For those looking to save some euros, one place to begin your research is by looking at Paris’ free museums and attractions (or those with reduced admission).

It is possible, after all, to take in a lot of the city’s culture without forking over too much cash. Here’s a quick guide to a few of our favorite free museums and tips for finding discounted admission.

Related:
• 47 ways to save on your trip to Paris
• 8 best cheap hotels in Paris for 2025

Always free museums in Paris

Some museums and many public monuments are free every day. This is great to know when you get caught in the rain and don’t want to kill time in a café.

Note that some of these have a (sometimes strongly) recommended “donation” ticket. While giving something isn’t required, it’s certainly a nice gesture.

Free museums include:

• The Musée d’Art Moderne, not far from the Eiffel Tower, is one of two modern art museums in Paris. Its special exhibitions cost 5-12 euros, but the permanent collection is completely free.
• Notre Dame Cathedral, and any church (other than Sainte Chapelle) for that matter, is fair game.
• The Musée Carnavalet in the Marais, allows you to tour the complete history of the city for free. (“Donation ticket” €5.) Temporary exhibitions can cost 10-13 euros.
• Arène de Lutèce, the city’s old Roman amphitheater, is just hanging out in the Latin Quarter waiting for visitors to drop in for a picnic while watching the local children play soccer.
• You can also walk through the courtyards and outer halls of the Hotel des Invalides and check out the canons guarding Napoleon’s tomb without paying to actually go inside.
• The Atelier Brancusi displays the sculptures of Constantin Brancusi just outside of the Centre Pompidou, including the famous sculpture l’oiseau dans l’espace. The workshop is completely free to visit.
• More museums that are free every day include: Maison de Victor Hugo, Musée de la Vie Romantique, Musée Curie, the Shoah Memorial, the Petit Palais – Musée des Beaux Arts, the Musée du Parfum-Fragonard and more. Note that many of these charge admission to special exhibits, but visiting the permanent collection is free.

Along with free fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, Bastille Day means free admission to many of the city’s museums. Photo: Yann Caradec

Sometimes free museums in Paris

If you’re planning your trip like a Cheapo, come to Paris on a weekend for the first Sunday of the month when many national museums are open for free, like the Pompidou and Musee d’Orsay.

Keep in mind that some museums will only offer the free first Sunday per month in the off-season. Look at the “practical information” section of the museum website you plan to visit and it should tell you.

To celebrate the national holiday, Bastille Day, national museums, like the Louvre, are also open for free on July 14 every year. (This could also be to distract the revolutionary-minded from storming any more prisons.)

Discounted with a Paris Museum Pass

Purchasing a Paris Museum Pass (available for 2, 4 or 6 days) will provide entrance to most national museums and monuments, including the Palace at Versailles and the Arc de Triomphe.

If you are a history and art buff, the pass will easily pay for itself. All you need to do is plan your visits in advance.

For example, a two-day museum pass costs €70. If you plan on visiting both the Conciergerie prison (where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned) and the adjacent Sainte Chapelle church, admission will cost a total of €26, if purchased independently. Throw in a ticket to the Louvre (€22), the Rodin Museum (€14), and the Centre Pompidou (€15), and in two days, you’ve saved a bit of cash.

We don’t mean to oversell the pass. However, if you are dedicated to visiting multiple museums, the pass can be a very good deal.

Free for visitors under 26 years old

• EU citizens under 26: All permanent collections of national museums and monuments are free for EU cardholders under 26 years of age.
• Other residents under 26 (with carte de sejour): Many Americans and Canadians may think this law passes them up. But wait! The thousands of study abroad students, au pairs, and English assistants who have legal residency in France or elsewhere in Europe are also covered by this law. So, if you’re under 26, head to the Musée d’Orsay or the Natural History Museum, wave your passport and carte de séjour, and you’ll get a free ticket.
• Children: Children often get into places for free. However, ages vary considerably, so be sure to ask at the ticket window.

And remember that free entry usually only applies to a museum’s permanent collections and often doesn’t cover special exhibits. However, these special exhibitions often offer discounted youth tickets.

Hotel des Invalides offers daily reduced admission rates late in the day. Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Discounts and other deals

If a museum’s entrance is not free, you can often find various discounts if you know where to look. Work up the courage to ask if the price seems steep. Youth and “under 18” visitors can usually get reductions even if you don’t have EU paperwork, so visitors can still benefit from reductions.

Also, museums often work in tandem to offer discounts. For example, if you present your ticket to Palais Garnier when you visit the Musée d’Orsay, you’ll receive a discount (if you visit within 8 days). Obviously, right? Check out the offers posted at the ticket booth.

More info

The Paris Tourism Office has a website in English that can be useful for finding up-to-date information for any museum in Paris. Search by museum name, and soon you’ll realize how much money you can save (and how many Mona Lisa mugs you’ll finally be able to buy at the Louvre gift shop!). They even have an incredibly comprehensive list of all free and reduced admission museums and times.

Looking for even more free ideas? Here’s a list of 25 free things in Paris that we love and 7 things in Paris that are always free.

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From the big name galleries to smaller art initiatives, entry fees have been waived across the capital so even if you’re sticking to cheap eats, you can still do high-end luxury when it comes to art. Here are our favorite free art museums in London.

London’s free national museums

All London’s national museums offer free entry, so whether you’re opting for a quick dose of artistic inspiration while taking cover from the rain, or you plan to spend all day admiring some of the world’s best loved paintings, you won’t need to spend a penny. Do be warned that some of the temporary exhibitions charge an entry fee and that you may well need to book in advance, but the permanent collections are always free.

National Gallery

A good place to start is at the National Gallery. Located in a beautiful building overlooking Trafalgar Square (tube: Leicester Square or Charing Cross), the gallery houses an impressive collection of more than 2,300 Western European paintings from the 13th to early 20th centuries. Here you can admire a historic Botticelli or a forward-thinking Van Gogh, taking in everything from Michelangelo and Rembrandt to Monet, Velazquez and Goya as you go. If you’re looking to delve beyond the paintings, check out the National Gallery’s upcoming free events.

National Portrait Gallery

Just around the corner, don’t forget to stop by at the National Portrait Gallery. Here you can peruse the largest collection of portraits in the world, from Tudor and Elizabethan portraits, through to contemporary works such as the painting of Kate Middleton.

Tate Collections

A trip to London just wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of the famous Tate collections. The Tate Britain in Millbank (tube: Pimlico or Westminster) is a celebration of British art, with paintings ranging from the 1500s to the present day. Expect to see works by the likes of Turner (the museum also runs the famous annual Turner Prize), as well as William Blake and more modern pieces by Tracey Emin.

In turn, the Tate Modern is found across the river and housed in the austere-looking former Bankside Power Station (tube: Southwark, Bankside or London Bridge). As the name suggests, the museum focuses on an impressive collection of contemporary art, both British and international, from the 1900s to the present day.

Saatchi Gallery

For something a bit more offbeat, head to London’s Saatchi Gallery, where Cheapos can peruse innovative, unseen contemporary art without parting with a penny. The museum is located on King’s Road, in the well-heeled borough of Chelsea (tube: Sloane Square), and aims to bring new and unsung artists into the limelight in the UK. The ground-floor exhibitions are typically free, but some exhibitions do require advance booking and an entry fee.

Serpentine Gallery

A trip to Hyde Park can also be given an artistic touch by popping into the beautiful Serpentine Galleries in Kensington Gardens (tube: Lancaster Gate, South Kensington or Knightsbridge). These modern and contemporary art spaces also showcase fantastical feats of architecture when a different architect is challenged to design the Serpentine Pavilion each summer.

Away from the traditional galleries

London’s artistic offering does not just have to be enjoyed inside the more formal, traditional art galleries.

If your trip to London coincides with the first Thursday of the month, then make it your mission to attend the Whitechapel Gallery’s First Thursdays, which sees East London galleries and museums stay open until 9 p.m. with special exhibitions, talks and events. Get informed by joining a walking tour led by an artist or curator or visit the top five exhibitions on the free art bus.

Or, why not support London’s rising artistic talents by visiting a degree show? University College London’s Slade School of Fine Art is one of the most highly acclaimed art schools in the world, and throughout May and June each year, the doors are opened to the public for the undergraduate and postgraduate degree shows. It’s free and well worth a look – you never know, you may just bump into a star of the future.

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Following renovations in 2009 and late 2011, the museum looks better than ever. It’s also one of the most popular spots in town, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

Here are our top tips for visiting Musée d’Orsay like a pro.

Transportation to Musée d’Orsay

The Metro is your best bet, with line 12 dropping you off at the Solferino station two blocks away. The RER C also stops at the museum, making it an easy commute from most anywhere in Paris.

Arrive early

While it’s hardly as palatial as the Louvre, the Orsay is, however, almost as popular. Unfortunately there’s only one way to get into the museum (unless you have a museum pass), so, yes, that line is for you! Arriving super early is of course a great idea (around 9 AM). Otherwise, prepare to queue up to enter at 9:30 AM.

The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM daily (9:45 PM on Thursdays), and closed Mondays.

Musée d’Orsay tickets and passes

Tickets cost €16 for the full adult fare when purchased online, or €14 at the museum. European Economic Area (EEA) citizens ages 18 to 26 get free admission.

Cheapo tip: Tickets sold after 6 PM on Thursdays are reduced to €12 online or €10 at the museum, and you’ll have until 9:45 PM to explore.

Note that admission to special exhibitions will tack on a few extra euros. See all admission charges here.

If you have a museum pass, the entrance is clearly marked by the group entrance door. (More about Paris museum tickets and passes.)

Give yourself more time by visiting on Thursday nights. Photo: fduk

Come late and save on Thursday

Like the Louvre, the Orsay stays open late one night a week, in this case on Thursday. From 6 to 9:45 PM, not only are tickets cheaper (€10-12), but crowds are thinner. Take advantage of the evening hours if you can to avoid the hustle and bustle of the rest of the week.

Guided tours/audio guides

A guided tour isn’t really necessary, though they are offered in English at various times for €5 (check website).

The audio guide can be helpful while navigating from one Impressionist painting to another. From the Degas’ ballerinas to Monet’s water lilies, many of the works are at least familiar to most visitors.

First Sundays are free (and crazy)

The first Sunday of the month is free for the Orsay, but, like the Louvre, it becomes a madhouse. We’re just warning you in advance!

Eating and drinking

The museum has a café and a restaurant (see on-site dining options here). Consider splurging at the museum’s chic restaurant, restored from the original Hotel d’Orsay. The classy spot offers a starter and main dish or a main dish and dessert for €27, or daily specials for €23.

True Cheapos, however, will probably want to head outside for food and drinks. The area behind the Musée d’Orsay stretches toward St-Germain. Nearby rue du Bac is also a happening street with many food options and cafés (the baker Eric Kayser has an outpost at 18 rue du Bac).

Looking for a cheap place to stay nearby? Check out our list of favorite budget hotels near the museum.

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With an expansive Egyptian collection, some enormous French canvases, and one curious little Italian who gets a whole wall to herself, the Louvre can take days to appreciate fully. But who has the time or stamina to see it all?

Related: Cheap hotels near the Louvre

6 Louvre tips to save time and energy

If you’re heading to the Louvre for the first time, here are some tips to help you survive the experience and to come out still smiling, just like the museum’s most famous resident…

1. Book your tickets in advance

Here’s the thing: Even though tickets are €2 cheaper when purchased at the museum, entry is not guaranteed — and you may not be able to enter, due to overcrowding. So these days, we actually recommend booking your tickets in advance, with a timed entry, in order to guarantee admission.

Adult tickets are €17 when booked online with a timed entry. Closed Tuesday.

2.  Pack accordingly

While you aren’t exactly trekking the Andes, going through the Louvre is physically taxing. Bringing a small snack or bottle of water in a bag can help subdue any irritation that may occur while struggling to find an exit, bathroom, or place to sit for a rest. It can also get warm in the Louvre at some points, so have a layer or two ready to remove.

Related: 10 Ways to prepare for your trip to Paris

There’s always a crowd around the famous Venus de Milo. Photo: Ming

3. Make a game plan

Take a map and take a moment to sit (emphasis on sit) and plan. The Louvre is big. Very big. Wandering it aimlessly can be enjoyable if you have no agenda, but if you want to see the major sights or any specific wings, make sure you plan a rough route first.

There are maps of the Louvre online that you can use to plan out your route before you enter the museum. Or, you can get a map upon entry and take a minute to devise a plan of action so that you don’t get lost.

Otherwise, you’ll be knee-deep in the Egyptian wing before you realize you want to see the kings’ crowns, the Venus de Milo, and the statue garden with no logical way to tie them all together.

4. See the “big three” while you have energy

See the highlights first while you still have the energy to fight the crowds, especially if traveling with children. The big three are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory statue perched atop one of the majestic staircases. With signs pointing the way, it’s not hard to find them but plan on hitting them right away and then escaping to lesser-traveled galleries already feeling accomplished.

Keep in mind that the Mona Lisa is a tiny painting that is secured behind a bulletproof case and is separated by a physical barrier. If you’re dreaming of analyzing the brush strokes up close, you’re probably better off looking at high-resolution pictures of the painting online at home.

Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre to avoid lines. Photo: Guilhem

5. Enter through a different entrance

Know your entrance options. Most people enter at the glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre, which is fine if there’s no line. But the safer bet is to enter into the Carrousel du Louvre, the underground shopping mall, toward an inverted glass pyramid (think Da Vinci Code) by the Apple store. At this entrance, the security line is often nonexistent.

Moreover, you can also enter through Rue Rivoli. This entrance links into the Carrousel du Louvre, and if you exit from Metro line 1 (Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre), you’ll only have to walk about a minute to enter the Louvre from Rue Rivoli.

But wait there’s more: If you already have a ticket (see tip #1), you can also enter along the Quai Francois Mitterrand. Check out this cool interactive map of the Louvre’s entrances for the latest information.

Related: 10 Tips for riding the Paris Metro like a local

6.  Consider the audio guide

While it sounds lame, be warned: Most of the signs in the Louvre are in French. So unless your French is up to snuff, you might not know exactly what you’re looking at. And with 35,000 pieces of art and no stories to go with them, this could amount to some quick frustration for you and your travel mates. The Louvre audio guide might be a good bet. This audio guide costs €5 to rent.

7.  Save it for later

No one said you have to go to the Louvre immediately. If it’s a once in a lifetime trip that brings you to Paris, by all means, get in there. But if you’re already planning your next trip, then there’s no reason to rush inside. There’s no shortage of things to do in Paris, so either wait until you’ve experienced what you really want to get out of Paris or else wait for a drizzly day to appreciate all of the wonders this former palace contains.

Louvre Museum
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 in the 1st arrondissement
Hours: 9 am to 6 pm; closed on Tuesday
First Saturday of each month: the museum is open until 9:45 pm and admission is free starting at 6 pm
Admission: €17 (online), €15 (at the museum)

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Paris right now? Head over to our Paris guide to read our hotel reviews. Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed affordable hotels all over town, and recommended those we think are the best value. See advice on neighborhoods and discover our favorite cheap hotels in the City of Light.

Your Louvre survival tips?

Do you have another piece of advice for visiting the Louvre without losing your sanity? Tell us about it in our comments section below.

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Luckily, Stockholm’s museums continue to draw crowds, even if those crowds now have to pay to get in. The Stockholm tourist board boasts that the city has over 70 museums, and for the Cheapos out there, some are still free to the public. Many museums offer free entry to children, which tends to be anyone under the age of 19. (Just be sure to ask before you waltz in.) Others offer discounts for students and retirees. Still, others open their doors free to the public for a few hours every week.

Related: 5 budget tips for keeping things cheap in Stockholm

Our top Stockholm free museums

Here’s a quick rundown of ten museums in Stockholm that are easily reachable by bus or subway. All ten are free to the public no matter your age or the day for that matter. So check-in at one of our favorite hotels and start exploring:

1. Dance Museum (Dansmuseet)

The Museum for the Performing and Visual Arts focuses on dance and theater from various cultures; they even offer live performances at times. Check the upcoming calendar for the latest events.

2. The Living History Museum (Forum för Levande Historia)

This living history museum provides a haunting look at crimes against humanity (the Holocaust for example) that aims to remind people of the past in order to avoid such events in the future.

3. Färgfabriken

This space is a gallery that works with contemporary art of various forms. Färgfabriken offers plenty of exhibitions as well as workshops for those interested in getting their hands dirty.

4. Haga parkmuseum

Quite a distance from the city center, the Haga parkmuseum describes the history and architecture of the surrounding park. The park itself is beautiful and includes the ruins of Gustav III’s unfinished castle.

5. Kulturhuset

The famous Kulturhuset offers temporary exhibitions throughout the year (we’ve written about it before), everything from photography, theater, and comic books. Not all exhibitions are free, but there is always something open to the public.

6. National Library of Sweden (Kungliga biblioteket)

This museum, also known as the National Library of Sweden, is home to the Codex Gigas, often referred to as the Devil’s Bible. Unfortunately, the Codex Gigas is not viewable by the public; however, the collection of historical documents is still impressive.

7. Magasin 3

You’ll have to take the bus to get out there, as it’s located near an industrial shipyard. However, the location of the Magasin III art museum only adds to the atmosphere and the various contemporary art exhibitions that are displayed.

8. Museum of Medieval Stockholm (Stockholms medeltidsmuseum)

The Museum of Medieval Stockholm offers a look at Middle Ages Stockholm set in an underground building just a stone’s throw away from the royal castle. The only visible remains of Stockholm’s medieval city wall are located, still intact, in the museum. There is even a medieval tunnel from the museum to the castle, which is very much closed to the public.

Stockholm City Museum is another freebie that shouldn’t be missed! Photo: arjanrichter

9. Stockholm City Museum (Stockholms Stadsmuseum)

Stockholm’s City Museum provides a quick look at the history of Stockholm from the past to the contemporary issues dominating the city today. If you’re new to the city, it’s a great place to get your bearings.

10. Tullmuseum

This Swedish Customs Museum offers plenty of exhibitions about the history of customs in Sweden. Of course, when it comes to customs, it tends to be the smuggling that is interesting, and the museum focuses much of its efforts on smuggling and anti-smuggling displays.

The post 10 free museums in Stockholm appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And despite the oncoming Brexit issue, with the British pound still holding fairly strong against other currencies, we don’t expect prices to be dropping anytime soon.

However, as documented throughout our London guide and our list of the best cheap hotels in Central London, it is possible to live it up in London on a modest budget — with a little planning.

Related: 21 ways we saved on our trip to London

How? Besides the obvious (choosing a budget hotel, knowing how to eat cheaply, and getting around with an Oyster card, you’d be crazy not to take advantage of London’s free museums and attractions. Most of the nationally-run museums and art galleries are publicly financed and don’t cost visitors a pence. There are literally dozens of options from the incredible (and very busy) British Museum to lots of lesser-known gems.

Free is always a beautiful thing, and we’ve put together a list of our 20 favorites:

9 Must-visit free museums in London

British Library
World’s largest library holding an impressive 150 million+ items. Browse hotels near the British Library.

British Museum
A true blockbuster with artifacts from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles. Stay close by at these
hotels near the British Museum.

National Gallery
Stunning collection housing works from masters like Cézanne and Van Gogh. Get there early by staying at these hotels near the National Gallery.

Natural History Museum
Earth science hub with hands-on exhibits and millions of specimens.

National Portrait Gallery
See depictions of the most famous Brits in history up close. Find nearby hotels.

Science Museum
Interactive exhibits, historic collections, and an IMAX theater.

Tate Modern
Huge collection of modern art situated in a former power plant along the Thames. Book a hotel close to the Tate Modern.

The Tate Britain
British art, ranging from 16th-century pieces to contemporary works. Nearby hotels.

Victoria and Albert Museum
The world’s biggest destination for design and decorative arts.

The outside of Sir John Soane’s Museum. Photo: Craig Nelson

11 Notable free museums

Bank of England Museum
The story of the country’s main financial institution since 1694.

Imperial War Museum
Framing the British wartime experience from World War I to the present day.

The Geffrey Musem
Focusing on living rooms highlighting furniture, textiles, and decorative arts.

Museum of London
Walk through the entire timeline of the city at this urban history institution.

National Maritime Museum
The world’s biggest collection dedicated to seafaring objects.

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Exhibiting 80,000 ancient artifacts from the Nile Valley.

Royal Airforce Museum London
Displaying over 100 military aircraft from historic to modern.

Sir John Soane’s Museum
Quirky personal art collection and effects in a stately townhouse.

V&A Museum of Childhood
Huge collection of toys, games, and clothes in an airy, historic space.

Wallace Collection
18th-century French painting, an armory, and more in a London townhouse.

Wellcome Collection
A fascinating collection exploring the intersection of medical history and art.

The Geffrye Museum is located in Shoreditch and offers a unique look into living room design. Photo: Heather C.

2 Bonus fun and free attractions

The Changing of the Guard
British pomp and ceremony at its best outside Buckingham Palace. Find the best cheap hotels near Buckingham Palace.

The Ceremony of the Keys
Witness an ancient Tower of London tradition. Book way in advance.

More budget help for London:

• Our article on budget tips for London
• What’s Free in London’s list of no-cost attractions, talks, tours, and festivals
• VisitLondon’s suggestions for free London attractions

The post London: 20 free museums in London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That said, the line can be long, the temperatures inside less than appealing, and the entry fee isn’t exactly cheap.

More Florence travel tips:
• Best budget hotels near the Uffizi Gallery
• 10 Days in Italy: An itinerary through Rome, Florence & Venice

10 Tips for saving time and money at the Uffizi

So what’s a cheapo to do? Here are our best tips to make the most of your time and your euros at the Uffizi.

1. Get tickets from the official museum site

There are a lot of middleman and third-party sites advertising museum tickets in Florence. If there’s nothing available, and you’re desperate to go, by all means, you should consider it. Just note that you’ll pay substantially higher booking fees. The official site at firenzemusei.it is a bit more difficult to use, but you’ll get the best price. Middleman sites like Florence.net, charge an added commission.

2. Go early

If you’re willing to risk not getting a ticket for the added flexibility and a few euros in savings (€4 to be exact), be prepared to get up early and be in line at least 30 minutes before the museum opens at  8:15 am. Don’t try this during high season, as you’re unlikely to get a last-minute ticket for any time during the entire day, much less that morning.

3. Reserve in advance

Go ahead and spend the extra €4 and book a ticket online. You’ll get in guaranteed, and you’ll also get to spend your time in the museum — as opposed to in line. Just remember to show up at least 15 minutes before your ticket time.

4. Go on a free day

In Italy, state museums are free of charge on the first Sunday of every month. If you can, arrange your Uffizi visit around these dates, but expect to brave the crowds (inside and out). Go early, and bring a book and a beverage to make the most of your time in the line.

The outdoor space between the two wings at the Uffizi. Photo: Andy

5. Time your visit for off-season

From November 1st through the end of February, tickets cost approximately half as much as during peak season. Compare €12 per person for a full-price ticket in late fall and winter to the €20 rate that reigns during the warmer months of the year. Unfortunately, there’s no discount in book-ahead fees. They’re always €4 per person year-round.

6. Bring the kids

Kids under 18 accompanying their families visit the museum for “free.” Why is “free” in quotation marks? Because if you reserve your tickets ahead (and you should to avoid waiting in line with your little ones), you’ll still have to pay the €4 reservation fee.

7. Explore conscientiously

The Uffizi is packed with world-class art around every corner. But even if you were an art history major, you may not be interested in absolutely everything. To save yourself from wandering around aimlessly, check out what interests you online before your visit to come up with a game plan.

Or if you want some general advice, head to the top floor where you’ll find treasures by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and “The Birth of Venus,” and then work your way back down to the exit. Seeing everything is overrated, especially in summer, when the Uffizi is that particularly lovely combination of crowded, hot, and stuffy.

Exploring a hallway in the Uffizi Gallery. Photo: Larry

8. Come with the shirt on your back

Don’t drag extra jackets, bags, or really anything unnecessary into the museum. It’ll save you time from having to dump your bag/coat/umbrella before your visit and collecting everything when you’re ready to leave. Of course, if you can’t avoid it, the good news is the coat check here is free.

9. Skip the audio guide

Unless you’re a huge fan of audio guides in general, skip it. For €6 extra, we’d rather read up on the official website over a cappuccino just before our visit in a café with Wi-Fi, but it’s up to you.

10. Buy a Firenze Card

Let’s face it — if you’re interested enough in art to visit the Uffizi, you’re probably also on board to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery and a few other museums and sites around town. The Firenze Card will get you out of reserving ahead or waiting in line pretty much everywhere but the Duomo.

At €72, the price is up there, but it includes admission to up to 72 sites in the city in a 72-hour time frame. It’s well worth it if you plan to see three or four museums, especially during high season when entry fees nearly double. To fit in as many museums as possible, add the Firenze Card+ for €5 more so you can hop on transit and get around in a hurry.

Bonus Tip

If you find yourself in Florence and no tickets are available online, either call the Uffizi’s official reservation line or head to Orsanmichele Church (Monday-Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm) and ask if there are short-notice tickets available. You’ll still have to pay the €4 reservation fee, but you won’t have to wait in line.

Uffizi Gallery

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6
Hours: 8:15 am to 6:50 pm (Closed Monday)
Website: www.uffizi.it/en/

Have you been to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence? Share any tips or comments in the section below.

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2015 is set to be no different, so whether you’re planning a first time visit or a return to a city you know and love, here are 10 reasons why you should plan a visit this year.

1. Peruse the V&A’s new galleries

Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL

The Europe 1600-1800 Galleries have just opened their doors at London’s V&A Museum. The project has involved the transformation of seven galleries into a fresh new space in which over 1,000 pieces of 17th and 18th century art and design are displayed. What’s more, admission is free, so there’s no excuse not to take a peek!

2. Get to know Sherlock Holmes

Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN

Baker Street’s most famous character and his life in Victorian London will be explored in depth at this special exhibition entitled “Sherlock Holmes: The man who never lived and will never die.” Open now until April 12, 2015.

A new budget-friendly Z Hotel is coming to Shoreditch at The Bower mixed-use complex. Photo: Courtesy of The Bower

3. Chic city sleeps on a budget

Z Shoreditch, 136-144 City Road EC1V 2RL

Z Hotels’ cool mix of modern design and affordable room rates is the ideal combo for travelers on a budget who don’t want to scrimp on comfort and style. So we’re super excited about the opening of the new Z Hotel in Shoreditch in March 2015, which is set to follow the boutique-budget mantra of its three other London properties, offering 107 stylish compact rooms in one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods. The hotel will be located in the new multi-use complex called The Bower Old Street.

Related: 5 central London hotels for under £100

4. 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta

British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB

To celebrate 800 years since the granting of the Magna Carta, the British Library is running a series of events between March 13 and September 1, 2015. The charter was originally issued by King John of England to try and make peace with rebel barons, but over the past 800 years it has come to symbolize the foundation of modern day democracy. The main exhibition, Law, Legacy and Liberty, should be booked in advance and tickets cost £12.

Related: 7 things to do in London that won’t cost you a dime

Keep an eye out for Shaun the Sheep sculptures around London this year. Photo: Dave Pearce

5. Shaun the Sheep arrives in London

Shaun in the City, Multiple locations

Wallace and Gromit fans will be in their element following the “Shaun the Sheep Trail” which sees over 100 “Shauns” placed in locations around central London to celebrate the launch of Shaun’s very own movie, and the Chinese Year of the Sheep between March 28 and May 25, 2015. If you miss the London trail, you can catch it in Bristol over the summer.

Les Enfants Terribles will take you “Underground” at Waterloo Station.

6. Immersive theater at its best

Alice’s Adventures Underground, Leake Street SE1 7NN

Forward thinking theatre company, Les Enfants Terribles, are back in the capital this year with an immersive theatre production of “Alice’s Adventures Underground” that is sure to be out of this world. Held at the Vaults underneath Waterloo station between April 2 and May 31, guests will make a simple choice at the start of their evening; “Eat Me” or “Drink Me”, and from then on their evening will unfurl in different directions as they journey through Wonderland.

Help Hampton Court Palace celebrate its 500th anniversary! Photo: Nightblue

7. Hampton Court Palace turns 500

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesley, KT8 9AU

To celebrate 500 years since construction began on this beloved palace, a number of exciting events will be taking place, including a sleepover on March 21 and a huge party over Easter weekend (April 3 – 5) with live Tudor and Baroque music, traditional food, and a spectacular son et lumiere show.

8. The Lyric Theatre reopens with a bang

Lyric Hammersmith, King Street, Lyric Square W6 0QL

Pies at the ready—the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith will reopen its doors this spring after refurbishment for an oh-so-exciting run of “Bugsy Malone”, the first professional theater production of this family-friendly classic in over a decade. Performances from April 11 until August 1, 2015.

9. Ode to Damien Hirst

Newport Street, SE1 6AY (website still to launch)

Scheduled to open in May 2015, the enormous Newport Street Gallery will fill a whopping five buildings with Damien Hirst’s private contemporary art collection, housing over 2,000 pieces in total, including original works by Banksy and Francis Bacon. Even better news for modern art lovers? This exciting exhibit will offer free entry.

Wembley Stadium will be hosting World Cup Ruby this year. Photo: Ben Sutherland

10. Rugby World Cup kicks off in London

Wembley, Twickenham and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium

From September 18 through October 31, 2015, Rugby fans can rejoice as the World Cup arrives. Matches will be played at different venues across the UK, three of which are in London, where the semifinal and final will also be played. If you can’t get tickets, then don’t despair, because London’s pubs will be even more lively than usual on match days.

The post 10 reasons to visit London in 2015 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The Mackintosh factor

Devotees of Charles Rennie Mackintosh should not however now delete Glasgow from their itineraries. The House for an Art Lover in the city’s Bellahouston Park is a fine piece of Mackintosh art nouveau style—even though construction of the building did not start until more than sixty years after the architect’s death.

It is also worth making an excursion out of Glasgow to visit the Hill House in Helensburgh. It is just 45 minutes from Glasgow by train (with departures twice hourly from the lower level of Glasgow Queen Street station). At the Hill House you’ll see one of Mackintosh’s finest designs. It was completed in 1904, and the real draw is that Mackintosh also handled the interior designs—some visitors find them excessively stylised, but we like the manner in which grace and severity stand in counterpoint to one another.

If you have more appetite for art nouveau design upon returning to the city from Helensburgh, the obvious next stop is the Willow Tea Rooms which nowadays trade at two addresses: 217 Sauchiehall Street and 97 Buchanan Street. Neither has the original Mackintosh furnishings, but there’s still heaps of design flair—and the classic high-backed art nouveau chairs are more comfy than they look.

Art nouveau around Europe

Fans of art nouveau style will find splendid examples of the genre in cities across Europe. There are those whimsical entrances to Parisian métro stations, a feast of facades in Brussels and a too-often-overlooked magnificent art nouveau entrance hall to the main railway station in Prague.

Ultimately, though, art nouveau was a provincial movement, one that found its fullest expression not in capital cities but in secondary cities. So in Germany, look to Darmstadt rather than Berlin. In France, Nancy cuts a dash in art nouveau design.

Other cities where art nouveau architecture makes a good showing are Barcelona, Subotica (mentioned in a previous EuroCheapo post), Liepaja in Latvia, Zakopane in Poland and even Ålesund in Norway. If that last one sounds a tad improbable, there is a simple explanation. The center of the Norwegian coastal town was destroyed in a fire in 1904. It was rebuilt immediately thereafter, and remains to this day a showpiece example of coherent urban design which is full of art nouveau accents.

Glasgow may be mourning, but Ålesund is a reminder that the fire card plays two ways. Were it not for that devastating fire in 1904, Ålesund would not today be a magnet for lovers of art nouveau.

The post Glasgow and beyond: Art Nouveau in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. A brand new zoo experience

The zoo in the Parc de Vincennes will reopen this spring, offering modern facilities and a unique way to experience wildlife. Not far from the Chateau de Vincennes, the zoo will be the perfect addition to a day in the Bois de Vincennes for kids and adults alike.

2. Picasso comes back to life

The Picasso Museum will really re-open this June. It was slated for last year, as we so proudly announced in last year’s New Year recap. But this year we mean it. We hope.

3. Art all over town

Other exhibitions are a sure thing this year, from the Louvre to smaller galleries around town. Frank Gehry and Jeff Koons will have their turn at the Pompidou while Robert Mapplethorpe will show off at the Grand Palais. A part of the collection destined for the Louvre Abu Dhabi will be on show at the flagship location, where the Winged Victory will also be coming back after restorations. Welcome home!

4. Jump on the bus

Don’t forget the bus! Maybe 2014 will be the year of cheap weekend trips with the low-cost bus service called IdBus. For a few euros, you can select big destinations like Lyon, Milan, Amsterdam and London, or places where even the low-cost TGV Ouigo doesn’t go!

5. A new face in Hotel de Ville

Just like New York in 2013, municipal elections will usher in a new Paris mayor this year. Our dear Betrand Delanoe will not run again, having held the spot since 2001. It will be an exciting time for Paris this spring as a new leader takes his or her seat at the Hotel de Ville.

6. Guidebook expert advice

If we’re not convincing enough, maybe Lonely Planet’s endorsement will help. The popular guidebook chose Paris as the number one urban destination for this year. Surprised?

7. Les Halles revamp

All of that horrid construction in the center of the city around the historic Les Halles district will be shaping up—finally. The green canopy that will be the standout of the new construction project is set to be completed this year. Whether it’s as monstrous as it looks in images remains to be seen. The neighborhood, however, is sure to change drastically over the next few years, so visit it now while it’s in transition.

8. Swim in style

The Piscine Molitor and the Piscine at Butte aux Cailles will both reopen after years of renovation, allowing you to swim like a lady or chap from the 1920s under beautiful Art Deco ceilings and décor.

9. New event complex

The Carreau du Temple, on the site of the old Knights Templar complex, will also open this April. Another of our failed prediction from 2013 (Paris can move slow sometimes), this year the former market will host local sporting events, performance artists, and various events in a totally renovated structure.

10. Cool souvenirs

The official Paris boutique, already online, will open up a store at the Hotel de Ville—as if you needed more souvenirs? Check out the offerings on their site and stop by the shop once it opens later this year.

11. Sipping on the Seine

The Berges de Seine (opened last year) will have even more restaurants and bars this summer. It will be the new “it” spot for Parisians on the Rive Gauche, and others who dare cross the river. Head down to the 2.3 kilometers of renovated river bank to mingle with the locals at a variety of bars and cafés, including the Rosa Bonheur outpost.

12. Sainte Chapelle revealed

Sick of scaffolding? We are, too. Fortunately work will end on the Sainte Chapelle this autumn (probably December) meaning those gorgeous stained-glass windows that people wait in line for will finally be visible as King Louis IX intended back in the 1200s.

13. Food trucks on the rise

If all else fails, come for the food.  Sure, there are plenty of farm-fresh menus at high end bistros, but have you tried a gourmet burger out of a cart? Paris is bursting with food trucks right now, and 2014 is shaping up to be the year to eat on the street. And if you think you’ve eaten everything in Paris already, Burger King has come back to the French capital, so why not try a Whopper à la francaise?

14. Eiffel Tower turns the big 125

Last year Notre Dame celebrated the big 8-5-0. This year, Paris’s Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower will celebrate its 125^th birthday. Renovations will be finished on the first floor, after two years of construction, featuring a glass floor, new exhibits, refurbished pavilions, and a more eco-friendly approach to running one of the world’s most famous monuments. So far no special party is planned, but the lights will shimmer each night, while fireworks will illuminate the landmark on July 14th, as if she needs any more pomp.

Do you have anything special on your Paris list for 2014? Drop us a tweet, find us on Facebook or just leave a comment below.

The post Paris here we come: 14 reasons to go in 2014 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.