Buildings in Stockholm's Old Town. Photo by pntphoto.

By Marcus Cederstrom in Stockholm—

Many cities throughout Europe offer free walking tours, though, unfortunately, Stockholm does not. Despite the ease in which Stockholm can be navigated on foot. Despite the natural beauty of a city built on islands. Despite Sweden being the land of the midnight sun.

However, on Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Stockholm will be celebrating its International Tourist Guide Day with a free guided tour. This is a perfect opportunity for Cheapos in the area to take advantage of authorized guides and learn a bit about one of Europe’s best preserved medieval Old Towns.

The history and sights of Old Town

Old Town Stockholm has much to offer, including Stortorget, the site of the Stockholm Bloodbath in 1520 which eventually led to Swedish independence, the royal castle, and the colorful, picturesque buildings that complete any European Old Town.

Stockholm’s Old Town is rich with history, with several small squares tucked away on the island, as well as statues reminding visitors of the area’s history. And of course, there are the beautiful churches of Stockholm dotting the islands which are perfect for Cheapos looking for a free fix of medieval history and architecture.

Catching the tour

The Association of Authorized Local Guides (FSAG is the Swedish acronym) will be hosting the event and offering free walking tours of Gamla Stan and Riddarholmen in Stockholm. FSAG has about 290 guides and can teach you about Stockholm in 29 different languages, some of which will be on display this Sunday.

The walking tours will be available in several different languages, hence the international appeal of the day. All tours will be leaving from Slottsbacken, right next to the large obelisk situated near the royal castle and Storkyrkan in Gamla Stan. There is no need to book in advance.

If you have any questions about the event, and exactly which languages the tour will be offered in, check out the FSAG site.

Popularity: 3% [?]

A concert at Uitmarkt; Photo by Riemer Palstra

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—Be it summer or winter, Amsterdam celebrates life with a passion. And it’s no secret that the locals crave those sunny spells of July and August, considered some of their favorite times of the year. And for travelers on a budget, the offerings aren’t so bad either. These balmy days offer free citywide music events, opportunities to sip coffee on canal terraces, and more.  So, what particular events will make this summer extra special—and are free for the taking? Read on for more info.

De Parade

Looking for fun and games with a dash of music thrown in? Check out De Parade. This exciting carnival-style festival boasts a variety of music styles and dance forms, amusing theater events, and delicious food types. Remember those quirky stalls at Renaissance fairs and such? Well, the different stages of this festival offer up some typical Renaissance fest-like acts as well as more modern acts. This place is worth a visit just for its yummy snacks too. De Parade is a great reflection of Dutch diversity and thus, provides a whole range of cuisine including Algerian, Surinamese, Japanese, Italian and Moroccan foods.

If you go-
Address: Martin Luther Kingpark, 1079 Amsterdam
Dates & opening hours: 3 PM onward  from July 31 through August 16
Admission: Most stalls are free; those with a fee range from €3 to €8. Also note that initial admission to the park is free, but entrance after 5 PM costs €6.

Pluk De Nacht

This one’s for the artistic soul. Amsterdam’s annual film festival, Pluk De Nacht, features interesting documentaries, creative animated numbers, and short flicks. Picture an open air event in the company of like-minded folk where you can indulge in your favorite hobby—arty movies! Did I mention that there’s usually good music and food as well as cozy campfires? This year’s agenda features a number of award winning flicks like Dark Days and Les Doigts de Pied (The Toes).

If you go-
Address: Het Stenen Hoofd, Westerdoksdijk 44, (Aug 6 -15)
Studio K, Timorplein 62, 1094 CC Amsterdam (Aug 18 – 22)
Opening hours: The viewing space opens at 4 PM and movies start after 9 PM.
Admission: Free!

Grachtenfestival

There’s something for everyone in Amsterdam and this annual music festival is proof of that. Offering a variety of classical music performances at different locations, the Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) caters to those with more delicate music tastes. The festival offers an interesting mix of famous musicians as well as noteworthy up-and-coming stars. The melodic music is enhanced by the choice of location, almost always on a canal or close to a beautiful monument. This year’s sites include the newly opened Hermitage Amsterdam, the Dutch Resistance Museum and Felix Meritis.

If you go-
Dates: Aug 15 – Aug 23
Locations: vVaried. Check site for details.
Admission: Some are free; others are priced from €7-10 and up

Uitmarkt

If summer in Amsterdam seems like one big celebration, wait until you get to August! That’s when one of the biggest festivals takes place. Stretching three days during the last weekend of August, the Uitmarkt is a vibrant event chock full of music and dance performances, fun and games for the little ones, theater and comedy shows, and lots more—all at various fun locations around the city. With venues set up all over the city and reeling in thousands of spectators annually, the fest is truly one of the more major events in the ‘Dam.

If you go-
Locations: Varied. Check website for full list.
Dates: 28 to 30 August
Admission: Many are free.

Finally…

Hey Cheapos! Got the ‘Dam on your mind? Take a look at our new-and-improved Amsterdam hotel listings here. We recently sent writer Joel Weickgenant out to hunt for new Editor’s Picks as well stop by our favorite old budget hotel haunts. Enjoy.

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: 6% [?]

The Promenade Des Anglais, site of Musicalia "Prom' parties." Photo by timo_w2s.

By Sarah Silbert—

Nice is home to many annual concert series, including the world-renowned Nice Jazz Festival in July and the International Festival of Military Music in October. If you’ll be in town toward the end of the summer and don’t feel like shilling out Euros to see a star-studded line-up (or if French military fanfare isn’t your thing), you’re in luck: Nice also offers a free month-long festival of world music and outdoor parties in August.

The Repertoire

Every summer, Nice heats things up with a program of international music and parties known as Les Nuits Musicalia. This year marks the festival’s tenth anniversary, with celebrations set to run from August 8th through 29th.

Musicalia features a wide variety of music, from Brazilian percussion to Portuguese Fado to French blues. Each evening has a different musical theme, and on the off nights “Prom’parties” treat visitors to dance beats on the city’s famous thoroughfare, the Promenade des Anglais.

Events are spread among various locations, including the Avenue des Phocéens and in front of the posh Hotel Negresco. We recommend checking out an act at the festival’s main venue, the popular open-air Théâtre de Verdure. The Nice Tourism website releases more details as Musicalia gets closer, but it’s early enough to pencil the first-annual “Cinema Evening” (Wednesday, August 12th) into your schedule.

Practical Info

Cheapos in Nice can enjoy these French Riviera festivities for from 9 pm to 11:30 pm on Saturdays and Wednesdays in August. Check the Musicalia website for more details.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Madrid is filled with Cheapo-friendly activities, including complementary admission to the Prado museum and nightlife options that are easy on the wallet.

For a less conventional Madrid freebie, however, consider paying a visit to the Spanish capital’s Congreso de los Diputados.

Congreso's impressive marble facade.

The Congreso de los Diputados is a democratically elected body, 350 members in total, and is Spain’s legislative branch of government. Elected members attend sessions in an impressive neoclassical building near the Carrera de San Jerónimo.

Take note of the intricate, carved marble facade of the Congreso building. It depicts allegorical figures like Justice, Fine Arts, and Spanish Valor as they uphold the Spanish Constitution.

Visiting Congress

The Congreso is open to the public every Saturday morning, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (closed most Saturdays in August). 50 visitors can visit the building at a time.

Guided group tours (groups up to 55 visitors) are available Monday through Friday, and must be arranged in advance.

Check out the Congreso de los Diputados’ website for more information about arranging a visit.

See it in action!

If you’re in the mood to do more than simply tour the building, why not attend one of Congreso’s plenary sessions? Spanish politics in action? For free? Sounds good to us! (Just make sure you reserve your place one week in advance.)

Have you been to see the Congreso in session? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Photo by Niclas

By Amy K. Goemans—

Amsterdam is a city of frugality. So, it makes sense that indulging in the art scene or soaking up a bit of sun here doesn’t have to involve a hefty price tag.  In fact, it doesn’t involve a price at all.

Here are a few of my favorite FREE things to do in Amsterdam.

1) A walk, skate,  or museum visit, in the park…

Just south of the Leidseplein, you’ll find Vondelpark, a beautiful park nestled among the gray, towering blocks in Amsterdam’s city center.  Named for a famous poet, the space benefits from a location close to all the major museums and is a great place to stop after a busy day spent exploring the city.

Hundreds of acres of land are sprinkled with thriving greenery, colorful blooms, and the occasional wildlife (read: ducks, swans). Best of all? This urban oasis is FREE and open to the public every day of the year.

What to see and do: The National Film Museum, a treasure trove of more than 30,000 films, will wow eager art fans who will be tempted to stop and catch a screening. Playgrounds abound in Vondelpark, making it a delight for traveling family groups. You can rent a pair of skates from Snoephuisje (Vondelpark, 7) if you are up for some fun and games or just bring along a blanket and goodies for an idyllic picnic in the sun. And of course, summertime brings in numerous free concerts in the park’s quaint Open Air Theater.

Opening Hours: Daily (9 AM to 5 PM)

2) Narrowest house in the world?

Rather than visiting the high-profile tourist spots, wouldn’t it be more exciting to check out one of those little known record-breaking monuments? How about something quirky or innovative, something that made a mark above all its more glamorous peers? Well, this is one of those fascinating sites, and it’s FREE to enter and explore.

Photo by Welovepandas.

At Singel #7 (just off of the Singel Canal), barely reaching one meter in breadth, this house is definitely one of the narrowest in the world. Admittedly, it’s the entrance that boasts the most tiny proportions; the rest of the house is pretty run-of-the-mill. Nonetheless, it’s worth checking out.  And, hey, you could always stay at the Liberty Hotel (next door at #5) and snap some photos from your room.

Cheapo tip: If this topic continues to fascinate you, head over to Oude Hoogstraat, 22 which is also queuing up for the narrowest house title.

3) Statue-yes-que!

Amsterdam’s rich historical background is evident in a variety of city landmarks; no need to dish out oodles of cash for a bit of Dutch culture. Most landmarks signify amazing turning points in human history too, so catching a glimpse of them is certainly worth a jaunt. Here are three must-sees:

The Spinoza statue, located outside Amsterdam’s City Hall, is a requisite for history buffs. Dedicated to the renowned philosopher by the same name, the statue is a tribute to a great thinker of our time. Do snap a shot of the phrase near the statue: ‘The purpose of the State is freedom.’

Situated in the midst of Dam Square, the Dutch National Monument is a towering symbol dedicated to loved ones lost during World War II. A worthy testament.

Finally, in 2007, a bronze statue depicting a female prostitute was placed in Oudekerksplein, in front of the Oude Kerk.  As is the custom in Amsterdam, the sculpture aims to show respect for all those who choose prostitution as their line of work.

Popularity: 8% [?]

New York is a city filled with glitz, glamour, and lots of independent bookstores. Why not top off your trip here with a tour of one, two, or a bunch of the city’s most beloved book nooks?

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

May days

Garth Hallberg, a writer at The Millions (themillions.com), a site that covers cultural trends, first posted his own self-created independent bookstore walking tour in 2007. The tour hit a high note, and this year, The Millions—in conjunction with many city bookshops—hosts another version, on Saturday May 2nd (rain date is May 3rd).

The tour will kick off at 11 AM at the Three Lives book shop in Waverly Place (corner of 10th Street). From here, it makes  stops at some of NYC’s most cherished indie spots, Housing Works in Soho, McNally Jackson (Soho), and Bluestockings (Lower Eastside), before crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to hit up Court Street Books in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn and wind up at Freebird Books & Goods. The tour comprises 4.5 miles and should take about 4 hours. RSVP to: themillionsbookstoretour@gmail.com

For more information, go here and scroll down to May 2nd’s events.

Mob hobnob

On May 9th, Freebird Books & Goods hosts a unique walking tour, this time a history of Crazy Joe Gallo (he’s an original Goodfella). The tour, led by author Tom Folsom, will weave its way from Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn to Red Hook’s warehouse district, Gallo’s old mob stomping ground. The best part? It’s free and open to the public.

The tour begins in front of Carroll Park (Subway: F train to Carroll Street). An RSVP is recommended (tel: 718-643-8484 or info@freebirdbooks.com).

Finally, consider generating your own walking tour. Or, check this one out, courtesy of Lucy Di Rosa from The Examiner.

Do you have a favorite New York City independent bookshop or bookseller? Tell us about it here.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Glass blowing is hot stuff; photo by dreadpiratejeff

In Venice, land of gondolas and Guggenheims (Peggy, that is), glass artisans have always thrived. In fact, the island directly north of the city center, Murano, is known as “Glass Island.” Since the 1200s, Venice’s major talents in the glass industry have set up shop here, first making one-of-a-kind pieces for royalty and today, offering their services to the masses.

Glass pass

A trip to Murano is easy, but here’s a quick primer: First, we recommend wandering the streets of Venice proper. Get lost (it’s easy to do!) and browse the windows of the trendy glass shops. Chances are you’ll fall in love with a delicate lamp, or maybe a colorful ashtray, or just a pretty set of wine glasses.

Then, instead of paying retail, hop on a vaporetto and head to Murano. Take in a free glass blowing demonstration. If you’re not visiting one of the bigger factories, there’s no need to make an appointment. Simply stop in and start watching. Most artisans will let you walk right into their warehouses while they’re working. If you’re really lucky, you’ll meet and talk to one of the traditionally trained glass blowers or artists.

Next, ask for a sample (this really only applies to those smaller shops, not factories). Sometimes, they’ll hand you a remnant of colored glass free of charge. Most often, you can buy their unique glass art at a discounted cost.

Or, if you’ve got €5.50 (€3 reduced) to spare, take a tour of the Museo Vetrario (The Glass House). For information including restoration projects and opening and closing times, go here (click on the subheads on the left).

Fun fact: The most well known glass blowers in town are Pauly & C (Compagnia Veneto). Visit their web site (in Italian only) for information about the artists that work there.

Mura-no-no

Ok, so it’s true that people in glass houses (or factories) shouldn’t throw stones. But, just a quick and diplomatic tourist trap note: We’ve heard tales that the Vecchia Murano Glass Factory can be pricey once you’re through the front door. As usual, we suggest sticking with the Ma and Pop glass shops and those single artisan stores.

For more on visiting Murano, go here.

Popularity: 15% [?]

The scene between gates E and F at Schiphol. (Photo by Grumbler)

Editor’s Note: Pete and Meredith just spent a long weekend in Amsterdam. This is the first of several posts from their recent journey.

Homeward bound

You know the scene, Cheapos. It was a bleary day in Amsterdam and we were a bit veklempt about bidding farewell to all the old school bicycles, chocolate with our morning coffee, and gorgeous canal views, but alas…it was time to return to New York.

A heavy fog loomed over the city causing airport delays. We were in a fog of our own, after multiple nights out on the town, days spent roaming the streets, and a less-than-friendly sleeping arrangement due to a hotel room that was directly under a construction site (but more on that later!).

Happy trails

So we were overjoyed to end up in the middle of gates E and F in the international departures terminal at Schiphol Airport where we could take our good ol’ time browsing the drawings and paintings of Dutch masters like van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Peter Paul Rubens.

Earlier, we had read and even blogged about the free art on display. We were also pretty well aware of the lay-out and comforts that Amsterdam’s well-known airport offers its drifters.

Private collection

We had the gallery to ourselves and spent about 30-minutes combing the exposition, feeling particularly smitten by the watercolors. All in all, a terrific idea. Free art while you wait to take-off. When we finally settled into our seats on a KLM Royal Dutch flight we felt properly cultured, and even watched half of Wall-e in Dutch. (Did somebody say roboten?)

Need to know…

The exhibit, comprised of about a dozen works of art, is sponsored by the Rijksmuseum and ING and focuses mainly on what the Dutch tend to refer to as their “Golden Age” of art, i.e. stuff produced during most of the 17th-century. Visit Schiphol’s Rijksmuseum site for opening and closing times, directions to the terminal, and more.

Popularity: 11% [?]

“Artemis” by Rembrandt. One of the masterpieces on display at the Prado.

The Museo Nacional del Prado is Madrid’s most famous museum. Opened to the public in 1819, today it boasts a world-class collection of European artwork, including more than 7,000 works spanning from the 12th century to the early 19th century. At any time, about 1,300 pieces of art are on display.

The museum started out as a royal collection of art, and visitors can still get a feel for the varying tastes of monarch’s past. The Prado is especially acclaimed for works by Spanish painters, including Velazquez, El Greco, and Goya, as well as “foreigners” Titian, Bosch, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

Visiting the Prado Museum…

The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM, and closed on Mondays.

General admission to the museum costs €6 if tickets are bought at the museum’s ticket office. Advance tickets (allowing you to skip the line) can be purchased online through the Prado’s website, for €9.

…for free

However, the Prado offers free admission at the end of every day for two hours (three on Sunday). From Tuesday through Saturday, the museum’s doors are wide open from 6 PM to 8 PM, and on Sunday from 5 PM to 8 PM.

With so much to see, we’d suggest visiting the museum multiple times for free. Popping in to tackle one artist or one section of the museum is not only doable in two hours, but could help prevent “museum burn-out.”

Tip: Check out the museum’s recommended list of 15 masterpieces on the Prado’s website. This virtual tour offers historical insights into the collection’s most famous paintings.

Also see: our list of budget tips for Madrid and our reviews of budget hotels in Madrid.

Next stop: Munich! 

Popularity: 18% [?]

Photo by pnoid00

On June 23, 2007, Budapest will hold its third Night of Museums to celebrate St John’s Midsummer Night. Traditionally, this is the night when fires are kept burning for unmarried girls to jump over and so guarantee themselves a husband, and fruit is thrown into the fire to guarantee a good harvest.

Torches and candles will be lit and fire-blowers will perform outside the National Museum—one of 29 museums and public collections taking part in this year’s Night of Museums. All 29 places will stay open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and will host special programs, concerts, and dance performances in addition to their usual exhibitions. In previous years, some venues have been known to offer a snack and a glass of wine—or a hot chocolate. But the highlight of the night has to be the special show of erotic Roman artifacts at the Aquincum Museum!

The night is marvellous fun and a paradise for Cheapos. Free buses transport culture hounds to museums, departing from Erzsébet Tér every 30 minutes. Tickets for all events can be bought from the Budapest Transport Company (BKV) for HUF500 (€1.95; $2.65). For details of exhibitions and programs, check out the night’s schedule.

Popularity: 7% [?]