Riding a Vélib’ bike to see Notre Dame. Photo: Jon Worth
(Updated June 2011 to reflect new Velib’ policies.) We’ve been fans of Paris’ Vélib’ bike program since it debuted in July 2007. But how’s it faring three years later? In many respects it’s been a big hit with both locals and tourists (at least those lucky enough to have the right type of credit card). » 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 Paperback Exchange in Florence. Photo: Paperback Exchange
Has pluri-lingual traveling turned your Anglo mind to sludge? Thinking of cheaply nursing your neurons back to English reading form? Well, just a few streets away from the Duomo’s tourist circus in Florence is a little piece of paradise disguised as a bookshop called The Paperback Exchange. Florence’s English-language bookstore Located at Vialle delle Oche » Read more
Care for a slice of pizza al taglio? Photo: Kyle T.
It’s lunchtime in Rome and you’re on the hunt for a quick bite on a budget. Where to turn? When I have friends in town and I feel like taking them for a fast and simple lunch, I take them straight to a “pizza al taglio” (pizza by the slice) shop. Lunch by the slice Simply » Read more
Marie's farm
Whenever I need a getaway from the hustle and bustle of Paris, I usually daytrip it to Le Domaine de Marie-Antoinette. Nestled behind the Château du Versailles is a palace called “Le Petit Trianon,” meshed with a dreamy little hamlet created for the Queen. It’s the perfect spot for a little introspection and super cool » Read more
Birka is an easy day trip from Stockholm. Photo: David Orban
The Viking stereotype is prevalent the world over when discussing Sweden. The Swedes even play it up a bit: Just look at the Swedish fans anytime the country competes in an international soccer game. (If their failed attempts to qualify for this year’s World Cup are any indication, you might have to wait a while…) They » Read more
Could Google Goggles handle the Russian Steppe? Photo: Vsilv_Spb
If an article in last week’s Financial Times is to be believed then the end is nigh. Not of all life as we know it. The FT merely predicts that the days of the guidebook are numbered, as ever more travellers switch to online sources to get key information on destinations. The newspaper noted that » Read more
A happy face at the Barcelona Zoo. Photo: Carlos Octavio
At first glance, Barcelona may not seem particularly family-friendly. However, if you know where to go, the city offers plenty to entertain adults and kiddies alike. Here are a few choice places to visit in the city with children in tow: Glass Tunnels and Sharks: The Aquarium Right on Barcelona’s central Port Vell, a visit » Read more
On the Pont des Arts. Photo: JFGournet
Take a walk down the rue Saint Honoré or the Champs-Elysées and any tourist can understand why Paris is one of the world’s most expensive cities. The high cost of living, however, doesn’t hamper nightlife even for the most budget-conscious Parisian. Like good bread and wine, affordable nights out are abundant if you know where to » Read more
Padova's Basilica del Santo. Photos by Monica Cesarato
If you are visiting Venice and you have a day to spare, you should add to your travel itinerary the beautiful city of Padova (Padua). Padova is closer to Venice than many think—only about a half-hour by train or an hour by bus. Padova is famous for having been home to Saint Anthony, a Franciscan » Read more
Staying in the bike lane. Photo: Eric Sehr
Raeder (bikes) and Berlin go together like sausage and beer. Surveys reveal there are more than 400 bikes per 1,000 Berlin residents, meaning that almost half of the city’s residents own a bike. Luckily, visitors don’t have to feel left out of the biking fun: Bike rentals are cheap and easy to find. And tooling » Read more
The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. Photos © hidden europe
The reputations of some of Europe’s most-visited sights are built on myths, but the stories are always interesting. We have lost count of the number of times we have read that the rail route across Lapland to the Norwegian port of Narvik is the northernmost in the world. It is not, but it is nonetheless » Read more
Heading in for free Wi-Fi? Photo by Tom Meyers
One afternoon in Paris this past February, I exited the Metro at the Place de la Republique. I had been visiting hotels all morning and needed a coffee break. The French café ritual is one of my favorite aspects of working in Paris. You stand at the bar next to locals, order “un cafe,” and » Read more
Approaching the Arc de Triomphe. Photos: Theodora Brack
Cheapos, let’s talk monuments. While the bird’s-eye view on top of one is certainly spectacular and all, often it’s the mere sight of the monument from afar that takes my breath away. For instance, my favorite spots in Paris for gazing up at the Arc de Triomphe are located on two popular promenading stretches: Avenue » Read more
Guincho Beach. Photo by Jürgen Stemper.
When the weather is hot, there’s nothing as satisfying as a day spent by the water. While many European capitals offer proximity to beaches, rivers or lakes, few of them boast convenient access to both a river and several beaches. Situated on the Tagus River, Lisbon has a waterfront of its own—plus many beaches an » 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
Gelato in Florence. Derek Key
It’s a pretty well known fact that Italy, like most of Europe, goes on vacation in August. Everything closes up, everybody checks out and heads to the beach. So if you’re a tourist traveling through Florence during the month of August, you’ll just have to get used to the phrase chiuso per ferie (“closed for » Read more
There’s no denying Prague’s impressive array of museums. It’s quite difficult not to gape at the elegant National Museum looming over Wenceslas Square, for instance, and many an art fan has wiled away an afternoon at the Mucha Museum. But the city also presents a less formal, burgeoning art gallery scene. To plan your own » Read more
Waterfront dining in Stockholm. Photo: Francisco Anzola
Swedes love the sun. It’s a horrible generalization and one that I have yet to find untrue. (I’m pretty sure it has to do with the many months of winter darkness.) So when summer rolls around, Swedes celebrate, and it is one of the reasons that the Midsummer celebrations in Sweden are so fun. It’s » Read more
A canal in central Amsterdam. Photo: FromTheNorth
Europe’s culture moguls will have their eyes on Brasilia over the next fortnight, as UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meets in the Brazilian capital to review applications for a new round of World Heritage Sites. Candidates for the 2010 UNESCO List The historic center of Amsterdam is in the running this year for one of the » Read more
Arriving at Orly. Photo: Lanzate
Everybody loves Paris. The French capital is one of the world’s top travel destinations and a perennial EuroCheapo fave. Getting to the City of Light remains a primary goal for many visitors to Europe, first-time and veteran alike. France has no low-cost airlines of note, but there are several budget airlines that serve Paris. Here » Read more
Outdoor dining at Le Coquelicot in Paris. Photos by Theadora Brack
When it comes to love and chow in Paris, I’m as loyal they come, but I ain’t easy. Before it’ll catch my heart, any eatery had better possess a certain ambience, flattering lighting, an affordable menu, gastronomical consistency, and friendly service. If they recognize my devotion with a smile, a little wave or a complimentary » Read more
MACBA, Barcelona's contemporary art museum. Photo by art_es_anna.
Today I thought I’d throw out a “double tip” for saving some euros in Barcelona. These are sure to come in handy to anyone visiting museums or taking public transportation during their visit. In other words — just about everyone. Museum Tip: The Articket If you love museums and only have a few days in » Read more
BikeMi station in Milan. Photo: Guilhem Vellut
Like Paris, Stockholm and many other forward-thinking European cities before it, Milan has embraced the public bike sharing concept. Since late 2008, BikeMi has operated stations around the city, allowing locals and tourists to explore the city on two wheels for just a few euros. BikeMi currently boasts over 100 pick-up and drop-off stations throughout » Read more
Lednice Castle and Gardens. Photos by Jacy Meyer.
The Czech Republic is way more than just Prague. Unfortunately, few people venture out into the lovely countryside, spending their holiday just in the city, or perhaps popping out to a nearby castle. To truly experience the country, (or any country) you must leave the “big” city and explore the smaller towns and the countryside. » Read more
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