sassy27

I've been to the Christmas markets a few times at the end of November/ beginning of December. At that time of year, I recommend getting boots. I found sneakers just too cold for my feet. You wouldn't need snow boots but something that will keep your feet warmer than leather sneakers. You will need hats and gloves as I remember needing to take my gloves off to record something and my hands got very cold and it was at night. A down coat that covers your butt is also recommended. My cousin was with me and I have no idea how she wasn't cold as she was wearing a short jacket that was not made for the cold. I can't recall all the stores there but maybe an H&M would be ok.

MarthaT

Look up the website for Burlington Coat Factory. I bought my coat there at a local store and they have very good prices.

dfourh

In Germany I think you get best selection and value on basics like warm winter woolens at C&A, though I would also check out H&M.

There's a C&A directly across from the Munich train station - - it is a mall staple throughout Germany. There's also a Karstadt (traditional major department store) directly across from the Munich station (which might do as well; and Karstadt has a sport department with ski clothing that might take warm clothing up a notch). That area leading from the Hauptbahnhof in Munich will have many other shops that might be worth a look - - but wherever you fly to in Europe, the retailing is so consistent and homogenous, that you will likely find the same constellation anywhere you land.

love_travel11

Thanks everyone! This was very helpful. Will come back and post our experiences.

Thanks.

love_travel11

Hello!

I am now trying to plan the itinerary and had a few questions. Here is what we have so far -

Day 1 - Arrive Munich
Day 2 - train to Vienna
Days 3,4 - Vienna
Day 5- To Budapest (plan to take a train)
Days 6,7 - Budapest
Day 8 - To Prague (again, plan to take a train)
Days 9, 10, 11- Prague (day trip to Cesly Krumlov on day 11)
Day 12 - To Dresden (Train)
Days 13, 14,15 - Dresden (plan to do day trips to smaller towns / markets)
Day 16 - to Munich (train?)
Day 17 - fly back

I have the following questions -
1) While we plan to take the train to go from one place to another, should we rent a car within the city / town? Particularly for Dresden? Any others need a car? (We live in Singapore, so have never really driven in very cold weather / snow.)
2) I realize that we are not spending any time at all in Munich. Should we cut down the number of days in Dresden and Prague and spend a couple of days in Munich?

Thank you very much!

sla019

>Any specific store recommendations in Munich that won't break the bank please?<

C&A as mentioned above, Kaufhof (Marienplatz), Wöhrl (Olympia-Einkaufszentrum, Hanauer Str. 68 ). A bit more expensive: Hirmer (Kaufingerstrasse, near Marienplatz), Konen (Sendlinger Str. 3).

sla019

Addendum: Adler Modemarkt, Elisenstr. 3 (near main station, inexpensiv).

love_travel11

Hello!

I am now trying to plan the itinerary and had a few questions. Here is what we have so far -

Day 1 - Arrive Munich
Day 2 - train to Vienna
Days 3,4 - Vienna
Day 5- To Budapest (plan to take a train)
Days 6,7 - Budapest
Day 8 - To Prague (again, plan to take a train)
Days 9, 10, 11- Prague (day trip to Cesly Krumlov on day 11)
Day 12 - To Dresden (Train)
Days 13, 14,15 - Dresden (plan to do day trips to smaller towns / markets)
Day 16 - to Munich (train?)
Day 17 - fly back

I have the following questions -
1) While we plan to take the train to go from one place to another, should we rent a car within the city / town? Particularly for Dresden? Any others need a car? (We live in Singapore, so have never really driven in very cold weather / snow.)
2) I realize that we are not spending any time at all in Munich. Should we cut down the number of days in Dresden and Prague and spend a couple of days in Munich?

Thank you very much!

love_travel11

bump

GinnyJo

It sounds like a fun trip but it would be too cramped for me and too much moving around especially given the small children in tow. I'd suggest cutting out at least one of the cities as well as flying into one location (e.g., Budapest) and out of another (Munich) so your time spent traveling is minimized.

Cathinjoetown

You do not need a car in any of the cities you plan to visit, in fact it would be a liability.

Lots of moving around but not many options if you want to see all those places.

love_travel11

I think we will decide not to hire a car in most places. But, I am wondering if we would still need one in Dresden if we want to go to the smaller towns in the area? Are we spending too many days in Dresden and Prague?

Thank you!

Cathinjoetown

Prague is fine to me, there's lots to see and I'm assuming you are not arriving early on the 8th.

I don't know Dresden at all so can't help about needing a car--depends on what you can get to outside the city via public transport. To seat 6, you're going to need a fairly large car although if you're renting for day trips you needn't worry about fitting in luggage.

Gary_Mc

We have visited Christmas Markets in four recent years. Although moderate temps and rain might be more common, we had significant cold and snow in December 2010 and 2012.

https://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Advent-2010/Regensburg/

https://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Advent...2012/i-8HCd2LF

Long underwear (silk) was a good call for us. It is very light (about like a pair of socks) and can help a keep you warm out of proportion to its weight. I like layers more that a heavy coat; what do you do with it if the weather turns mild?

Gary

love_travel11

Thanks Gary! Is there a specific brand you would recommend?

As of now, I seem to be struggling with the itinerary - whether or not we should drive. Any inputs on that would be very helpful.

Seems like Munich to Dresden is a long drive / train ride. So, I am now thinking if we should just stay near the airport in Munich and take the flight to Dresden. For day trips to Leipzig and Annaberg-Buchholz, do we need a car?

What would be the best way to do Prague - Cesky Krumlov - Budapest?

Thank you!