The loggia at Florence's Horticulture Garden. Photos by Laura Mongillo.
Florence is an amazing city that has it all … well, almost. One thing missing from this city is green space. There are many piazzas and small gardens, but central Florence is void of real open, green space. Luckily, the Giardino dell’Orticultura (Horiculture Gaden) offers some much-needed greenery not far from the city center. So » Read more
The streets of Prenzlauer Berg.Zoet Net
Too-too or too perfect? Either way, Prenzlauer Berg is the Berlin hood I can’t live without. Prenzlauer Berg isn’t packed with sights, but the atmosphere in this shabby-chic eastern Berlin neighborhood—especially the so-called Kollwitzkiez—is irresistible. A network of leafy lanes and avenues perched on a barely perceptible hill (“berg”) just northeast of the center, this » Read more
This travel lark takes quite a bit of courage. Heavens, just browsing through the new edition of the Rough Guide to Paris, we see the text kicks off with Notre Dame (and a handful of other sights stranded on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the River Seine), and then dives straight » Read more
As a full body-and-soul, foot-stomping nod to Django Reinhardt’s centennial birthday celebration, we’re giving away a super cool “Panier a Bouteilles” (Bottle Bag) in ruby red, created by Frédéric Périgot of Paris! Just in time for summertime shindigs in the sun or picnics by moonglow, it’ll hold tight nine bottles of your favorite beverages. (By the » Read more
The Trastevere Hood in Rome. Photo by controvento ®.
Whether you like romantic cobbled streets, nightlife, shopping or convenience to the main transport hubs, choosing the right Rome neighborhood can make or break your holiday experience. Here is our guide to help you make your choice. Trastevere For scenic streets and nightlife Literally meaning “across the Tevere” (or the River Tiber), Trastevere is a » Read more
The Smyril Line ship Norröna, the sole passenger ferry serving the Faroe Islands. Photo © hidden europe.
Note: The authors hoped to be in the Faroe Islands this week. That Icelandic volcano had other ideas. They reflect from Berlin on an interesting week in European travel. Air travel in Europe has taken a hard knock these past days. Media reports of all Europe being utterly paralyzed have a dash of hyperbole. Less than one » Read more
The BBC's volcanic ash map on Tuesday, April 20, 2010.
At first, the very idea that a plume of volcanic ash could force the closure of airspace seemed ludicrous. Until a few days ago, clearly, I knew nothing about the power of volcanic ash. Volcanoes of the world, hear this: I and millions of others stand corrected, now and forever. Never again will we doubt » Read more
At Foam in Amsterdam. Photo by bartvanpoll.
There are over 400 museums in the tiny Netherlands, but, for me, one stands out for its value and quality: Amsterdam’s Foam Photography Museum. Foam holds a roster of spectacular collections by world-famous photographers past and present, though its discreet Keizersgracht location keeps the place relatively peaceful. Its interior is modern and inventive, and the gallery size » Read more
A view of Vysehrad. Photos by Jacy Meyer.
Normally, I like to visit places that are quieter and more local. But Vyšehrad (literally High Castle), Prague’s second castle, is such a wonderful (and big) place that it’s a shame more people don’t take the time to visit. It holds a special place in many Praguers’ hearts and is a must-see in my book. » Read more
Today we continue our “4 Cheapo Questions” interview series with one of the pioneers of travel blogging, Michael Yessis. Michael, along with Jim Benning, founded the highly regarded website World Hum in 2001 with the stated goal of publishing “the best travel stories on the Internet.” Their plan seems to have worked out well, as » Read more
Mies van der Rohe's Pavilion in Barcelona. Photo by Fatlum.
It was only by a stroke of luck that the Eiffel Tower ended up in Paris. Gustave Eiffel designed the landmark tower for Barcelona. But the civic authorities had doubts about the appropriateness of such a tower for the Catalan city. Undaunted by the setback, Eiffel had better luck with Paris and, despite some opposition » Read more
A Turkish Airlines plane. Photo by wicho.
Airlines—especially flagship carriers—have the awesome opportunity to create compelling brands that connect, in ways both obvious and creative, with their home cultures. Turkish Airlines, which I just had the pleasure of flying for the very first time, does a very good job of connecting its service as an airline to the brand of Turkey. Last » Read more
A view of the Opera Garnier from the roof. Photos by Theodora Brack.
Everyone in Paris has a favorite nook of paradise. So where do I go for a little escapism? Clipping from the fabulous Petula Clark, I make my way downtown to the Galeries Lafayette Coupole’s rooftop, where the lights are much brighter and the view at the top is always free! Related: 25 Free things to » Read more
St Peters Basilica, which offers free admission. Photo by nilexuk.
If you are watching the euros during your trip to Rome, fear not. We’re on hand with five simple tips to add a sprinkle of free froth to your freshly served Roman holiday. 1. St Peters Basilica The most famous Catholic church in the world is free to enter. Don’t be deterred by the queue » Read more
A "Signori Otto" plaque at Via Verrazzano. Photos by Laura Mongillo.
When you visit the historic center of Florence, it can sometimes feel like you’re following your map from one must-see destination to another. But Florence is full of fascinating details, and it’s worth it to stop and look around. In this walking tour, you start and end at two key sights in Florence (the Palazzo » Read more
Miramare Castle on the Adriatic coast north of Trieste. Photo © hidden europe.
Most of us are so utterly used to very territorial notions of citizenship that it is hard to get our heads around places that defy the norm. We have long noticed that citizens of southern Limburg, and especially in and around the city of Maastricht, seem considerably less Dutch (and conversely much more European) than » Read more
The scene at Cafe Koosje.
Editor’s Note: For our “Favorite Places” blog series, we’re asking our local correspondents to write about one of their favorite places in town. For an ultimate Dutch time out in Amsterdam, head to Café Koosje. From coffee to apple pie with whipped cream, the place warms its patrons with cups of culture and a charming » Read more
Cicheti at a restaurant in Venice. Photos by Monica Cesarato.
Visitors to Venice will likely see their fair share of “cicheti” (a Venetian version of tapas) and “spritz” (the city’s typical aperitif drink). For those who’ve never heard of them, here’s a little guide to trying cicheti and spritz in Venice. (Note: Although spelled “cicchetti” in Italian, the word in the Venetian dialect is spelled » Read more
Beer on tap in Copenhagen. Photo: Maria Eklind
Like all other expenses in Copenhagen, a night out can really add up. In a city where a pint of beer can run $10, what’s a Cheapo to do? Flock to these affordable dancing and drinking spots, of course! Ideal Bar at VEGA Enghavevej 40, 1674 København One of the Copenhagen’s most high-profile clubs, VEGA » Read more
Cheers! Photo: Unsplash
I am not the first to make the cheap pun “BARcelona,” nor will I be the last. The city is filled with pubs, bars, bodegas (wine bars), cocktail joints, and cozy corners to “get your drink on.” The good people of Barcelona like to drink, which does not necessarily mean they like to get drunk. » Read more
The Peterskirche in Görlitz. Photo by sunchild_dd.
It was 25 years ago this spring that Athens assumed the mantle of being Europe’s first ever “Capital of Culture,” and so kick-started a program that has developed into a mainstay of the European culture and travel calendar. Since then, cities from Bruges to Bologna, Stockholm to Sibiu, have basked in the limelight for a » Read more
A sunny day at Volkspark Friedrichshain. Photo by renaatje.
Berlin doesn’t warm up until May, but the first signs of spring are finally bringing a rosy blush to the snow-weary city. Now that winter is officially over, Berlin’s residents are flocking to the city’s 2,500 parks and green spaces to soak up some much-needed Vitamin D. Take part in spring fever, Cheapo-style, at one » Read more
The Maillol bronze at the Jardin des Tuileries. Photos by Theodora Brack.
Next month marks my birthday, along with those of two former French queens, so why not celebrate April in Paris with a little regalicious pomp and circumstance at either Catherine de Médici’s Jardin des Tuileries or Marie de Médici’s Jardin du Luxembourg? Suivez-moi, Cheapos! Jardin des Tuileries Métro: Tuileries, Concorde, Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre, Pyramides » Read more
Aperitivos in Florence. Photo by • Moes •
Florence is not a cheap city. With so many tourists and foreign students studying abroad, many of the city’s restaurants and bars have morphed into over-priced, low-quality tourist traps. However, there’s one not-so-secret Italian tradition that provides an alternative to a plate of €20 pasta and rancid wine: the aperitivo. Between 7 PM and 9 » Read more
Outdoor fun at Amsterdam Bos. Photo by Edwin Nollen.
While some folks relax by taking a leisurely stroll in the park, others unwind by sweating it out in the gym or going for a soothing swim in the pool. Accordingly, there are plenty of options for staying active when visiting Amsterdam. From golf to swimming, here are some ideas for recreation in the city. » Read more
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