"Secret London" and "Secret Venice," two new guidebooks that aim at taking tourists off the beaten track.
From time to time, as we mooch around cities in western Europe we raise a glass to toast Thomas Jonglez – a man who took a decade to realize that a career in the steel trade was decidedly unsexy and in 2003 reinvented himself as a writer and publisher. We first stumbled on Jonglez’ work » Read more
Aperitivos in Florence. Photo by • Moes •
Since arriving in Tuscany, you’ve not only developed a palate for fine wine, but also a handsome routine where every night you like to indulge in an aperitivo. The only problem is that it’s been putting a real dent in your budget. So here’s what to do to keep the coins in your pocket and » Read more
A "bonjour" and "merci" go far when speaking with the locals. Photo: Tom Meyers
By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— It’s a longstanding and debatable stereotype that Parisians are rude. Many visitors to Paris who try to speak French, order a salad without pork, or try to ask for directions often have the impression that the local they address are anything but kind and welcoming. It may be cultural misunderstanding, » Read more
Hiking in Ireland. Rob Hurson
As the end of summer draws near, it’s only natural to try and squeeze in one more picnic, one more scenic hike, one more swim before the colder weather creeps in. While temperatures never reach soaring heights in Dublin, the same sensation is felt in the Irish capital. Before the days get too short and » Read more
Out of the rain and into the rain forest at the California Academy of Sciences. Photo: Kwong Yee Cheng
If you’ve never been to San Francisco, expect the unexpected, especially when it comes to the weather. In any given day you may experience a couple different seasons, as the weather can change drastically. Because of this, you’ll want to dress in layers when visiting the city, especially if you plan on being out and » Read more
The Seven Sisters cliffs in the South Downs National Park. Photo: Howzy
Britain’s newest national park is also the most accessible from London. Less than 50 miles from the capital, the South Downs National Park takes in impressive downland, a spectacular stretch of cliffed coastline in East Sussex and some breathtakingly beautiful villages. We love this part of England. After the frenetic pace of London, Sussex and » Read more
The streets of the Barri Gotic. Photo: Jonathan Taglione
By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona— I’ve lived all over Barcelona, from the upper Eixample by the Sagrada Familia, to the ancient heart of the city in the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter). I now live near the sea, which suits me best. Which barri is right for your trip or move to Barcelona? That depends » Read more
Avoid crowds by photographing Sacre Coeur in the morning. Photos by Theadora Brack
Got 24 hours to spend in Paris? Grab the cameras and bucket lists, and let’s shoot the city like there’s no tomorrow. Here are six of my favorite iconic backdrops for photo ops, perfect for your social media portraits and status updates, too. There’s no sin in boasting. Besides, it’s free. Channeling photographers Robert Doisneau » Read more
Waiting around for a train in Florence's Santa Maria Novella station? Don't forget to stamp your ticket! Photo: Sammy
Instead of my usual banter about the best things to do in Florence, I’m going to try something different. No recommendations this time. At least, not the usual kind. Instead, here are some activities to avoid – expensive bad ideas, hence the crummiest things to do in my city. 1. Eat Near the Duomo It » Read more
Go swimming off the "South Wall" in Dublin. Photo by Jessica Colley
When it comes to “not to miss” activities in Dublin, swimming might not be at the top of your list. While many locals make it their business to take the plunge into the icy Irish Sea at any time of year, visitors generally limit taking a dip to random sunny days in the summer. Many » Read more
A stunning sunset over Luxembourg City. laurentlux
Diminutive Luxembourg City is certainly not the smallest capital city in Europe. Indeed, it is a dozen times larger than Vaduz which serves as the pristine, albeit rather sterile, capital of Liechtenstein. Luxembourg City deserves to be much better known, and it is a great spot to stop off and relax for a day or » Read more
Stroll through Moabit Prison Historical Park. Photo: Philip Cohen
I love Berlin for all its obscure corners and strange places. And some of the best “hidden” spots are actually out in the open, right on the beaten path. As my time in Berlin comes to a close, allow me to share some of my favorite urban oases. 1. Kunsthof Oranienburger Straße 27 Mitte On » Read more
Get thee to Versailles early! Photo: Gary Todd
Few experiences in Paris will leave you as spellbound and awestruck as the massive monarchical monolith that is the Palace of Versailles. Louis XIV’s palatial compound and spectacular gardens still wow visitors today just as they did during a period when nobles and mistresses filled the halls, hoping for a glimpse of the king himself. » Read more
Schools out for summer. Photo: satbir
Having a sense of local travel patterns is a smart way of seeing Europe at its best and trimming costs. High school holiday dates are often a key determinant of accommodation costs. And with kids already heading back to school in some parts of Europe, that opens up opportunities for Cheapos looking for bargains. Related: » Read more
Excellent views at Prague Zoo. Photo: Donald Judge
The prices aren’t what they used to be in Prague, but this city in the Czech Republic still offers a variety of cheapo-friendly activities. Here’s a list of a few of them that are sure to keep you entertained, with a few crowns left over to spare. 1. Prague Zoo – Lions and tigers and » Read more
Dam, Dim, Dom, the author's new favorite vintage clothing shop in Paris. Photos by Theadora Brack
This week, let’s go-go vintage clothing shopping! Throughout Paris, you’ll find “friperies” (second-hand clothing shops) and “depôts-ventes” (consignment shops). Possessing a mad penchant for collecting the garb of yesteryear but on a budget, I’ve three favorite hunting grounds: Abbesses, the Marais, and the Porte de Vanves flea market. But first, let’s look to Oscar Wilde » Read more
Enjoying a movie outdoors in Rome's Isola Tiberina cinema. Photo: Antmoose
During the summer nearly all the locals in Rome enjoy wining and dining all’aperto. As most restaurants (and apartments) in Italy don’t have air conditioning, many residents prefer dining outdoors in a lovely piazza or going for drinks with friends along the banks of the Tiber River. Another activity that is molto trendy for Romans » Read more
Taking in the sights on Sunday night at GMF. Photo: tmszj
In 2001, a relatively obscure local politician named Klaus Wowereit proudly declared: “I’m gay, and it’s a good thing.” Berliners wasted no time electing him mayor, and he has been in office ever since. San Francisco may have boys with flowers in their hair, but Berlin is arguably the most gay-friendly city. Mayor Wowereit, affectionately » Read more
The Tammerkoski River in Tampere. Photos ©hidden europe magazine
Sometimes we run across a city that just has a very good feel. Often these are university towns, places that are not in the premier league of tourist destinations, but spots that have a decidedly laid-back and welcoming feel. Szeged in Hungary, Bergamo in Italy, and Lund in Sweden all ooze that distinct welcoming feeling. » Read more
Hitting the beach, Paris-style. Photo: Craig Morey
When summertime hits in Paris, the locals feel the pressure to go on vacation. The city traditionally empties out in August, but that tradition is no longer steadfast. Plenty of Parisians stay behind in August while tourists flock from all over the world to experience the City of Light. In addition to all of the » Read more
A July afternoon in Dublin. Photo: *polvorilla
Summer travel can be one of the most challenging for Cheapos in Dublin—when the sun is shining and loads of people are traveling budgets can skyrocket. Yet with a few tips, there are many ways to beat the crowds and keep your wallet full. Here are a few tried-and-tested tips for traveling on the cheap » Read more
The view from Mission Dolores Park. Photos: Suzanne Russo
By Suzanne Russo— The eclectic Mission District is somehow both quintessential San Francisco and a world apart. Like the hip Marina and tony Pacific Heights, the Mission has a large population of ravishing Victorian homes but here the genteel structures keep company with tall palm trees, colorful murals and ornate Spanish-style architecture. And while its edgy, artsy flair resembles » Read more
Passing the afternoon in Madrid's historic Café Commercial. Photo: Tnarik
Imagine letting the hours pass by in Madrid. What comes to mind? My mind always conjures up images of the city’s cafés. And this is nothing new: Before moving to Madrid I dreamed about sitting at an outdoor café enjoying a café con leche, or finding the coziest corner inside to sip on a ColaCao. » Read more
Getting some latenight scoops in Barcelona. Photo: Gnomeza
By Regina W Bryan in Barcelona— One of the top five reasons I live in Barcelona is the weather. I’m from the Pacific NW in the United States, which is lovely when the clouds lift. Sick of the rain, I wanted to be in the sunshine which motivated me to move to Costa Rica, Guatemala » Read more
Hanging on to BART in San Francisco. Photo: Talia Grace
By Spencer Spellman— If you’re spending most of your time in San Francisco itself, you’re not likely to be renting a car. The expense of parking mixed with the difficulty of finding a parking spot are reasons enough to bypass a car rental in favor of public transportation. You’ll likely be ready for a ride after climbing » Read more
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