You can save by scouring the internet for budget-friendly accommodations, but it might take you days to find a clean, comfortable place to stay. To save you time and money, we’ve picked some of the best budget hotels in Venice of the year from our guide, so you can rest easy knowing you booked one of the city’s hidden (and affordable) gems.

More tips for saving in Venice
• Island hopping in the Venetian Lagoon
• 10 Things to do in Venice on the cheap

Best budget hotels in Venice

You’ll have plenty of euros left over when you book a room at one of these hotels. We’ve picked our favorite cheap sleeps in the city that offer plenty of Venetian charm. And the best part? These cheapo picks won’t cost you much, with average nightly prices starting at just $121 per night!

Hotel Della Mora has very low rates for such a prime location right on a canal.

Hotel Dalla Mora

Neighborhood: Santa Croce
Average double nightly rate: $121

The Hotel Dalla Mora offers rooms with canal views and a location just off of one of Santa Croce’s main shopping streets. Original art decorates the place, and the hotel remains peaceful thanks to a lack of televisions throughout. Read the full review

Enjoy simple and spotless rooms at Cà Del Dose.

Cà Del Dose

Neighborhood: Castello
Doubles from $124

With a great location near the Piazza San Marco, Cà Del Dose offers clean, comfortable hotel rooms and apartment stays. Rooms are simple, but you’ll find TVs, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and even snacks and coffee in the rooms. Some rooms also have terraces. Read the full review

You’ll find gorgeous rooms full of character at Hotel Guerrato.

Pensione Guerrato

Neighborhood: San Polo
Average double nightly rate: $149

Dripping in Venetian charm, Pensione Guerrato has been popular in travel guidebooks and on EuroCheapo for years. With a convenient location near Rialto Bridge, gorgeous and charismatic interiors, and even air conditioning, it’s no wonder this hotel is so well-loved. Read the full review

The cozy salon at the artsy Antica Locanda Montin. Photo: EuroCheapo

Antica Locanda Montin

Neighborhood: Dorsoduro
Average double nightly rate: $151

From the quiet Dorsoduro location to the canal views to the 100-year-old restaurant downstairs, there’s so much to love about Antica Locanda Montin. This family-run hotel offers cozy, old-fashioned rooms, two of which even have balconies. You’ll find free Wi-Fi here, but the peaceful ambiance is in part to a lack of TVs. Read the full review

You’re surrounded by antique style in the 15th-century building of Locanda Al Leon.

Locanda Al Leon

Neighborhood: Castello
Doubles from $164

The Locanda Al Leon is a charming family-run guesthouse that boasts perks like spacious bathrooms, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Add luxurious décor and select rooms with stunning views, and you have quite the deal. Read the full review

Book a budget hotel in Venice

There’s no shortage of charming hotels in Venice that won’t break the bank. If you want to browse more excellent options, check out our full list of budget-friendly hotels in Venice.

Photo credits: Booking.com, unless otherwise noted

The post The 5 best budget hotels in Venice for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But to help you make sense of it all, we’ve compiled a list of our top 7 cheap hotels in Barcelona. There’s a little of everything here, from spots that are low on rates to those that are high on style.

Our Barcelona Hotel Guide

• Read all hotel reviews in Barcelona
• Read our articles on Barcelona hotel advice
• More ways to save on your Barcelona vacation

7 Best cheap hotels in Barcelona

Whether you are looking for a private room with a balcony overlooking Las Ramblas or a quiet room with a shared bathroom to save a little extra money, here’s a list of our favorite budget hotels in Barcelona.

Make friends in the comfy lounge at Itaca Hostel.

Itaca Hostel

Neighborhood: Barri Gotic
Doubles averaging $85

Extraverted travelers, unite! The communal vibe at the Itaca Hostel welcomes guests and make it easy for you to make new friends during your trip. Rooms vary from shared dorms to private singles and doubles, to apartments that sleep five or six people. You’ll save a pretty penny thanks to the clean shared bathrooms. Read the full review

Enjoy low rates and charming rooms at Hostal Lausanne.

Hostal Lausanne

Neighborhood: Barri Gotic
Doubles averaging $129

We adore the charming, 18th-century building that Hostal Lausanne calls home, and those who come to Barcelona to shop won’t be disappointed by the location on Portal de l’Angel. While the building has beautiful flourishes, like ornate ceilings and chandeliers, the decor here is otherwise minimal. We love the balcony views off the hotel’s communal lounge space. Read the full review

The outdoor patio is a welcome oasis at the Fashion House.

Fashion House

Neighborhood: Eixample
Doubles averaging $157

Rooms at the Fashion House are, well, very fashionable, with tasteful décor and not a speck of dust in sight. Some rooms also have balconies, so be sure to ask ahead when reserving if you want a view. Our favorite part of the hotel? The flower-filled oasis that is the veranda, where guests can linger and mingle. Read the full review

Be sure to request a balcony room at Hostal Levante. Photo: Booking.com

Hostal Levante

Neighborhood: Barri Gotic
Doubles averaging $158

Nestled into an old telephone company building built in 1903, the Hostal Levante offers an excellent Gothic Quarter location. Rooms feature standard hotel decor, but ask for a room with a balcony when booking for an extra treat. The area is a little noisy and touristy, but there’s plenty to see and do here. Read the full review

Score excellent deals on the balcony rooms at Hotel Lloret Ramblas. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Lloret Ramblas

Neighborhood: La Rambla
Doubles averaging $158

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better location than Hotel Lloret Ramblas, located at the top of La Rambla. Not only does it deliver on location, but the family-run hotel features plenty of modern amenities, like AC and free Wi-Fi. Plus, some rooms have private balconies with city views. Read the full review

The breakfast room at Hostal Mare Nostrum overlooks La Rambla.

Hostal Mare Nostrum

Neighborhood: La Rambla
Doubles averaging $160

With a location off Las Ramblas, the Hostal Mare Nostrum is a great pick. Rooms feature air conditioning, television and telephone, and those looking to save even more money can opt for one of the few rooms with a shared bathroom. Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served in a nice room with a view of the action on Las Ramblas. Read the full review

Hostal Eixample offers 7 rooms in a lovely residential building in Barcelona.

Hostal Eixample

Neighborhood: Eixample
Doubles averaging $165

With just seven rooms, Hostal Eixample books up quick. Rooms are cozy and simply decorated, and most of them even have balconies to take in views of the street below. Free coffee and breakfast sweeten the deal at this quiet spot. Don’t worry, despite the quiet location, you’ll find plenty to do nearby, plus there is a metro stop close to the hotel. Read the full review

Looking for more hotels and hostels? Check out our full hotel guide to Barcelona.

The post The 7 best cheap hotels in Barcelona for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But don’t give up on your dreams of a Danish getaway just yet. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite budget hotels in Copenhagen. Before you make your reservations, take a look at these highly-rated and affordable accommodations in the center of the city.

Looking to save more money on your trip? Check out our blog with budget-friendly travel tips for Copenhagen.

Best budget hotels in Copenhagen

Here are five cheapo picks from our Copenhagen guide that all get high user ratings and offer low rates, especially when you consider that most hotel rooms in the city soar way above $200 per night.

Rooms at Annex Copenhagen are cheap and colorful. Photo: Booking.com

Annex Copenhagen

Helgolandsgade 15
Neighborhood: Central Station & Tivoli
User rating: 7.7
Doubles from $66

Located just a quarter mile from Tivoli Gardens and the central train station, the rates at this stylish hotel are a steal for Copenhagen. The colorful rooms come with flat-screen TVs, lounge chairs and free Wi-Fi. An included breakfast buffet sweetens the deal and shared (and newly renovated) bathrooms help keep prices low, even in the peak season.

Read our full review of the Annex Copenhagen here.

You’ll be greeted by friendly staff in a stylish reception space at Hotel Bethel. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Bethel

Nyhavn 22
Neighborhood: Near Nyhavn
User rating: 9.0
Doubles from $133

If you want to stay in an area surrounded by picture-perfect postcards and colorful, 17th-century homes, then Hotel Bethel is the hotel for you. With a scenic location, a peaceful courtyard, stylish interiors, and friendly staff, there’s a lot to love about this accommodation.

Read more about the hotel here.

A spacious and sleek room at Hotel Saga. Photo: Booking.com

Saga Hotel

Colbjornsensgade 18-20
Neighborhood: Central Station & Tivoli
User rating: 8.2
Doubles from $94

The two-star Saga Hotel is a clean, comfortable, cheapo pick. Vintage art pieces add character to the rooms, and free Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the list of amenities. Those looking to save even more money can book a room with a shared bathroom.

Read our full review here.

We recommend requesting a balcony room at 66 Guldsmeden. Photo: Booking.com

66 Guldsmeden

Vesterbrogade 66
Neighborhood: Frederiksberg
User rating: 8.5
Doubles from $108

With eco-friendly amenities and cozily decorated rooms, this is a popular and budget-friendly choice near Central Station. The café lounge is a unique benefit to staying at 66 Guldsmeden. When booking, request a balcony room for a place to kick back and enjoy the city views.

Read our full review here.

Enjoy a stylish stay at the swanky Hotel Tiffany. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Tiffany

Colbjørnsensgade 28
Neighborhood: Central Station & Tivoli
User rating: 8.5
Doubles from $109

The three-star Hotel Tiffany is more of a splurge compared to the typical Cheapo pick, but it’s still a great deal when you keep in mind all the hotel offers. With plush, modern rooms, breakfast delivered to your room, and a courtyard, the Hotel Tiffany is a lot of bang for your buck. Plus, the hotel is powered by wind energy, ideal for climate-conscious Cheapos.

Read our full hotel review here.

More cheap Copenhagen hotels

Interested in seeing more cheapo hotel options? Check out our full list of recommended budget hotels in Copenhagen.

The post Top 5 budget hotels in Copenhagen for 2025 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And although it is one of the top cities in the world, Madrid can still be explored on a cheapo budget.

Case in point: The abundance of high-quality cheapo-friendly hotels across the city. So brush up on your Spanish and start planning your trip!

More tips for Madrid:
• 5 Budget tips for visiting Madrid
• 8 Ways to save on drinking and eating in Madrid
• How to save time and money at the Prado Museum

The top budget hotels in Madrid

We’ve searched through our listings to find our favorite budget hotels in Madrid based on comfort, amenities, and the overall atmosphere.

Before you book, you can read up on how to save at Marid hotels.

The view from a balcony at Hostal Gonzalo.

Hostal Gonzalo

Neighborhood: Near Atocha Train Station & Prado Museum
Doubles from $89

If you want a room at the charming, family-run Hostal Gonzalo, you’d better book now! The hotel’s low rates coupled with its location near the Museum Triangle and the Atocha Train Station means it’s often fully booked. Amenities include air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. And down the quaint street, you’ll find fruit bodegas, bookshops, and neighborhood taverns. Read the full review

A charming reception greets you at Hostal Marlasca. Photo: Booking.com

Marlasca

Neighborhood: Huertas & Santa Ana
Doubles from $97

Tucked away on a quiet side street in central Madrid, Marlasca is cozy and homey. The hotel has been upgraded to sport modern, minimalist-style rooms, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on amenities. You can find flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. As an added bonus, exterior rooms open up to balconies. Read the full review

We highly recommend the airy corner rooms at Hotel Plaza Mayor.

Hotel Plaza Mayor

Neighborhood: La Latina-Lavapies
Doubles from $88

You’ll be warmly welcomed at the Hotel Plaza Mayor, which is situated near — you guessed it — Plaza Mayor. You can save money in the regular rooms, and still get plenty of wonderful amenities, but we suggest the superior corner rooms, which boast floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the plaza. Read the full review

Peek out the window at Hostal La Macarena for this classic city scene.

Hostal La Macarena

Neighborhood: Huertas & Santa Ana
Doubles from $85

Right across from Plaza Mayor is the Hostal La Macarena, a cozy hotel in the heart of Madrid. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of traditional restaurants and tapas bars. Plus, most rooms are complete with wrought-iron balconies, so you can peer out onto the beautiful streets below — perfect for people-watching. Read the full review

Hostal Benamar offers an excellent location at an excellent price.

Hostal Benamar

Neighborhood: Chueca
Doubles from $105

At Hostal Benamar, you’ll find clean and comfortable rooms, complete with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms also come with a view, of either the quiet street below or Hostal Benamar’s courtyard. It’s a great place to stay if you want to get a taste of the vibrant Chueca neighborhood from restaurants to nightlife. Read the full review

More recommendations in Madrid on where to stay

• Full hotel guide to Madrid
• Madrid hotels under $100
• Best value hotels in Madrid

The post The top budget hotels in Madrid for 2025 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Plus, with all that Milan has to offer for visitors, it is a popular destination all year long, so it’s hard to find a bargain no matter what time of year you come. There are plenty of charming, budget hotels in Milan to be found, though, thanks to an abundance of family-run pensions and small, local hotels.

We’ve picked a handful of our favorites in Milan, so you can easily book your next vacation.

More about budget travel in Italy:
• 10-Day Affordable Itinerary through Rome, Florence & Venice
• Avoid these 10 common mistakes when traveling in Italy
• Driving in Italy: 7 tips for staying safe, sane and on budget with your rental car

Best budget hotels in Milan, Italy

Read on for our top picks of budget hotels in Milan for this year. Each option offers great rates, plus perks like a central location, plentiful amenities, or charming decor.

Malta is a family-run hotel that attracts Cheapos with great prices.

Hotel Malta

Neighborhood: Citta’ Studi
Doubles averaging $98 per night

The Hotel Malta is a perfect cheapo spot, with an excellent Citta’ Studi location, comfortable lodgings, and a welcoming staff. Rooms are pretty simple in design, but amenities are aplenty including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Read the full review

Aspromonte Hotel sits right on the edge of a local park in Milan.

Hotel Aspromonte

Neighborhood: Citta’ Studi
Doubles averaging $107 per night

The clean, sleek Aspromonte combines a warm family-friendly atmosphere with modern style. The location is prime, but still quiet. Room amenities include clean private bathrooms, air conditioning, televisions and free Wi-Fi. A continental breakfast is included in the room rate. Read the full review

Staying at Garda feels like staying with family.

Garda

Neighborhood: Central Station and Buenos Aires
Doubles from averaging $131 per night

With a convenient location near the train station, Garda stands out from the budget hotels surrounding it, thanks to its lively décor and staff members that treat guests like family. You may feel particularly drawn to hang out in the lobby, which feels regal. Read the full review

The bright, recently renovated rooms at Hotel 22 Marzo are welcoming and Cheapo-approved.

Hotel 22 Marzo

Neighborhood: Around Viale Corsica & Corso Marzo
Doubles averaging $133 per night

Convenient and cute, Hotel 22 Marzo features a friendly staff, recently renovated guest rooms, and modern amenities. Create comforts include air conditioning, TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is steps from a tram stop, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. Read the full review

Could Hotel Ideale be ideal for your trip to Milan?

Ideale

Neighborhood: Citta’ Studi
Doubles averaging $145 per night

They don’t call it “ideale” for nothing! This three-star hotel sits on a charming, tree-lined boulevard and offers cozy rooms. Some even have balconies, a welcome addition. Bathrooms are private, spacious, and clean, and you get free Wi-Fi and breakfast included in your stay. Read the full review

Find more budget hotels in Milan with our guide

Don’t forget to comment below on your favorite hotels to book in Milan! Looking for even more places to stay? Check out our full guide to cheap hotels in Milan.

The post Best budget hotels in Milan for 2025 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And although prices have kept up in recent years, there are still plenty of good deals — especially when it comes to hotels. We’ve combed through our listings to find the best budget hotels in Berlin.

More tips on Berlin budget travel:

• 50 Ways to save on your trip to Germany
• Tips for saving on shopping in Berlin
• Simple tips for eating on a budget in Berlin

 The 7 best budget hotels in Berlin

From a boat hostel right on the Spree River to a charming stay in a 19th-century apartment building, our list of the best cheap Berlin hotels has something for everyone. Book and reserve your room right on EuroCheapo!

Sleep on a boat! Shipotel-Berlin is not your ordinary place to stay.

Shipotel-Berlin GmbH

Neighborhood: Friedrichshain
Doubles from $82

The Shipotel-Berlin offers small rooms ranging from third-class dorms to first-class rooms with private bathrooms. Amenities like breakfast, in-room Wi-Fi and laundry service come with a small fee, but the views are hard to beat. Plus, the story of sleeping on a boat in Berlin is priceless! Read the full review

EastSeven Berlin has stylish dorm rooms and a fun vibe. Photo: Booking.com

EastSeven Berlin Hostel

Neighborhood: Mitte
Doubles from $81

With a guest kitchen, an outdoor garden, group dinners, free city tours, laundry service, and free Wi-Fi, the EastSeven Berlin Hostel offers a long list of amenities for incredibly low rates. Need more convincing? Rooms are clean and the staff is friendly, ready to give you tips for exploring the city. Read the full review

Hanging out in Circus Hostel, a fun and funky spot in Berlin.

Circus Hostel

Neighborhood: Prenzlauer Berg
Doubles from $99

The Circus Hostel’s décor is as fun and bright as the name suggests, and the hostel provides plenty of spaces and activities for extraverted travelers to mingle and make friends. Amenities might be scarce, but rooms are clean and there are plenty of opportunities for fun, including walking tours and yoga sessions. Read the full review

Enjoy streamlined rooms at Ibis Hotel Mitte in the heart of the city.

Ibis Hotel Mitte

Neighborhood: Prenzlauer Berg
Doubles from $88

While it isn’t the most charming hotel in Berlin, the Ibis Hotel Mitte provides comfortable accommodations, a central location, and friendly service for low rates. Amenities include private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. We’re not usually big fans of chain hotels, but this one passes our cheapo test! Read the full review

Motel One is a chain hotel with chic and cheap rooms.

Motel One Berlin Mitte

Neighborhood: Kreuzberg
Doubles from $111

Earthy, relaxing rooms, modern amenities, and a hip bar make the Motel One Berlin Mitte on of our favorite budget picks. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay in serene rooms while enjoying perks like air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Read the full review

The rooms at art’otel Berlin are stylish and right on target with our budget. Photo: Booking.com

art’otel berlin mitte

Neighborhood: Mitte
Doubles from $116

If you love Pop Art, this is your spot in Berlin! This chic hotel is filled with Warhol (or art of Warhol). Along with the glam décor, the hotel features four-star amenities like AC, tea kettles and minibars. The hotel also features an artsy breakfast room, a sleek restaurant, a fitness center and a sauna. While it can be a bit of a cheapo splurge, this hotel offers a lot of bang for your buck. Read the full review

The entrance to Pension Funk, a Belle Époque gem in Berlin.

Pension Funk

Neighborhood: Near the Ku’damm
Doubles from $77

Pension Funk features elegant rooms and a location on the most beautiful street in Berlin. Walking into the rooms is like taking a step back in time, in the best possible way. Delicate chandeliers, printed wallpaper, charming antique furniture and oil paintings welcome guests to their splurge-worthy rooms. Read the full review

More budget hotels in Berlin

Need more options? Check out our full guide to cheap hotels in Berlin.

The post The 7 best budget hotels in Berlin for 2025 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While it’s often referred to as a visa, this registration is actually a type of visa waiver, so those traveling to the U.K. who don’t need a visa will need to have this waiver completed to enter the country.

Although this registration is a new requirement, it can be completed digitally. Just make sure you do so in advance of your trip to avoid any delays.

Need help navigating the process? Here’s everything you need to know about the new U.K. ETA.

How to apply for the U.K. ETA

There are two primary ways to apply for the new ETA. The easiest option is to download the U.K. ETA app, which is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. According to the U.K. government, applying by the app takes about 10 minutes and leads to quicker processing.

However, if you are unable to download the app, you can also apply online. Application and processing times may take slightly longer using this method.

What you need in order to apply for the U.K. ETA

Before applying, make sure to have your passport and a digital payment, such as a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet, close by. You can apply on behalf of someone else, but that person must be with you when applying, because the application includes taking a photo and, for people over age 9, scanning the face.

To sum all that up, here’s a list of what to have with you before applying:

• Anyone you will be applying for should be with you during the application process
• Valid passport
• Form of payment: credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay

Cost of a U.K. ETA

Yes, you will have to pay to apply for the ETA. Currently, the U.K. ETA costs £10 (around $13).

U.K. ETA processing time

It’s particularly important to know how long it takes for the ETA to be approved, because you’ll want approval before entering the U.K. If your ETA isn’t completed and processed in time, you will not be allowed out of the passport control area upon arrival.

The U.K. ETA processing may take as little as one day or up to three working days. With this in mind, be sure to apply before it’s time to head out on your trip so you aren’t delayed at the airport waiting for the application to be approved.

How long is a U.K. ETA valid?

Fortunately, if you plan to do multiple trips to the U.K., one ETA is valid for two years or until the passport used during application expires, whichever comes first. The ETA is valid for visits under 6 months in length.

Because the ETA is digitally connected to your passport, if the passport used during the application process expires, you will need to apply for a new ETA. Make sure to check those expiration dates well in advance of your trip to avoid some inconvenient surprises!

Who needs a U.K. ETA?

Every person traveling into the U.K. for less than 6 months, even if it’s a quick pass through the country to another destination, will need the ETA. Each person traveling to the U.K. will require their own ETA, including infants and children. However, one individual can apply for the ETA on behalf of another person, and children ages 9 and under will not have to complete the face-scanning requirement.

The U.K. government website includes a list of countries from which people can apply for their ETAs now, as well as another list of countries from which people can apply for ETAs beginning on March 5, 2025.

What other documentation will I need to travel to the U.K. or Europe?

Travelers from the U.S. will need their passport along with the ETA or a visa (if you plan to work in the country or will visit for longer than 6 months) to travel to the U.K.

Starting later in 2025, anyone from the U.S. (and select other countries) traveling to Europe will also need an ETIAS, another type of visa waiver. You can learn more about the requirements on the official ETIAS website.

More information on the ETA

Be sure to explore the U.K. government website and the U.S. Embassy website for more information on ETA and other travel requirements, then explore our U.K. blog posts for more travel tips!

The post The EuroCheapo guide to getting a U.K. ETA ‘visa’ appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Travelers can find good quality hotels for around $100 per night (or less!). If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can stay in a place that would be considered a big splurge in Western Europe. Just remember to book early, because the top budget hotels in Budapest fill up fast.

Related: Search more than 6,000 hotels and vacation apartments in Budapest

Top budget hotels in Budapest

Budapest presents an interesting dilemma for Cheapos: When so many hotels offer reasonable rates, how can you choose the right place? We’ve gathered our favorite budget hotels in Budapest based on character, comfort, and cleanliness to help you book your Hungarian vacation.

We love the skylight rooms on the top floor of Abel Panzio. Photo: Booking.com

Abel Panzio

Neighborhood: Gellert-Hegy
Double-room average: $57

Light-filled guestrooms, complete with live greenery and real wood furniture, make the Abel Panzio feel like home. From the charming old vine-covered front door to the antique bar to the lush backyard, this hotel is welcoming and picturesque at every corner. Rooms feature modern amenities, including AC and free Wi-Fi. Read the full review

Rooms at Medos are well-suited for budget and business travelers alike.

Medos Hotel

Neighborhood: Erzsebetvaros
Double-room average: $94

While the style of the rooms at the Medos may be more suited to the business traveler, the location near trendy Andrassy út and the Opera House makes this a great home base for your Budapest adventure. Amenities here include flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Read the full review

Enjoy a calming stay at City Ring hotel, near Margit Island. Photo: Booking.com

City Ring

Neighborhood: Lipotvaros
Double-room average: $99

For a refreshing stay, consider City Ring. Rooms are modern, bright, and utterly spotless, and the location near Margit Island means you have easy access to many thermal spas. Comforts like free Wi-Fi, a buffet breakfast, and even air conditioning are all included. Read the full review

Going on a romantic trip? Book ahead and request the Sissi room at Hotel Sissi.

Sissi

Neighborhood: Jozsefvaros & Ferencvaros
Double-room average: $100

With charming rooms and a peaceful location near the Danube, Sissi, the budget-friendly wing of the Corvin Hotel, has a lot to offer. Rooms are simple (unless you score the romantic “Sissi” room), but offer AC, televisions, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Read the full review

Sleep in luxury at Leo Boutique Rooms without blowing your budget. Photo: Booking.com

Leo Boutique Rooms

Neighborhood: Jozsefvaros & Ferencvaros
Double-room average: $147

The Leo is more of a “splurge” by EuroCheapo standards, but you can still get a lot of bang for your buck here. Rooms are decked out in an extravagant style and complete with many modern creature comforts, like AC and free Wi-Fi. For a special touch, request a room with a view of the Franciscan Church across the street. Read the full review

Find more budget hotels in Budapest

Looking for more Budapest accommodations? Browse the EuroCheapo Budapest hotel guide for more ideas.

The post The top budget hotels in Budapest for 2025 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whether you’re hopping on the metro, renting a bike, or getting a bus to the airport, here’s how you can save on transportation in Rome.

Related: 11 simple ways to save money on your trip to Italy

Public transportation options in Rome

Rome offers a variety of transportation methods to help you get around, but they come with varying costs and levels of convenience.

Rome’s metro system

Catch a train to the city center on the cheap. Photo: Mauricio Artieda

Rome’s metro system is on the smaller side, with only three lines. That’s because the city is filled with important archeological remains, making it challenging to excavate and expand the metro. Although small, the metro is mighty, and many visitors will find it is completely satisfactory to get you to all the city’s biggest attractions.

The three metro lines in Rome include:

• Line A (red/orange): This is one of the most popular lines, especially for tourists. You can get to the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon from this line.
• Line B (blue): For tourists looking to see the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with this metro line.
• Line C (green): Connecting the center of the city to its eastern side, Line C is less useful for tourists and best utilized by locals.

The metro is typically the fastest way to traverse the city, with convenient stops near major attractions.

Buses and trams

Trams are helpful for reaching less touristy areas. Photo: Hynek Janá?

Buses are crucial for reaching areas not covered by the metro. With over 350 bus lines, this budget-friendly transportation in Rome is essential to getting around the city. Travelers are most likely to use the Urban lines (U), although you may hop on a Night bus (N) for late-night trips or the Express (X) bus if you’re taking a day trip outside of Rome.

The city also has six tram lines, though these are less useful for tourists as they don’t typically reach the city center. If you do need to take a tram, you can find the tram map on Rome’s tourism website.

Ticket prices for public transportation in Rome

ATAC (Rome’s public transport company) offers several affordable ticket options:

• 100-minute ticket (BIT), valid on metro, buses, trams and Urban trains: €1.50
• 24-hour ticket: €7
• 48-hour ticket: €12.50
• 72-hour ticket: €18
• Weekly pass: €24
• Monthly pass: €35

Note to readers: Always double-check current prices and services before your trip, as transportation details can change.

Where to buy tickets

If you’re looking to use public transportation in Rome, you’ll need to know where to buy tickets. You can buy them right at the metro station or bus terminals via ticket vending machines, some of which offer English translations. The machines typically take cash (in exact amounts—no change here!) and/or card payments. You can also grab transportation tickets at several shops, such as tabacchi (tobacco shops) and newsstands, throughout the city.

How to pay for transportation tickets in Rome

No longer are you stuck paying cash for your tickets at the corner store. Today, there are many convenient options for buying tickets to the metro, buses, and trams in Rome.

New ways to purchase tickets include a Tap&Go system, where you can use contactless credit or debit cards (meaning no need to insert a chip or swipe!) or even the wallet on your smartphone directly at the metro turnstiles. You can also use mobile apps; ATAC recommends MooneyGo, Tabnet, TicketAppy, Dropticket, or Telepass Pay.

Practical tips for using public transport in Rome

Now you know what to expect when it comes to buying your transportation tickets and navigating the lines. But when it’s time to actually use your tickets and hop on the train, make sure to follow these tips to avoid fines or missing your train or bus.

1. Always validate your ticket when boarding buses or trams. To do so, insert your ticket into the yellow machines on the bus or the machines near the doors of the tram. If you fail to validate the ticket, you could face fines of €50 to €100 — completely defeating all the efforts you put into securing budget-friendly transportation in Rome.
2. Know the metro operating hours: Sunday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 5:30 a.m.  to 1:30 a.m.
3. Check the bus operating hours: Between 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.; night buses run from 12 a.m. to between 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
4. Prepare for transportation strikes:  Strikes are relatively common in Rome. When they happen, they are typically announced in advance, and travelers can find more information on the official Ministero delle infrastrutture e dei trasporti website or the Wanted In Rome website. Some trains are still guaranteed to run, and public transportation may still run during rush hours. Still, be prepared to walk or take other transportation; just keep in mind that wait times for taxis and ride-shares could be much longer during strikes.

Bonus tip: Purchasing a Roma Pass

The Roma Pass is a comprehensive timed card ideal for visitors to Rome. You pay one fixed rate for a 48- or 72-hour Roma Pass, and in exchange, you get one or two museums, archeological sites, or other experiences plus public transportation all included in the cost. After your first experience (on the 48-hour pass) or second experience (on the 72-hour pass), each additional experience is available at a discounted rate.

The 48-hour pass costs €36.50 and the 72-hour pass costs €58.50. Some of the experiences include Galleria Borghese, Museo di Roma, and The Colosseum. Check the Roma Pass website to confirm whether advanced reservations are required for the sites you want to explore.

Consider bike-shares as an alternative

Skilled cyclists can save big by biking around Rome. Photo: Gabriella Clare Marino

If you want another option for budget-friendly transportation in Rome, you may consider riding a bike via third-party bike-sharing programs. However, keep in mind that the limited amount of bike lanes and cobblestone roads may make for an unpleasant ride for less experienced cyclists.

But if you’re up to the challenge and you have a helmet, you can find bike-share stations throughout the city via companies like Dott, Lime and Uber. You’ll need to download the company app and create an account to access the bike-shares and see rates.

Airport connections

Flying into Rome? You’ll be landing at one of two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA).

Traveling to/from Fiumicino Airport

You can take private transportation, such as a taxi or a rental car, to/from FCO or use the Leonardo Express train. This train travels between Fiumicino Airport and Termini Station on about a 30-minute journey, with Leonardo Express trains departing every 15 minutes. The Leonardo Express train costs €14 each way. Taxi rates may vary, but expect to spend around €40 to €75, depending on luggage, number of riders, and distance traveled.

Learn more about getting to and from FCO at the Aeroporti di Roma website.

Traveling to/from Ciampino Airport

In addition to private transportation options, you can travel between Ciampino Airport and Rome by a combination of bus and train. To do so, you can take a bus from the airport to Ciampino city, then take the train in Ciampino to Termini Station (and reverse this process if you’re heading from your hotel in Rome to the airport). The bus ticket costs around €1.20, and the train ticket costs around €1.50, for a total of €2.70 per person each way. Taking a taxi between Ciampino Airport and Rome costs around €35 to €50 but is a faster, more direct option.

Learn more about getting to and from CIA at the Aeroporti di Roma website.

Understanding Roman street signs

Roman street signs can be a bit confusing. Photo: Ashley Frill

If you plan to pay for a bike-share or rent a car, you’ll need to make sure you understand the laws of the road to avoid fines, tickets, or accidents. Here are some commonly confusing things for tourists to look out for:

• When looking for street names, check buildings on the corners of intersections or the start of streets. The street name is typically engraved onto marble plaques on the sides of buildings.
• Brown signs with white text highlight nearby tourist attractions.
• Blue rectangular signs indicate one-way streets. Look for the arrows, which will point the direction of traffic.
• Stop signs look similar to stop signs in the U.S., but they may be treated more like yield signs by locals. Take care, and don’t assume other drivers or cyclists will stop at these signs.
• For vehicles, speed limits are shown on two different signs: a blue sign with a minimum speed limit and a red sign with a maximum speed limit.
• Look before you park! No-parking zones are marked by a circular blue sign with a red border and a slash through the blue space. Similarly, a sign with two slashes means it is a no-stopping area.
• Watch for Restricted Traffic Zones (ZTL), where only authorized vehicles are permitted. The sign may read “Zona Traffico Limitato” or it will show a white circle with a red border.

Your tips for budget-friendly transportation in Rome

While Rome’s public transportation isn’t perfect, it offers an affordable and extensive network for exploring the city. With these tips, you’ll be navigating like a local in no time! Have your own tips for saving in Rome? Be sure to share your experiences in the comments below.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly Transportation in Rome appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The city’s popular Old Town (Gamla Stan) is charming, and excellent cultural centers and museums abound. Stockholm is situated on 14 islands, so you’ll rarely go without a lovely waterfront view, and the city even offers several “botels” where you can live your dream of sleeping on a boat.

More Stockholm travel tips:
• 10 Free museums in Stockholm
• When (and when not) to tip in Stockholm
• 5 Tips for keeping things cheap in Stockholm

Best budget hotels in Stockholm

We’ve stayed all across the city in search of the best cheapo hotels based on cleanliness, comfort, character and, of course, price. Read on to discover our favorite budget hotels in Stockholm.

The stylish rooms at Rex Petit Hotel are an excellent value.

Rex Petit

Neighborhood: Norrmalm
Doubles from $65

Rex Petit features charming decor (we love the old stone walls) and plenty of amenities for a low price. Rooms are newly renovated, and the hotel is located in a quiet area. All the rooms are located in the basement of the fancier Rex Hotel, so don’t stay here if you’re expecting a view. But the reasonable rates (especially for Stockholm) at Rex Petit make it a very popular choice — be sure to book well in advance! Read the full review

A charming room at Wasa Park Hotel. Photo: Booking.com

Wasa Park Hotel

Neighborhood: Norrmalm
Doubles from $76

Housed in a 1920s building, the elegant Wasa Park Hotel offers quiet, budget-friendly rooms just a short walk from the city center. Rooms are decorated simply, and bathrooms — both shared and en suite — are spotless. Staying here feels like staying in a local apartment rather than a hotel, making it a great home away from home. Read the full review

Checking in at City Backpackers, a hip and cheap stay in Stockholm.

City Backpackers

Neighborhood: Norrmalm
Doubles from $103 (Twin with shared bathroom from $83)

Those looking to meet new people will enjoy a stay at City Backpackers, a hostel with great perks like bike rentals (with two hours “on the house”), movie nights, free pasta and a sauna. The rooms are comfortable and the bathrooms are clean. The hostel also offers a guest kitchen and TV lounge where you can mingle and meet fellow travelers. Read the full review

Enjoy an organic breakfast at Hotel Tre Sma Rum.

Hotel Tre Sma Rum

Neighborhood: Södermalm
Doubles from $104

The Hotel Tre Sma Rum is a clean, comfortable pick in a calm area of Södermalm. On top of offering tidy rooms and private baths, the hotel is quite popular thanks to its organic breakfast and bikes for rent (which is a lovely way to see the city, if you ask us!). Read the full review

Set sail on a waterfront hotel adventure at Malardrottningen Hotel.

Malardrottningen Hotel

Neighborhood: Gamla Stan
Doubles from $137

The Malardrottningen Hotel is sure to float your boat. This classy boat hotel docked in the charming Old Town is a Cheapo splurge with air conditioning, en suite bathrooms and even a sauna that you can book for a private session. The hotel also offers a buffet breakfast, restaurant, and a bar with happy hour. Budget tip: Save more by passing up a view or booking a smaller room. Read the full review

The post Our favorite budget hotels in Stockholm for 2025 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.