EuroCheapo's Local Objects Articles

One of the vintage buses that has sadly gone out of service. Photo © hidden europe
One of the vintage buses that has sadly gone out of service. Photo © hidden europe

Goodbye Bus 91: The demise of a Maltese icon

Sad but true. The Mediterranean island of Malta has just discarded what we always judged to be one of the country’s prime attractions. But progress always comes at a price. So when Malta earlier this month introduced a gleaming new fleet of modern buses, it meant the end of the road for the country’s distinctive » Read more

Comment
Posted in Bus, Europe, hidden europe, islands, Local Objects, Malta, Practical Info, transportation
Paris: Dealers to meet at the Porte de Vanves flea market

Paris: Dealers to meet at the Porte de Vanves flea market

By Theadora Brack in Paris— Rise and shine because it’s high time to trek it on down to the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves in Paris. Like my dad always says, we’ve got places to go and people to see! Delightful dealers This week I’ll introduce you to a few of my » Read more

Comments (3)
Posted in Cheap Souvenirs, France, Local Objects, markets, Paris, Shops
Zagreb: A solar system expands in the Croatian capital

Zagreb: A solar system expands in the Croatian capital

Six miles out from the middle of Zagreb, in an underground walkway by a main road in the Stenjevec district, a little stainless steel ball lies affixed to a plaque by the sidewalk. A simple sign reads “Pluto.” It is a far-flung component of a work of art that spans the Croatian capital. The center » Read more

Comment
Posted in Croatia, Europe, Exhibitions, Free Stuff, hidden europe, Local Objects, monuments, Zagreb
Paris: 3 Peaceful places that inspire

Paris: 3 Peaceful places that inspire

“We’ll always have Paris,” Rick tells Elsa at the end of the movie Casablanca, without mentioning any of their favorite haunts in the City of Light. But I say, “Play it again, Sam,” and this time with addresses. After all, everyone’s got their own Paris. For instance, King Henri IV cavorted on the tip of » Read more

Comments (3)
Posted in Art, France, Free Stuff, fun, Local Objects, Paris
Paris Vélib’ Update: How’s the bike share program working out?

Paris Vélib’ Update: How’s the bike share program working out?

(Updated June 2011 to reflect new Velib’ policies.) We’ve been fans of Paris’ Vélib’ bike program since it debuted in July 2007. But how’s it faring three years later? In many respects it’s been a big hit with both locals and tourists (at least those lucky enough to have the right type of credit card). » Read more

Comments (5)
Posted in Alternative Transportation, France, Local Customs, Local Objects, Paris, Practical Info
Stockholm: The best restaurants for outdoor summer seating

Stockholm: The best restaurants for outdoor summer seating

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

Comment
Posted in Food, Local Customs, Local Objects, Stockholm, summer, Sweden
Milan: Get moving with the BikeMi public bike share program

Milan: Get moving with the BikeMi public bike share program

Like Paris, Stockholm and many other forward-thinking European cities before it, Milan has embraced the public bike sharing concept. Since late 2008, BikeMi has operated stations around the city, allowing locals and tourists to explore the city on two wheels for just a few euros. BikeMi currently boasts over 100 pick-up and drop-off stations throughout » Read more

Comments (2)
Posted in Alternative Transportation, Italy, Local Customs, Local Objects, Milan, transportation
Slow Down: A new series on Slow Travel from Bradt Travel Guides

Slow Down: A new series on Slow Travel from Bradt Travel Guides

Slow travel is suddenly in fashion. Speed was once associated with success. Less so nowadays, as travelers realize that those who travel slow savor riches that those committed to speed simply miss. Getting to know one or two places properly can be immensely more satisfying than trying to pack ten European cities into a two » Read more

Comments (3)
Posted in Book Reviews, Europe, hidden europe, Local Customs, Local Objects, Practical Info, Travel Smarts, United Kingdom, York
Venice: A walk through the Jewish Ghetto

Venice: A walk through the Jewish Ghetto

Whenever I am in Venice, I always try to take a walk through the Jewish Ghetto. I’ve always found this area quite fascinating. It may be its history, it may be that it is always fairly free of tourists, or it may be some other reason. In any case, whenever I am there it just feels right. » Read more

Comment
Posted in Italy, Local Objects, Neighborhood, tips, Venice, walking
Paris Walking Tour: Famous artists’ studios in Montmartre

Paris Walking Tour: Famous artists’ studios in Montmartre

Apparently a postcard just wouldn’t do. Last week (May 20, 2010) in Paris, a thief swathed in black picked a padlock, smashed a window and stole five masterpieces from the Musée d’Art Moderne. Taken were “Dove with Green Peas” by Picasso (1911), “La Pastorale” by Matisse (1906), “Olive Tree Near l’Estaque” by Georges Braque (1906), » Read more

Comments (1)
Posted in Art, France, Free Stuff, fun, Local Objects, Neighborhood, Paris, walking