1. Cheap and sweet: the cookie aisle

Amsterdam’s chain supermarket, Albert Hein, is a gold mine for affordable and tasty treats that are light and allowed on board for the flight home. My favorite spot to spy a few good gifts is the cookie aisle, particularly where the stroopwafels and almond cakes hang about. From Belgian chocolate truffles and Nutella to quirky Dutch favorites like drop (salty liquorice) and hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), the possibilities encourage creative gift baskets. And the best part? All of these items go for just a few euros.

Learn and taste your way through the history of Dutch cheese. Photo: Meg Marks

2. Cheese? Puh-lease!

After a few samples at the (free) Amsterdam Cheese Museum on Prinsengracht 112, it’s hard to resist packing a few small rounds of Dutch cheese in the suitcase. The garden harm combos, the smoked sticks and sharp goudas are nearly irresistible.

My tip: Don’t do it! Dutch cheese shops are not easy on the wallet, and forget the specialty spots within the center. If you want to be stubborn about it, at least support the local farmers and buy locally at the cheese stands at outdoor markets like Albert Cuypmarkt and Dappermarkt. Even better, it’s a short bike ride to surrounding local farm houses that have attached shops with an even larger cheese variety.

3. Tah tah, Tulipmania

There’s something you need to know about flowers, even tulips: they’re a seasonal buy! True, the flower market offers bulbs for sale year round, but that doesn’t mean they’ll grow once planted. The only time to plant tulips are in fall, and that’s the prime time to buy. Make sure they have the “special seal” on the package if you’re bringing them back across the pond—US customs are strict about tulip bulbs (and Dutch cheese) coming in.

As an alternative, check out the (free) Tulip Museum on Prinsengracht 116 for tulip trinkets that earn a bit more authenticity than the smorgasbord of souvenir stands around town. My favorite find for kids are the “tulip in a can” gifts at Knuffels (Sint Antoniesbreestraat 51A).

4. Always a find at Waterlooplein Market

The best market to dig around for treasures and random odds and ends is Waterlooplein, open everyday (except Sundays) from 9 AM to 4 PM. This hodgepodge of stands sell new and used apparel, accessories and random ornaments, spread out like a giant garage sale and offering some great buys.

Ten-cent postcards, €1 books and €5 shirts are just the beginning. This is the place for one-of-a-kind buys, boxes with a few gems in a mound of junk, vintage wear, and everything in between. In one trip I can pimp my bike with a new bell, score a pair of spring shoes, a good record find, and splurge on a mirror frame—and spend less than €30.

5. Feeling frisky? Put a “lid” on “it”

If the Red Light District is calling your name (or wallet) for gift giving, I have two places to recommend to you. Amsterdam’s Condomerie is the world’s first condom specialty store located on Warmoesstraat 141 just off Dam Square. They have an endless supply of different novelty condoms with shapes that vary from the Eiffel Tower to The Simpsons. These are NOT for use, but are great gag gifts hard to find elsewhere in this world.

The ultra find for the Red Light District can be found at the Prostitute Information Center at Enge Kerksteeg 3, just next to the Oude Kerk. It’s a few euros to enter, but it’s a worth it for a closer look at the history of the world’s oldest profession in Amsterdam. More importantly, it’s the only place you’ll ever find photos of the brief Red Light District moment in the 1990s when men could rent out windows and offer services to the public. This only lasted for an afternoon, as it drew too much media attention to the neighborhood, and men just couldn’t keep up with their “demand” for service.

The post 5 cheapo souvenir ideas to bring home from Amsterdam appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While Borough Market and the South Bank Centre’s Real Food Market are worthy staples on most visitor’s list of attractions, here are some cheaper options that will make your money go that little bit further:

Berwick Street Market
Soho

An excellent value lunch choice if you’re exploring Soho during the week. Join the hoards of office workers fueling up on generously sized falafel boxes, steaming Vietnamese Pho, tasty pizzas and other takeaway delights. The market itself is actually one of the oldest in London, dating back to the 1770’s, but the fare on sale today is more “lunch on the go” than your traditional fruit and veg.

Head to nearby Soho Square or the newly refurbished Leicester Square to bask in the sunshine while you tuck in.

Lower Marsh Market
Waterloo

Another popular choice with local workers and the perfect pit stop if you’re near Waterloo or the South Bank and want to avoid the more expensive food options. Lower Marsh Market is open from around midday to 3 p.m. and serves up a large range of really affordable food. Think pad Thai, curries, wraps and cakes, all for just a few quid each.

Once you’ve made your choice, Waterloo Millennium Green at the end of the street is a convenient place to sit and eat – or head to the South Bank and eat overlooking the River Thames, feeling very smug that you got such a good bargain!

Broadway Market
Hackney

A fashionable way to spend a Saturday in London, Broadway Market has a lively atmosphere and is more of a destination in itself than a quick lunch stop. So give yourself a bit of time to peruse the quirky range of stalls before choosing what to eat. The cupcakes and the traditional British pies should come high on your agenda.

Brixton Village Market
Brixton

Ok, so strictly speaking most of this is under cover, but the joy of it is that you can sit outside a restaurant under the old market arches all year round and it does kind of feel like you’re sitting outside. This is an ideal place to spend an evening eating, drinking and being merry—all on a budget.

Brixton Village and Market Row arcades were both run down and under threat of demolition when local businesses won the right to transform them into a bustling foodie hub. The choice of food is immense—from hearty Caribbean and South American fare, to delicate Thai and Japanese street food, humungous pulled pork burgers and sourdough pizzas so popular the queue goes round the corner.

Many of the restaurants also have a bring your own booze policy too, which keeps things nice and cheap. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are the liveliest.

Truck Stop
East London

Food trucks are gaining in popularity in the UK and this summer sees Truck Stop parking up in East London. Over 20 food trucks have come together to offer a massive choice of tasty eats, from southern comfort food, fried chicken and The Breakfast Club’s indulgent all-day breakfasts, to meals you are less likely to find at a food truck—good old fish and chips, Japanese gyoza and Lebanese flatbreads.

The Truck Stop is hitting Wood Wharf near Canary Wharf the first Thursday and Friday of every month this summer, with the next events on August 1st and 2nd and September 5th and 6th from 5-11 p.m. Tickets cost £10 and can be exchanged for 10 “Truck Stop Dollars” to spend on beers or cocktails. Bargain!

More markets in mind?

Let us know about your favorite outdoor markets in London using the comment box below—we’re always on the lookout for Cheapo spots to shop!  Or, if you have any questions, ask away!  And don’t forget to check out our picks for the best budget hotels in London for a spot to stay.  If you’re lucky, you might find a place next to your favorite market!

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Instead, here are some activities to avoid – expensive bad ideas, hence the crummiest things to do in my city.

1. Eat Near the Duomo

It might seem like a good idea at the time. You are walking arm in arm with a your partner who has taken on a Casanova-like persona since landing in Italy. You see the Duomo shining into the night like Pegasus and notice a quaint little restaurant with a menu posted in the window. Even better, it’s entirely in English. What next? You sit down, you order a pizza that tastes like a shoe and when you get the bill you end up leaving your Rolex for collateral.

2. Forget to Validate Your Train Ticket

So far, everything has gone to perfection. You’ve made it to the train station, you’ve figured out the electronic ticket distributor, you’ve purchased the right ticket (you think) and you’ve found the track where your train is departing. You are a champion. As an added bonus, you not only score two seats on the train, but they are even facing each other. You begin to imagine scenes of barefoot frolics on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Then the controller appears and you proudly present him your tickets which you have forgotten to validate in one of the little yellow boxes on the platform. You pay him almost 200 Euros as a fine. You feel shame. You feel alone. And cold.

3. Go Shopping for Counterfeit Goods

You are at San Lorenzo Market after reading one of my previous recommendations. You see a table of “Gucci” bags and “Swiss” watches. You pay an unbelievably low price for the same purse you once saw in movie staring George Clooney. You can’t believe the savings and buy another one for your sister back home. You figure what the heck and buy one for each of your colleagues and relatives. You high five the merchant and go on your merry way.

You are stopped by the foot-patrolling police squad with twenty counterfeit bags over your shoulder. You pay a very hefty fine. You are out of money and must return to the homeland. You are traumatized from the experience and develop an extreme fear of Italian accessories.

4. Go Swimming in the Arno

It is a 110 degrees and Florence is an inferno. This wasn’t in the travel guide. Neither was anything stating that you were not supposed to dive into the brown goodness of the Arno river. You find a nice spot and dunk your toe to test the temperature. The water is surprisingly warm. You slip down to your trunks and cannonball into the water.

When you emerge your skin feels like Tabasco Sauce. A local fisherman drags you onto his boat and brings to you to the Santa Maria Novella Hospital. You dish out lots and lots of money for a translator. You call your insurance company and they laugh at you. You count your change and use your last three Euros to buy yourself a shower.

Your advice?

Have a touristic temptation to add to our list of activities NOT to do in Florence? Add yours to the list by leaving a comment.

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You have a coffee, munch a croissant, ride the bus and buy a postcard for your mom and BAM!…. another €10 is gone! This is a city where it is very easy to spend money at a rapid clip. Here are a few places where it pays to lay down your euro bucks:

1. Rent a bike

A bike tour with most cycle companies in the city is about €20. Instead, rent a bike for four hours for €10, get out your map and create your own bike tour! It’s best to stick to the bike lanes and paths near the beach. http://www.barcelonarentabike.com/en/

2. See a Spanish movie

Obviously there is a language issue with this idea, but if you do speak Castellano, then try out your verbs and vocabulary at one of Barcelona’s many cinemas! This can be a relaxing way to end an evening if you have been trekking around the metropolis all day. Renoir is my cinema pick for Spanish films and other original version films. Films cost about €7 each. (Watch out; popcorn will put you over €10.)

3. Visit a market

Barcelona has some fantastic markets which are, of course, all free to visit. Stop into Santa Caterina Market in the morning and spend your €10 on lunch inside the market (Plaça de les Glories Catalane, C/ Dos de Maig, 186). Or head to Encants Market (Mon/Wed/Sat from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.) to check out Barcelona’s best flea market. You never know what treasures you may come across!

I love going to flea markets because in many ways it’s like a history lesson from the place I am visiting. Looking through people’s junk from 50 years ago, you get an idea of what life was like in Barcelona once-upon-a-time….

4. Tour Catalunya Caixa’s Casa Milà

Believe it or not, this one is FREE. So you just saved €10, which means more Spanish Rioja wine for you later. One of the best deals in the city, Catalunya Caixa’s Casa Milà houses rotating art exhibitions. Check ahead to see what’s on but know that their shows are always top quality. Casa Milà is also one of Gaudí’s most important buildings (but you’ll have to pay more to go into the Gaudí Museum part). http://www.lapedreraeducacio.org/

5. Groove at a Jamboree Jazz Concert

In the Gothic Quarter, I adore Jamboree and its fabulous line-up of jazz, blues and soul concerts nightly. The best part about it is that almost all their shows are €10. Sometimes they bring in a Big Dog in the jazz scene and tickets shoot up to €15 or €20, but this is an exception to the rule. See their line-up ahead of time and get your tickets in advance to save. http://www.masimas.com

6. Wander Park Guell

Another freebie! Well, almost free, seeing as you have to pay for the bus ticket up to the park. If you are in good shape do yourself a favor and don’t take the bus. Instead take the Metro to “Lesseps” and walk up, up, up to the park’s main entrance. Then walk some more inside this weird Gaudí wonderland. If you do take public transportation, you’ll only pay about €3 for transportation there and back. Use your remaining €7 to get a drink in the park and tip the many musicians who play along the pathways. http://www.gaudiallgaudi.com/

Update 2013: Sadly, the city announced that they will start charging €8 to visit Park Guell as of October 2013.

7. Jam Sessions at Jazz Si

This place is great and I would go there a lot more often if their concert times weren’t so early. By early I mean the Saturday Night Jazz Jam session begins at 7:45 p.m. Not early in most parts of the world, but basically the afternoon in Spain. Still, for €5 a concert, Jazz Si is a steal. Also consider their Rock-Pop-Blues-Funk Jam Session on Tuesdays. (Note: Get there early, as this place is popular!) Address: Club del Taller de Músics, C/ Requesens, 2 – Barcelona.

8. Picnic in the Park

On a sunny day, pack yourself a picnic of bread, cheese, ham and a bottle of Rioja and head to Park Ciutadella in Barcelona’s city center. Walk around the park taking a peek at the Zoo (warning: expensive to get in), the gardens, the palms, the man-made lake and the elaborate fountain.

On certain evenings in the summertime there is free live music at the gazebo in Park Ciutadella, one of my favorite Barcelona perks! The cost is in the food for this outing, as a visit to the park is free. If you want to take a boat out on the pond, that’s a bit more, and not really worth it.  http://www.bcn.es/

9. Castle on the mountain

Take the zipper train up the mountain to the Castillo de Montjuic. Again, the cost for this outing is in the transportation, as getting into the castle, which dates back to the early 1600’s and has a dark past, is free. Honestly, there are some fabulous views to be had from the castle and it’s well worth the trip to get an idea of how the city is laid out. There is a small restaurant inside the castle offering snacks and lunch, but not much else. http://www.castillomontjuic.com/

10. Tours with Runner Beans

Runner Beans offers free tours of Barcelona’s old city center every day at 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The guides take you on a two-hour tour and you tip them at the end depending on the experience.

Obviously, this is how the guides make all their money, so it is important to tip. I have not been on one of these tours, but have heard a lot about them, as this is a new concept in Barcelona. Would you tip your guide €10? Maybe. Or maybe €7 with €3 leftover for a cafe con leche. http://www.runnerbeantours.com/

The post Barcelona: 10 great things to do for under €10 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whether you’re navigating the stalls of the outdoor organic market at Boulevard Raspail or elbowing your way through the international clientele at the market in Belleville, there are a few things to know before braving a marché in Paris.

Each market is unique and offers a local and intimate peek into daily life. Regardless of which market you explore, the following suggestions should help you make the most out of your visit. (Check here for the days and times of all of Paris’ outdoor produce markets.)

Hope you’re hungry, because it’s time to stock up on some fruits and veggies… à la cheapo!

1. Look for the plastic bag

Not all markets allow you to choose your own produce, and some vendors may frown upon you touching their goods. If you see colored plastic bags (usually within easy reach) or if the seller hands you a bag, go ahead and serve yourself. If you hear the merchants shouting, “servez-vous,” start grabbing some eggplants. Otherwise, hands off!

2. Check your goods

When vendors insist on choosing the produce for you, beware. Check your bag before walking away to ensure they didn’t slip in a couple of spoiled fruits to get rid of their bad produce. Should this happens, don’t hesitate to return it and demand a better selection. After all, it only takes one moldy apple to spoil the whole bunch!

3. Keep things moving!

Lines build up quickly at many markets and there’s no time for waiting around. Have your money ready to avoid wasting time, and once you make your purchase, move on or risk getting trampled. Ironically, in a culture known for two-hour lunches and disruptive transportation strikes, the market is one place where Parisians show their impatience.

4. Buying bulk is better

Gauging quantities of food is difficult, especially when you’re living alone in Paris. Do I need two kilograms of carrots? (How much is two kilos, anyway?) But buying in bulk is always preferable and often cheaper in the end than buying just a few pieces. For items that keep (like carrots and onions), I buy in a kilo or two. But for tomatoes, strawberries or peaches, I scale down to a quarter or a half kilo to avoid waste.

5. Be polite

Aside from the whole pushy thing (see #3 above), the market is still about the French codes of politesse. Use your “bonjours” and “mercis” to facilitate any transaction whether you’re in the pristine stalls of Passy or the crushes of the Barbès market. Vendors are usually very polite, and are known to sometimes toss extra strawberries in your bag. Be a little extra nice–can’t hurt, right?

6. Go later for the deals

If you can wait until the markets wind down in the early afternoon, you can usually take advantage of vendors selling off their perishables at discounted rates. Look for baskets or trays called “panier,” often loaded with ripened avocados or overstocked radishes for a fraction of their regular price (usually just one or two euros). The selection may not be the best, but the prices are downright unbeatable.

7. Go with local produce

All markets clearly label the origins of their produce–at least the country. There’s nothing wrong with Spanish strawberries (some even prefer them to the French ones). Still, if I see that produce is coming from really far away, it usually means that it’s out of season, and I should wait to buy it until the local, fresher, and usually cheaper version comes to market. (Of course, if it’s produce that doesn’t grow in France to begin with, don’t fret it.)

8. Consider your caddy

Far be it from me to tell people not to bring their little rolling caddies to the market. All those vegetables and fruits can get heavy and I don’t expect everyone to sling their bags over their shoulders. But if using a caddy, remember to be considerate. Markets, especially ones at Belleville and Aligre, get crowded. Don’t leave your caddy in the middle of traffic or cross others’ paths without realizing that the caddy you’re pulling will cut them off. Be considerate and you’ll greatly reduce the amount of grumbling coming from behind you.

9. Price check

As soon as I arrive at the market, I always make one complete round to check out all the offerings. In addition to being a fun experience, this is the only way to make sure you don’t pay too much for certain items. If, for example, I purchase red peppers right off the bat and later find them for half the price per kilogram at the other end of the market, I kick myself. No one said being a budget shopper was always going to be easy!

10. Be prepared for anything

Take all of these rules with a grain of fleur de sel. I’m not a regular at every single market, so I’m still learning something with each visit. Anything can–and will–come up at the market. With common sense and a polite disposition, you’ll be ready for anything!

Your market tips

Do you have some tips for navigating Paris’ outdoor markets? Tell us about your market experience in the comments section. Also, check out Theadora Brack’s earlier piece for more tips on shopping at Paris’ outdoor markets.

The post Paris Outdoor Markets: 10 tips for budget shoppers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Walk aimlessly

I’m a walker, and one of the many reasons I like living in Prague is because it’s a great city to get lost in. Just pick a starting point, start walking and see where the path takes you. It’s a great way to explore the city and stumble upon any of Prague’s myriad treasures.

2. Drink a beer outside

After walking for a while, you’ll naturally get thirsty. Of course there aren’t as many outdoor beer gardens open now as there will be in the summer, but I just passed one yesterday and the people looked like they were in Czech beer heaven. Sipping a brew outside is one of the country’s greatest pleasures; if you don’t do it, well, you just haven’t experienced the Czech Republic. Na zdraví! (That’s “cheers!” in Czech.)

3. Find a park bench

Prague has a number of parks, squares and even little corners with benches to relax, and from which you can watch the world go by. When the temperatures warm up residents emerge from their apartments and take in the sun on their favorite park bench. It’s great people watching!

4. Head to the farmer’s market

Last year a host of farmer’s markets popped up in various locations in the city. They were so popular that they’re doing it again this year, and the season has just begun. At the markets you can find cheeses, breads, fruits, veggies and a variety of Czech specialties. Check out the official Web site (in Czech, but you can translate it online) for info about when and where to find the markets.

5. See what’s in bloom at the Botanical Gardens

Head on up to Prague Botanical Gardens. Open throughout the year, the area includes a Japanese Garden, the Fata Morgana greenhouse and St. Claire’s Vineyard, where you can sample local wines in a lovely wine bar. The gardens are located in a residential area above the city center called Troja, which is an area you might otherwise miss. While there, why not stop by the nearby Zoo and Troja Chateau. Bonus: From March 18- 27, 2011, the Fata Morgana greenhouse is hosting an orchid exhibit.

The post Prague Spring: 5 outdoor activities to celebrate the season appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Delightful dealers

A cheapo bonanza!

This week I’ll introduce you to a few of my favorite dealers at the flea market. What makes them so extraordinary? I’ve known them for nearly ten years, and they’ve always been witty, kind and incredibly personable. Also, whenever I’ve been away for a stretch of time, they’ll greet me with un petit cadeau (little gift) or discount. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the locals value loyalty and repeat business—fidélité—as much as anything.

Besides, their objects of beauty, kitschy goods, and vibrant wares have always been reasonably priced, too. So keep your eyes peeled for these superstar dealers (and your future friends) at the Puces! Most of them have been showing up at the century-old Porte de Vanves for decades. Their location changes depending on the day, so study these photos! Have a question or looking for a specific item? Do ask—and tell ’em you’re a Cheapo!

Getting there

Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves (Porte de Vanves Flea Market)
Metro: Port de Vanves, line 13
Days and hours: Every Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Web site

Catherine and her kitsch

As the flea market opens at 7 a.m., and the dealers start packing up to leave around noon, get your beauty rest, and arrive early! Carry cash and a sturdy bag for your finds. By the way, just beyond the Métro station, you’ll find an ATM machine, a patisserie, and a café with a WC.

I’ll wait for you inside the cozy Le Fournil de Vanves Patisserie. Why do I love this place? Because whenever I’ve spent all my coins over at the flea market, they’ve never, ever complained about breaking a big euro bill—even for a cookie sale!

Okay! Finish the cookie before it crumbles, and let’s shop till we drop!

Looking for kitsch in all the right places?

Catherine has got you covered. Through the years, she’s helped me build a fantastical and oh, so hip vintage sunglass collection! Today I was able to score a glow-in-dark Mary statue for just one euro! I attempted to also buy a few marbles, but she threw them in the bag and whispered the magic word, “cadeau” with a wink! She’s been with Porte de Vanves for nearly 22 years! “I was just a baby,” when I started she said with a big laugh. I like her. And you’ll appreciate her humor and discounts, too!

Looking for fine vintage duds?

The fashionable and super-cute Martine has been with the flea market for a decade. I always make a point of popping by her booth because her prices are so reasonable and I find her family of mannequins so charming! You’ve seen them, Cheapos. I’ve featured them here in previous stories. This time, however, they were fully clothed! And Martine agreed to pose for a stylish family portrait! Oh, la la! Again, if you’re on a quest for something special, ask Martine! Vintage clothing is her life passion.

Dial “M” for magnificent

Golly, I’ve photographed this booth many times because of the colors they use! Besides being photogenic, the objects are quite interesting. More than once I’ve spent a full hour at their table. Danielle and Pierre (pictured, top) have been with the flea market for 25 years.

“We price to sell, not keep,” Danielle told me today. It’s true! All items are reasonably priced. They specialize in vintage perfume bottles, barware, kitchen ceramics, tools, and other objects of curiosity. Need a conversational piece for the office or home? Here’s your stop! Again, laughter and good cheer reign here! It’s contagious.

Serge holds the key(ring)

New obsession

And speaking of big giggles and blushes, my name is Theadora, and I have a new flea market obsession. I’ve seen them for years, but I’ve never been drawn to them. They’ve never screamed my name until last week at Serge’s booth. Cheapos, I’m now head over heels in love with French vintage advertising key chains. I know! Weird, eh? In ten minutes (one hour in flea market time), I went from zero to fifteen!

My absolute favorite is one from a little dress shop called “Fifi’s.” Inside is a miniature 3-d metallic red dress, circa (I’m guessing) the early Sixties. I blame the rather handsome Serge! You see, each one cost one euro, BUT if you purchase seven, well then, the total is just 5 euros. Get the addictive picture? He’ll even give you a basket, a chair, and if it’s cold—he’ll lend you his gloves. Do stop by and say hello to Serge!

While you’re at it, do stop by and say hello to Catherine, Martine, Pierre, and Danielle, too! Stay tuned for more Porte de Vanves profiles! I suppose you can tell that I love this place? Clipping from Holly Golightly, like Tiffany’s, it feels like nothing ever bad could ever happen to you here.

Happy hunting, Cheapos! Got a flea market question? Bring it on!

The post Paris: Dealers to meet at the Porte de Vanves flea market appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

For me, this sandwich embodies something special about outdoor food markets in Dublin. The farmer who raised that lamb somewhere in the country outside of the capital city was the one who had carved the tender, flavorful meat and made my sandwich by hand.

Ready to partake? Here are three outdoor markets worth visiting in central Dublin:

1. The Temple Bar Food Market
Meeting House Square
Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Web site

The Temple Bar Food Market is the opposite of every sprawling outdoor market you’ve ever visited where nothing seriously enticed you. This market is densely packed into Meeting House Square in the center of Temple Bar. My advice is to arrive hungry, and do some nibbling before you commit to the Paddy Jack sandwich. Arrive early for breakfast, and try one of the sweet crepes and a mug of milky Irish tea. Biscuits and scones are also arranged in tempting piles.

After taking a stroll through Temple Bar, return to the market for two of the best delicacies in Ireland: cheese and oysters. Sheridan’s Cheesemongers is one of the best cheese shops in the city and they set up a stall at the market. John Mac’s Oyster Stall brings oysters that were harvested on Friday from the west coast of Ireland, in County Clare, and are devoured weekly by seafood enthusiasts. Don’t leave without trying the Paddy Jack sandwich – even if you have to divide it by two or three people.

2. The Mespil Food Market
Thursdays 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Web site

Some outdoor markets are all about food–but the Mespil Food Market adds atmosphere, too. This market is located in the leafy Ballsbridge neighborhood of Dublin–about a 15-minute walk through the Georgian district to the banks of a flowing canal.

On a sunny day, there is almost no better place to Dublin to take a seat and devour pizza, barbeque chicken, falafel, or even a second Paddy Jack sandwich. This market also specializes in sweets, so grab a cupcake for your walk back into the center of Dublin.

3. Smithfield Market
Sundays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Web site

Beyond the opportunity to taste local food, outdoor markets also offer the chance to explore new neighborhoods. The Smithfield Market will attract visitors across the River Liffey to the northside of Dublin, where the Smithfield Market takes over the largest square in the city on Sundays. If you happen to be in the city on the first Sunday of the month, you will be subjected to the tradition of the horse market in addition to regular market fare such as fresh fruit and baked goods. Unlike other markets, there is a picnic area here where you can relax (and devour) in comfort.

The post Dublin: 3 outdoor food markets you shouldn’t miss appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are several ways you can catch the Christmas spirit in Paris:

1. Department store window displays

The windows at the department stores are not quite as extravagant as those on Fifth Avenue in New York, but the Galeries Lafayette and Bon Marché stores do their best to compete. And the best part is that you don’t even have to worry about expensive price tags to enjoy the holiday decoration.

Galeries Lafayette: This year a Broadway theme dominates at the Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann. Children especially love watching the puppets dancing to the “Mamma Mia!” soundtrack. (38 Rue de la Chaussée d’Antin, 75009, Metro: Chaussée d’Antin-Lafayette)

BHV: Meanwhile, over at the iconic BHV department store on rue de Rivoli, Santa tackles the circus in a series of colorful windows. (52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004, Metro: Hotel de Ville)

Also check out Printemps, next to the Galeries Lafayette (102 Rue de Provence, 75009. Metro: Saint-Lazare) and Le Bon Marché (24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007, Metro: Sèvres-Babylone).

Make sure to take a look inside each store for their elaborate Christmas trees, as well.

2. Christmas markets in Paris

If you are looking to do a little holiday shopping like the Europeans do, check out the holiday markets around town.

A tradition hailing from neighboring Germany, the bustling marchés de Noel can be found throughout Paris. While the merchandise may be kitschy and overpriced, the hot mulled wine is always yummy at just €3 for a cup of cheer.

Here are a few marchés to consider:

Champs Elysées: Tourists flock to the famed Champs Elysées market, a holiday wonderland once the lights twinkle to life at night. If you feel like splurging €8 on a breathtaking view of the city, take a spin on the Ferris Wheel at the end on Place de la Concorde. (Metro: Concorde or Champs Elysées-Clemenceau)

Saint Sulpice: Other markets are much more intimate. At the market outside Saint Sulpice church in the Saint Germain neighborhood you can browse scarves and various cheeses. (Metro: Saint Sulpice)

Montmartre: A stroll (or Metro ride) up Montmartre and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a market at Places des Abbesses in the picturesque neighborhood-with-a-view. (Metro: Abbesses)

La Defense: For a more modern take on the holiday, browse the 350 vendors at the La Défense market, located in the city’s business district. (Metro: La Défense)

Real Parisians know that the best Christmas markets in France are located in Strasbourg, about two hours to the east of Paris. However, any competition fades after a few glasses of hot wine.

For more Christmas market listings, check out About.com’s list.

3. Christmas at Notre Dame

Sure, it may be “on the beaten tourist path,” but the city’s medieval cathedral has an extra magical glow during the holidays. A Christmas tree shimmers with blue lights outside under the massive Gothic bell towers. Inside, the famous nativity scene is on display and visitors are encouraged to leave messages of peace.

On December 20, the church will host its annual Christmas concert–and of course it’s all free! (Metro: Saint-Michel).

4. Holiday feasting

Eating is, of course, essential in France during the holiday season (and most seasons, for that matter). Parisian supermarkets are rife with chocolates and cakes, most importantly the bûche de Noel, a scrumptious chocolate and chestnut cake. Hot wine flows in most cafés as well throughout the holiday season as the temperatures drop and spirits need a little lifting.

Of course all of this holiday cheer doesn’t stop on Christmas day. Look in any bakery or pastry shop for the galette de Rois, or King Cake, that is popular around the time of the Epiphany in the two weeks after Christmas day. A word of caution: Be careful not to swallow the figurine hidden inside. Whoever chomps down upon the the prize is crowned King or Queen–and buys the cake the next year!

The post Paris: Christmas Windows, Holiday Markets, and More Ways to Celebrate the Season appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

When it comes to holiday festivities, Rome doesn’t exactly turn into tinsel town. That’s partly because the holiday season in Italy is focused on the religious aspects of the celebration, rather than on leaving presents under the Christmas tree.

Christmas traditions in Italy

Italians wait to give gifts to children until January 6 when La Befana, a witch on a broomstick, delivers presents to children. If Roman children have been naughty, tradition has it they should receive carbone (coal), so you’ll notice pastry shops selling confections of witches with baskets and caldrons of coal-shaped candy.

Despite these differences, you can still easily get into the holiday spirit in Rome. The city offers several “winter wonderland” activities for you to marvel at and enjoy. Seven of my favorite spots are:

Traditional Christmas Market (Centro Storico)
Piazza Navona
Through January 6, 2011

Each year, Rome’s most beautiful piazza hosts a traditional Christmas market where you can find stands of candy, trinkets, ornaments and other bric-a-brac. And yes, you can pick up one of the famous witches mentioned earlier with her caldron.

Ice Park Christmas Village (San Giovanni)
Piazza Re di Roma
Through January 11, 2011; 10 a.m.-midnight
Web site

People of all ages can enjoy skating on ice at the Ice Park Christmas Village in the San Giovanni neighborhood. It doesn’t cost you a thing to get in. All you have to do is pay for the rental of the skates. The park also puts on daily shows and ice-skating exhibitions.

The Immaculate Conception – Papal Procession
December 8, 2010; 4 p.m.
Near the Spanish Steps

Every year on the day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), the Pope pays homage to the Virgin Mary with a procession to Piazza Mignanelli near the Spanish Steps at around 4 p.m. The tradition, which dates back to 1958, calls for the Pope to leave a floral wreath on the statue of the Madonna after he has knelt for prayer.

Chanukkah – Light of the Menorah (Centro Storico)
Piazza Barberini

Starting on December 1, every evening just before dusk you can celebrate the candle lighting of a large menorah at Piazza Barberini.

Nativity Scene at the Vatican
St. Peter’s Square
December 24, 2010-January 9, 2011

The nativity scene at St. Peter’s Square is one of the most beautiful things to witness around Christmastime in Rome. Each year, a gargantuan presepe (nativity scene) is constructed in the center of Piazza San Pietro. The scene is open to visit day and night for free.

Christmas Midnight Mass at the Vatican
St. Peter’s Square
December 24, midnight

For those who wish to attend the midnight Papal Christmas Eve mass at the Vatican, you can try to score tickets for the service by sending a request through the Vatican’s Web site. By now, however, the chances of getting tickets are pretty slim, but you can still try.

Alternatively, if you don’t land tickets, you can stand among the thousands of worshipers, pilgrims and onlookers in Piazza San Pietro around 10 p.m. when Pope Benedict XVI gives his Christmas Eve Mass.

Christmas Tree in Piazza Venezia (Centro Storico)
Piazza Venezia

The lighting of a beautiful Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia traditionally takes place late November. Due to this year’s torrential rainfall and ongoing student protests in the city center, however, the traditional lighting has been postponed. Once the lights are hung, she’s definitely a beauty. City workers should finish the decorating of the Christmas tree by December 8, as per tradition. So, keep your eyes peeled.

The post Rome: Christmas markets, ice skating, and other holiday activities appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.