Amsterdam's Brouwerij ‘t Ij offers free tours on Fridays. Photos by Audrey Sykes.
Amsterdam’s “Brouwerij ‘t Ij” brewery has been serving up a selection of Belgian-style organic brews since 1985. Located in an eastern corner of the city, the brewery is worth the trip for those seeking flavorful, fresh beer at a surprisingly low cost. Plus, if you swing by Brouwerij ‘t Ij on Fridays, you can take a » Read more
Studio 28 in Paris. Photo by Theadora Brack.
When the sun sets in Paris, what’s an insomniac Cheapo to do? Why not take in a film? After all, cinema is as French as camembert cheese. With almost 400 theaters in Paris showing 600 films on any given day, choosing just one film can be daunting. First things first: Get your hands on a Pariscope, the » Read more
Lookin' good, Cheapo search!
Pardon the interruption to our regularly scheduled “Daily Cheapo” programming, but we have an exciting announcement: We’ve unveiled a new release of our budget hotel search engine and think you’re going to love it! Our new search engine includes all the Cheapo “bells and whistles” we could dream up to help budget travelers find the best hotel. » Read more
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Photo: William Whyte
Riga, the capital of Latvia, has no shortage of interesting sights and activities to offer budget travelers. For example, the city’s fine State Art Museum will only set you back a couple of lats, while the lift to the top of St. Peter’s Church, towering over Old Town, will cost about the same. The following two museums, however, are completely free » Read more
Genoa's old harbour. Photo by hidden europe.
Arriving at one of Europe’s great port cities other than by boat is a travel no-no. The planners who oversaw the growth of great ports such as Cádiz or Constanta, Venice or Genoa assumed that visitors, be they friend or foe, would naturally arrive by sea. Yet so many travellers today, in their pursuit of » Read more
Camping Zeeburg offers one of the cheapest sleeps around Amsterdam. Photo: Camping Zeeburg in Amsterdam
Travelers who prefer a tent to a hotel room are in luck when visiting green, camping-friendly Amsterdam. Cheap, clean, safe, and relaxing, the city’s campsites serve as a haven for those who wish to indulge in Amsterdam’s city life by day, but retreat to a peaceful, natural setting by night. Here are my top four picks for » Read more
Notre Dame de Lorette with Sacre Coeur behind. Photos by Liz Webber.
Thanks in part to the cult of the Virgin Mary that spread throughout France in the Middle Ages, there are some 40-odd churches, chapels and basilicas named “Notre Dame” in Paris. Everyone knows about the famous cathedral, but what about the other 41 églises? We present you with five of the largest and most interesting » Read more
If you’ve been following the career of Arthur Frommer—guidebook pioneer, magazine founder, and budget travel personality—you’ve probably noted his daily travel musings on his blog, “Arthur Frommer Online.” Since launching it last year, Frommer has penned more than 1,000 posts that cover a vast array of subjects, from new travel sites to censorship in Dubai. “Ask Arthur Frommer: And Travel Better, Cheaper, Smarter,” » Read more
Should you pack your laptop? Photo: Engin Akyurt
The scene is all too familiar: While packing your bags back home, you spot your laptop computer. It seems to be winking at you with an all-knowing, come-hither look. “Take me with you,” it says. “Please. You know you need me!” Well, Cheapos, what do you do? Should you pack your computer or not? Can you survive » Read more
Relax at Vondelpark. Photo: Valdiney P.
Amsterdam is a city of frugality. So, it makes sense that indulging in the art scene or soaking up a bit of sun here doesn’t have to involve a hefty price tag. In fact, it doesn’t involve a price at all. Here are a few of my favorite FREE things to do in Amsterdam. 1) » Read more
The Marché Barbès in Paris. Photographs by Theadora Brack.
Let’s face it. Open-air market shopping in Paris can look pretty intimidating, even to a shopping enthusiast like myself. Cheapos, I’ve been there. In fact, during my first few months in Paris, I avoided the food market scene altogether, sticking instead to the safe predictability of the supermarché aisles. But I’ve changed. I have seen » Read more
One of the best gelato cafes in town, on Via dei Serpenti.
By Sav D’Souza in Rome— Don’t want to get trampled by meal costs when in Rome? Read on for my tried, true, and tested cheap eat survival tips. 1) Watch out for package deals. Stay away from what I call the “slashers”: Anything that touts itself as an all-inclusive “Bar/Restaurant” or has a menu decreeing that it offers pizza/gelato/pasta. » Read more
The unveiling of Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in 1997 may have inserted Bilbao into international hipster consciousness, but the Basque city on the river clearly knew it was cool long before Gehry’s agenda was realized. Bilbao is an immediately attractive city with green parks and a pleasingly well-heeled atmosphere. There are so many exciting things » Read more
The Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam. Photo: Franklin Heijnen
What’s the easiest way to soak up the culture while shopping and sightseeing? Dropping by charming street markets, of course! Amsterdam is famous for its street shopping, where both locals and tourists browse for great deals. Here is a brief list of our favorite street markets in Amsterdam. Food and more: Albert Cuyp Market Albert Cuyp » Read more
The winding streets of Andorra La Vella's Old Town. Photos by Alex Robertson Textor.
Andorra La Vella, the capital of Andorra, may be Western Europe’s most maligned capital. A huge duty-free shopping hub, it tends to be written off as an outdoor mall only good for short shopping adventures. Its commercial bluster may indeed shock those emerging from a weeklong mountain journey through the Pyrenees. And in fact, some » Read more
Prepared with a parapluie at the Château de Versailles. Photos by Theadora Brack.
Sometimes in Paris, a little rain must fall. No matter when you’re visiting the City of Light—and light sprinkles, don’t forget to pack a parapluie. The weather here can change at the drop of a Schiaparelli hat. While showers don’t typically last long, I recommend toting a compact “parapluie” (umbrella). Make it rain “Never carry » Read more
A peaceful scene in the Villa Borghese. Photos by Sav D'Souza.
By Sav D’Souza in Rome— Rome, like most European destinations, has some delightful parks. Whether you plan to relax after a day on the town, or spend a free afternoon strolling through gardens, sitting and public—park, the Villa Doria Pamphilj. Named after two noble Italian families, this marvel sits West of the Tiber and just South » Read more
We love street performers just as much as the next Cheapo. Have any idea where this quintet is making noise? Clue: You might call them renaissance men. The first correct guess wins a free copy of the book, “Ask Arthur Frommer & Travel Better, Cheaper, Smarter.” Leave your answer in the comment section below. We’ll » Read more
Pont Neuf, Paris's oldest bridge. Photos by Liz Webber.
When the French “faire le pont,” they’re not talking about building bridges. Rather, they’re taking an extra day off work to make a long weekend when there’s a bank holiday midweek. Regardless, there’s quite a bit to be said for the real bridges (“ponts“) in Paris. Join us, as we stroll from the Ile St. » Read more
Try ride-sharing to save on transportation in Germany. Photo: David Mark
We were checking out the German tourism office’s new “budget travel” section on their website today and came across their article on saving money on transportation in Germany. Most of the tips were helpful, and included train discounts (for weekend travel), cheap inter-city bus travel, city transportation passes, and even bike programs. Share your ride! The » Read more
A tasty zapiekanka. Photo by Ania i Artur Nowaccy.
Of course, we love Döner kebabs just as much as the next street food enthusiast, but when a country has another inexpensive snack food offering, we’re head over heels in cheap eats heaven. Introducing zapiekanka! Such is the case in Poland, where zapiekanka is an everyday, street food favorite. The tasty treats are made by slicing » Read more
A replica of a Viking ship in Roskilde harbor. Photo by hidden europe.
“Better Zamosc than Warsaw,” says our Polish friend, as she advises first-time visitors to her home country where they might profitably spend their first day or two. And it’s a perspective that we much applaud. “Better Bruges than Brussels. Better Roskilde than Copenhagen.” Capital cities have their charms, but also their limitations. Does America really » Read more
Oops, I did it again. I attended an exposition’s “vernissage” (literally, the “varnishing”—how the French refer to a preview or opening of an art show), and became smitten with the show and its fine-looking catalog. Obsession activated. Hit hard, and a post card just wouldn’t do. But, how can I get an art catalogue on » Read more
The vibrant city of Florence, chock full of some of the most world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, is always surprising us. This week, we were happy to learn that the Bardini Museum, which kept its doors shut for renovations for nearly a decade, has finally reopened. A little bit of history The museum is named » Read more
Ah, London‘s famous Portobello Road… It’s been immortalized in songs (our fave is this one located in Notting Hill—plays host to a number of cutesy shops, cafés, and antique sellers. It’s also the location of the famous Electric cinema, which has its own signature restaurant next door. The street’s characteristic slope, beginning at the intersection at Westbourne Grove, » Read more
Most popular posts
Meet the Cheapos
Recent comments