Air conditioning is virtually unheard of (including in hotels in Berlin), and the subways and buses start feeling more like saunas. When the thermometer starts rising, try these popular ways to cool down, local style.

1. Bathing: Au naturel

When summer rolls around, half the city heads to the lakes that dot Berlin and its surrounding area. Consult this Berlin swimming map and head out to nature.

And by “nature,” I mean that clothing is optional.

2. Bathing: To see and be seen

But if you’re more the type to lounge than lunge into the water, a quiet lake in a rustic forest just won’t do. Slip into something sexy and head to Badeschiff (pictured, top), a small bathing platform floating in the river smack in the middle of the city.

This is where “scenesters” come to strut their stuff and check out one another. Evening concerts and parties are especially popular. A ticket is only €8, but you have to reserve your time slot online in advance.

Look out for ice cream trucks. “Ice cream makes you happy.” Photo: Scottog

3. Ice cream

You can’t seem to walk a few blocks without walking past an ice cream parlor in the German capital. Homemade, all-natural ice cream is the norm, not the exception — there are countless independent shops that serve frozen treats in all shades and flavors. Here’s a list of some of the best.

Also, keep an eye out for ice cream trucks. On a hot day, you might just come across one for a quick and cheap cool down!

4. Fight fire with fire: Hot Currywurst

Sometimes you need to warm up to cool down. Case in point: currywurst. But where can you find currywurst in Berlin that really turns up the heat?

A glaring omission in my past post about currywurst was Curry & Chili, which has the hottest wieners in the city.

5. When all else fails: Street water pumps

Berlin sits on a huge underground water reserve, and until the 1930s Berliners used hand-operated pumps on the streets to clean, put out fires and even drink. Some 2,000 pumps remain functional today, and though they deliver untreated water straight from the ground underneath, 2/3 of them deliver drinkable quality water. (Berlin’s tap water, by the way, is excellent.)

So pump out some water, splash it on yourself and go on your merry way. It won’t cost you a thing.

The post Berlin in summer: 5 easy ways to cool down appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The heat makes me crave cool drinks, gazpacho, salads, fresh fruit, and grilled fish (not to mention chilled white wine, better if it’s a Priorat), all foods that go well with my diet and the warm weather.

Cava for summer in Spain

Here are some of the best local cheap eats to look for in Barcelona from June to September:

Gazpacho

A tomato-base soup served cold. Typically, the waiter will bring you a side of minced cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper, which you can mix into the gazpacho, along with croutons. Most restaurants will offer this refreshing and healthy soup in the summer for lunch or dinner, usually as a starter. €5, aprox.

Ice Cream and Gelato

Not in my diet, but delicious! There may be more gelato stands than bars areas like the Gothic Quarter and El Born. My preferred ice cream place in Vioko, in La Barceloneta. Try the rose and raspberry flavor. €4.

Rose wines for the summertime

Rosé and White Wines

Spain does wine well. Summer is the time for sangría, which is made with red or white wine or even cava, plus fruit and liquor. I don’t normally order sangría, as it’s akin to mixing Coca-cola with red wine for me (yes, people do this, it’s called kalimotxo).

Instead, I stick to the basics: an excellent rosé from Navarra, a cool white from Priorat or Galicia, and cava from Penedès. Have a glass of wine or two at Vila Viniteca’s La Teca in El Born. €3, a glass aprox. (See more of my favorite wine bars in town.)

Horchata and Granizados

Nothing says “it’s freakin’ hot” like a line in front of your local horchata shop. Granizados are like slushies… but made with natural ingredients such as lime, lemon, etc. Horchata is made from tigernuts, and is bitter-sweet. I’m not sure if I like it or not. I’d probably go for the granizados.

They say the best Horchata in Barcelona is found at El Tío Ché in Poblenou, which has been in the biz since 1912. Under €5.

These tasty Barcelona treats will keep you cool and happy this summer. What foods do you crave when the heat hits?

The post Cheap Eats for the Summertime in Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Paris Plages
July 20 – August 18

From the banks of the Seine to the banks of the Canal in the 19e arrondissement, those looking for a bit of reprieve from the heat need search no further than Paris Plages. Kids and adults can enjoy the various activities (think line dancing) and relaxed atmosphere that are both so quintessentially un-Parisian. Bring a towel, a picnic, and some SPF as you relax on the imported sand beaches and imagine yourself on the Riviera at no cost.

Skip to the loo, then take a seat for “Cinema en plein air”. Photo: Fabrice Paulmier

2. Outdoor Cinema
July 24 – August 24

The Cinéma en Plein Air at Parc de la Villette offers everyone the chance to kick back at night in front of a giant inflatable movie screen. Picnic supplies and a blanket are a must. Films for the summer of 2013 include “Milk,” “The Social Network,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” and of course some French films that you may not know, but will happily become familiar with.

Note: Plan a bathroom break before hand, as meandering through the crowd in the dark is both difficult and, frankly, annoying.

3. Picnic with the locals

It goes without saying that Paris is a giant picnic in the summer. Along the river or in any of the gorgeous parks like Buttes Chaumont or Montsouris, there is no better way to cozy up to the locals than to pack some bread, cheese, and charcuterie. Bring a bottle of wine, but “forget” your opener – it’s the perfect excuse to talk to that oftentimes-attractive group of Frenchmen/women next to you.

Get to the sales early and don’t forget to hydrate! Photo: Galinette

4. Soldes!
June 26 – July 30

Those looking to do some shopping in Paris should wait until the biannual sales, or “soldes,” that take place in the winter and the summer. But this shopping is not for the faint of heart. Hydrate well and bring an attitude as you’ll be scrambling among more seasoned Parisian clients who are used to the huge lines and scattered goods.

Check out smaller boutiques near the Canal St. Martin or in the Marais and avoid the department stores if you’re not a crowd person. (More tips on making the most of Paris’ bi-annual sales.)

5. Off-Broadway in Paris
June and July

Opera and ballet are great, but sometimes expats and tourists yearn for a good old-fashioned American musical. American Musical Theater Live! is introducing the Off-Broadway genre to Paris with “Edges” and “The Last 5 Years”, both debuting this summer. They are in English, with international casts, and tickets are affordable for musical theaters (try getting a €20 ticket in the West End easily!). The shows will play at the Auguste Théâtre in the 11^th arrondissement and are definitely worth checking out.

6. The Titanic Exhibit
June 1 – September 15

Twenty-one passengers boarded the Titanic when it docked at Cherbourg, and 16 survived the sinking. The boat’s story, however, is intriguing to all nationalities, and the traveling exhibit of artifacts is coming to Paris. On Monday, tickets are cheaper than the rest of the week. It may not scream, “Summer in Paris!” but excitement is subjective, right?

Music performances, planned and otherwise, take to the streets throughout Paris during the Fete de la Musique on June 21. Photo: Boklm

7. Music Festivals
All summer

Summertime turns up the soundtrack in Paris with multiple festivals. While not all are a free, the Fête de la Music on June 21 allows musicians to play all over the city into all hours of the night.

Also check out the Jazz Festival at the Parc Floral (June 8 – July 28) or get tickets to either Solidays (June 28-30) or Rock en Seine (June 23-25) for more contemporary artists. Read more about the city’s music festivals.

8. Frozen treats

When it’s hot, well, we want something cold. Sure, you can wait in line at Berthillon for some classic French ice cream, but there are plenty of other options:

• A new frozen yogurt boutique, Baci Bisous, has opened by the Canal just in time for summer. (25 rue des Vinaigriers, 75010)

Hurry up, it’s melting! Photo: cameronparkins

• Try the various flavors of Chacun ses Goûts and add toppings to your own yogurt creation as you wish. (4 rue Geoffroy l’Angevin 75004)

• In the Upper Marais, Mary’s Gelato (1 rue Dupuis 75003) is whipping up some of the best Italian sorbets you’ll taste, just down the street from equally delicious Pozetto (39 rue du Roi de Sicile 75004) and their signature chocolate-hazelnut or pistachio gelato.

Read more of about Paris’ best ice cream and gelato options.

9. Bastille Day
July 14

From the Firemen’s parties (“bal des pompiers”) to the military parade down the Champs Elysées, July 14th is a huge party in Paris, even if it celebrates the beginning of an unfortunately bloody revolution. But fireworks! Bag a non-alcoholic picnic (they check bags for spirits – let’s keep it family-friendly) and head to the Champs de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for one of the most stunning spectacles ever. Just don’t be in a rush to get out afterwards. The thousands of spectators are very carefully funneled through controlled exits, so it takes a few moments – or hours. But it’s worth it!

10. The Great Exodus: Parisians leave
August

In August, the migration begins as locals ship out and Italians, Americans, Russians, and just about any other nationality interested in Paris fill in the café seats left behind. It’s an odd feeling to see so many local places closed while major tourist addresses are inundated, but it’s also refreshing. A week or two of calm in most non-central neighborhoods does a person good. Head to the 19^th, the 17^th, or the 15^th during this time to see what a Parisian ghost town feels like! (Read more about visiting Paris in August–without Parisians.)

Your favorite reasons for visiting Paris in the summer?

Have something to add to our list? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Also in our guide: If you are planning to head to Paris this summer and looking for an affordable place to stay, be sure to stop by our guide to recommended budget hotels. Our editors have inspected, reviewed and photographed every recommended hotel in our guide.

The post Paris: 10 reasons to visit Paris this summer appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While they may never meet the selection or the quality of a Florentine gelateria, Berlin’s best ice cream makers are making their mark by focusing on quality organic and local ingredients for their hand-crafted ices.

Here are three of my favorites places to get scooped, each within easy striking distance of some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions.

Caffe e Gelato
Potsdamer Platz Arkaden shopping center
S/U-Potsdamer Platz

My favorite location for ice cream in the city, not only because it’s conveniently located when sightseeing or shopping, but also because their ice cream is (in my humble opinion) the best. Regularly offering more than 30 different flavors, they also serve sugar-, lactose-, and gluten-free varieties for those with dietary restrictions. Grab a spot in line for a scoop (or three) from the counter, or take a seat in their expansive cafe area and check out their full menu of fancy ice cream sundaes. Open late every day of the week.

Vanille & Marille
Hagelberger Str. 1
U-Mehringdamm

While V&M has three locations throughout the city, the shop near Mehringdamm is located between Mustafa’s Kebap stand and Curry 36 on the one side and the Kreuzberg restaurant and bar strip in the Bergmannstrasse on the other. Early afternoon, the sidewalk in front is lined with kids and parents on their way home from kindergarten or school.

Berlin Homemade Icecream
Elßholzstraße 10
U-Kleistpark or U-Eisenacher Str.

A short stroll from Schöneberg’s Wittenbergplatz, it’s also a great way to finish a dinner at one of the many restaurants in the nearby Akazienstrasse (see our post from Oct. 8).  Grab yourself a cup or cone and follow the locals across the street to Kleistpark to enjoy your ice cream en plein air.

The post The scoop on Berlin’s best ice cream appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

One of the top five reasons I live in Barcelona is the weather. I’m from the Pacific NW in the United States, which is lovely when the clouds lift. Sick of the rain, I wanted to be in the sunshine which motivated me to move to Costa Rica, Guatemala and now Spain. But I digress…

As much as I love the sunny Mediterranean summer we’re having this July, I have to say: It’s HOT. Really hot the past couple of weeks. So hot that walking around outside makes me feel faint and in need of a siesta... and an ice cream.

Luckily, both of these essential needs are easily met in Barcelona. A siesta can be taken anywhere (in the grass, on the beach, on a bench; in this city anything goes), and ice cream shops are almost as plentiful as bars!

Vioko
Passeig de Joan De Borbó #55
La Barceloneta
Web site

Some ice creameries are better than others. The number one, best of the best, top-dog ice cream shop is Vioko, in La Barceloneta by the beach. There are always people getting cones and cups here, even in the winter. In the summer there’s a line, but go ahead and grab a number because it’s worth the wait.

Vioko has weird ice cream flavors such as “Violet and Jasmine with Grapefruit,” which sound strangely delicious though I haven’t tried them. I have licked their Chocolate Tentacion which has dulcede leche and brownie in it, as well as their Strawberry with fresh fruit, their Mint and Chocolate, and their Cheese Cake with Berries. As you can see, I’ve been a regular at Vioko “researching” this post.

Their cones are slightly more expensive than other ice cream shops in the area, but only by twenty or thirty cents. Their portions are bigger than other shops, so it all works out in the end.

Bellamia
Calle Espaseria 14
El Born
Web site

Bellamia in El Born neighborhood is another appetizing choice if you’re after a traditional Italian gelato. On Carrer de L’Espaseria, this is the place to go after a tasty meal at one of the barri’s many cutting-edge restaurants. Order a couple cups at Bellamia and then take them over to Passeig del Born and sit on one of the benches there, people-watching and taking in the balmy Barcelona night.

Horchata

While I prefer ice cream, lots of locals would rather have an horchata than a gelato. Horchata is a super sweet and very typical Spanish drink that’s popular during the summer. Grab one at Planelles Donat in the center of the city or at La Valenciana, which is a happening ice cream and horchata joint in the Eixample. Both of these shops are historic dating back to 1850 and 1910, respectively.

The post Barcelona: 4 divine ice cream shops in Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But when you’re visiting Paris, don’t waste your time and money on store-brand desserts. Grab a five euro bill and head out to some of the best ice cream joints that the city has to offer. Here are my favorites:

The Classic

Berthillon
Main store: 29-31 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile, 75004
http://www.berthillon.fr/

Berthillon may just be the most popular ice cream in Paris, and with good reason. These tiny scoops of ice cream are so packed with flavor that one lick will instantly justify the long wait in line. Take note, it’s the only French ice cream on this list.

The Non-classics

It Mylk
15 rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006
http://www.itmylk.fr/

It Mylk has two locations in Paris serving up something that Parisians still aren’t entirely sure about: frozen yogurt. A far cry from the ice creams at Berthillon, It Mylk offers natural, fat-free yogurt that you can adorn with any combination of berries, granola, chocolate, etc. A quick look at the endless yogurt aisle in the grocery store and you’ll see why this concept works. And hey, it’s basically guilt-free.

My Berry
25 rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 or 51 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile, 75004
http://www.myberry.eu/

My Berry has the same concept as It Mylk but under a different name, recalling the Pink Berry frozen yogurt franchise in the United States. With tangy tart yogurt and a complicated array of toppings, My Berry is one of the places worth waiting in line for in the Marais on a Sunday after you’ve waited in a similar line for one of the best falafel sandwiches on nearby rue des Rosiers.

Enter the gelato…

Amorino
Various addresses listed on their Web site

When it comes to the best frozen treats, Parisians know that Italians are the real masters, even when, like Amorino, it’s a French company parading around as an Italian one. These stores can be found all over the city and they serve up picturesque Italian-style gelato in the form of a flower. Their chocolate-hazelnut combo (called the “Inimitable”) is a fantastic choice, especially for Nutella lovers. Chain-haters beware: Amorino boutiques are as ubiquitous as Starbucks, but the demand for ice cream is just so high…

Grom
81 rue de Seine, 75006
http://www.grom.it/

I first tried Grom in New York, unaware that it started in Torino. I never imagined I’d have the good fortune to grab a scoopful in Paris. Happily, in 2008 the high quality and eco-friendly Italian-based gelato makers brought their craft to Paris’ Saint Germain neighborhood after spreading all across Italy and overseas. They’re also very aware of food allergies, so there is a flavor for everyone.

Pozetto
39 rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004
http://www.pozzetto.biz/

Pozetto is yet another Italian gelateria that makes it easy for you. Not only is the menu limited to a very select 12 flavors, but they’re all delicious, so there’s no way to lose. Go crazy with pistachio, mint, and panna cotta flavors or go basic with Fior di Latte, a pure cream variety that seems simpler than vanilla with a taste that is anything but vanilla.

Mary’s
1 rue Charles-François Dupuis, 75003

Mary’s is one of those places that will always leave you with a smile. The super friendly owner, Mary, will speak to you in beautiful Italian, rarely English or French, while helping you choose which of her handmade flavors is best for you. The fruit sorbets are probably my favorite in Paris and her tea-based flavors are just as refreshing on a hot day, like a frozen scoop of fresh iced tea. And the entire experience of getting a cone from Mary and talking with her will make your ice cream taste all that much sweeter.

Your favorite ice cream spots

Tell us, Cheapos, do you have any other recommendations for a scoop or two to fight the summer heat? Tell us about your favorite ice cream joint in our comments section.

The post Paris: The city’s tastiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.