Of course, I have to start with Budapest. The city is famous for its grand palaces, and come winter, it’s dotted with incredible Christmas markets.
One of my favorites is the Advent Basilica Market, which pulls you in like a magnet with colorful stalls, a towering Christmas tree, and a light show every 30 minutes — all in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica.
The market is filled with so many amazing scents, from the lavender goods and crafts made on the peninsula of Tihany to the paprika Hungary is famous for — it’s even in soap.
For a truly local experience, hop across the river to ice skate at the Advent in Óbuda market, located about 20 minutes from the Basilica on public transport.
While you’re in the city, I recommend trying kürtÅ‘skalács, which you can watch vendors make at all of the major markets.
Translated as “chimney cake,” this spiral of dough is cooked over hot coals before being rolled in toppings, such as sugar, cocoa, or cinnamon (to name a few). When it’s fresh off the coals, steam rises from the center of the pastry, resembling a smoking chimney.