GERMANY
The standouts.
A run-down of the 15 best shopping tours in Germany: what each one is really like, who runs it, and what it costs.
Sunrise walk from the Reeperbahn to Hamburg’s fish market, with Elb Tunnel access, a harbor ferry ride, coffee, and live music.
“Hamburg mal ganz anders… Es ist eine sehr besondere Tour, es lohnt auch im Urlaub und im Winter mal so früh aufzustehen. Fredo, der hier viele Jahren sein Revier hatte, konnte uns mit spannenden Geschichten und Erinnerungen tiefe Einblicke geben.”
Munich Christmas markets tour for glühwein lovers: five stops, small group, festive bites, and history in about 3-4 hours.
“We had the most incredible time! The balance between the food and drinks was just right; you can tell that a lot of thought was put into the design and delivery of the whole tour from the beginning to the end. Considering the whole experience, the cost was amazing. We learned a lot and truly…”
A 90-minute guided walk through Stuttgart’s historic market hall, with global stalls, architecture stories, and a prosecco stop in the cellar.
“Durch die Markthalle von Frau Becker-Walter geführt zu werden ist ein großes Vergnügen :-) Echt schwäbisch, mit viel Temperament und Humor hat Frau Becker-Walter uns einen tollen Eindruck von diesem wundervollen historischen Gebäude und seiner Geschichte vermittelt. Wir empfehlen die Tour mit dem größten Vergnügen weiter! Martina und Alberto”
Taste Munich’s Christmas markets on a 3-hour walking tour with included snacks, glühwein, and local legends from Marienplatz to Residenz.
“Our guide Patrick was great! There was a ton of food and drink. We mostly asked for half portions or shared. Got to see several markets.”
3-hour small-group tour through Cologne Christmas markets, starting at Brauerei zur Malzmühle for Kölsch and ending by the cathedral.
“Excellent guide. Great information on the history of the town and the markets. Delicious hot wine at the markets. Such good German appetisers and kőlsch.”
Day trip from Prague to Dresden: Striezelmarkt, Bastei canyon views, and Saxon Switzerland. Small group, lunch, and Glühwein included.
“Sam was a great guide and very knowledgeable. he is very patient and also whole group was great company. tour itself was well organized and lunch and Christmas market was great. enjoyed immensely.”
Winterfeldtmarkt shopping, a chef-led 4-course German lunch with Kit, and regional wine tasting in a small-group Schöneberg tour.
“We absolutely loved our market and cooking experience with Kit. She took us through the markets, history, vendors, then back to her flat to prepare a seasonal 4 course menu. We're a group of 5 friends, 2 who are not cooks and they enjoyed it as well.”
1.5-hour guided walk through Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle and Dürer’s House, then a stop at the famous Christmas market.
“individual tour with a great guide”
Small-group Munich Christmas markets walk with a guide, gingerbread heart, postcard, and quick stops from Karlstor to Odeonsplatz.
“Tour operator tried to change our time to an afternoon to accommodate his “busy Christmas schedule”. Our Uber took us to meet up place but it was inaccurate. Tour guide later said he warns people about that (I never received that warningRead more”
A 1.5-hour guided walk through Heidelberg’s Christmas Market, mixing Old Town sights with traditions, stories, and tasty winter treats.
Ride Berlin’s lit Christmas streets to Charlottenburg Palace with free mulled wine and a live guide on a 2.5-hour tour.
“The tour was nice and getting to know the Christmas markets.”
Munich Old Town Bavarian food walk with guided restaurant stops for soup, sausage, dessert with coffee. 2 hours, $141.
“We had a wonderful time on our tour. Our guide Paul was absolutely fantastic. He had a great knowledge of Munich and took us to some wonderful places. We also enjoyed his company very much! Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to gain first hand an understanding of the Munich food scene! Thank you Paul!!!”
In about an hour, walk Nuremberg’s Christmas markets with a local: Frauenkirche views, bratwurst, carols, plus a warming drink.
“Our guide was ves very knowledgeable about the history of Nuremberg and the Christmas markets. We sampled special foods from the region and mulled wine. He also pointed out some very interesting items for purchase in the market and the stories behind them . A great way to start off our trip here.”
Munich’s Advent magic in 150 minutes. Small-group Christmas market hopping with a local guide, one hot drink, and festive stories.
“Megan was an amazing guide for the Munich Christmas Markets! Super knowledgeable, fun, and full of great insights. She took us to several unique markets that made the tour feel truly special. Absolutely recommend!”
One-hour Munich Christmas market walk with a local. Small group, hot drink, local treat, and practical tips for gifts and food.
