When the weather is hot, there’s nothing as satisfying as a day spent by the water. While many European capitals offer proximity to beaches, rivers or lakes, few of them boast convenient access to both a river and several beaches. Situated on the Tagus River, Lisbon has a waterfront of its own—plus many beaches an » Read more

Breezing through a Paris train station this month, we realized how easy European rail travel has become. We sit at home, plan and pay for trips online, and even print out our own train tickets. How times have changed. A few years ago, we envied rail pass holders for the freedom that came with being » Read more

As in many European countries, going out for breakfast in the Netherlands is a rare event. Yet some of us cherish the true enjoyment of a morning meal. Here’s how the Dutch do it on the go and on the cheap, along with a few tips for finding a nice a.m. sit-down spot in Amsterdam. » Read more

It’s a pretty well known fact that Italy, like most of Europe, goes on vacation in August. Everything closes up, everybody checks out and heads to the beach. So if you’re a tourist traveling through Florence during the month of August, you’ll just have to get used to the phrase chiuso per ferie (“closed for » Read more

There’s no denying Prague’s impressive array of museums. It’s quite difficult not to gape at the elegant National Museum looming over Wenceslas Square, for instance, and many an art fan has wiled away an afternoon at the Mucha Museum. But the city also presents a less formal, burgeoning art gallery scene. To plan your own » Read more

Swedes love the sun. It’s a horrible generalization and one that I have yet to find untrue. (I’m pretty sure it has to do with the many months of winter darkness.) So when summer rolls around, Swedes celebrate, and it is one of the reasons that the Midsummer celebrations in Sweden are so fun. It’s » Read more

Europe’s culture moguls will have their eyes on Brasilia over the next fortnight, as UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meets in the Brazilian capital to review applications for a new round of World Heritage Sites. Candidates for the 2010 UNESCO List The historic center of Amsterdam is in the running this year for one of the » Read more

Everybody loves Paris. The French capital is one of the world’s top travel destinations and a perennial EuroCheapo fave. Getting to the City of Light remains a primary goal for many visitors to Europe, first-time and veteran alike. France has no low-cost airlines of note, but there are several budget airlines that serve Paris. Here » Read more

When it comes to love and chow in Paris, I’m as loyal they come, but I ain’t easy. Before it’ll catch my heart, any eatery had better possess a certain ambience, flattering lighting, an affordable menu, gastronomical consistency, and friendly service. If they recognize my devotion with a smile, a little wave or a complimentary » Read more