“Aperitivo,” the rich uncle of the “Happy Hour,” is the beloved Milanese tradition of pre-dinner drinks accompanied by complimentary “stuzzichini,” or appetizers. Derived from the Latin “aperitivus,” or, “to open,” aperitivo is meant to open the appetite and tease the taste buds, previewing the delights of dinner. The typical spread can be something as modest » Read more
The Capuchin Crypt in Rome. Photo: JvL
No bones about it, Rome’s Capuchin Crypt is an incredible (and intense) way to spend an hour. Located underneath the Church of Santa Maria della Immacolata Concezione on Via Veneto, this burial chamber is unique in its decorative technique—rooms are adorned extensively with human bones. More than 4,000 monks are buried within the crypt’s six rooms, all of whom died between 1528 » Read more
When in Prague, why not spend a couple of hours walking the town with a local? And not just any local—a local who’s a history buff! “Free Prague Tours” offers just that. The organization, made up of English-speaking tour guides, offers twice-daily walking tours of the Old Town and Mala Strana. And yes, they’re free! » Read more
Perfume equipment on display at Fragonard Museum. Photo: Dennis Jarvis
In the list of Paris museums, one sweet-smelling attraction is sometimes overlooked. The Musee du Parfum, run by the famous perfume manufacturer Fragonard, has been offering a “behind the scents” tour of the perfume business for 25 years. And happily for us, the visit is free! The museum is housed in a gorgeous 19th-century townhouse that drips with romantic ornamentation. » Read more
Photo: Werner Bayer
When in Nice, take a break from the Mediterranean waters and head to the posh, northern suburb of Cimiez. The town offers ancient ruins from its important past (it was the region’s capital city during Roman times, 1,700 years ago), along with museums, a famous cemetery, and the Monastere Notre-Dame de Cimiez. The area is also home » Read more
When planning your trip to New York, it’s easy to forget to pack your bathing suit. (After all, not many affordable hotels are blessed with swimming pools.) However, the city’s Downtown Boathouse offers kayak rides in the Hudson River throughout the summer and fall… for free! The all-volunteer boathouse has been getting New Yorkers (and visitors) into the Hudson for » Read more
The Museo Nacional del Prado is Madrid’s most famous museum. Opened to the public in 1819, today it boasts a world-class collection of European artwork, including more than 7,000 works spanning from the 12th century to the early 19th century. At any time, about 1,300 pieces of art are on display. The museum started out as a royal collection of art, » Read more
In London, it’s no big secret that many activities surrounding Trafalgar Square are free. You can view the paintings at the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, or hang out in the square and check out its sculptures without paying a pence. Lunchtime concerts at St. Martin’s in the Fields However, an oft-overlooked freebie occurs several times a week » Read more
Parque Eduardo VII. Photo: Shadowgate
Lisbon is a city full of fabulous museums and botanical gardens… with entrance fees. However, Parque Eduardo VII, in central Lisbon, is a happy, freebie exception. The Parque Eduardo Named after King Edward VII of Britain (following his 1903 visit to Portugal), the park boasts two greenhouses (“estufas”) filled with tropical plants. These beauties sit atop » Read more
Visit this royal castle in Krakow — for free! Photo: Sergei Gussev
Wawel Royal Castle is an architectural marvel located in Krakow, Poland. The fortress stands prominently on Wawel Hill, an area that’s been inhabited for thousands of years. (Seriously, it’s believed that mammoth hunters lived on the hill 50,000 years ago.) During the Renaissance, King Sigismund I “The Old” commissioned the finest artists around to decorate Wawel Castle as his royal palace. » Read more
On the South bank of the Arno River, up a majestic hill and down a winding, cobblestone path known as the Viale Michelangelo, you will find the Piazza Michelangelo (sometimes referred to as Piazzale Michelangelo). The piazza was constructed in the 1890s, beautifully landscaped and lined with copies of Michelangelo’s sculptures. Today, look past the street vendors » Read more
Photo courtesy of hidden europe magazine Cheapos clearly like to get under the skin of a city, probing well beyond the regular sights to get a feel for what makes a community tick. Faith is often still part of the fabric of European life, but getting a feel for it as a foreigner isn’t always easy – » Read more
Department of the Taoiseach. Photo: Tony Webster
A quick tour of Southeast Dublin will land you in the cobblestoned Merrion Square, home of many of Dublin’s government buildings. Here you’ll find at least two great structures well worth a visit. Leinster House, the former residence of the Duke of Leinster, today houses Parliament, and is surrounded by gardens and sculptures. Nearby, on Upper Merrion » Read more
Update: Copenhagen decommissioned the free bike program in 2014 in favor of a new bike share program. Read our article on Bycyklen and how to use it for all the details. Things can get pricy pretty quickly in Copenhagen, but you can still grab some wheels for free. The city’s free bike program, called “Bycyklen » Read more
Don't miss this national landmark. Photo: Kurayba
Bratislava, thankfully for us Cheapos, is a pretty reasonable city. Most museums here do charge an entrance fee, of which the average cost is SKK80 (just over $4). But, one of Bratislava’s national treasures is free and open to the public every day except for holidays and Mondays. Bratislava Castle sits high on a hill. » Read more
The view from the top: Peeking into Parliament
NOTE: This article was published in 2008 and is now out of date. For current information, including important new rules, see our new post about visiting the Reichstag. As the official seat of the German Parliament, the Reichstag building in Berlin affords you (at no cost!) one of the best views of the city from its » Read more
Evzone Guard in Athens’ Syntagma Square. Photo: Luc.T
We like fancy costumes. Bonus if that costume has pompoms and tassels. Major bonus points if said costume requires a snazzy red hat. So, it’s no secret then that we love to watch the changing of the Evzone Guard in Athens’ Syntagma Square. The elite Evzones make up an infantry unit stationed in Athens and meant to guard » Read more
Today we begin a 30-day “Grand Tour” on our blog that we’re calling “Free Europe: Cheapo by the Day!” During this time, the blog will travel throughout Europe, showcasing free things to do in each of our cities. Along the way, we’ll show you how to go mark-free in Budapest and visit London without the extra pounds. Did you know you can » Read more
As befits a city of canals, Venice has a variety of cruising aptitudes. While a trip aboard a traditional Venetian gondola will empty your wallet faster than you can say, “Ciao bello!”, other watercrafts cost much less. Here, how to find the Cheapo ways to float your boat! For everyday exploring: A 60-minute or 12-hour tour- » Read more
At ten o’clock this morning, as on most days during the summer, one of the sleek white Ålandstrafiken ships edges out of Galtby harbour in southwest Finland for an eleven hour cruise around the Åland Islands. This is one of Europe’s most deliciously beautiful boat journeys, as the ship picks a route through the dense » Read more
Plaque in Gordon Square in Bloomsbury
Ah, Bloomsbury—aptly named for its blossoming trees and for the squares and side streets filled with pretty greenery. Once home to the famous Bloomsbury Group, a gaggle of literary types like Virginia Woolf and E. M. Forster, the area now hosts the famous British Museum and nearby Russell Square. When choosing the neighborhood for your London hotel or B&B, Bloomsbury is » Read more
Check out these podcasts on your trip to Barcelona. Photo: Sandrine
When it comes to our list of travel essentials, iPods and MP3 players are right up there with good city maps and sun block. And, if we hit a bump in the road or happen to meet with a European transit strike, there’s no better way to while away the hours than with a few portable » Read more
Enjoy a stroll through the Gulbenkian Museum for free on Sundays. Photo: Francisco Anzola
If you’ll be in Lisbon anytime soon, plan to lay low during the week (or head to the beach) and hit the major sights and museums on Sunday. Why tour on the day of rest? Because many of Lisbon’s attractions are free, for at least a few hours, every Sunday of the year. Some museums—like the Museum of » Read more
Mr. Manneken Pis in Brussels, Belgium
Cheapo newsflash! We’ve just launched a brand spankin’ new city guide and budget hotel primer for Brussels, Belgium! Turns out, you can sleep cheap in the land of waffles, beer, and all those bandes dessinées. Our guide includes articles on transportation in and around Brussels, reviews of 27 centrally-located hotels, and more. Stay tuned as we’ll be adding more stuff soon. In » Read more
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
New York City is full of freebies — especially during the summer. From free IKEA sunset cruises to the Bryant Park film series, there’s an endless variety of free activities. One well-known freebie that we’d never experienced is the Today Show’s “Summer Concert Series” at Rockefeller Center. During the summer months, world-famous singers perform free outdoor concerts on » Read more
Most popular posts
Meet the Cheapos
Recent comments