By Nina Derham in Madrid— If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, you’re in luck. Spain’s capital is flanked by mountain ranges including the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra del Norte and the Sierra de Gredos, all of which offer city dwellers some well-needed respite from the urban grind. Day tripping » Read more

By Laura Mongillo— What’s the best way to rub shoulders with Florentines, far from the museums and tourist traps of central Florence? Head out to the stadium and watch the city’s soccer team Fiorentina play against some of the best teams in the world! Fiorentina’s fan base is still very proudly Florentine and is a » Read more

By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— Ask almost any Italian and they’ll tell you there are only two things in life that they cannot do without: coffee and calcio (soccer). Right up there with coffee, calcio in Italy is definitely much more than a game. It’s a passion. Italians eat, breathe and live soccer. There are » Read more

Here in the UK we’re not known for our sunny skies and golden tans. But we are fond of a good swim, and lots of us in London actually prefer to take a dip out in the open air than under a sports center roof. It may seem like madness, but you might just change » Read more

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

Almost every five years, from 1955 until the fall of communism, Prague’s massive Strahov sporting complex hosted the regime’s Spartakiáda gatherings. Meticulously choreographed and set to song, these displays of synchronized gymnastics replaced the impassioned calisthenics shows organized by Czechoslovakia’s Sokol nationalist movement. Despite enjoying a few brief revivals, Sokol has largely faded, save for » Read more

Over the last couple of years around Rome, ATAC’s bikesharing program has become a popular fixture around the city center and the beach resort of Ostia. Taking to the streets in Rome can be scary, as traffic is plentiful, but for the brave and those with padded clothing (those cobbles can be a challenge), it » Read more

Berlin doesn’t warm up until May, but the first signs of spring are finally bringing a rosy blush to the snow-weary city. Now that winter is officially over, Berlin’s residents are flocking to the city’s 2,500 parks and green spaces to soak up some much-needed Vitamin D. Take part in spring fever, Cheapo-style, at one » Read more

While some folks relax by taking a leisurely stroll in the park, others unwind by sweating it out in the gym or going for a soothing swim in the pool. Accordingly, there are plenty of options for staying active when visiting Amsterdam. From golf to swimming, here are some ideas for recreation in the city. » Read more