There are many cities around Europe that are great to visit in the spring, summer and autumn, but some of them lose their appeal in the wintertime. It’s not always great fun to sight-see when your fingers feel like they might get frostbite, and even worse if you are somewhere when it’s cold and raining.
But while you can’t always guarantee that it won’t rain where you’re headed, there are some places that actually seem even more attractive under cold crisp skies and one of them is Prague. And of course, with so many last minute deals on flights and holidays you can leave booking a trip until a few days before you want to go, enabling you to check whether you’re in for some good or bad weather.
Prague is the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic. When you see the historic centre of Prague for the first time, you’ll realise immediately why it has been given UNESCO world heritage status (since 1992).
It’s a charming centre full of old and beautiful buildings. The city has the river Vltava running through it, so there are several beautiful bridges that span the river including the most famous one, the Charles Bridge.
There are so many things to see in Prague you should read up on what you want to include on your visit there. If you’re a Beatles fan, don’t miss out on seeing the Lennon Wall. Near the Charles Bridge, this is a graffiti filled wall that’s a homage to John Lennon. The Charles Bridge is over 600m long and almost 10 metres wide, so it’s a great place to wander along, appreciate the views of the city in either direction as well as the thirty baroque statues that are placed along the bridge. It’s a beautiful bridge at any time of day, but there’s something magical about it when the lamps are lit and it’s dusk.
Of course, there’s a huge range of accommodation to choose from in Prague. Staying in the old town is more expensive, and though they’re often quaint, the budget city centre hotels can sometimes feel like you’re sleeping in a broom cupboard! Staying a little further out of town, in the business district, you’ll often get better value for money and extra facilities.
Photos via Flickr Creative Commons
Paris is a romantic and magical destination at anytime of year, but at Christmas the city radiates with a festive glow unmatched by almost any other European city. Shop windows fill with chocolates and other mouthwatering treats and the city’s legendarily harassed and busy residents have even been known to stop and even crack a smile.
So if you’ve got a weekend to spare before the big day then a trip to Paris is the way to start your festive season with a bang. And to make it even better here’s a few suggestions for the best things to see and do during your time in la belle France!
Christmas Window Displays
That’s not to say the department stores of Opéra aren’t worth a visit, or at least worth peering into from the outside. Paris’ two main department stores - the opulent Galeries Lafayette and the slightly more pedestrian (but still very impressive) Printemps - spend all year coming up with ever more inventive, intricate and complex window displays, which are generally unveiled at the end of November each year. These are truly works of art (indeed well known modern artists have collaborated on them in the past) and are generally surrounded by a gaggle of (suitably impressed) tourists. If you’ve got the time then pop up to the roof of either department store (Printemps’ terrace has the better view but can be a nightmare to find) and take in the vistas of the city; if you’re looking for an ‘I’ve been in Paris’ Facebook photo then this could be the place to take it!
Christmas Markets
Yes, ok, starting off a guide to Christmas in Paris by mentioning a quintessentially German concept might seem a strange thing to do, but the Marché Noël at La Défense is worth breaking the rules for. The market is made up of around 300 wooden huts spread amongst the skyscrapers of Europe’s largest business district offering Glühwein, stocking fillers and warm and hearty food making the market well worth a wander. More conventional Christmas shopping needs can also be taken care of in the gigantic Les Quatre Temps shopping centre which is also situated in the area. While it lacks in individuality it most definitely makes up for in it scale and convenience. Plus it never gets anywhere near as busy as the department stores around Opéra or the boutiques of the Champs-Élysées.
Other Tips
If you’re visiting after Christmas and looking to hit the sales then keep in mind that sale dates in France are officially regulated and 2013’s winter sales won’t start until January 9th. The first day of the sales is usually mad and unless shopping is your sport, probably best avoided. The officially enforced end date of the sales means that, unlike in the UK, discounts will get deep towards the end of the sale period since the products have to be shifted before a set date.
Got tips of your own? Then leave us a comment with your advice for the best Christmas activities in Paris, or any other cities you might love at Christmas time!
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