If you happen upon some wine taps while in Florence, grab a jug and start filling! Photo: achimh.
Florence is a wine lover’s paradise, offering amazing wines from all over Tuscany and Italy at low prices that could even shock a Cheapo. One way to enjoy wine and beer at even cheaper prices is to buy it like the locals do, “alla Spina” (on tap) or “vino sfuso” (wine in bulk or loose). » Read more
Featuring stylish rooms and tons of amenities, the Mama Shelter brings "budget boutique" to a new level. Photo courtesy of the hotel.
When looking for your home away from home in Paris, there are a few things to consider: location, comfort, ambiance, and, of course, price. But just because you’d rather save on accommodation and spend your cash on the many other fine things Paris has to offer doesn’t mean you have to settle for a shabby, » Read more
The Tate Britain is free every day. Photo: Jimmy Harris
After reading the seven things that are always free in Paris article I was inspired to create an equivalent guide to things that are always free in London. I’m not going to dare to suggest that one city does free things better than the other: it’s simply another case of vive la difference. While Parisians » Read more
The dramatic and beautiful landscape of Flores, in the Azores archipelago. Photo: Julen-Iturbe
In early June, the Santorini will steam into Lajes, a ragged settlement on the eastern shore of the tiny island of Flores. Lajes wins no prizes for beauty. It is a rough-and-ready port. For many yachtsmen who cross the Atlantic from the New World, the island of Flores is their first port of call in » Read more
Even though the Vondelpark is Amsterdam's most popular park, you can still find places to relax. Photo: Amsterdam Tourist
Although a very densely-populated capital, Amsterdam is a very “parky” place. In the summertime locals flock to the city’s many green spaces to hang in the sun, picnic, and dabble in recreational games. All very Cheapo-friendly ways to spend the day, as none of them cost a euro-cent. Here are my five picks for city » Read more
Get a different view of Paris from the Hotel Nadaud, near Pere Lachaise cemetery in northeast Paris. Photo courtesy of the hotel
Northeast Paris is witnessing an interesting phenomenon. In this multicultural collage of gritty historic neighborhoods, bohemian quarters and more recently, piecemeal gentrification, several independently-run, quality budget hotels are enjoying increased popularity with travelers, thanks mostly to word-of-mouth. While these properties may be too far away from the traditional touristic routes for some tourists, other travelers » Read more
La Vinya del Senyor carries more than 400 wines in a fab setting. Photo: Regina W Bryan
When I meet someone new in Barcelona, I prepare myself for the “Three Questions”: Them: “How long have you lived here?” Me: “Almost 8 years.” Them: “Do you like it?” Me: “Yes.” Them: “Why did you move to Barcelona?” Depending on my mood, I give some long-winded story about adventure and heartbreak, blah, blah, blah, » Read more
Violet-flavored kir in Paris. Photo: Gilda
After a day of meandering through Paris’ museums, trolling boutiques or pounding the cobblestones as you see the sights, there’s nothing quite like taking a load off and parking yourself at a corner café to partake in that most pleasant of French table traditions, “l’apéritif,” or “l’apéro” for short. The French cherish that time of » Read more
Room décor at the Stylotel is reminiscent of a spaceship. Photos by EuroCheapo
While London may be justifiably proud of its historic charms, it also likes to think of itself as being at the cutting edge of contemporary design. That’s a claim that’s not always substantiated by the fussy and fusty décor of some of the city’s budget hotels. But it is possible to find more contemporary design » Read more
Gateway to Paris: London's St Pancras station. Photo © hidden europe
It is no surprise that, when Eurostar started operations, it immediately became the preferred option for business and leisure travelers heading from London to Paris. Almost 20 years later, the airlines cling to a small residual share of the market between the two capitals — flights are nowadays favored mainly by travelers who are making » Read more
The Hotel Eldorado near Montmartre has budget beds... and personality. All photos by EuroCheapo
When it comes to budget hotels in Europe, Paris is in a class of its own. Although it has a reputation as a city possessed by glamor and glitz (with prices to match), Paris still offers a range of inexpensive hotel options that make it surprisingly reasonable to visit. In our guide to Paris, we’ve » Read more
In through the front, and out through the back on buses in Amsterdam. Photo: Vitalyzator
It might seem ridiculous to write a post on how to use a bus in Amsterdam. Most of us know how to ride a bus. But the particulars of riding public transportation in countries you’re visiting can be tricky enough to embarrass you with even the simplest task, like paying for your fare incorrectly, or » Read more
Casa Per Ferie Santa Maria alle Fornaci is a former convent near St. Peter’s.
A few weeks ago, cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio checked in at the Domus Internationalis Paulus VI, a clerics’ hotel in Rome, before the launching of the secret electoral conclave that would lead to the Papal election. A few days later, now the new Pope, Padre Bergoglio religiously paid his bill while checking out. The final » Read more
Check-in at the Czech Inn, a sleek and stylish hostel option in Prague. Photos by EuroCheapo
There are many reasons why Prague is a Cheapo’s dream. In the Czech capital, you’ll find a favorable exchange rate, you can eat like a (Bohemian) king, and pints of beer are cheaper than bottles of water in other cities. Yet there’s another reason why Prague stands out, especially when compared to some of the » Read more
The other night I had that odd yet ubiquitous New York experience: I saw a building I’ve never noticed before. Ever. Even though its lovely and old, and I’ve probably walked by it a hundred times. Turns out said building, an elegant all-white number, is the soon-to-open Hyatt Union Square. I learned that it promises to » Read more
Soho remains one central area of this expensive city where Cheapos can definitely still be classy. Photo: Rosapolis
Soho is a microcosm for both the very best and some of the least appealing aspects of London life, with plush media offices, chic boutiques and some of the city’s fanciest restaurants rubbing up against sex shops and scruffy bars. And yet, Soho remains one central area of this expensive city where Cheapos can definitely » Read more
Bell tower views for a song at the Ai Do Mori. Photo: EuroCheapo.
Let’s be honest: In the romantic maze that is Venice, there isn’t really a bad location. But then again, a sleep across from St. Mark’s Basilica is pretty hard to beat. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our top picks for best-located hotels in Venice. Whether you want to be steps from Piazza San Marco, or » Read more
Indulge for tradition's sake in a typical Sunday roast. Photo: Ewan-M
While visitors to the UK often feel that tradition has been lost in modern day London, one thing that us Londoners do hold in very high esteem is our Sunday Roast. The fantastic mixture of succulent meat (generally a choice of beef, chicken, lamb or pork), served with indulgently crispy roasted potatoes, colorful “veg” and » Read more
Burgermeester is a top burger spot in Amsterdam.
The burger craze has hit Amsterdam hard, and specialty burger joints seem to be lighting up across the city (no pun intended). Luckily, my American burger taste buds and my fellow burger-loving buddies have found some of the cheapest hubs that really have the good stuff in Amsterdam’s center. Burger Bar Kolksteeg 6 Warmoestraat 21 » Read more
Bring your own bags to Aldi, one of Germany's most popular grocery stores. Photo: Mr. iMaax
Not all grocery stores in Berlin (and Germany, for that matter) are equal. Germans are well-known for their thrifty nature, which combined with the country’s market power has resulted in some of the lowest food prices on the continent. Germany is well-acquainted with discount grocery stores, and is in fact the birthplace of the Aldi » Read more
Check your phone plan before browsing your social media! Photo: Giuseppe Milo
While the iPhone gets a lion’s share of publicity, Apple’s iconic device only accounts for a small portion of the global smartphone market. With an ever-expanding number of smartphone makes and models—from a variety of service providers—it can be a bit confusing to figure out how much an international call will cost for North Americans » Read more
The romantic and practical Gare de Lyon wins our award for "Best Overall Station." Photo: Sabin Paul Croce
With six major train stations including two of the busiest in Europe, it’s time to take a look at all of Paris’ historic “gares” that may – or may not – play a vital role in your French escapes. Airplanes can sometimes be cheaper, but nothing beats the experience and convenience of taking a train » Read more
Look closely. Is that a TV in the bathroom of the Hotel Lleo? You betcha! Photos: EuroCheapo and Booking.com
The WC, loo, bathroom, restroom, toilet or in Spanish, servicios. How important is the loo to you when you travel? Personally, it’s a pretty important feature and can make or break my hotel experience. When looking for cheap hotels in Barcelona (and all over Europe) you will come across many hostals and pensions which offer » Read more
Amsterdam's Burgermeester chain serves up food that can be quite a handful. Photo: Alper.
Amsterdam is not known to hold many chain businesses (besides Bulldog coffeeshop franchise). The city prides itself on supporting small business owners, “mom and pop” cafes, and one-man (and one-woman) services. Still, a few chain restaurants have begun to pop up. Here are a few that are wallet friendly, fun, flavorful, and worth a look-see. » Read more
There's nothing quite like sleeping on the Ile St-Louis. Photo: EuroCheapo
Choosing the right area to stay in a city is a key factor in shaping a memorable visit. In Paris we have over the years opted for hotels in many different parts of the French capital. We have tried chic hotels off the Champs-Élysees and budget options around the Bastille. We know bright and airy » Read more
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