The Crouch End Clock Tower is the focal point of the neighborhood. Photo: Vic15
Crouch End is a mysterious little corner of the capital. There is no Tube line connecting it with the rest of London and the locals want it to stay that way. While many Londoners have heard of Crouch End, most have no idea where it actually is and imagine it’s so far away they would » Read more
Although Dublin is generally safe, be smart about walking around at night. Photo: Andrew H.
There are far more dangerous places for a solo female traveler than Dublin, but still, it’s important to be prepared. During my time living in the city I learned a few tips that I hope my fellow females will find useful during a trip to the Irish capital. 1. Always keep a close eye on » Read more
The Pension Mari-Luz, above, is situated near bars and music clubs in the Gothic Quarter. Photos: Regina Bryan
The Spanish are good at partying. Dinner at 10 p.m. and off to the clubs by 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. is a normal sequence of events in Barcelona and throughout Spain. While it is said that Madrid has better “marcha” (a party scene) than Barcelona, trust me, you will not be bored or lack » Read more
Pisa's Duomo is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor.
Your tour of Europe is likely to take in at least a few iconic sights. There are, however, few guidebooks which tell you that next to the tower or castle you traveled half a world to see is a sight that’s equally (or more) worth your time and money to visit. Here a few suggestions » Read more
We have a crush on the Hotel Nadia in Amsterdam. Photos by Audrey Sykes
Today at EuroCheapo headquarters we’re crushing big time over the Nadia Hotel in Amsterdam. Our Amsterdam correspondent Audrey Sykes recently checked in on this EuroCheapo mainstay, and her new review proves that “service with a smile” can really make the budget hotel experience. The Nadia is a simple spot (with very small rooms and a » Read more
Ramble around safely when visiting Barcelona. Photo: Txapulin
Ideally, I would not need to write this post. After all, when was the last time you saw a travel article titled “Tips for Solo Male Travelers”? Never. But when it comes to being a lady on the road on her own, well, things get a bit more tricky. Back story When I came to » Read more
It can feel like you have the city to yourself in August. Photo: Aurora Chiste
It’s August and that means vacation time in Paris! While the Louvre and Notre Dame are flooded with tourists from around the world, one piece of Paris is curiously lacking – the Parisians. Neighborhoods around town have seemingly emptied out and the usually crowded parks and picnic spots have a surplus of vacant space for » Read more
Wandering and wondering in Bari, Italy. Photo © hidden europe
We have become great fans of less-planned journeys. Cast back a generation and travelers were much less worried about having every aspect of their itinerary planned out in advance. There was a happy spontaneity to travel. That’s changed. Nowadays, travelers view their vacations as investments that need to be properly planned and carefully managed. The » Read more
Meissen on the Elbe River. All photos © hidden europe magazine
With a length from source to sea of over 1,000 kilometers, the Elbe is one of Europe’s great rivers. And in Dresden and Hamburg, the River Elbe boasts two showcase cities that are in the premier league of destinations for travelers to Europe. Smaller is Better Yet to really catch the flavor of Elbe landscapes » Read more
Bearpit Karaoke returns! Everybody dance now. Photo: sfreimark
Don’t let it be said that the people have no voice. After numerous press reports (including our own from May 22nd) on the negative developments for the popular Sunday open-air Bearpit Karaoke event in Berlin’s Mauerpark, Pankow’s elected officials took note and changed their tune. Karaoke fans and stars will now be guaranteed their Sunday » Read more
The line of the Wall on Bernauer Strasse. All photos © hidden europe magazine
Ask many visitors what drew them to Berlin this summer and the chances are that they will mention “the Wall.” Odd, is it not, that one of the major attractions of the German capital is a wall that is no longer there? Dark tourism Berlin is a standard stop-off point on Europe’s dark tourism circuit, » Read more
Observe Olympic events for free in Hyde. Photos by Nina Derham
As mentioned in our post last week about cheap and free places to watch the Olympics in London, giant screens have been erected in Hyde Park to accommodate locals wishing to observe the events from the comfort of the city’s center. Our London correspondent Nina Derham was among the reported 50,000 people who jammed into » Read more
The two-star Gat Xino is minimal, chic and affordable. Photos by Regina W. Bryan
Many times, “style” and “inexpensive” seem incompatible. While a budget hotel in Barcelona may have the right location and low rate, on many occasions these places leave something to be desired when it comes to color, furnishings, art and decor in general. There are a few hotels and hostals in Barcelona that rise above the » Read more
It's possible to enjoy the Olympics in London without buying tickets to events. Photo: Diamond Geezer
So London has officially gone Olympics crazy. There is barely a television program that doesn’t talk about past sporting legends and future possible gold medalists, barely a corner you can turn without being reminded there are only five, four, three, two.. more days to go. As the excitement builds Londoners are starting to wonder what » Read more
Church and houses in the Bavarian town of Mittenwald. Photos ©hidden europe magazine
Germany is not blessed with much of the Alps, and most of the country’s small Alpine towns live well from tourism. They are not, it has to be said, our favorite spots. Bad Reichenau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen are more resorts than real mountain communities. Oberstdorf has sold its soul to skiing, and Füssen is overcrowded with » Read more
The Museumzicht offers cheap rooms with views and grandmotherly charm. All photos by Audrey Sykes
For today’s Hotel Crush, I’ve chosen the Hotel Museumzicht in Amsterdam, an old-time EuroCheapo favorite. Audrey Sykes, our Amsterdam correspondent, visited this month and just submitted her review, along with more than 80 photographs! Apparently, the hotel was rather photogenic! (We only published 37 of the photos due to space constraints and iPhoto fatigue…) The » Read more
Sunset over Sandymount Strand. Barry
Perfect pints and traditional music, sure—but beaches? In Dublin? While Ireland isn’t known beyond its borders for beaches, the country is actually home to lovely stretches of sand and world-class surfing spots. While the best surfing is found on the west coast of Ireland, there are several beaches near Dublin that are ideal for a » Read more
A slow train through the vineyards. Photo © hidden europe magazine
“I really had to cover a lot of miles to make sure I got good value from my Eurail pass.” We’ve heard comments like that often, and you surely have, too. It is a refrain uttered by folk as they return home from a manic dash around Europe, sometimes even covering seven capitals in as » Read more
The Macro Testaccio displays modern art from hot, new artists. Photo: Dalbera
A short stroll from Piramide (Metro Line B), Testaccio is one of the most vibrant, yet under-rated neighborhoods in Rome. A hub of pubs, late-night clubs, markets and cute specialty shops, there is plenty to see and do in this historical part of the city. While tourists flock to Trastevere and squish into bars around the » Read more
Get to know the locals over a beer in Dublin. Photo: Holla Backpack
Few cities have civic initiatives with the purpose of demonstrating the warmth of its citizens. In Dublin, hospitality is part of the national character, and one program is helping visitors to see it: the City of a Thousand Welcomes. The program connects first-time visitors to Dublin with hospitable locals: 1,000 of them to be exact. » Read more
Bastille Day – or Le Quatorze Juillet – is right around the corner on July 14, so it’s time to prepare. The national holiday in France is a serious affair. Fortunately, no matter what your tastes are, there’s plenty to do in Paris all day long without emptying your wallet. Here’s this year’s round-up of » Read more
The capital of the Republic of San Marino on Mount Titano. Photos © hidden europe
Little San Marino, the independent republic in the Apennines, is a gem. And like most gems, you have to take time to appreciate it. Forget the overpriced day trips touted by bus operators, and instead plan to spend two or three days in San Marino. By day This diminutive polity, with its capital (also called » Read more
A toro prepares to charge at a bullfighter in Madrid. George M. Groutas
There are a few “hot topics” sure to stir the pot at any dinner party in Madrid: language (Castilian vs Basque, Catalan, etc), football (Barça vs Real Madrid) and bullfighting. While many defend bullfighting as an art and tradition important to Spanish culture, others think of it as barbaric and archaic. Where do you stand? » Read more
Looking down on Sóller from the train from Palma. Photos by T. Meyers
Early one morning last week I got up and headed straight for Palma de Mallorca’s train station. Well, not the city’s main commuting station, but rather the station serving the Ferrocarril de Soller, a vintage, 100 year-old train. The picturesque old train, comprised of half a dozen wooden cars dating back to the railway’s opening » Read more
The Hotel Chopin is located at the end of a 19th century shopping arcade. Photo: T. Meyers
The search for affordable hotels in Paris often leaves travelers fearing that they’ll have to settle for something with a lousy location, perhaps along the outskirts of town or in the suburbs. Not true, dear Cheapos. Last week I wrote a column for the Huffington Post about budget hotels in Paris with fabulous locations, all » Read more
Most popular posts
Meet the Cheapos
Recent comments