Posts by author Audrey Sykes
The author digs in at Amsterdam's Pancake Bakery. Photo: Audrey Sykes
The pancake is one of the most famous plates in Dutch cuisine. Short in stature but large in circumference, the Dutch pancake is served with mixed-in ingredients that can go sweet, savory, or quite experimental. Here are three Cheapo picks for my favorite pancake shops in Amsterdam: Pannekoekenboot (Pancake Boat) Web site (in Dutch) 4:30 » Read more
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is only covered by the Museumcard. Photo: Michel Curi
The Netherlands has over 400 museums – a hefty load of culture to pack into one tiny country. Locals know that museum passes are the way to go in Amsterdam, but the city offers two competing passes. Which is the best buy for you? It depends upon your length of stay and your budget. Here’s » Read more
Don't leave too much on the bar! Photo: Giulio Yuri Dalla Noce
Tipping abroad can be confusing, especially when you’re on a whirl-winded European trip that takes you into and out of different countries with different customs. Often travelers tip too much, or to little, and rarely the right amount at the right time. How much should you tip in Amsterdam? Learn from the locals and follow » Read more
Here's how to have the perfect cheapo day in Amsterdam. Photo: Michelle Maria
A day on less than €20 in Amsterdam? Can it be done? Why, yes it can! Amsterdam might not be the cheapest Euro destination, but thanks to its outdoor happenings and entertainment freebies, it’s certainly possible. • Related: Heading to Amsterdam? Be sure to swing by our guide to the best cheap hotels in Amsterdam. » Read more
Head to an Amsterdam cafe-bar for a coffee and cookie. Photo: Joanne Goldby
On the surface Amsterdam’s café culture seems a little confusing and intimidating. If cafes serve beer and coffeeshops serve the “green goods,” where does one go for just a cup of joe? Here are some pointers. Ordering coffee? Ditch the details! If you’re craving a large mocha latte with 2% milk and sugar-free syrup, you » Read more
Turning heads on the Beerbike. Michiel020
The preferred way to travel in Amsterdam is undoubtedly by bicycle, and bike tour possibilities abound. Know your options, however, before settling for just any old group cycle through the city. From beach cruises to picnic pedaling, here are my “top five” alternative bike tours that are offered in and around Amsterdam. Culinary bike tour » Read more
Why resist? An appeltaart met slagroom awaits... Photo: Tavallai
The Dutch were never known for their exotic cuisine–bread, cheese and fries being the basics. Thankfully the Netherlands has a satisfying sweet tooth. When visiting Amsterdam, don’t hold back on indulging in these five sugary surprises that are simple, cheap, yet oh so tasty. 1. Appeltaart met slagroom Typical price: €3.75 Apple pie with whipped » Read more
Papagayo Beach on Lanzarote, Canary Islands. Photo: Teosaurio
The Canary Islands are the prime euro vacation spot for those eager to break from the winter. Not only is the weather warm, water gorgeous and beaches sublime, but the volcanic topography is naturally wonderful. This southern Spanish archipelago is a hotspot throughout the year, so here are some tips to help steer clear of » Read more
Welcome to Amsterdam. Photo by jack_nealy
Schipol Airport in Amsterdam gets its name from its former days as a large lake where ships easily sunk from bad weather – the translation literally means “ship hole” (insert joke here). It’s the third largest airport in Europe and in the world for international passenger traffic. To help keep you afloat, here are some » Read more
Innsbruck, Austria can be budget-friendly. Photos by Audrey Sykes
Europe’s ski towns are scattered across the Alps and serve as ideal winter getaways for those living up north. Innsbruck, Austria is one of the favorites and one of the cheapest. It’s bigger than surrounding towns, with a larger population and thus a lot more to offer in terms of quality and prices. Here are » Read more
Save some serious francs with these simple tips. Photo: Max Stolbinsky
Let’s get one thing straight about Zurich: There is nothing you can do to avoid expensive costs. It’s the fifth priciest city in Europe, and even simple fares like tram tickets and Swiss chocolate can be a big pinch from any pocket. There’s not much you can do, but there is some hope. Try these » Read more
Safe cycling in Amsterdam. Photo: Enlatado
Amsterdam by bike is the best way to see the city, hands down. The flat terrain guarantees a quick travel time, and there’s something special about the Holland breeze brushing your cheeks. Most importantly, as biking in this densely-populated city is the main form of transport, there are some important safety precautions you should take. » Read more
Sunset at Zandvoort beach. Photos by Audrey Sykes.
As summer rolls away in Amsterdam and fall brings in cooler temps, locals still flock to the beaches for one last hurrah. Luckily, the fun cafés, clubs and bars along the beaches of Zandvoort and IJburg throw grand finale parties until the last week of September. Getting to a beach in Holland is a breeze, » Read more
Bearpit Karaoke in Mauerpark. Photo: sfreimark
Feeling musically inspired by Berlin’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene? Cheapos, step right up to Bearpit Karaoke! In February 2009, Irish expat Joe Hatchiban plugged in a karaoke set at Berlin’s Mauerpark Flea Market in Prenzlauer Berg. A bicycle courier by day, Hatchiban toted the necessary equipment on his vehicle: a laptop with karaoke mp3s, a microphone, » Read more
The Pancake Boat in Amsterdam. Photo by Audrey Sykes.
As in many European countries, going out for breakfast in the Netherlands is a rare event. Yet some of us cherish the true enjoyment of a morning meal. Here’s how the Dutch do it on the go and on the cheap, along with a few tips for finding a nice a.m. sit-down spot in Amsterdam. » Read more
Budapest, a Cheapo-friendly destination. Photo by **Maurice**.
Don’t let the fear of expenses get in the way of a trip across the pond. When done right, touring Europe can be cheaper than traveling through North America. If I can manage a four-month jaunt for under $1500, you can manage a two-month trip for $1000 or less. Here are 10 ways to make » Read more
In my opinion, the Magere Brug (the “Skinny Bridge” in English) is the best bridge in Amsterdam because of its beauty (by day and by night) and its ideal location on the Amstel River. It’s my favorite place to sit and dangle my feet in the sunlight. A trace from the Golden Age The Skinny » Read more
At Foam in Amsterdam. Photo by bartvanpoll.
There are over 400 museums in the tiny Netherlands, but, for me, one stands out for its value and quality: Amsterdam’s Foam Photography Museum. Foam holds a roster of spectacular collections by world-famous photographers past and present, though its discreet Keizersgracht location keeps the place relatively peaceful. Its interior is modern and inventive, and the gallery size » Read more
The scene at Cafe Koosje.
Editor’s Note: For our “Favorite Places” blog series, we’re asking our local correspondents to write about one of their favorite places in town. For an ultimate Dutch time out in Amsterdam, head to Café Koosje. From coffee to apple pie with whipped cream, the place warms its patrons with cups of culture and a charming » Read more
A bridge on the harbor in Hamburg. Photo 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 » Read more
A collection of prepaid SIM cards. Photo by toyohara.
No matter where you’re traveling, it’s important to keep yourself well-connected, technology-wise. Luckily, pocket-size, travel-friendly gadgets are no longer limited to the businessman-on-the-go market. (And even the most modest backpackers duck into Internet cafes to type emails on PC setups that rival the most tech-savvy home office.) If you’re making plans for a 2010 getaway » Read more
The city of Kotor in Montenegro. Photo by Audrey Sykes.
Lovely Montenegro, with its mountainous landscape and outdoor terrain, is a Southeastern European jewel worth visiting. Due to its cheap prices, the country is experiencing a boost in tourism and a revamping of its transportation options. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind when planning how to get around Montenegro: Avoid trains, unless you’re heading for » Read more
Djemaa el Fna market in Marrakech. Photo by Audrey Sykes.
Downtown Marrakesh is bursting in flavor, from the colorful riad hotels to the lively and entertaining Djemaa el Fna. It’s easy to be overwhelmed, especially when it comes to dining. To help ease you into dinnertime, here are five things to remember when dining out in Marrakesh. 1. Wash your hands It’s a given for » Read more
The port of Dubrovnik. Photo by Tambako the Jaguar.
Ask any beach-savvy European and they’ll wax on about Croatia being the new, and more affordable, Mediterranean paradise. Dubrovnik especially emits a feeling of romance as its Old Town walls pair with the Adriatic like some majestic dream. But like every beach diamond vacation, Dubrovnik is beginning to saturate itself with tourist traps and overpriced » Read more
The Nike Athena Temple at the Acropolis. Photo by Audrey Sykes.
The new Acropolis Museum is 2009’s addition to Athens’ already impressive archeological area of the Acropolis. The new, sleek, and grandiose building holds over 4,000 artifacts from surrounding excavations. The museum is not only impressive to the eye, but its one-euro entrance fee is also impressive to the wallet. Here’s a run down of what » Read more
