Posts by author Sarah Silbert
Inside the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. Photo: Maria Firsova
Brussels is not cheap, but it does have some freebie gems which all Cheapos should take advantage of. While we have no secret tips for nabbing free steamed mussels and Belgian beer (alas!), we do have the skinny on the top free attractions in the city. (Don’t forget to check out our Brussels city guide » Read more
Stunning Salzburg. Photo: Wolfgang Zimmel
The hills may be alive with The Sound of Music in Salzburg, but there’s plenty to do that doesn’t involve Mozart and the Von Trapp family. And if you’re not careful, you could spend a fortune before the time it takes to listen to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21. For a trip down the less-touristy » Read more
We love a tasty schnitzel that won't break the bank! Photo: Jeremy
When you think of budget food destinations, Vienna, Austria might not be the first place to pop into your mind. However, Vienna is surprisingly rife with inexpensive eating options. In addition to the ubiquitous döner kebab that is always a reliable choice, you’ll find cheap pizza, traditional Austrian food at excellent prices and more than » Read more
Vila Atlantis in Kifissia Park. Photo: Larry
Temperatures are warming up as winter starts to disappear, but this is only a good thing in Athens: In with the mellow weather before the scorching temperatures of summer! As things stay relatively cool, we think a walk in one of the city’s many parks makes for a perfect, cost-free way to spend time between » 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
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
A view of Buckingham Palace from the Garden. Photo by heatheronhertravels.
If you’re looking for a bit of decadence in London this summer, why not take your tea like the royals do—at Buckingham Palace? From July 27 to September 29, 2010, the recently opened Garden Café will provide visitors the opportunity to enjoy some light refreshment on the West Terrace, located between the State Rooms and » Read more
Italian food and the Eternal City—what could be wrong? Um, costly dinners, for one thing. Rome is no stranger to overpriced restaurants catering to tourists. But this doesn’t mean you have to shell out for tasty Italian fare. A first step toward finding a cheap meal is heading beyond the historic center. The closer to » Read more
At El Rinconcillo, Seville's oldest bar. Photo:
Seville is known for its rich tradition of flamenco dancing, and there are plenty of flamenco bars to prove it. Not feeling in the groove? No worries: The city has plenty of other nightlife options as well. From international bars to dives serving beer for €1, Seville’s after-hours scene has something for every Cheapo. For » Read more
Suomenlinna Fortress is popular year-round. Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Things are warming up in Helsinki (the high temperature for today, June 14, 2010, is a relatively toasty 68 °F). As summer comes to the Finnish capital, there are plenty of reasons to be outside. Where to go, you ask? Well, read on, because we’ve got you covered with some Cheapo-friendly ways to soak up » Read more
Polish food at a restaurant in Krakow. Photo: George Kelly
If you’re looking for something tasty and cheap (a step up from zapiekanka, perhaps?) in Krakow, you’re in luck. Whether you want traditional Polish cuisine, some Italian-style grub or a healthy vegetarian meal, there are budget-friendly options galore. Here are some of our favorite picks: Polskie Smaki ul. Sw. Tomasza 5 Open daily from 8 » 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
Outdoor skating in Helsinki. Photo by C.J.G.
Located way up north (though at the southern edge of Finland), Helsinki is understandably chilly come wintertime. The low temperatures only add to the fun, however, as they give visitors the opportunity to partake in some quintessentially Finnish cold-weather activities. Read on for three ideas! Ice skating at Railway Square The Ice Park right outside » Read more
To be perfectly frank, Helsinki doesn’t offer much in the way of exciting, inexpensive eats. Sure, if you’re willing to shill out for Michelin-rated Scandinavian cuisine and seafood, you’ll find no shortage of gourmet options. For those of us on a budget, however, choices are limited to kebab and pizza joints, as well as “grillis,” » Read more
The Ateneum Museum in Helsinki. Photo: Juan Martin
In the costly city of Helsinki, opportunities to cut costs are always welcome. While finding a budget-friendly bed is possible, some hefty expenses (museums, meals, and nights on the town) are unavoidable. If you’re planning a trip to the Finnish capital, chances are you’ll see the Helsinki Card advertised as a must-have for visitor discounts. » Read more
The Little Mermaid statue at the Copenhagen Harbor. Photo by StePagna.
Today, I take off for a 20 day-trip to Europe. Aside from visits to Berlin, Helsinki, and Stockholm, I’ll be updating EuroCheapo’s Copenhagen guide. I’m really thrilled to visit this Scandinavian capital in Denmark. There are many reasons I’m excited to visit Copenhagen: the smorrebrod, the bicycling, the Danish design! But I’m particularly looking forward to stopping by the » Read more
Entrance to Sforza Castle in Milan; Photo by Bernt Rostad
Despite Milan’s reputation as the center of the fashion universe, the capital of Italy has plenty of (non-Gucci related) attractions for Cheapos to explore. Take, for instance, the Sforza Castle, or the “Castello Szforesco,” as it is known in Italian. This impressive structure was built by the Sforza family in the 14th century to replace » Read more
Dublin's Liffey Boardwalk.
When we cracked open the June 2009 issue of Budget Travel magazine, we were happy to see a great “Trip Coach” article on Dublin. Writing to Trip Coach, Shana asks what she and her partner should do on a spur-of-the-moment trip to the Irish capital. Budget Travel provides many good tips on where to eat, » 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
Slovak koruna. Photo: Uzyel
On January 1, 2009, Slovakia switched its circulating currency from the koruna to the euro, making it the 16th European Union member state to join the “euro zone”. The country was granted permission by the European Union to make the switch during the summer of 2008, when the exchange rate was pinned at 30.126 koruny to the euro. » Read more
Get free tours and learn the history of Athens through these podcasts. Photo: David Clay
Athens, city of architectural splendor and ancient history, proves to be a great subject for a variety of free podcasts. Covering everything from basic Greek to Athens-based rock bands, these five free treats can be easily added to your iPod or mp3 player in preparation for a trip to the birthplace of democracy! Athens in a flash » Read more
The Alte Pinakothek Museum in Munich. Photo: Allie Caulfield
You don’t want to leave Munich without visiting some of the city’s wonderful art, history, and science museums. Aside from traditional museum, visitors to Munchen have no shortage of other sightseeing options, from flea markets to cafes and the Hofbrauhaus. Here’s our “Cheapo Strategy”: During the week, keep busy with biergartens and Bavarian buildings. But on the » Read more
Flamenco at La Carboneria. Photo: Leszek Kozlowski
Flamenco dancing has its roots in the gypsy barrio of Seville. So, if this Southern Spanish city is on your travel itinerary, you’d better take yourself to a baile! Flamenco performances are offered all over Seville and typically take place in tablaos, which are restaurants or bars that charge admission for the show. It is possible, however, to catch a » 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
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
