A bridge on the harbor in Hamburg. Photo by Audrey Sykes.

By Audrey Sykes—

Hamburg, Germany’s great northern maritime city, deserves at least a weekend for exploration. From the moving World War II monuments to a bustling fish market, here’s a rundown on how to spend a cheap but worthwhile weekend in Hamburg.

Friday AM: Boats and beaches of the Elbe River

Cheap boat rides can be found along the Elbe River areas of Altona, Elbstrasse, and Landungsbrücken. They cost as much as a bus ride (about €1.60) and stop at many ideal places for eating, drinking, and sunning on the sandy beaches around the Elbe River. The Alster lake area is another option for organized boat tours.

Friday PM: Watching the St. Pauli Football Team

Snag tickets to one of the most raw, gritty, and hardcore soccer teams in Europe, the St. Pauli Football Team. St. Pauli has it all: a loyal fan base who love to party, sponsors like Hamburg’s signature Astra beer, and a skull-and-crossbones logo. It’s the “Harley Davidson” of European football.

Tickets range from €7-50. Check here for more information. The stadium is located near Feldstrasse, an area rich in World War II monuments, vintage shops, and a Saturday yard sale market.

Saturday AM:  Walking through Sternschanze

Stroll along the hip and bohemian Sternschanze neighborhood for a taste of Hamburg’s café terrace vibe and culture. Streets are lined with interesting boutiques, cheap eats, and bargain bars with a classic décor. A large park, the Planten un Blomen, is nearby – grab an ice cream and do some people-watching in the sun.

Saturday PM: Partying on Reeperbahn

Spend a night out on the Reeperbahn – Hamburg’s main party strip. See the blend of sailor roughness mix with trendy locals at the bars, music venues, clubs, and wurst stands. Beatle-maniacs should try out the nightlife around Grosse Freiheit, the street where the four “mop tops” made their European debut on stage and at parties.

Sunday AM: Stroll through the fish market

A Sunday morning in Hamburg is incomplete without a trip to the lively and exciting Fischmarkt. Located directly on the harbor from Reeperbahn S-bahn station, stroll around the dozens of seafood and produce stands. The market is action-packed with amusing characters and partygoers still out from Saturday night. Stop by anytime between 5 AM to noon.

Sunday PM: Historic Hamburg and the harbor

Spend the rest of Sunday walking along the Elbe River and surrounding harbor. Old harbor vessels permanently dock along the walkway as museums and cafés, and the surrounding area is a historic part of Hamburg undamaged from World War II.

Popularity: 2% [?]

A night out in Stockholm. Photo by morner.

By Marcus Cederstrom in Stockholm—

Alcohol is not cheap in Sweden. Especially not in Stockholm. There’s just no way around it. Stockholm is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most expensive cities and a night out can easily add up. It doesn’t have to, though.

What to order

First, learn the lingo. The Swedish word for beer is “öl,” the ö being pronounced kind of like the awkward “uh” that ends up filling space in all those speeches you had to give in high school. Most people when ordering a beer though don’t ask for an “öl,” they ask for a “storstark,” literally meaning “big and strong.” This will result in you being served house beer on tap. Usually a Swedish brand, Falcon, Pripps, or Spendrups.

Where to go

Start your night at Mest on Götgatan. There are two subway stations close by (Slussen and Medborgarplatsen). Until 9 PM, a storstark will run you 29 SEK (about €3). In a city where it isn’t unheard of to pay over 50 SEK (about €5) for a beer, this is a great place to start.

If you find yourself out on a Thursday night and need an English language fix (despite the fact that finding a Swede who doesn’t speak English is about as rare as a unicorn sighting), head over to Southside Pub. The Irish pub is two subway stations south of Slussen at Zinkensdamm. On Thursday nights, Southside hosts a free pub quiz. You’ll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of obscure trivia against a surprisingly international crowd. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win a beer or two.

Any other night of the week, just one subway station north of Slussen at Gamla Stan is the Liffey, another Irish pub. This one doesn’t offer a quiz on Thursday nights, but instead stand-up comedy. In English. Often times by Swedes. The show will cost you a 50 SEK (about €5) “donation,” which was by far the most mandatory “donation” I have ever experienced. Every other night of the week, the Liffey offers live music at one of their two stages.

Of course, after a night of music, trivia, and laughs, a kebab is necessary. Head back towards Medborgarplatsen. Just a couple of blocks south of the subway station on Götgatan, you can get a kebab in a pita for about 30 SEK (about €3).

In the end, depending on just how many of those storstarks you decided to have, you’ll have managed to explore Stockholm’s nightlife on a budget any Cheapo would envy.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Outdoor skating in Helsinki. Photo by C.J.G.

By Sarah Silbert—

Located way up north (though at the southern edge of Finland), Helsinki is understandably chilly come wintertime. The low temperatures only add to the fun, however, as they give visitors the opportunity to partake in some quintessentially Finnish cold-weather activities. Read on for three ideas!

Ice skating at Railway Square

The Ice Park right outside Helsinki’s central train station is one of the city’s most popular skating venues. The rink is open from November to March, and it offers a variety of programs and performances in addition to open skating. (On Thursday evening, for instance, you can participate in an ice skating aerobics class!)

Admission costs €5, and skate rentals are another €5. The Ice Park also has a café serving warm drinks and pastries.

A swim and sauna at Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall

The Finnish love of saunas is by no means limited to the coldest months of the year, but winter is a perfect time to warm your bones in one. For an extra-special experience, take a trip to the city’s iconic Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall. The institution dates back to 1928, and it boasts both an impressive pool along with private and group saunas.

Men and women have separate hours, so make sure to check the schedule online. Once you’re in, go for a swim (bathing suit optional) and admire the striking Classical architecture. When you’re done with the water, head to the sauna and relax. You’ll find plenty of locals doing the same.

Admission costs €2.20, and a locker costs €4.40. The swimming hall is open year-round; check the website for hours.

Taking in the music scene

Helsinki is sprinkled with dozens of über-hip clubs where both indie and well-known musical acts play. After a day of swimming and skating, settle down with a drink and get ready to dance.

Located in the happening Kallio hood north of the city center, Kuudes Linja offers live (usually underground) music and DJ sets nightly. Most shows costs less than €10.

If you’re looking for a less trendy, more traditional scene, head to Rymy-Eetu, a Finnish-German restaurant with hearty fare, plentiful beer, and folksy live music. The restaurant sits on the bar-lined Errotajankatu in central Helsinki, and it offers a “two for the price of one” discount on main courses from 2-5 PM daily.

To find more music clubs and bars, visit the city’s nightlife listings page.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Maiden's Tower at sunset. Photo by Audrey Sykes.

By Audrey Sykes—

It’s unsurprising that a city like Istanbul, with a population of about 12.6 million, offers an endless list of sight-seeing must-visits. Considering that even small expenses can add up, here are five pointers to help keep your budget in check.

Transport: Use one-ways wisely

Getting around Istanbul can be tough to figure out. One of the most important things to know is that the city’s public transport fares are one-way. The driver will charge about 1.5 Turkish Lira each time you hop on. In short, plan a destination route from Point A to B as directly as possible before boarding the bus or tram. This will help avoid frivolous spending, getting dumped in an unfamiliar spot, and developing a serious headache.

Bazaar Tip: Shop outside the Bazaar’s center

Istanbul’s Bazaar is full of flavorful smells, sights, and sounds… most of which is available for purchase. Bargaining is common, although prices can start high and flexibility might not be as loose as desired. The best way to find a cheap price is to venture through the 60+ alleyways that cut through the heart of the Bazaar. In the end, finding the “local’s corner” can mean finding scarves for one-fourth of the price quoted in the Bazaar’s center.

On the Bosphorus: Regular ferries are the cheapest

Many boat companies advertise similarly-routed tours along the Bosphorus at high prices. The best price, however, for a few-hour’s journey along the strait will be found by simply taking the local ferry. For 7.50 Turkish Lira (roundtrip) take the ferry from Eminonu leaving at 10:35 AM (winter and summer), noon, and 1:35 PM (summer only). The ending point is Anadolu, a scenic area from where the Black Sea is visible.

Nightlife: Head to Taksim for moderately-priced Istanbul fun

Forget about finding affordable meals and deals near the Sultanahmet area. Head to Taksim to experience a lively nightlife scene to which the city’s locals flock. Nargile cafes, restaurants, and a slew of clubs are packed into the district, and prices won’t shock your budget. Places along Taksim Square and the major shopping street are still costly and lack the local flavor found within alleys and side streets.

A Breather: The easiest escape for peace and romance

In-between the Europe and Asian side of Istanbul is the Maiden’s Tower (or Kiz Kuelsi), a small island smack dab in the middle of the Bosphorus ideal for gazing at sunsets and panoramic photo ops. At the bottom sits a restaurant a bit on the steep side; on top you’ll find a more modestly priced café. Ferries frequently run back and forth from both sides of the city (7 Turkish Lira roundtrip). It’s an overall incredible view of Istanbul’s sparkling city landscape in a quiet, tranquil setting.

About the author: Audrey Sykes hopped across the pond from the US three years ago for a Masters degree in global journalism. Since then, she’s lived all over Europe, reporting and editing for music sites, snowboard mags, and travel media.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Madrid's Cine Doré offers films for €2.50! Photo by SantiMD.

By Cynthia Kane in Madrid–

Madrid is known for its great nightlife — from thumping clubs to tapas bars. But did you know that the city also offers its share of Cheapo-friendly nighttime entertainment options? Here are some of our favorite spots for finding film and music in Madrid.

Cine Doré
Tuesday - Sunday
Calle de Santa Isabel 3
28012 Madrid, Spain
+34 913 691 125

Cine Doré is the exhibition hall of the Spanish Film Library. Also known as the Filmoteca, this beautiful old theater dates back to 1923. Today the cinema offers three projection rooms and shows old and new films in their original versions. Aside from films, the theater also holds seminars, roundtables, conferences, and book talks… all of them great! But what sweetens the deal further is it’s price–it only costs €2.50 to catch a film. What a deal!

Contra Club

Live music nightly at the Contra Club.

Calle de Bailén 16
28005 Madrid, Spain
+34 915 231 511

Madrid’s Contra Club offers live music acts practically every night. They host all kinds of music; just check their site to see what’s playing. The entrance fee is 6 euro, but you get a mixed drink for free!

El Gato Verde
Calle Torrecilla del Lea, 15
28012 Madrid, Spain

If you’re looking for a truly Madrileño hang out, the El Gato Verde is the place for you. The bar offers wine for €2, beer for €1.30, and mixed drinks for €5. Not only are the prices right, but you’ll often get to take in some live music for free. Here you’ll find acoustic performances, jazz, blues, soul and funk. Entrance can be free or €5.

Cuevas de Sesamo
Calle Principe, 7

Cuevas de Sesamo is known for many things: pitchers of Sangria for €7, quotes along the walls, and their live music. Beginning every night at 9:30 PM, live piano music fills the underground cave bar, making you feel like you gone back in time.

About the author: Cynthia Kane is the editor of MAPMagazine.com, a Madrid travel e-zine, written by native English-speaking Madrid experts.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Tapas make a cheap and tasty meal. Photo by Ville.fi.

By Nicolas J. Clément in Madrid—

For affordable eating in Madrid, you can choose between tapas or more expensive entrees in regular restaurants. Tapas, the famous side plates served in bars throughout Spain, are usually served with a caña (small beer) or a “caña doble,” if you’re really thirsty (it’s a better deal).

If you opt for tapas, you should consider hopping from one tapas bar to another. Each place will offer a different selection of plates, from the big and generous to the almost nonexistent (next!). Many of the best tapas bars in Madrid are located in “Zona Centro,” the liveliest neighborhood for nightlife. After downing some tapas, you can explore the nightlife on the hopping Calle Huertas.

Here is a quick list of my favorite restaurants that will provide an evening of excellent tapas tasting:

Malaspina
Calle Cádiz, 9 (Metro Sol), open daily from 10.30 PM to 2 AM

It’s best to visit the informal Malaspina at night, when Calle Cadiz and Calle Barcelona are bustling with life, people and, well, “madrileños and madrileñas de toda la vida” (regulars). In addition to tapas, Malaspina serves a great sangria and good raciones (oversized tapas to share with friends). If your group is less than six people, you can order a “media-racion.” All Spanish classics are covered from the “tortilla” (omelet with potatoes) to “pulpo” (octopus). Expect to pay around €15 per person for an entree. A beer and a couple of tapas is cheaper.

La Tia Cebolla
Calle de la Cruz, 27 (Metro Sol), open daily from 12 PM to 2 AM (kitchen from 1 PM to 2 AM)

Although the tables at La Tia Cebolla host a fair number of tourists, you’ll still get real Madrid-style cuisine with prices made for locals. The “croquetas” are a a house specialty made of olive oil, flour, egg, milk and tuna or jamón (not to be confused with ham, which is worlds apart from the Spanish jamon). Croquetas go for around €5 for six pieces, and a small beer on the overcrowded terrace is about €2. Go before 10 PM to beat the crowd.

Il Picolino De Farfalla
Calle de las Huertas, 6 (Metro Sol or Anton Martin), open daily from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (lunch) and 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM

Il Picolino De Farfalla offers international cuisine at amazingly cheap prices. “Asado,” a traditional Argentinian dish made of various types of meat, goes for a little over €10. Portions are more than enough to fill you up. A chorizo, with appetizer and a glass of wine included, makes a satisfying  €10 dinner.  As with all bars and restaurants in this area, go at 8 or 9 PM before the crowd gets in to avoid a wait.

Post tapas: Bar-hopping and free drinks

Did you really think you’d call it a night after tapas, beers, and dinner? But you haven’t hit the bars yet!

Bar-hopping is best done on Calle Huertas, the main thoroughfare of the Huertas neighborhood. Just walk the street and let the bars’ staff convince you to sample a free “chupito,” usually a hard local liquor made of fruits. You can go from bar to bar this way without spending a single euro. No worries about leaving without buying another drink– it’s not mandatory.

After reaching the end of the street, you should be quite ready to go to bed happy. If you still have energy, go dancing at the famous five-floor nightclub Kapital (Calle Atocha 125). Other club options are Ananda (also near the Atocha train station) or Pacha (Calle de Barceló 11, metro Tribunal).

Popularity: 7% [?]

The Duomo seen from Piazza Michelangelo. Photo by Foraggio Fotographic.

By Marc Anani in Florence—

So you’ve spent the whole day pounding the pavement in Florence like a proper tourist and now have a night to fill. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you’re looking to hit the town on budget.

Here are a few suggestions for a “cheapo night out” in Florence.

Sunset with Michelangelo

Start with taking in the sunset over Florence at Piazza Michelangelo. The square offers a great view of the city’s medieval rooftops piercing through the orange sky. The area was designed in the late 19th century by the architect Giuseppe Poggion around the time of Florence’s brief stint as Italy’s capital.

You’ll find several bronze replica’s of Michelangelo’s sculptures including the renowned David. Don’t be surprised if you’re welcomed by people selling every type of tourist contraption known to mankind - just politely decline with “no, grazie“.

The square can be accessed by buses nos. 12 or 13 from downtown (this is a tourist-filled bus so be attentive to pickpockets) or if your feet are still in good shape, walk up to the piazza via Viale Michelangelo.

Eat, Drink & Chill

Next head to the crafty Oltrarno neighborhood for a taste of evening allegria. Piazza Santo Spirito is lined with cafés and has live music in the summer. The 15th-century Basilicata Santo Spirito is the square’s main star and is worth taking a peek inside for a stunning visit.

You can check opening hours here, otherwise, just sit on the front steps while enjoying a gelato from one of the nearby shops.

If you’re looking to sit down to eat, I recommend the nearby trendy, yet unpretentious, “Il Santo Bevito,” on nearby via Santo Spirito. They serve traditional Tuscan cuisine with a contemporary twist at surprisingly affordable prices. The ceilings are high, the lighting is just right, the staff is friendly, and a plate of pasta goes for as low as 7 euros.

If you prefer to have a few drinks, stop by Caffe degli Artigiani near Piazza Della Passera. This quaint little corner cafe has an outdoor patio on one of Florence’s narrowest streets, Via Toscanella. They also have homemade snacks, should you need a little boost.

Did you know?

Women taking taxis alone in Florence are entitled to a 10% discount. Be sure to remind the driver, as they sometimes forget…

Popularity: 7% [?]

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% [?]

The terrasse at Bar Ourcq. Photos by Liz Webber.

By Liz Webber in Paris—

For most tourists, Paris days are spent visiting museums and snapping photos of monuments. But what about Paris nights? After dining at your nearest brasserie, check out these local haunts in the best neighborhoods for casual nightlife.

Along the canal

In the summer months all the bars along the Canal St. Martin and the Bassin de la Villette put out tables and chairs along the “terrasses” so customers can sit outside and look out over the water. It’s a great place to spend a warm evening or a lazy afternoon.

Bar Ourcq (68 Quai Loire) offers Cheapo-friendly drinks – €2.50 for a half-pint of beer – and the added bonus of self entertainment. Borrow a board game like Scrabble or Connect 4 from the shelf inside, or try your hand at Pétanque, a traditional French game similar to Bocce. Sets of balls are available to the left of the bar.

Underground at Odeon

With two movie theaters and plenty of bars to choose from, the area about Metro Odeon is buzzing with students on the weekends. You could try one of the trendier places, like Café Jade (10 Rue Buci) where cocktails can run as high as €15.

For the Cheapo option, however, head for Le 10 Bar, a divey sangria joint located at 10 Rue de l’Odeon. Regulars know to order pitchers of sangria by the person (“sangria pour quatre, s’il vous plait”), which comes out to about €3 each. Be sure to check out the bar downstairs too, but be careful on the steep, windy steps.

Follow the French in the Marais

Parisians at La Perle

The Marais covers such a broad area it’s hard to know where to go.

For some reason, trendy Parisians flock to La Perle (78 Rue Vieille du Temple) every night of the week. There are no happy hour specials and the atmosphere is not much different from most of the other bars in the neighborhood, so it’s hard to say exactly what the draw is. It must be just a French thing. To enjoy La Perle on the Cheapo, order a “bouteille” of wine for €9.

Behind the curtain at Bastille

Just around the corner from the Bastille Opera, the Rue de Lappe is teeming with bars. My favorite is le Bar Sans Nom (“The Bar With No Name”), found at number 49. The name is written in the window, which kind of defeats the purpose, but the red curtains one must pass through to enter add to the aura of mystery. Drinks are reasonably priced, with beer and wine priced at €5 and cocktails at €9.

Your favorites?

What’s your favorite Parisian nightspot? Tell us about it in the comments section!

Popularity: 8% [?]

Another blurry night at the Weinerei. Photo by angermann.

For years we’d heard about a cool Berlin bar where you drank as much as you liked and paid whatever you thought was right at the end of the night. However, no one mentioned that the bar also offered vats of wholesome food and cushy couches!

Welcome to the Weinerei

Tourists to Berlin often refer to the busy bar on Weinbergspark in Mitte as “the free place,” although its official name is “Weinerei.”

The Weinerei, in fact, has been such a hit that it has opened two sister spots elsewhere in the city that function on the same honor system. The décor at all three bars is cozy, and the free WiFi access means that Mitte’s many students and writers often take root in the bars all evening.

According to Jürgen Stumpf, the Bavarian-born owner of Die Weinerei, “every night is essentially a wine tasting.”

How it works

Guests pay €1 as an entrance fee and receive a glass. They are then invited to sample the predominantly German-made chilled white wines and rich reds (plus an impressive array of rosé), as well as dine from a buffet of home-cooked, organic German fare.

All this means that Cheapos can drown their sorrows for a few cents and the so-inclined can chug endless glasses of rosé, throw €5 in a fishbowl, and then stagger home. The warm atmosphere, however, actually means most people pay more than they owe. Typically, diners part with €10-15 for an entree, salad, desert and a few glasses of fairly good wine.

“The food is good,” confirms one local expat customer, typical of the international character of regulars. “But its not much better than most other places around here. However, I always pay a bit more out of guilt or gratitude.”

Whether it’s because they are too sloshed to calculate the exact amount or just feel warm with goodwill towards their hosts, everyone seems to leave the Weinerei happy.

Die Weinerei
Veteranenstraße 14, 10119 Berlin
Mo-Fr 13:00 - 24:00, Sa 11:00 - 24:00
Tel / Fax 030 4406983

Forum
Fehrbelliner Strasse 57
030 600-53072.

Weinwirtschaft 28
Zionskirchstraße 28, 10119 Berlin
Mo-Fr 13:00 - 2:00, Sa 11:00 - 2:00
030 24729110

Popularity: 8% [?]