European Christmas Markets in Berlin, Munich, Salzburg & Paris

In this episode, Genni and her mom, Gloria, continue Part 2 of their magical European Christmas market adventure! 

From bratwurst and gingerbread in Berlin to twinkling lights in Paris, they share their favorite markets, cozy eats, money-saving hacks, and what they’d do differently next time.

🎄 Whether you're dreaming of a festive winter trip or just love hearing about holiday food and travel mishaps, this one’s for you.

✨ Highlights:

• Favorite markets & most festive cities (spoiler: Germany wins!)
• The Eierpunsch fail (egg punch ≠ eggnog 😬)
• Käsespätzle: Genni’s mac-and-cheese obsession comes to life
• How they saved big with the Bayern Ticket
• Pro tip: bring bubble wrap if you’re collecting mugs
• Budget-friendly hotel & flight hacks
• Paris markets: pretty, but not so magical

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro
 01:02 – Berlin hotels & getting around
 05:32 – Berlin’s Christmas markets
 12:28 – Best (and worst) market foods
 23:23 – Night tour & frosted mugs
 30:39 – Flight to Munich
 32:07 – Munich Airport Christmas market
 33:21 – Exploring Munich’s Old Town markets
 35:36 – Day trip to Salzburg
 46:54 – Back to Munich for more festive fun
 53:59 – Flight to Paris
 57:59 – Comparing Paris to Germany’s markets
 01:00:29 – Final thoughts & travel tips

📍 Trip Overview

Berlin
Hotels: Moxy Berlin Airport, H10 Berlin Ku’damm
Markets: Breitscheidplatz, Potsdamer Platz, Alexanderplatz, Rotes Rathaus
Sites: Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Church
Must-try foods: Lebkuchen, Glühwein, Käsespätzle, bratwurst, Schmalzkuchen

Munich
Hotel: Hotel Mio by Amano (Sendlinger Tor)
Markets: Marienplatz, Rindermarkt, Wittelsbacherplatz (medieval), Residenz
Sites: Frauenkirche, Asam Church, Glockenspiel
Meal Highlight: Der Pschorr – pretzel, beer & beef stew

Salzburg (Day Trip)
Transport: Bayern Ticket (regional pass)
Stops: Café Fürst (Mozartkugel!), Mirabellplatz, Domplatz, Residenzplatz
Sites: Mozart’s Birthplace, St. Peter’s Church, Sound of Music garden

Paris
Hotel: Hotel Thérèse (near the Louvre)
Markets: Tuileries Garden, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame
Sites: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Galeries Lafayette
Activity: Big Bus Paris Christmas Illuminations Tour

✈️ Pro Tip:

Bring bubble wrap if you’re collecting Christmas market mugs — it saved their souvenirs on the way home!

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