Is it worth it to visit La Rambla? Photo: Heidi Strean
La Rambla cuts through Barcelona’s old town, separating the neighborhood El Raval from the historic Gothic Quarter. It’s a place of contrasts, bustling with beauty and history, but also with pickpockets and tourist traps. Generally, I tell visitors to stay clear of La Rambla as much as they can, because of the touristy environment and mediocre restaurants that » Read more
A typical day in front of the Mona Lisa. Photo: Leandro N
Good news for fans of European vacations and French museums. Some of the biggest attractions in and around Paris have just announced that they will be extending their opening hours to seven days a week for a two-year trial. Starting in 2015 and running through 2017, The Louvre, the Palace of Versailles and Musée d’Orsay will » Read more
A view over Porto rooftops. Photo: Frances Ambler
Travelers often neglect it in favor of Lisbon but Porto — Portugal’s second city — more than justifies its place on an itinerary. While it’s still very much an industrial, working city, it’s got more than enough riverside views, rambling streets and Portuguese charm to be worthy of a postcard home. It’s also a great » Read more
Even simple perks like an elevator make a London stay special. Photo: Meininger Hotel
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the choice when looking for somewhere to stay in London. There are literally thousands of places to choose from. Price and location are important considerations, but what about those little perks that really help to make a stay? Here are five London stays that offer valuable extras, along with » Read more
Hamburg at sunset. Photo: Karsten Bergmann
In recent articles in the blog, we’ve culled the best of Hamburg’s budget nightlife and recommended the coolest and cheapest beds the city has to offer. Now we’re pulling it all together with a handy list of seven ways to save a few more euros on your Hamburg travel adventure. 1. Book your train and » Read more
Checking out the scene at the Columbia Road Flower Market. Photo: Magnus D
Summer may have drawn to a close (sob!), but despite the return of early nightfall and grey skies in London, there’s a sure fire way of injecting a bit of color into your weekend—a visit to the Columbia Road Flower Market! Stocking up on flowers In what has to be the city’s most vibrant market, » Read more
Lunch time in Paris can be affordable and delicious! Photo: Pier-Luc Bergeron
Now that the busy summer season has come and gone, the city is starting to settle back into its everyday rhythm. This means you’ll find the people of Paris scattered across lovely terraces around lunch time, stopping by for déjeuner à prix fixe. These meals, often a daily special or a traditional French dish, will be » Read more
During a recent holiday in Turkey, I indulged in the ultimate pampering: a visit to a hamam. I had heard talk amongst my Turkish friends of their habitual visits to what can be compared to a spa or bath house. They always seemed so relaxed following a trip to the hamam, and after traveling around » Read more
Walking Libson's scenic and hilly streets are worth with views like this from Santa Luzia.
As a bilingual speaker (English and Spanish), my travels have taken me to some of the most beautiful Spanish speaking countries in the world. However, I wasn’t sure if it would help me out when venturing into Portugal. So with some pocket change, a carry-on bag, and a quest for learning a new language, I » Read more
Speicherstadt is a popular warehouse district in Hamburg. Photo: Klim Levene
If you’ve only got a weekend to spare in Hamburg, we’ve got you covered. Our budget-friendly two-day itinerary hits all of the port city’s major highlights while leaving enough flexibility for personal preferences and surprise discoveries. There’s a lot to discover during 48 hours in Hamburg—let’s get to it! Saturday 9:00 AM: Hamburg’s most popular attraction » Read more
Although located in Central Park, Conservatory Garden feels like a place apart. Photo: gigi_nyc
The early planners of New York understood the necessity of green spaces in their burgeoning metropolis, and it takes little more than a lazy summer afternoon in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow to know that they were right. From the wilds of the High Line to the urban oasis of Bryant Park, New York offers green spaces » Read more
Don't be shy. Grab that picture perfect photo of the Eiffel Tower. Photo: Sulox32
Some people come to Paris and try to fit in by wearing their best black outfit, staying in an obscure part of town and avoiding speaking English as much as possible. Sure, it’s fun to be a local, but at the end of the day, being a local also means working, cleaning your own bathroom, » Read more
Lunch time in Barcelona. Photo: Craig Nelson
Menu prices around Barcelona. have risen over the past few years, but fixed-price lunch menus still remain an excellent value throughout the city. That’s good news for Cheapos. Here’s a brief list of budget-friendly restaurants that offer great lunch deals. We’ve tried to cover all the central neighborhoods, so that no matter where you are in » Read more
Know that castle in the West Village? You can enter it! Photo: Craig Nelson
From the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, New York shouts its greatness in glitzy, larger-than-life flair. But beyond the bright lights of Broadway and behind the beautiful buildings lurk some of the city’s greatest treasures, just waiting for someone to stumble upon and enjoy them. Here are seven hidden NYC spots you » Read more
Generator Hostel Hamburg is a bright, modern lodging option where rooms start at €25. Photo: Courtesy of Generator
Finding an inexpensive hotel or hostel can sometimes be a challenge in Hamburg, but we have found five incredibly cheap options that range from €14 to €25 per night for a bed in a shared room. Best of all, these five spots meet the important criteria that every Cheapo holds dear: affordable, clean and centrally » Read more
A pint to wash down a perfect plate of of fish & chips. Photo: Graham Holliday
While Britain may not have the same reputation for food as, say, France and Italy, it definitely has its own distinct dishes. Traditional British food and drink has seen seeing something of a revival over the last ten years and, if you are travelling around the UK, keep your eye out for regional specialties such » Read more
Exploring Antwerp. Photo: Photo by Esther DG on Unsplash
Antwerp in Belgium, the capital of Flanders, is an oddly overlooked charmer in spitting distance by train of several big European cities, most notably Brussels (only one hour away by train), Amsterdam, Paris, London and Cologne. The city, long a diamond trade and fashion industry motor, is stylish and self-possessed. There are loads of reasons » Read more
The historic Trocadero building will soon be home to a new budget hotel with over 500 rooms. Photo: Hazrulnizam Rosle
If you’ve ever been one of those tourists who snaps an iconic photo in front of the lights in Piccadilly Circus, you’ve probably also seen the Trocadero building, an enormous Edwardian edifice which sits between Shaftesbury Avenue and Coventry Street. Over the years the building has been home to many different things, most recently an » Read more
Hamburg Fischmarkt at night. Photo: Martin Schmid
A long night out in Hamburg doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. Germany’s “Hafenstadt” (port city) offers a number of fun, free evening diversions that, accented with select stops for food and drinks, will leave you with plenty of travel funds left over for the next day’s adventures. This tour takes you on » Read more
How far in advance should you reserve your hotel room? Not surprisingly, that depends on several factors!
After painstaking research, you find a hotel in Rome that perfectly fits your trip. Great location, cute décor, friendly management, nice bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. And the rates? Well, doubles are listed “from €98”, which seems perfect for your budget. But then you try out your dates, only to find that it’s €149 a night » Read more
Totally Thames Festival is a highlight of September happenings in London. Photo: Garry Knight
The River Thames links London together as much as it also marks out that oh-so-important north / south city divide that locals feel so passionate about. But this month, the Thames Festival Trust, who have organized many exciting events along the river over the last 16 years, is embracing the importance of our river even » Read more
Hallo Frau Nachbar is a popular monthly flea market in Karo featuring local artists, designers and chefs.
If, like us, you’re looking to avoid chain stores and restaurants when visiting Hamburg, the Karolinen- and Schanzenvierteln—or as they’re known to locals, Karo and Schanze—are the city’s answer to your prayers. Nearly every shop, cafe and restaurant is owner-operated; Here you’ll meet the designers and chefs behind the products themselves. You’ll find a wide » Read more
Looking for an affordable destination filled with European charm? Welcome to Bruges. Wolfgang S
Bruges has a hassle-free vibe, wrapping locals with a warm blanket of comfy taverns, bakeries and romantic wanders. Weekends pass slowly and satisfying as people embrace the feeling of this 14th century sleepy Flemish town. Plus, there’s no lack of affordable hotels and hostels in town starting at $47. But where do you begin to » Read more
Pastries in Paris. Photo:Ajay Suresh
We all hear about the croissant and its rich little brother the pain au chocolat, but these are not the only breakfast items available at the bakery. Parisians aren’t about to dive into an éclair or creamy millefeuille for breakfast, but they do have other options. Skip breakfast in the hotel to save a few » Read more
For a charming slice of London, it's hard to beat an afternoon exploring Islington. Photo: Alan Stanton
Tackling London’s top sights and busiest central areas is one thing, but if you really want to get under the skin of this city, you need to eat, drink and shop in the areas where locals actually live. Islington is one of north London’s jewels in the crown, a lively corner where some of the » Read more
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