More ways to save in Paris:

• 50 ways to save time and money on your trip to Paris
• 10 costly mistakes that tourists make in Paris
• Paris: 10 tips to save on dining

The Best Cheap Meal in Paris

Nestled into the cobblestone streets of the trendy Marais neighborhood, L’As du Fallafel is a sure bet for your next meal in Paris, where you can get an amazing falafel sandwich for only €8.

How to order at L’As du Fallafel

L’As du Fallafel (French for “the Falafel Ace”) sits on Rue des Rosiers, a charming and windy little street in the heart of Paris’s historic Jewish neighborhood. As you approach the restaurant, you will most likely find a line of hungry and excited fellow Cheapos waiting to get a falafel to go. There’s always a line, but don’t worry; it’ll move quickly. You will be approached by the restaurant staff to place your order and pay before you reach the window. This is a great way of handling the crowd, so hats off to the restaurant for efficiency.

It goes without saying that you should order the falafel sandwich to go. You can get it spicy or not spicy, your choice. Hand over your €8, wait patiently, show your receipt to the front window. Voila, you’ll have yourself one tasty and budget-friendly Parisian meal.

What €8 gets you at L’As du Fallafel

L’As du Fallafel dishes up a relatively large pita filled to the brim with crispy fried falafels, garlicky hummus, harissa, crunchy pickled red cabbage, cucumbers, and perfectly fried eggplant. We recommend getting a fork and plenty of napkins as you leave to prevent a mess. If you can bear to wait a few minutes before digging in, walk to Place des Vosges, a beautiful nearby park. Here, you can lounge on the grass after finishing this delectable Cheapo phenomenon. In addition to this gorgeous park, don’t forget to check out these 25 free things to do in Paris.

Contact and hours for L’As du Fallafel

L’As du Fallafel is located at 34, rue des Rosiers (Métro: St. Paul). If you plan to Uber there, here are some tips to get the cheapest ride. They don’t have a website, but they can be reached at (33-1) 48-87-63-60. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and closed Saturday.

Looking to save for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the City of Light? This guide will help you find cheap eats in Paris.

The post L’As du Fallafel dishes up the best €8 meal in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We highly recommend treating yourself to a classic French meal at least once during your stay, but for those other nights when you’d like to reign in your budget, it’s wise to have a few cheap and delicious options in mind. And remember, if you want to splurge, you can always go for a nice prix-fixe lunch. There are several great lunch deals starting from €14 that will fill you up in style, and help you save later with a light dinner.

Tips for Paris hotels:
• The Best budget accommodations in Paris
• Simple ways to save on your hotel in Paris
• 11 Cheap hotels with lots of character and charm

Our favorite cheap dinners in Paris

With that in mind, here are eight trusted Paris dinner spots, all of which can be enjoyed for less than €10.

1. L’as du fallafel: Delicious Middle Eastern eats

A Paris classic and perennial cheapo favorite in the Marais, L’as du fallafel attracts foodies from all over the world. And for good reason! The falafel sandwich here is simply fantastic, and at around €8, it’s one of the best deals in Paris. The only downside: Be prepared to wait in a line (but it moves quickly).

32-34 Rue des Rosiers
4th arrondissement
+33 1 48 87 63 60
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)

Related: Top affordable Paris hotels in the Marais

2. Breizh Café: Savory and sweet crepes

A short walk from L’as du fallafel, Breizh Café serves up some of the best crepes in Paris. Paris food expert and cookbook author David Lebovitz loves the buckwheat versions with egg, ham and cheese. Try a savory one for around €9-12, and you’ll be full and happy all night!

109 Rue Vieille du Temple
3rd arrondissement
+33 1 42 72 13 77
Metro: Saint-Sébastien – Froissart (Line 8)

3. Krishna Bhavan: Spicy Indian food for less

Paris may not be known for its Indian food, but this place is a great option if you’re looking for something to spice things up. At Krishna Bhavan, you can enjoy a hearty dish, side, and drink for about €10 around the corner from Gare du Nord.

24 Rue Cail
10th arrondissement
+33 1 42 05 78 43
Metro: La Chapelle (Line 2)

4. Higuma: Well-priced Japanese menu

Rue Sainte-Anne in the 1st arrondissement is home to many tasty Japanese restaurants that serve a range of budgets. Higuma offers the perfect balance of delicious food and low prices. A bowl of ramen here starts at only €7.50 and most dishes are under €10.

32 bis Rue Sainte-Anne
1st arrondissement
+33 1 47 03 38 59
Metro: Pyramides (Lines 7 and 14)

Related: Cheap hotels near the Louvre

5. Bistrot Victoires: Tasty salads and French fare

A perennial favorite, Bistrot Victoire is classic, cozy and ideal for those traveling on a budget who want to enjoy authentic French cuisine. Try any of their amazing salads for €10-11 each.

6 Rue la Vrillière
1st arrondissement
+33 1 42 61 43 78
Metro: Bourse or Sentier (Line 3)

6. Chartier: Classic French on a budget

A tried and true budget eater’s paradise, Chartier serves up no-frills classic French food at crazy good prices. We love it so much, we wrote an ode to it on our blog. Mains range from €8.50-13.50, an exceptional value in modern day Paris.

7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre
9th arrondissement
01 47 70 86 29
Métro: Grands Boulevards (Lines 8 & 9)

Related: Cheap Paris hotels in the 9th arrondissement

7. Candelaria: Cocktails and tacos

A key player in the Paris bar scene, Candelaria is also home to some of the best (and only?) tacos in the city. For about €6 per taco, you can save on dinner before heading back to the bar to splurge on their amazing drinks.

52 Rue de Saintonge
3rd arrondissement
+33 1 42 74 41 28
Metro: Filles du Calvaire (Line 8)

8. Le Comptoir General: West African food and a cool vibe

Packing a cool bar, thrift store, hair salon, museum, and more into one space, Le Comptoir General is also home to some delicious and affordable West African and Caribbean cuisine. Try the assiette africaine for around €10, and then stay for cocktails!

80 Quai de Jemmapes
10th arrondissement
+33 1 44 88 24 48
Metro: Jacques Bonsergent or Goncourt (Lines 5 or 11)

The post Eating Cheap in Paris: 8 dinners for €15 or less appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

To capture the charm and magic of the experience of staying at the hotel, we’ve put together these Hotel de Nice Paris photos into an essay, covering the property and surrounding neighborhood. Take a look at these photos to get a feel for this Belle Époque-style oasis in the heart of Paris.

Related: Our favorite 15 budget hotels in Paris

Hotel de Nice Paris photos and review

As you approach the hotel, you’ll see the impressive Hotel de Ville:

Adjacent to the hotel, you’ll find a courtyard with several charming cafés:

You can pick out Hotel de Nice from its iconic blue door, black and white tiling and flowerbeds:

Entering the hotel, you’ll feel as if you’ve arrived at a 19th-century chateau, complete with decorative flowers and a winding, carpeted staircase:

Although the hotel includes an elevator, you might actually prefer to take the lovely, winding stairs:

The hotel’s salon is the perfect place for breakfast, or to unwind with a book after a long day exploring Paris:

Charming little details lie around every corner:

These beautiful stained glass windows are on every floor as you make your way up the stairs:

Each room has a balcony, some bigger than others. This one overlooks a side street, while the larger rooms allow a view of Rue de Rivoli, where you can even see the top of the Notre Dame:

It doesn’t get more Belle Époque then this—charming antique details and antique French prints:

The color theme varies throughout the different room options. This one has intricate red wallpaper and golden curtains that will transport you back to earlier days:

Some of the corridors feature old covers of Le Petit Journal, a popular French newspaper:

The double sets of curtains mean you can gaze out over sunny Paris in privacy, and then shut out the light altogether if you’d like to catch some shuteye:

This balcony allows you to step out and take in an ideal view of Paris. But watch your step!

Intricate details even on the iron-wrought balcony make for a picturesque stay:

Peak under the flowerbeds and you might catch a glimpse of the café culture below:

Are you ready to check in to Hotel de Nice? Reserve a room on EuroCheapo today!

Hotel de Nice

42 Bis, Rue de Rivoli
4th arrondissement
01 42 78 55 29
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
Hotel’s Website

For more information, read our full review of the property. For more suggestions for budget hotel picks in the center of Paris, be sure to check out our hotel guide to Paris.

All Photos by Kaitlin Davella

The post Hotel de Nice photo essay: A cheapo classic in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Though costume parties for October 31st are growing increasingly popular across the continent, most countries in Europe still do not celebrate Halloween in quite the same way as the United States does. Trick or treating has just not caught on yet.

To get your spooky fix on that next European vacation — whether on All Hallows Eve or any other time of year — check out one of these spine-tingling tours and attractions.

More spooky posts on EuroCheapo:

• EuroCheapo’s Spookiest Hotel Ghosts (7 photos!)
• Five haunted (and free!) spots in New York City
• Free haunted walking tours in NYC

Paris: The Catacombs

From the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, the remains of about six million Parisians were dug up from cemeteries around the city and reinterred in a central ossuary, known as the Catacombs of Paris, a site that should be on every traveler’s shortlist of must-see Paris attractions.

Visitors descend 130 steps beneath the Paris streets for a 1.2-mile trek through poorly lit passageways. Whoever designed the Catacombs definitely had a taste for the macabre: An engraving above the entranceway to the ossuary reads, “Stop! For this is the kingdom of Death,” and the bones are artfully arranged in mounds with scores of skulls on top that seem to stretch on indefinitely. Perhaps the creepiest thing about the Catacombs is the pile of bones at the street exit — the artifacts that visitors have tried to take home as souvenirs.

Details: 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy. Admission is €13.

London: Jack the Ripper Tours

We may never know the identity of the UK’s most famous serial killer, but the legend surrounding Jack the Ripper still scares the bejeezus out of us. Tramping through the back streets of East London on a dark October night seems a fitting tribute to this grisly murderer.

Though many groups offer similar excursions, London Discovery Tours claim to have the “original” Jack the Ripper tour. With a published historian at its head, the company certainly promises a thorough background in the murders, the suspects, and neighborhood history. The two-hour circuit winds through cobblestone streets to point out sites where the victims lived and died.

Details: Tours start at the Aldgate East Underground station at 7 pm nightly. Reservations must be made in advance; the cost is £10 per person.

Exploring the spooky Underground Vaults in Edinburgh. Photo fw42

Edinburgh: The Underground Vaults

Many cities boast myths of people living underneath the streets, but in Edinburgh the legends are true. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, a veritable underground city of chambers, vaulted rooms, tunnels, and passageways existed below South Bridge. In these darkened, confined spaces thousands of people lived — and some say their spirits never left. Abandoned in the 1830s, the Underground Vaults reopened to the public in 1996.

Your guide into this underground world is Mercat Tours, who will lead you on a 1-hour and 15-minute tour of the haunted vaults.

Details: From October to March, Mercat offers tours daily at 3 and 5 pm. Reservations are £13 for adults.

Budapest: Nighttime Visits at the Labyrinth of Buda Castle (currently closed)

Located underneath Buda Castle, the Labyrinth is eerie enough in the daytime when it’s illuminated by electric lights. After dark, however, with only a lantern as a guide, the stone passageways are downright spooky. Personally, we’d steer clear of the Labyrinth of Love (where couples start at opposite ends of the maze and meet in the middle for a “romantic” rendezvous undisturbed in one of the chambers), but a Dante-themed program makes our skin crawl in a good way. Forty minutes alone in the darkened halls with visions of the Divine Comedy in our heads? Let’s not think about what demons may be lurking just around the corner!

Find your own way out of purgatory by booking your night tour in advance via the Labyrinth of Buda Castle website (hours and days vary by tour; the Dante tour is available Mondays at midnight, Wednesdays at 11 pm, and Saturdays at 5 am). Adult tickets cost 2,000 forints (about $9) and include one regular admission during daytime hours.

Note: the Labyrinth is temporarily closed and is undergoing government inspection — we hope it will be back open sometime soon!

About the author: Liz Webber is an associate editor at ShermansTravel.com, a leading site for hand-picked travel deals and expert destination advice.

The post Boo! Spooky places to celebrate Halloween in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Depending on where you are in Paris and how nice the restaurant is, you can find prix fixe lunch menus ranging from around €14 all the way up to €40. You can also encounter a range of quality—it’s possible to find a great meal for under €20, as well as a lackluster one for much more.

Here are some tried-and-true prix fixe options that are guaranteed to be delicious as well as affordable.

Robert et Louise: €14 for 2 courses

64, Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003
3rd arrondissement
Website
Metro: Saint Paul or Hotel de Ville

Nestled into the picturesque Rue Vieille du Temple in the trendy Marais, Robert et Louise is probably one of the best lunchtime deal around. Choose from a variety of appetizers like escargot or sausage and two featured main courses like beef ribs or duck confit for the incredibly reasonable price of €14. Then walk around the Marais to digest!

Related: A Cheapo Day in the Marais

Le Pré Verre is one of the best deals in Paris. Photo: Ming-yen

Le Pré Verre: €26 for 2 courses, wine & coffee

8 rue Thénard 75005
5th arrondissement
Tel: +33143545947
Metro: Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny-La Sorbonne

In the lovely Latin Quarter, Le Pré Verre boasts one of the best prix fixe deals in town. For €26, you’ll get a starter, a main, a glass of wine and a coffee to finish it off. The chef here is praised for his work and ever-changing creative menu options.

A La Bière: €14.50 for 3 courses

CLOSED

104 ave Simon-Bolivar, 75019
19th arrondissement
Tel: +33142398325
Metro: Bolivar or Colonel Fabien

Update: Unfortunately, the restaurant has closed.

Chez Marie Louise: €14 for 3 courses

11 Rue Marie et Louise, 75010
10th arrondissement
Website
Metro: Goncourt

Come to Chez Marie Louise for a tasty three-course meal and then have a stroll around the lovely neighboring Canal St-Martin. There are a couple tables outside if you’d like to enjoy the weather, otherwise, the inside is cozy and sunny. Food is classically French with a modern twist.

Related: Cheap hotels in Canal-St-Martin

Café Constant: €17 for a worthy splurge

139 rue Saint-Dominique 75007
7th arrondissement
Website
Metro: École Militaire

Okay, so Café Constant is a little more expensive than the other selections, but it’s well worth it. Spend a few extra euros for a truly amazing and classically French meal. You can choose a main course with a starter or dessert. With romantic decor, an amazing location near the Eiffel Tower and decadent food, this is the ultimate prix fixe experience.

The post Paris Lunch Deals: 5 tasty and affordable set menus appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So, off I went to a local hamam, ready for a good steam and scrub. Little did I know, I was in for some of the most indulgent and relaxing hours of my life.

Interested in learning more about what’s in store for you at the Turkish hamam? It certainly isn’t for everyone, so here’s a brief introduction:

A bit of history

The art of the hamam has been an important part of Turkish culture for thousands of years. These bath houses flourished throughout the Ottoman Empire, with grand, elaborate structures built in its then capital Constantinople, which is present-day Istanbul. Allowing for covered bathing, hamams showcase stunning embroidered walls and marble. Historically, these bath houses served as the social epicenter of Turkish culture. Nowadays, they’re just a great place to get a good scrub down.

The Turkish hamam traditionally holds three rooms: the hot room,  where the steam or sauna portion occurs, the warm room, where the washing-up and soap massage occurs,  and the cool room, where you relax and drink coffee or tea. One traverses from the hottest room to the coolest room, preparing the body for exfoliation and massage and then allowing for rest.

Types of hamams

There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing a hamam. Here are some classic break-downs:

Traditional vs. Self Service

A traditional hamam will guarantee you the full experience. You can arrive empty-handed, as towels and soap will be provided. For this service, someone will massage you with soap and wash you off. A traditional trip to the hamam will cost anywhere from $14-$46.

A self-service hamam is the cheaper route, understandably. You will have to bring your own stuff, and wash yourself. This is probably not the best choice for your first time at the hamam, as you will have no idea what to do. But if you’re trying to save money, it is something to consider. Self service can cost anywhere from $5-$14.

Local vs. Tourist

This is a very important distinction in my opinion. Most neighbourhoods in Turkey will have their own hamam, where locals go either weekly or monthly to get squeaky clean. Accordingly, the prices can be quite cheap, ranging from roughly $5 – $19. It is likely that no one will speak English at these hamams, so you could be in for a bit of a language barrier unless you plan ahead.

In big cities like Istanbul and Izmur, you will find many Turkish hamams made specifically for tourists. This means that the attendants will speak English and they will be happy to guide you through the experience. They may offer package deals including oil massages and manicure/pedicure. These tourist-targetted spots are more expensive, and can range from roughly $32 -$55.

An overview of the experience

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to dive in. When you arrive at the hamam, you will be asked to change out of your clothes, and into a Turkish towel. You’ll be given some slippers, and then you’re ready to go.

As I explained, the Turkish hamam will often be divided into three rooms: hot, warm and cool. You will begin with the hot room. For me, this meant sitting for 15 minutes in an almost unthinkably hot sauna. It was hard to take, but I knew it would pay off. After my time was up, I took a dip in the mineral water pool, and then was led back to the sauna for another grueling 15 minutes.

Next, you will enter the “cool” room. This is wear the bathing happens. Normally, this will entail lying on a large marble slab as an attendant scrubs your skin, and then massages it with bubbles. Then, you’ll be washed down with water, and you’ll never feel more clean.

After washing up, you’ll be given fresh towels to dry off, and led to the “cool” room. Here, you can relax and reflect on the wonderfully indulgent experience you’ve had. This will usually include Turkish coffee or tea, lounging and perhaps a light nap.

Once you’re ready to go, you can change into your clothes and be on your way!

Helpful tips

• If it’s your first time visiting a hamam, tell your attendant. They will hopefully help to introduce you to the experience.
• Don’t skimp on the sauna. It may be hard to take the heat, but you won’t regret it in the long run.
• Going on a beach holiday? Visit the hamam beforehand, as all the scrubbing can work down a perfectly good tan.
• Be vocal about what you want and you don’t want from your experience. If you’re visiting a local hamam, it might be helpful to learn some basic Turkish.
• If you’re looking to save money, don’t go to the hamam in Istanbul. Hamams are more expensive in the capital city, and busier. You’ll have better luck in a smaller city or town.

The post Turkey’s Hamams: What to expect and how to save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Fresh from a trip to Turkey, I spent days wandering around this spectacular city trying out all of the delicious dishes. Luckily for me, Turkish street food is amazing, safe to eat and very easy on the wallet. From fresh baked breads to mussels sprinkled with lemon, you’ll find a huge variety of food that will please any Cheapo’s taste buds.

Here are some of the best options for street eats in Istanbul.

Kumpir

Kumpir is Turkey’s interpretation of a baked potato. The variety of toppings you can put on your kumpir are almost endless, from the usual cheese to corn, mayonnaise, pickles, peas, carrots, etc. Head to Ortakoy Market on a Sunday to try out one of these tasty Turkish treats, where you’ll find plenty of kumpir stalls.

Cost: €3-4

Fresh Squeezed Juice

Maybe this makes me really boring, but my favorite street treat in Istanbul is the juice. Walk around the windy streets of Istanbul, and you’ll be sure to find some tiny shops with a hand-operated juicer and a big pile of fruit. You can get pomegranate, orange, apple, carrot, grapefruit and often other fruit and vegetables juiced, or even a mix.

Cost: €0.50 – 1.50

Midye dolma

A Turkish favorite found all around the country, Midye dolma are mussels stuffed with rice and sprinkled with lemon juice. Use your best judgement about when to try these, i.e. don’t go to a stand with mussels that have been baking in the hot sun all day!

Cost: 2 for €0.35

Balik ekmek

Take a stroll along the Galata bridge near Karaköy and Eminönü, and you’ll smell this snack frying up everywhere. Balik ekmek translates to “fish bread,” and that’s exactly what it is—a piece of fish inside a roll. Vendors fry up fish on large grills, and stuff them into fluffy Turkish bread with a little bit of lettuce. Personally, I wasn’t a big fan. The fish were frozen and imported, and the fear of swallowing fish bones really inhibited my enjoyment of the sandwich. Nevertheless, Turkish people swear by these as the perfect dinner or snack.

Cost: €1.75 – 2.75

Kokoreç

Kokorec are sheep intestines that have been spiced, skewered and stuffed in a loaf of bread. My Turkish friends tell me this is a legendary post-drinking greasy, guilty pleasure snack, similar to Poutine in Quebec.

Cost: €2 – 3

Misir

Misir are grilled or boiled corn on the cob. You can find these being sold in droves on carts in the streets surrounding the bridges, but only in the summer time.

Cost: €0.50 – 0.75

Kestane

In lieu of misir in the colder moths, Istanbul offers up Kestane: roasted chestnuts that warm the streets with their nutty aroma. They’re pretty much the same as roasted chestnuts in every other country… delicious and comforting.

Cost: 100g for €0.69

Simit

Last but not least, simits are the Turkish equivalent of bagels: dense, circular breads dipped in molasses and then sesame seeds. Often, vendors will serve them with Nutella or cheese for an extra cost. I can verify that this is the perfect breakfast on the go.

Cost: €0.35 – 1 depending on your order

One last thing to learn: Afiyet Olsun! It means bon appétit in Turkish.

The post Street Food in Istanbul: 8 snacks to try for €4 or less appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But a relaxing oasis is still within your reach, because I’d like to draw your attention to what is, in my humble opinion, the best park in Paris. Parc des Buttes Chaumont is situated in the 19th arrondissement and is one of the largest green spaces in the whole city. It is a refreshing change from the other main parks in central Paris with their perfectly manicured lawns and dusty paths (looking at you, Jardin de Luxembourg), because it is quite rustic and unrefined. Buttes Chaumont is centered around a large lake that surrounds Île de la Belvédère, a tiny island made of rocks with stairs leading up to a beautiful temple structure. Around the lake, you’ll find grassy knolls and hilly spots which give the perfect view of Paris.

Related: Our 7 favorite parks in Paris

If you’re willing to make the trek out to the 19th (which can be quite pleasant, I will add, on bicycle), here’s what Parc des Buttes Chaumont has in store for you:

Exploring grottos, waterfalls and bridges

What used to be an old gypsum and limestone quarry has been transformed into a staggering grotto on the south side of the park. Running through is a waterfall that leads back to the lake. Take a break from your picnic in the sun to explore this enchanting shady spot!

If you’d like to visit the island, you can take impressive the 63-meter suspension bridge over the lake, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Enjoy an amazing array of plants

Parc des Buttes Chaumont was commissioned by Napoleon III as a place to showcase a variety of flora, and this rings true still today. Take a walk around and you’ll find almost 50 different species of trees!

It’s worth the climb for a stunning view of Sacre Coeur. Photo: Ahmad Tarek

Climb high for a spectacular view

Not only do the grassy hills of the park give a wonderful glimpse of the city, but if you climb the stone steps to the top of Île de la Belvédère, you’ll find a beautiful, unhindered and unique view of Paris. From the Temple de la Sibylle, you can see a view of Northern Paris, with the Sacre Coeur as the centerpiece. I highly recommend doing so as the sun sets, so you can see all the lights of the city begin to glimmer.

Sip a cheap pint at outdoor bar Rosa Bonheur

Nestled into the hills of Parc des Buttes Chaumont is Rosa Bonheur, a casual, hip bar and restaurant envisioned as a modern-day guinguette. Grab a €3.50 euro pint and some tapas, and take a seat under the sparkling lampion lights hanging tree to tree. The ambiance is distinctly Parisian without a hint of tackiness. You might want to try and arrive before 8 PM to avoid the crowds, though!

Take the kids for playgrounds and puppets

Parc des Buttes Chaumont is the ideal setting for a family. If your kids aren’t already impressed by the view from the temple or the grotto, they’ll love the park’s very own puppet theater, which hosts shows from the end of April through October. There is also a playground atop the hill to keep them occupied!

Parc des Buttes Chaumont
1 Rue Botzaris
19th Arrondissement
+33 1 44 52 29 19
Metro: Botzaris or Buttes Chaumont

Related: Cheap hotels in northeastern Paris

The post Parc des Buttes Chaumont: A breath of fresh (and free) air in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Transiting around Turkey is a relatively stress-free and economical experience. For all the money I spent on travel, I could probably have bought myself only a one-way train ticket in France!

In order to get around, you have several options:

Turkey by air

Domestic flights in Turkey are generally very budget-friendly due to competition between various Turkish airlines. There are several airports that serve the country, and you can fly with:

Atlasjet: www.atlastjet.com
Onur Air: www.onurair.com.tr
Pegasus Airlines: www.pegasusairlines.com
Sun Express Airlines: www.sunexpress.com.tr
Turkish Airlines: www.thy.com

Prices can range from as low as €30 to around €100… not bad!

Turkey by rail

The Turkish railway system is generally considered to be outdated, but things are slowly improving. Take the train if you’re after a more calming, scenic travel experience, because the railway is certainly not the most direct way between Turkish destinations, but it sure can be beautiful. The high speed train between Istanbul and Ankara is becoming quite popular, taking only 3.5 hours and costing around €33.

For more information, I recommend visiting Seat 61’s page on Turkish trains.

Related: Turkey’s rail revolution

Turkey by bus

Traveling by bus is the most popular and developed form of travel in Turkey. A bus trip in Turkey will most likely be a highly enjoyable experience! I was extremely impressed with the efficiency of all parts of my bus trips, from the planning and purchasing of the tickets to journey itself. Here’s the low-down: almost every Turkish town and city will have a bus station, called an “otogar”. You can buy your bus ticket (“bilet“) there either in advance or just before your trip, depending on the popularity of the route. Here are some of the major bus companies you will find at the otogar:

Kamil Koç: www.kamilkoc.com.tr
Ulusoy: www.ulusoy.com.tr
Varan: www.varan.com.tr

For more information on bus routes, visit Turkey Travel Planner, an amazing source of information.

I purchased a one-way ticket from Fethiye, a small city on the southwestern coast, to Istanbul for €33 with Varan, which was comparatively expensive, due to the fact that I was traveling during a major Turkish holiday. I arrived for the journey 10 minutes early and had plenty of time to spare. By 7 PM, the bus was on its way, right on time.

The seats were big and comfy and relined back to an almost horizontal state. Other perks included the air conditioning, which was a huge comfort in the 100-degree weather, the service of tea, coffee, soda and snacks every few hours, and the mini-TV with Turkish-dubbed films. My bus did not have Wi-Fi, but many do.

As we drove north, the bus stopped twice at rest stops, where it seemed there were thousands of other buses and travelers mid-journey. At the stops you can get out, walk around, purchase some snacks (there are, of course, kebab restaurants) or stay in the bus snoozing. With no appetite at either 11 PM or 3 AM, I stayed in my comfy seat. When I opened my eyes again, it was 7 AM, and we were nearly at our destination. By 8:30 AM, I had arrived at Istanbul’s main bus terminal, Büyük Otogar.

Related: Istanbul budget tips from transit tickets to nightlife

From there, I wearily searched for a Varan mini-bus (“dolmus”) with the words “Taksim” on the window to bring me to my final destination. Sure enough, there was a bus waiting for me, and I enjoyed a free trip into central Istanbul.

Taking the overnight bus in Turkey was a great experience. I was comfortable, safe, well-fed and my wallet was happy. Sleeping on the bus meant not having to pay for another night in a hotel or hostel. If you’re considering visiting Turkey, don’t be thrown off by the idea of a long bus trip—you might just enjoy it!

The post Budget Travel in Turkey: A journey on the overnight bus appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

What’s left? All of the tourists, visiting Paris’s major destinations in hoards, and eating at restaurants targeted towards them specifically. This means that unfortunately, many of the hole-in-the-wall, local-frequented restaurants, bars and cafes that Cheapos love have closed up shop for the month. You might be disappointed to find that many of the best boulangeries and cheap bistrots in Paris have tacked a paper note on their doors—”fermé pour les vacances“.

So what’s a thrifty traveler to do, without begrudgingly paying the inflated prices of tourist hotspots? Don’t worry. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best spots that remain open in Paris during the month of August. Head to these spots to avoid disappointment and frustration!

Related: The pros and cons of visiting Paris in August

On the Go: L’as du Fallafel

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: L’as du Fallafel is incredible. And, lucky for you, it’s open during August. No walk through the Marais is complete without a tasty, super cheap falafel sandwich.

32-34 Rue des Rosiers
4th arrondissement
+33 1 48 87 63 60
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)

Classic French: Bistrot des Victoires

One of my personal favorites: an old-school French bistro with all the classic dishes, most hovering around €10. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the Paris of yesteryear without breaking the bank.

6 Rue la Vrillière
1st arrondissement
+33 1 42 61 43 78
Metro: Bourse or Sentier (Line 3)

Delicious Asian: Le Petit Cambodge

Sometimes you need to take a break from French food, and this is the perfect place to do so. Delectable Cambodian dishes are served up here for less than €20. A favorite of locals, there’s usually a long line at Le Petit Cambodge, so now’s your chance to secure a table quickly!

20 Rue Alibert
10th arrondissement
+33 1 42 45 80 88
Metro: Goncourt (Line 11)
Website

Wine Bar: Le Verre Volé

A classic Canal St. Martin joint with charming, eclectic decor, a great wine selection, and yummy plates. They are open only for dinner Monday-Thursday, with lunch and dinner service on the weekends from August 11th-24th.

67 Rue de Lancry
10th arrondissement
+33 1 48 03 17 34
Metro: Jacques Bonsergent (Line 5)
Website

Cocktail Bar: Le Mary Celeste

I have three words for you: one euro oysters. Yes, you read that correctly. Le Mary Celeste is a hip bar in the Marais with a great selection of cocktails and, yes, €1 oysters.

1 Rue Commines
3rd arrondissement
+33 9 80 72 98 83
Metro: Saint-Sébastien – Froissart (Line 8)
Website

Related: 5 summer drinks to try in Paris

Great Terrace: Les Mondes Bohèmes

If you’re willing to make the trek out to the 20th arrondissement, you’ll be delighted to find this gem of a terrace. Les Mondes Bohèmes is like a secret garden—a magical spot with twinkling lampion lights and dreamy decor. And get this—during happy hour, the cocktails are only €6 and the beers €3.

31 Rue des Vignoles
20th arrondissement
+33 1 43 48 69 38
Metro: Buzenval (Line 9)
Website

Boulangerie: Maison Kayser

Sometimes in Paris, the best thing to do for lunch is to just grab a baguette from the nearest boulangerie. Unfortunately, in August, you may find yourself wandering around in circles looking for one that’s open. You can count on Maison Kayser, a chain of pretty decent boulangeries that are scattered throughout Paris, and open for all of August.

14 Rue Monge
5th arrondissement
+33 1 44 07 17 81
Metro: Maubert–Mutualité (Line 10)

87 Rue Assas
6th arrondissement
33 1 43 54 92 31
Metro: Vavin (Line 4)

10 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie
6th arrondissement
+33 1 43 25 71 60
Metro: Odéon (Line 4, 1o)

… or just buy Poilâne bread at the supermarket

Save yourself the stress of hunting for a bakery, and just head to the nearest supermarket. As Bryan has already noted, Poilâne bread is amazingly delicious: They’re the massive slices of sourdough bread you’ll get with any tartine order in Paris. Luckily, you can find them in just about every big grocery store!

Fromagerie: Go to a Market

Good luck finding a gourmet cheese store that’s open in August. I’m sure it’s doable but, instead of all that hassle, I recommend you just find an open air food market (there are plenty), where you will surely be able to buy some delicious French cheese.

Good Coffee: Strada Cafe

Most of the gourmet coffee shops in Paris close up for holiday in August, so thank goodness Strada is upon to feed your craving for fancy coffee!

94 Rue du Temple
3rd arrondissement
+33 1 44 61 09 28
Metro: Rambuteau (Line 11)

Related: New Cafes serving up tasty drinks from talented baristas

Parisian Cafe: Café de la Paix

If you’ve been dreaming of sitting in on the terrace of a cafe in Paris, reading and taking it all in, don’t worry, you can do this even in August. Café de la Paix, a staple of Parisian café culture, is open for all of August.

5 Place de l’Opéra
9th arrondissement
+33 1 40 07 36 36
Metro: Opera (Lines 3, 7, 8)
Website

The post Paris: Favorite cheapo restaurants and cafes that remain open in August appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.