Each of these has that special combination of nightly rates at a good value, great locations, high customer ratings and enough essential amenities to ensure that you have a restful night’s sleep. Throw in a free English breakfast and we’re sold!

Our London Guide

• Read all hotel reviews

• Read ways to save in London

8 best budget hotels in London

Need to catch an early train? Alhambra offers a convenient location in King’s Cross. Photo: Booking.com

Alhambra Hotel

17-19 Argyle Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £87

The King’s Cross is filled with guesthouses, but you’ll find a budget-friendly and charming option in the Alhambra Hotel. It’s an especially helpful pick if you are getting into London or leaving super early or late. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate, and amenities abound: there’s free Wi-Fi, safes, coffee and tea facilities, flat-screen TVs, and more. (Read review)

Simple and sweet is the name of the game at St Athans Hotel.

St Athans Hotel

20-24 Tavistock Place
Average nightly rate for a double: £90

Situated in historic Bloomsbury, the family-run St Athans Hotel offers simple one-star rooms (with shared or private bathrooms) at rock-bottom rates. Most of the hotel’s 45 guestrooms share facilities and feature a sink and no other in-room amenities. A few rooms are equipped with private facilities, as well as a TV. (Read review)

Enjoy lush park views from your room at MacDonald Hotel. Photo: Booking.com

MacDonald

45 – 46 Argyle Square
Average nightly rate for a double: £93

Just a short walk from the British Library, the MacDonald is well-located in King’s Cross. Rooms may not charm you with their design, but they are clean and quiet and include TVs, fans, and coffee/tea makers. We recommend the front-facing rooms, which overlook a park. (Read review)

LSE Bankside House is only available in the summer, but rates are a steal.

LSE Bankside House (Summer Only)

24 Sumner Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £102

The LSE Bankside House is a London School of Economics dormitory, one of several open to the general public during summer months. All are well-priced for London, and Bankside has an enviable location next to the Tate Modern. Its 560 rooms are available in single, double, triple, and quad configurations. (Read review)

For a traditional English B&B experience, book a room at Hotel Meridiana.

Hotel Meridiana

43-44 Argyle Square
Average nightly rate for a double: £116

Situated in a smart, old-fashioned townhouse, this family-run two-star hotel has the charm of a traditional English B&B. The 25-room property is located on Argyle Square, a quiet street near King’s Cross Station and the British Library. Rooms are simple, but the location is convenient and the low rates include a full English breakfast. (Read review)

Cherry Court is an excellent cheapo find around the corner from Victoria Station with friendly owners that really appreciate their customers. Photo: EuroCheapo

Cherry Court Hotel

23 Hugh Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £134

With just 12 rooms near Victoria Station, the Cherry Court Hotel is a sweet and simple pick. Guests can enjoy the back patio kitchenette for prepping simple meals, plus a fresh breakfast basket delivered to your room each morning. Rooms and bathrooms can be a bit small, but they are spotless and well-equipped. (Read review)

The Celtic Hotel in Bloomsbury is one of our favorite budget hotels in Europe.

Celtic Hotel

61-63 Guilford Street
Average nightly rate for a double: £140

The Celtic Hotel is one of our favorite budget hotels in all of Europe. It boasts lovely proprietors, great rates, clean rooms, and a central location next to Russell Square in the heart of Bloomsbury. In short, it’s hard to find anything to complain about (aside from the difficulty of booking a room!). (Read review)

Enjoy some quiet time in the courtyard at 72QT.

72QT

72 Queensborough Terrace
Average nightly rate for a double: £194

The Latvian Guest House, also known as 72QT, is a surprising and somewhat hidden budget hotel near Hyde Park in Bayswater, offering 16 simple but well-maintained guestrooms. Free cooked breakfast, Latvian touches, and cheap rooms all add up to an excellent London cheapo stay. (Read review)

More hotel recommendations

Want to read more of our hotel picks for London? Check out all of our listings here, or click to see hotels in South Kensington, Bloomsbury, near Victoria Station, Paddington Station, and near Hyde Park.

The post Best budget hotels in London for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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.

I know, traveling to Paris has never been exactly cheap, but there have always been ways to make it more affordable. Heck, my post on 47 ways to save on your trip to Paris breaks down little tips and tricks for saving on food, museums, getting around, and so on. But the city’s hotel rates have recently gone through the roof.

We should know — my team and I have been obsessively visiting, reviewing, and ranking the best budget hotels in Paris since 2001, when I launched the site with the mission of helping travelers find the very best central hotels in Paris that are actually affordable. We’ve seen charming hotels open, close, get rebooted as private apartment rentals, rebrand themselves as 4-star hotels. We’ve seen it all.

But post-COVID, we’ve seen some of our all-time favorite budget hotels close, and others have transformed themselves into something much, much more expensive. (Ironically, the rates might double, but the location and room size always stay the same!) And we understand, to a certain degree. Running a hotel was nearly impossible for a few years, and revenues need to be recouped.

Still, over the past three years we’ve seen many of our favorite (formerly) budget-friendly hotels swing from offering rooms for about €125-150 a night to more than €250 a night.

Fortunately, there are still some hotels in central Paris with great service and affordable rates. We’ve spent a few weeks combing through and updating all of our Paris hotel listings, and testing rates to get to the bottom of what is still a great deal.

Our criteria: How do we pick our favorite budget hotels in Paris?

We’ve picked these winners by examining several criteria, including:

Hotel Location

Would most travelers consider this location to be convenient? Can you walk to popular sights and a good selection of restaurants from this hotel? At the same time, does it offer enough calm to let you sleep comfortably at night?

Our favorite locations are in the very center of Paris (Arrondissements 1-7), especially near the Louvre, the Marais, Latin Quarter, St-Germain des Prés and near the Eiffel Tower. From these locations you can walk or take a quick Metro ride to nearly all of Paris’s main museums and attractions.

Average room rate

Are rates cheaper than other hotels of the same category? To determine the “average double rate,” we compiled and averaged rates for a double room from May-August.

This one was especially hard, as room rates have skyrocketed across the city. Most of our top picks have an average room rate under $150 per night, while some truly special hotels go as high as $225. Above that amount just can’t reasonably considered “budget”. We’ve rounded up hotels with some of the best rates in the city.

Quality

How do the actual rooms and hotel services stack up with others in the same category? If this is a two-star hotel, for example, does it offer better rooms and more personal services than other two-star hotels?

User ratings and reviews

How have past guests rated this hotel? What issues, if any, have previous guests experienced with the hotel?

Room size

Yes, we’re so obsessive that we’ve compiled room size (in square feet) for all hotels and use it as a factor when choosing our list. The bigger the guestroom, the higher the hotel scores. (I mean… nearly all hotel rooms in Paris are tiny, but we’re at least able to see who the outliers are!) In Paris, we found the average hotel room spans around 129 to 140 square feet (about 12 to 13 square meters). Some of the smallest rooms squeeze in beds, desks, and even bathrooms in under 100 square feet, which makes the larger rooms (over 200 square feet) feel extremely spacious.

“Special something”

Does this hotel offer something special that distinguishes it from its competitors? Does it have a special theme, interesting owners, or fascinating history? When we’re reviewing hotels, we’re always looking for this “something special.”

And finally, we also go with our own instincts. We’ve visited and inspected hotels hundreds of times in Paris. We’re including hotels in this list that we like and feel should be shared with our readers!

Related articles: For more on hotel savings in France, check out our tutorials on how to save on your hotel in Paris, and ways to save on hotels throughout France.

The 8 best cheap hotels in Paris in 2025

Here are our picks for the best cheap sleeps in Paris, ranked by price. Read more about any hotel by clicking the “read full review” link, or click to see our complete guide to budget hotels in Paris, with more than 100 listings. If you spot something you like, make sure to review our tips on saving on hotels in France to get the most bang for your buck.

A simple but bright and clean room at Hotel de la Place des Alpes. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel de la Place des Alpes **

Neighborhood: Place d’Italie / Chinatown
Average rate: €95

If you’re looking for an affordable place to crash, consider Hotel de la Place des Alpes. This area makes accessing transportation easy and puts you in a less touristy part of the city, but that also means you may not be as close (by foot) to some of the most popular sites of the city. But you’ll enjoy the comfortable, if bare-bones, rooms and plenty of restaurants nearby, not to mention the low rates. Plus, when you’re ready to see the tourist sites, it’s easy to hop on the Metro from here.

Read full review

Inquire about a balcony room at Hotel du Pre. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel du Pré ***

Neighborhood: 10th: République / Gare du Nord
Average double: €115

With fairly spacious rooms (151 square feet) that are clean and comfy, Hotel du Pré is a solid choice that puts you conveniently near Gare du Nord. For gourmands, Saint-Lazare, an area packed with bakeries, wine and cheese shops, and other unique eateries, is also close by. Private bathrooms are sparkling clean, and some rooms even have balconies. We also loved the cozy lounge, complete with swanky leather sofas, at this hotel.

Read full review

Charming views from a super cheapo room at Hôtel Rivoli. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Rivoli

Neighborhood: The Marais (3rd & 4th)
Average rate: €119

Sure, the rooms are a bit on the basic side here at Hotel Rivoli, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find better rates in such a central location, in the Marais. Rooms face rue de Rivoli, and if you request ahead, you may just score a room with a small terrace and views of city hall. Aside from the views, location, and low rates, this hotel is pretty simple. There’s no breakfast, but you can explore the trendy neighborhood for your morning meal. Wi-Fi is free, and there are no TVs, which makes for a pretty quiet and peaceful stay.

Read full review

Private rooms are small but stylish and affordable at the Plug-Inn Hostel. Photo: Booking.com

Plug-Inn Boutique Hostel

Neighborhood: 18th: Montmartre
Average rate: €132

Part hostel, part stylish hotel, Plug-Inn offers great rates on its doubles, plus ultra-cheapo beds in its dorms. For those booking private rooms, expect bright colors and playful patterns plus spotless, if small, bathrooms. Breakfast is even included in the room rate, making it an even better deal. However, the hostel’s location in Abbesses-Montmartre puts it in close vicinity to many great places to score cheap eats.

Read full review

A charming view from a room at Hotel Audran. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Audran *

Neighborhood: 18th: Montmartre
Average room rate €141

The friendly Hotel Audran is another of our best budget hotels in Paris. It is a solid deal, offering renovated two-star rooms with private bathrooms along the café-lined rue Abbesses, one of Montmartre’s most charming stretches. The hotel’s 40 rooms were recently painted a bright blue, and all are equipped with a flat-screen TV, telephone, and free Wi-Fi.

Read full review

The Hotel Du Cygne is an art lover’s dream where you can stroll to the Louvre. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel Du Cygne **

Neighborhood: 1st: Louvre / Châtelet
Average room rate: €141

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal smack dab in the center of Paris than Hotel du Cygne. This charming, cottage-esque hotel offers simple but cozy rooms that stay surprisingly quiet, despite the bustling location near the Louvre. Creature comforts such as flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms are available, although solo travelers can save big by booking a single room with a shared bathroom.

Read full review

Hotel de Nesle **

Neighborhood: St-Germain-des-Pres
Average rate: €149

The one-star Hotel de Nesle, tucked away among the back streets of Saint-Germain des Prés and steps from the Seine, offers affordable rooms that are painted with a sense of humor and history. The 18 guest rooms are individually painted and decorated by the owner and her son. Most of these boast lavish line drawings of famed moments in French history, including scenes of Egypt and the Orient, as well as some playful representations of Molière, Hugo and others who have lived in the neighborhood.

Read full review

The Hotel Chopin is tucked away at the end of a 19th-century shopping arcade.

Hotel Chopin **

Neighborhood: 9th: Opéra
Average room rate €159

Ready for something with an extra dose of charm? Tucked away inside a 19th-century shopping arcade, the two-star Hotel Chopin offers comfortable, spacious (172 square feet/16 square meter) rooms at great rates, but it’s the setting that’s sure to make romantics race to their fainting couches. The arcade, located along the Boulevard Montmartre near the Opera shopping district, is lined with picture-perfect stores selling toys, jewelry, and sweets. And then halfway down, you stumble upon the Hotel Chopin. Inside, things have a quiet, grandmotherly touch.

Read full review

More cheap hotels in Paris

But wait, there’s more! We have reviewed more than 100 affordable hotels in our guide to Paris. Find more hotels:

• See all reviewed hotels

• See hotels: Near the Louvre | Marais | Latin Quarter | St. Germain | Eiffel Tower | Montmartre

A note about reserving

It should come as no surprise that, given their exceptional value, many of these hotels are quite well known and are already quite popular with guests. As many of these are also quite small (at least compared to international chain hotels), finding availability can be tres difficile… especially during the high season, and especially if you wait until the last minute.

If possible, reserve far in advance. Search hotels in Paris

The post The 8 best cheap hotels in Paris for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ve recently updated our listings of recommended cheap hotels in Amsterdam, and have singled out the following seven as our best cheap hotels in Amsterdam. It was no easy task — Amsterdam fortunately still has a long list of great, family-run properties in its city center.

However, these hotels below all stand out for their unique combination of a great location, low average rates, high user ratings, and enough amenities that you’ll be quite comfortable with your choice. Note that the rates quoted below were all found for stays one to four months in advance. Another thing to note? Hotel rates in Amsterdam and across Europe have increased significantly in recent years. We’ve narrowed down options that provide the best value.

A friendly reminder: Book as far in advance as possible. These are also among the most popular hotels in Amsterdam, and availability can be tight.

Our Amsterdam Guide

• Read all hotel reviews
• Booking a hotel in Amsterdam? Read this first.
• More ways to save on your trip Amsterdam

Top 7 best budget hotels in Amsterdam

Hotel Hortus is cheap, clean, and centrally located, making it a real Cheapo gem. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Hortus

Plantageparklaan 8
Neighborhood: Plantagebuurt
Double room average: $128

The rooms at Hotel Hortus may be on the simpler side, but they’re spotless, reliable, and right next to the Botanical Gardens. Save more by opting for a shared bath. The hotel offers a communal kitchen, so you can also save by making some of your meals here, then spend more on sightseeing. Read the full review

The Neighbour’s Magnolia features bright rooms with a dash of color.

The Neighbour’s Magnolia

Willemsparkweg 205
Neighborhood: Museums & Vondelpark
Double room average: $139

Looking for a trendy little spot near Vondelpark? The Neighbour’s Magnolia offers a friendly home base with 21 playfully designed rooms, all equipped with TV, telephone, free Wi-Fi, and modern furnishings. You’ll even find a small stuffed animal (named “Sparky”) waiting on your bed. Breakfast included. Read the full review

The lovely breakfast room at Hotel Verdi.

Verdi

Wanningstraat 9
Neighborhood: Museums & Vondelpark
Double room average: $150

Hotel Verdi is a cozy, clean, family-run establishment near the Concertgebouw, where visiting classical musicians have frequented for decades. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included in the room rate. Cheapos who want to save a little extra money can book one of the few rooms with a shared bathroom. Read the full review

Bicycle Hotel is a fun spot with affordable bike rentals (of course!).

Bicycle Hotel

Van Ostadestraat 123
Neighborhood: Pijp
Double room average: $153

Located near the heart of the trendy Pijp neighborhood, the Bicycle Hotel is cheap and cheerful, with low rates, clean rooms and (appropriately enough) cheap bike rentals for guests. The hotel’s 16 rooms are basic and no-frills, but all have a TV and free Wi-Fi, while a few have a balcony (ask ahead). Breakfast is included. Read the full review

Enjoy a cool, rock n’ roll vibe for a low cover charge at BackStage Hotel. Photo: EuroCheapo

BackStage Hotel

Leidsegracht 114
Neighborhood: Grachtengordel South
Double room average: $159

You’ll be ready to rock with the BackStage Hotel, a popular and cheapo-friendly spot on the Leidsegracht canal. You’ll find plenty of bars, performance spaces, and even the famous concert venue, Melkweg nearby. As for the rooms, they are adorned with a rock-and-roll vibe that has welcomed many musicians over the years. Like a famous rockstar, you’ll enjoy plenty of amenities here, including free Wi-Fi, LCD televisions, and more. Read the full review

Hotel Museumzicht is stuffed with old-world charm.

Hotel Museumzicht

Jan Luykenstraat 22 II
Neighborhood: Museums & Vondelpark
Double room average: $160

You can’t sleep much closer to the Rijksmuseum than the Hotel Museumzicht (“Museum View”). The hotel is a vintage cheapo pick and is great for those who don’t mind that the hotel has hardly changed since the 1960s. The hotel’s 14 rooms are decorated in a grandmotherly fashion, with old oil paintings and antique (or simply “old”) furnishings. Some rooms have private facilities, but most share toilets and showers in the hall. Breakfast included. Read the full review

Stayokay Amsterdam is a great option for groups.

StayOkay Amsterdam Vondelpark

Zandpad 5
Neighborhood: Museums & Vondelpark
Double room average: $186

Tucked into the northern tip of the Vondelpark, the StayOkay Vondelpark is a big, budget-friendly operation that appeals to students, families and other budget travelers. It’s a massive place, with 536 beds laid out in a wide variety of configurations. Triples? Quads? Eight-bedded dorm? They got ’em. While couples and single travelers certainly stay here, the StayOkay is an especially convenient option for larger groups. Read the full review

More hotel options

Want to read more about Amsterdam? We have dozens more options in our guide to affordable hotels in Amsterdam.

The post Best budget hotels in Amsterdam 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.

The hotels below have been selected from our list of recommended hotels in Rome. All of these have been visited and inspected by one of our editors and chosen as a “pick” based upon the following criteria:

• Location: Can you easily reach most of Rome’s central sights by foot? Most of the city’s big draws are clustered together within the historic center. How easy is it to get there from the hotel? Is the hotel easily reachable from Termini, the city’s main train station?

• Average rate: Are the hotel’s rates a good deal? We’re not just looking for the cheapest rooms in town, but the best value. When compared to other hotels in the same category, does this hotel offer a great deal? The average rate listed is compiled from rates we tested for a double room (with private bath) in May through August. Note that these rates will fall substantially in the off season.

• Quality of service, rooms and amenities: Does the quality of the hotel’s rooms and services exceed those of the same category elsewhere in Rome?

• User rating: How have past guests rated this hotel? What issues, if any, have previous guests experienced with the hotel?

• “Special something”: Does this hotel offer something unique that helps it stand out from its competition? This could be a super-friendly proprietor, an extraordinary location, or a cool history.

And finally, we also go with our own instincts. We’ve visited and inspected countless hotels (with budget-friendly rates) in Rome. If a hotel strikes us as a good value, we’re happy to share it with you.

Related: Our top budget hotels for Paris.

Our top budget hotels in Rome

Here are our seven favorite budget hotels in Rome, ranked by price. Read more about any hotel by clicking the “read full review” link, or click to see all recommended hotels in Rome.

The heavenly view from the Suore di S Elisabetta’s rooftop terrace.

Suore di S Elisabetta

Neighborhood: South of Termini Station
Average double: €108

This pristine and friendly convent, located directly next to the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, is heaven on earth for budget travelers who don’t mind an 11 p.m. curfew (or sleeping under a crucifix). The convent offers 45 tidy little guestrooms, all of which are simply furnished and super clean.

The cheapest rooms have a shared bath, while those with a private bathroom have either a bathtub or shower (our price above is for a room with private bath). Don’t miss the rooftop terrace (see photo), or the breakfast room (included in room rate), which is topped with a spectacular chandelier. Important: The guesthouse strictly enforces an 11 p.m. curfew.

Read full review

A welcoming double at Hotel Silla. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Silla **

Neighborhood: Vatican & Prati
Average double: €126

Hotel Silla is a sweet and simple two-star hotel with some of the best rates in our Rome hotels guide. Its location on a quiet side street offers a peaceful respite without sacrificing convenience, as the hotel is a short walk from the Metro.

Guestrooms are warm and welcoming and adorned in red and gold. Creature comforts include TVs, phones, internet, and private bathrooms. You may have to pay extra for AC. Additionally, one extra sweet perk to this hotel is that it sits atop a popular pastry shop.

Read full review

Enjoy the cozy, homey vibes at One Step. Photo: EuroCheapo

1 Step From Saint Peter

Neighborhood: Vatican & Prati
Average double: €126

While it may not be exactly one step from St. Peter’s Basilica, this cozy hotel does offer a prime location, conveniently located near transit and just a 15-minute walk from St. Peter’s.

The staff is extremely warm and welcoming, and guests here can enjoy free breakfast, a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, and complimentary coffee and tea available all day. Plus, rooms are air conditioned, and the shared bathrooms are spotless.

Read full review

Don’t miss out on the relaxing garden space at The Beehive. Photo: Booking.com

The Beehive *

Neighborhood: North of Termini Station
Average double: €135

We appreciate the eco-friendly vibes at The Beehive, a hostel with both shared and private rooms available at good rates, especially for the location near Termini Station. You’ll find a garden, board games over TVs, organic breakfast foods, and for the most part, no AC, in this sustainably minded spot.

Rooms feature funky and unique designs, whether private or shared. All rooms have lockers or safes and toiletries. Two rooms have AC if that’s a must for you, just be sure to request ahead when booking.

Read full review

Guestrooms at Marta Guest House have a touch of grandeur.

Marta Guest House

Neighborhood: Vatican & Prati
Average double: €162

The friendly Marta Guest House offers cozy accommodations conveniently located near the Vatican. Each room features a unique style complete with antique furnishings and original tiled floors. Guests enjoy air conditioning, TVs, mini-fridges, minibars, coffee and tea facilities, plus free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

The charming Marta Guest House can be tricky to find, so look for the address rather than a sign for the hotel. It’s tucked away on a side street off of the popular Piazza Cavour.

Read full review

Rooms on the upper floors of Hotel Trastevere have the best views. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Trastevere ***

Neighborhood: Trastevere
Average double: €163

The three-star Hotel Trastevere has a charming location near Piazza San Cosimato, a great spot full of vendors at outdoor markets in the warmer months.

Rooms feature standard hotel fare but feel light and airy. They include everything you need for a home away from home, including private bathrooms, televisions, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Guests can also enjoy free coffee and pastries from the reception bar. If room views are important to you, be sure to ask for a room on a higher floor.

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The Panda is a budget option located at the base of the Spanish Steps.

Hotel Panda **

Neighborhood: Near the Spanish Steps
Average double: €163

The Hotel Panda is a convenient little cheapo located in the heart of an area better known for its fashion boutiques than for its budget hotels. Basic, clean and welcoming, the two-star hotel is just a one-minute saunter from the base of the Spanish Steps.

The Panda’s 28 guest rooms are on the tight side and won’t win any awards for designer flair, but they’re comfortable and clean. Air conditioning is available in the summer months, and all rooms have TV, a phone, and free Wi-Fi.

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Want to see more hotel options for Rome? We’ve reviewed dozens of affordable places to stay in our guide to Rome. Find more budget hotels in Rome:

• See all reviewed hotels

• Search hotels: Under $100 | Under $200

• Find hotels: Near St. Peter’s | Colosseum | Piazza Navona | Trastevere | more landmarks

The post The top budget hotels in Rome for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Sporting an iridescent scaled facade and curving, bony balconies, the building always manages to give off an otherworldly feel. Unfortunately, a visit to this Gaudí masterpiece can mean slapping down €29-€35 and getting jostled by passers-by while you inch toward the entrance. Meanwhile, you might wish you’d spared yourself the fuss, snapped a shot from across the street, and taken your euros elsewhere for tapas and beer.

Instead, you can make the most of your time and money when visiting this architectural jewel by following these easy tips for visiting Gaudi’s Casa Batlló:

Related Articles
• Tips for saving time and money at the Sagrada Familia
• 8 Ways to save money at Park Güell
• Best hotels for sleeping near Gaudí architecture

1. Book your tickets online ahead of time

This can’t be stressed enough. If you don’t book your tickets online ahead of time, you’ll have to wait in not one, but two lines when you arrive, and during the busy summer months, there’s always a chance that you won’t be able to get a ticket for the same day. Plus, booking in advance can save up to €15 per ticket.

If you really hate to wait in line, you can pay about €5 extra to skip the line with a “FastPass” ticket. When you book your ticket online, book a time of the day that’s still marked green for high availability — that means fewer people have already bought tickets.

2. Be sure to buy the right ticket

Don’t pay more than you have to! There are discounts for kids between 12-17 years of age, students with an I.D., Barcelona city and province residents, adults over 65, and visitors with disabilities and their companions. Children under 12 years old are free. Teachers and tour guides accompanying a group also get in free.

3. Take advantage of any discounts available

Have you purchased other tickets or tourist cards? If so, you might be eligible for a discounted ticket. You’re in luck if you’ve purchased tickets for the Tourist Bus, Barcelona City Tours, the Modernism Route, the Barcelona Walking Tours, or bought the Barcelona Card or Pass.

4. Go first thing in the morning on a weekday

Trust us, you want to avoid the crowds. Arrive 10-15 minutes before Casa Batlló opens at 8:30 a.m. on a weekday, preferably between Monday and Thursday, when there are fewer Spanish and European tourists in the city. Weekdays in January and February are even better, as Barcelona has fewer visitors during these colder months.

Or, if you’re willing to pay extra, you can buy a “Morning Visit” pass for €45 to ensure that you beat the crowds.

5. Once inside, go straight to the roof

Most visitors gradually work their way up through the house, following the numbers on the audio guide. Get away from the crowds by taking the stairs straight to the top and spending some time alone on the building’s rooftop terrace, posing with its iconic chimneys.

6. Skip the gift shop

The museum’s store has lots of beautiful souvenirs, but they come at too steep a price in cash, not to mention the wait in line. Time is too precious waiting in line for postcards and magnets, even when they’re printed with designs from Barcelona’s most famous modernista master.

7. Go late for a “magical night”

While it may not save you cash on admission, you might end up ahead by going for an evening concert and tour of the museum. Called “Magical Nights”, you can roam the house without the crowds, then stick around for live music and a glass of cava on the rooftop terrace. You can reserve a tour plus the rooftop concert, or only the concert for a slightly lower entry price. (And if you’re willing to risk it, some concert attendees without the tour add-on have been permitted to roam the house some when they first arrived.)

8. Use the free Wi-Fi

Finally, and perhaps of least important, you can also take advantage of the museum’s free Wi-Fi. This will at least save you the hassle of searching for bar or café with free wireless after your tour…

Your tips for visiting Gaudi’s Casa Batlló?

Have some tips for visiting Gaudi’s Casa Batlló? Add them in our comments section below!

The post Barcelona: 8 Tips for visiting Gaudi’s Casa Batlló appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But in Lisbon, just like in any other large metropolis in Europe, it matters when, where, and what you eat. These factors can have a dramatic effect on how much you end up spending.

Related:

• Exploring the top free attractions in Lisbon
• The top budget hotels in Lisbon
• 10 Ways to save on a trip to Portugal

Lisbon Cheap Eats Guide

Are you ready to dine out in Lisbon? Here’s how to eat on the cheap in this beautiful Portuguese city.

1. Feast on fixed-price fare at lunch

If you want to try a variety of local dishes at a fraction of the cost, go out at lunch and order a local restaurant’s fixed price menu, called the prato de dia. Ordering the same dishes a la carte will cost you approximately more than twice as much in the evening.

A typical Lisbon lunch paired with a glass of local beer. Photo: Tim C.

2. Research before you go

Knowing what’s out there, what prices to expect, and what times things are actually open will save you money hand over fist, as you won’t end up stuck in a chain restaurant or a tourist trap because you wandered around aimlessly until well after everywhere shut down for a break between lunch and dinner. That’s right, some of the city’s best budget restaurants close for a couple of hours before dinner after serving up daily menus to the lunch crowd.

3. Get away from the busy main streets

This is especially true in the Old Town of Lisbon. If a restaurant is really prominently located next to a tourist attraction, or even just somewhere very convenient, the fare is likely to be more expensive—after all, they’re paying rent, and the saying goes, “location, location, location.”

If you want to find cheaper eats in Lisbon’s Old Town, head to the seaside of things near the Fado Museum where you’ll find a good selection of reasonably priced places serving up authentic local fare.

Related: How to spend two days in Lisbon on the cheap

4. Go where the locals go

When you see a place full of people speaking Portuguese and free of anyone with a camera around their neck, chances are, it’s a good place to try authentic and inexpensive local fare. Another good clue? Older folks running the kitchen or serving drinks behind the bar.

You’ll find plenty of fresh seafood, like these grilled sardines, around Lisbon. Photo: Theo K

5. Eat on Portuguese time

If you can manage to adapt to the local schedule, you’ll have a much easier time finding good deals on local meals. Look for breakfast offers from early morning until around 10 a.m. At lunchtime, fixed price feasts on special peak around 1 p.m., while dinner starts at around 8 p.m. on weeknights. However, many locals sit down to dinner much later with some folks having their evening meal at 11 p.m.

6. Snack at neighborhood bars

Neighborhood bars around town may not be much to look at, but they’re the perfect choice for a tipple and some stripped down bar food. Think olives, chicken pot pie (torta de frango), and the like paired with lots of local wine and beer.

Find a classic neighborhood bar for cheap (and tasty!) eats in Lisbon. Photo: We Love Lisbon

7. Drink house wine

House wine is good enough in Portugal for pretty much anyone except for serious wine connoisseurs. Plus, it’s much cheaper than ordering a specific vintage in a bottle.

Related: 5 Lookout points offering a drink with a view in Lisbon

8. Skip mixed drinks

Mixed drinks may be cheaper in Lisbon than they are in say London or Paris, but they can still dig into your daily dining budget. If you don’t want your bar tab to soar, stick to wine and beer.

9. Don’t leave a big tip

Service workers are paid living wages in Portugal, and they’re not depending on your tip to make it. A tip of a few coins is usually plenty, but if you get exceptional service and want to make a splash, leave something foldable.

10. Skip hotel breakfasts

Hotel breakfasts are usually a bit pricey for what you get. Unless breakfast is included with your room, skip it and head out for a coffee with milk called a galão and fresh-baked pasteis de nata, a custard filling in a flakey pastry shell topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

The cost? €2 or less!

And book a cheap hotel in Lisbon and start dreaming about Portuguese pastries.

11. Leave that plate of olives alone

In Lisbon, when restaurants bring out bread and olives before a meal, it’s generally not a freebie. So unless you’re down on your gluten and olive quota for the trip, skip them. It’s much cheaper to snack on fresh bread from the bakery and olives from the market on a picnic in the park.

12. Order a half-ration

If you’re not very hungry and aren’t keen on begging for a doggy bag (taking your leftovers home is still taboo here), you can always order a half-ration, sometimes called mini pratos. Half-rations aren’t available in a lot of European cities, but they are available in Lisbon.

The best part? Mini pratos are dirt cheap, starting at just €3-4 for a generous helping.

Your tips for cheap eats in Lisbon?

Have a tip for ways to save on dining in Lisbon? Share with us in the comments section below!

If you’re ready to visit, check out our full list of budget hotels in Lisbon.

The post Lisbon Cheap Eats: How to save on eating out appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Luckily, with a little bit of planning and know-how, a visitor can easily keep to a budget in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam on a budget: 10 simple ways to save

Here are 10 ways to make that happen:

1. Avoid taxis if you can

Amsterdam is small and walkable, and public transport covers all areas of the city. A cab ride that costs you €20 to Museum Square is a quick and cheap €1-€3 on the tram.

Please note: The city is not car-friendly, so time is rarely saved when cabbing it. If you must take a taxi, you can also try a private cab company, like Uber. But a better solution is to go like a local and hop on a bike.

Wheels of Dutch cheese at the Saturday farmer’s market on Noordermarkt. Free samples are available! Photo: Craig Nelson

2. Shop the markets before the stores

This applies to food, clothes, trinkets, souvenirs, books and even wine. Waterlooplein’s flea market is open daily (except on Sundays) until 6 p.m., while Nieuwmarkt and Noorderkerk have weekend markets with organic and locally grown produce and natural food products.

Mondays at Noorderkerk hold a vintage clothing market, while the Dappermarkt and Albert Cuypmarkt sell food, flowers, fresh fish stands, clothes, souvenirs and more. The flower market, however, is tourist priced. Here’s a list of our favorite outdoor markets in Amsterdam.

Related: 5 cheapo souvenir ideas to bring home from Amsterdam

3. Get an unlimited ticket for the trams

Instead of buying your tram tickets one by one at €1.12 (plus 20.7 cents/km) each ride, think about an option that gives you unlimited access over several days. The rates are quite reasonable:

• One day ticket: €18
• Two day: €24
• Three day: €30

Not only will you save money, but it’s just easier to hop on and off with this type of ticket. Tickets can be purchased sometimes on the tram itself, but try to buy at the metro area under Amsterdam Central Station if you can. (You can also purchase them online through the official transportation website.)

4. Think before paying for audio guides at museums

Now, we do love audio guides, so nobody take offense here. But at most museums in Amsterdam, many (if not most) descriptions of artwork and artist biographies are posted in both Dutch and English. Most likely, the free info pamphlets will also be in Dutch and English.

So, before reaching for an audio guide that costs extra, make sure it’s worth it — or that you’re really into the subject. We think the Van Gogh museum’s audio guide is worth a splurge, but think twice with Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, as you might be fine without it.

5. Skip the hotel breakfast and head to a bakery

Amsterdammers aren’t big on breakfast. Brunch on the weekends has recently caught on, but the usual morning starts with a simple combination of a baked good paired with fresh orange juice or coffee. The city is stocked with bakeries on every corner, selling whole-grain croissants, freshly baked bread rolls and cheese-filled pastries. It’s a cheaper option than any café that serves a typical American-style breakfast, and it might just be a tastier option as well.

It’s also probably a more affordable option than what’s being served at your hotel. As we mention in our Amsterdam hotel guide, ask when checking into your hotel about the breakfast menu. Before committing to pay for it, know what’s being served. A nearby bakery is probably a better deal.

6. Buy water at grocery stores

All that walking (and maybe biking!) is going to work up a thirst. With a lack of drinking fountains and free tap water, you should try to always buy your daily water at the nearest grocery store.

A normal bottle of water will cost about €2-€5 at a snack stand or kiosk in the center of town. And you’ll see tourists lined up to buy them. However, at a grocery store, that same bottle will cost less than a euro—even for the fanciest mineral water. In fact, you’ll be able to buy an entire liter for less than a euro.

It might sound small, but the savings can really add up over the course of a week.

Bicycle Hotel in De Pijp neighborhood offers rooms starting at $50. Photo: EuroCheapo

7. For cheaper hotels, think outside the center

Hotels outside the city center are usually newer, renovated and slightly larger than hotels in the Red Light District and around Dam Square. Although you can find some good deals in the center, venturing to neighborhoods like De Pijp, Plantagebuurt, or Jordaan will offer refreshing alternatives not that far from the big attractions.

Plus, if you purchase an unlimited tram ticket (see above), you’ll still be able to explore the city to your heart’s content. See all of our recommended hotels in Amsterdam here and read our round up of our favorite budget hotels in Amsterdam.

8. Avoid the Argentinian steakhouses

You’ll see them all over town, but there is really nothing Dutch or cultural about them. Argentinean steakhouses are just here for tourists. Most offer daily specials of steak and fries for about €20. Not too costly, but if you’re looking to spend your dime on quality food, try something else and use these tips to save when dining out.

9. Opt for beer and wine at the bar

If drinks are on the nightlife agenda, stick to beer and wine. Cocktails, mixed drinks, and anything bubbly is going to cost you. The alternatives are more impressive and half the price: house wine is usually something tasty from France or Spain, while the brews can be a classic pils or even a strong Belgian beer. Here’s a list of our favorite bars for beer.

Related: Navigating the exciting Amsterdam nightlife scene on a budget

10. Quantity over quality for bike rentals

To blend in like a local, hop on a bike to see the city. Timewise, it’s always cheaper to rent a bike for a long period of time, compared to just a few hours. Since bicycles are the main mode of transport in Amsterdam, it’s the most useful way to get around for natives and visitors alike. And rentals encourage this via their prices: a one-day rental could be anywhere from €7.50 to  €15, but a three-day rental could be also €15.

More ways to visit Amsterdam on a budget

Be sure to check out more of our articles about ways to save on your trip to Amsterdam here.

The post Amsterdam on a Budget: 10 simple ways to save on your trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Ready to start sipping? Here is a guide to Irish beer and drinks. And remember: if you order at the bar, there’s no need to tip the bartender. Keep your change.

Guinness

Ireland’s most famous stout, Guinness Draught, is brewed right in the city center of Dublin. Often called the “milkshake of beers”, Guinness is known for its rich, creamy head and hint of chocolate flavor. Remember to be patient when ordering a pint — the perfect Guinness takes time to pour, but it’s worth the wait. Walk into any pub in Dublin, and you will see a lot of locals drinking the black stuff (and they always wait for it to settle before taking that heavenly first sip).

Smithwick’s is older — and lighter — than Guinness. Photo: ach10

Alternative Irish stouts: Beamish stout, Murphy’s Irish Stout

Smithwick’s

Smithwick’s Irish Ale is even older than Guinness and other one of the most famous Irish beer and drinks. This smooth ale dates back to the 14th century and is produced in the oldest operating brewery in Ireland. While many of the best known Irish beers are stouts, Smithwick’s is the biggest ale producer in the country. If you find Guinness a little heavy (especially after the first one or two), switch to Smithwick’s for something lighter, but still flavorful.

Harp Lager

On a sunny day in Dublin, grab an outdoor table at a pub and sip on a refreshing Harp lager. This crisp beer is a light alternative to heavy Irish stouts. This smooth, light beer doesn’t have the same history as Guinness or Smithwick’s — it’s only been around since 1960 — but it’s a tasty Irish alternative to other foreign lagers on tap.

Irish Coffee

If you happen to be in Dublin on a rainy day, there is nothing more satisfying than an Irish coffee. This mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and brown sugar topped with a thick layer of cream will warm you up on more than one level. Don’t over-stir the concoction; simply sip the coffee through the cream.

Irish Whiskey Punch (or a Hot Toddy)

Another traditional drink — often enjoyed when you have a case of the sniffles — is an Irish Whiskey Punch or Hot Toddy. Irish Whiskey is mixed with hot water, brown sugar, cloves, and lemon, resulting in one steaming, soothing drink.

When in Dublin, go local. Drink Irish beers and whiskey, eat Irish cheese, and don’t leave without sampling local smoked salmon and roasted lamb (preferably with a pint of Guinness on the side).

Your favorite pour? What do you order when you cozy up to the bar at a Dublin pub? Share your favorite Irish beer and drinks in our comments section.

Also in our guide: Heading to Dublin and looking for a great affordable hotel? Our editors have hunted down the best cheap hotels in Dublin, from hostels to three-star hotels, all centrally-located, clean and cheap. Read more in our Dublin hotel guide.

The post Dublin: A quick guide to Irish beer and drinks appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.