But that’s not all. If you visit Germany, you can also check out the maritime magic of Hamburg, the world-famous university town Heidelberg, the chic old-school sophistication of Munich (served with a side of dirndls, pretzels, and lederhosen), and last but not least, the lovely jewels in the former East, like Leipzig and Dresden.

But you by no means have to stick to the towns and cities. Germany also has a lot to offer any nature lover. The country is home to the Bavarian Alps with quaint mountainside villages and the Black Forest of Brother’s Grimm fame. For great hiking in the former East, check out Saxony Switzerland, a lovely climbing area and national park southeast of Dresden.

If water is more your cup of tea, then be sure to take a boat ride down the Rhine river, enjoying a glass of local Riesling from Germany’s wine country. For a little seaside air, make your way to the Baltic Sea and treasure hunt for amber or stroll along the North Sea mudflats at low tide.

And did we mention castles and palaces? Germany has around 20,000 of them, including Potsdam’s San Souci palace and Neuschwanstein, the so-called “Disneyland” castle.

Related:

• 10 Day Germany Itinerary: Berlin, Potsdam, Hamburg, Munich and Neuschwanstein
• Planning a trip to Europe? Avoid these 10 costly mistakes
• Search for hotels across Germany

10 reasons to visit Germany in 2017

Still not enough? Below we’ve listed 10 more reasons why a trip to Germany is a must for 2017.

1. The dollar is strong against the euro right now

With plenty of free cultural offerings and cheap eats galore, Berlin has been an inexpensive tourist destination for years. However, many other places in Germany are usually a bit pricier, particularly Hamburg and Munich. Why not take advantage of a weaker euro and visit these places now when you’ll get more bang for your buck?

Air Berlin and Lufthansa fly direct to Germany from the US. Photo: BriYYZ

2. New cheap flights to Germany

AirBerlin flies direct to Berlin and Dusseldorf from several US destinations including New York and Miami. Sign up for their newsletter to stay on top of their latest deals that include round-trip flights from $499.

Norwegian Air gets you from the US to Germany for a very nice price with fares under $500. You can book tickets to several cities in Germany, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich.

Another airline to keep an eye on is Icelandair, which flies to Frankfurt and Hamburg with an optional stopover in Iceland.

Cheapo tip: Click here to sign up for newsletters for all the major airlines, to be the first to know about airfare sales.

3. Cheap transportation between cities

Once you’re in Germany, you no longer have to rely on costly train tickets to get around Germany. Although there are some important ways to save on train tickets, you can also try the bus. Budget bus services like Flixbus offer cheap tickets between cities starting as low as €7 one-way.

Also, car sharing services like BlaBlaCar are sometimes even cheaper than the bus with the added bonus of chit chat with a local as you barrel at top speeds down the Autobahn.

Related: Tips for driving the Autobahn in Germany

4. Luther 2017: 500 years since the Reformation

500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. His action marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, which changed the face of Christianity and the world forever.

Throughout 2017, exhibitions, concerts, and festivals are taking place across Germany to celebrate Luther 2017: 500 Years Since the Reformation. If you’d like to follow in Luther’s footsteps, we recommend you check out the three cities that were important to this event: Wittenberg, Mansfeld, and Eisleben, his birthplace. These three towns are not only historically interesting, they’re also extremely beautiful, so much so that the area has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But you don’t have to stop here: Germany has over 2,000 kilometers of Luther trails where you can hike and learn about the life, work, and legacy of this important historical figure.

Cologne Carnival brings parades and parties to the city streets. Photo: Marco

5. Cologne Carnival

Known to locals in Cologne as “the 5th season of the year,” Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval) officially starts on November 11 at 11:11 am. However, the party gets really wild on Fat Thursday (Weiberfastnacht) on February 23rd, the week before Carnival Monday (Rosenmontag). During this time, residents give themselves Narrenfreiheit; in other words, license to do as they please because, as they say, “what happens at Karneval stays at Karneval.”

From Weiberfastnacht on, it’s all play and no work for the city, with round-the-clock costumes parties on the streets and in the pubs, and no one at school or the office. Toss back a cold Kölsch, Cologne’s most famous beer, dress up and watch the parade on Rosenmontag where you’ll hear the locals singing merry Carnival songs at the top of their lungs. Festivities continue until Ash Wednesday (March 1).

Although the Cologne Carnival celebration is the largest and most famous one in Germany, Carnival is also celebrated in Düsseldorf and Mainz.

Spring brings beautiful flowers and festivals to Berlin. Photo: visitBerlin

6. Free festivals in Berlin during June

While Berlin is well worth a visit at any time of the year, our favorite month to explore Germany’s capital is June. Not only does June usually bring the best weather — warm, but not too hot, with plenty of springtime flowers — the month is also famous for its free festivals. Here are a few to check out:

Carnival of Cultures – June 2 – 5
This gigantic street festival and parade celebrates multiculturalism in Berlin and is dedicated to highlighting world cultures.

Fête de la Musique – June 21
This summer solstice celebration features live music of all kinds at hundreds of venues and street locations across the city.

48 Hours Neukölln – June 23 to 25
Taking place in Berlin’s hippest neighborhood, this art festival highlights local artists and community art projects across Neukölln.

Long Night of the Sciences – June 24
Laboratories, scientific institutions, and libraries open their doors to the public for the “smartest night of the year.”

Bergmann Street Festival (Bergmannstraßenfest) – June 30 to July 2
This jazz festival presents three days of live music in the “multi-kulti” atmosphere on Kreuzberg’s well-known Bergmannstraße.

7. Berlin Marathon

On September 24, 2017, the 44th Berlin Marathon will take place, curving through the city center. If you’re a runner, there’s no better way to experience the city than to run in this world-class race. Just be sure to register soon before it’s too late.

If you’re not a runner, it’s still fun to watch the marathon. Get up early and watch the top runners rip up the asphalt when the race begins at 9:15 am. If you’re in the mood to sleep in, you can cheer on the runners (some in costume!) until the mid-afternoon.

If you can’t make it out in September, but still want to get in on the sporty fun, the Berlin Half Marathon takes place on April 2.

Related: Berlin hotels under $100 per night

Beer fans travel from all over the world to Munich’s famous Oktoberfest. Photo Christian

8. Oktoberfest

Dirndls, lederhosen, brass ensembles, and gallons of beer: That’s what most people imagine when they think about Oktoberfest (and probably Germany in general, for that matter). But don’t let yourself be fooled. Except for a few celebrations around the country designed to trap clueless tourists, Oktoberfest is really only celebrated in Munich. And contrary to its name, the festival starts in late September.

In 2017, Oktoberfest runs from Saturday, September 16 to Tuesday, October 3 (German Reunification Day). If you do decide to go “Auf der Wiesn,” make sure to plan your trip well in advance. The festival gets extremely busy, especially on the opening weekends, so head over to the beer tents nice and early to avoid the crowds. For more tips, check out our article 10 ways to save time and money at Oktoberfest.

Fireworks light up over Freiburg on New Year’s Eve. Photo: Orest

9. Silvester, a.k.a. New Year’s Eve

If you want to live dangerously, try spending New Year’s Eve in Germany. On New Year’s Eve, Germans don’t just drink, eat and make merry. They also add explosives to the mix — fireworks — and lots of them. To play it safe, check out the major fireworks display close to midnight, which you’ll find in every town and city across the country.

But for the true Silvester experience, go to Berlin to set off bottle rockets and light up firecracker after firecracker with hordes of people who have already tossed back far too many drinks. But beware: On this night, the city gets a little crazy, so come prepared.

10. Wonderfully Weird Festivals

Last but not least, Germany is also a great place to visit for weird festivals, some truly bordering on the surreal and bizarre.

Tübingen Duck Race
On October 7th, check out the Tübingen Duck Race, where locals get together and race 7,000 rubber duckies down the Neckar River.

German Deer Calling Competition
Listen as hunters go horn to horn in the traditional German Deer Calling Competition, held every fall during deer mating season.

German Bus Pulling Championship
If you’re more in the mood to see some brawn, check out the annual German Bus Pulling Championship, where 16 five-person teams from around the country compete to see who can pull a 14-ton bus the furthest and fastest. Scheduled for June.

Wave-Gothik-Treffen
And for lots of black and graveyard fashion, be sure to hop over to Leipzig for the Wave-Gothik-Treffen, the world’s largest goth festival which takes place this year from June 2 to 5.

Affordable hotels in Europe

No matter where you’re off to in 2017, you can search for hotels on EuroCheapo. Check out our expert hotel reviews to start planning your trip!

The post 10 Reasons to visit Germany in 2017 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But this month, the Thames Festival Trust, who have organized many exciting events along the river over the last 16 years, is embracing the importance of our river even more by expanding the festival’s reach beyond the city center and launching a month-long season of events and activities along London’s 42 miles of river.

The Totally Thames Festival runs right through the heart of London, from Richmond in the southwest to Havering in northeast and the good news for Cheapos is that there are tons of free activities. Hurrah! With over 100 events taking place this month, it’s hard to know where to start, but whether you fancy some wacky installations or exhibitions, a family day out, a walking or cycling tour, cinema, sailing or even archaeology, there is sure to be something that takes your fancy.

Related: 5 easy ways to save money when visiting London

Festival Highlights

HippopoThames

Some personal favorites include the arrival HippopoThames, an enormous 21-metre long hippo sculpture by renowned Dutch artist, Florentijn Hofman, which can now be found semi-submerged in water at Nine Elms on the South Bank. This is Hofman’s first ever UK commission and was inspired by the prehistory of the Thames, when hippos could be found inhabiting the river.

How can you resist seeing a gigantic hippo sculpture floating along the Thames? Photo: Edvvc

Free Exhibit: Mapping London

Those with an interest in cartography should head straight for the Mapping London exhibition, which takes place at the Oxo Tower Gallery until 14 September. This fascinating exhibition quite literally maps the changing landscape of London and the Thames between 1572 and 2013 with a number of incredibly rare city surveys and (of course) maps.

Free outdoor movies

Fancy a free trip to the cinema? Until 26 September you can catch free open-air screenings on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at More London’s The Scoop. Possibly the most privileged location for a cinema ever, right on the river with fantastic views of Tower Bridge, Cheapos should bag their place early!

Classic Boat Festival brings historic ships to the Thames. Photo: Brett Jones

Classic Boat Festival

The 13 and 14 September sees St Katherine’s Docks taken over by the Classic Boat Festival, and visitors can hop onboard and explore a vast array of classic, working and historic vessels. Live music and plenty of spots to eat and drink will add to the festival vibe and make this the ideal stop off if you’re exploring the area around the Tower of London.

Explore an ancient Roman bath house

If London’s Roman history is more your thing then make sure you attend the Billingsgate Roman Bath House Open Weekend on 20 or 21 September. This is a totally unusual and exclusive opportunity to venture beneath the modern city’s streets and explore the remains of this 2,000 year old spa.

For more information and full event listings, visit www.totallythames.org and follow @totallythames.

The post London Cheap Things To Do: Totally Thames Festival appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

No matter which tent you end up in, beer will be €10 a pop and people are bouncing off the walls in dirndls and lederhosen. But to get a grasp of what’s happening in other tents, here’s a rough guide.

Caravans from Italy

The second weekend of Oktoberfest is “Italian weekend.” Camping spaces around the festival are reserved for caravans from Italy, and there’s a notable presence in Munich of accents and sweaters that read “Italia!” These Italian stallions are found in large groups at the beer gardens outside — they arrived too late in the day to actually get in any tent.

Lowenbräu and Hofbräu: The “tourist” tents

Maybe it’s the 15-foot tall lion statue above the entrance that makes things look exciting. Still, Italian tourists, along with Australian and Asian visitors, are known to “park it” at the Louwenbräu tent. The line is always the longest, the tent look is very traditional, and the indoor and outdoor seating hit the 8,000 mark.

The Hofbräu tent seems to be reserved especially for the North American backpacker traveling Europe via Eurail, and the Aussies on Busabout party coaches who like to rockstar their way through Europa. They’re psyched out of their mind that the legendary bierhalle (and legendary tourist trap) Hofbräuhaus has – for a limited time – a flippin beer tent!

Bräurosol and Hacker: The “local rager” tents

The “Hacker” tent (aka “Bavarian Heaven”) and the “Pschorr Bräurosol” are the real party tents for Bavarians ages 18 to 35 (the 16-year-olds are at the Paulaner tent, along with more Austrailians). Both are massive and have lots of side entrances to help you sneak in when main doors are busy (but make sure your group’s woman-man ratio is at least 2:1). Tables are also great for the bigger group.

These tents’ bands are known to mix things up after 5 pm with more rock and pop hits, but don’t expect anything beyond Bon Jovi, White Stripes and the guy who reminds me my life was fine before knowing of his existence… what’s his name… Robbie Williams.

Trend of 2013: The smoking ban inside the beer tents has caused some creative initiatives. Besides sneaky, under-the-table puffs when servers aren’t looking, both men and women in the Bräurosol are smoking out the wooden corridor just before the men’s toilet. Intimate talking corner? Maybe. Ashtray that looks like a sauna hall? Heck Yes. Gross.

Fisher Vroni and Ochsenbraterei: The “foodies” tent

Worthy of a mention are the beer tents that offer more than your run-of-the-mill Oktoberfest food.

Above the Ochsenbraterei entrance sits large motorized figurines roasting a giant ox on a spit – a fair warning for vegetarians, and a mouth-watering invitation for carnivores. Inside the tent, a mechanical ox rotisserie roasts more than 100 bovine during the festival for dishes that go from €15 to €30 per plate. Not the cheapest pick, but as far as rotisserie pros go, 100 years of practice puts Ochsenbraterei at a master level.

Fish-on-a-stick might be a sore second after something as savory as 100 rotisserie oxen, but think of a 50-foot row of fresh mackerel, salmon, trout and more grilled over hot coals to Bavarian perfection. It looks impressive after drinking one beer, and after your second beer it’s to die for.

Hippodrome: The “celebrity” tent

The bourgeoisie of Munich are the “Shickeria” – amazingly tanned, platinum blonde, pearly white smiling (always smiling), and apparently hanging out at Oktoberfest for people to see them drink themselves silly. Yes, Hippodrome is the “see and be seen” tent, which is an obvious reason why they’re the first tent in line at Oktoberfest.

I don’t know if most people who go to Hippodrome are already famous, want to be famous, famously blow more than your average Bavarian spender (an already wealthy bunch), or have a thing for drinking beer on white tablecloths – but I’m guessing it’s a combination of all of these. It can’t be because they like breweries, Hippodrome serves other brewer’s beers… and champagne!

The plus is that the Hippodrome tent – besides looking like a glam “Moulon Rouge” gone Bavaria – has the latest closing time. While other tents end at 11 pm, the upperclass of who-the-heck-knows-your-famous-outside-Bavaria-anyways get to rage it until 1 am. And for singles, it’s a jackpot.

Augustiner: The “family friendly” tent

As cultural and cozy the mood at Oktoberfest is, things easily get loud, messy large men hit the ground – it’s just no place for kids. Good news is the Augustiner tent is known to be great for families, which is vital information for anyone planning to hit Oktoberfest with the little ones.

Tuesdays are “kids day,” which means kids drink for free! Just joking. It means the food and drink menu is marked at a discount for adults and kids with a talking tummy.

The post Report from Oktoberfest: A guide to the tents, tastes, and trends appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here, 25 free events in New York City this summer that we’re particularly excited about:

Street scenes

From parades to festivals to block parties, New Yorkers like to party in the streets.

1. Pride Weekend
June 28-30
Various locations

As is the case with most things New York, the Pride celebration here is one of the biggest in the world. The parade marches down Fifth Avenue on Sunday, June 30, but festivities fill the weekend, including Dance on the Pier, Rapture on the River and Pride (Poolside). And in this critical year there’s a lot to celebrate, so be sure to come out and join in the fun.

2. Independence Day
July 4
Hudson River or Coney Island

There is little that feels more American than the smell of hot dogs, the boom of fireworks or the Fourth of July. The big Macy’s fireworks show lights up the sky over the Hudson, with various access points from 24th Street on up to 54th Street. A hint if you choose to go: Head farther downtown (below 12th Street), where the crowds will be (slightly) smaller. Wherever you go, get there early and bring along blankets for sitting and food for eating.

If you prefer the hot dog aspect of the day, head out to Coney Island to cheer on the big eaters in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The fun starts at noon, but arrive early to stake out your spot (and a hot dog).

3. Bastille Day
July 14
60th Street between 5th and Lexington Avenues or Smith Street, Brooklyn

France’s answer to Independence Day has several festivities of its own. Manhattan‘s party, on 60th Street from Fifth Avenue to Lexington Avenue, becomes a veritable Franco-wonderland, replete with cheeses, éclairs and crêpes (oh my!), plus crafts, live music and much more. Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, you can expect costumes, music and fabulous eats at the Bar Tabac Bastille Day celebration in Cobble Hill.

4. New Museum Block Party
July 20, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sara D. Roosevelt Park

Experience art firsthand at this all-day extravaganza with performance art, interactive projects and workshops, plus free public tours of the museum.

5. Harlem Week
July 27 to August 30
Various locations in Harlem

Talk about understatement: Harlem Week lasts a month! Head Uptown for Gospel concerts, a jazzmobile, a fashion showcase, a basketball classic and much more.

6. Summer Streets
Dates and locations to be announced

For a few Saturdays every summer, New Yorkers receive a special gift: their streets. Traffic is diverted so that cyclists can cycle, runners can run and everyone else can walk, skip and cartwheel down the center of the street. Expect fun and games at stops along the way (last year saw a zip line and climbing wall).

Dance and sing

Whether you’re keen to cut a rug, groove in place or just sit and watch, outdoor music brings delights, especially the free kind.

Bust out your best garden party duds for the Jazz Age Lawn Party. Photo: Suzanne Russo

7. Celebrate Brooklyn
Throughout summer
Prospect Park Bandshell

All summer long, Prospect Park is alive and humming (literally). This year’s lineup includes Shaggy, They Might Be Giants and a live performance of the score from Beasts of the Southern Wild.

8. Midsummer Night’s Swing
June 24 to July 13
Lincoln Center

For 25 years now, live bands have filled the stellar space outside Lincoln Center with jazz, salsa, swing and disco, so that the good people of summer can jump, jive and jitterbug to their hearts’ content. Skip the $17 admission (which includes a lesson at 6:30 p.m. and admission to the dance floor) to shake and shimmy for free outside the ticketed area.

9. Jazz Age Lawn Party
August 17-18
Governors Island

A live concert and so much more, this 1920s-themed fête is the event of the summer (for this New Yorker, at least). Picture the old-fashioned splendor that is always Governors Island, now aglow with dashing costumes, games and all that jazz courtesy of Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra. A ticket ($30 in advance) gets you into the main area with access to dance floor, vintage clothing booths and food and drink offerings, but you can just as easily pack a picnic, claim a spot on the lawn and enjoy the festivities for free.

10. Summerstage
Throughout summer
Various locations

Mambo, hip-hop and everything in between. No matter your music preference, Summerstage will have something for you. Free concerts take place in Central Park and other parks throughout the boroughs.

11. Sweet Spot Festival
Select Saturdays through September 22
Jackie Robinson Park or Pier 1

The whole family can partake in this celebration of Harlem culture. In addition to vintage shopping, rotating shows include a reggae party and a roller skating jam.

That’s Entertainment

High culture, out of doors.

Rock out at Lincoln Center Out of Doors. Photo: Ian Muttoo

12. New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
July 10-16
Various locations

Now’s your chance to hear the famed New York Philharmonic, Cheapos. The orchestra spends a week playing at one location in each borough (Prospect Park, Brooklyn; Cunningham Park, Queens; College of Staten Island; Central Park, Manhattan; Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx). There’s something extra magical about classical music under a blanket of stars.

13. Lincoln Center Out of Doors
July 24 to August 11
Lincoln Center

Once the dancers have had their fill, Lincoln Center opens the floor to all array of entertainment, from Afrobeat with Red Hot + FELA to the jazzy Kronos Quartet to funky Ozomatli. This year also includes the 30th Annual Roots of American Music Festival.

14. Shakespeare in the Park
Through August 18
Delacorte Theater

One of New York’s favorite summer traditions: the Bard, performed live, in Central Park’s lovely Delacorte Theater. Tickets are free, but can be hard to come by. Check out our trusty guide to free Shakespeare in the Park tickets for tips on claiming yours.

15. The Met Summer Recital Series
July 16 to August 1
Various locations

Just like the Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera brings its art to the masses, with six performances throughout the five boroughs. Bring a blanket, a picnic and your best falsetto.

16. New York Classical Theatre
Through July 28
Various locations

Free Shakespeare. In parks. (Minus the Shakespeare in the Park lines.)

17. River to River Festival
June 15 to July 14
Locations vary

Theater, art, dance, city… The R2R Festival has it all. Watch open rehearsals, listen to poetry readings, or get your hands dirty at interactive events. The festival takes place on waterfront spaces (Governors Island, South Street Seaport…) throughout the city.

Films alfresco

It’s a bit overwhelming how many free movie series there are in New York, and each is awesome in its own way. Here’s the rundown.

You don’t know what to watch, movie or scenery in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo: Courtesy of Movies with a View

18. HBO-Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Mondays through August 19
Bryant Park

The grand daddy of the summer film fests has the throngs arriving hours early (the lawn opens at 5 p.m.) to score a spot. Movies won’t start until dusk, but the wait is part of the pleasure. It’s fun to strike up conversations with strangers, and we can certainly think of worse places to lounge than Bryant Park. Movies here tend toward the tried-and-true (this year’s season closes with E.T the Extra Terrestrial).

19. RiverFlicks for Grown-ups
Wednesdays, July 10 to August 21
Pier 63, Hudson River Park (enter at W 23rd Street)

For more modern selections, movies on the river are a good bet. This year’s theme is “bands of heroes and bands of singers,” so you’ll see everything from Argo to Pitch Perfect. It’s a good chance to catch up on the blockbusters you missed last winter. Plus, the staff passes out free popcorn while supplies last.

20. RiverFlicks for Kids
Fridays, July 12 to August 23
Pier 46, Hudson River Park (enter at Charles Street)

Don’t let the name fool you. This youthful version of RiverFlicks offers nostalgic kid-friendly favorites like Beetlejuice and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Oh, and more free popcorn.

21. Central Park Film Festival
August 22-26
Central Park just north of Sheep Meadow

Classics for a classic. This five-day film festival tends to go retro in its pickings, and this year the “People’s Park” let the people decide the movies. The winners include West Side Story for Classics night, The Shining for horror night and Raiders of the Lost Ark for adventure night. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and movies start at 8 p.m.

22. SummerScreen
Wednesdays, July 10 to August 14
McCarren Park, Williamsburg

This hipster fest kicks off each evening with live music and food trucks at 6 p.m., followed by a ’90s throwback movie (Can’t Hardly Wait, The Goonies…) at sunset. We’d expect no less from the ‘burg.

23. Syfy Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursdays, July 11 to August 29
Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn

And the winner for best scenery goes to… With the Brooklyn Bridge looming off to one side, and lower Manhattan as backdrop, the atmosphere at Brooklyn Bridge seems like something from, well, a movie.  Snag a spot early and be rewarded by not only a seat but fabulous views and DJ tunes (from 6 p.m.) Feature films—this year kicks it off with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and ends with Lost in Translation—are each preceded by a short. 

24. The Intrepid Summer Movie Series
Various dates through August 15
Intrepid Museum, Pier 86 (W 46th Street)

It’s no surprise that this massive aircraft carrier turned museum has the likes of Jaws, Top Gun and The Karate Kid on the docket this year. Space is limited and priority seating is granted to members, so arrive early (doors open at 7:30 p.m.), and note that there is no admission after 8:30 p.m.

25. Films In Tompkins
Thursdays through August 8
Tompkins Square Park

Somehow the thought of watching Rocky Horror Picture Show in the heart of the East Village just feels right. Gates open at 6 p.m., and musical entertainment starts around then too.

Looking for somewhere to sleep?

While you can catch free theater, concerts and movies outdoors, we wouldn’t recommend trying to sleep under the stars while in New York (Cheapo as that may be).  For our favorite cheap sleeps in the city, check out our guide to budget hotels in New York.

Anything to add? 

Know of any other free events in New York this summer? Feel free to share them in the comment box below.  And if you have any questions about the events listed, ask away!

The post New York: Summer 2013 free events calendar appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While many Londoners have heard of Crouch End, most have no idea where it actually is and imagine it’s so far away they would never consider going there. Of those who have discovered it, they’re generally hooked and feel a certain sense of smugness of being “in the know,” as though they’ve stumbled upon a very well kept secret.

Three roads converge

Crouch End’s heart is marked by the Clock Tower, where three different roads meet, each one lined with shops, restaurants, bars and an unusually high number of hairdressers. It’s a great place to head on a lazy weekend morning for delicious brunch at Banners, The Haberdashery, Monkey Nuts or Sable D’or, but the best time to go is undoubtedly for the monthly Crouch End Barboot.

The Haberdashery in Crouch End. Photo: Laura Patsko

A night of Cheapo shopping and strolling

Held on the first Friday of every month from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Crouch End’s unique “Barboot” is an evening when the shops stay open late and a general feeling of merriment fills the air. The good news for Cheapos is that it’s totally free to browse and there are lots of market stalls set up within larger shops, making it a great time to bag some bargains and pick up some unusual souvenirs.

A lot of the action centers around The Haberdashery, the quirky vintage-style cafe where the idea of the Barboot was dreamed up. You can sip on cocktails served in teacups, enjoy free live music and sometimes dancing, and browse vintage clothing and art and craft stands from local artists. (22 Middle Lane, Crouch End, N8 8PL)

Then head on down to Park Road, where a whole host of shops are getting in on the act. Fabulous furniture store, Of Special Interest is another favorite of mine and well worth a look.

A friendly little village

The really nice thing about the Barboot is that it’s a proper community effort with shopkeepers joining together to make something truly different for the locals. While some months are busier than others, the atmosphere is always great and it feels more like being transported to a friendly little village than spending a night out in London.

Getting there

And don’t be fooled by the common misconception that it’s impossible to get to Crouch End. It may not be the world’s most accessible place, but that’s half its charm. You can catch the W7 or W3 bus from Finsbury Park tube station or even take the 91 bus all the way from Trafalgar Square.

The post London: Crouch End Barboot offers a Cheapo night out appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. “Bal des Pompiers”

The legendary parties thrown by the firefighters light up the nightlife on July 13 and 14 across the city.  Not all firehouses are open to the public, and some might ask for an obligatory donation at the door, but the party is one of the wildest in town.  Prepare for  long lines, hefty crowds, and some gentle shoving near the bar, but the dancing firemen and nonstop DJ are worth the wait – at least once in life.

2.  Military Parade

If you’re an early riser, the parade down the historic Champs-Elysées is a fun way for families to celebrate the 14th.  The military ceremony starts just after 9 a.m. while the parade launches down the avenue after the president arrives at 10 a.m.  The mix of soldiers, military vehicles, and the aircraft soaring overhead help kick off the day’s festivities, complete with an array of red, white, and blue flags waving in every direction.

3. Free Ballet

If tanks and firemen aren’t your thing, head to the Opéra Garnier and wait in line for tickets to this year’s free ballet, La fille mal gardée.  There are no lyrics to try and decipher, just some impressive dancing and a lighthearted story of two lovers and the mother determined to keep them apart.  The show is at 7:30 p.m. but get their early to ensure a seat.

4. Free Art

Art lovers know that on the first Sunday of each month national museums open their doors to the public for free.  Many forget that on July 14 the Louvre also drops the price to €0.  Prepare for crowds, but with so many other things going on that day, it’s worth stopping by if you wanted to say coucou to Mona Lisa before moving on to other events.

5. Picnic at Versailles

Why not celebrate July 14 happily eating and kicking back at Versailles much like Louis XVI, who famously noted in his diary on that fateful day, “Nothing,” (in response to a failed hunting day, but still!).  In true royal fashion, a communal picnic around the Grand Canal awaits anyone who wants to attend.  Regional specialties will be on the menu (alongside whatever else you’d like to bring) while music and festivities animate the Canal’s banks.  There’s only one condition – wear white!

6. The fireworks

When all else fails, a view of the Eiffel Tower at 11 p.m. is all you need to help finish off the national holiday.  A spectacular show awaits onlookers as the tower twinkles in front of breathtaking fireworks set to music, and this year’s theme is none other than disco from the 70s-80s.  Try and beat that.

The best view is from the Champs de Mars by the Eiffel Tower, but entering and leaving are tricky.  No alcohol is allowed (to keep it family-friendly) and nearby Metro stations are mostly closed, so prepare for a hike to the easiest form of transportation.  If crowds aren’t your style, grab a view from bridges like the Pont des Arts or the Pont Alexenandre III and revel in the fireworks with an easier escape afterwards.

The post Paris Bastille Day Events appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Throughout the summer Barcelona neighborhoods throw local bashes which are something like a block party on steroids. Everyone from the barri, or “neighborhood,” gets involved in the festivities. Usually these parties will go on for a weekend or in some cases an entire week.

It’s now too late to celebrate the barri of Gracia’s famous August festa, as well as the street parades and live music in Sants and La Barceloneta. Aside from paying for food and drinks, these neighborhood parties, called Festa Major, are free and worth a trip to Barcelona in August. I adore these local festes, and relish in the celebratory spirit in Spain where any reason is a good reason to have a party.

La Mercè: September 22-25, 2011

While these smaller August bashes were a good time, they all pale in comparison to the “Big Mama” of all Barcelona festes, La Mercè, which is held late September after all the neighborhoods have finished their local celebrations. La Mercè is not just a party for the city, but a party for the whole county of Barcelona, and man oh man, do they ever roll it out!

For a week, expect multiple stages set up all over the city with several concerts every night plus large concerts at mammoth venues such as El Forum. Many times, the city brings in well-known musicians to play the event from Spain and abroad. It’s all free, and therefore at times crowded depending on who is performing. There’s something for everyone: Jazz, hip-hop, classical, rock, Indie, and world music fills the air in Barcelona from September 22 to 25, 2011.

There are also games and activities for families in the parks and squares, parades in the streets featuring Barcelona’s “giants,” fireworks displays at the beach, events in the museums, and fire runners doing the crazy correfoc most nights to the beat of hundreds of marching drummers!

In fact, it’s all a bit overwhelming, but definitely a party not to be missed.

Tips for enjoying La Mercè

Get a schedule of events online or at a tourism information office and plan ahead.

If there is a band you really want to see, go early to get a chair.

La Mercè is especially crowded at night, so if you’re not into dealing with the masses, go instead to the daytime activities offered.

If you decide to go to the correfoc (and you should), be prepared for lots of noise, smoke, ash in the air (in your eyes?) and the possibility of getting burned.

Wear a coat or long sleeves to the correfoc and something to cover your hair, like a hat or scarf.

La Mercè party goes all night long and is a bit of a free-for-all, so if you’re not going to stay out until 6 a.m., consider booking a hotel out of the center of the city, which will be noisy and crowded during the week of La Mercè.

In many ways, the week of La Mercè is an excellent time to visit Barcelona, as it is not tourist season, the weather is still warm, and many of the city’s top sites are open for free and offering interesting cultural events. Enjoy the party!

The post Barcelona’s September Bash: La Mercè Festival appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Summertime and the livin’ is easy… and cheapo if you know where to head in Paris. While every other tourist is heading to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, the city offers an abundance of summertime options that will keep you dancing, bopping or enjoying a free flick.

Here are some of my favorite outdoor festivals happening this summer:

Cinéma en Plein Air
July 19 through August 21, 2011
Web site

The Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement hosts an annual summertime outdoor film festival that’s popular with cinephiles. An enormous screen in the park draws crowds every night of the week, except Monday, to view a variety of movies.

This year the films have been selected from around the world, including familiar French favorites like La Haine (Aug. 13) and Les Triplettes de Belleville (July 23). From the other side of the Atlantic, there will be plenty of English-language favorites as well. Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver will open the festival on July 19th and Woody Allen’s Manhattan will be shown on August 18th.

Keeping in tune with the Broadway musical theme that has pervaded Paris this year, both Singin’ in the Rain (Aug 10) and West Side Story (Aug 21) are lined up. Entrance to this event is, of course, free. Just bring a blanket, kick back and enjoy,

Outdoor Music Festivals

No urban summer would be complete without a concert series. Here are some of Paris most popular outdoor musical performances:

Paris Jazz Festival
Through July 31
Web site

At the Parc Floral in the picturesque Bois de Vincennes in the east of Paris, the annual Jazz Festival will run through July. Every Saturday and Sunday there are concerts at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. highlighting different types of jazz. Check out the festivals Web site for a schedule.

Classiques au Vert
August 6 through September 25, 2011
Web site

Picking up where the jazz left off in the Parc Floral, starting August 6th, singers and orchestras will be celebrating the Americas with concerts dedicated to their music during the Classiques au Vert. Every Saturday and Sunday there will be groups singing and strumming along, including concerts dedicated to great Broadway melodies (Aug. 13), Sousa marches (Sept. 18) and Hollywood repertoires (Sept. 25).

For those not interested in waving Old Glory during a concert, there are plenty of concerts dedicated to classical music as well, just check the program to discover what’s going on during your time in Paris.

Sadly the concerts during both festivals are not free. They will set you back €5, or €2.50 for children, so you may have to reconsider that second glass of wine. Concerts begin at 4 p.m. each weekend.

Keep an eye out for other garden concerts (click for the entire schedule). It probably won’t be translated into English before most of the events are over, but you can check by district and date to find out what musical performances are happening throughout the city.

Danse Avec Nous

Finally, why just listen to the music when you can move along with it? Along the Left Bank of the Seine, just behind the Ile-St-Louis, you’ll find all sorts of dancing going on late into the night.

Danse Avec Nous is a club that hosts free salsa, tango and regional French dance lessons in the tiny amphitheaters that line the river. Feel free to jump in with a partner–hopefully one that knows what he or she is doing–for one of the most memorable evenings in Paris.

Just walk along the Quai Saint Bernard near the square Tino Rossi (along the river, walking with your back to Notre Dame) and you’re guaranteed to stumble across the party– just listen for the music. Pack a picnic and the night is yours–free of charge!

Other summertime activities

Read our post about the ‘Paris Plages‘ for more summer fun. Know any other great outdoor festivals happening this summer in Paris? Tell us about them in our comments section.

The post Paris in the Summer: Outdoor film, music and dance festivals appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Which is why Umbria–the central Italian region famed for its undulating landscape, historic hilltowns, and rustic cuisine—is the place to be for anyone wanting to visit the Bel Paese without having to compromise on the creme della creme. Here are several ways guaranteed to keep your costs low while visiting Umbria:

Art and Architecture
Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi

Umbria hasn’t yet jumped on the “charging admission for churches” bandwagon—unlike Florence and Venice—so the region’s most iconic architectural monument (and one of the most important fresco cycles in the history of art) is still free.

The imposing 13th-century Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi is a breathtaking example of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture and home to works by Cimabue and, most famously, Giotto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and one of the most visited monuments in Italy, the Basilica is best enjoyed in the relative peace of the early morning or late afternoon, when day trippers and busloads of pilgrims aren’t crowding the chapels.

For opening hours and events, visit http://www.sanfrancescoassisi.org/.

Music and General Merry-Making
Umbria Jazz Festival (July)

Umbria hosts over 20 music festivals each year–an astonishing number given this region’s tiny size and population—and Umbria Jazz is the uncontested king. Held each July in Perugia, this juggernaut of an international event stretches over two weeks and attracts some of the biggest names in jazz (and beyond—I’ve seen R.E.M., Alicia Keys, and Eric Clapton here, as well).

Sure, the headlining concerts may be out of your travel budget, but take a stroll down Perugia’s main Corso to enjoy the irresistable festive vibe and pop in at one of the many free outdoor concerts in the piazze downtown. For a complete schedule: http://www.umbriajazz.com/

History and Culture
Mercato delle Gaite (Bevagna, late June)

There is nothing like an Umbrian town during its annual festival when banners flutter under each window, taverne (temporary outdoor eating areas) sprout overnight in the squares, and street musicians, costumed processions, medieval markets, and crossbow tournaments are center stage.

Almost every town has its own historic festival and a perennial favorite is Bevagna’s Mercato delle Gaite held in late June. Each town district–or gaite—accurately reconstructs functioning artisan workshops using both the techniques and technology of the 1300s to produce items that include silk (from silkworm to cloth), paper, bronze bells, beeswax candles, and religious icons. For a program, see http://www.ilmercatodellegaite.it/ (a €6 ticket buys you a visit the ten workshops)

Wine (and, if you’re lucky, Food)
“Open Cellars” (May)

One of the most anticipated days of the year is the last Sunday in May when wineries across Umbria open their doors to the public for Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars).

Participating vineyards—there were more than 50 this year–organize wine tastings, cellar tours, vineyard walks, live music, and (in some cases) food. At the entrance to the vineyard, each visitor purchases a souvenir glass in a pouch (which you hang from your neck to keep your hands free for the buffet!) for €5, which is good for filling at any participating vineyard all day.

Each winery has its own procedure, but generally their house wines are free (in your official glass), their higher-end wines may be available for tasting for a small charge, and food can be either free or available for a small fee. You can find a list of participating vineyards here.

Nature and the Great Outdoors
Sibilline National Park

There’s a reason Umbria is known as Italy’s “green heart”, and not just because it’s a catchy hook. This region is dotted with natural parks and reserves and offers some dramatic hikes.

One of my favorites is the trail up Mount Vettore in the Sibilline National Park. Climbing from the Piano Grande plateau near the tiny hamlet of Castelluccio, the path leads to Lago di Pilato (Pilate’s Lake) famed for its tiny prehistoric crustacean, and for the legend that Pontius Pilates bones lay in its depths.

Fact or fiction? You can take your time to mull it over while you picnic near its shores, soak in the view, and rest up for the hike back down to the plain–all this for the price of the CAI Monte Sibillini trail map. For more information about this National Park, check out their Web site.

About the author: Rebecca Winke moved to Italy from Chicago in 1993 and shortly thereafter opened an agriturismo in her husband’s renovated family farmhouse at the foot of Mount Subasio near Assisi, Umbria. She spends her time taking care of guests at Brigolante, blogging about the lovely region she now calls home at Rebecca’s Ruminations, and wondering about what strange winds blew an urban vegetarian to a farm in Umbria.

The post Umbria: 5 ways to explore Umbria à la cheapo appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Celebrating love with books and roses

Celebrated on April 23, St. Jordi’s Day is one of my favorite Catalan traditions. All day the streets around the city’s central plaza, Pl. Catalunya, teem with men selecting roses and women examining books.

I do find the tradition a bit sexist. (Men get the books and women roses? Really?) These days, however, it is not uncommon for women to snag a few roses (from various admirers) and a book, so maybe things are finally balancing out.

Instead of reserving a romantic dinner for two, couples walk La Rambla (or “Las Ramblas”) or Passeig de Gracia and maybe have lunch or grab a cup of coco along the way. The streets are filled (and I mean packed, if you’re uncomfortable in crowds, avoid!) with lovers strolling arm in arm and stands selling books.

Sometimes couples go together to pick out books along La Rambla. Others, single or taken, head over to Passeig de Gracia where authors sign their latest novels and speak about the art of writing prose. Many of the city’s book shops have special events on St. Jordi’s Day (although many of their speakers will present in Catalan).

St. Jordi’s Day is not celebrated in the rest of Spain, and is very much a local, Catalan holiday. Regardless of when you’re in town, keep an eye out for St. Jordi (or “St. George”), who is depicted throughout the city in various sculptures and stained-glass art. He is famous for slaying a dragon and saving the damsel in distress.

Favorite bookstores

Some of my favorite places in Barcelona to pick up books for my sweetie are:

Laie
C/ Pau Claris, 85, Barcelona
Web site

I dig the Pau Clais and CCCB store, but any Laie shop will do.

La Central
C/ Elisabets, 6. 08001 Barcelona
Web site

You’ll find an awesome book selection and fab cafe in front!

The post St. Jordi’s Day in Barcelona: Love, roses and books appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.