Austria

One of Europe’s most famous cities is about to make a big change to its tourist tax this winter. From December 1, this city will increase its visitor levy from 3.2 percent to 8.5 percent on overnight stays, meaning travellers could end up paying more than twice as much in extra charges per night. Known for its grand history, elegant buildings and impressive palaces, the city is also loved for its Christmas markets, with more than 15 festive spots to enjoy. The sharp rise in f

A beautiful small city filled with romance, history and striking architecture continues to be named one of Europe’s finest, and visitors can easily see why. Tucked away in northern Italy’s Veneto region, this location is most famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet. Travellers flock to see Juliet’s House, which features the famous balcony and a statue said to bring good luck in love. But there’s much more to Verona than its literary fame.

When people think of Christmas markets, cities like Paris or Nuremberg’s famous Christkindlesmarkt often come to mind. But there’s another European treasure that truly shines in winter, Austria’s capital is home to one of the most magical festive celebrations in Europe. At the centre of it all is the Christkindlmarkt Wien, the city’s biggest and most famous Christmas market, and one of the largest on the continent. Set in Vienna’s Rathausplatz, the grand square in front of th

The charming village of Hallstatt in Austria looks like something straight out of a winter fairy tale. Tucked away in Austria’s stunning...