Some visitors and foreigners in Paris take a “no-tip” approach to everything in Paris, based on the idea that service is included in the price listed on the menu. There are general rules, however, for those who want to be good customers, especially those who want to become regulars at neighborhood establishments.

Related
• 50 Ways to save time and money on your trip to Paris
• The top 25 Free things to do in Paris
• Simple ways to save on your Paris hotel 

Tipping in Paris

Before you lay down a tip everywhere you go, brush up on these tips to help you navigate tipping culture in Paris.

When NOT to tip:

In general, it is never wrong to tip, but some people just don’t expect it. Imagine if you left the dentist a few dollars after a mouth cleaning — it’s nice but also, let’s admit, kind of weird.

Cafés: A quick coffee and croissant at the local café may set you back €5, but there’s no need to drop an extra euro on the tip. The server isn’t working for tips, and his salary is consistent despite how many tables he or she gets.

Bars: Drinks at a bar are usually tip-free and bartenders rarely expect anything extra, which is good news for happy hour fans.

Clubs: At clubs, coat checks already cost a few euros, so tipping more is unnecessary. I can only imagine tipping the checkers in ritzy clubs that budget-seekers don’t frequent anyway.

In general, the less something costs, the less likely it is that a tip will be necessary. Leaving 15% on a coffee that only cost two euros seems like you were trying too hard.

Related: Paris: 10 money-saving tips for first time visitors

When TO tip:

Restaurants: When a server goes out of their way to explain the wine list in a cozy neighborhood restaurant or is exceedingly nice throughout the service, a small tip is absolutely deserved. You can leave up to five euros depending on the bill and expect a gracious “merci.”

Taxis: Taxi drivers usually expect a bit extra, understandably. Driving in Paris isn’t easy, and they will often be very helpful with luggage and shopping bags.

Tour Guides: Tour guides are not poorly paid, but those who go the extra mile to answer questions and make the visits enjoyable deserve to be tipped. Anyone in the service industry, familiar with foreigners, will often expect a tip, so have a few coins on hand.

Hotels: If a staff member helps to bring your bags up to your room, then you can offer a few euros in return. However, most of the hotels we stay at, we lug our own bags! You can also give a tip to a concierge for making reservations at a restaurant or helping you get tickets to a show. Check in at one of our favorite budget Paris hotels.

Salons: Hairdressers and barbers, especially if you want to become a regular without mangled bangs, appreciate a few extra euros.

Related: Our 8 favorite hotels in Paris under €80

Doubtful?

Not sure if the service was good? You spent two hours in a café and only bought two coffees? The taxi driver was a bit erratic driving down the Champs Elysées? When in doubt, just round up the bill, even if that means leaving just 50 centimes.

Although Parisians seem exceedingly proud, no one is going to refuse your tips if you offer it. Money speaks the same in any language!

Your tipping advice?

Got a tip for us? What has been your tipping experience in Paris? Tell us about it in the comments section.

The post Paris: When (and when not) to tip in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ve shown you how to save on dining and hotels, and now let’s break down the nightlife scene into a few categories to make things clear — and affordable!

Nighttime transportation

Metro: No matter what you do at night, know that Paris is more difficult to navigate once the Metro closes around 1 am (2 am on weekends). Never head to a station just before it closes expecting to catch a train, since the last one may have already passed.

Bus: Fear not, the night bus, called the Noctilien, fills in the gaps until the Metro opens up again in the morning. While not a fantastic option, it’s useful if you’ve mapped out your route home in advance and know where the nearest stop is.

Taxis and Uber: If all else fails, and you can dip into some international cellphone data, the Uber app will always help you get home, especially as taxis will become notoriously difficult to find later in the night. Whatever happens, as in any city, do not enter any unmarked cabs.

Walking: And then again, consider walking – it doesn’t get any cheaper!

Drinking for less at cafes and bars

Bars and cafes: Parisians are no stranger to spirits, and most locals “having a night out” will head to a café or bar until 1 or 2 am, and usually catch the last Metro home. Sip on affordable carafes of wine late into the evening at any neighborhood café – don’t feel the need to get fancy with a bottle of something nice.

Cocktails: For those looking to check out the cocktail scene in Paris, prices start to rise considerably. At the café, enjoy €3 glasses of wine. At a cocktail bar, prices can climb to €12, €15, even €20 for a drink! Some are super posh, but not all of them are, with some lower key bars like “aveK” providing quality, but still affordable mixed drinks.

Drinking al fresco: Hands down, the cheapest option if the weather is nice is to grab a few French beers or a bottle from the closest shop and ask someone for an opener along the Seine or the Canal – it’s what those of us who live here actually do.

Related: 5 Bars perfect for a Cheapo night out

Catch a show at Sunside and Sunset Jazz club in Paris. Photo: Luc Legacy

Late night clubs for live music and dancing

Clubs: The Paris club scene is, well, fine. Those looking for parties and dancing will certainly find it in here, but it’s not always cheap or glamorous. You can pay a hefty cover for venues like Bus Palladium or Favela Chic, but if you’re into the “scene,” then by all means enjoy. Just don’t expect to find too many locals hitting up the clubs of the Champs-Elysées with you.

Dancing on the Seine: Do you like to show off your moves but the club scene isn’t your thing? Instead, consider heading to the outdoor salsa and tango classes along the Seine during warmer months, just east of the Institut du Monde Arabe.

Gay and lesbian: A lot of the gay bars and lesbian clubs and bars have no cover charges, although they may be difficult about letting too many ladies in at one time at the gay bars.

Live music: Music fans might want to check out the jazz clubs like Sunside and Sunset in Les Halles. Shows cost around €20, but check the schedule for free events as well. There’s also the occasional free soirées at the Alimentation Générale for enthusiasts, as well.

Nights at the museum

If drinking and partying isn’t your thing, or you just don’t want to be a night owl, there are some notable cultural offerings at night. While you may be sacrificing prime dining time, you’ll also be avoiding the crowds and tour groups that plague these museums during the days. In fact, you can visit a museum every night of the week.

Every day: The Palais de Tokyo is open until midnight (yes, 12 am!) every day (closed on Tuesday).

Monday: The Musée du Luxembourg is open until 10 pm.

Tuesday: The Fondation Cartier until 10 pm.

Wednesday: The Louvre is open until 9:45 pm.  Rodin Museum until 8:45 pm.

Thursday: The Musée d’Orsay stays open until 9:45 pm. The Centre Pompidou until 11 pm.

Friday: The Louvre is open until 9:45 pm. The Institut du Monde Arabe until 9:30 pm.

Saturday: The Quai Branly until 10 pm.

Related: A list of free and discounted museums in Paris

And that’s not even all of them! Check the museum’s hours before going to see if they have an evening opening.

Studio 28 is a classic movie theatre founded in 1928. Photo: sonofgroucho

Saving on theater and film

For something more lively, but still cultural, consider taking in a show!

Opera and ballet: You can always try for cheap tickets to the Opera by going the day of the show and taking any unclaimed or unsold tickets for as little as €5-10. Last-minute cheap tickets for the Palais Garnier go on sale at 11:30 am, while the Opera Bastille requires you to be at the ticket window an hour and a half before show time.

Cinema: If you’re a movie buff, Paris is filled with excellent cinemas like La Pagone, Le Gran Rex and Studio 28. Tickets are usually affordable, but there are also many ways to get discount tickets and movie passes.

French theater: For the dozens of other shows in Paris, you’ll need to brush up on your French a bit. If there is a deal to be had, you’ll find it on the website BilletReduc. Catch a French musical at the Mogador Theatre, or maybe some other dance or opera performance, just don’t pay full price. I want to be a good patron of the arts, but I need to pay rent, too.

Affordable late-night dining

After all of those glasses of wine, it’ll be time to soak it up before hitting the hay. Few places in Paris serve late night food, but there are a few go-to’s that I recommend beyond the typical greasy kebab (we’ve all been there).

Falafel: If it’s not too late, head to L’As du Fallafel for the city’s best falafel sandwich in the Marais. Sunday through Thursday they are typically open until midnight. On Friday and Saturday, their competitors are also open just across the street — the line’s shorter, but let’s face it, it’s just not as good.

Gelato: Afterwards, also in the Marais, head to Pozetto for the city’s best gelato, open until midnight as well.

Classic French dishes: For real late night eats, there are few places to grab anything resembling a late night slice in New York. Instead, grab a seat at Au Pied do Cochon in Les Halles, a restaurant that used to feed the hungry market workers a century ago. They have French classics like onion soup well into the wee hours of the morning. Down the street, La Poule au Pot is also open from 7 pm – 5 am, Tuesday through Sunday.

Grocery store: Also, note that Monoprix on the Champs-Elysées stays open until midnight, just in case you want to prepare a last minute late-night picnic.

Paris is very much alive at night, just don’t expect to stumble upon the party. Once you know where to look, however, you’ll be golden.

Have fun!

The post Paris Nightlife: How to save on bars, clubs and culture appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But if you’re not careful, charges can add up quickly for everything from drink prices and cover charges to taxi fares back to your hotel. To keep your tab low, here are 5 pointers that will help Cheapos save when heading out for a night on the town.

1. Wine and beer, have no fear

Much like the rest of Europe from Berlin to London, cocktail culture is a new phenomenon in Amsterdam and pricey at a typical cafe. Beer and wine are the usual orders and only cost a few euros.

If you are a beer person, stay away from pint orders. Bigger is not better in Amsterdam drinking, and the average Dutch pilsner will lose its freshness after any size above .33cl. If you’re going for vino order the house wine, that’s usually a nice French or Spanish pick that’s smooth and easy to drink.

2. Trams before taxis

Trams and daytime buses stop running at around midnight—even on weekends. This makes taxis your only option when returning from a night out. Night buses are also available, but not very practical for visitors staying in the city center.

If you can brave bicycling back to your hotel or hostel, be careful and cautious. Otherwise know a walkable route before you let a sobriety slip. In any case, getting a tram back means an early night out. Nightlife in Amsterdam can begin relatively early however, so calling it quits around midnight isn’t the end of the world.

3. The clubs less traveled

Amsterdam’s party hubs are Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein and the Red Light district. Here you will find many small clubs, most of them beckoning in the passersby with drink specials and a flashy storm of lights inside.

Here’s my big tip for clubs in Amsterdam: you look for the club, the club doesn’t look for you. The better clubs of Amsterdam, like Trouw, are on the outskirts of both the party squares and the city center. Be ready to drop about €20 for entrance, and once inside beer and wine are around €3 to €4, cocktails twice as much. And plan to cab it back home for another €20, as clubs in Amsterdam close around 5am on weekends.

4. Live music lovers should think small

Amsterdam has an amazing aura that draws national and international artists to the city on an nightly basis. If you’re lucky, Paradiso or Melkweg will be hosting your favorite band at a smaller price and in a more intimate setting than back home.

Smaller venues like Winston Kingdom, Bitterzoet and Sugar Factory also carry impressive monthly programs at a lower cost, but of course the city has its fair share of free entertainment. Venues like Mulligan’s Irish pub at Rembrandtplein, Jazz Cafe Alto at Leidseplein, and Cafe Skek near Central Station offer free music almost on a nightly basis.

5. Don’t mix coffeeshops with cafes and clubs

Let’s be honest, it’s easy to go overboard with partying in Amsterdam. From the strong Belgian beers to the heavy marijuana joints and magic mushrooms, your vice(s) can run amok here. To keep a night out fun and safe, don’t mix your party picks.

Know the basics. First, beers in Amsterdam start at 5 percent alcohol by volume and can easily hit 9 percent when dipping into Belgian ales. Be moderate with your partying, and you’ll be able to enjoy Amsterdam pub culture more extensively (and vividly).

Second, smoking weed when you’re intoxicated leads to black outs and vomiting for many many people. We all know that many dumb ideas sound great when you’ve been drinking, and that’s one of them.

Third, consume cannabis with caution. Space cake potency is equivalent to four or five joints, and the highs can last for over 24 hours. Those wanting to purchase cannabis at a coffeeshop should inspect carefully what they buy. Many coffeeshops in Amsterdam have been caught lacing their products with chemicals and other substances to seem like a better deal.

Last, know that any hard drug that finds its way inside the clubs of The Netherlands are illegal, not regulated by the government, and the repercussions are serious. Have fun, but stay safe!

The post 5 tips for safely and cheaply hitting Amsterdam’s party scene appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So where to stay if your into experiencing the nocturnal side of Barcelona? Depends a bit on what sort of nightlife you’re after.

The cozy Hosteria Grau in El Raval

Bohemian – “I want to hang out in small bars, hear live blues, and not spend much cash.”

Then your hotel is either Hosteria Grau, in El Raval or Pension Mari-Luz in the Gothic Quarter.

El Raval and the Gothic area are more or less separated by Las Ramblas. These areas can be seedy, but also have a lot going on from 10 p.m. onwards. I like El Raval’s Jazz Si for live music almost any night of the week. Here you can catch flamenco, jazz, rock and more. After a show, bar-hop along Carrer Joaquín Costa.

Over on the Gothic Quarter side, try Cafe Royale for live music (schedule here) or Harlem Jazz Club. Find many laid-back bars lurking down alleyways and cobblestone streets. Try side-streets off Plaça Reial, and the streets that branch off of the post office, such as Carrer Ample, Carrer de la Mercè and Carrer d’En Gignas.

The Hotel del Mar is near nightlife and the beach.

Club Scene – “I want to dance the night away in a trendy night club.”

I’m not much of a clubber, but friends who are recommend the area around Hotel Del Mar.

Staying here will put you within walking distance of the many popular night clubs that span the boardwalk, officially named Pssg Marítim de la Barceloneta. Most of the nicer clubs are located right in front of Hotel Arts and the enormous, glittering, Frank Gehry fish. You’ll find less appealing clubs around the adjacent port.

Posh Party – “I want something more high-end.”

Posh is found in up-town. The Astoria Hotel will put you close to live music venue and club, Luz de Gas, as well as the many bars and restaurants bustling along Carrer d’Enric Granados.

More hotel picks

Check out our Barcelona guide to read more of Regina’s budget hotel recommendations for Barcelona.

The post Barcelona: Best budget hotels near the city’s nightlife appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Happy hours galore

The Marais, French for “swamp,” is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris, located primarily between the St-Paul and Hotel de Ville Métro stations. Studded with free cultural attractions (Musée Carnavalet, Pavillon d’Arsenal, Victor Hugo House, etc.) it is also the historic Jewish, gay, and more recently Chinese neighborhood.

A walk down rue du Temple, rue des Archives, or rue du Vieille du Temple will take you into the heart of the gay district. The three streets run parallel and streets perpendicular to them are filled with endless watering holes, cafés, and nightspots catering to a largely male clientele.

A night on the town can easily start at the Open Café on rue des Archives. Happy hour pints of beer are a great way to get things going (€3.70, 6-10PM). (17 Rue des Archives, 75004)

After Open’s happy hour ends, hop around a bit, maybe to Banana Café. The Josephine-Baker inspired bar on the edge of the Marais, in the adjacent Châtelet neighborhood, serves up happy hour until 11 p.m. (€3 pints, 6-11 p.m.). If you’re in the bar before 11 p.m., you’ll be able to skip the cover to go dancing downstairs where the party continues. (13 Rue de la Ferronnerie, 75001)

If you’re not ready to dance, head back into the heart of the Marais where happy hour starts up again at Le Feeling, with €3 brews available until midnight (€3 pints, happy hour 7-9 p.m., then 11 p.m.-12 a.m.). Beware of – or marvel at – the Turkish toilet. (43 rue Sainte-Croix la Bretonnerie, 75004)

Dancing and Mingling

If you’ve had enough to drink and want to experience more gay nightlife, the streets branching off rue des Archives are your best bet for mingling and dancing.

FreeDJ, located between Open Café and Le Feeling, has no cover and two floors of dancing. Upstairs most people are simply waiting for the coat check while downstairs the cave bar plays all of the Lady Gaga and Rhianna that you could want. These are tiny Medieval Parisian buildings, so be prepared to get cozy on the dance floor. (35 rue Ste-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004)

Across the rue des Archives from the Open, Spyce, one of the newest additions to the Marais, offers €2 half-pints if you’re in by happy hour (€2 half pints, 6-10 p.m.). If not, it still has all the people watching you’ll need. (23 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004)

Across the street, terraces fill up (even on colder nights) at the aptly named Cox on rue des Archives with a mixed set. (15 Rue des Archives, 75004)

A younger set can be found at Raidd Bar on rue du Temple, featuring a live shower performance by some of the healthier-looking locals. All three of these choices are free to enter, however, trying to enter these dance bars with large groups of girls can be a problem, and bouncers might refuse the ladies. You’ve been warned. (23 Rue du Temple, 75004)

To finish the night, Duplex is a laidback hangout to mix with locals over a beer or two (only €2.80 for a half pint). (25 rue Michel-Comte, 75003)

Dancing and mingling can also continue until the wee hours of the morning downstairs at nearby Cud, though drinks tend to be pricier. (12 rue des Haudriettes, 75003)

By 5 a.m. you’ll be wondering why anyone ever told you to go to Queen on the Champs-Elysées…

Your favorite gay bars in Paris?

Do you have a favorite bar to add to our list? Have any comments about the bars mentioned? Share with us in our comments section.

Also in our guide: If you’re heading to Paris soon and are looking for affordable accommodation, check out our hotel reviews posted in our Paris guide, with many listings in the Marais. Read more in our Paris hotel guide.

The post Paris: A Cheapo guide to Paris’ gay bars (for the boys) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In Barcelona, and in fact all over Spain, the party seems to go on forever. While there are holidays, long vacations and festivals year-round in Spain, December is an especially merry month offering up nine days of “fiesta” instead of just the 25th and 31st/1st. So merry, it’s scary, one might say….

Not 2, but 9 celebrations

We start off the month with two holidays on the 6th and 8th of December. Since these days fall mid-week, most people take the whole week off and go skiing, or somewhere fun. Despite the economic crisis and 20% unemployment, Barcelona was very quiet last week, meaning people went out of town.

Cheapo Tip #1: Head over to the Santa Llucia Market in front of the Cathedral. While not as “Winter-Wonderland” as say, the Christmas Market in Prague, it’s a fun time all the same. Pick up a “Caga Nen,” or a “Little Shitting Boy” for your nativity scene (€5).

Christmas Eve

Then folks have a couple weeks to get presents and ingredients together for the 24th, Christmas Eve. This is an important night to spend with family, feasting on tapas or seafood dishes. Depending on the family, some gifts will be exchanged. Don’t expect a lot to be open the 24th in the afternoon and evening, as people will be with relatives.

Book ahead for a sit-down dinner, and make sure to toast with a glass of Catalan cava (like Champagne) wherever you are. If you’re religious, don’t miss Spanish mass at midnight on the 24th.

Cheapo Tip #2: Buy a bottle of Cava (€5.00) and toast with friends at your hotel or on the beach. Go to Christmas Eve Mass at Santa Maria del Mar in the Born if you’re religious.

Christmas Day

Then the Christmas Day arrives, and another feast is laid out. Families gather for lunch and chow roasted piglets and turrons, a classic, chewy Spanish dessert that I have never managed to like (the chocolate turron is OK). You can pick up a couple turrons in the Barri Gotic from one of the many artisan food vendors lining the streets the weeks leading up to Christmas. Or, pick one up in the gourmet section of the Corte Ingles in the center of town.

Again, expect a lot to be closed on Christmas. If you’d like to have a nice meal most hotel restaurants should be open and will offer a special set menu. You will want to book ahead or you may find yourself eating “Christmas kebab.” On both the 24th and 25th many people go out at night to party. Some bars will be open, though not as many as a normal weekend.

Cheapo Tip #3: Have Christmas lunch or dinner in La Barceloneta by the Sea at Restaurant Salamanca (€30 and up). Nothing says Christmas like “Paella.” Or splurge and have lunch at Hotel Colon (Av. Catedral 7, Barcelona).

December 26

Loosen your belt another notch, because the celebration is not over yet! No sir! The 26th is St. Esteve’s Day and guess what? There’s another feast!

At this point I change into sweatpants (just kidding, I would never wear sweatpants, no matter how bloated Christmas cheer has made me). St. Esteve’s Day is again celebrated with family and revolves around lunch. Traditional families will serve cannelloni stuffed with beef or with spinach and pine nuts.

Again, this is a holiday, so expect a lot to be closed. Bars and restaurants may be open, but little shops and most businesses will be shut up.

Cheapo Tip #4: Head to Cafe Absenta Bar where beers are always €1 to start your night out on the town. Cafe Absenta Bar also serves Absinthe.

Then, slowly, Barcelona wakes from its feasting coma and some people “work” from the 27th to the 31st. By the afternoon of the 31st, everything is closing down again, and people are getting ready for more eating, drinking and maybe a night on the town, too!

New Year’s Eve

Unlike in the United States, New Year’s Eve is spent with family in Barcelona. Everyone sits down to a meal together, and brings in the New Year with twelve grapes and lots of bubbly cava!

At about 12:30 a.m. or 1 a.m. young people head out for a night on the town. Expect hefty covers at all Barcelona’s clubs and long lines for cabs. Most bars are open New Year’s Eve and do not charge a cover. If you’d like to see live music on New Year’s. you’ll want to get those tickets in advance on the net or the day before at the box office. A lot sells out on New Year’s Eve and the city is crowded, but the vibe is fun and festive.

If you want to have a special New Year’s Eve dinner you’ll also want to book ahead as there are not many restaurants open on the 31st, and those that are open tend to charge an arm and a leg. However, most restaurants that open offer a multi-course meal, cava, grapes, and party favors; so you’ll get bang for your buck (€40 p/person and up!). Check the Born area for some nice dining options.

Cheapo Tip 5: Skip the clubs to avoid paying a lot in cover charges. Stick with bars in El Raval and El Born for a fun night out.

New Year’s Day

As the hangover of the 31st wears off you’ll realize that it’s the New Year and that means it’s time to eat and drink some more. Families get together and have a large New Year’s Day lunch more wine, more cava, more food and probably some turrons, too. At this point most people make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight.

January 5

And then peace…..until the 5th of January, which is King’s Day Eve. This is when the three magic Kings, or Wise Men, start making their way into Barcelona atop camels and extravagant floats. The King’s Day Parade marks their arrival and takes place on  January 5 and is worth checking out. The 6th, a holiday, is when kiddies open up their presents form the Kings. This is the big gift giving day, much more so than Christmas.

And then, thank goodness, it’s over. Nine days of partying comes to an end, and Barcelona goes back to normal for a couple months. Most of us sign up for a gym membership.

The post Barcelona: Tips for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

To avoid hearing me groan when you tell me what you paid for your sandwich, here’s a list of suggested “price ceilings” for some Parisian basics. It’s a good list to keep handy to save a few euros or, you know, if you’re ever a contestant on a French version of “The Price is Right”…

1. Glass of wine

While beer and cocktails can dent the wallet pretty quickly, wine should never be too expensive in a standard café or bar. Avoid the more specialized wine shops and wine bars and opt for a glass of red or white at a more low-key joint. Limit: €4

2. Steak frites

Most cafés and bistrots serve traditional yet affordable French fare. From the well-traveled but enjoyable Chartier to the classic Les Philosophes in the Marais, a cut of meat and frites shouldn’t be a splurge. Limit: €18

3. Walking/bike tour

With multiple free walking tour options, some tourists prefer a private tour to explore the city more intimately. With dozens of choices out there, it’s hard to pick. A walking tour with Oui Paris Tours or a bike tour with Fat Tire is a great, affordable way to get to know the city. Limit: €30

4. Electronics adapter

Many a traveler forgets that outlets and plugs are different in Europe. Souvenir and electronic stores sell adapters to make your chargers fit into the wall outlets, but the cheapest ones can be found at BHV, the all-purpose department store in the Marais. Limit: €10

5. Crepe/Sandwich

Street food can be found everywhere, so prices are competitive. At lunchtime, the choice often comes down to a sandwich or a crepe. For a gooey ham and cheese crepe or a chicken and veggie sandwich, I never worry about having enough money. Limit: €5

6. Clothing

With wintertime approaching, having appropriate socks (ones without holes) seems important. Unprepared visitors often wonder where to get the latest Parisian fashion as they shiver in their tee shirts. Do like the Parisians do and head to the closest H&M or, better yet, to Japanese department store Uniqlo by the Opera Garnier for some good shopping and great site-seeing. Limit: €40 pants, €40 sweater, €3 socks

7. Café

Instead of 7-11 and Dunkin’ Donuts, the French head to the café for a pick-me-up that won’t break the bank. A café (an espresso) may leave some tourists longing for a cup of Joe, but for mere euros you can squat a seat for as long as you’d like. (Tip: Stand at the cafe’s bar for cheaper prices.) Limit: €2

8. Theatre/Opera tickets

If you packed a top hat or a ball gown anticipating a night at the theatre, there is hope. Last minute “rush” tickets for the Opera Garnier and Bastille are extremely affordable if you are patient enough to line up 2-3 hours before the show. Théâtre du Châtelet, which often hosts musicals like Les Misérables and Sweeney Todd, offers rush tickets up until the minute before curtain. Limit: €30

9. Pastry

Unless you’re going to try the trendiest macaron or a French-style cupcake, pastries are a steal in Paris. Bakeries all over the city will serve up the best flaky croissants, lemon tarts, or apple pastries for mere coins. Limit: €3

10. Entrance to a bar/club

If you choose to go to a bar or club on the Champs-Elysées, good luck to you. Personally, I’d never enter a place that made me pay a cover. There are plenty of nightspots on rue de Lappe by the Bastille or in the winding streets of Montmartre that will keep the budget-conscious partier happy.  Limit: €0

What do you think, Cheapos?  What other price limits can you imagine in Paris? Share your own “price ceilings” in our comments section.

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Paris? Our editors have inspected, reviewed and photographed Paris’ best inexpensive accommodations. We’ve got picks all over town, in the Latin Quarter, near the Louvre, in the Marais and more central neighborhoods.

The post Paris Prices: The maximum we’d pay for everyday items appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Mayor Wowereit, affectionately called “Wowi,” also popularized the phrase “poor but sexy” to describe this bankrupt city. So no wonder Berlin is a Cheapo heaven—even the high glam of gay clubs won’t set you back too much.

Here are a few resources you need for a gay ol’ time in the world’s queer capital on the cheap.

1. Siegessäule

The free monthly queer mag is your one-stop resource for all things gay. You won’t need much German to read the calendar section at the back: S&M, after all, is “S&M” in German, too. You’ll see dozens of events and parties listed every day.

2. SchwuZ
Mehringdamm 61
(030) 6290880

Berlin’s gay scene is largely dominated by small bars. Very few clubs match SchwuZ’s longevity and diversity. Check the calendar before you go–or you might be surprised to find a gay goth night, a ladies-only gathering, or even a foam party (Yes, we’re still reliving the ’90s here. Stop judging us).

Extra cheapo tip: No one wants to be seen there too early, but the cover’s cheaper before midnight. Here’s how locals do it: Pay first, get your hand stamped, then take a seat in the popular ground floor bar for a drink before heading into the club. I repeat: stop judging us.

3. Die Busche
Warschauer Platz 18
(030) 296 08 00

No one ever admits to going here, but mysteriously the place gets packed as the night wears on. It may be the lowest rung in the hierarchy of queer establishments, but the unabashedly tacky atmosphere makes for a fun, down-to-earth evening out. (Brace yourself for top 40 hits… from a few years ago.) Also, it may be the only queer place in town where girls outnumber boys.

4. GMF
Alexander Straße 7

If Die Busche is low, GMF is as high as it gets–literally. The decadent Sunday party radiates thumping music from the dizzying heights of a high-rise at Alexanderplatz. By Berlin standards, the €10 cover is hefty, but if you’re planning on staying out all night, the rooftop seats are probably more plush than your hostel bed.

Also in our guide: We don’t just stop at clubs and bars; we also have great recommendations for the most affordable hotels in Berlin, all of them visited and inspected by our editors. Read our reviews (and see our photos) in our Berlin guide.

The post Berlin: Gay nightlife on the cheap appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The good news for music lovers is that there is music every night somewhere in Barcelona. The bad news is that tickets can be spendy! But fear not. Here are a few ways to enjoy great music in Barcelona a Cheapo’s budget:

Atrapalo
Web site

The absolute first place I check for tickets, whether they be for music or theater or dance, is Atrapalo.com. You will need some Spanish to use this site, and you will need a printer. If you can access both of these necessities, then you can save some major euros.

Atrapalo lets you search by interest and date and then sells tickets for select shows at a discounted rate. Some shows can be up to 70% percent off. I’ve bought tickets for jazz concerts at Jamboree on Atrapalo, as well as theater tickets. You make your purchase and then print off the tickets. Most hotels and Internet Cafes in Barcelona have printers.

Oficina de Turismo de Barcelona
La Rambla 99 (near the Liceu Metro stop)

Another place to check out is the Oficina de Turismo de Barcelona: Eventos culturales en Barcelona office on La Rambla. There are many tourist information offices around the city, but this one is different because they also sell discounted tickets to cultural activities around town.

It works this way, more or less: You have an idea of what you might like to see, perhaps a concert at El Palau or a Spanish guitar show. You head over to the office about three hours before the show starts and see if they have any discount tickets left. There is usually a line if the concert is popular.

The problem with this system is that they may be sold out, they may not have tickets to the show you want to see (ask ahead of time) and you never know how much of a discount there will be. Still, it’s better than nothing. I’ve saved big buying from the tourist information office last minute.

Aside from these two bargain places to save on music, you could also opt for the following clubs which always have inexpensive or free live music:

Paraiguas Bar
C/ Pas de L’ensenyança, 2
Web site

Meaning “The Umbrellas,” this bar is a modernista gem in the Gothic Quarter. The Paraiguas Bar offer live music for free on weekends, although cocktails are not cheap.

Electric Bar
Travesera de Gràcia, 233
Open: 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. (open until 3 a.m. weekends)
Web site

A hole-in-in-the-wall if there ever was one, Electric has music seven nights a week. Entrance to the tiny venue is rarely more than €4 or €5.

Bar Ese Efe
C/ Carretes, 48 (Rava)
Open: Tue-Sun 7:30 p.m.-3:00 a.m.

This new Barcelona bar has some mid-week music and tunes on the weekend. There’s no cover and they’ve got craft brews from California on tap. See their very local line-up on Facebook.

The post Barcelona: Where to find cheap concert tickets appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

New York City is a hub for music lovers of all tastes. The city’s neighborhoods have streets lined with venues offering live music every night of the week. So whether you’re looking for a rock show or a jazz club, you won’t have trouble finding the right place.

Manhattan is not the only borough that serves up popular music halls. Brooklyn is quickly growing into a popular home base for independent musicians, record labels, and DIY artists looking to leave their mark on New York’s dynamic music scene. Rock shows, DJ events, benefit concerts, the latest tours – these New York venues have it all:

Pianos
158 Ludlow Street (at Stanton St.), Manhattan
Web site

Pianos is a Lower East Side bar, lounge, restaurant, and music venue. Downstairs you’ll find a crowd of loud college students standing elbow-to-elbow slinging back drinks on weekend nights while the upstairs lounge offers a more laid back crowd, cocktails in hand. That’s where you should head – especially on select Friday nights as resident DJs spin all night and offer free entry to females before 10 p.m.

Musical stylings run the gamut with legendary hip-hop jingles, dance rock jams, and 80’s classics. If this is your kind of dance party, Pianos is not to be missed on a Friday night.

The Studio at Webster Hall
125 E 11th St (between 3rd Ave. and 4th Ave.), Manhattan
Web site

Webster Hall is not just known for its crazy club nights anymore. For those looking for an intimate show or to see up and coming bands, head to the Studio, located in the Hall’s basement. Showcasing touring bands of punk rock, indie pop, and straight up rock and roll genres, The Studio offers cheap tickets to small shows. It’s a perfect space to share the spotlight with bands both old and new.

Not to be overshadowed by its upstairs neighbor, The Studio serves up the ultimate acoustics in sound and lighting to maximize performances that challenge the line between audience and performers. Don’t be surprised if the lead singer himself crawls down from the stage and into the crowd to sing the words with you!

Mercury Lounge
217 E Houston St. (between Ave. A and Essex St.), Manhattan
Web site

The Mercury Lounge is the Lower East Side’s quintessential dive bar slash music venue. It’s a staple for seeing energetic live rock shows at a cheap price. Centrally located on Houston Street with doors that stay open until 3 a.m., the Mercury Lounge welcomes established indie rockers and newcomers as part of its “Bowery Presents” music family.

Audiences can expect to take full advantage of happy hour specials, spacious floors, and rattling stage performances by some of the best new musicians in the biz. New York musicians often come out to support one another here too, so chances are you might run into a familiar face at a show.

Southpaw
125 5th Ave (near Sterling Pl.), Brooklyn
Web site

Southpaw is a neighborhood bar and concert hall in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Located on the ever-so-trendy Fifth Avenue, Brooklynites from all over flock here on the weekends for cheap cans of beer, old-school arcade games, and rock-and-roll décor.

This past month, Southpaw opened its doors to benefit concerts for fellow Brooklyn bloggers You Sing I Write and Brooklyn the Borough in support of local organizations and musicians. Also, on second Saturdays of the month, “Down South at Southpaw” has introduced a new series of dance parties for the LGBT community. With events like these, Southpaw continues to be an integral part of the Brooklyn music scene. Their upcoming calendar features music showcases, journalists, and special guests such as Talib Kweli, so be sure to grab a ticket soon!

Tea Lounge
837 Union St. (between 6th and 7th Ave.), Brooklyn
Web site

This Park Slope café house also doubles as a live music space, presenting free jazz series and pop/singer-songwriters each week. Set up as a cozy living room, patrons enjoy free Wi-Fi and café drinks as performances carry on, and other attendees mingle in around the bar area for a prime view. The atmosphere is pleasant, welcoming, and relaxed which makes for a special evening that both musicians and audiences can enjoy any night of the week. At the end of the night, a tip jar is passed around to encourage donations.

If you want a more upbeat show, check out their bar parties accompanied by live bands and DJs hosted by one of Tea Lounge’s own bartenders. The café stays open past its normal closing hours just for these shows, too!

About the author: Alisha Miranda is a certified Travel Geek. A lover of all things budget-friendly, she’s constantly in search of good food and drinks, and engaging cultures. She even managed to complete a trip to Spain for two weeks under $1500 all by herself. Previously the first lady of Sosauce, she continues to guest post for travel sites, and now is the Local Expert: New York for NileGuide. Keep up with her travels at http://thisisalisha.tumblr.com/travelgeek.

The post 5 Cheapo Music Venues in New York City appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.