Welcome to European travel at its most popular—and most frustrating.  And these most popular attractions only seem to get busier with each passing year, filling up with tourists even during the slower seasons.

But before you head back to your hotel to sip a bottle of wine in misery, take a deep breath and relax. Despite millions of other tourists descending upon the same museum, church or ruin every year, there are still ways to beat the crowds and save time in Europe.

Here are 10 insider tips to let you spend more time experiencing these sights—and less time experiencing the line.

9 tips to help you save time in Europe

Beat the crowds and get this incredible view when you visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening. Photo: Miguel Mendez

1. Eiffel Tower: Book in advance, and head up around dinner time

The Eiffel Tower sure is pretty to look at from a distance. During peak summer season, save time waiting in a ticket line by booking your Tower tickets in advance through the official Eiffel Tower website. (Careful — lots of ticket agencies would like to sell you more expensive versions of the same ticket. Buy yours directly from the Eiffel Tower website.)

To avoid the biggest crowds in high season, plan on an early or late dinner and schedule your Tower visit for 8 or 9 pm. Not only will you catch the sunset, but you’ll miss most of the other Paris lovers who will be out to dinner.

Related: Our favorite budget hotels near the Eiffel Tower

2. Louvre: Stay up late on Wednesdays & Fridays

On Wednesday and Friday the Louvre is open until 9:45 pm. We know it’s tempting to visit Mona early in the day when everyone’s fresh, but coming after dark means that you’ll miss the herds of school groups, extended families and tour groups that arrive around 10 a.m.

And no matter what time you come, enter through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance. Waiting to pass through security under the main pyramid is an unnecessary time waster.

Related: Read more Louvre tips | Favorite budget hotels near the Louvre

3. Anne Frank House: Get your tickets way in advance

There’s no way around it. If you just show up on a Saturday afternoon in summer expecting to saunter right into the Anne Frank House, you’re going to be disappointed. So many tourists in Amsterdam are shocked that you have to get tickets in advance. It is the only way to see the museum now. It’s too bad if you don’t get in as this is one of Europe’s most powerful experiences.

Just plan ahead and get your tickets in advance either two months in advance or the day of (if you’re lucky!). Check out our full guide to getting Anne Frank House tickets for all of the details.

Related: 32 recommended budget hotels in Amsterdam

Tourists mingling and waiting outside of St. Mark’s Basilica. Photo: Dennis Jarvis

4. St. Mark’s Basilica: Skip ahead with online booking

There’s almost always a line to get into this stunning church—no matter what time of year you visit. Entry can easily take 45 minutes or longer during high season. And since this ancient basilica is still used for services, avoid Sunday mornings during mass and major Christian holidays, unless you’re planning to attend the service.

You can book entry tickets directly online to save time during the busier months. Total cost: only €2! This service is available from 1st of April to 2nd November and is a small price to pay for saving so much time.

Related: More tips for visiting Venice’s attractions. | Our 23 best budget hotels in Venice

5. Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s basilica: Visit Tuesdays through Fridays

St. Peter’s basilica has been a destination for pilgrims for centuries, and Pope Francis’ new-found popularity is bringing in even bigger crowds. With so many attractions to see in one place, from the stunning basilica to the fascinating museums that draws up to 25,000 people a day, visiting the Vatican area can be a little overwhelming.

You can book museum tickets online, but the key here is coming mid-week. The weekends (especially Sundays of course!) and Mondays are the busiest, so try to plan your schedule around them. Then go first thing in the morning or after lunch around 3 pm. Late morning usually sees the biggest number of visitors.

Check out 9 other tips on beating the crowds at the Vatican (including our tip for the secret entry between the Vatican museum and St. Peter’s).

Related: More ways to save in Rome | 37 recommended budget hotels in Rome

Tour buses, lines and oh so many tourists are a common site at the Colosseum. Photo: Dzhingarova

6. Colosseum: Get up very early

The Colosseum can only hold 3,000 people at a time, so you can imagine the backups that can ensue on the busiest days. If you can actually pull yourself out of bed and be in line by 8:15 a.m., you will be in good shape to be one of the first to get through the doors when they open at 8:30 a.m. You can also book online, if you prefer to sleep in

Bonus Tip: Another way to save a couple of euros (and some time, too) is to avoid all of the costumed Roman soldiers and gladiators looking to separate you from a few of your euros for a cheesy photo op. (Unless, of course, you want an epic holiday card to send to Uncle Jack this year.)

7. British Museum: Research and come prepared

The Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone, Lewis Chessmen, Parthenon Sculptures… it’s like Humanity’s Greatest Hits, and it’s free to visit! Just know that it’s on every other tourist’s list, too. While you can choose to zip through the biggies in under 60 minutes (there really is a guide for that!), we prefer to take our time and soak it all in.

However, do a little prep work or you’ll be wandering around all day. To get a head start, spend some time in the museum’s online collection or listen to a great series of BBC podcasts “A History of the World in 100 Objects.” Figure out what sounds good, and make a plan. Research has never been so fun!

Related: Read all of our tips for the British Museum | Best budget hotels in London

8. Buckingham Palace: Book ahead in summer, guard yourself otherwise

There are royal palaces. And then there’s Buckingham Palace, which boasts 775 rooms that stretch over a football (that’s American football) field long. Not to mention the posh royal ceremonies or the official Throne Room. This is the real deal.

Buckingham Palace opens its doors to tourists every summer from late July through the end of September. You should book those tickets online well in advance.

Visiting around the holidays? Travelers can splurge for one of the palace’s exclusive private tours, available to small groups from December 11, 2015 – January 31, 2016. Ticket prices are a hefty £75 per person.

Looking for a touch of the Prince but the price of a pauper? Swing by to experience the changing of the Guard for free. It takes place at 11:30 a.m. — daily during the summer and alternating days off-season. (Check out this schedule for more info.)

Prepare to be awestruck at La Sagrada Familia. If you get up early and beat the crowds. Photo: Antonio Tajuelo

9. La Sagrada Familia: Arrive early or go to mass

Barcelona is a feast for fans of architecture and Gaudí, with Park Güell, several residences like Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia, all easily accessible within the city’s boundaries. But if you only have time to see one of his master creations, La Sagrad Familia is probably the best bet—as long as you hit the sack early the night before.

The church opens at 9 a.m. every day of the year (including Christmas and New Year’s), so early arrivals can get a jump on the crowds no matter what season they come. Admission will cost you more than a handful of euros, but even on our cheapo budget, we think it’s well worth it. You should also consider attending mass at the Sagrada Familia — it’s not just free, it’s a moving experience.

Related: Read all of our tips for La Sagrada Familia | Recommended budget hotels in Barcelona

Your tips

Have some additional ways to save time and money at any of these tops attractions? Did we overlook something big? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Secrets to saving time at Europe’s top attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Stay near Rome’s top attractions in clean, welcoming hotels that fit well within a tight budget. Just steps from some of the best spots in Rome, these hotels provide a comfortable home-base for Cheapos to retire to after long days of sight-seeing and exploring.

Budget hotels near Rome’s top attractions

Below are some of our favorite affordable hotels in Rome located near the Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peter’s and more. For more options, be sure to check out our entire list of budget hotels in Rome.

Related:
• 25 Free things to see and do in Rome
• 10 Easy ways to save on your next trip to Rome

Hotel Paba is just down the street from the Colosseum.

Near the Colosseum

Hotel Paba

Via Cavour 266
Neighborhood: Monti
Doubles starting at $80

You might not believe us when we say that you could have free breakfast delivered to your room every morning, plus amenities like air conditioning, TV, a kettle and free Wi-Fi — and perhaps even a balcony for a reasonable rate! Welcome to Hotel Paba. Add the sweet proprietor, Alberta, and a location just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, and you’ll be downright astonished.

Hotel Paba offers a great location, top-notch amenities and the family treatment to Cheapo guests. Read our full review here.

Relax in a modern room for a good price at Hotel Navona.

Near the Pantheon

Hotel Navona

Via Dei Sediari 8
Neighborhood: Pantheon-Piazza Navona
Doubles starting at $80

Wood-beam ceilings and exposed brick walls bring charm to Hotel Navona, one of the most centrally-located hotels in the city. Economy rooms offer a comfortable and clean cheapo stay, while those who are looking to splurge can upgrade to larger rooms.

Some rooms have balconies for those who want to watch pedestrians along the quiet Via Dei Sediari. When you want to check out the ancient Pantheon, it’s just a 3-minute walk away. Read more about Hotel Navona here.

We love the charming rooms at Hotel Boccacio.

Near the Spanish Steps

Hotel Boccaccio

Via Del Boccaccio 25
Neighborhood: Piazza di Spagna
Doubles starting at $83

If you’re looking for a family-run establishment on a quiet and charming cobblestone street near the Spanish Steps, look no further than the Hotel Boccaccio. The caring owner, Patty, takes great care of her guests and her hotel, making the Boccaccio one of our favorite hotels in Rome.

Antique furnishings and high ceilings bring elegance to the rooms, and the shared balcony is a great place to make friends with your fellow guests. Read the full review of Hotel Boccaccio here.

Spend a perfect morning in the lush breakfast garden at Hotel Modigliani.

Near the Trevi Fountain

Hotel Modigliani

Via Della Purificazione 42
Neighborhood: Piazza di Spagna
Doubles starting at $113

With a lovely garden, a lounge space for film screenings and a basement bar, the three-star Hotel Modigliani provides more than the average list of amenities in a prime location near the Trevi Fountain. The hotel walls are decorated with framed photographs taken by none other than the owner and former guests, meaning you can leave your mark on this hotel by sending in your own artistic shots of Rome.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Read more about Hotel Modigliani or book a room here.

More Rome budget hotel options

Looking for a hotel near an attraction not listed here? Search our comprehensive list of hotels by Roman landmark.

The post Our favorite budget hotels near Rome’s top attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So for anyone traveling with younger ones to Rome, what can the ancient city offer to keep everyone amused? Well, many things, as it turns out! Plus, many of the city’s kid-friendly attractions offer free admission to guests under 18.

Here are our top five ideas for visiting Rome with kids:

1. The Colosseum

Admission: €12; free for children under 18 (with ID)
Web site (in Italian)

With a history of gladiators, blood, exotic animals and vestal virgins, the Colosseum should get children’s imaginations running. (Did you know that during the opening ceremony over 5,000 wild beasts were slain and that crocodiles were brought to the 100-day event from all over the world to battle to the death? And what better way to rid yourselves of prisoners than get them to kill each other with ancient weapons in front of 80,000 spectators?)

Okay, so the fierce warriors and gory battles are no longer to be found, but a little story-telling and a gladiator costume or two go a long way in keeping the little ones amused.

2. Roman Bones, Ghosts and Ghouls at the Capuchin Crypt

Address: Santa Maria della Concezione Church, Via Veneto 27 (Barberini end)
Hours: 9 a.m-12 p.m. and 3 p.m.-6 p.m., closed Thursdays
Admission: By donation, with a minimum of €1
Web site

Prepare to be spooked at the sight of thousands of skulls and bones artfully arranged in the Capuchin Crypt under the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappucini Church. Five vaulted chapels are filled with the remains of Capuchin Friars, with about 4,000 skeletons total. You’ll find complete skeletons (with skin) as well as lampshades, fireplaces and artwork made of bones. Go on, if you dare…

3. Castel Sant’Angelo

Address: Lungotevere Castello 50 (just next to Piazza Cavour and the Vatican)
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday); closed on Mondays
Admission: €8; reduced entrance fee for visitors under 18
Web site

Made famous in the film Angels and Demons when Tom Hanks ran through the Papal corridor, the Castel Sant’Angelo has passages, stairways, cannons and ramparts that are just waiting to be explored. The castle offers a magnificent view over the Tiber River and the Vatican, so children won’t be the only ones eager to explore its ancient secrets.

4. The Time Elevator Experience

Address: Via SS Apostoli, 20
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily
Admission: €9 (adults); and €7 (children under 12)
Web site

This virtual ride brings the story of Ancient Rome to life—beginning with the dinosaurs and culminating in a five-dimensional journey through time and space. The 180-degree screen, moving platforms, flight simulators and 3D effects are guaranteed to entertain both adults and children.

This is not the cheapest option in town (especially as the film is not that long), but check to see if your hotel reception offers discount vouchers.

5. Climbing St. Peter’s Dome

Admission: €6 (stairs); €7 (using the elevator)
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (April-September); 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (October-March)
Web site

Racing up the twisting spiral staircases to the top of the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica should tire the little ones out. (There’s an option to take an elevator to the roof if you feel short on youthful energy.)

The Dome was designed by Michelangelo, and there is a total of 330 steps to get to the top. During part of the climb, you have to walk on a slanted platform to accommodate the Dome’s sloping walls. Stagger to the top for a well-deserved rest.

The post Rome: Top 5 kid-friendly attractions in Rome appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.