Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.

Supermarkets

The Icelandic supermarket will be your best friend if you really want to keep your food costs down. Bonus is a discount chain that can feed you for just a few dollars a day, and there is one right in the heart of the city at Laugavegur 59 Kjörgarður.

If your hotel or hostel has kitchen facilities, consider at least a few meals that you can cook yourself, and then you’ll have a little extra left over for the nights you do want to go out. Shopping at the supermarket lets you taste local Icelandic specialties like fish and lamb without shelling out a small fortune. And don’t leave the market without picking up a few types of licorice candy, the local sweet treat that everyone loves!

Reykjavik cheap eats

The prices at restaurants and bars in Reykjavik can add up quickly, but here are some budget options:

• For a delicious local delicacy at a good price, try a bowl of lobster soup at Saegreifinn
  
• For a hearty and healthy lunch along the main drag in Reykjavik, Sandholt, a bakery that has been making homemade bread for over 100 years,  serves up sandwiches and salads in their cafe space.
• Food halls offer a fun, affordable way to eat out in Reykjavik. You’ll find everything from fish and chips to lamb burgers at Grandi Matholl and Hlemmer Matholl (a renovated bus station).
• Pop into Brauð & co for delicious (and affordable) organic pastries that are so good they usually sell out before the end of the day.
• The student cafe, Háma, at the University of Iceland is a good spot for lunch with daily specials for under $10.
• Coffee shops we like include Reykjavik Roasters and the classic Mokka that’s been serving espresso since 1958.
• For a hot dog, try Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a very popular stand in the center of town that has been open for decades.

Pastries from Brauð & Co and coffee from Reykjavik Roasters. Photo: Craig Nelson

Happy Hours

Iceland is famous for consuming large quantities of beer — and the even larger price tags that come with those pints. Taxes on alcohol are off the charts, and a beer can easily set you back $10. However, there are several excellent happy hour deals around town. If you love good beer, check out Skúli Craft Bar during happy hour where you can sip local brews at the outdoor picnic tables or head to Kex Hostel for one of the cheapest beers in town (800 kr). There’s also an app, Appy Hour Reykjavik, that you can download to find the nearest (and cheapest) cocktail, although during COVID they have not been updating the information on a regular basis.

Kaffibarinn is a popular bar in Reykjavik. Photo: halighalie

Nightlife

Even though Iceland is tiny (about 350,000 population), the music scene has produced an impressive number of world-famous acts from Björk to Sigur Rós and GDRN. The nightlife scene is hopping with dance clubs with DJs, bars that get packed on the weekend (like Kaffibarinn), and plenty of live music venues as well as numerous festivals throughout the year like Iceland Airwaves that draw fans from around the world.

The Reykjavik Grapevine offers detailed listings for movies, music, performing arts, and much more. You can pick up a copy around town or check their website before you hit the town.

Our guide to budget travel in Iceland

Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:

• Airfare: Finding cheap flights from the US
• When to go to Iceland
• Budget hotels in Reykjavik
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Bus tours from Reykjavik
• Budget tips for visiting Reykjavik

The post Reykjavik cheap eats: Save on restaurants, cafes and bars appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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

Nighttime transportation

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

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

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

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

Drinking for less at cafes and bars

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

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

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

Related: 5 Bars perfect for a Cheapo night out

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

Late night clubs for live music and dancing

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

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

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

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

Nights at the museum

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

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

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

Tuesday: The Fondation Cartier until 10 pm.

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

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

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

Saturday: The Quai Branly until 10 pm.

Related: A list of free and discounted museums in Paris

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

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

Saving on theater and film

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

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

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

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

Affordable late-night dining

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have fun!

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

This tour takes you on an after-dark adventure that includes a fantastic happy hour deal, a picnic in a park with a free concert, a night cap with a handcrafted cocktail and even a sunrise over the harbor for the true night owls.

The happiest hour

Start your evening with a beer or cocktail at the iconic Turmbar (Rothenbaumchausse 2) located a short distance from Dammtor train station. Choose between their unique indoor seating (up a winding staircase to the top of the tower) or enjoy the late afternoon sun on their outdoor terrace.

Happy hour runs daily from 6 to 8 PM, when select “bartender’s choice” cocktails are on offer for only €5.50-6.50.

Picnic in the park (with a free concert)

From here, cross back through the train station into Hamburg’s gorgeous Planten un Blomen Park. Meander through the various gardens and ponds, ultimately making your way to the grassy areas north of the central lake. Spread out your sheet as close to the water as possible and enjoy your picnic dinner (see details at the end of the article for finding provisions).

This area will begin to fill up about 30 minutes before the free nightly lighted water organ concert. Between May 1 and August 31, the concerts begin at 10 PM; between September 1 and October 5, concerts start at 9 PM. Each concert lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

Wander the Reeperbahn & St. Pauli Night Market

Early birds will want to exit the park at its southernmost end, near U-St. Pauli. From here, continue southward on Millerntorplatz until you reach the Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s famed red-light district.

Halfway down the Reeperbahn, you’ll come to Spielbudenplatz, a public plaza that hosts events throughout the year. Wednesday nights you will want to check out the St. Pauli Night Market that offers a great mix of food and drinks. Locals come to mingle, sip a drink and enjoy a night out under the open skies. It runs until 11 PM from April through September and until 10 PM from October through May.

Strolling along the boulevard, you will eventually come to Peparmölenbek. Head downhill toward the Fischmarkt, turning left on Lange Str., then right on Pinnasberg.

Fancy a fancy cocktail?

Just beyond the large curve, you’ll find Christiansen’s (Pinnasberg 60), one of Hamburg’s top addresses for cocktails. Finish your evening with a nightcap here, where the drinks (ordered from a menu that goes on for days) are a worthy splurge.

You can make your way home either by catching a ferry from the Fischmarkt (below) back toward the center (S-/U-Landungsbrücken) or walking back to S-Reeperbahn. But do you really want to go home already? Keep reading…

Fish Market sunrise on Sundays

Once you’ve finished your drink at Christiansen’s (open until 5 AM on Saturday nights), it’s a short stumble down the hill to the must-see Fischmarkt (Große Elbstraße 137), which is open on Sundays only at 5 AM (April to October) and 7 AM (from November until March).

Here you can warm yourself with a fresh waffle and coffee (or another beer and fresh fish sandwich, if that’s more your speed). Then dive into the entertaining tumult of ware hawkers and buyers, or simply grab a seat at the adjacent ferry station and enjoy the sunrise over the harbor.

Late-night in the Schanze and Karo districts

Looking for even more ideas? Then night owls will want to hit up two of Hamburg’s coolest neighborhoods packed with restaurants, cafes and bars. You can check out our Schanze and Karo guide or simply try your luck at any place that tickles your fancy.

Got the late-night munchies? As last call echoes through the Schanze, you can always find safe harbor at Erika’s Eck (Sternstraße 98). Famous for its generous portions of filling German food, Erika’s begins breakfast service each day at midnight. Here, the nighttime special is a large variety of sandwiches, priced at just €1 each.

Tips for getting ready to hit the town

Before you set out on your adventure, you might want to bring a long a few helpful items. Pack along a flat sheet from your hotel, and stock up on picnic supplies at your nearest grocery store. Convenient and central supermarkets are the Edeka at Hauptbahnhof (inside the station above the trains, open daily from 7 AM to 11 PM) and Lidl at Altona train station (on the middle level between the train and S-Bahn platforms, open Monday-Saturday 7 AM to 10 PM, Sundays 10 AM to 8 PM).

Cash will also come in handy, as many small bars and restaurants do not take credit cards.

The post Hamburg: An itinerary for the perfect cheapo night out appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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

1. Wine and beer, have no fear

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

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

2. Trams before taxis

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

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

3. The clubs less traveled

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

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

4. Live music lovers should think small

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

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

5. Don’t mix coffeeshops with cafes and clubs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some tips I’ve developed over the years for Paris “tout seul”:

Dining

It can be tricky in any city to go to a restaurant on your own. It takes guts. Those looking to eat in Paris’ trendier addresses and gourmet restaurants may find them slightly awkward for solo dining. They aren’t necessarily relaxing experiences, but more than that, these long drawn-out meals are meant to be shared, and doing it alone can be, well, a bit depressing.

Opt instead for an outdoor dining experience, like a picnic in a park if the weather allows it. If not, find a nice terrace where you can enjoy your steak frites in peace, with a bit of street theater to keep you occupied between bites. No one will look at you funny, you won’t feel pressured to give up your seat, and you won’t feel left out in a dining room full of chatting friends and acquaintances.

Nightlife

Going out alone at night is easier said than done. But fortunately in Paris, you can forget the clubs and glitzy nightlife and hunker down in one of the many bustling bars or cafés to enjoy a glass of wine or potentially meet some new people. The wine bar at Verjus, for example, is a great place to make new friends, or head to the Belle Hortense in the Marais for a drink with people spilling out onto the street at night.

In any case, if you are looking for something specific – dancing, gay nightlife, parties – do your research beforehand. Many a night has been spent wandering the streets of Paris with nary a hint of where to go when a group of out-of-towners decide they want to stay out all night.

Meeting people

Paris has plenty of options to meet new people. Meetup.com is popular in Paris, as is the Expatriates in Paris Facebook group. There’s also a website called OnVaSortir (“We’re Going Out”) that offers random group meetings from happy hours to walks along the Seine for free.

If you want to dine with new people, there are plenty of ways to do it, including Colunching, a website that allows you to lunch or dine with new people at a variety of restaurants around town. And the Jim Hayne’s dinners each Sunday were legendary ways to meet new people from across the globe while, of course, eating. Unfortunately, he passed away in January 2021.

Go on tour

Some people feel that walking tours are touristy – and they are. If you’re a tourist, there’s no shame. But they are also great ways to meet new people.

Paris Walks, for example, offers daily tours in English for just €12, and all you have to do is show up.

Paris by Mouth also offers culinary tours that will introduce you to new people and tastes – two birds with one stone, right? If nothing else, at least you’ll discover a slice of Paris you may not have known before.

Don’t worry

A big problem for people traveling alone is that they worry. It’s understandable, but try not to. Thousands of people before you have survived a visit to Paris on their own, if only for one day, and some for years, so just relax. Have some addresses jotted down and a book on hand for any downtime, and enjoy.

Your tips for enjoying Paris “tout seul”?

How have you enjoyed Paris on your own? Share your tips with other solo travelers below in our comments section.

The post Solo Travel in Paris: Simple tips for visiting Paris on your own appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. International Comedy Club
23 Wicklow Street

Comedians take the stage four nights a week at the International Comedy Club. Advance tickets are €10 (or €8 for students) and are available only on Saturday night, when the club hosts two shows – an early show and a late show. On other nights, advance tickets aren’t available, simply pay the entry fee at the door. Cheapos will want to attend a show on Sundays, when the price is dropped to €5.

2. Capital Comedy Club
Upstairs in The Ha Penny Bridge Inn, Wellington Quay

Comedy in Temple Bar has been scheduled for every Wednesday and Sunday since 1996 at the Ha’Penny Bridge Inn. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the show, at a cost of €7 or €5 for students. Advance tickets aren’t available, simply pay cash at the door. Irish comedians and international acts will interact with the audience at the Capital Comedy Club.

3. Laughter Lounge
6 Eden Quay

Perhaps the best known comedy club in Dublin is the Laughter Lounge – but it’s also the most expensive. Tickets generally range from €10 – €30. Over 3,000 comedians, including Des Bishop, have entertained audiences here since 1997.

There are a few strategies Cheapos can use to attend a show here affordably. If you’re traveling in a group, check out the group discounts available in advance online. There are also many value vouchers available online (through Groupon or Living Social) that can help to secure tickets at a significant discount.

Where do you go for laughs?

Where are your favorite comedy clubs in Europe? Tell us about it in the comments section.

Also in our guide: If you’re visiting Dublin and looking for an affordable place to sleep, visit our Dublin guide to read reviews of great cheap hotels.

The post Dublin: Comedy clubs offering cheap laughs appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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

The cozy Hosteria Grau in El Raval

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

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

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

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

The Hotel del Mar is near nightlife and the beach.

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

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

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

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

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

More hotel picks

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

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

Happy hours galore

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

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

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

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

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

Dancing and Mingling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your favorite gay bars in Paris?

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

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

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

If you like the satisfaction of enjoying a well-crafted beer at a good price, here are my top beer bars in Amsterdam.

t’Arendsnest
Herengracht 90
Web site

Welcome to the only Dutch beer bar in the city. Sure, others might have a Holland brew on tap, but Arendsnest’s beer selection is strictly national, with dozens to choose from on tap and in bottle. A tripel from Texel or dubbel from the south, take your pick and marvel at the brass taps and classy décor as you watch boats float along the Herengracht.

Things can get rowdy at night at De Zotte, a Belgian beer bar. Photo: DutchGrub

Belgique
Gravenstraat 2
Web site

This is my favorite beer bar, hands down. Their Belgian beer menu is extensive enough to satisfy an array of patrons. The place is tiny and hard to move around in, but that only makes it cozier. Take a seat on the outside benches – they’re heated during winter – and make small talk with the “unique” locals amongst an artsy, gritty downtown alley. Smoking of all sorts is allowed inside and out, and live music by bands or DJ starts after 10 p.m.

De Zotte
Raamstraat 29
Web site

Zotte is another Belgian beer bar, located right behind Leidseplein, and is larger than Belgique in size and selection. The dark, candlelit room is usually packed with students and young professionals thirsty for flavorful brews and hungry for typical small dishes like stinky cheese and smoked meats. Things can get rowdy as the night progresses; however early evenings are relaxed and the music is always a great blend of indie and classic rock.

Cafe de Spuyt
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 86
Web site

Located on a side street off busy nightlife center Leidseplein, Spuyt is a small beer cafe listing specials on tap and a menu of bottled brew on a chalkboard. I can always depend on this place having a decent Amsterdam beer on tap, along with a few other specials from the Netherlands. Their cozy atmosphere and friendly staff makes Spuyt a great stop before a night out or a post-concert drink.

Tip: Get brewed

If your eyes are set on the local brew scene, Amsterdam has two microbreweries that are free to enter, authentic in décor, delicious in drink, and cheap!

The Brouwerij ‘t Ij (Funenkade 7) is nestled against an old windmill and a relaxing canal setting, complete with a beer garden for summer and a cozy beer room for winter. Fresh beer starts at €2 for a pilsner, but tasting glasses are the way to go for sampling (brewery tours happen on weekends and cost €4.50).

Brouwerij de Prael (Oudezijds Voorburgwal 30) is in the heart of Amsterdam’s red light district, hidden by tourists along a narrow alleyway that only the locals seem to wander down. It’s the city’s first brewery, enjoyed best by an afternoon hang out in their tasting room with a classic brewery beer mug.

Your favorite beer bar?

Have a bar to add to our list? Tell us about it in our comments section below.

Also in our guide: Heading to Amsterdam and looking for an affordable hotel? Be sure to check out our editors picks for great cheap sleeps, all visited, inspected, and photographed by our team. And just think, you can relax at any of the bars above with all those euros you’ll be saving on your hotel bill. Read more in our Amsterdam guide.

The post Amsterdam’s best bars for beer appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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

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

1. Siegessäule

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

2. SchwuZ
Mehringdamm 61
(030) 6290880

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

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

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

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

4. GMF
Alexander Straße 7

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

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

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