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.

The post Paris: A list of free and discounted museums appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Budget tip: Consider purchasing a Roma Pass for discounted entry to many attractions and free use of public transportation. And be sure to check out our favorite affordable accommodations

25 Free things to do in Rome

Here’s a list of 25 activities that won’t cost one euro cent:

1. Churches

Some of Rome’s finest artwork and architectural design on display can’t only be found in museums. In fact, the creative masterpieces of some of the Bel Paese’s finest, Michelangelo, Bernini, Borromini and many others are actually found inside the churches of Rome and can be visited for free.

Some real treasures can be found in Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Sant’Ignazio, and Santa Maria del Popolo.

Best times to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Remember to dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) when visiting churches.

2. Fountains

There are an endless supply of fountains in Rome and seeing them will cost you nothing (unless you toss some coins in, of course)! Some favorites are the Fontana di Trevi, the Fontana di Quattro Fiumi (Piazza Navona), Fontana delle Tartarughe (Piazza Mattei), Fontana del Tritone (Piazza Barberini) and Fontana delle Api (Via Veneto).

A special note about the Trevi Fountain: No one comes to Rome without making a stop at the grandiose Fontana di Trevi. Whether it be day or night, it’s hard not to admire the sheer beauty of the fountain that Federico Fellini chose as his backdrop for his masterpiece La Dolce Vita. Tourists flock in herds to the fountain, to throw a coin in as legend has it you’re sure to come back to Rome one day soon. So you’ve been warned: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid the largest crowds. (The fountain is beautifully lit at night!)

3. Piazzas

A favorite Italian pastime is to meet up with your friends in the piazza and shoot the breeze. Some of the more popular piazzas with both tourists and locals alike also happen to be very picturesque. These are at the top of your must-see list: Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Novona, Santa Maria in Trastevere, Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Popolo and Piazza della Repubblica.

Best time for people-watching: Early evening, when locals enjoy their passeggiata (evening stroll).

4. Obelisks

There are a number of Ancient Egyptian and Roman relics scattered in piazzas around the city. The most famous obelisks are those located in Piazza San Giovanni in Lateranno, Piazza Minerva, Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona.

5. Ruins

Wander up the Via dei Fori Imperiali and see Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano), Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino), Roman Forum (Foro Romano) and the Palatine Hill (Palatino). This is the heart of what is left of Ancient Rome.

Note: While entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill requires a ticket, you can still enjoy impressive views from outside for free.
Nearest metro: Colosseo (Line B)

6. Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world and the unofficial mascot of Rome. To get inside this gargantuan monument where some of the bravest gladiators gave their best battle, you’ll have to wait in line and buy a ticket. However, it won’t cost you a dime to wander around it, taking in its immense beauty and snapping a perfect picture.

Best photo spot: From the hill near the Colosseo metro station for a panoramic view.
Opening hours for exterior viewing: 24/7
Nearest metro: Colosseo (Line B)

It’s easy to find a free slice of peace and quiet in Villa Pamphili, Rome’s largest park. Photo: CucombreLibre

7. Parks

Believe it or not, Rome has lots of green space hidden behind its monuments and ruins. Some famous parks are Villa Pamphilli (Monteverde) and Villa Ada (Corso Trieste). Check out our guide to Rome’s best free parks and gardens.

Best for: Picnics, jogging, or escaping the city bustle.

8. Villa Borghese

Dubbed the “Central Park of Rome”, Villa Borghese is one of the few green spaces in the Ancient City where you can truly relax, take a stroll and plan a picnic away from all of the hustle and bustle of the city. Hike up to the spot called the “Pincio” for a bird’s eye view of Piazza del Popolo and the Roman skyline. Paradiso!

Don’t miss: The viewpoint at Pincio for a panoramic view of Piazza del Popolo and the Roman skyline.
Nearest metro: Flaminio (Line A)

9. Villa Torlonia

A beautiful villa and garden that was also the Mussolini family residence, the Villa Torlonia then fell into disrepair and is now being restored. While it does require entrance fees, everyone is welcome for free on the first Sunday of the month, or if you meet any of the other free admission conditions. The garden contains many exotic plants and large trees.

There’s also a nice museum called the Casina delle Civette that’s remarkable for its stained glass windows. Open daily 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Via Nomentana, 70.

Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Address: Via Nomentana, 70
Nearest bus: 60, 62, 82, 90

10. Appia Antica

All roads lead to Rome, and what better way to enjoy a peaceful stroll than taking the old path to Rome on a Sunday when all cars are banned? The Appian Antica way makes for a lovely walk with (literally) tons of ancient ruins to see along the way. The park has detailed routes with maps for the best walking routes.

How to get there: Take bus 118 from Circus Maximus metro station.

11. Street Markets

Experience first-hand how Romans shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, or how they bargain down the price of that shirt they always wanted. Rome’s street markets are absolutely free to visit, unless you buy something, of course!

The best open-air food markets are: Mercato di Trionfale (Via Andrea Doria), Campo de’ Fiori (Centro Storico) and Piazza San Giovanni di Dio (Monteverde). The best flea markets are Via Sannio Market (San Giovanni) and Porta Portese Market (Trastevere).

Market hours: Generally 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., except Porta Portese which is Sunday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Related: Tips for exploring Rome’s outdoor markets

12. Gianicolo Hill

For breathtaking views of the city, head up the Gianicolo Hill from Trastevere. At the top of the hill, there is also a lovely 17th-century fountain and a statue of the Italian national military hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. It’s one of our favorite romantic spots in Rome.

Best time to visit: At noon to hear the daily cannon fire, a Roman tradition since 1847.
How to get there: Bus 115 from Piazza Venezia

13. The Teatro di Pulcinella in Rome

Casa di Pulcinnella is home to wonderful open-air puppet shows. The shows are free (although a small donation is appreciated). What’s more, the Gianicolo Hill, home to the theater, provides fantastic views of the city.

Show times: Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. (weather permitting)

14. Galleria Nazionale di San Luca

Located near the Trevi Fountain at Piazza dell’Accademia di San Luca #77, the Galleria Nazionale di San Luca is open on select days, but always free. Bernini famously got his start at this academy. Browse works by famous and not so famous artists here (Van Dyck and Raphael to name a few).

Address: Piazza dell’Accademia di San Luca #77
Opening hours: Check their website for current schedule
Nearest metro: Barberini (Line A)

There’s a charming scene around every corner in Trastevere. Photo: Frank Schmidtke

15. Trastevere

Wander the streets and lose yourself in the winding cobble-stoned alleyways that make Trastevere, Rome’s oldest neighborhood, so charming. Don’t miss a chance to meander these streets. Remember, a passeggiata won’t cost you a thing!

Best time to visit: Early evening for a lively atmosphere
Nearest tram: 8

16. Innamorati dell’arte (Valentines Day only)

On Valentine’s Day throughout Italy, couples and friends can get two-for-one tickets at National museums, monuments and archaeological sites. (Includes: National Musuem of Villa Giulia, Galleria Borghese and the National Musuem of Castel S. Angelo. (February 14th only)

17. Piramide (Pyramid)

Believe it or not, Rome has a pyramid. The piramide was originally built as a tomb for for Gaius Cestius in 12 BC, and is located in bustling piazza right near the Piramide Metro stop (Line B). While it’s free to visit, you can only appreciate the outside of the pyramid.

Address: Via Raffaele Persichetti
Nearest metro: Piramide (Line B)
Related: 4 Commonly overlooked treasures in Rome

18. Art Galleries on Via Margutta

The small, tucked away art market on Via Margutta has held a reputation since the 17th century of being a notorious haunt for bohemians and starving artists. In the 1950s, its studios and bars were frequented by the likes of Sophia Loren and Marlon Brando. Why not drop by? It’s free!

Nearest metro: Spagna (Line A)

19. Crypts and Bones

Creepy for some, yet cool for others, the Santa Maria della Immocalata Concezione church, or best known as the “Rome’s Capuchin Crypt” has a tiny crypt underneath it where the skulls and bones of more than 4,000 Capuchin monks have been artfully arranged to decorate the walls of several tiny chapels. It’s located on Via Veneto near Piazza Barberini.

Address: Via Veneto, near Piazza Barberini
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (last entry 6:30 p.m.)
Nearest metro: Barberini (Line A)

20. Aula Octagona

Considered to be one of Rome’s hidden treasures, the Aula Octagona is a well-kept secret in Piazza della Repubblica that houses ancient Roman sculptures. The room was part of the Baths of Diocletian, and is today the only part of the Roman National Museum that is free to visit.

Address: Piazza della Repubblica
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Nearest metro: Repubblica (Line A)

21. Pantheon

Along with the Colosseum, the Pantheon is one of Rome’s best preserved ancient buildings. Originally constructed as a pagan temple, the Pantheon was later converted into a church. The immense monument located in Piazza della Rotonda, is a historian’s (and photographer’s) paradise. The piazza also happens to be a favorite hangout for young people and becomes quite lively with its outdoor cafés and street performers.

It costs nothing to visit the piazza, and entrance to the Pantheon is free on the first Sunday of the month.

Free entry: Daily
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Nearest bus: 40, 64 (Largo di Torre Argentina stop)

22. La Bocca della Verità

If you zip by the outside of this church (Santa Maria in Cosmedin), you might see a long line of tourists and wonder what all the fuss is about. Tourists, it turns out, love taking a kitschy picture with their hand in the Bocca della Verità (mouth of truth). Legend has it, if you’re untruthful, the mouth will bite off your hand!

Location: Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
Nearest bus: 170, 628, 81

23. The Vatican Museums (last Sunday of the month)

On the last Sunday of every month, the Vatican Museums are open to the public for free. Unsurprisingly, the line is much longer on this day than most, so be prepared to wait or get there super early.

Free entry: on the last Sunday of each month, if it falls on or before the 26th of the month.
Opening hours on free Sundays: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last entry at 12:30 p.m.)
Nearest metro: Ottaviano (Line A)

Note: Expect long queues on free days. Arrive early!

The ornate interior of St. Peter’s Basilica is free to gaze upon. As long as you follow the dress code. Photo: Ed Brambley

24. St. Peter’s Basilica

There’s nothing quite as remarkable in all of Rome as St. Peter’s Basilica. The road and square leading up to the church are just as magnificent. Though there’s no cost to get inside, there is a dress code that is strictly enforced. No shorts and skirts above the knees and no bare shoulders.

Be sure to check out the Vatican Grottoes underneath the church, where several Popes (including Pope John Paul II) and St. Peter are buried. Don’t forget to snap a picture with one of the Swiss Guards standing outside as well!

Opening hours: April to September 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., October to March 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dress code: No shorts, miniskirts, or bare shoulders
Nearest metro: Ottaviano (Line A)

25. Papal Audience

Whether or not you’re a practicing Catholic, standing among hundreds of pilgrims and while listening to Pope Francis give his Sunday mass can be a moving experience for anyone. Catch a glimpse of the Pope giving his mass from his window or shown live on the big screen TVs every Sunday in Piazza San Pietro at 10 a.m.

When: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. (when the Pope is in Rome)
Tickets: Free but required (book in advance through the Prefecture of the Papal Household)
Nearest metro: Ottaviano (Line A)

Best affordable hotels

Searching for ways to save on sleeping in Rome? Check out this list of the best budget-friendly hotels, all of them located in central Rome within an easy walk of the city’s biggest sights. Need fewer choices? Check out this list of our eight favorite budget hotels in Rome.

Cultural Etiquette Tips:

• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
• Keep voices down in churches
• Ask permission before taking photos of people
• Learn a few basic Italian phrases – it’s appreciated!

Remember, while these attractions are free, consider supporting local businesses by purchasing small items or leaving tips where appropriate. And share your favorite free Roman activities in the comments section below!

The post 25 Free Things to Do in Rome: Budget Travel Guide for 2024 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Hotels, restaurants and gondola rides can quickly and adversely affect your budget.

So we decided to list 10 favorite activities that Venice offers for under €15. Who says Venice has to be expensive?

Venice travel tips
• The Best cheap hotels in Venice: 7 picks from our guide
• Italy 10-Day Itinerary: Rome, Florence and Venice
• 5 Budget hotels with canal views

10 Cheap things to do in Venice

Let’s start with some activities for art lovers:

1. Visit the Gallerie Dell’Accademia

The Accademia is the world’s greatest museum for Venetian Renaissance art. It hosts an amazingly rich collection of Venetian paintings from the Byzantine and Gothic 14th century. Feast your eyes on works by Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, and Tiziano, not to mention Tiepolo and Canaletto, Guardi, Bellotto and Longhi.

Admission: €15; €2 for reduced admission or €10 for early morning arrivals before 9 am
Free entry: 1^st Sunday of the month (no online tickets) and for visitors under 18.
Hours: Mon 8:15 am – 2 pm, Tues to Sun 8:15 am – 7:15 pm (ticket office closes one hour earlier)
Entrance: Near the Vaporetto Stop: Accademia – Line 1 and 2

Website

2. Tour the Museo Arte Orientale Ca’ Pesaro

The Museo Arte Orientale Ca’ Pesaro offers one of the most important collections of Japanese art from the Edo period in Europe. The collection was acquired by Prince Henry II of Bourbon during his travels to Asia, between 1887 and 1889. You can admire more than 30,000 artifacts, like swords and daggers, Japanese armors and precious porcelains, with wide sections dedicated to Indonesian and Chinese art.

Admission: €14, reduced €11.50
Hours: Nov to March: Tues to Sun, 10 am – 5 pm, April to October: Tues to Sun, 10 am – 6 pm
Entrance: Near the Vaporetto Stop: San Stae, line 1

Website

Now for some religious activities:

Basilica San Marco is a must-see on a Venice vacation. Photo: Ivan

3. Visit the Basilica San Marco

Boasting an incredibly rich ensemble of domes, columns, statues and mosaic-covered interiors, the Basilica San Marco (“St. Mark’s Church”) is the true heart of Venice and the final resting place of Saint Mark. There are always long queues outside, but you can follow our guide on how to avoid crowds.

Admission: Church only €6, Church and St. Mark’s Museum €15, Church and Pala d’Oro €12, Church and Loggia Dei Cavalli €10, Bell Towers €12
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am – 5:15 pm; Sunday, 9:30 am – 5:15 for Museum and Loggia Dei Cavalli, 2 p.m. – 5:15 pm for the church
Entrance: Near the Vaporetto Stop San Zaccaria – Lines 2, 51 and 41

Website

4. Take a tour of the Jewish Museum and synagogues

This is the world’s first ghetto and it hasn’t changed since it was created back in the Middle Ages. The Jewish Museum of Venice was opened in 1953 and displays valuable artifacts, sacred furnishings and the nuptial contract of the Jewish community that for centuries has lived in this neighborhood. The tour also includes a visit to the five synagogues of the city, all founded during the 16th century.

Admission: €14, reduced €12, guided tours €15 or €2 in advance
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10 am – 5:30 pm; Friday, 9 am – 3 pm
Entrance: Near the Vaporetto stop Ponte delle Guglie, Line 41, 42, 51, 52 or S. Marcuola, Line 1 or 2

Website

5. Visit the Chiesa dei Frari

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice, a religious treasure situated in the middle of the Venice, makes up one of the largest groups of buildings in the city. The massive church, commonly called “Frari,” dominates the area of San Polo with its Gothic forms and creative use of bricks. Inside, gaze at amazing masterpieces by Titian, Donatello, and many more local artists.

Admission: €5, €2 reduced
Hours:  Monday to Friday 9 am – 7:30 pm; Saturday 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm
Entrance: Near the Vaporetto stop San Toma, Line 1

Website

Take a vaporetto ride for a low-cost tour of the Venetian canals. Photo: Mark

How about some outdoor activities, with perfect spots for panoramic photos of Venice?

6. Take a ride to San Giorgio Island

This important Benedictine monastery was built on the small island of the same name by Andrea Palladio. It is designed around the church and two cloisters. Since 1951, it has been run by the Giorgio Cini Foundation. Take the short vaporetto ride to the island and enjoy the view.

Admission: Free for church, €6 for Bell Towers
Hours: April to October 9 am – 7 pm, November to March 8:30 am – 6 pm, Sundays closed for mass from 10:40 am – 12 pm
Getting there: Vaporetti Line 2, Isola di San Giorgio stop

Website

7. Walk the beaches of Lido

Take a boat out to the sandy beaches of Lido, where the city’s aristocrats used to stroll during the summer. If you head over during the Venice Film Festival, you might chance upon some movie stars. The beach is free and there are some very nice restaurants in the area.

Getting there: Lido Line 1, Lido stop

8. Park it

Immerse yourself in one of the few green spots in Venice: the Giardini, created by Napoleon (after knocking down many old churches and convents) when he conquered the city in 1807. The rubble was used to create a small hill, which now hosts the Padiglione della Biennale.

And last, but not least, two of my own favorites:

9. See how gondolas are built at Squero San Trovaso

This boatyard is located along the Rio San Trovaso and dates back to the 17th century. This squero (“boatyard”) is one of the few still operating in Venice and you can watch for free from the outside.

Also, note the unique boathouse, the building shaped like a mountain house. The reason for its sloping shape is twofold: Both the carpenters and the timber came from Cadore (a mountain area of the Dolomites); and secondly, the slope was useful in case of rain, and serves as storage for tools.

If you want to take a tour and see gondolas being built and repaired, you need a group of at least 25 people. The tour usually lasts 30 minutes. Email ahead to info@squerosantrovaso.com for more information.

Website

10. Take a Cheapo Vaporetto tour

Take Vaporetto Line 51, relax and take in the view of the lagoon. The vaporetto circles around the city and connects the Lido to Fondamenta Nove, on the northern lagoon side of Venice’s historic center. From there, it continues through the Cannaregio Canal to the train station and Piazzale Roma before heading up the Giudecca Canal with stops at San Zaccaria, Giardini, and S. Elena on its way back to the Lido. The tour only costs the price of a normal Vaporetto ticket (€9.50, valid for 75 minutes), and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the city!

Website

Your favorite cheap activities in Venice

Have anything to add to our list of great things to do in Venice on the cheap? Tell us about it in the comments section.

The post 10 Things to do in Venice on the cheap appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But sometimes famous attractions can be completely overwhelming. Long lines and massive crowds can get tiring after a few days.

When you’ve had your fill of “must-see” Rome, head to these four wonderful sights, which are equally historic and beautiful, but too often overlooked. You’ll escape the masses and get a better sense of the city, and probably create some of the best memories of your trip!

Related: Top 5 Vatican attractions | 25 Free things to do in Rome

Villa Doria Pamphili

This 17^th century villa is part of the largest landscaped public park in Rome, and it is absolutely stunning. Locals know Villa Pamphili is the place to be in the summer, and they’ll spend entire days lounging in the grass around the villa, snacking on picnics and drinking wine while children play in the fountains and gardens.

The park is located in Monteverde, on the outskirts of Rome (near the Vatican), so tourists often miss it. It’s well worth the trek though, for the ponds full of ducks, the elaborate gardens, and the striking villa itself.

Basilica of San Clemente

Rome is home to more than 900 churches, so it’s understandable that tourists miss most of them. One of the most ornate, but often overlooked, churches is the Basilica of San Clemente, more than 2,000 years old and full of mesmerizing mosaics. Sitting on a hill about 300 yards from the Colosseum, the Basilica was named after Pope St. Clement, who died in 100 AD.

There is plenty of historical information for visitors, and architecture lovers will go crazy for the high ceilings and sprawling courtyard. Inside, the mosaics and frescoes rival even those of St. Peter’s Basilica!

Pyramid of Cestius

You don’t have to go to Egypt to see a pyramid. Rome has its own, built around 18-12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a member of the Septemviri Epulonum, one of the four religious corporations in Rome at the time.

The Pyramid of Cestius is near Ostiense, which is a bit outside of the center and not often frequented by tourists. Those who do see they pyramid usually marvel at it from outside, but it’s what’s inside that makes it even more fascinating. The remains of frescoes line the burial chamber, as well as dedicatory inscriptions.

Next to the pyramid, the Protestant Cemetery, the final resting place of John Keats and many others, is also worth a stop.

Giardino degli Aranci

The orange garden in Rome is one of the best places to visit for sweeping views of the city in a relaxed setting. While the Gianicolo hill on the other side of Rome is famous for stunning vistas that inspire marriage proposals, it’s usually crowded and noisy. This little urban oasis, however, still provides the breathtaking views but in a more intimate setting. It’s one of the most romantic spots in Rome.

Bring a bottle of wine and visit at the golden hour for the best photos. Sometimes, there’s even live music played for a small audience of locals.

Your favorite secret spots?

Did we miss one of your favorite under-the-radar attractions in Rome? Let us know in the comments section below!

The post Rome’s 4 commonly overlooked treasures appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

For an 850-year old church, this Paris must-see attraction still looks pretty good. So good in fact, the crowds keep on coming to Notre Dame. It’s amazing that daily religious masses still happen here with the constant circulation of tourist traffic, but with those rose stained-glass windows, classic Gothic architecture and flying buttresses, who can resist?

To get the most out of your visit, here are a few tips to save you time and frustration.

There’s no entrance fee, but go early if you can

The church itself is free to enter, but by 10 a.m. or so, the crowds already begin to form. Try to get in line early in the morning to be able to move around the church without bumping into someone at every turn. You’ll want to go around the entire interior to see all of the stained glass (tip: don’t miss the south rose window). You might want to avoid Notre Dame on major Catholic holidays like Easter, when every Catholic in Europe seems to come out of the woodwork. Official hours are 8 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. with a 7:15 p.m. closing time on Saturdays & Sundays.

Related: 25 Free things to do and see in Paris

Looking up at the towers of Notre Dame. Photo: Craig Nelson

Go up the bell towers for a small fee and a view

The bell towers are a separate visit with an entrance on the site of the church. A fee of €8.50 is charged for adults. If you’re an early riser, you should try get to the front of the line before the doors open. Only a limited amount of people are allowed up at a time, so you want to get there around 9 AM (doors open at 10 AM). Start your day nice and early with some gargoyles and views of the historic rooftops. It’s a wonderful way to experience the church if you can brave the 387 stairs. That’s not a misprint—there are no elevators!

Watch your valuables

Even though there is no fee to enter the cathedral, you still need to think about your wallet. Like other touristy locations, the area around Notre Dame can be rich with pickpockets. Be wary inside the church as well. Since there’s no charge, any one of those tourists bumping into you could be a pickpocket who just made off with your stack of Euros!

Bathrooms

There are no bathrooms in the church, but just in front and to the left, when you exit, there is a public restroom that is usually working.

Getting there

Metro line 4 will drop you off at Cité, on the island where Notre Dame is located. Otherwise, the line 1 station Hotel de Ville is just across the river, making it convenient for anyone on the Right Bank. On the Left Bank, the line 10 station Maubert Mutualité is a short and lovely walk to the cathedral.

Notre Dame from a different angle

While most of the cafés and restaurants directly in the area cater almost exclusively to visitors, take a few steps away behind the church, and you’ll be on the Ile Saint-Louis—still touristy, but it feels much quainter. This also offers a great way to see why the cathedral is such a Gothic architectural treasure. The flying buttresses and details on the backside are some of the most fascinating exterior features, so don’t spend all of your time in front of the towers.

The post Tips for visiting Notre Dame in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Because of this illustrious past, prospective visitors might think that the largest city in Austria is  too expensive for the average Cheapo. On the contrary! Vienna, while not exactly a bargain (it was BusinessWeek’s 24th-most expensive city in 2010), boasts enough free events, attractions and activities that you’ll be able to have a great time whether you’re a Habsburg or a habs-not.

Here’s our guide to free activities in Vienna:

Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
Daily, year-round

An impressive structure that looms over the heart of the city, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the most important religious building in Vienna, as the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna and also as a historical site that dates back to 1147 AD.  It is instantly recognizable for its multi-colored mosaic roof that features the double-headed eagle of the Habsburg dynasty.

It’s also completely free to enter! Open to the public from 6 a.m. (7 a.m. on Sundays and holidays) to 10 p.m. every day, the interior of the church is as impressive as its exterior.

The cathedral also offers guided tours to anyone interested in learning more about St. Stephen’s and its history, though these are unfortunately not free. Depending on the tour, visitors also have the option of seeing the towers of the cathedral, the catacombs and the treasury—areas off-limits to non-paying guests.

Tours range in price from €5 for just the main area to €12.90 for the all-inclusive package.

Mass at the Augustinian Church 
Sundays, year-round

If touring Saint Stephen’s doesn’t get you your fill of religious sights in Vienna, then head to the Augustinian Church next to Vienna’s imperial palace (Hofburg) for Sunday mass.  Services begin every Sunday at 10 a.m. and feature a full orchestra and choir performing works by the likes of Mozart, Schubert and Haydn—appropriate fare for the City of Music.

Schönbrunn Palace gardens
Daily, year-round

Another one of Vienna’s signature sights is the Schönbrunn Palace.  While admission to the building itself isn’t free (€11.50), the gardens are, and are equally as impressive as the palace. Featuring numerous statues, fountains and fields, the park stretches  a kilometer from north to south and 1.2 km east-to-west.

Most of the complex is completely free to the public, though certain areas charge admission fees.  These include the viewing terrace of the majestic Gloriette, the maze and labyrinth, and the Crown Prince Garden.  Charges range from €3 to €4.50 for these attractions.

Also located on the palace grounds is the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the world’s oldest zoo.  Admission is €15 (€7 for children).

Summer in the MuseumsQuartier
Daily during summer

Vienna’s MuseumsQuartier is a cultural complex that features, obviously, museums, but also trendy restaurants, shops and many smaller art and culture initiatives.  With over 70 cultural facilities, there’s plenty to do here throughout the year, but during the summer is when the MuseumsQuartier really picks up.

Throughout the warmer months, the many courtyards of the complex feature free, open-air entertainment, from concerts to street theater to literary readings. Public art installations and micro-museums are also installed in squares and passageways. Combined with the numerous sidewalk cafes of the MuseumsQuartier, these exhibitions make for a lively atmosphere.

Perhaps even more significantly, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., every institution in the MuseumsQuartier is available to visit free of charge.  This year’s program runs until October 1st. If you’re in Vienna during the summer, this is the place to spend your evenings.

Museum of Applied Arts
Tuesday nights, year-round

If you visit Vienna in the off-season, though, you’ll have to get your free art fix somewhere other than the MuseumsQuartier.  Luckily, the Museum of Applied Arts offers free evening admission on Tuesdays throughout the year. Featuring furniture and other decorative arts from around the world and from various historical periods, the museum is a great compliment to a city that values design as much as Vienna.

Free admission lasts from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Tuesday.  During the rest of the week, (except Mondays, when it is closed) the Museum of Applied Arts is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Regular admission is €7.90 (€5.50 for students, seniors and military).

Anything to add?

 If you know of any other free activities in Vienna, please let us know by posting in the comment box.  We’re always on the lookout for Cheapo ways to save! And if you’re interested in discovering Vienna for yourself, check out our recommendations for the best budget hotels in the city.

The post Five free cultural attractions in Vienna appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here a few suggestions of near misses across popular destinations.

1. Leaning Tower of Pisa > Duomo di Pisa
Pisa, Italy

No trip to Italy would be complete without a stop in Pisa to take a picture “holding up” (or, for those more devilishly inclined, “pushing over”) the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And once you’ve turned down every vendor hocking watches, worked up the courage to walk on the forbidden lawn to get your picture, and perhaps even spent precious vacation time in line waiting for a timed ticket to climb to the top, you may finally take in the fact that the Tower is disappointingly small—and is, in fact, dwarfed by the other monuments in the ensemble, monuments you didn’t even know existed until you arrived in Pisa for this short visit.

Save your entrance fee money and buy a ticket for the Duomo, the large cathedral immediately adjacent to the Tower. The Duomo, with its green and white striped design, served as the archetype of the Pisan-Romanesque style and a model for other churches throughout Tuscany. Despite the hordes of tourists outside, the marble cathedral remains comfortably empty and, in the hot of summer, refreshingly shady and cool.

King Ludwig II spent his childhood in Hohenschwangau. Photo: Nataraj Metz

Anyone who may have felt crowded in cathedrals in Florence or Rome will be pleasantly surprised at the freedom to move, sit, and even pray peacefully in Pisa’s Duomo.

Entrance to the Duomo: €2; joint entrance to the Tower and Duomo:  €17.  Order tickets for the Tower online for a 2-euro additional fee.

2. Neuschwanstein > Hohenschwangau
Füssen, Germany

Mad King Ludwig II’s masterpiece, unfinished before his mysterious death in 1886, Neuschwanstein is clearly the model upon which Disney’s classic castle is based.  For travelers to southern Germany, this beauty is a highlight and a destination in itself.

Unfortunately, many overlook the neighboring castle, Hohenschwangau, where Ludwig spent his childhood.  Hohenschwangau is nowhere near as romantic from the outside, but inside, it hides countless treasures.  The castle was not damaged during either World War, and the castle’s contents — the royal family’s possessions — were saved from destruction or plunder during those years by local residents.

So whereas on most castle tours (Neuschwanstein included), one may be impressed by the luxurious decorations of the gigantic rooms, yet be left with little sense of how said rooms were actually used beyond the description of the tour and one’s own imagination, a tour through Hohenschwangau gives an excellent picture of everyday royal life.  Further, the tours at Hohenschwangau are more personal and informative and less rushed, without the assembly-line feeling one gets at Neuschwanstein.

The EIffel Tower rises over the Musée de Quai Branly. Photo: Theory

Entrance to Hohenschwangau:  €12; “King’s Ticket” joint entrance to Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein:  €23.  Book tickets online for a fee of €1.80 per person per castle.

3. Eiffel Tower > Museé de Quai Branly
Paris, France

Near the top of the list of European icons is Paris’ Eiffel Tower.  Originally constructed as a temporary part of the 1889 World Expo, the Tower won over the hearts and minds of Parisians and has since remained one of the city’s most significant landmarks.

Yet, if you failed to book your tickets for Tower entrance online and don’t have the time (or the legs) for standing in the ticket line or for walking up the Tower under your own steam, or if the weather simply isn’t cooperating, you don’t have to leave the area with a handful of pictures from the ground and a broken heart.  Instead, head over to the Musée de Quai Branly, Paris’s museum of ethnography.

Here you’ll find “an unpartitioned geographical itinerary comprising 5,450 artifacts from all four corners of the world.”  And on those hot summer and cold winter days, here you’ll find a temperate refuge from the weather outside (and a cloakroom for your luggage).

Entrance to Musee de Quai Branly:  €10 for all exhibitions; timed elevator tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tower:  €14.  Reserve online at no extra fee.

Your near misses?

What are some of your favorite “near misses”?  Share your ideas in the comments.

The post In the Shadow of an Icon: 3 Sights not to miss in Pisa, Fussen and Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Music

1. Every night, the organ goes wild at the Santa Maria de’ Ricci church on via del Corso. Chillax on a bench and be blown away by the pipes of the God’s favorite keyboard.

2. Or, you can take a stroll to Ponte Vecchio to take in a concert by the sunset. The local buskers will woo you with Italian ballads until you feel the urge to kiss a stranger on your path.

Outdoor Tourism

3. Seeing the inside of a museum is not free. But seeing the outside is! Grab a map from the tourist office and create your own day of outdoor tourism. The very masters who created much of the ornate interiors of Florentine have also contributed to the city’s exterior beauty. Walk and be wowed.

4. Also consider the Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signora (next to the Uffizi). This impressive collection of sculptures is definitely worth a look. Behold the immensity, the drama, and the beauty of these creations. But don’t have a sandwich in your hand while you’re doing it or Mister Security Guard will kick you back into the Piazza.

5. For those with that certain architectural fortitude, go check out Florence’s recently completed courthouse. Everyone seems to have an opinion on this postmodern behemoth located near the airport.

6. And finally, there’s Piazza Michelangelo which offers that city view supremo – a perfect place to spend some idle time.

Un Bel Farniente

7. Speaking of idle time, the national pastime of “un bel farniente” translates into “a pleasant do nothing.” The art of complete relaxation. Hanging out by the riverbank, frolicking in a meadow, reflecting while seated on a park bench – you get the picture. Florence has several places to do this. Take your pick, this is a wander-friendly city.

8. And then there’s always people-watching. The best spot for this – at the far right on the steps of the Duomo. Not only will you have your very own tourist parade, but there’s also a small corner of shade. Free shade.

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Florence? Our editors have hunted down the best cheap hotels in Florence, all located in central neighborhoods. Read their reviews and see photographs in our Florence guide.

The post 8 free things to do in Florence appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

I’m here to encourage you not to skip this enchanting city, and to offer you five easy ways to save money in Venice as an incentive.

1. Book a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica in advance

After wandering aimlessly through the maze of Venice (which, incidentally, is totally free), the next thing on any must-do list should be St. Mark’s Basilica. This striking cathedral with its onion domes, brilliant golden mosaics, and undulating floor anchors its namesake piazza and, in some ways, the whole city. The basilica itself is free to enter, which makes it not only a general must-see but a delight for Cheapos.

During the high season, however, the basilica’s popularity is evident the second you walk into St. Mark’s Square – the lines can stretch nearly as far as the Grand Canal, especially once the cruise ships pull into port for the day. To avoid the long wait in line, you can certainly set your alarm and queue up early – but if you’d rather sleep in, you can book an entry to the basilica in advance online.

Now, the booking service charges €1, so you might be wondering why a free attraction is made cheaper by paying €1 for it – and that’s a fair question. What that €1 saves you is time, which is an incredibly precious commodity when you’re on vacation. If I can pay €1 to avoid waiting an hour in line, that gives me an extra hour to use elsewhere in Venice – and that’s a pretty big deal. If your time is worth less than €1/hour, then we need to talk.

(Note that the reservation service is only available April-October – the rest of the year, the lines aren’t usually long enough to justify booking ahead.)

2. Get a Venice Discount Card for transportation

Venice, like many popular tourist cities around the world, has a few discount cards available that offer cheaper or free entry to attractions. Those cards often feel like they’re not a deal because it’s a chunk of money up front, but in many cities they can save you a bundle. In Venice, it’s the transportation-only cards that are likely to be the best deal.

Because so many people only stay in the city for a couple of days and most don’t have many “sights” on their must-see list, it’s more likely that you’ll spend money on vaporetto tickets than you will on museum entry fees. Those vaporetto tickets are way more expensive than they should be, if you ask me – €6.50 for a ticket? That’s ridiculous, even if each ticket lasts an hour. Wander too long and you’re stuck buying another ticket.

Rather than forking over €6.50 per ticket, you can get a 12-hour transportation card for €16 or a 24-hour card for just €18. If you’ll be flying in or out of Venice, you can even get a card that includes a one-way transfer to/from the airport for an additional €3. These cards are good for the trips out to nearby Murano, Burano, and Torcello, too. You can browse these cards (the prices vary a bit by the season) and book directly from the Venice Connected site.

3. Grab a group for that gondola ride

Taking a gondola ride seems like the thing to do in Venice – the kind of thing that, if you skip it, makes you feel like you haven’t really been to the city. (I’m all for skipping it entirely, but I’m in the minority on that one.) If you’ve got your heart set on a gondola ride but don’t think you can afford it, I’ve got two options for you.

First, you can take a quick gondola ride across the Grand Canal for a whopping €1-2 by hopping in a traghetto. These are gondolas that ferry passengers back and forth across the canal at points where there’s no nearby footbridge, and Venetians ride them all the time. This is a short ride – in fact, they’re so short that the Venetians don’t even bother to sit down – so it’s not at all the romantic gondola ride you’re imagining, but it’s certainly cheapo and very local.

Second, you can go with a group. Gondola rides are priced by the ride itself, not by the number of passengers in the gondola, so if you’ve got a group who’s willing to split the cost then it’s immediately much more budget-friendly. You can ask at gondola stations about joining a group, or you can book a spot on a group ride ahead of time (the latter is more expensive at €40/person, but if you’re traveling solo it’s worth considering).

Remember also to be aware of the gondola rates before you go, too. The current gondola fares are €80 for a 40-minute ride before 7 pm., with each additional 20 minutes costing €40 – knowing the official rates will help you avoid gondoliers who are trying to gouge you.

4. Go church-hopping

St. Mark’s Basilica is gorgeous and rightfully the most famous church in Venice – but glance around the city skyline and you’ll see plenty of other towers with crosses on top. Some of those churches charge a small entry fee, but many are completely free to enter – and free is a very good price.

San Giorgio Maggiore is a Palladio-designed church on its own island off the Giudecca, which you can see from the square in front of the Doge’s Palace. The church dates from the mid-16th century and has two Tintoretto paintings. Santa Maria della Salute lies almost opposite the Doge’s Palace across the Grand Canal, an octagonal white church with a dominant dome. The Salute dates from the mid-17th century and houses works by both Titian and Tintoretto. San Zaccaria may not have as impressive a location, but the crypt here dates from the 9th century and is home to the graves of eight doges.

Each of these churches mentioned offers a combination of art and history, plus an excuse to step inside if the weather’s not great, and none of them will cost you a thing except a few minutes of your time.

5. Don’t sit down for a snack in St. Mark’s Square

Venice is notorious for its mediocre and overpriced food, and it’s a well-deserved reputation. You can find good food in Venice, but it’s often still on the expensive side. Nowhere is getting a bite to eat more unnecessarily costly, however, than in the bars around St. Mark’s Square.

I’m all for paying for ambiance in some places, and when the cafe bands are in “dueling” mode St. Mark’s Square is a feast for the ears as well as the eyes – but the prices on simple things like coffee or a hot chocolate, let alone a cocktail, are beyond outrageous. Rather than paying a premium for a seat at one of those costly cafes, wander into the square from a nearby gelateria and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grand piazza. The only thing you’ll miss out on is a seat, but you’ll have enough money leftover for a second (and third) gelato – and that’s always a good thing.

Oh, and don’t try sitting down in the piazza anywhere but on an official seat, either, as that’s strictly forbidden. There are even “decorum police” who sometimes patrol the square and hand out fines. Yes, really.

About the author: Portland-based travel writer Jessica Spiegel is the resident Italophile at BootsnAll, the indie travel resource. Venice is one of her favorite places on earth, so don’t try to tell her it’s overrated. She also loves Naples and New Orleans, so clearly she’s got a thing for cities with PR issues. You’ll find her regularly on Twitter as @italylogue.

The post Venice: 5 simple ways to save in Venice appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Due to the fact that it is awesome, in the true sense of the word, everyone and their mother wants to go see the Sagrada Familia, which is to say it gets as packed as Wal-Mart on Black Friday.

Here are some tips to view the Sacred Family without losing your mind.

1. Go early or at off times

First of all, Barcelona is packed with tourists in the summer months. People come from May to late August in droves, filing off cruise ships and popping off cheapo flights from northern Europe. These months will always be more crowded at the Sagrada Familia.

Like most monuments, if you go early, you beat the rush, as not too many people get up to go sightseeing at 9 AM. I went at about 3 PM on a Wednesday recently, and while there were plenty of people there, I didn’t see long lines to get tickets and there was no pushing and shoving inside (a plus, considering this is the House of God, right?).

Hours: The basilica is open October to March from 9 AM to 6 PM and April to September 9 AM to 8 PM. While the Sagrada Familia is impressive in the dark, lit up against the night sky, it really should be viewed during the day.

Related: Affordable hotels close to Sagrada Familia

2. Stay away from tour groups

When inside the Sagrada Familia, you’ll see lots of tour groups. Do not follow them. If they go left, you go right. Stay clear of them to have a better experience and the chance to take nicer photos.

3. Consider an official tour (in English)

There are tours in English every day at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. If you want to go on the tour, which I have not done but would LOVE to do, you have to buy a more expensive ticket.

For €16.50 you can either get an audio guide and show yourself around, or go on the group tour and have a real person explain why there are turtles on the façade.

Related: 10 photos that will inspire a trip to Barcelona

4. Pay to go inside (yes, it’s worth it)

A normal ticket to get in to the basilica is €14.80, and €12.80 for students and seniors. For €18.30 you get into the Sagrada Familia and into the Gaudí up at Park Güell, which is the one I’d recommend.

As you can see, glimpsing the Holy Family’s awesomeness is not cheap, but I do think it’s worth chucking over a few bucks to get in.  While you can appreciate the building from the outside, the main nave is inspiring and like nothing I’ve ever seen. Think of a grove of massive trees inside a church; it’s like that, sort of.

5. Notice nature all around you

Gaudí grew up in the countryside in southern Catalonia. Like many who grow up around nature’s bounty, Gaudí was impressed by the natural world and used it as his muse throughout his life.

Look for nature’s mark in plant, animal and mineral form throughout the Sagrada Familia. Clearly the trees in the nave are a good example, but also notice mineral forms on the capitals crowning the temple, spirals like snail shells, vines on the Nativity Façade and gargoyles, amphibians and reptiles from the Mediterranean on the neo-Gothic apse.

La Sagrada Familia
Carrer de Mallorca, 401
Hours: April to September 9 AM to 8 PM, October to March 9 AM to 6 PM
Admission: Adults €14.80, Students and seniors €12.80
Website

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Barcelona? Read our reviews of the best budget hotels in Barcelona, all centrally located, clean and budget friendly.——

The post Barcelona: Tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.