Estonia

One Reddit user said they had visited markets in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Estonia last winter, and the experience soon began to lose its sheen.

Visiting a Christmas market is a delightful festive tradition for many. The ambience and festivity make them a great way to get into the seasonal spirit, and there’s a chance of finding some unique Christmas gifts you wouldn’t spot elsewhere.

But there can be too much of a good thing, as one Reddit user discovered when they visited eight different markets across Europe last winter. Posting on the social media site, the user said they had visited markets in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Estonia, and the experience soon began to lose its sheen.

They wrote: “When I visited more than two or three markets in a short time (weekend) they all started to blur together really quickly. Each market had its own things, like different themes, food, and decorations, but after a few markets, it became hard to remember what things were in which city.

“All the markets started to feel repetitive, like a general ‘winter/Christmas market’ packed with people rather than something new and interesting in each location.”

They added they were disappointed to see local, handmade products were often drowned out by mass-produced goods. Concluding, they said they would still be visiting some Christmas markets this year, but would spread out their visits, and wouldn’t go to as many.

“I don’t regret my travel decisions – mainly because the markets were not the main point of my travels,” they said. “But if they were, I would be, just because it turns into one big blur so easily.

“So I will definitely recommend checking out some Christmas market or two if they’re your thing, just spend a little bit more time there to actually translate and understand all the cool local products they have.”

Commenters were mixed in their reactions, with some agreeing, but others saying they loved visiting Christmas markets in the lead-up to the big day.

One wrote: “I think going to one Christmas market – either here at home or somewhere else – per year can be charming, but to be honest, the whole thing has become so industrialised that I’m pretty done even after one. But I see it as more of an experience and usually don’t want to buy much.

“Like part of the charm is being outside, getting rosy cheeks, dipping in somewhere for a cappuccino or hot chocolate, or having eiswein, being with friends and not having structure or plans. Goes honestly for outdoor markets not at Christmas time, also, but there is something unique and charming at Christmas. It is sad about the squeezing out of real artisans.”

Another said: “Visiting too many Christmas markets quickly can really drain the experience and make them blur together tbh. It is actually smart to focus on one or two. I’d also support local artisans over mass produced souvenirs to keep the culture and quality alive.”

But a third said: “I’ve been to lots of Christmas markets with nice local food, crafts and arts that you can’t easily find elsewhere. And even if it is stuff you can find elsewhere, often the ambience is often quite nice. Talking about the real deal, German markets, and the best of Dutch markets; many other countries have markets which are fake touristy imitations of the real deal.”

And another said: “I love the markets, and go to several for the vibe and the food and the gluhwein. German village markets are fantastic.”

During the winter months, this city break destination is a real-life winter wonderland thanks to its snowy weather. With Jet2 launching new routes it’s now easier than ever to visit its famous Christmas market

Jet2 is set to launch three new routes to a city break destination that’s famous for its medieval old town and Christmas market.

Flights from Edinburgh to Tallinn will run from November 27, with flights from Manchester and Birmingham launching on November 28. These seasonal flights come just in time to explore Tallinn when it’s often at its most beautiful, with frozen, snowy weather typical in the run up to Christmas. There are flights this December for just £30.

Jet2 describes Tallinn as looking like a “medieval fairytale”. The old town is UNESCO-listed, and has historic squares, cobbled streets, and colourful architecture. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend the day wandering around, looking at the perfectly-preserved old buildings and stopping for a strong black coffee and a sweet pirukad pastry.

In the winter months, the old town is particularly charming, decked out in Christmas lights and often with a sprinkling of snow on the ground. The Christmas Market opens on November 21, and runs until December 28, with wooden stalls selling traditional crafts, fairground rides, and a land train decked out in fairy lights to take you round the town.

At the heart of the square is, what locals claim is Europe’s first Christmas tree. The area has been home to a Christmas tree since 1441, long before other nations took on the tradition of decorating trees in their homes. Once you’ve wandered around the square, try some traditional Christmas foods such as gingerbread or Estonian favourites like black pudding and cabbage. A spicy sausage called verivorst is also a very popular treat this time of year.

This walkable city boasts numerous incredible landmarks in its center. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a distinctive Eastern Orthodox church featuring onion domes. Or explore the imposing Toompea Castle, a medieval structure now used by Estonia’s parliament. The original castle was built by the Danish in the 13th Century, but parts were destroyed and rebuilt in the Middle Ages, while another newer wing features 18th-century baroque elements.

Visit Kadriorg Palace, which sits within vast areas of parkland. Founded by Russian Tsar Peter I in 1718, this spectacular baroque palace was modelled on Versailles. It’s home to the Kadriorg Art Museum, which has an impressive array of European and Russian art from the 16th to 20th centuries, while the surrounding Kadriorg Park looks beautiful in winter, with fountains and snow-covered greenery. At the edge of the park, you can even enjoy views across the Baltic Sea.

The old town offers a variety of hotels, hostels, and apartments to choose from. The four-star Nunne Boutique Hotel has excellent reviews and old-world charm. Twin rooms start at just £70 a night for two sharing, and for €10 per person you can enjoy the hotel’s spa, which features a massage pool and saunas. There’s even a kids’ room with toys and games to keep small visitors entertained.

The Merchants House Hotel is full of character and offers 36 rooms and suites just steps from the old town’s top attractions. This unique hotel is made up of historic, converted homes set around a courtyard, and offers economy double rooms for just £66 a night for two sharing.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected]

A sleek, modern hostel has opened, offering affordable rooms with unlimited access to its on-site spa and a kid-friendly water park. Is this the way to enjoy a spa break without breaking the bank?

Think of spa breaks and you will likely picture country hotels, plush white robes, and copious amounts of Champagne. It’s safe to say, they’re not exactly associated with travelling on a budget.

But a hostel in the popular European city break destination of Tallinn in Estonia now offers a way to enjoy a spa break for less than the price of a cheap hotel room. From just £70 a night for two adults sharing a double or twin, guests enjoy unlimited access to the on-site spa and saunas, which are open seven days a week from 11am until 10.30 PM. The rate even includes a light breakfast in the café.

The Ring SPA Hostel is about as far away from the average hostel experience as you can get. There are no rickety beds or random roommates turning up in the middle of the night. Guests can book a private room for one or two people with a private bathroom, or they can opt for a quadruple room, which offers excellent value for money if four of you are travelling together.

READ MORE: ‘Most relaxing’ UK spot for autumn breaks with ‘stunning’ beach and islandREAD MORE: Hotel booking method can save you hundreds on your next holiday

Rooms are basic, with neutral décor, a TV, and modern bathrooms. One reviewer said: “We booked a double room for one night. The price/quality ratio was excellent. The room was spacious, clean, and everything was new. Towels and linens were provided. There was a kettle and a mini fridge. The bathroom had a great shower.”

And there’s no need to worry that the spa will be cheap or basic. The pool features hydromassage options, and you’ll also find jacuzzis to ease tired muscles. Hostel guests can also enjoy a choice of ten modern saunas of varying temperatures, and there’s a kids’ area with a splash park for those who are bringing the whole family along.

The spa also offers a range of massages, including sports massage and treatments with hot stones, which can be booked for an additional fee. A classic 40-minute massage costs €48 (about £42.46).

Chelsea, who is well-known on TikTok as @cheapholidayexpert, recently visited the spa and shared her experience. Checking into her room, she was surprised at how nice it was for the price, quipping, “This is not a hostel!” She noted that the room included features like a kettle and fridge, which aren’t typically found in budget rooms.

Heading to the spa area, she said: “So the spa is made up of one big pool which has fountains, a hydro massage bed, and this circular rapid style area which I had far too much fun in. There’s also this warm pool which is like a big bath and a couple of jacuzzies plus lots of space to sit out and chill.”

After enjoying the water, Chelsea also tried the on-site café, reporting that a beer had set her back £3.52, while a pizza cost her £7.05, which she described as “b****y good”.

One slight downside to the hotel, as reported in some reviews, is its location, which is outside the centre of Tallinn. In her video, Chelsea said the bus had only cost her £1.74 for a single ticket, but some visitors may prefer to stay closer to the city.

A comment on her TikTok revealed more about the location: “As the creator said, around 20-25 mins [from the centre], but there’s a zoo in the neighbourhood, a decent mall and behind the mall there’s a scenic promenade by the sea that leads to one of the popular city beaches if you’re thinking of coming summer. The hotel itself is in a residential area, so there won’t be that much noise either!”

If you can tear yourself away from the spa, there’s plenty to explore in Tallinn. Famous for its gothic architecture, some popular places to visit include the Tallinn Town Hall in the medieval old town square. St. Olaf’s Church features a 124-metre spire, which is visible in the city’s skyline. During the summer, you can climb the tower and enjoy spectacular views.

There’s also Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a colourful, Eastern Orthodox cathedral with onion domes. You can visit the amusingly named Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum, which is probably better known for its name than its 15th-century tower. For those who are curious, Kiek in de Kök was a German nickname for towers that didn’t translate well.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected].