12-Day German Christmas Markets Itinerary: A Festive Culinary and Cultural Journey

Day 1: Explore Munich

Munich, Germany

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Frischhut

Start your culinary adventure with delicious warm schmalznudeln and coffee at this beloved cafe.
Located centrally in Munich’s Old Town.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Marienplatz

Marvel at the stunning architecture and the iconic Glockenspiel in the heart of Munich.
Easy walk from Cafe Frischhut.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Viktualienmarkt

Savor local delicacies from various stalls, such as pretzels, sausages, and mulled wine.
5-minute walk from Marienplatz.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Christmas Market

Wander around the stunning Christmas market, filled with handcrafted gifts and festive food.
Directly at Marienplatz.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Munich Residenz

Experience royal history and stunning Baroque architecture at Munich’s former royal palace.
10-minute walk from the market.
EUR15, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hofbräuhaus

Enjoy a traditional Bavarian meal with live music at this historic beer hall.
15-minute walk from the Residenz.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 2: Culture & Christmas in Munich

Munich, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rischart

Indulge in fresh pastries and coffee at this classic bakery.
Short tram ride to Rischart.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the English Garden

Take a leisurely stroll in one of the largest urban parks, and visit the quaint tea house.
Tram ride to the garden.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kloster Andechs

Head to this famous brewery for hearty German dishes and locally brewed beer.
Reachable by tram and a short walk.
EUR15, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Deutsches Museum

Explore one of the world's largest museums dedicated to science and technology.
Short tram ride from lunch.
EUR14, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to the Christmas Market

Enjoy more festive treats and shop for unique gifts at the market.
Directly at Marienplatz.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Dallmayr

Dine on exquisite local and seasonal dishes in this gourmet restaurant.
5-minute walk from the market.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Nuremberg Exploration

Nuremberg, Germany

8:00AM

Travel to Nuremberg

Catch a morning train to Nuremberg, enjoying the scenic Bavarian countryside.
From Munich Central Station.
EUR25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Breakfast at Café Balthasar

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and coffee amid Nuremberg’s beautiful surroundings.
5-minute walk from the station.
EUR12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Nuremberg Castle

Explore the historical castle and its museum, which offers stunning views of the city.
15-minute walk from the café.
EUR7, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bratwurst Röslein

Taste famous Nuremberg sausages at this famous local eatery.
15-minute walk from the castle.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

Wander through one of the world's oldest Christmas markets, with stalls and treats galore.
Directly in the city center.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Albrecht Dürer Stube

Dine in a cozy atmosphere that breathes Nuremberg’s artistic history with authentic dishes.
10-minute walk from the market.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nuremberg Delights

Nuremberg, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Neun

Savor a delightful breakfast with local specialties in an artsy environment.
10-minute walk from the hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Documentation Center

Gain insights into Germany’s history, particularly during the Nazi regime.
A short tram ride gets you there.
EUR6, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Zur Schmiedel

Enjoy a hearty meal in a rustic atmosphere that focuses on regional ingredients.
Tram ride back to the city center.
EUR15, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Handwerkerhof

Visit this craftman’s quarter, where you can see artisans at work and buy traditional gifts.
30-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to the Nuremberg Christmas Market

Indulge in more festive goodies and shop for distinctive local crafts.
Back in the city center.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gasthaus Pillhofer

Enjoy local Franconian cuisine in this family-run restaurant.
5-minute walk from the market.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Rothenburg Adventures

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

9:00AM

Travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Take a scenic train ride to the charming medieval town of Rothenburg.
From Nuremberg to Rothenburg Station.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Hofbräu Rothenburg

Sample local treats and a hearty breakfast in the heart of the town.
5-minute walk from the station.
EUR12, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Rothenburg Town Wall

Walk along this well-preserved medieval wall for stunning views of the town.
Short walk from breakfast.
EUR2, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Zum Spreisel

Enjoy classic German dishes in a historic atmosphere.
10-minute walk from the wall.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Rothenburg Christmas Market

Delight in unique Christmas offerings in one of the most picturesque settings.
Directly in the town square.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Reichsküchenmeister

Savor exquisitely prepared local dishes with fresh ingredients.
5-minute walk from the market.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 6: Rothenburg Retreat

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Graf

Start your day with fresh pastries and delightful coffee at this charming cafe.
5-minute walk from your accommodation.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Christmas Museum

Discover the history of Christmas traditions and decorations in this unique museum.
5-minute walk from the café.
EUR4, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Village

Shop for beautiful handcrafted Christmas ornaments and gifts.
Just around the corner from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Alter Keller

Try traditional German fare with a cozy ambiance in this historic cellar restaurant.
10-minute walk from the shopping area.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Take a guided walking tour

Learn the rich history of Rothenburg on a guided walking tour through its winding streets.
Meet at the town square.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Enjoy Dinner at Burgtaverne

Experience local cuisine in a rustic tavern setting with stunning views.
15-minute walk from the tour end.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Frankfurt Feels

Frankfurt, Germany

9:00AM

Travel to Frankfurt

Catch a train to Frankfurt, known for its striking skyline and cultural scene.
From Rothenburg Station.
EUR25, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Kleinmarkthalle

Sample fresh local specialties inside this historic market hall.
Short walk from Frankfurt's main station.
EUR12, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Römer Square

Admire the iconic medieval buildings and bustling atmosphere of this historic square.
10-minute walk from the market.
Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Apfelwein Wagner

Taste the traditional drink of Frankfurt, Apfelwein, along with hearty local dishes.
15-minute walk from Römer Square.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Frankfurt Christmas Market

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the city’s historic Christmas market.
In front of the Römer.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Medici

Enjoy upscale dining with a modern twist on German cuisine.
10-minute walk from the market.
EUR45, 2 hours
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Day 8: Heidelberg Highlights

Heidelberg, Germany

9:00AM

Travel to Heidelberg

Journey to this romantic city known for its university and castle.
Train from Frankfurt.
EUR20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Breakfast at Café Knösel

Enjoy breakfast with a view of the Neckar River at this riverfront café.
5-minute walk from the station.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Heidelberg Castle

Explore the historic ruins with breathtaking views of the town below.
Take the funicular from the city center.
EUR10, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus

Enjoy traditional German food alongside house-made beers.
Return to the city center by funicular.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Old Town

Wander through the picturesque streets of Heidelberg's medieval Old Town.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Heidelberg Christmas Market

Enjoy the twinkling lights and festive ambiance of the market in the Old Town.
Located near the main square.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Schreiberhau

Experience a lovely evening with hearty German fare in a cozy setting.
5-minute walk from the market.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 9: Stuttgart Style

Stuttgart, Germany

9:00AM

Travel to Stuttgart

Take a train to Stuttgart, home of the Mercedes-Benz Museum and a lively cultural scene.
From Heidelberg to Stuttgart.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Café König

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee at this local favorite.
10-minute walk from the station.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum

Discover the history of the famous car manufacturer through innovative exhibits.
Take tram number 1 from city center.
EUR10, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Stuttgarter Stube

Taste regional dishes in a rustic setting emphasizing local ingredients.
Take tram back to the city center.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Stuttgart Christmas Market

Experience one of Christmas’s largest markets, filled with festive goods and food.
Located in the city center.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Alte Kanzlei

Enjoy a sophisticated dining experience with modern interpretations of classic dishes.
10-minute walk from the market.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 10: Freiburg Festivities

Freiburg, Germany

9:00AM

Travel to Freiburg

Enjoy a morning train ride to the vibrant city of Freiburg.
From Stuttgart to Freiburg.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe C UNS

Indulge in delicious breakfast options and smooth coffee at this trendy cafe.
10-minute walk from the station.
EUR12, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Freiburg Minster

Explore the stunning cathedral and climb the tower for panoramic views.
Located in the city center.
Free, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Dolden Mädel

Savor local specialties with craft beers in this popular restaurant.
10-minute walk from the Minster.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through the Freiburg Christmas Market

Enjoy the charming atmosphere and shop for handcrafted gifts and mulled wine.
Located just outside the Minster.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Wirtshaus zum Pfäffle

Experience cozy dining with rustic German dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.
5-minute walk from the market.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 11: Cologne Charms

Cologne, Germany

9:00AM

Travel to Cologne

Catch a morning train to the beautiful city of Cologne.
From Freiburg to Cologne.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Café Reichard

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and enjoy views of the Cologne Cathedral.
Near the Cathedral.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Explore this stunning Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walking distance from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Früh am Dom

Taste traditional Kölsch beer and local dishes in a lively setting.
5-minute walk from the cathedral.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Cologne Christmas Markets

Wander through multiple Christmas markets filled with festive lights and handmade goods.
Located near the cathedral.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Em Höttche

Indulge in exquisite local dishes with a modern twist in a historical setting.
15-minute walk from the markets.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 12: Departure from Cologne

Cologne, Germany

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Blum

Treat yourself to exquisite pastries and a relaxing breakfast in a historic café.
located in the city center.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Last-minute shopping

Grab some souvenirs at local shops or revisit your favorite Christmas markets.
Easily walkable in the city center.
EUR20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Departure

Head to the train station or airport for your onward journey home.
Directly accessible from your hotel.
Variable, N/A
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