If you’re thinking of making a day trip from London, you have several options, from using a tour company to going on your own. We’ll help you get there, book your admission tickets, tell you how to get up close to the stones, and save a few British pounds along the way.

The cheapest ways to visit Stonehenge

Basics

Address: Wiltshire, England (8 miles north of Salisbury)

Admission: £17.50 (advance booking required)

Hours:
March 16 – May 31: 9:30 am to 7 pm
June 1  – August 31: 9 am to 8 pm
September 1 – October 15: 9:30 am to 7 pm
October 16 – March 15: 9:30 am to 5 pm

What exactly will you see?

Ancient Stonehenge is a mixture of constructions from different periods: an outer circle bank and ditch, and an inner circle of stones, and the distinctive Stone Circle itself, assembled around 2,500 BC. It’s been estimated that it would have taken around 600 people to carry each of these stones (in contrast to the Spinal Tap version!).

No one knows why these stones were assembled like this, but there are all sorts of theories, from it being for healing, burial, or astronomy — along with a few UFO conspiracies thrown in for good measure.

Yes, you will stand behind a rope with many other tourists, unless you get a special after-hour access pass. Photo: Adam P

To protect the site, there’s a rope between visitors and the stones (unless you apply for “special access” or visit at equinox — see below for details on both), but a new visitor center (opened in 2013) provides context to how these stones have been viewed over their thousands of years of history.

Should you go?

Visiting Stonehenge is an easy day trip from London. But, even with the tips below, it’s not super cheap. Furthermore, some visitors are slightly disappointed when they see the stones in real life — mainly becaus ofe the fact that it’s a busy tourist sight can kill the mystical atmosphere somewhat.

Bearing this in mind, I still find it to be a very special place to visit. Even without knowing why it was made, it’s amazing to realize that you’re standing somewhere that has symbolized so much to so many different people over thousands of years, and that it still has secrets waiting to be discovered.

Stonehenge is located southwest of London.

Getting there by coach: The cheapest option

By far the cheapest way to visit Stonehenge from London using public transportation is to go by coach. There are lots of competitive offers for these organized bus tours. Premium is the cheapest coach I’ve found, offering a half-day trip to Stonehenge — including entrance fees — for £53 (£43 ages 3-16). They, like many other tour companies, also offer the visit in a combination trip that also includes visiting Oxford and Bath. This would make for a really busy day but could be worth it if you don’t have much time to spend in the UK.

There is always competitive pricing between coaches, but be sure to check the small print carefully when deciding, and note that some of the coach tours don’t actually include the Stonehenge entrance ticket in their price.

What if I want to make my own way?

It is possible to get to Stonehenge independently, but it can be more expensive and also requires a bit of planning. Read on…

Ticket options

First, you need to book your ticket before you set out for the site. Entrance tickets for adults are £17.50 and must be purchased in advance.

Free admission: Members of English Heritage and National Trust (the national organizations that help manage the site) get in free with their annual membership. At £49 or £58 a year respectively, it’s probably not worth it unless you are a history buff planning on hanging around the UK for a while.

However, an English Heritage overseas visitors pass might be worth it. At £33-35 (depending on the time of year) for nine days, it allows free entry to many of the different historic properties managed by the organization, including Stonehenge.

One of the Stonehenge buses you can take from Salisbury. Photo: Ed Webster

Getting there by train, bus & taxi

To get there using public transportation from London, you’ll first need to book a train to Salisbury and then take a bus or taxi to the site. The train is about a two-hour journey from London’s Waterloo station and will cost about £25-40 per person depending on the date and time of day (book online in advance at thetrainline.com for the best deals).

However, that only gets you to Salisbury, and Stonehenge is located about eight miles away in an isolated spot. The easiest way to make this journey is by bus — the Stonehenge bus costs £15 (entry not included) or for £36.50 you’ll get the transport from Salisbury plus entry to Stonehenge and Old Sarum, a former Iron Age hill fort that was the original site of Salisbury.

If your group includes four or more people, it might be cheaper to share a taxi from Salisbury instead.

Walking is possible, but you need to cross a really busy road en route. If you want to follow in the steps of our ancestors and arrive on foot, see details here for a five-mile circular walk.

In short, this train-and-bus combo (plus ticket price!) all adds up to a more expensive trip than the coach option, and it includes a lot of pre-planning. But Salisbury also has a lovely cathedral, so if you do want to travel independently, it may be worth considering spending a night there instead of heading straight back to London.

Related: Search for cheap hotels in Salisbury

Getting there by car

If you plan to rent a car in the UK, then you don’t have to worry about the bus or train schedules at all. Stonehenge is located about 85 miles southwest of central London and could take two to three hours to make the drive (more during rush hour).

Stonehenge offers free parking for ticket holders on the grounds next to the visitor center. From there, you can catch a 10-minute shuttle ride (frequent departures) that takes you right up to the stones. If you want a little more fresh air, you can also get off the shuttle early, and walk halfway to the site.

Check out this handy map to see the layout of the facilities.

Getting up close to the Stones

During normal visiting hours, you have to view the stones from behind ropes. However, it is possible to get “special access” to go beyond the ropes, when visitors are restricted to only 30 at a time. You can arrange this through coach companies (for a premium price) or book it yourself (using the form here), although you’ll need to apply well in advance.

Remember that if visiting outside normal visitor hours, there will be no access to visitor facilities, including the gift shop and visitor center, and no hot tea after you’ve been out looking at the stones (so wrap up warm!). But that might make the whole experience even more special.

The Solstices: Free admission for all

Another option for visitors looking for easier access to the Stone Circle is to visit on the summer and winter solstices in late June and late December. On these dates, everyone is free to gather at the stones and communally witness the sunset and sunrise. This draws an eclectic mix of pagans, druids, and those who just like to celebrate this freedom. In the summer it can see crowds of up to 35,000 — another reason to work out how you’re getting there well in advance!

Your tips

Have you been to Stonehenge? What are your tips for doing it on the cheap?

The post Budget tips for visiting Stonehenge from London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

An old royal town, the chateau of Saint Germaine en Laye was the residence of a variety of French monarchs from the Middle Ages up until the French Revolution. Louis XIV, the French monarch known as “The Sun King,” was also born within this chateau’s many rooms.

Nowadays visitors can tour the royal Gothic chapel and wander around the gardens. The chateau itself has been since converted into the National Archeology Museum (Musée d’Archeologie Nationale), but it is no less interesting. The museum features a sprawling collection of antiquities from France, from the pre-historic period up to the early Middle Ages. One of the most fascinating pieces is la Dame de Brassempouy, a 25,000-year-old ivory statue that is one of the earliest representations of a human face ever found by archaeologists.

While a ticket to see the chapel and the archaeology exhibition is €7, this museum, like many in the Paris region, is free the first Sunday of every month. But because it’s out in the suburbs, unlike many Parisian museums, it doesn’t get nearly as crowded.

Logistics

Travel time:
30 minutes from central Paris

How to get there:
Take the RER A to Saint Germain en Laye.

Travel cost:
€4 one-way from Paris RER station Chatelet Les Halles.

Other day trips

This is just one of our recommended day trips from our guide to “Fantastic Day Trips less than an Hour from Paris”. Click below to read more:

• The Saint Denis Cathedral and market

• Chateau de Vincennes and Parc Floral

• Chateau Malmaison

• Parc de Sceaux

• Island of the Impressionists

• Saint Maur des Fossés

• Drink, dance and boat along the River Marne

The post Saint Germain en Laye: Paris Day Trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The city is very walkable, so don’t stress about spending money on transport around town. Another bonus is that most of the city’s attractions are free, and wandering the city itself is probably first on the to-do list.

Related: 5 Easy and affordable day trips from Amsterdam | A budget guide to Haarlem, Netherlands

Here are some of our best tips for saving on your trip to Utrecht.

Getting there

A roundtrip ticket from Amsterdam Central Station is €14.80 and takes about a half hour each way. And prepare yourself for a busy scene upon arrival: Utrecht Central Station is the busiest and largest station in the country, because it’s a giant train hub.

The station is also connected to a large and somewhat confusing shopping center (parts of which seem to always be under construction), Hooog Catharijne. With more than 200 food joints and stores, however, it’s certainly convenient. Leaving your train, you’ll probably pass through the maze of a mall — stay calm and follow the signs that say “Centrum”. You’ll escape in no time.

Free attractions in Utrecht

Domkerk
Achter de Dom 1
Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. high season, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. low season

Once you’ve exited the mall madness, spot the giant church tower against the skyline and head that direction to get to the heart of Utrecht. The Domkerk is a mammoth cathedral with grand lancet windows, among other crowning achievements of Gothic architecture.

The 14^th Century tower, located across from the cathedral’s front door, reaches more than 350 feet into the sky. Entry to the church is free, but you’ll need to pay €9 to climb the 465 steps to the top of the tower (reserve at the information center next to the tower). A massive storm destroyed much of the church’s middle section in the 17^th Century, and today it stands in two parts with a well-kept courtyard to wander through. The church is really the landmark of Utrecht, so don’t miss it.

Willibrordkerk
Minrebroederstraat 21
Tues. – Sat. 11 a.m.-  5 p.m.

Willibrordkerk is a hidden gem of a church in the heart of Utrecht. Once you locate its unassuming entrance, head inside, as it’s much bigger and impressive than its exterior might lead you to believe. The Neo-Gothic architecture is complimented by a wrapping of colorful and glittering painted patterns on its arched walls, columns, brilliant ceiling, and floor.

Bloemenmarkt
Janskerkhof
Saturdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

If visiting Utrecht on a Saturday, you’ll have the fortune of experiencing the town’s flower market (Bloemenmarkt). While Amsterdam’s flower market is dominated by tourists and tulip bulbs, the selections in Utrecht have space to show off their blooming, brilliant colors and sweet scents. Free and fabulous for photo ops, it’s worth tiptoeing through these tulips.

Museums

We wouldn’t put any of Utrecht’s museums on the must-see list, especially if you’ll be spending time at the biggies in Amsterdam. However, if your cultural cranium is hungry for a little bit of arts and history, the Centraal Museum is a mish-mash of old and modern art, with a focus on iconic Rietveld contemporary design and passing exhibitions.

Music buffs and historians shouldn’t miss the impressive collection of antique organs, squeeze boxes, and more at the National Musical Box and Street Organ Museum (Nationaal museum van Speelklok tot Pierement).

And the Railway Museum (Het Spoorwegmuseum) is always a hit with kids or any amateur conductors.

Food, nightlife and entertainment

Grabbing a drink along the canal is an Utrecht tradition. Photo: mikecogh

Oudegracht Canal wharfs
Wijnlokaal Aal (Oudegracht 159D)
Chez Willy (Oudegracht 73)
Den Draeck (Oudegracht 114-122)

Much like in Amsterdam, canals wind through Utrecht, creating a city of small bridges and photo ops. However, unlike in Amsterdam, along Utrecht’s central Oudegracht canal the old wharves (and cellars of canal-side factories and mansions) have been transformed into cafes and restaurants with picturesque waterside terraces. Wander the canals and find a terrace that makes you thirsty.

Café Olivier
Achter Clarenburg 6

A great and unique place for a few beer rounds with the locals is Café Olivier. This Belgian beer bar is housed inside a former hidden Catholic church, and its interior is impressively preserved from the 1800s. You’ll find high ceilings, old wooden décor, and a full lunch and dinner menu. Look for it just outside the train station (the entrance is to the left).

Stadskasteel Oudean
Oudegracht 99

Looking for another interesting dinner and drinks option? How about inside a 13th-century medieval castle? The Stadskasteel Oudean is located in the city center, so it’s got it all: canal views, outside terrace, its own brewery, and massive Medieval dining areas.

Cheapo food favorites

The great news for budget travels in Utrecht is that this college town offers an endless supply of food outlets catering to student budgets. While the options are seemingly endless, check out:

• Grand Café Lebowski (Domplein 17 ) has great hearty food and snacks in a restaurant resembling an American hunting club.

• Kimmade (Mariastraat 2) gets great ratings because their Vietnamese food is cheap, fresh and flavorful.

• Meneer Smakers (Nobelstraat 143) is a trendy favorite for towering New York-style burgers served with crispy fries.

Live entertainment

Tivoli is an independent music business that books most of the concerts in town at one of their two locations. From pop to classical and family friendly events, check the site to see what’s on when planning a night out in Utrecht. Depending on the program, admission can be very budget friendly.

Otherwise the Stadsschouwburg theater is where locals go for performance and dance.

Hotel Admiraal is a 10-minute walk from the city center with balcony rooms and modern touches. Photo: Booking.com

Affordable lodging

Generally speaking, the hotels in Utrecht are quite a bit more affordable than those in Amsterdam. This not only makes it a great overnight option for travelers looking to trim their budgets a bit, bit it also makes it an attractive alternative to Amsterdam’s hotel scene. As it’s only 30 minutes by train to Amsterdam’s Central Station, you could easily sleep in Utrecht and “commute in” every day to visit Amsterdam. (The same can be said for Haarlem.)

Search hotels in Utrecht.

Your Utrecht budget tips?

Have a tip for ways to save in Utrecht? Share with us below in the comments section!

The post A budget guide to Utrecht, Netherlands appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It also makes an excellent destination for budget travelers. It has historic streets galore, impressive Gothic architecture, and plenty of free attractions to keep you busy. Plus, if you have the Amsterdam City Card, entry to a few Haarlem museums are now included. There are also lots of affordable restaurants and tons of fun shopping options.

Best of all, adorable and quaint Haarlem is just a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central station, making it an easy day trip, overnight, or affordable home base for those visiting Amsterdam by day. Some tourists just come for its lower-priced hotels and quiet vibe, then commute by train into “the city” in the morning and evening.

Getting there

The train from Amsterdam Central station is the simplest way to Haarlem, with frequent trips every 10 or 15 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost about €8.20.

Beach Tip: For an extra special getaway, buy a round-trip from Amsterdam to Zandvoort aan Zee for €10.80. This North Sea beach destination is a mere 10 minutes more from Haarlem. Trains go either direct from Amsterdam Central, or include a change in Haarlem. Spend a day in the two areas by starting with a morning beach session and ending with an evening around town. If plans change on the fly, bus No. 81 rides from Haarlem Central to Zandvoort aan Zee in half an hour for about €3.

Related: Pros and cons of the Amsterdam & Region Day Ticket

Catch a ride into town (or just rent your own!). Photo: chelmsfordblue

Things to do in Haarlem

Getting to Haarlem’s center is a 10-minute walk from the station. Exit the bus station side (look for the Starbucks), and head down either Kruisweg or Jansstraat. Either choice spits you right out at the Grote Markt.

Strolling the historic streets and gardens

Jansstraat is lined with enough impressive 17th- and 18th-century homes and buildings to be deemed one of the city’s historic streets. Be sure to check out the 12th-century Janskerk (Jansstraat 40) and St. Barbara women’s hospital, which dates from the 1430s (Jansstraat 54).

Additionally, Bakenessergracht and Spaarne, which run along the river toward the Adriaan Windmill, are two more notable historic streets that are worth a wander. Throughout the city you’ll notice small courtyards around private houses and old buildings. There are “hofjes”, or small gardens, and are open to the public for free to peruse and admire the peaceful vibe and greenery.

Kruisweg is a shopping street full of bakeries and boutiques. Grab some fries at the organic potato shack Friethoes (Kruisweg 43).

Corrie Ten Boom house (free)

Most notably, Kruisweg leads to the home of the Corrie Ten Boom House – a family that helped hide and protect more than 800 Jews during the Nazi Occupation, until they were betrayed in 1944. Named after the family’s only survivor, the home is now a free museum, much like the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, where visitors can walk through the home and hiding areas that resemble its time during the Occupation.

Grote Markt is the center of Haarlem where tourists and locals mix. Photo: zemistor

Main square: Grote Markt

The heart of Haarlem, the central market square (“Grote Markt”), is topped by the massive 15th-century Gothic-style Grote Kerk. It’s only €2 to go inside and admire the soaring stained glass windows, graves in the walls, and the gigantic 18th-century St. Bravo Organ.

This bustling open square is lined with other attractions, including the De Hallen Museum of contemporary art, cafes and restaurants (most featuring “tourist prices”).

The Grote Kerk’s St. Bavo organ is a stunner. Photo: bertknot

Archeological museum (free)

Haarlem’s Archeological Museum is located in the celler of Grote Markt’s 17th-century Vleeshaal (meat hall), and is a small museum exhibiting amazing archeological finds discovered throughout Haarlem, some of which date as far back as the Stone Age (4,000 years ago).

Shopping in Haarlem

Shopping is huge in Haarlem, with dozens of independent shops that range from toy stores to department towers. For fun browsing, try visiting the Grote Market on a Saturday, when the square is overtaken by the farmer’s market or Monday’s clothing market.

The main shopping streets include most of the walkways between Gedeempty Oudegracht and the Spaarne River: Barteljorisstraat, Zijlstraat, Gierstraat and Grote Houtstraat, to name a few. Sales are common (and dangerous!), and most accept credit cards.

Eating and drinking in Haarlem

Looking for a terrace to grab a bite with a view? Try the Botermarkt Square, a quaint alternative to the Grote Market, with slightly cheaper drinks and snacks. It’s also a bit more lively, as the locals prefer the more snug and cozy setting.

Nothing compares to the Jopen microbrewery and restaurant that’s housed in the Jopenkerk church. Choose from more than a dozen beers on tap and bottle, plus feast on snacks like homemade fried bitterballen with homemade mustard that (ordered by the piece, €1 each). The lunch menu is decently-priced; expect a beer and burger for about €10.

Also nearby is Woodstone Pizza and Wine (pizzas around €9), but the real cheapo winners are the authentic Crostino Gelateria, and the massive Albert Hein grocery store with its ready-to-eat salads, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, and more.

The best sandwich shop hands down is Baguetterie Vlaar, a small nook with fresh cheeses and veggies on soft baguettes starting at €2. The corner department store V&D has a gourmet lunch canteen upstairs on the top floor called La Place (Grote Houtstraat 70). Fruit smoothies, stir fry, salad bar, you name it – all affordable and freshly prepared. To compliment the food, the seating area offers spectacular rooftop views of Haarlem.

Near Grote Markt, Sumo (Riviervismarkt 11) is a well-known Japanese place that offers an all-you-can-eat philosophy. For two hours patrons can stuff their faces with dozens of rolls and Japanese-style tapas, like grilled salmon and shrimp tempura. Lunch starts at €19.50 per person, dinner €24.50, excluding drinks.

Music and nightlife

Going out in Haarlem is a blast for those who enjoy taverns and live gigs. For brown cafes, try the authentic Dutch hotspot In de Uiver just off Grote Markt (Riviervismarkt 13). Belgian beer lovers and pub food goers should try the friendly and atmospheric Café Bruxelles (Lange Wijngaardstraat 16).

Vinos will want to check out the retro chic Vigh (Grote Markt 4), but the glasses start at €5. A top choice for a summer spot on the cheap is the city beach bar and food bungalow De Oerkap (Harmenjansweg 95). A hangout spot with a waterfront view, plus sand and beach chairs for catching sun after work, this is really a local’s bar with a location (literally) on the other side of the train tracks, but it’s worth the trip. Snacks and sandwiches start around €4, and pizza is €10.

The main concert hall is the Patronaat (Zijlsingel 2), a big music hall bringing acts from Pink Martini to Pharcyde and Counting Crows. Next door, the Patronaat café has a smaller stage with local gigs that are more on the pop and jazzy side. For a jazz and blues hangout, musicians and locals hang at the small brown bar and jazz club Café Steils (Smedestraat 21) near Grote Markt.

The family-run Amadeus Hotel is a top pick for budget stays in Haarlem. Photo: Booking.com

Affordable hotels in Haarlem

Compared to pricey Amsterdam, Haarlem offers a great hotel bang for your buck. Several affordable hotels are located right in the middle of town, including the Amadeus Hotel, located directly on Grote Markt, with rates as low as €60. From modern boutiques to charming old-world guesthouses, you can search here to see availability for over 100 Haarlem hotels.

Haarlem also makes a suitable alternative for a home base if the best budget Amsterdam hotels are filled up. Remember, Amsterdam is only 20 minutes away by train!

The post A guide to visiting Haarlem, Netherlands on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

There’s a lot to discover during 48 hours in Hamburg—let’s get to it!

Saturday

9:00 AM: Hamburg’s most popular attraction

Beat the crowds by showing up early at Miniatur Wunderland, the model railway display to end all model railway displays. This  incredibly detailed model world is the city’s most visited spot, and attracts over 1 million people a year. Plan at least two hours to take in all the intricate details in this magical attraction. (For much more about this, including a video, check out our previous post on the wonders of Miniatur Wunderland.)

11:00 AM: Quick tour of the warehouse district

Meander over the bridges and through the alleyways of the Speicherstadt, the brick waterfront warehouse district where Miniatur Wunderland is located. These modest facades now store the world’s largest selection of Persian-style carpets, as rug dealers fleeing Afghanistan with their inventories in the wake of recent wars have joined the Iranians long resident here.

11:30 AM: Strolling through Deichstrasse & Michel

Cross back over to the city and stroll through the Deichstrasse on your way to the Michel (also known as St. Michael’s Church), which has become one of the symbols of Hamburg. The Deichstrasse is Hamburg’s oldest street; its half-timbered houses are the only ones that survived the fire of 1842, which broke out at its northern end.

12:00 PM: Concert and a view from the church tower

The Michel holds a short prayer service, followed by an organ concert, daily at noon. Entrance to the gorgeous yet understated church is free, but you’ll want to pay for a ticket to climb the Michel’s tower (€4) to get the best views over the entire city. Because the tower also has an elevator, this is a fantastic option for those with limited mobility or traveling with children.

1:30 PM: Lunch in Schanze & Karo

Walk along the Ludwig-Erhard-Strasse and Millerntordamm until you reach U3-St. Pauli. From here, you can catch the subway two stops northward to Sternschanze, where you can grab lunch at your restaurant or cafe of choice in the unique Schanze- and Karovierteln. Not sure where to go? You can check out recommendations for the area here.

Note: If you’re inspired by the picks in that article and would like to do some shopping in these neighborhoods, note that Saturday is the only day to do so, as stores in Germany are generally closed Sundays. The area’s many unique shops offer a full afternoon’s worth of happy perusing, as well as plenty of cafes to grab a seat for relaxing and soaking up the neighborhood. It’s easy to tack on the following ferry ride at the end of your shopping, or, if you prefer, to your Sunday afternoon.

3:00 PM: Ride a ferry across the Elbe

Head down to Landungsbrücken and hop on the Cheapo harbor cruise (okay, it’s a ferry) plying the Elbe River to Finkenwerder and back (#62, departures every 15 minutes). The city’s ferries are the same price as a regular public transportation ticket; if you’re getting around town with a day ticket or HamburgCard, you ride for free. Plan at least one hour for your round-trip ride.

3:45 PM: Cafe break along the harbor

Depart the ferry at Neumühlen/Övelgönne for an afternoon refreshment break. Exit the ferry platform area and walk westward toward the sand beach. Take off your shoes and keep strolling westward on the beach; you’ll eventually reach the classic Strandperle beach cafe, an excellent spot to enjoy a beer or coffee while soaking up the sun and some of the best atmosphere Hamburg’s harbor has to offer.

4:45 PM: Back to Landungsbrücken before a night on the town

Pick up the ferry again and head back to Landungsbrücken. From here it’s a quick hop on the S-Bahn to Altona train station, where you can pick up picnic ingredients at Lidl (the discount grocery store) and start our Cheapo’s night out in Hamburg itinerary! This plan guides you through some of the best and most affordable of Hamburg’s night life, with options for both early birds and night owls.

Sunday

Breakfast at the Fischmarkt

The morning begins with breakfast at the Fischmarkt, either 5:00 AM for true night owls or 8:00 AM for the early birds (although the earlier you can plan to be here, the more fun you’ll have at the Fischmarkt). Night owls will want to head back to their hotel and sleep it off—they can simply push the following itinerary back as necessary.

The dramatic Dockland building has a rooftop terrace open to the public. Tobias Mandt

9:00 AM: Climb up a rooftop terrace for free

From the Fischmarkt, take the ferry one stop westward to Dockland/Fischereihafen. Climb the outdoor steps of the ship-shaped Dockland office building for a fantastic (and free!) view of Hamburg’s harbor from the building’s modern rooftop terrace. 

9:30 AM: Fun boat trip

Catch the ferry back to Landungsbrücken, then take the S-Bahn eastward to Jungfernstieg. From here, you can hop on the Alster boat trip of your choice: the Alsterkreuzfahrt (€12, departs quarter past every hour, 2-hour round trip) and Alsterrundfahrt (€14.50, departs every half hour, 1-hour round trip – limited service also in winter) are crowd pleasers, aren’t too long and are relatively inexpensive. With the former, it’s possible to disembark 1-2 stops before arriving at Jungfernstieg, if you’d like to enjoy a stroll along the Alster shoreline.

11:15 AM: Explore city hall

Make your way to Hamburg’s Rathaus (city hall), an impressive neo-renaissance structure finished just before the turn of the 20th century. In order to see the highlights of the interior, you’ll need to join an English-language tour, offered at a quarter past every hour (between 10 AM and 4 PM Sundays) for just €4.

12:00 PM: Meal break in Sternschanze

From the U3-Rathaus station, catch the subway to Sternschanze for brunch or lunch. Early birds or night owls who didn’t make it there the night before might head to Erikas Eck for gigantic portions of German classics (not the best option for vegetarians).

1:30 PM: Relax in a botanical garden or museum

Spend the afternoon lost in Hamburg’s lovely Planten un Blomen park. There are numerous gardens to explore, a free “old” botanical garden (open Sundays from 10 AM to 5:45 PM in summer, 3:45 PM in winter), water-spray games that are fun for kids and adults alike, regular concerts and events (check the schedule here), and even surprises like a radio-controlled boat rally! If you missed it on Saturday, catch the water organ concert at 2, 4 or 6 PM.

If the weather’s bad, a trip to one of Hamburg’s many excellent museums might be in order. You can find a basic list (in German) of all current exhibitions on in the city here. Further information in English can be found on each museum’s website.

Final bite before heading home

Before catching your train onward or to the airport, stop by Lades, just a short walk from Hamburg’s main train station, for some of Hamburg’s best Döner Kebap (under €4) or rotisserie chicken and sides (under €6) and many varieties of tea on offer for just €1. If you’re spending the evening, try the Flammkuchen at Jimmy Elsass (open from 6 PM Sundays).

The post Weekend in Hamburg: A budget-friendly itinerary appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Before you start rolling your eyes, know that in 2013, nearly 15 million visitors thought it was worth it to make the trip. So let’s not rule it out immediately.

And it’s not just the French who go. The Brits made up 14% of the travelers, with 8% from Spain and 6% from the Netherlands. Some 9% came from outside of Europe.

Related: 8 Fantastic day trips from Paris by train

Who should go?

If you’re a Disney fan, and you’ve already been up the Eiffel Tower and to the Louvre, you don’t need to feel entirely guilty about going to Disneyland Paris.

I first went as a study abroad student after months of “immersing myself.” When another American friend came to visit from Italy, we hightailed it to Disney, shamelessly, and had a fun day. It was quirky and brainless.

And a day trip there is a bit unnerving, and surprisingly novel, especially if you like—or even love—Disney. It is a weird European version of the Orlando or Anaheim versions, where Mickey speaks French, Minnie speaks English and workers come from across the EU.

That pirate has an Italian accent? Right. And look! There’s Ariel… speaking with an Irish accent!

The attractions are largely the same, though some like Crush’s Coaster featuring characters from “Finding Nemo” and this year’s debut of Remy’s Adventure, inspired by “Ratatouille”, are uniquely French.

But don’t fret: Favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain are still there. And “It’s a Small World” gets into the heads of Europeans just as irritatingly as in the US.

The bottom line is this: If you want to go to Disneyland Paris, go. I’ve never heard of anyone regretting it. But know what you’re doing so you don’t end up spending a fortune.

Getting there

Depending on where you’re staying in Paris, you’ll have to get the RER A train out there, so prepare for a few euros (€15 round trip from the station “Nation”) to hike out to Marne-la-Vallée.

And check the times: the park closes at different times throughout the year. If you aren’t staying at the resort, make sure the trains are still running when you plan on leaving—or else prepare for a €100 euro taxi ride.

Tickets

You might be able to score a deal on tickets on a site like BilletReduc. Otherwise, tickets start at around €45 through the Disneyland website, depending on the day and time of year.

Note that the park is divided into two sections, the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios. You can easily explore both in one day, so think about that when buying your ticket, as they offer options for one park or two.

Food

If you want to save a few euros while you’re there, do yourself a few favors. Pack a lunch and some snacks. While some of us just binge on the candy that is found in nearly every boutique in the park, it might be nice to have a sandwich handy. The food at the parks isn’t insanely expensive, but it’s not exciting, so saddle someone with a backpack and head to the bakery or supermarket before leaving Paris.

It may be Disneyland, but you’re still in in France after all—there’s no reason to sacrifice good food.

What do you think?

Have you visited Disneyland Paris? Did you think it was worth it? Would you go again? Have thoughts about whether or not to go? Share with us in the comments section!

The post Should you visit Disneyland Paris? Some thoughts on a Goofy day trip… appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Nestled into the Eastern edge of France just a short drive from the German border, Strasbourg has traditionally been known as le carrefour de l’Europe (the crossroads of Europe). With a rich and fascinating past, tremendous political importance, a charming old town, and delightful gastronomy, Strasbourg is an underrated city to say the least. What’s more, you can get a feel for French and German culture without the financial stress of Paris or overwhelming size of Berlin. So why not stop here for a day during your Euro travels?

I recently spent a day in Strasbourg while in transit between Paris and Germany. With a huge train station serving both France and Germany, it seems I was not the only one in town for a layover. Luckily, you can easily leave your luggage at the consigne (luggage storage) for €4 a day. After you shed those burdensome suitcases, you can enjoy all that Strasbourg has to offer, the cheapo way.

Plus, you can save more money and extend your stay by checking out some of our favorite cheap hotels in Strasbourg.

Head from the station to “La Petite France”

Just a five minute walk from the train station lies La Petite France, Strasbourg’s adorable old town with a medieval feel and a winding canal. If you’re like me, you’ll immediately want to sit and have a coffee and perhaps a light breakfast after your train ride. Grab a seat at La Tinta Cafe, a charming little spot on the canal with a literature theme. They have tartines and patisseries to satisfy your hunger. But don’t stuff yourself at breakfast—Strasbourg is all about the deliciously savory and filling meals to be enjoyed later in the afternoon.

Take a stroll along the canal to digest and take in the beautiful scenery which is a strangely lovely mixture of French and German influence.

Visit La Cathédrale Notre Dame

After your light meal and walk, you’ll find yourself in the center of the city, where you can’t miss the stunning Cathedral that dates back to 1439. It will simply take your breath away. In my humble opinion, it trumps the Notre Dame of Paris by miles—it has all the ostentatious beauty and impressive history, without the annoying lines or tourist groups.

Take a peak inside for free, and if it’s hot outside, you might want to linger for awhile as the stone exterior makes for quite a cool interior.

Time for flammkuchen

Hungry again? It’s about time you tried Flammkuchen (tarte flambée in French, though you will usually see it written in German). This is a wildly delicious dish that is very typical of the Alsace region. The basic Flammkuchen consists of thin, rectangular dough upon which a creamy, buttery mixture is spread and topped with caramelized onions and bits of bacon.

You can find this sort of dish anywhere at varying prices, but I recommend heading to Le Flam’s, where you can get all-you-can-eat Flammkuchen for only €12, or a single Flammkuchen for €5.60. Wow!

Take a break in the Jardin de l’Orangerie

Like most French cities, Strasbourg has an amazing amount of green space. The Jardin de l’Orangerie is a particularly beautiful spot to go for a walk or relax. It shares a designer with Versailles, so you can imagine how gorgeous and intricate it is. In the summertime, you can even row boats on the lake. Got kids? There’s even a mini-zoo.

To get there from the center of Strasbourg, you can either navigate your way through the cheap and efficient tram system, or grab a bike from the rental system, VélHop for the bargain price of €1/hr, or €5/day.

Sip an aperitif by the canal

With my train departing at 7 PM, I had time for one last drink to reflect on a wonderful day spent wandering around Strasbourg. If you’ve got a train to catch, you’ll probably want to head back towards the station. Why not stop back in Petite France for a traditional Alsace beer? I recommend La Corde à Linge, a modern and inviting restaurant with a grand terrace in a courtyard overlooking the canal. Here, you can grab a pint for around €5, or, like me, sip some Ricard for only €3.80.

After a well-spent day in Strasbourg, you’ll be ready and invigorated to continue your trip in France, Germany, or wherever you may be heading. Having spent less than €25 to discover the best Alsace has to offer, your wallet will thank you!

The post How to spend the perfect day in Strasbourg (for less than €25!) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And they may be even more surprised, if they take time to explore small villages of the region, to hear that the locals are not speaking German at all, but rather a Slavic language.

A stateless nation

The Sorbian population of eastern Saxony, in and around the town that German speakers call Bautzen and Sorbs call Budysin, is one of Europe’s most distinctive cultural and linguistic minorities—a nation in search of wider recognition. It is one of many such minorities featured in the Atlas of Stateless Nations in Europe. The European Union is more than merely the sum of its 28 member states, and the atlas (published by the boldly innovative Welsh publisher Y Lolfa) is a brilliant panorama of cultures and groups that are hardly visible in the normal political configuration of Europe. The book sweeps from Sorbs to Sami, from Frisians to Friulians.

Upper and Lower Sorbian

The Sorbian language and culture is nowadays restricted to a much smaller territory than was historically the case. You’ll find a legacy of Sorbian place names close to Berlin in communities where not a word of the Sorbian language has been uttered for generations. In some areas just an hour’s drive out of Berlin, such as the Spreewald in what was traditionally the preserve of Lower Sorbian language, this distinctly Slavic culture has been reduced to a sort of boutique theatre, a caricature staged for the benefit of tourists and day trippers from Berlin.

To really get a feel for Sorbian life and values, you need to head further south into eastern Saxony where, in the upper portion of the Spree Valley and surrounding villages, the local hornjoserbsce (Upper Sorbian) dialect is still commonly spoken. There you’ll see the red, white and blue Sorbian flag, its colors recalling the cultural links with other Slavic nations that fly similar colors (e.g. Russia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia).

Woman wearing traditional Sorbian dress for Sunday Mass. Photo: © hidden europe

Sorbian language and culture

There is an excellent National Museum of the Sorbian People in Budysin, the town which is also home to the Domowina—the league which has campaigned very effectively to protect Sorbian rights, language and culture. Then take a bus out to Pancicy-Kukow (shown as Panschwitz-Kuckau on German-language maps) where the St Marienstern Roman Catholic Convent has done a fine job in promoting Sorbian interests. Many Upper Sorbians are devoutly Catholic, so if you want to see this community out en masse, make time for Holy Mass in hornjoserbsce at St Marienstern on a major Catholic feast day. The Sorb village of Chroscicy (Crostwitz in German) is a pleasant one-hour walk from St Marienstern.

Bilingualism is a way of life to the surviving Sorbian community in eastern Saxony. Of course, everyday commerce often requires contact with German speakers. But Upper Sorbian is still very much a working language used in schools and on the street. There are Sorbian presses and other media, a bilingual theatre in Budysin and a pervasive sense in the region that this is Germany with a twist. The Sorbs may be one of the stateless nations of Europe, but they are most certainly very much at home in rural Saxony. This is a deliciously beautiful region of eastern Germany, and the Sorbian angle makes it all the more deserving of a visit.

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The picturesque old train, comprised of half a dozen wooden cars dating back to the railway’s opening in 1912, was the island’s first electrified railway. It was constructed to connect Mallorca’s largest city, Palma, with the then-booming town of of Sóller, located about an hour’s tug away, over the mountains on the northwest side of the island.

What awaited on the other side of the mountain shouldn’t be missed. Here are five reasons that Sóller makes a great day trip (or escape) from Palma:

Boarding the train to Sóller.

1. The train ride from Palma

The vintage train is reason unto itself to visit Sóller. Originally constructed to transport olives and oranges (and their growers) between the town and the city, the train today serves mostly tourists. Still, it’s a worthwhile endeavor, offering interesting views of Palma as you pull out of town, before climbing the nearby Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. Winding its way up, crossing bridges, and heading through tunnels, the hour-long train ride offers great views and plenty of photo-ops.

The ride costs €19.50, per person, round-trip. Seven journeys a day run between the two towns during high season. (Read more on the train’s Web site.)

Sóller’s main square, anchored by the cathedral.

2. Medieval town.

The train depot, constructed in 1912, is situated just steps away from the city’s medieval place of worship, the Cathedral of St. Bertholomew, named after the patron saint of this town of 15,000. The cathedral, which celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2010, offers three distinct styles in one building: Medieval (the original structure), Baroque (the church’s ornate interior and extension), and Modernist (the curvy, Gaudi-esque facade).

Once outside, wander the narrow, Medieval streets, with buildings constructed closely together to block the powerful summer sun. Indeed today, the streets, nearly always in shadows, offer a cool respite.

As you walk, smell: The air carries a floral scent. The town is surrounded by orange groves and mountainsides packed with olive trees. This sweet smell seems to settle far below along the Sóller’s narrow streets.

Inside the Modernist Museum.

3. Art Nouveau / Modernismo

It’s not all Medieval in Sóller’s old center. During difficult economic times during the 19th century, many Mallorcan’s fled the island, seeking opportunities elsewhere, including in the United States. Some of these former residents of Sóller (and their descendents) made their fortunes and returned to Sóller, bringing with them great wealth and in interest in constructing new homes in the “hot” style of the day, Catalan Modernism (Art Nouveau), a look made famous by Gaúdi.

Walking through the center of Sóller, modernist facades sit comfortably next to structures constructed 400 years prior. Interestingly, the modernist style was so en vogue 100 years ago that many of these tell-tale elements (fanciful, curving doorways, windows, staircases), were standardized and picked out of a catalog. A student of Gaudi’s even spent time in the city, working on the cathedral’s facade.

Fans of art nouveau architecture shouldn’t miss the Ca’n Prunera, an early 20th-century mansion that opened as the city’s Modernist Museum in 2009. The museum lets visitors wander through a painstakingly restored modernist residence, and offers a selection of modern paintings, photographs and sculpture.

Hopping on the train to Sóller’s port.

4. Another tram!

There’s more to Sóller than the old town, of course. A few kilometers away beckons the port, with its beach and harbor. To get there, you can walk it, or hop on another wooden tram (again operated by the Ferrocarril de Soller). The tram departs every 30 minutes (in high season / 60 minutes during the winter) from the street just outside the train station. Round-trip tickets are €10 per person.

This ride, passing along the city’s main street, past stores and residences, is less thrilling than its mountain climbing sibling, but it still offers a pleasant 15-minute stroll. Things get more interesting, of course, when it makes a final turn, pulling along…

Pulling into the Port of Sóller.

5. The Port de Sóller

Arriving into the Port de Sóller by tram is a bit of a thrill, as you cruise straight down the main drag, hugging the harbor, easing past couples flopped onto blankets and children frolicking in the calm waters of the bay, which stretches out into the Mediterranean. And wrapping around its shores, the purple-green mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana look down.

To the right side of the tram, a line of hotels and restaurants offer a respite from the sun. Indeed, I recharged with a favorite, local drink: freshly squeezed orange juice. Enjoy a glass, while contemplating the role that this sweet fruit played in the town’s history.

Getting there: This post is part of a series sponsored by airberlin, which now offers flights between New York and Palma de Mallorca. Find rates and special offers on airberlin.com.

The post Mountains, Beaches, and Modernismo: 5 reasons to visit Sóller, Spain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Although I do have access to a car, I often take day trips by train, and La Garriga, located about a 40-minutes ride north of Barcelona, is one of my “top five” when it comes to a weekend or day trip getaway from the Catalan Capital. Here’s why:

1. The Hot Springs

The main draw for city folk to La Garriga is its natural springs. There are two that offer soaking options and treatments in four- and five-star facilities.

I stayed at the Blancafort and very much recommend it. While I opted for a package deal and stayed two luxurious nights, one can also just pop in for the afternoon. A two-hour soak in their Terma Romana pools costs €32 and includes hot tea in the chill-out area, as well as access to several indoor pools with waterworks and to the outdoor heated and cold pools. The Blancafort also offers up a tempting massage menu, but the rates are steep at €47 for 25 minutes.

Fresh air and hiking in Montseny park. Photo: Stvcr

The other thermal spring spa in town is Termes La Garriga, which is smaller and more classical in style than Blancafort. Both spas are in the center of the village and an effortless walk from the train.

2. The “Modernista” homes

Along La Garriga’s main drag, El Passieg, there are numerous “Modenista” (think Art Noveau) homes that were built as summer residences for the wealthy in the late 19th and early 20th century. Some of these are well-kept and extravagant, while others look like they might be haunted (or at least inhabited by mice and bats).

All of them are interesting, and most have little plaques explaining their histories. Follow “Villa Termal y de Veraneo,” a self-guided tour through town that is marked by said plaques and outlined in detail here.

There are also formal guided tours offered each month, but these may be in Catalan or Spanish, so it’s best to ask ahead of time. Visit La Garriga’s Web site for more tour information.

3. Montseny

The mountains surrounding La Garriga are part of Montseny, a protected park. This means that wherever you look in the village you see green and forest in the distance. (Wherever I look in Barcelona I see concrete, so the views in La Garriga were extra refreshing.)

Many trails into Montseny leave from La Garriga, so those who stay the night or come early in the day could easily fit in some hiking (and then hit the springs!).

4. The Saturday market

You’ll find markets in lots of places around Catalonia, and certainly Barcelona has many of its own Saturday markets. Still, the produce tasted fresher from the market in La Garriga than my normal Barcelona mercado‘s offerings. Maybe it was the clean mountain air that made the difference?

Set in the center of the village, in several squares around the church, the market runs from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. every Saturday. This is the spot to pick up a jar of local honey, some cheese or sausage from Vic, or even inexpensive clothing items. (I snagged a couple of colorful spring scarves!)

For such a small town, La Garriga has a lot going for it. The village itself is pretty, with a cobblestoned strip filled with boutiques and cafés running through the middle of it. There seemed to be a lack of restaurants in the town, but we did find a couple that were reasonably priced. Of course, both of the hotel/spas also have eateries.

For more information about La Garriga, check out the city’s Web site.

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