen Gebäude und seiner Geschichte vermittelt. Wir empfehlen die Tour mit dem größten Vergnügen weiter! Martina und Alberto”
Spend three hours walking Munich’s Christmas markets with guides such as Patrick, Kevin, Iain, or Daniel. Taste seasonal sausages, pastries, pizza-style snacks, cookies, and several alcoholic drinks while visiting Marienplatz, Residenz, Wittelsbacherplatz, and Viktualienmarkt.
“We had an amazing time on this food tour, 10/10! Daniel was our guide and he was a lot of fun. He was very knowledgeable and added some fun and interesting stories including one about Lola Montez. We visited 5 Christmas markets, tried 3 different kinds of gluhwein and had 3 different snacks at the different markets. Everything was really tasty! We walked through the Munich city center and Daniel included a few historical stops and stories along the way. There were 3 couples, so 6 total plus Daniel - the perfect size group for this experience. I would highly recommend! Thank you Daniel!”
Meet at Brauerei zur Malzmühle at 4 p.m. for a three-hour walking tour led by a local guide such as Berni, Kim, Chris, or Michael. Visit Cologne’s main Christmas markets, learn Kölsch customs, and buy beer, mulled wine, snacks, and Feuerzangenbowle as you go.
“Great tour of the Christmas markets. Fun going with a guide who knows where the best spots are. We had a lot of fun!”
Travel from Prague in a small group of up to eight to Bastei Bridge and Dresden’s Striezelmarkt. You’ll get scenic Elbe canyon views, a guided Dresden walk, à la carte lunch, snacks, WiFi, and one Glühwein. Guides include Tereza, Ondrej, Robert, and Sam.
“Ondrej was very knowledgeable, on-time, & respectable of all our time. He is truly an asset to the tour group company in which he represents!”
Meet Kit in Schöneberg for a five-and-a-half-hour food experience built around Winterfeldtmarkt. Shop for seasonal ingredients, visit artisan food shops, then cook and eat a four-course German lunch in her home kitchen. The private group is limited to four people, with recipes included.
“We absolutely loved our market and cooking experience with Kit. She took us through the markets, history, vendors, then back to her flat to prepare a seasonal 4 course menu. We're a group of 5 friends, 2 who are not cooks and they enjoyed it as well.”
Walk from Karlstor through Marienplatz, the Residenz, and Odeonsplatz with a guide such as Paul or Freya. Expect Bavarian holiday stories, Glühwein stalls, sweets, a welcome gingerbread heart, and a postcard. The tour lasts about 90 minutes to two hours.
“La nostra guida era una signora molto simpatica e disponibile,che ci ha accolto molto bene, però per il prezzo pagato il tour non è stato un granché,e soprattutto non ha mantenuto le promesse fatte in fase di prenotazione,non abbiamo parlaRead more”
Start at Neckarmünzplatz and follow a German-speaking guide through Heidelberg’s Old Town to Universitätsplatz. You’ll hear regional Christmas stories, see market stalls across historic squares, and have time to sample winter treats. Expect some general city history along the way.
Ride through Berlin’s Christmas-lit boulevards and landmarks with a live German-speaking guide. See Kurfürstendamm, KaDeWe, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, Bebelplatz, and Alexanderplatz before a 45-minute stop at Charlottenburg Palace’s market, including free mulled wine.
“It went smoothly. Next time I would like to have a non-alcoholic punch. And maybe a few funny anecdotes about Berlin or Christmas. 🤶”
Walk from Karlsplatz through Munich’s Old Town with local guide Paul, stopping at three traditional eateries for soup, a Bavarian main course, and dessert with coffee. Food costs extra, and dietary requests should be discussed before booking.
“We had a wonderful time on our tour. Our guide Paul was absolutely fantastic. He had a great knowledge of Munich and took us to some wonderful places. We also enjoyed his company very much! Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to gain first hand an understanding of the Munich food scene! Thank you Paul!!!”
Walk Munich’s Christmas markets in a group of up to eight, meeting outside Café Frischhut. Your English or German-speaking local guide shares holiday customs, points out crafts and festive foods, and includes a hot drink and local treat during this one-hour outing.
Pick a city, a river or a beer hall.
