One sip of an Italian coffee, and it will be hard to go back to Starbucks.

That said, your first time in an Italian café can be confusing if you’re not properly prepped. No worries: Here’s our guide to ordering coffee in Italy like a pro.

More tips for Italy:
• The best budget hotels in Rome 
• An affordable 10-day itinerary through Italy
• Our favorite cheap hotels in Florence

How to order coffee in Italy

1. A cafe is actually called a “bar” in Italy

First, it’s important to know that what we call a “café”, Italians call a “bar”. (What’s especially confusing, but we’ll get to in a minute, is that caffè actually means “coffee”.) You’ll see hundreds of bars around Rome, on almost every corner and sometimes up to three or four in one block. To an untrained eye, you might think Italians have a drinking problem but don’t worry, they’re only coffee addicts!

Related: Our glossary of types of coffee in Rome, with a list of our favorite Roman coffee bars.

2. Drink at the counter: Italians don’t linger

Italians drink their coffee fast, and at the bar. Espresso is an essential, so they don’t waste time sipping while reading the paper or visiting with friends. Instead, they’ll pop into bars five or six times a day for a quick cup, gulped down at the counter over some banter with the barista.

So for an authentic experience, join the masses standing at the bar. The clink of ceramic cups and routine of shaking and stirring sugar packets is endearing, and one you won’t get from a table. If you do feel like sitting, be prepared for a slightly larger bill. It’s usually twice the price if you use table service.

Related: The two best espresso in Rome, steps from the Pantheon

3. Paying systems can vary

This is where it gets a little tricky. Where and how you pay depends on where and how you order. If you’re sitting, you can usually order and pay at the table, but if you’re standing, the rules are murkier. In most cases, you order and pay at the cash register, then bring your receipt to the barista, who will make your order. In other cases, you order at the bar, drink your coffee, and then tell the person at the cash register what you had. As a general rule, try the cash register first, or take a moment to watch what others are doing.

4. A guide to every drink

• Caffè: “Caffe” means “coffee” in Italian, but what you get isn’t filter coffee, but what we call espresso. You can say “espresso” instead of “caffe” if you want.

• Caffè Americano: If you’re looking for filter coffee, this is the closest you’ll get. It’s espresso with hot water added, and probably still a bit stronger than what you’re used to.

• Caffè macchiato: Meaning “stained” or “spotted” coffee, this is an espresso with a dash of hot, foamy milk on top. It’s delicious with a bit of sugar and a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

• Caffè con panna: Similar to the macchiato, but sweeter, this espresso is topped with sweet whipped cream.

• Caffè corretto: This “corrected” coffee is served with a drop of liquor, usually cognac, grappa or Sambuca, but feel free to add whatever you prefer.

• Caffè shakerato: Delicious in the sweltering summer months, a caffè shakerato is a fresh espresso mixed with sugar and ice, and shaken vigorously like a martini until it froths as it’s poured into a chilled glass. Some people add chocolate syrup, which makes it extra divine.

• Caffè latte: This is espresso with hot milk, just like a latte in the US. But careful to specify the “caffè” part, because “latte” just means “milk”. Many tourists order a “latte” and are shocked when they’re presented with a steaming mug of white milk, much to the confusion of everyone involved. Even ordered correctly though, the caffè latte is not a common drink in Italy, and you might not get what you expect.

• Cappuccino: Saving the best for last! Italy’s most famous coffee drink, the cappuccino is a warm, soothing, perfect ratio of espresso to whole milk, frothed to perfection. One sip and you’ll realize it’s completely different than whatever cappuccino you’re used to, and in a good way. But they come with a caveat—you cannot order them after noon, unless you want to risk being scorned. Italians have a weird thing about drinking cappuccinos only in the morning, and they’ll give you very funny looks if you do otherwise.

You might notice throughout your time in Italy that Italians have strict food rules, and this is one of them. The heavy milk and foam in a cappuccino constitute their breakfast, and they deem cappuccinos far too heavy for an afternoon coffee break. They believe that dairy upsets digestion and they might be right. You’ll never see an Italian order a cappuccino after dinner, yet it’s almost all they drink in the morning.

Maybe they’re onto something, or maybe it’s one of those rituals we’ll never understand, but either way, if you want to fit in, stick to ordering them for breakfast.

Now you’re a pro! And don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed when walking into a bar. Someone will surely offer to assist, and the servers are usually very friendly. The most important thing is that you take in the bar’s atmosphere, breathe in the scent of freshly ground coffee and sweet pastries, and enjoy the taste of real Italian coffee while you can.

Your favorite cafe beverage

What’s your favorite type of coffee in Italy? Let us know in the comments below!

The post How to order coffee in Italy: Navigating cafe culture like a pro appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Standard Swedish breakfast fare

The most common Swedish breakfast is made at home and centers around a smörgås (open-faced sandwich) consisting of bread, margarine or butter and a slice of cheese. You can spice up your smörgås with a variety of traditional toppings, including gurka (cucumber), tomat (tomato), and cold cuts such as skinka and nötkött (ham and beef). Contrary to popular belief, Swedish pancakes are not typically served for breakfast. (Sorry folks, IHOP got it wrong!)

Muesli, a common breakfast item in Switzerland, is also very popular among the Swedes. The blend of flakes, grains and sometimes dried fruits is usually served with filmjölk, a soured yogurt similar to buttermilk.

Coffee (kaffee) is an absolute must with any Swedish breakfast. The Swedes love their coffee strong; don’t be surprised by the lingering caffeine buzz…

Common for Swedes, daring for foreigners

For a more authentic (and fishy) morning treat, try knäckebröd (crisp bread) with kalles caviar. This delightful combination of fish paste and bread is not for the faint of heart. But, if you want the full Swedish breakfast experience, by all means try it. It tastes great on eggs, too!

You can also opt for an interesting dish consisting of makrill fillet (mackerel fish in tomato sauce) on a piece of soft bread topped with cucumber. This may sound a bit strange, but it’s actually quite tasty.

For a DIY-breakfast, you can purchase the above items from any local COOP or ICA grocery store in Stockholm.

Best restaurants for a Swedish breakfast

If you’d like to have a nice sit-down meal, here are three good options:

Cafe String

Nytorgsgatan 38
Breakfast: Saturday–Sunday 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Website

Café String is situated in the heart of SOFO, the bohemian district of south of Stockholm’s city center. It has a relaxed, friendly vibe with a good selection of Swedish breakfast foods, including waffles, fresh fruit and a variety of juices. String is very popular with the locals, so come early!

Sirap

Surbrunnsgatan 31 A
Breakfast: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Website

Café Sirap is Stockholm’s best choice for an “American- style” breakfast, and it should be — the owners are American. The contemporary atmosphere is very inviting, and the large portions remind you that America is king when it comes to big breakfasts.

Clarion Hotel

Ringvägen 98
Breakfast: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m
Website

The Clarion offers more than your average hotel breakfast buffet. Expect a wide variety of warm and cold options along with Asian-style breakfast favorites (lactose- and gluten-free alternatives are available). If you stay at the hotel, the room rate does include breakfast.

Your favorite Swedish breakfast dishes

Have a favorite breakfast spot in Stockholm? A delicious recipe that can be made, even in a hotel kitchenette? Share your favorite Swedish breakfast tips below!

The post Stockholm: What’s a typical Swedish breakfast? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, costly mistakes lurk around every (picture-perfect) corner. If you hit a snag that sets you back €20, €40, or even €60, well, it still stings.

Related:

• Top budget hotels in Paris
• Best time to visit Paris
• 50 do’s & don’ts in Paris

10 Paris mistakes to avoid on your trip

Here are a few tips for avoiding everyday costly mistakes when visiting Paris, many of which could be applied to visiting other cities in Europe, as well.

1. Buying a bottle of anything at dinner

When dining out in Paris, go for a carafe of wine (cheaper) and water (always free). There’s no need to plunk down €60 for a bottle of wine for a normal dinner, trust me — a €12 carafe will be perfectly fine for the casual wine drinker. Remember, this is France — the wine is good.

And tap water, I insist, is perfectly fine to drink, so don’t splash out on costly Evian (especially when it only costs a euro at the supermarket).

Related: Why you should never buy water in Paris

2. Paying for the hotel’s lackluster breakfast

Why spend €10-€15 for some coffee and croissants? Even with those cute little jars of marmalade, it’s a still a rip. Head to a café or just pick up some pastries at the local bakery and save a significant amount of money each day. The same bakeries are delivering the baguettes and croissants to your hotel — so save by going straight to the source. You might as well get them fresh from the oven!

Most bakeries have a spot where you can stand, mingle with the locals, and enjoy your breakfast. If they don’t, either keep looking around for one that does, eat it outside on a park bench, or head into a cafe where you can order the same thing at the counter.

Plus, you get to practice your French: “Bonjour, un cafe et un croissant, s’il vous plait.”

3. Waiting until the last minute to book

Whether it’s airfare, your hotel, or a TGV train ticket, it’s best to book early. TGV trains, in particular, are much cheaper when they first go on sale three months before the date of departure. Eurostar tickets to London are also cheapest when they go on sale six months in advance.

When should you book that hotel? It’s an oft-discussed topic (and we address it in detail here), and a lot depends on where you’re going and when you’re visiting. If you’re heading to a less visited destination or traveling during a slower period, you could wait and probably score last-minute deals. However, if you’re traveling to Paris during the peak summer or early fall travel season, your best bet is to book in advance (especially if you hope to book a specific hotel). Many of Paris’ best budget-friendly hotels are small properties that are quite popular — and they fill up fast.

Related: 10 best budget hotels in Paris (book early!)

4. Spending silly amounts for a cup of coffee

If you go to the terrace of a really, really nice café like the Café de la Paix (pictured above, facing the Opera Garnier), prepare for a hefty bill. The view might be great, but it’ll cost you — €6 for a cup of coffee, for example, at the Café de la Paix. Those €6 coffees can add up fast!

Instead, consider going around the corner to a smaller, more out of the way café where they’ll charge you €2-3 to sit outside and people watch (or €1 to sip at the counter).

5. Handing over money to anyone on the street

Don’t hand over cash to anyone unless they’re your waiter, taxi driver, tour guide, or selling you something. Anyone who stops you in the street and asks for money is a panhandler or scam artist. Sure, they might sport an official-looking badge or ask you to sign a petition — but they are not working for a charity. They come in all forms — some seem legit, others clearly do not — but handing over cash is a sure-fire way to throw money down the drain.

Oh, and the guys you’ll see playing three-card monte? Or trying the ring trick? No, no — you know it’s a scam, right? Keep on walking.

6. Tipping too much

And in that same vein, don’t tip 15-20%. Please don’t. Servers are paid a respectable salary in France and do not live off of their tips. You’re cheating yourself out of money by giving someone a bonus. That’s not your responsibility. Though a few euros for good service is certainly always appreciated, you don’t need to break out the calculator.

Related: When (and when not) to tip in Paris

7. Changing money at an exchange counter

Don’t ever expect to get a good deal at currency change counters. Almost all will be profiting handsomely off of the transaction by either offering a lousy exchange rate, a hefty service charge, or both. “No service charge!” the sign screams — okay, check out the exchange rate. “Best exchange rate, guaranteed!” its competitor beckons — check out the service charge.

You are better off just hitting the ATM and paying a few dollars in fees to the banks instead of losing out big to the money changers.

8. Ordering fancy drinks without looking at the price

Going out at night can add up quickly if you don’t follow the happy hours (here are my favorite cheapo happy hours). A pint of beer or, especially, a fancy cocktail can set you back €9, €12, even €15 in some places.

If you want a good drink and are willing to spend for it, do some research first on websites like 52 Martinis to make sure you’re going to a place where they know how to make good cocktails!

9. Packing poorly

If I had a dollar for each tourist I’ve known who’s arrived with the wrong clothes or shoes, I’d be on vacation right now. Pack wisely and be prepared for the weather (and yes, it’s okay to pack an umbrella) so that you needn’t spend extra money — and time — buying clothes at Monoprix when you already have the same things back home.

Related: 10 Packing tips for a two-week European jaunt

10. Using your smartphone data

When you turn on your cell phone from back home in Europe, prepare for charges. We have plenty of tips on how to avoid a huge phone bill. In short, get a data plan if you plan to use it abroad and stick to Wi-Fi when possible, or buy a SIM card in Europe to use in your phone including one of these SIM Card deals in France.

Fortunately, Paris has abundant free Wi-Fi networks available to anyone to use. So, turn off your data and settle down in a park or other public space, and look for the “Paris_WI-FI_” network. Now hop on Skype, Facebook or Instagram for free! (Or you could work. But who wants to work? You’re in Paris!)

Share your tips!

What mistakes have you made in Paris that you wish you could go back in time to do over? Let us know so we can help Cheapos have a better (and more affordable) Paris vacation.

The post Paris: 10 costly mistakes that tourists make appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

No te preocupes (Don’t worry!). Here are five cheap eats that will ensure a full belly, and plenty of extra pocket change for all those Gaudi postcards you’ll send back home. They may not be glamorous, but their fare is tasty and oh so inexpensive.

Related: 4 local dishes worth trying before leaving Barcelona

1. Woki

Asturies, 22
Gracia
Website

One of my all-time-favorites, Woki is located in the vibrant Gracia neighborhood, but also benefits from two other locations, one on the beach in Barceloneta and another in Borne (Carders, 6).

Simply select a noodle or rice base for €4 and then add ingredients (starting at €1.30 each). Finally, choose a free sauce, which can be anything from Thai, Hoi Sin or the “House Sauce.”

Hand in your order and the Woki team throws it all together on an enormous wok right in front of you. Since there’s limited seating at Woki, I usually get my noodles to-go, often eating them right out of the box while watching the tide come in.

Grab a sandwich for a wallet-friendly lunch at this cozy cafe. Photo: Facebook

2. Tallers 76

Calle Tallers, 76bis
Website

Right in the middle of the city and on trendy Calle Tallers, this lavender-colored café and restaurant is a right-on choice for sandwiches. Made with artisan breads, sandwiches come in delectable combos like goat cheese with sun-dried tomato and smoked salmon with cucumber.

Hey, it’s a no-frills lunch, but tasty and under €6, though plan to spend a bit more if you purchase a drink or side.

Related: 5 low-cost hotels in Barcelona with amazing locations

3. Buenas Migas

Passeig de Gracia (with locations citywide)
Website

With multiple spots around town, Buenas Migas is an easy-to-find—and yummy—Cheapo option. Choose from focaccia pizzas, ample salads, plus an array of sandwiches and pastries.

A focaccia pizza will run you between €4 and €5 (flavors include ‘meat-lovers’, tomato and basil, and four-cheese). Add a drink with your focaccia and you’ll have a delicious midday feast for around €6!

4. La Central

Calle Mallorca, 237 (with locations citywide)
Website

Not everything offered on the menu at La Central—an eatery within a bookshop—falls under the budget category. However, during the lunch rush, they do offer reasonably priced deli wraps, sandwiches, and some pasta salads. All items range from €6 and up.

But, the real reason I love La Central is for their coffee and ambiance. The place benefits by being one of the city’s most eclectic book stores right in the heart of an old neighborhood. Grab a cup o’ joe, take a seat, and browse the wares.

5. Pans & Company

Plaça urquinaona, 12-13 (with locations nationwide)
Website

In a way I hate to mention Pans & Company because, well, it’s a chain. However, it is also very cheap and the quality and quantities here is pretty good. Not unlike the U.S.-based Subway sandwiches, Pans is fast-food in style, but takes a healthy approach to eating.

The sandwiches and sides offered at Pans are geared towards the classic Mediterranean eater, with combos like melted brie and Spanish ham, or tuna and olives. They also serve large salads and occasionally offer hamburgers.

All sandwiches are under €6 and depending on what you order you will likely have a euro or two leftover to grab a drink, side, or opt for a meal combo (around €6 or €7). Pans also has an espresso bar that offers cheap, good coffee and tasty pastries and breads.

Note: This article was updated on July 31, 2014 with new information, links and photos.

The post Barcelona Food: Five cheap eats under €6 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Why? Well, in Italy we do not have breakfast, or at least we do not have breakfast the way other people usually have it. For a Venetian, morning calories are usually consumed in the form of sweet things: a shot of espresso coffee or a cappuccino and maybe (but only maybe) a small croissant (called brioche) or a small doughnut (called krafen or bombolone, depending on which part of Italy you’re in) and fruit.

Breakfast at the bar

If your hotel doesn’t provide breakfast, then you should head down to a local bar (there is one in every corner in Venice) and order an espresso or cappuccino and a freshly baked croissant or krafen.

Important: Make sure to have your coffee and pastry at the counter because it will be much cheaper than sitting down. If you take a table, you will be charged extra for table service. At the bar, you can experience a very quick breakfast, Italian-style.

Breakfast at the pasticceria

If you prefer a longer and more relaxing breakfast, then head to a local pasticceria (cake shop) where they have some small tables and get yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea (make sure to order milk with it, otherwise it will come with lemon) and a nice freshly baked pastry. In Venice, go for a bignè al cioccolato (a choux pastry filled with chocolate cream) or a slice of strudel. This will be a bit more expensive, but the cakes are worth trying.

Here are three of my favorite pasticcerie:

Pasticceria Rosa Salva is a classic Venice bakery. Photo: Miquel R

1. Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Campo SS Giovanni e Paolo
Tel: +39 (0)41 5227949
Website

This is one of the oldest bakeries in Venice, dating back to the 19th century. Here you can try a large selection of typical Venetian cakes, cookies, brioches, rolls, sandwiches, tramezzini (a typical Venetian triangle soft bread sandwich), fritters, meringues, millefeuilles and much more.

2. Pasticceria Tonolo

Campo San Pantalon, just at the back of Chiesa di San Rocco near Frari
Tel: +39 (0)41 5237209
Hours: Tues-Sat 7:45 AM – 8 PM, Sun 7:45 AM -1 PM

Pasticceria Tonolo is usually ambushed with customers on Sunday mornings. (Italians often buy cakes on a Sunday to take as presents for whatever lunch they might be invited to.) Expect long lines, but wait with patience: It is worth it!

If you’re in Venice around Christmas, try the focaccia (a special Venetian sweet bread). At Carnival time, try the frittelle. Bignè alla crema (cream puffs) are a good choice all year-round.

Right in St. Mark’s Square, Caffe Florian has been a favorite spot for decades. Photo: Son of Groucho

3. Caffe Florian

Piazza San Marco 56-59
+39 (0)41 5205641
Website

Caffe Florian in St. Mark’s Square is the oldest café in Italy and one of the oldest in Europe. It’s a great place for an upmarket late breakfast or brunch. It will not be cheap, though you cannot compare the location and the setting to any other in the world. The café offers also a whole menu dedicated to breakfast, with all kinds of dishes and drinks. Try their selection of teas and pastries: You will not be disappointed.

Note: This article was updated on July 24, 2014 with new information, links and photos.

The post Venice: 3 “pasticcerie” to try for breakfast appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Look out for these bars and restaurants which have the perfect combination of excellent tapas AND outdoor seating. Keep in mind that you will almost always have to pay a little more (5-10%) if you choose to sit outside, but it’s worth letting go of our cheapo spirit for a few hours to bask in the warm Barcelona air.

Barcelona’s port has plenty of options to enjoy tapas in the fresh air. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Betlem

C/ Girona 70
Tel: 93-265-51-05
Website

Come for one (or two) of the many Spanish wines available at this stylish bar in the Right Eixample. There are only a few tables outside on the street corner, and they are sought after when the sun is shining. If there’s no outside seating, sit at the bar by the wall of windows inside, which is almost as good as being in the fresh air.

The waitstaff at Betlem know their vinos. If you’re feeling adventurous, tell them what you’re in the mood for and let them choose the bottle for you. While their tapas menu is not huge, what’s on offer is top-quality. Try the bravas (spicy potatoes) or the olives for a quick bite.

Attractive terraces line the streets in Barcelona. Photo: Regina W Bryan

L’Óstia Taverna Gastronòmica

Plaça de la Barceloneta 1-3
Tel: 93-221-47-58
Website

During the summer months, there is a constant river of tourists flowing from the Gothic Quarter to the seashore along the portside street called Joan de Borbo, in La Barceloneta. This means that almost all the eateries on Joan de Borbo cater to these tourists, and charge more because of their presence.

To get a better price and away from the hubbub, take a left into the narrow lanes that make up La Barceloneta. Here you’ll find many authentic restaurants and bars, one of which is the newish L’Óstia on Plaça de la Barceloneta. Sit outside on its herb-filled terrace area, or take a seat at the long ‘L’-shaped bar indoors. Wine, beer on tap, tapas, and exceptional coffee are offered at fair prices. Try the cod fritters for €5.35.

La Candela Bar Restaurant

Pl. Sant Pere 12
Tel: 93-310-62-42
Website

On Plaça Santa Pere, this tiny eatery will fill up fast on the weekend. Get there early to find a seat if you plan to have dinner al fresco. Make sure to order their “potato skins” which are served with rich side dips ranging from sweet to salty to tangy. They also offer many dishes made with organic ingredients.

These are just three of many bars and restaurants with terrace seating. Remember that if you do sit outdoors in downtown Barcelona, keep a close watch on your personal belongings. Things can disappear fast if you’re not paying attention. Salud!

The post Barcelona cheap eats: 3 outdoor patios for tapas appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Avoid the English-Speaking French Breakfast

Experienced travelers don’t need to be told to avoid restaurants and cafes in tourist-heavy areas like the street that runs alongside Notre Dame. If you see a sign that says “French Breakfast” in English, you can guarantee that it has been designed and priced for unwitting tourists, and no more authentically French than a French kiss.

B.Y.O.C.

Believe it or not, as long as you order a coffee or something else, it’s socially acceptable in most sidewalk cafés to bring your own croissants. Don’t bother asking first, since the French answer to almost any question is non, just be discreet, and don’t be surprised if the waiter doesn’t care (or even notice).

Go here to read about Paris cafés that offer espresso for a euro.

Boulangerie Breakfast Specials

Some boulangeries have a little counter or a few tables where you can sit down for as long as it takes you to finish off your pain au chocolat or sandwich, but beware of separate café menus and table service where you will pay a hefty price.

Also note that some boulangeries offer breakfast specials where you can get a coffee and a pastry at a discount. The boulangerie at 32 rue Vieille du Temple in the Marais has a handful of tables and stools and offers a coffee and a croissant breakfast special for €1.90, meaning you are paying the regular €1.10 they charge for a decent croissant, plus only 80 cents for a coffee, which is an average of €2.20 elsewhere in the neighborhood, including next door.

Don’t Buy the Milk If You Can Get It For Free

Ever noticed that the price of a two-sip espresso in Paris is often less than half of a coffee with milk? If you want an efficient caffeine hit but need a drop of milk to take the edge off of that bitter espresso, here’s a clever way to get a mini latte for the price of a naked espresso: ask for une noisette. This is simply an espresso with a little added bonus nut of milk, and may be delivered to you already in the coffee, or with a separate pot of milk.

Remember that many Paris cafés serve a little cookie or a caramel or a square of dark chocolate with your coffee, and a glass of water is always free; if they don’t automatically bring it, which they often do, then just ask for un verre d’eau.

The post How to save money on breakfast in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Dress the part

It’s funny how many adults forget how to prepare for inclement weather, as if we all grew up in Rio having never seen snow.  Come on, people, and get with it.  Dress more warmly than you think and put on those layers.

Thermal underwear, or my favorite, the Uniqlo Heat-tech leggings and shirts, are a huge help and I don’t leave the house without them, no matter how unglamorous they feel.  Did I mention they are cheap?  (Uniqlo, 17 rue Scribe 75009).

And please, socks and sensible shoes. A pair of Converse seem trendy and cool until that zero degree wind whips right through them and you’re walking on numb stumps for hours on end.

2. Seek shelter

But no matter how warmly you dress, everyone will reach a limit.  You’ll have to sneak inside eventually – but plan accordingly.  If you’re tired of museums and monuments, and you want to stick to the streets, a café is always an option, with heated terraces and cheap drinks.  Still, people watching from a February Parisian café is hardly worth the €2 café, so why not spend your money elsewhere, making several smaller stops while covering my ground and actually doing something?

My vote goes to eating.  Duck into a chocolate shop or five for a quick taste of something sweet while warming up.  Chocolate makers like Pierre Marcolini and Patrick Roger sell boxes and assortments that will hurt most oil tycoon’s wallets, but ask for just one or two pieces from the counter à déguster, to taste right away, and you won’t pay more than €2 or €3. By the time you browse, choose which you want, and settle the bill, you’ll be ready to brave the cold again.

Scope out the shops in St-Germain around metro station Odéon, for example, and taste your way through the afternoon.  (Patrick Roger: 108 Blvd St-Germain 75006, Pierre Marcolini: 89 rue de Seine 75006)

3. Have a drink

If you simply must have a warm beverage, there are options beyond tourist-laden Angelina’s for a hot chocolate.  Around the corner, Jean-Paul Hévin has a selection of interesting molten chocolate drinks including one with matcha powder and another with an oyster emulsion, just to shake things up, and they are about the same price as Angelina’s. (231 rue Saint Honoré 75001)

Or if you’re by the Canal St-Martin, stumble over to the trendy yet cozy Chambre aux Oiseaux for a cup of coffee or one of their delicious warming infusions like lemon and ginger that will revitalize even the most frigid traveler.  They also have an ever-changing selection of sweets like chocolate or violet shortbreads to feed the famished. (48 rue Bichat 75010)

With plenty of free museums, departments, and galleries to visit, you won’t freeze to death during a cold day out in Paris while on a budget, but think ahead to maximize your time so that you don’t get stuck somewhere unfortunate, pining for the Mediterranean…

Also in our guide: Heading to Paris this winter? Be sure to also seek shelter in our guide to visiting Paris on a budget. Our editors recommend the city’s best low-cost hotels, and offer further advice to maximizing your experience on a minimal budget.

The post Paris in the Winter: Tasty and cheapo ways to stay warm in the drizzle appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Rumor has it you’re planning a trip to Paris! So bless your soul and grab my hand. I have a few recommendations for a dreamy Parisian bucket list, big or tall. Here is where I find my inspiration!

Hang out at Shakespeare and Company.

1. Book it!

While kicking down the cobblestones, why not pick up a Paris-related book or novella? Check out Shakespeare & Co. at 37 rue Bûcherie (Metro: Saint-Michel). Located near Notre Dame, it is the most enchanting bookshop in the city!

Through the hard times and the good, I also praise the San Francisco Bookshop at 17 Rue Monsieur le Prince (Metro: Odéon). Here is where I recently found a well-loved copy of “A Literate Passion: Letters of Anaïs Nin & Henry Miller”. Talk about the ultimate starry-eyed read!

Henry wrote: “I have not dared until now to say what I think. But I am plunging—you have opened the void for me—there is no holding back. I am in a fever.” Oh, sigh!

(Read more about our favorite bookstores in Paris.)

Get cheesy at the fromagerie.

2. Eat, Drink and be Merry

And speaking of Henry’s valentine, he also penned, “The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware: joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware!”

Here’s the squeal! Paris is made up of beaucoup boulangeries, poissonneries, caves, and cafés, éspiceries, fromageries, charcuteries, pâtisseries, chocolatiers, confiseries, and glaciers. Clipping The Left Banke, don’t walk away, Renée—spurge away! Also, ask for tidbit samples and recommendations. Cheapos, they know.

My gastronomical checklist:

Don’t leave the city without trying a crème brûlé, a meringue, and at least one macaron, along with a baguette, a pain au chocolat, and a selection of young fromage (difficult to find outside of France). Let’s not forget the wine and the crêpes! “Je voudrais une crêpe fromage-jambon, s’il vous plaît,” is what I always say!

(Read more about our favorite cafes and bakeries in Paris.)

3. Big City, Bright Lights

I also advocate sipping a round on a café terrace. Winter, spring, summer and fall, you won’t forget it! For pumped-up kicks, give Suze a shot! A gentian-based apéritif, this old-school bar favorite is typically served on ice with equal parts water or orange juice. Challenge your mates to describe its strange and peculiar flavor!

Back in the day, Picasso quipped, “I put all the things I like into my pictures—too bad for the things, they just have to put up with it.” Yes, the iconic bottle played muse to Picasso back in 1912. Hands-down, his super-cube collage “Verre et bouteille de Suze” always sets my rain on fire!

(Read more about drinks to try at any cafe in Paris.)

Hanging out in the Jardin du Luxembourg

4. Parks and Rec

After you’ve picked up your reads and nibbles, head to one of my favorite parks: Jardin du Luxembourg (Metro: Notre-Dame des Champs, Rennes or Vavin), Jardin des Tuileries (Metro: Tuileries, Concorde, Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre, Pyramides) and the Jardin du Palais Royal (Metro Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre).

WWHD? (What would Hem do?)

Hemingway would most likely mosey on over to the Square du Vert-Galant (Metro: Pont Neuf, Cité or Saint-Michel), and chill with wine, books, and sausages while watching the fishermen. “They always caught some fish,” he wrote, “They were plump and sweet-fleshed with a finer flavor than fresh sardines even, and were not at all oily, and we ate them bones and all.”

(Read in detail about our favorite parks in Paris.)

Lovely, moody Pere Lachaise.

Last stop

Cemeteries are also perfect spots for a little peace, love and understanding. I often curl up with Oscar Wilde at the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise. Like a new pair of cat eyeglasses, the calm terrain not only changes perception, but also attitude. The surrounding beauty both soothes and re-energizes my spirits every time.

Here you’ll also find comfort with Chopin, Modigliani, Proust, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison. It’s free, and the perfect Paris experience, rain or shine. Come with a journal or sketchbook in hand. In the words of the dashing Wilde, “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” Oh, yes.

5. Taxi!

After nightfall, treat yourself to a cab ride in the City of Light. This is when the city truly twinkles. If you’re not already a wee intoxicated, you soon will be. I guarantee it.

To catch a ride, keep your eyes peeled for a cabstand. You could also hoof around the city after sundown. In Paris I always feel safe as houses, even when I roll solo.

6. Eiffel Tower

Like the moon and stars, the Eiffel Tower is a free show from almost anywhere in town, but better yet go there! Add it to your list. Just do it. Looking for a picture-perfect shot? Shoot up from below, center stage. Here the tower’s iron lattice resembles classic French black lace knickers. Oh, la, la!

I also highly recommend scoring an Eiffel Tower key chain at one of the souvenir shops in Montmartre. For the true love of corn, you’ll thank me one day in the near future. I have no doubts and no shortage of miniature replicas in my very own big box of life’s mementos. Just saying.

View from the rooftop.

7. Up on the roof

Right smack dab in the middle of town, I have a pet rooftop haven. Galeries Lafayette has never let me down! Up here, you’ll spy the Opéra Garnier, the Tour Eiffel, and Sacré Coeur. It’s another perfect spot to recharge your spirit, soul, and soles with sunsets and to-the-horizon boulevards and buildings of Haussmannian architecture!

(Read more about visiting the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette and tips for visiting the Sacre Coeur.)

8. Quill Power

Go vintage! Buy your postcards at the flea market! In the world of texts and emoticons, a little handwriting will feel good to the hand, spirit, cat sitter or paramour! Start the search for “cartes postale ancienne” at either the Porte de Vanves Flea Market or Clignancourt Flea Market at Caveyron Devey, located at stall number 7 and 8 in the Passage Lecuyer (off Rue Jules Vallès).

(Read our tips for shopping at flea markets in Paris.)

Signing off with yet another passage by Hemingway, Cheapos, “There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other.”

Bon Voyage! Carpe diem, Cheapos! Now start planning that trip!

The post First time in Paris? 8 activities not to miss appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Blame the beans, blame the roasting, blame the machines, but the Parisian café takes a back seat to powerful and delicious Italian ristrettos or perfect Scandinavian lattes (who knew the Danish were so good at making coffee to go with their own national pastry?). It’s not that Parisian coffee is undrinkably bad; but, honestly, it wouldn’t take much to make it better.

Coffee snobs, however, fear not. In the past few years, there has been a coffee revolution with the opening of coffee shops selecting better quality beans, roasting locally, and properly pulling shots from some serious equipment. Whether you’re pining for your favorite New York coffee shop or a proper flat white from London, you can now find the cure in Paris without breaking the bank – too badly, at least.  Here are some of the addresses to test.

Caféothèque
52, rue de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004
Metro: Pont Marie or Hotel de Ville

If you’re in the Marais, stop in at the Caféothèque, a shop that has been roasting beans in Paris since 2005. A cup of the café du jour will set you back €3, not the cheapest by Paris standards, but it’s sure to please. The seating area can get quite cozy on the weekends, but they are expanding next door, so keep an eye out for more spots soon. They also have some pastries, but maybe stick with the coffee.

Kooka Boora
62, rue des Martyrs, 75009
Metro : Pigalle, Notre Dame de Lorette or Anvers

Kooka Boora, by trendy rue des Martyrs, is a relative newcomer to the coffee scene. With outdoor seating and superb people watching, their coffee is serious business.  Their filtered brew is fantastic and flavorful, unlike anything you’ll find at the corner café, and at €2.50 for an espresso, it’s not that much more expensive. If you’re hungry, the cakes aren’t bad and worth a splurge.

Coutume Café
47, rue de Babylone, 75007
Metro: Sèvres Babylone

During a brunch at the newest place to obsess over coffee, I fell for Coutume Café and their rich café allongé. Tucked away in the 7th arrondissement it’s not in the center of activity, but for a weekend brunch it could be worth the venture. The pastries and brunch burrito goes down fantastically with one – if not three – of their house-roasted coffees.

Le Bal Café
6, Impasse de la Défense, 75018
Metro: Place de Clichy

If you’re looking for good coffee off the beaten track, just head west of Montmartre towards Place de Clichy. Just north of the bustling square is Le Bal Café. Stop inside or on the terrace with a friend and split a small pot of locally-roasted filtered coffee for €5. They even have photo exhibits for culture-seekers or scones and pastries for, well, the rest of us.

Hopefully more quality coffee spots will open up in more arrondissements, in the near future, but the choices remain limited at the moment.  If you’re an even bigger coffee snob that imaginable, you might just want to save yourself the pain, pack some beans, and buy a souvenir French press for your hotel.

Or just drink tea.

Your favorite shot?

Do you have a favorite café to add to our list? Do you disagree with our entire post and find the coffee served in Paris’ cafés to be perfect as is? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

The post Paris: A short list of cafés that actually serve good coffee appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.