Still need more proof? We made a list of the 5 most romantic spots in Rome.

But any good lover knows that a romantic getaway isn’t complete without a love nest. And luckily, Rome offers dozens of affordable hotels that offer romance without breaking the budget. So tell your sweetheart it’s time to go to Rome!

Here our favorite romantic hotels in Rome:

Marta Guest House: For the lovers on a budget

Vatican & Prati
Double rooms from $85

The Marta Guest House is by all accounts a simple pension, but a tucked-away location (on a side street off of Piazza Cavour) and sweet decorative touches (think wrought-iron bed frames and pretty gold fabrics), make it a great pick for a little lovin’ on the cheap. Read the full review

Nothing says romance like Champagne and flowers in your hotel room. Welcome to Pantheon View!

Pantheon View: Romantico classico

Pantheon-Piazza Navona
Double rooms from $111

A former haunt of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and others, this charming and historic B&B embodies quintessential Rome. Each room is slightly different, but you can always expect distinct charms, such as chandeliers or candelabras, lovely balconies or even a view of the Pantheon’s dome. Read the full review

Hotel Giuggioli: Modern mood

Vatican & Prati
Double rooms from $77

Set on the first floor of a historic palazzo, the two-star Giuggioli takes the sleek, minimalist road. The rooms are simple yet stylish and contain useful amenities (like a mini-fridge). Some also offer small balconies. Read the full review

Hotel San Francesco: Extra indulgence

Vatican & Prati
Double rooms from $84

Classic meets modern at the three-star Hotel San Francesco, a former seminary in the quiet and lovely neighborhood of Trastevere. The reception is dominated by sparkling marble floors and a Baby Grand, and rooms are chic with dark wooden furnishings. Some rooms feature extras like jacuzzi tubs, and the hotel also has a lovely roof terrace perfect for cozying up to enjoy a sunset drink. Read the full review

Looking for even more budget hotels in Rome? Check out our top cheap hotels in the Eternal City or browse our entire hotel catalog for Rome.

The post Valentine’s Day: Romantic hotels in Rome that won’t break the bank appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Wrong. While January through March is the cheapest season for hotel rates and flights, things are still downright affordable in the fall. Throw in the added bonus that the weather is almost perfect, and you will be ready to fall in love with New York — in fall!

Related
• Cheapo Guide: Visiting New York on a budget
• 5 Super cheap hotels in Manhattan
• The Best cheap hotels near Broadway theaters

 Visiting New York City in fall

Before the holiday season kicks into high gear, New York can be surprisingly affordable for travelers. Here are 6 reasons to visit New York in the fall.

1. Airfares are lower

As the temperature drops in New York, so do the airfares. For example, while summer fares from San Francisco to New York hover around $500, they drop below $400 in September. Other cities showed similar trends, with airfare dropping anywhere from $20 to $150 between the middle of September and the middle of November. Note, though, that your window is small: Fares will spike again at Thanksgiving and remain high through the holidays.

2. The weather is fine

Because so many of New York’s major attractions are best seen while strolling through the city, pleasant weather can make a huge difference in a trip. Fall is that sweet spot sandwiched between summer’s mugginess and winter’s bitter chill, and its moderate weather makes it a joy to explore, whether you’re leaf-peeping in Central Park or strolling through the gorgeous streets of the West Village.

Related: Which neighborhood is right for your New York City trip?

3. The hotel rates drop

Like airfares, New York hotel rates also take a dip after the summer rush. A recent search found that a double room at the stylish Ameritania Hotel near Time Square costs $404 a night at the end of August, and throughout the fall runs between $300 and $350, dropping as low as $221 in mid-November.

Keep in mind, though, that there will be a shocking spike during Fashion Week (in early September) and again over Thanksgiving weekend, although there are some deals for Turkey Day.

Related: How to save on your hotel in New York City

4. The crowds are smaller

After the summer throngs had returned to school and work and real life, New York suddenly feels a whole lot calmer. True, the streets are still crowded, but somehow it feels like you have a lot more space. Plus, crowds at the most famous attractions will be smaller too.

Related: 6 Under-the-Radar (and free) parks to explore in NYC

5. Explore free sights abound

The number of free sights in New York does not necessarily expand in the fall, but the viability of hitting them all is proportional to the weather: The more comfortable the temps are, the easier it is to be outside. Thus, while in summer and winter you may be more inclined to seek air conditioning or heat indoors (quests that often involve paying for a drink or museum ticket), during the fall you can save on food, entertainment and transportation since it’s easier to wander around attractions and taking in the city’s myriad beautiful parks.

Related: 5 haunted (and free!) haunted New York City spots

6. It’s a festive time of year

Between pumpkins, technicolor leaves and all things apple, fall has a cozy yet vibrant feeling that is hard to beat. And everything from Central Park to the Union Square farmer’s market catches the fever.

Finding cheap hotels in New York City

Ready to visit New York? Browse all of our budget hotel picks to find the perfect place to stay and check out all of our NYC articles for more advice on finding a hotel.

What’s your favorite part of visiting New York in the fall? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 6 Cheapo reasons for visiting New York in the fall appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In fact, even in the city’s most popular areas, you can find nice accommodations that won’t break the bank—and because these cheap hotels tend to be small outfits, they often offer homey charms or funky quirks that will make your stay even more memorable.

Here, the best cheap hotels in New York, by neighborhood.

Once a palace for Broadway royalty, the Mayfair maintains hints of its former glamour. Photo: The Mayfair

Broadway and Times Square: Mayfair New York Hotel

Doubles from $100

Bustling Times Square is often top on the lists of visitors to New York, and although many locals avoid its chaos, the area has a lot to offer as a home base: It’s central, well connected for transport, and then there are those bright lights of Broadway.

For that reason, it’s also chock-full of overpriced hotels, but there are a few gems in the mix that will let you sleep in the action and still be able to afford tickets to a show. Formerly a haunt of Broadway starlets, the Mayfair today is a bit frayed around the edges, but it’s also a comfortable, friendly, affordable sleep—and one that shares a block from two Broadway theaters.

The Hotel 17 enjoys an enviable location in the quiet of Gramercy and near busy Union Square. Photo: Hotel 17

Union Square: Hotel 17

Doubles from $79

Not only is Union Square an incredibly central and convenient home base (within walking distance of some the city’s most popular areas and with access to myriad major subway lines), but it’s also an attraction in itself—home to a fabulous Farmers Market, a Christmas Market around the holidays and great people-watching throughout the year.

Tucked away among the Victorian mansions of tony Gramercy Park, the Hotel 17 offers a quiet respite with cozy, old-fashioned rooms (and shared bathrooms) within blocks of the action. On your way to Union Square you can stop for a stroll along Irving Place, a charming street lined with restaurants and cafés (stop for a treat or affordable lunch at Irving Farm Coffee Roasters).

The Hotel @ Times Square is a friendly Midtown base. Photo: Hotel @ Times Square

Rockefeller Center: The Hotel @ Times Square

Doubles from $119

While it’s only a few blocks from Times Square, The Hotel @ Times Square is actually closer to Rockefeller Center than it is to its eponymous attraction. A straightforward hotel with a few fun details (like a historic letter shoot and free breakfast) is a great base for exploring all things Midtown, including Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art.

The SoHotel has a cool vibe to go along with its cool location. Photo: SoHotel

Soho: SoHotel

Doubles from $100

Centered in the beating heart of Downtown Manhattan, the SoHotel is a cheery spot with exposed-brick walls and pops of color. From here you have easy access to the shops of Soho and the nightlife and restaurants of the Lower East Side, plus Little Italy and Chinatown.

The Comfort Inn Central Park West places you within steps of Central Park. Photo: Comfort Inn

Central Park: Comfort Inn Central Park West

Doubles from $89

It may not be high on style, but what it lacks in atmosphere the Comfort Inn Central Park West makes up for in location. Situated just off of Central Park, the budget hotel is surrounded by the opulent homes of the Upper West Side, as well as major attractions like Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Historical Society. The quiet, tree-lined streets will give you a taste of living like a local, and there are many great restaurants nearby too.

The post New York: Best budget hotels in popular neighborhoods appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But scattered in between and just beyond the city’s major parks are a number of other “secret gardens” that tend be shorter on people and long on charm and tranquility.

For those moments when you need to rest your feet, take a breath or just want to feel “in the know,” here are six secret gardens of New York.

1. The Garden at St. Luke in the Fields

487 Hudson Street
West Village

It seems a surprise awaits around every corner on the crisscrossing streets of the West Village, and this secret garden is one of the greatest. From the street, St. Luke in the Fields looks like any of the countless religious houses scattered throughout New York City, but behind its brick walls and wrought-iron gates is a sanctuary sure to put you into a meditative state, whatever your religious inclinations. At once meticulously tended and a teensy bit wild, this tiny green spot overflows with magnolias, petunias, daffodils and a whole host of other wonders that are as delightful to speak of as they are to see and smell.

Elevated Acre is a hard-to-find Downtown oasis. Photo: Garrett Ziegler

2. Elevated Acre

55 Water Street
Financial District

Long before there was the High Line, there was Elevated Acre, but the older, lesser-known park is far less likely to become overrun with crowds than the newcomer hotspot-in-the-sky. Originally built in the 1970s, the Financial District public space was remodeled in 2005—into an oasis with a lawn for lounging, wooden boardwalk for strolling and sweeping East River views for the ogling. An LED-lit tower makes it magical in the evenings, and come summer, it is the site of free events like music and movie screenings.

Related: Affordable hotels near Wall Street

3. Greenacre Park

51st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
Midtown

Clocking in at just 6,000 square feet, this small-but-mighty “vest pocket park” is essentially the perfect urban space. Manhattan’s skyscrapers tower above a tiered park while a delicate light filters through the greenery and a rushing waterfall muffles the sounds of bustling Midtown. There is also an affordable café on premises, and even heat lamps for enjoying the park in cooler climes.

A waterfall in Midtown? Welcome to Greenacre Park. Photo: Randy Levine

4. Conservatory Garden

Fifth Avenue & E. 105th Street
East Harlem

Situated on the northeast end of Central Park, these six serene acres tend to have a whole different feel than the popular attraction that surrounds them. That is in part due to the fact that they make up the only formal garden in the park, in part due to the location up at 105th street, and in part because runners and cyclists are not allowed here. This combination creates a secluded feel, with shaded benches and hidden nooks perfect for settling in with a book. Be sure to wander through the whole thing to take in the different French, English, and Italian landscapes.

Related: Cheap hotels near Central Park

5. The Greenbelt

Staten Island

About three times the size of Central Park, Staten Island’s sprawling green wonder is two free adventures in one. First, there is the journey you’ll take to reach it. The free Staten Island Ferry offers fabulous views of the Manhattan skyline, plus an up-close-and-personal pass in front of Lady Liberty herself. Once on the island, bus S62 takes you directly to the Greenbelt and all its hiking trails, shaded nooks, and lookout points. Try climbing up Todt Hill, the highest natural point in all five boroughs (and a film location for the 1972 The Godfather).

Teardrop Park in Battery Park City. Photo: Jason Reibold

6. Teardrop Park

Hidden in Battery Park City, away from the busy bike lanes along the Hudson and shrouded by a handful of skyscrapers, resides a tiny stretch of wilderness. At least that’s what it feels like when you finally find Teardrop Park, which sort of has the feel of an unoccupied patch of ancient wild. Here, boulders, canopied trees and shaded paths reign, and even the slides built into rock walls and sprouting water fountains feel like they’ve always just “been there.”

The post New York: 6 under-the-radar (and free) parks to explore appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But beyond the bright lights of Broadway and behind the beautiful buildings lurk some of the city’s greatest treasures, just waiting for someone to stumble upon and enjoy them.

Here are seven hidden NYC spots you can enjoy without spending a cent.

1. Kenkeleba House

214 E 2nd Street
East Village

The unassuming Alphabet City building dates back to 1908 and is unmarked, save for the words “Henington Hall,” etched into the stone facade. Enter the plain doubles doors, and you’ll find a fascinating gallery and beautiful sculpture garden. True to its name, which refers to a West African plant that is said to possess spiritual powers, Kenkeleba features mostly African-American art. The owners, Joe Overstreet and his wife Corinne Jennings, have amassed more than 30,000 works over the years, and their exhibitions often explore the history, as well as emerging artists and experimental works.

2. The Daily News Building

220 E 42nd Street
Midtown East

Even in a city full of stunning architecture, the facade of 220 E 42nd stands out, and it is of no small consequence that its magnificent Art Deco carving has a larger-than-life feel: The title “THE NEWS” emblazoned above the bustling urban scene, refer to newspaper giant the Daily News, formerly headquartered here. But the facade is only the beginning of this building’s glory. Enter through the revolving doors to be amazed but the lobby to beat all lobbies. A massive, glowing globe floats in the center, slowly revolving underneath a gleaming black glass dome, with a compass of inlaid tiles shooting from its base, its bronze lines indicating the distance from New York to various international locations. (Movie fan bonus: In the 1978 Superman this was the headquarters of the Daily Planet).

3. Jefferson Market Library

425 Avenue of the Americas
West Village

From its “island” perch this red-brick, Victorian Gothic structure holds court as a beacon of the West Village, its arches, turrets and elaborate adornments lending a sort of fairy-tale quality to the neighborhood. Just as fantastical is the building’s interior, with its spiral staircase and brick-arched basement on the shelves of which fairy tales themselves now reside. The sun-drenched adult reading room is a pleasant place to pass a peaceful hour (or catch up on email using free Wi-Fi), and one mustn’t miss the idyllic garden.

A former courthouse and women’s prison, both library and garden hold much historical appeal as well: It was here that the murderer of famed architect Stanford White faced trial, as did Mae West when her Broadway play “Sex” was brought up on obscenity charges.

4. The Earth Room

141 Wooster Street
Soho

No matter what you feel about modern art, 280,000 pounds of earth 22 inches thick in a small room is truly a unique sight to behold—especially when that room resides in New York real estate space. Installed by artist Walter De Maria in 1977, this is the only one of the artist’s three Earth Room exhibits still in existence. Curators maintain it by regularly watering and raking the dirt , which results in a peaceful, forest smell (and sometimes the occasional mushroom). A few blocks up, you’ll find another unique De Maria installation: Broken Kilometer, an empty expanse of space marked by five rows of brass rods that play with your sense of perspective. 

5. The Whispering Gallery

Grand Central Terminal
Midtown East

One of the city’s most important landmarks, Grand Central Station houses a number of secrets but one its most fun attractions is hidden in plain sight. After gaping at the stately main terminal, make your way to the lower-level ramp. The archways in front of the Oyster Bar house an acoustic anomaly that allows you to speak into one corner, and a buddy in the corner opposite to hear you loud and clear.

6. The Random House Lobby

1745 Broadway
Midtown West

Yet another office building you aren’t ordinarily likely to enter, the headquarters of publishing giant Random House holds a major treat for book lovers. The ground-floor entryway is lined floor to ceiling with illuminated shelves housing the the publishing house’s acclaimed history—first editions of Random House books from Ulysses on up to Gone Girl.

7. Part of the Berlin Wall

520 Madison Avenue
Midtown East

No, you have not read that wrong. Five sections (roughly 20 feet long) of the Berlin Wall stand in an otherwise ordinary plaza between some Midtown office buildings. The Western side, which faces the plaza, is covered with a vibrant mural painted by German artists Thierry Noir and Kiddy in 1985.

The post New York: 7 hidden spots that won’t cost you a dime to visit appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Like any, well, mythical city, New York is the subject of many an idea that is not necessarily true.

Here’s the down-low on some of the common misconceptions about New York City.

New York City Travel Myths

1. New York is Times Square

The vibrant lights of Times Square are often the first thing non-New Yorkers think of when they picture the Big Apple, but the busy, iconic area is actually only a tiny microcosm in a city of riverside promenades, picturesque tree-lined streets and rustic brick. In fact, although Times Square is indeed a sight to behold, most New Yorkers sidestep it whenever possible — its mascot Elmos and Spidermen, flashing lights, chain restaurants and sky-high billboards feel like a sort of Disneyland surrounded by the “real” city.

So, while you should definitely snap some photos and catch a Broadway show, and while there are even some affordable hotel options in the area, be sure also to get out of Midtown to enjoy the historic Lower East Side or the maze of picturesque streets that is the West Village.

Related: Budget-friendly, non-chain hotels near Times Square

New Yorkers are always ready to offer directions, recommendations, or even hugs. Photo: federicoravassard

2. New Yorkers are mean

There is a general cultural understanding (outside of NYC) that New Yorkers as a rough bunch. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. When I first moved to New York, visions of irritated tough guys and cutthroat tycoons shouting and pushing and jostling for space in my head, I was amazed every time (and it was often at first) someone stopped me on the street to ask if I needed help finding something. And I very quickly learned that residents of this city are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

It’s true that New Yorkers are often frenzied — a rush-hour subway crush can drive anyone mad — but on the whole New Yorkers are helpful, supportive, and oh-so-open. My theory has always been that because so many of us are transplants from somewhere else, we are extra open to meeting new people, and because we know what it’s like to be new to (or lost) here, we love to give back when we finally know what’s up. Plus, we’re proud of this fabulous mecca in which we live, and we love to show it off — so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation or ask for recommendations. Chances are, you’ll end up with some unexpected sights to see, surprising places to eat or possibly even a new friend.

3. New York is unsafe

Like any big city, New York has its share of unsavory characters, but the crime-rampant, graffiti-laden city of the ’70s and ’80s (and often of Hollywood) is largely cleaned up. Yes, you’ll want to be watchful over your belongings and aware when out at night (as you should always). However, come 2019 results crime levels in New York were at historic lows, and New York was ranked the third safest large city in the United States. To put that in more personal terms, as a female resident of New York, I feel completely comfortable walking around at night or taking the subway, which tends to be well-populated until around 3 am.

Enjoy the great collections at The Morgan and other museums on their free days. Photo: sfbart

4. New York is expensive

True and not true. Real estate in New York famously comes at a premium, and travel here can feel extravagant as well. But that does not mean that it’s impossible to enjoy New York a la Cheapo. In fact, the city can even be frugal-friendly if you’re smart about it. The beauty of restaurants on every block is that many serve up delicious fare sans outrageous prices, and there are all manner of local markets and food stalls that also offer great bargain meals.

Entertainment-wise, many of the city’s famous sights are free, and even those things that can often run up the tab — think museums and Broadway — can be had for a song (or nearly). There are many options for snagging bargain Broadway tickets, and most museums have at least one free or pay-what-you-wish day of the week. As for the city’s famously high hotel rates, that depends on where you stay. There are plenty of affordable (and lovely) options all over the city.

Related: Free tours in New York City

5. All New Yorkers are fashionistas

No, it is not required to dress like you just stepped off the set of Sex and the City. New York is indeed a fashion lover’s cream puff, but in a city so large, anything goes. You’re just as likely (possibly more so) to see faded tees and Toms as you are to see haute couture ensembles. Like everything else in New York, fashion is often an experience, so you’re also likely to see some pretty outrageous looks. 

Believe it or not, the other boroughs are just as interesting as Manhattan (plus, they have views). Photo: Aleks Ivic

6. Everything is in Manhattan

Even those who know that Times Square is not the most accurate representation of New York are often prone to thinking that Manhattan is New York. But spending all of your time in Manhattan means you’re missing out on a number of wonders the rest of the city has to offer.

New York City is actually the name for five distinct boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. And each borough has its own distinct flavor and its own sights to see. Greenery lovers, for example, should venture up to the New York Botanic Garden in the Bronx, while Queens is great for cute neighborhoods and great Greek food. And Brooklyn these days is a destination in its own right, with a surge of arts and restaurants and parks that may even give Manhattan a run for its money.

Related: Our favorite budget hotels in Brooklyn

Walking, biking, and public transit tend to be easier than cabs. Photo: J Blough

7. Everyone takes cabs

Yellow cabs and ride-hailing companies like Uber are ubiquitous in Manhattan, but they are far from the best way to get around. For one, they can often be hard to flag down or summon on your app, especially during peak hours, but more importantly, every cab journey is only as good as the traffic on your route, so a cab ride can often take longer — and cost far more — than a subway ride would. Plus, all the starting and stopping can often, no joke, leave you feeling a little sick.

My favorite way to get around New York (weather and time permitting) is walking, as it affords so many more experiences and ways to interact with the city. Beyond that, New York public transit is efficient, affordable, and oh-so-easy. The subway can zip you just about anywhere, and buses are a great option as well.

The post New York is Times Square and 6 other myths busted appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Let me explain: Exploring New York, especially on the cheap, involves a lot of outdoor time—a stroll through Central Park, myriad free summer extravaganzas, gazing up at the Chrysler Building… Even walking briskly among the throngs is an essential New york experience. Of course all of these free activities become difficult, even unbearable, when the temps drop, but you don’t have to shell out all of your hotel savings on taxis and indoor activities. Here are some tips for winter travel in New York.

Getting Around

Like any New Yorker worth my salt, I tend to get around by walking. I walk a lot, often favoring my own two feet over the subway. But I’m also a “winter wimp.” Come the cold, I am far less likely to want to be outside for any length of time, and it becomes much more tempting to take a taxi. But here is the secret: Even if it’s 10 degrees out, you should seldom have to take a taxi!

Even on the coldest days, the subways still run 24/7. Photo: MTA

New York has one of the best transportation systems in the world, and while cold weather can sometimes affect the way the trains and buses are running, they are still convenient, cheap and often even faster than cabs. Various (free!) apps will help you easily navigate the subways and buses so that you can minimize the time spent waiting outside in the cold. All three of the below apps give real-time data on train and bus schedules (when you’re above ground), but each has other elements for various types of travelers.

For those who need a little extra motivation.  In addition to giving Citymapper tells you how many calories you burn for each route and how much (more) as taxi will cost.

For the navigationally challenged. Transitapp is helpfully color-coded like the trains themselves to make picking the right line easy. The app also shows when the next train or bus is coming and allows you to easily see schedules so that you can map your day.

For the claustrophobic. Moovit is a fun app with a social element. Not only does it give you routes and schedules, but it also records the data of anyone riding with the app open. This gives an idea of how crowded the bus will be, and also helps keep to-the-minute on delays and possible alternative routes.

Winter activities on the cheap

It might be hard to spend a day wandering through Central Park in the cold, but before you shell out for one museum and indoor attraction after another, consider the following tips for indoor activities.

Make the most of free museum days. Almost every museum in New York has a regular chunk of time—be it a free-admission day or a pay-what-you-wish evening—during which it offers deals. Visiting a different museum every day for a week could save one adult around $100. Check out our guide to free museum days to see what’s available each day.

Visit always-free attractions. If determining free museum days seems to complicated, never fear. New York is chock-full of free attractions too. The Main Branch of the New York Public Library (5th Avenue and 42nd Street) is free to visit and stunning to behold. Wander around its storied halls, and be sure to check out the magnificent Map Room. Also free is the National Museum of the American Indian (1 Bowling Green), worth visiting as much for the gorgeous Alexander Hamilton Custom House as for the fascinating exhibits therein.

Take a tour. You won’t want to do a self-guided walking tour of any neighborhoods, but there are unique (and indoor) free tours to be had. Get a peek into the workings of the national economy on a tour of the Federal Reserve (33 Liberty Street), or (equally important) learn about beer making at the Brooklyn Brewery (79 N 11th Street, Williamsburg). Be sure to book at least a week in advance for the Fed. The Brewery runs regular tours on Saturdays and Sundays, but it’s a good place to wile away some indoor hours any day of the week. The beers are inexpensive, and the vibe is convivial.

Embrace the chill. Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it, but as miserable as the cold can be, New York makes it easy to enjoy it to. Take a spin around the Bryant Park skating rink (free admission, $14 skate rentals), or take the plunge with the Polar Bear Club, who invite brave souls to join them for a guest “swim” off Coney Island any Sunday November through April (talk about street cred!).

That’s entertainment. In this city of culture, entertainment abounds, and though much of it will cost you, there are a variety of options to be had for a song. Spend a Friday night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where the free entertainment at BAMcafé Live (30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn) could be anything from rock to pop to jazz, or hit up the famed Marie’s Crisis (59 Grove Street), where you can enjoy musical stylings of friendly regulars who gather round the piano to belt out show tunes. If it’s comedy you’re after, there is plenty for free as well (check out this list for ideas).

The post New York: A winter (and wallet-friendly) travel survival guide appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And after so many years of kooky characters living virtually on top of one another, New York‘s streets and buildings and parks have their share of chilling or amusing ghost stories. Here, I present my own personal brand of the Halloween treat: five New York places to get your fright on (for free).

Central Park Pond
59th Street

Sunk in between trees at the base of Central Park, the 59th Street Pond feels secret and serene. It can also function as a haven, as it must have for Victorian-era sisters Janet and Rosetta Van Der Voort. Growing up in a wealthy household on Central Park South, the girls were prohibited by their over protective father to venture anywhere unaccompanied, with the exception of the pond.

It was perhaps for this reason that the sisters seemed to fuse together over the years. Neither married, and they died within two months of each other in 1880. Today, their spirits live on and can sometimes be seen, all done up in their bustles, skating infinite figure eights over the pond’s smooth surface.

Green-Wood Cemetery
500 25th Street, Brooklyn

Don’t let its pretty park feel deceive you. The Battle of Brooklyn, one of the biggest of the Revolutionary War, was fought on this hilly outcrop, and now some of New York’s most fashionable reside here for eternity. The spirits are almost palpable as you wander among the trees and ornate crypts here, and you can visit everyone from tortured artist Jean-Michel Basquiat to Boss Tweed.

12 Gay Street
West Village

There’s a ghost party going on at this elegant 19th-century townhouse. The building once housed a speakeasy, and has been home to Frank Paris, creator of Howdy Doody, and the mistress of New York mayor Jimmy Walker, among many others. Over the years, myriad ghost sightings have been reported from this dwelling, the most famous being a regal man wearing top hat and opera cape.

St. Paul’s Chapel and Churchyard
209 Broadway

The churchyard behind St. Paul’s Chapel has sunken headstones dating back to 1704, but there is one ghost in particular that makes people, ahem, lose their heads. The extravagant and alcoholic British actor George Frederick Cooke was buried here in 1812. His head was not buried with him. Mr. Cooke had donated it to science as a means of settling some his debt. His skull is said to have appeared as a prop in a few Hamlet productions, so you might say the actor went on working. The rest of him, though, is said to wander the cemetery in search of his lost noggin.

The Public Theater (Astor Library Building)
425 Lafayette Street

Best known for bringing free Shakespeare in the Park to New York each summer, the Public Theater is based year-round in a glorious red-brick building in the East Village. Said building originally housed the Astor Library, which opened in 1849 and was the foundation of the New York Public Library.

It wasn’t long after the opening that ghosts were reported at the library. In 1860, the New York Evening Post reported that Library Director Dr. Joseph Cogswell, encountered a wealthy, recently deceased neighbor three nights in a row. Today, the architectural gem is said to be haunted by literary icon Washington Irving and Public Theater founder Joseph Papp. The latter is said to have a protective presence over his legacy.

Read more

If you’re heading to New York (for a haunting or just a visit), be sure to swing by our Cheapo guide to New York, with hotel recommendations and much more budget advice.

The post 5 haunted (and free!) New York City spots appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In the age of Amazon, a good bookstore is hard to find. Mom-and-pop and big-box alike have been on a shuttering spree, as the e-book claims dominance. But thankfully not in New York, land of Algonquin’s round table, Harlem’s Renaissance, and Gatsby’s greatness. Sure, there have been some troubles here too, but there have also been some wins, and so far New York’s indie bookstores still shine like a beacon in the storm. Here, some favorite spots to hit the stacks.

Related: 5 independent bookstores in Brooklyn worth checking out.

Best all-around:
Housing Works Bookstore Café
126 Crosby Street, Soho

Bookstore, café, event space, charity… This New York literary fixture functions as a book lover’s, well, everything. You can scrounge up great used books on the floor-to-ceiling shelves, and then enjoy them in the cozy café. Reading and music events are regular occurrences, and sometimes happy hours sweeten things even further.

Best place to feel the love:
Greenlight Bookstore
686 Fulton Street, Fort Greene Brooklyn

The folks behind this cheery gem love their people as much as they do their books. In fact, the store was created after a survey by the Fort Greene Association found that many thought the neighborhood was lacking a local bookstore (talk about giving back!). Now, Fort Greene has a brainy place that not only showcases local authors but holds many an event where the community can, well, commune with them.

Best place to plan a revolution (or read about one):
Bluestockings
172 Allen Street, Lower East Side

Feminism, anarchism and a host of other “-isms” all hold court at this free-thinking “activist center.” You’ll also find queer studies, Zapatistas and even “alternative menstrual products” (no joke). The café features an array of fair trade items, and nightly events bolster the communal spirit.

“Bookiest” smell:
East Village Books
99 St. Mark’s Place, East Village

What do bookworms dream of when they dream about books? The tiny, friendly East Village Books, which seems to specialize in worn, well-loved volumes. It’s the sort of place where you walk in to sell five books and walk out with 10, plus that special hard-to-find gem.

Book nerd-vana:
Alabaster Bookshop
122 4th Avenue

I’m not sure whether it’s the book nerd in me, or the little girl who loved Beauty and the Beast, or a combination of the two but there is something about a bookstore with ladders that opens my proverbial heaven’s gates (insert “aaaahhhhh….” sound here). In addition to ladders, this sweet spot ticks another bibliophile box—nooks and crannies, all packed with used books, from plastic-wrapped first editions to tattered copies of Little House on the Prairie.

Most resilient neighborhood icon:
St. Mark’s Bookshop
31 Third Avenue

I have a soft spot for this nerdy gem, and not only because I passed (and lingered at its windows) daily in my first days of living in New York. You see, St. Mark’s Bookshop is both an East Village icon and a steadfast survivor. Having first opened its doors to artists and academics in Manhattan’s gritty ’70s, the bookstore has weathered some hard times. It almost shuttered in these days of gentrification, only to be saved by a healthy dose of tenacity and the rallying efforts of a supportive community. Today, I’m pleased to report that many more will have the pleasure of enjoying the shop’s volumes of critical theory and impressive selection of lit mags.

Best children’s bookshop:
Books of Wonder
18 W 18th Street

Even the name of this sweet establishment captures the magic that takes hold when one is first discovering books. Beyond that, the selection of old, new and rare gems is magnificent, and a variety of readings are appealing to kids both big and small.

Hippest literary salon:
Molasses Books
770 Hart Street, Bushwick Brooklyn

In the infinite hipness that is the gritty, up-and-coming Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick, bookstores with an edge are cropping up. For brevity’s sake, we’ll focus on the first, Molasses Books, which opened in 2012 and set the bar high. With its shelves of used books (most $10 and under), plus comfy seating and coffee, beer and wine selections, this airy spot begs lingering. Bonus points for a daily happy hour and Tuesday evening DJ parties (plus other events). Block out some time to wander the area to check out the other book shops in this uber-literary area.

Best place for wanderlust:
Idlewild
12 W. 19th Street

Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming about one, this second-floor shop is for you. Its name comes from the JFK Airport’s pre-1963 moniker, and its décor (vinyl chairs and a slab of stained glass) come from the old American Airlines terminal, so you feel just ready to jet set as you browse the inspirational tomes, which are divided by destination. Headed to Spain? You can find everything from guidebooks to cookbooks to Don Quixote all in one place. The story also stocks some travel gear, and offers language classes. (There is also a second shop at 249 Warren Street, in Cobble Hill Brooklyn.)

The post Read Up! The Best Indie Bookstores in New York City appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The hotel was exactly what my sister wanted, but my daily visits there left me suffering from a bit of road rage and some serious chain-hotel ennui. Still, I am well aware many travelers to New York want to be in the center of the action.

With that in mind, I’ve picked out my favorite non-chain hotels near Times Square—all affordable and all with distinctive personality. For comparison’s sake, I also did a rate search, for a few weeks from now. On the weekend of September 13-15, the least expensive double room at the Marquis will set you back $337 per night. My hotel picks? Well…

The Milford

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $230/night
Type: Essential New York

Most folks choose to stay in Times Square because it feels quintessential New York. Well, you don’t get much more “New York” than The Milford, which sings a love song to the city on every floor and and in every room. From its opening in 1925  to its ’80s ads featuring twirling bellhops serenading America with the “Lullaby of Broadway,” this mammoth building has long been a New York figure.

A recent renovation gave the hotel a new name (from “Milford Plaza Hotel” to “The Milford”) and a fresh look featuring lifelike photos of New York City neighborhoods in the hallways and “bedtime billboards” in the guest rooms. It has some of the trappings of a big hotel (read: expensive Wi-Fi), but also the benefits (fitness center, bar) and much more character than your average chain hotel. Read review

The Ameritania’s lobby looks like Judy Jetson’s party scene.

Ameritania Hotel

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $325/night
Type: Stylish sleep

Situated just on the northern end of Times Square, this three-star beauty offers the fashionable Cheapo stylish digs and the benefit of being a five-minute walk from hubbub without being constantly in it. For even further quiet, Central Park is just a few blocks north.

Rooms sport a funky-fresh style, and the far-out lounge is a great place to unwind with a drink. Wi-Fi is again an extra charge, but guests can borrow a hotel iPad to log on for free in the lobby. Read review

Novotel New York Times Square

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $230/night
Type: Room with a view

Full disclosure: The Novotel is technically a chain (but the only U.S. outpost branch of the French hotel), and it’s not, for this weekend anyhow, much cheaper than the Marquis.

Why include it? I’m glad you asked. The Novotel may be business class, but it has boutique style and oh, those views. Most rooms offer stupendous views overlooking Times Square, but the hotel has the benefit of being just outside the heart of the chaos (meaning your blood pressure won’t boil every time you try to return).

Other pluses in the Novotel’s column include a free business center (Wi-Fi, unfortunately, costs extra) and a fitness center worth raving about. Seriously, I tend to find hotel fitness center’s depressing, but this one is not only airy and well stocked with state-of-the-art equipment, it also offers—you guessed it—views. Read review

Mayfair New York

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $240/night
Type: Old New York

A glamorous mecca for performers, the Mayfair has been feeling rather worn since Madison Square Garden (formerly located across the street) moved away. Still, it’s one of the cheapest rooms in town, especially in this area. The cozy-classic feel, from the polished wood walls of the lobby to the toile de Jouy that bursts from the walls of the 78 tiny guest rooms, also comes with a side of classic hospitality (and free Wi-Fi). Read review

We love original building details like this mail shoot at the Hotel @ Times Square.

The Hotel @ Times Square

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $270/night
Type: The (Cheapo) Hotel with the Mostest

Situated just off of the Times Square madness, the Hotel @ Times Square is a reliable hotel with reasonable rates and an array of perks that are generally absent (or expensive) at most New York hotels.

Example: It’s an affordable hotel with a fitness center, but also doesn’t charge for Internet like the pricier spots. Plus, breakfast is included, a rare perk in New York, and the 19th-century building has got some character (I’m looking at you vintage mail shoot). Read review

 Want more suggestions? Check out all of our favorite budget-friendly hotels in our guide to New York.

The post New York Unchained: Budget-friendly, non-chain hotels near Times Square appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.