Outside Cafe Ekberg. Photo by BjørnS. Other photos by Sarah Silbert.

By Sarah Silbert—

To be perfectly frank, Helsinki doesn’t offer much in the way of exciting, inexpensive eats. Sure, if you’re willing to shill out for Michelin-rated Scandinavian cuisine and seafood, you’ll find no shortage of gourmet options. For those of us on a budget, however, choices are limited to kebab and pizza joints, as well as “grillis,” which serve up hot dogs and other greasy, filling treats.

A cinnamon roll and coffee at Cafe Esplanad.

Are your taste buds unstimulated? Not to fear—Helsinki’s hidden culinary strength lies in its selection of cute cafes. No one can subsist on coffee and pastries alone, but here are three Cheapo-approved cafes for tiding you over between meals.

Café Esplanad
Pohjoisesplanadi 37

Sitting pretty just off Helsinki’s Esplanadi Park, Café Esplanad is known for more than its prominent location. The café’s giant “korvapuustit” (Finnish cinnamon rolls) are simply delicious. Esplanad is self-serve, so ask the cashier for a roll, pour yourself a coffee, and sit near the window to watch the pedestrian traffic pass by. A pastry plus a coffee (with free refills) will set you back about €5.

Café Engel
Aleksanterinkatu 26

If you prefer stunning views to people-watching, take a seat at the Café Engel, which counts as its neighbor the famous Helsinki Cathedral. (The café is even named after the cathedral’s architect, Carl Ludvig Engel.) The café is popular with locals, and even hosts outdoor film screenings in the warmer months. A full breakfast costs around €13, while coffee and a slice of cake is €7-10. After lingering over your table, head across the street to the Cathedral’s steep steps for a post-meal workout.

The view from Cafe Engel.

Café Ekberg
Bulevardi 9

Southwest of Esplanadi Park in Helsinki’s hip Kamppi district, Café Ekberg dates back to 1915. The beautiful, bite-size pastries and cakes on offer here make for the perfect afternoon sugar rush. Known for attracting a more mature crowd, the café also offers a good breakfast. Just make sure to have the morning meal on a weekday, when the meal costs €9—the price doubles to €18 on the weekends. If you prefer to stop in for a pastry or sandwich, expend to spend €2-10.

Popularity: 3% [?]

One of Paris' many cafes. Photo by d'Alk.

By Liz Webber—

When you plan a vacation, you generally budget a certain amount that you want to pay for airfare and a hotel. Yet, many forget to plan for all the little expenses—which can really add up if you’re not careful.

Here’s our handy cheat sheet for what you can expect to pay for some basic items in Paris, as well as tips for finding a cheaper alternative.

Cup of coffee: €2.50+

While a simple espresso generally will cost around €2.50-€3 when sipped seated at a café, anything fancier (latte, café crème, etc.) is going to tack on an extra euro or more in price. Cafés in central Paris also increase their prices for other basic items because they know tourists will pay.

When grabbing a coffee at a touristed café (or any café, for that matter), stand at the bar with the locals and pay half the price. For a leisurely café experience, why not venture to a spot along the Canal St. Martin in the 11th arrondissement where prices should be more reasonable?

Ticket to the Louvre: €9.50

That full-price admission ticket for the Louvre’s permanent collections doesn’t even include the €6 audio guide.

For a cheaper alternative, visit the museum on Wednesday or Friday evening from 6 PM to 9:45 PM for €6 and download the free Louvre app from the Apple store before you go. Better yet, aim for the first Sunday of the month when museum admission is free (although crowds can be a problem later in the day).

Many other museums also offer reduced rates for evening admission and most participate in the free first Sundays.

Lunch at a restaurant: €10+

Even at lunchtime, a main course at a moderately-priced restaurant in a touristy neighborhood will probably run upwards of €10—and that doesn’t account for wine or other beverages.

Instead, pick up a prepared sandwich at a boulangerie for about €3 or go for the “formule” that includes a sandwich, dessert, and drink for €5-€7. For a really cheap alternative, pick up a €1 baguette, a €3 bottle of supermarket wine (still tasty even though it’s so cheap!), and some cheese and find a spot for a picnic.

Pint of beer in a bar: €6

Even when compared to New York or London, I find alcohol to be pretty expensive in Paris at even the diviest of bars.

However, in supermarkets it’s fairly cheap. Since drinking in public is legal in most places in Paris (and even in places where it isn’t, most cops will turn a blind eye if you’re discreet about it), you can opt for a less expensive night out by picking up a bottle of wine or a couple of beers at the nearest Franprix and finding a place to sit along the Seine.

If you do want to order a beer at a bar, try a pint of French-made 1664. But to really feel like a local, ask for “un seize” (meaning “16″ – the first part of the beer’s name in French).

Add your tips

How have you kept your expenses low in Paris? Have some tips to share? Please add them in our comments section below!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Drink your coffee with the locals at the bar. Photos by Theadora Brack.

By Theadora Brack in Paris–

Being “frugalicious” whilst painting the City of Light red need not be a chore.  In fact, I often find in Paris that the very act of pinching pennies actually enhances the overall experience (said not in a Polly Anna sort of way, I assure you!).

Here are five of my favorite tricks for saving a buck, er, euro. In the words of my grandmother Helen J. Wentz, Cheapos, “It all adds up!”

1.  Stand up, stand up!

Order (”take”) your morning (or anytime) café while standing at the bar in the café. Not only will this give you an opportunity to get down and gossipy with the locals and the apron-clad wait staff, but it’s also cheaper!

Amount saved: About one euro per espresso. Bar perspective with the in-crowd?  Priceless.

2. Solid as a rock

Someone is "fidèle" to Yves Rocher.

Who says money can’t buy you love? Certainly not the French. Repeat business is highly valued and often rewarded with a “carte de fidélité” (fidelity card). Restaurants, shops, and even hotels give them out to their patrons as a way of saying thanks and “come again soon.”

Looking very much like a business card, each time you make a purchase, the card gets hand-stamped or punched, soon adding up to super discounts or delicious prizes! Didn’t receive one? Just ask. It will be taken as a compliment, and a signal that you’ll be back. (Tip: Often the cards don’t have expiration dates, and can be used for years.)

Amount saved: 10% to 30% off transactions. Solid friendships and the proof of commitment? Priceless.

3.  ”Un carnet, s’il vous plait!” (A 10-pack, please!)

For the love of sanity, don’t buy your Metro tickets (good for both the bus and Metro) one or two at a time. Purchase a “carnet” (10-pack)!  With a thick stack of tickets in your hot little hand, you’ll not only save about €5 over the single-ticket price, but you’ll also be able to focus on more pressing matters like shopping, museums, and most importantly, food!

Amount saved: €5 per 10 rides. Skipping the line of ticket buyers? Priceless.

4.  Picnique with a view

Order take-out from a restaurant. ”Avez-vous des plats pour emporter?” (”Do you have take-out dishes?”) is your key phrase. 

All restaurants, of course, don’t offer this option, but often they do, especially ethnic restaurants (Asian, African, Mediterranean, and so on). You’ll save 10-15% off the total bill, since there’s no service fees or value-added taxes.

Amount saved: 10-15% off total bill. Slurping Pad Thai (à la “Lady and the Tramp” style) with your beloved on the steps of Sacre Coeur with the city twinkling below? At twilight? You guessed it… Priceless.

5.  Make that beer ”un demi”

Double your pleasure, but not the bill.  Beer lovers, take heed: Often the total cost of two short 25 cl beers is less expensive than one tall 50 cl beer. Stop scratching your head and order up “un demi” straight away. “Je voudrais un demi, s’il vous plaît” are the magic words.

Amount saved: About one euro per beer. Unwinding with two demi’s of pale ale after a long day of sight seeing? Ab-so-sipping-lutely priceless!

About the author: Theadora Brack is a writer working in Paris. Her fiction has appeared in more than 30 literary publications, including 3AM International, The Smoking Poet, Beloit Fiction Journal, Mid-American Review, and the Haight-Ashbury Literary Journal.

Popularity: 8% [?]

The Flying Pig Downtown Bar. Photo by nicasaurusrex.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

It’s been a tiring day of sightseeing and you’re all set to grab a beer or two. Luckily, Amsterdam’s streets are sprinkled with cafés and bars that cater to the tastes of various travelers.

Here are five pubs and cafés that offer drinks and snacks at attractive prices.

1. Cafe Belgique
Gravenstraat 2

Located at Gravenstaat, Cafe Belgique is a cozy pub with a laid-back atmosphere. This is a great place to try a variety of beers, including some well-known Belgian ones. Its rustic décor, complete with wooden counter and brass taps, adds to its overall ambiance. If you’re looking for a quiet night mingling with the locals, this is the place to be.

2. Belushi’s
Warmoesstraat 129

Those who are hoping for a quick snack and perhaps a few pints of beer should check out Belushi’s. This bustling sports bar in the Red Light District has burgers and snacks for under €10, plus a variety of beer and cocktails at decent prices. Belushi’s has live music throughout the week, which draws in a younger crowd.

3. Flying Pig Downtown bar
Nieuwendijk 100

This is another spot that is perfect for the younger crowd. Set in the Flying Pig Hostel, the Flying Pig Downtown bar buzzes with energy and is a great place to mix and mingle. The bar and hostel cater to the university-going crowd, and this is reflected in the low-priced drink menu. This, coupled with the varied music genres on the bar’s playlist, shows that there’s something for everyone here.

4. Nederlands Biercafe ‘t Arendsnest
Herengracht 90

Popularly known as “‘t Arendsnest,” this charming pub is the ideal stopover for the beer connoisseur. Prices are mid-range, but if you are hoping to try a wide variety of Dutch beers, this place is highly recommended. This is a great spot to chill out and relax.

5. Café Hoppe
Spui 18-20

Café Hoppe is a quiet little spot that will appeal to different age groups. This terrace pub offers a full menu with sandwiches (from €2.50) and a wide selection of beer (from €2.10). With its on-the-go vibe, it’s a perfect place to meet new folks. At the same time, its pleasant interiors make it a good place to unwind after a rough day out.

About the author: Amy K Goemans is a writer and web developer based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Her travel experiences include Europe and Southern Africa with occasional visits to Asia. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Durban are currently her top favorite cities.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Il Caffé Sant Eustachio. Photos by Claire Chaffey.

By Claire Chaffey in Rome—

When it comes to coffee, the Italians pretty much have it down pat. Like fashion, food and football, coffee is an art, a matter of national pride, and a daily ritual which is taken very, very seriously.

It is actually quite hard to find a bad coffee in Rome. What is more difficult, however, is determining which is the city’s best. Ask the locals and you’ll discover that there seems to be two distinct leaders in the coffee stakes, both located remarkably close to the Pantheon in central Rome, and both just as frequently declared the home of Rome’s best espresso.

So, before you leave the Eternal City, head for the Pantheon, prepare for the rush, and lean on the bar in at least one of these places. Or “make it a double,” and lean on both bars!

Sant Eustachio – Il Caffé

Grancaffe at Sant Eustachio.

Piazza S. Eustachio, 81

It is no exaggeration to say that Il Caffé is an institution. Having been around since the days of Mussolini, this tiny café has had a loyal following for over 71 years. It has earned a virtually unmatched reputation for having the best coffee in Rome and has become a mecca for caffeine fiends from around the world, as well as an essential cultural experience even for those not attuned to the pleasures of downing espresso.

One of the specialties is the Grancaffé: a delectably powerful double espresso with a lightly whipped, sugary froth which stays in the bottom of your cup and provides a perfectly sweet ending to the espresso experience. The other is the Grancappuccino, which is equally as strong but delivers the kick in a long, hot and creamy brew. Seriously good!

Be warned though: if you choose to have your coffee at the tables in the delightful little piazza, you’ll pay almost twice the price. So, save a few euros and do what the locals do: stand, lean, and shoot it down!

Getting there: Piazza S. Eustachio is on the south-western side of the Pantheon. From behind the Pantheon, follow Via della Pallombella west until you wander into the piazza. For more information, visit http://www.santeustachioilcaffe.it/.

Tazza D’Oro – La Casa del Caffé

La Casa del Caffé - Tazza D’Oro.

Via Degli Orfani, 84

This place, literally named “Cup of Gold”, unabashedly declares itself to have the best coffee in town, and only those who frequent Sant Eustachio are likely to disagree.

Standing on a charming little corner in front of the Pantheon, the Tazza D’Oro has been around since 1946 and is still going strong. In addition to serving a potent, smooth shot of caffeine goodness, which is guaranteed to keep you primed for a full day of sight-seeing, Tazza D’Oro offers good deals for lunch and dinner, and serves up decent pizzas and salads for a remarkably reasonable price.

Getting there: Tazza D’Oro is on the north-eastern side of the Pantheon. From Piazza Dell Rotonda, which is directly in front of the Pantheon, head east along Via Dei Pastini. You can’t miss it.
For more information: www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Ra's outdoor cafe in Barcelona. Photo by Frangino.

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona—

It’s May in Barcelona and the weather is a warm 75 degrees Fahrenheit most days. Spanish boots have been replaced by stylish sandals and the first sunburns are visible around town. Spring is here, romance is in the air, and summer is on its way in.

Though it’s possible to eat outdoors most of the year in Barcelona, come spring the selection and pleasure-factor is much bigger. For terrace and patio eating, consider these inexpensive options:

Ra
Plaza de la Gardunya

Ra is one of my favorite dining places in the city center. It’s hidden, but has such a good reputation that there is always a line come lunchtime on sunny days. If you go to Ra, keep in mind that in Spain lunch revs up after 2pm. So, if you get to Ra between 12 and 1:30pm, you’ll get a table and won’t have to wait. Come later than this and you can bet on an hour wait.

People wait at Ra because it’s so darn good and cheap! The selection is simple: choose from three starters, three main courses, and three desserts followed up by coffee and a drink for around €12. It’s quite a deal.

El Filferro
c/ Sant Carles, 29 – Barceloneta

Another hidden cheapo gem, El Filferro is hip inside and out. It’s a bit bohemian, but its terrace is a winner set on a little fountain-clad plaza near the seaside. There is also seating indoors in a small bar area and in an upstairs nook area. Everything in this restaurant/bar is made of metal which is where it takes its name from (”Filferro” is ”metal worker” in Catalan).

Try the tapas at Filferro, such as the cheese platter, the tomato and garlic bread and the ham sampler. Their main courses are hit and miss.

C3 Bar
C/ Montalegre 5

Attached to the CCCB Museum, the C3 Bar is a fantastic summer/spring bar for people-watching and lounging. Here you’ll find tables and low-lying cushions which look onto a large concrete plaza where skateboarders show off their skills.

Music plays as waiters with attitude avoid taking your order at C3 Bar. No matter though, once you manage to get your coffee/wine/beer and snacks you’ll be sitting pretty under white sun umbrellas with plenty of entertainment.

About the author: Regina W. Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Cellphone use in Bavaria. Photo by Jason MacArthur.

By MATT KEPNES

When I travel, I look for affordable ways to stay in touch with my friends and update my family back home. Thanks to the Internet, it’s much easier to stay in touch now than it was in the past, and the cost of doing so has plummeted.

For those who are looking to save a dime but stay in touch, here are a few suggestions and tips to consider.

Staying in touch: The basics

It’s no secret that one of the easiest way to touch base is via email. But if you don’t want to pay excessive roaming fees for your Blackberry or iPhone, and prefer not to lug your personal laptop around when you travel, what do you do?

First of all, scrap plans to use hotel-owned Internet terminals or pay-per-minute internet access cards (unless they’re free of course). Instead, head to an Internet cafe. These cafes have spread like crazy around the Continent and make it quick and cheap to access email accounts, check in on social networking sites (like Facebook and MySpace), and update Twitter.

Other Web Options

However, sometimes “quickie” web cafe visits are not enough, especially on longer trips. Sending e-mails and messages to your family and friends is wonderful, but you’ll probably also want to actually speak with them. A great solution is the Internet phone service Skype. Skype lets you call other Skype users around the world for free.

All you need to make a Skype call is an Internet connection and a headset. You then “dial” another Sype user, like you would on an instant messenger, and once the connection is made you can speak for as long as you like–for nothing. For a small fee you can also place a call to a land-line or mobile phone.

Using Mobile Phones Abroad

The obvious downside to Skype is that you’re reliant upon an Internet connection to make the call. One way to solve that problem is by using a mobile phone.

Mobile phones, of course, not only let you keep in touch with those back home but also help you connect with people you meet on the road. They also allow you to call hostels and hotels from the road, check on museum hours, and in emergencies, call for help. Yet, cell phones are never the cheapest option.

For Americans, one complicating factor is that most mobile phones run on a network that isn’t accessible in Europe and, furthermore, most American phones can’t be “unlocked,” allowing you to swap out SIM cards. Thus, you can’t simply buy a new SIM card for your phone abroad. You’ll have to either rent or buy a new phone when you arrive, or, if your phone does work in Europe, pay additional fees for foreign coverage (either an incremental monthly fee or an expensive per-minute fee).

Fortunately for non-Americans, it’s much easier. Most foreign phones can have their SIM cards replaced with cards purchased at convenience stores (and sometimes right on the street!). The cards come with their own phone number and rechargeable minutes.

One Other Consideration

Thanks to technology, it’s easier and more affordable then ever to stay connected while traveling. At the same time, you should at least consider staying “unconnected” while traveling through Europe. After all, will your mobile phone be a helpful tool or just a distraction?

What do you think?

Do you stay connected when traveling? Do you take your mobile phone? Rent a phone abroad? Chat in Internet cafes? Tell us below!

About the author: Matt Kepnes is a twenty-something vagabond who has been on the road regularly since 2005 and produces NomadicMatt.com and How-To-Travel-The-World.com.

Popularity: 11% [?]

The Caffè Miani Zucca In Galleria in Milan.

By Jenna Weiner

In Milan, where fashion is king and wispy models are its princesses, the all-you-can-eat buffet is the last kind of dining experience that comes to mind. Yet the two can coexist in blissful harmony, for Milan is the home of the aperitivo—a tradition that takes the concept of the buffet to an entirely new level.

“Aperitivo,” the rich uncle of the “Happy Hour,” is the beloved Milanese tradition of pre-dinner drinks accompanied by complimentary “stuzzichini,” or appetizers. Derived from the Latin “aperitivus,” or, “to open,” aperitivo is meant to open the appetite and tease the taste buds, previewing the delights of dinner.

The typical spread can be something as modest as olives, cheeses and potato chips to something as overwhelming and awe-inspiring as pasta dishes, pizza slices, bruschetta, meats, sautéed vegetables and fruit salad. Unlike the American happy hour, drinks are the regular price or slightly more — but come with unlimited admission to the food bar. The usual aperitivo starts at 6 or 7 PM and lasts until 9, and as little as one drink—alcoholic or not—can be your ticket to one of the most delicious secrets in Italy.

Do as the Milanese do…

Although it is entirely possible to make an entire free dinner of aperitivo, the real test is to act like the Milanese, who delicately graze through the line, giving the food the respect it deserves.

As an American student studying in Milan, amazed by the delicious food and blindsided by the dismal exchange rate, my fellow expats and I were not so sophisticated. We would dash to the food immediately after the waitress walked away with our drink order, returning with our hands guarding our heaps of food, poised to catch the last piece of focaccia from falling to the ground. The locals, still dressed in their crisp and stylish work attire, would watch us with amusement as they nibbled at the vegetables and cheeses, then sampled the more elaborate dishes.

After all, the Milanese have had time to perfect their technique. With roots in ancient Rome and more direct ancestors in the 1800s, aperitivo is a well-established Italian tradition, particularly in Northern Italy. The modern aperitivo began to take shape in the 1920s in Milan—the city became known as “the capital of aperitivo” as the tradition gained popularity—and consisted of drinks of Campari or similar bitters, accompanied by simple snack foods such as olives or nuts.

Since then, the food selection has exploded in size, and the drinks are no longer limited to traditional “aperitif” liquors—bitters, prosecco, martinis and white wine—though they still remain the most popular choices, with the decisive winner being the Negroni (1 part Gin, 1 part Campari, 1 part Sweet Vermouth). Through it all, the social essence of the aperitivo tradition has remained its unchangeable core.

“Aperitivo offers a moment of relaxation at the end of a day at work, where you can allow yourself the pleasure of conversation paired with the pleasure of good food,” says Grazia Mannozzi, author and professor at the University of Insubria, just outside Milan. “It is especially successful due to the pleasant climate of our country and the Italian passion for socializing,” she says, “as can also be seen in the ‘passeggiare’ tradition, in which people stroll in the piazzas and the main streets of the cities in the evening.” Mannozzi attends aperitivo approximately once a week, but says she knows of many people who attend far more frequently (“especially those without children to make dinner for!” she adds).

So many aperitivo options

The possibilities for aperitivo are endless. Walk into any neighborhood café and you’ll find a dozen tables crammed with friends and family, laughing and talking excitedly, very rarely sitting; standing for the excitement of a story, mingling with friends at other tables, passing along the bar filled with steaming plates and bowls.

Pick: Bar Tender
Piazza Morbegno (intersection of Via Varanini and Via Venini)

Bar Tender is our pick for “neighborhood bar.” Drinks are anywhere from €5.50 for a regular drink to €8 for a large drink. Service is prompt and friendly and the food selection is legendary—many Milanese claim it is the largest they have seen in the city. With various types of focaccia, pizza, and pasta dishes (and with servers that bring the plates around to the table to serve you seconds), you may find it difficult to wait until 9, when they clear the bar to make room for the delicious desserts.

Brera

Head to Brera, the artsy, bohemian district, and meander along its cobblestone streets where you’ll find friends, looking effortlessly hip with their colorful scarves, lingering over their white wine in the ivy-climbed patio cafés.

Pick: Radetzky Café
Via Largo La Foppa, 5

Drinks average about €8, and the buffet has all the elements of a standard aperitivo spread, yet nothing more. You pay, however, for the experience—considered one of the trendiest bars in Brera, this is the place to see and be seen. And its location in the primarily pedestrian-only streets of Brera guarantees that the party flows outside on warm nights, accumulating crowds of patrons drinking and smoking around the picturesque bar.

Navigli district

Care to have a drink in Venice? Take a trip to Milan’s Navigli district, where the canals—designed in 1482 by Leonardo da Vinci to import wine, food, and the marble needed to construct Milan’s elaborate Gothic Duomo—still carve through the narrow streets.

Along the still waters, lined with lights, the trendiest bars and restaurants compete for the largest and most exciting stuzzichini selections, as the university students compete with the blaring music. For an even more unique experience, step onto one of the houseboats docked in the canals, which offer aperitivo and often live music. Whether by land or by sea, most of the Navigli hot spots turn their buffets into dance floors later in the evening.

Pick: Slice
Via Ascanio Sforza, 9

Drinks are about €7, and the experience manages to combine an impressive food selection with a fun and trendy experience. You will probably not notice the burnt orange walls, animal prints and knick-knack decorations because you will be too busy filling up your plate. With standard wares such as focaccia, cold cuts, pasta, French fries, and even New York-style pizza, the word has gotten out; arrive by 7 PM at the latest before the line gets out of hand.

Piazza Duomo

For a more classic aperitivo experience, go no further than the heart of the city, Piazza Duomo. There you’ll find the more expensive bars, as they tend to cater to the large percentage of tourists who never stray from that sightseeing epicenter. But be careful—expensive does not necessarily translate into better or more food.

Inside the Galleria di Vittorio Emanuele lies Café Zucca, arguably the home of the aperitivo. A favorite hangout of Giuseppe Verdi and Arturo Toscanini after their performances at La Scala, the legendary opera house next door, “Zucca in Galleria” was owned by the Campari family, who lent their name to the traditional aperitif they invented. Consequently, Zucca is often considered the original aperitivo bar, and wears its history proudly. Though you’ll pay extra for the experience, soak up the historical ambiance as you gaze at the Duomo’s magnificent spires and pinnacles. Weaving in and out through the crowd of tourists, you’ll also hear the clicks of heels echoing along the marble floors as the shoppers pass by with their newly acquired Gucci and Prada treasures.

Pick: Caffè Miani Zucca In Galleria
In Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, in Piazza Duomo

Like few places in the city, Zucca has made a determined effort to remain in the style of the golden days of aperitivo. The keyword here is classic: classic, old-fashioned décor; classic, simple food selection (olives, potato chips and nuts); and classic, original aperitivo drinks (Negroni and the classic Milanese martini are most popular).

You can’t go wrong

With almost every bar and café in the city offering some version of aperitivo, the choices may seem overwhelming. But with obvious variations in ambiance, selection size, and prices, it is easy to select an unforgettable aperitivo experience. Just follow the pace of the Milanese in their leisurely tribute to food and friends; that is, if that new plate of risotto will let you.

About the author:
Jenna Weiner is a senior English major at Georgetown University. She is the former Editor-in-Chief and current News Editor of The Georgetown Independent, where she writes mostly feature articles. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, she travels whenever possible and lived in downtown Milan for four months.

Popularity: 24% [?]

While walking to the office this morning, coffee splashing out of our coffee cup sip-top, we started wondering: If we were in London right now, where would we grab a morning cup of joe and how much would it cost?

When last we pounded the pavement researching hotels in London for our guide, we remembered fondly finding respite (and caffeine) in the UK coffee chains (Caffe Nero, Costa Coffee, Coffee Republic, Pret a Manger) and, yes, also in the American chains (Starbucks and McDonald’s).

Setting aside the question of the “best cup of coffee in London,” (another post entirely), where can you find the cheapest cup?

Researching this online was a no-go. Every chain has its own website, of course, but you won’t find any prices listed. This is probably due to fluctuations in pricing throughout the UK — and to prevent pesky investigators from blogging about it. So we went about our research the old fashioned way… we called ‘em on the phone. (Thank you, Vonage.)

Note that coffee prices inside London may vary for the same chain, as well. Thus, we called only coffee outlets in central London, asking for prices for a small latte and for a small Americano (”drip” coffee isn’t widely available). Keep in mind that true sizes may differ from chain to chain — even though they’re all called “small,” one chain may offer more ounces.

We also only inquired about “take away” prices — when we started asking too many questions, baristas and managers got a little nervous.

The results:

Caffe Nero - The Winner!
Small Americano: £1.30 ($2.56)
Small Latte: £1.50 ($2.95)
We spoke to baristas at two central Caffe Nero locations, both near Covent Garden, in order to verify the price. These are nearly New York prices.

Runners Up

Pret a Manger
Small Americano: £1.40 ($2.76)
Small Latte: £1.79 ($3.52)
We’re fans of these cute little outlets. We spoke to a barista at a location on Villiers Street, near the Strand.

McDonald’s
Drip: £1.59/1.99 ($3.13/3.92)
Latte: £1.59/1.99 ($3.13/3.92)
We spoke to a manager (we believe) near a location on the Strand. We asked too many questions and he hung up on us. Interestingly, McDonald’s was the only chain we called that serves drip coffee instead of Americano. Also, they don’t have “small” sizes, only “medium” and “large.” (What, no “supersized”?)

Pricier Coffee Chains

Coffee Republic
Small Americano: £1.69 ($3.32)
Small Latte: £1.89 ($3.72)
We spoke to a friendly barista at a popular location on Tottenham Court Road.

Costa Coffee
Small Americano: £1.70 ($3.35)
Small Latte: £1.95 ($3.84)
A nice guy at the Embankment Place location (near the Strand) offered these rates, although he was curious. “Are you a customer?” he asked us. Of course! (We have enjoyed a Costa cup in the past, after all.)

Starbucks - Most Expensive
Small Americano: £1.75 ($3.45)
Small Latte: £2.05 ($4.04)
The prices were given to us by a barista at a Villiers Street location, near the Strand. This confirmed our suspicions that the Seattle-based chain was, in fact, the priciest coffee-chain cup in town. Or at least, the priciest cup we called.

We didn’t have time to check in on cool independent cafes in London, but that’s another post.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Photo courtesy of Kari Hoerchler

Where would you go if you wanted to sport crazy tights and ride Critical Mass? Or don a wool blanket while dining out at the latest ‘It’ restaurant? A place where ‘sör’ means ‘beer’ and ‘bor’ means wine?

Budapest, babája (baby)!

During a recent to trip to the Hun capital, we noticed the city under siege thanks to a few fun trends. One of the easiest places to spot the latest fashions is the Liszt tér. An artery of the Andrassy út, the tér is made up of a long strip of parkland featuring a bronze statue of Liszt, looking windblown and surrounded by airy cafés.

The ideal locale for people watching? We like to hunker down in a wicker chair in front of one of the square’s cafés. With a wool blanket, of course. That’s right Cheapos. Local women take to wrapping themselves in the colorful blankets on chilly nights, but not only that: they’re also fans of covering their gams with eccentric tights. Patterns of every stripe are represented, it seems, adding frivolity to otherwise conservative dress.

The Liszt tér eateries are optimal for observing the local peacock procession, and the food is delicious. We returned several times to Café Vian for their HUF1350 ($7) Hawaiian salad. The cappuccinos are HUF380 ($2) each and mojitos run HUF1500 ($8). The highly publicized Menza was also a treat. One Friday night we dined on veal paprika with a side order of white asparagus. The whole spread was HUF3060 ($16) including drinks.

Finally, we read in several guide books Budapest is not a bike friendly town. A confusing claim since we saw bikes everywhere and the local chapter of Critical Mass is quite active. The group, which begun officially in 2004, fights for the right to ride a bike in the congested city while calling attention to automobile induced pollution. The latest demonstration on wheels was held on Earth Day, April 22, 2007.

Popularity: 6% [?]