July 31, 2008
Sarah Silbert
Photo by Frank Dhooghe We bet “sun” and “sand” are two words you don’t readily associate with Brussels, but an afternoon at the city’s free “beach” will change that. Each summer in the city of chocolate and comic strips, from mid-July to mid-August, a stretch of the Rue de la Dyle (north of the city center) is converted into » Read more
July 30, 2008
Meredith Franco Meyers
Bratislava, thankfully for us Cheapos, is a pretty reasonable city. Most museums here do charge an entrance fee, of which the average cost is SKK80 (just over $4). But, one of Bratislava’s national treasures is free and open to the public every day except for holidays and Mondays. Bratislava Castle sits high on a hill. » Read more
July 29, 2008
Meredith Franco Meyers
The view from the top: Peeking into Parliament As the official seat of the German Parliament, the Reichstag building in Berlin affords you (at no cost!) one of the best views of the city from its famous dome and roof terrace. Quick history of the Reichstag The Reichstag was built in 1894 and housed the Parliament until » Read more
July 28, 2008
Sarah Silbert
If you’re heading to Barcelona, there’s no doubt that Antoni Gaudi’s art and architecture will be high on your list. From whimsical apartment buildings to the imposing spires of a Roman Catholic church, the Catalonian architect’s work dominates the city. You could pay €10 to scale the steps of the (perpetually-under-construction) Sagrada Familia or spend » Read more
July 25, 2008
Meredith Franco Meyers
It’s been many years since Athens and greater Greece experienced the Hellenic Dynasty, but today the city celebrates its ancient history with the annual Hellenic Festival. The festival, now in its 51st year, offers four months of events, from May through September. The line-up of this year’s Epidaurus Festival runs the gamut from professional stagings » Read more
July 25, 2008
Meredith Franco Meyers
We like fancy costumes. Bonus if that costume has pompoms and tassels. Major bonus points if said costume requires a snazzy red hat. So, it’s no secret then that we love to watch the changing of the Evzone Guard in Athens’ Syntagma Square. The elite Evzones make up an infantry unit stationed in Athens and meant to guard » Read more
July 23, 2008
Meredith Franco Meyers
Today we begin a 30-day “Grand Tour” on our blog that we’re calling “Free Europe: Cheapo by the Day!” During this time, the blog will travel throughout Europe, showcasing free things to do in each of our cities. Along the way, we’ll show you how to go mark-free in Budapest and visit London without the extra pounds. Did you know you can » Read more
July 22, 2008
Sarah Silbert
As befits a city of canals, Venice has a variety of cruising aptitudes. While a trip aboard a traditional Venetian gondola will empty your wallet faster than you can say, “Ciao bello!”, other watercrafts cost much less. Here, how to find the Cheapo ways to float your boat! For everyday exploring: A 60-minute or 12-hour tour- » Read more
July 21, 2008
hiddeneurope
Photos courtesy hidden europe magazine At ten o’clock this morning, as on most days during the summer, one of the sleek white Ålandstrafiken ships edges out of Galtby harbour in southwest Finland for an eleven hour cruise around the Åland Islands. This is one of Europe’s most deliciously beautiful boat journeys, as the ship picks » Read more
July 17, 2008
Meredith Franco Meyers
Plaque in Gordon Square in Bloomsbury Ah, Bloomsbury—aptly named for its blossoming trees and for the squares and side streets filled with pretty greenery. Once home to the famous Bloomsbury Group, a gaggle of literary types like Virginia Woolf and E. M. Forster, the area now hosts the famous British Museum and nearby Russell Square. When choosing the neighborhood for your » Read more