So, make sure your sweet tooth doesn’t go sour and check out four of Brussel’s best bet chocolate shops.

1) Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate
9, Rue de la Tete d’Or

Only a short distance from the Grand Place, the Brussel’s museum of chocolate will not only show you how chocolate is made, but teach you how to make some of your own. We’d opt for the demonstration titled, “How To Make a Praline” (everyday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)  It’s €5 to enter; €4 for students.

2) Planete Chocolat
24, Rue du Lombard

Sugar pies, ice cream, and hot chocolates in all flavors are made available at this chocolaterie. Take a tour of the museum first and learn the history and art of chocolate-making, followed by a tasting session. During the summer months, enjoy all your tasty treats outside on the terrace from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Contact the property for prices and tour availability.

3) Chocolaterie Duval
19, Rue des Chardons

Located only a stone’s throw away from Place Meiser, Chocolaterie Duval makes their own chocolate daily and personalizes it upon request too! The chocolaterie tour costs €3 per person, unless you want a guide (€40 and recommended for large groups). Workshops and specialty classes (like “Chocolate and Wine“) are also available.

4) Maison du Chocolat Artisanal
67, Rue Marche-aux-Herbes

Aiming to offer “the best chocolates from the master chocolate makers of Belgium,” Maison is just a short walk away from the Grand Place on a cute little street. The “House of Artful Chocolate” offers a cornucopia of Belgian goodies from pralines, to truffles, to marzipan.  A box of five chocolates will set you back €5 here, but it’s well worth it. Yum.

The post Brussels: Four chocolate shops to splurge for appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Take a trip to St. Mary’s Basilica
Mariacki Square, 5

Arguably the most famous of Poland’s churches, St. Mary’s Basilica is home to the illustrious Gothic altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss, a German sculptor. Admission to the main basilica is free, although you’ll only be able to waltz about halfway down the main aisle. For a closer look at the altar, visitors can pay 6 PLN (about €1.75).

Consider climbing up one of St. Mary’s two towers (a cost of 5 PLN or about €1.50) for a panoramic view of the city. The towers are open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from May 1 to August 31.

Tour the main market square (“Rynek Glowny”)
in the Old Quarter

Take a stroll around Krakow’s biggest medieval city square, a place surrounded by historic buildings and architecture. Rynek Glowny’s main landmarks are St. Mary’s Basilica, St. Adalbert’s Church (one of Poland’s oldest stone churches, dating back to 1000), and the old Cloth Hall (“Sukiennice”).  This old hall, formerly the city’s center of international trade, is filled with interesting small shops and vendors, and worthy of a stroll.

The quarter often hosts free outdoor concerts and festivals. Check Krakow’s tourism board for schedules and times.

Walk up Wawel Hill

Take a stroll around the most famous spot in Poland, home to Wawel Castle (built during the Renaissance) and Wawel Cathedral (sometimes referred to as Krakow Cathedral). While admission to the castle and cathedral isn’t free, looking at them from a distance is priceless! Plus, you’ll love the gorgeous views of the city and the Vistula River.

Bonus: Visit the castle on Monday, as there’s typically a free public concert.

Stroll down Ulica Kanonicza

Arguably Krakow’s most picturesque street, Ulica (“ul.” for short) Kanonicza is home to some of Krakow’s oldest and most beautiful homes, dating back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Ulica was once prime real estate for prominent nobles who lived there and it served as the residence for Father Karol Wojtyla from 1951-1963 before he became known to the world as Pope John Paul II in 1978.

Visit the Barbakan
on Ul. Basztowa in the Old Quarter

Once one of eight fortified entrances, the Barbakan is the only part of the wall still standing. The city still takes pride in the fact that this particular gateway, once resplendent with moats and still sporting turrets (see photo above), never got captured during medieval battles. The architecture of the gate and its massive size are a sight to behold. Free concerts and exhibitions are typically held throughout the summertime.

The post Krakow tip: Five free things to do! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.