1 week Ago By [email protected] (Ewan Gleadow)
Travel expert Emma, known on TikTok as @groundedinlondon, has shared savvy tips for experiencing Europe's most enchanting Christmas markets on a shoestring budget. Detailing a "magical" jaunt through Budapest and Prague's Christmas festivities, she lays out a frugal three-night city break during the festive period. This cost-effective adventure, rich in culture, can be yours for an alluring £220, including flights, coach travel and lodgings.
Emma enthuses: "I've been to both these cities and I absolutely love them, and I think a great thing about both of them is they are really affordable. They're just such magical places to visit, there's so much to see, so much to do, super walkable, full of history, and at Christmas time it's even better." Carefully planning her trip from airport logistics to the flight—which tallied at a mere £28 via Gatwick with Wizz Air—Emma's agenda brought her to Hungary's iconic cityscape.
There she enjoyed two nights in a hotel, totalling £115. READ MORE: People are obsessed with £8.50 French wine – but fans can't look past hilarious detail For those travelling with a buddy, splitting the cost of a two-night hotel stay could see each person paying just £57.
50. Emma advised booking earlier flights as they allow "you still get a really good chunk of the afternoon and evening to explore Budapest". The delightful Christmas markets in Budapest are open from November 17 all the way until January 1.
Once ready to move on, a Flix Bus ride to Prague can be secured for £48.99. Although Emma cautioned that the seven-hour journey isn't everyone's cup of tea, it is certainly a budget-friendly option for a dual-city trip; however, there are pricier plane and train alternatives.
She pointed out that Prague’s Old Town markets are a must-visit, and happily, a flight back to Stansted from Prague only set her back £38. In response to a TikTok enquiry about the safety of the cities post-sunset, particularly for those travelling solo, Emma answered: "Good question! I didn't go on my own so probably am not the best person to ask! I always felt safe with my friends at night but safety always depends on so many factors.".
