On the Ground: Finding Markets, Fun, Food & Getting Around
Once I land in a city, I want to do three things fast: find the market, figure out my route, and learn what to eat and what it costs. Here’s my city playbook—simple, friendly, and built for cold fingers and short daylight.
Step 1: Find the market (for real, not just the dot on the map)
- Use the official city or tourism site to confirm names and addresses. Markets often sprawl across squares and streets, not one point.
- Screenshot the map. If my signal drops, I still know how to get in and out and download it to have an available offline map.
- Have an Itinerary: You don’t have to follow it. But I know if I am paying $600 for my roundtrip plus hotels, trains and Food. I don’t want to get home and see something I was around the corner and missed on Social Media and if I do I want it to be because I chose not to go! Not something I didn’t know!
- Double-check hours. Some markets start later on day one, some close early on a Sunday, and a few have ticketed areas in busy times.
- Fast Food or Starbucks: Add a McDonalds or Starbucks to your google map. I do this not because I have to have my Big Mac. Its for the Wifi; that way if I need to find directions to the new market that another market goer told me about and I have no signal I can. Plus they have a clean restroom.
- Oh, consider a E-Sim! It will prevent roaming charges will provide you local cell, and internet service and not have to worry about Roaming charges. I do not have an affiliate code with anyone so I wont refer to one here; but if you want to know
Step 2: Plan how to get around the city (without stress)
- Transit app + day ticket: I figure out the local app or just use my tap-to-pay card if the system allows it. A 24-hour ticket can be cheaper than two or three singles if I’m hopping around.
- Day vs night: I like a daylight pass first—souvenirs, food photos and to Send the vibes to friends and family.
Backup indoor spots: I mark two indoor cafés in case of rain or if I need to swap batteries. Bonus if they’re queer-friendly and near the market.
For big cities (Paris, London, Berlin), I also plan a lights walk with clear start/end and metro exits so I’m not wandering around guessing.
Step 3: Learn the market – food, rides, prices, and the little stuff
Food (the warm fuel you need)
I do a fast lap to see what’s popular, then I buy. Classic picks:, kartoffelpuffer, crepes, churros, regional pastries, and of course mulled wine or kinderpunsch (the non-alcoholic version). Or if you are like meI didnt like kinderpunsch; don’t drink and lived on Hot Cocoa at every market.
I take menu photos with prices, so I remember later and can share real numbers. There’s almost always a deposit (pfand) for mugs, I have kept a mug from every market I have visited. Bring some bubble wrap mug wraps; so that way you can slip it into your tote bag.
Also bring a tote bag! Toss your Gloves and Hat in there when its warm; your mugs that you keep and any gifts or souvenirs you buy. Plus have easy access to Wet Wipes, hand sanitzer, kleenex (things spill) or rather I spill- don’t judge me. I am a little clumsy.
Rides and shows (markets and parks)
- In Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Disneyland Paris, I check the app or board for wait times and show times and make a loose plan. I try to catch one show while I warm up with a drink.
- In Phantasialand, I watch the single-rider signs and the evening shows. Night shots there are gorgeous just keep your fingers warm. Also from what I have heard LogRide is a great way to have the Wait times in your hand; I will follow up when I get back!
Costs (so you don’t get surprised)
See Part 1 of the blog if you havent already; but watching YouTube, viewing social media posts or others blog post will help you be better prepared for costs. A lot of markets in Europe, especially Germany are cash only for the food and drink! Also by doing some of this research in advance you can understand that if you want to get your €5 back
Safety and comfort (the holiday edition)
- Pickpockets exist. I keep my phone and wallet in an inside pocket when I’m not using it and wear my day bag in front if it’s crowded.
- Warmth beats fashion. Cute is fine; dry and warm is better. Layer, layer, layer.
- Queer comfort: I look for inclusive cafés and rainbow signs, and I trust my gut. If a space feels off, I bounce. I don’t film folks up close without consent, especially drag or community performers—basic respect.
Getting real about rest
Markets are fun, but cold and crowds take energy. I plan a sit-down meal every day (theme-park days: Uhrwerk or Phenie’s at Phantasialand, Pym’s Kitchen at DLP), and I give myself one night where I do nothing after 8pm. Warm shower, stretch, bed. Your trip will be better if you actually sleep.
Also be prepared that you may sleep until 11 or 12pm; markets are best at night and so arriving 2pm to get the lay of land and then experiencing the market with Twinkle Lights, Chrsitmas Tree and Towers lit up is absolutely acceptable. Just dont oversleep!
Quick city-by-city final notes
- Berlin: Stack two markets that are close, then save Christmas Avenue for a vibe check and a warm drink among family.
- Cologne: Do Cathedral at blue hour for the money shot; slide to Heinzel’s for food and a slower feel.
- Frankfurt: One tidy loop, skyline moment, done.
- Strasbourg: Teddy bear house early, then lose yourself in lights.
- Paris: One market + a lights walk; don’t try to do all the things in one night.
- Disneyland Paris: Parade once in daylight, once after dark if you can; budget for snacks and a warm indoor spot.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Book anything ticketed ahead; pick one “big ride,” then eat and people-watch.
- London lights: Have a route. Oxford → Regent → Carnaby → Covent Garden is classic.
That’s my on-the-ground guide. If you’re a fellow Hallmark fan who lives for fairy lights and warm cups, I hope this helps you map a trip that feels full and easy. If you’re part of the LGBTQ family too, I hope you felt seen here. We deserve cozy holidays without extra stress.
If you want me to share my exact maps and the shot lists I’m using, say the word and I’ll drop them in a follow-up.
