Welcome to European travel at its most popular—and most frustrating.  And these most popular attractions only seem to get busier with each passing year, filling up with tourists even during the slower seasons.

But before you head back to your hotel to sip a bottle of wine in misery, take a deep breath and relax. Despite millions of other tourists descending upon the same museum, church or ruin every year, there are still ways to beat the crowds and save time in Europe.

Here are 10 insider tips to let you spend more time experiencing these sights—and less time experiencing the line.

9 tips to help you save time in Europe

Beat the crowds and get this incredible view when you visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening. Photo: Miguel Mendez

1. Eiffel Tower: Book in advance, and head up around dinner time

The Eiffel Tower sure is pretty to look at from a distance. During peak summer season, save time waiting in a ticket line by booking your Tower tickets in advance through the official Eiffel Tower website. (Careful — lots of ticket agencies would like to sell you more expensive versions of the same ticket. Buy yours directly from the Eiffel Tower website.)

To avoid the biggest crowds in high season, plan on an early or late dinner and schedule your Tower visit for 8 or 9 pm. Not only will you catch the sunset, but you’ll miss most of the other Paris lovers who will be out to dinner.

Related: Our favorite budget hotels near the Eiffel Tower

2. Louvre: Stay up late on Wednesdays & Fridays

On Wednesday and Friday the Louvre is open until 9:45 pm. We know it’s tempting to visit Mona early in the day when everyone’s fresh, but coming after dark means that you’ll miss the herds of school groups, extended families and tour groups that arrive around 10 a.m.

And no matter what time you come, enter through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance. Waiting to pass through security under the main pyramid is an unnecessary time waster.

Related: Read more Louvre tips | Favorite budget hotels near the Louvre

3. Anne Frank House: Get your tickets way in advance

There’s no way around it. If you just show up on a Saturday afternoon in summer expecting to saunter right into the Anne Frank House, you’re going to be disappointed. So many tourists in Amsterdam are shocked that you have to get tickets in advance. It is the only way to see the museum now. It’s too bad if you don’t get in as this is one of Europe’s most powerful experiences.

Just plan ahead and get your tickets in advance either two months in advance or the day of (if you’re lucky!). Check out our full guide to getting Anne Frank House tickets for all of the details.

Related: 32 recommended budget hotels in Amsterdam

Tourists mingling and waiting outside of St. Mark’s Basilica. Photo: Dennis Jarvis

4. St. Mark’s Basilica: Skip ahead with online booking

There’s almost always a line to get into this stunning church—no matter what time of year you visit. Entry can easily take 45 minutes or longer during high season. And since this ancient basilica is still used for services, avoid Sunday mornings during mass and major Christian holidays, unless you’re planning to attend the service.

You can book entry tickets directly online to save time during the busier months. Total cost: only €2! This service is available from 1st of April to 2nd November and is a small price to pay for saving so much time.

Related: More tips for visiting Venice’s attractions. | Our 23 best budget hotels in Venice

5. Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s basilica: Visit Tuesdays through Fridays

St. Peter’s basilica has been a destination for pilgrims for centuries, and Pope Francis’ new-found popularity is bringing in even bigger crowds. With so many attractions to see in one place, from the stunning basilica to the fascinating museums that draws up to 25,000 people a day, visiting the Vatican area can be a little overwhelming.

You can book museum tickets online, but the key here is coming mid-week. The weekends (especially Sundays of course!) and Mondays are the busiest, so try to plan your schedule around them. Then go first thing in the morning or after lunch around 3 pm. Late morning usually sees the biggest number of visitors.

Check out 9 other tips on beating the crowds at the Vatican (including our tip for the secret entry between the Vatican museum and St. Peter’s).

Related: More ways to save in Rome | 37 recommended budget hotels in Rome

Tour buses, lines and oh so many tourists are a common site at the Colosseum. Photo: Dzhingarova

6. Colosseum: Get up very early

The Colosseum can only hold 3,000 people at a time, so you can imagine the backups that can ensue on the busiest days. If you can actually pull yourself out of bed and be in line by 8:15 a.m., you will be in good shape to be one of the first to get through the doors when they open at 8:30 a.m. You can also book online, if you prefer to sleep in

Bonus Tip: Another way to save a couple of euros (and some time, too) is to avoid all of the costumed Roman soldiers and gladiators looking to separate you from a few of your euros for a cheesy photo op. (Unless, of course, you want an epic holiday card to send to Uncle Jack this year.)

7. British Museum: Research and come prepared

The Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone, Lewis Chessmen, Parthenon Sculptures… it’s like Humanity’s Greatest Hits, and it’s free to visit! Just know that it’s on every other tourist’s list, too. While you can choose to zip through the biggies in under 60 minutes (there really is a guide for that!), we prefer to take our time and soak it all in.

However, do a little prep work or you’ll be wandering around all day. To get a head start, spend some time in the museum’s online collection or listen to a great series of BBC podcasts “A History of the World in 100 Objects.” Figure out what sounds good, and make a plan. Research has never been so fun!

Related: Read all of our tips for the British Museum | Best budget hotels in London

8. Buckingham Palace: Book ahead in summer, guard yourself otherwise

There are royal palaces. And then there’s Buckingham Palace, which boasts 775 rooms that stretch over a football (that’s American football) field long. Not to mention the posh royal ceremonies or the official Throne Room. This is the real deal.

Buckingham Palace opens its doors to tourists every summer from late July through the end of September. You should book those tickets online well in advance.

Visiting around the holidays? Travelers can splurge for one of the palace’s exclusive private tours, available to small groups from December 11, 2015 – January 31, 2016. Ticket prices are a hefty £75 per person.

Looking for a touch of the Prince but the price of a pauper? Swing by to experience the changing of the Guard for free. It takes place at 11:30 a.m. — daily during the summer and alternating days off-season. (Check out this schedule for more info.)

Prepare to be awestruck at La Sagrada Familia. If you get up early and beat the crowds. Photo: Antonio Tajuelo

9. La Sagrada Familia: Arrive early or go to mass

Barcelona is a feast for fans of architecture and Gaudí, with Park Güell, several residences like Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia, all easily accessible within the city’s boundaries. But if you only have time to see one of his master creations, La Sagrad Familia is probably the best bet—as long as you hit the sack early the night before.

The church opens at 9 a.m. every day of the year (including Christmas and New Year’s), so early arrivals can get a jump on the crowds no matter what season they come. Admission will cost you more than a handful of euros, but even on our cheapo budget, we think it’s well worth it. You should also consider attending mass at the Sagrada Familia — it’s not just free, it’s a moving experience.

Related: Read all of our tips for La Sagrada Familia | Recommended budget hotels in Barcelona

Your tips

Have some additional ways to save time and money at any of these tops attractions? Did we overlook something big? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Secrets to saving time at Europe’s top attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

There are several budget hotels to choose from in Barcelona, whether you are looking to stay near the sea, the charming Gothic Quarter or close to the world-famous cathedral designed by Gaudi.

Here are our top hotel picks near three of the city’s must-see landmarks.

La Sagrada Família

This one is on everyone’s list, and if it’s not on yours, then it should be. The whimsical basilica is awesome in the real sense of the word, and even though it’s incomplete, it manages to dazzle and surprise visitors of all ages. For about a year I lived right next to the church. It was a treat to see the Gaudí building, with its organic forms and climbing spires, at different times of the day—in the morning when the sun moved across its elaborate façade, in the afternoon when school children played in the park in front of it, and at night when the perimeter was crowd-free and the moon shown down upon it giving it an even more magical effect.

Related: Tips for getting the most out of your visit to Sagrada Familia

If you, too, want to experience La Sagrada Família from many angles while walking to the metro, buying bread, or stepping out for tapas, then book one of the following hotels.

Eddy Rooms
$74 and up

This 19-room pension is furnished with antiques in an area of the city that is close to everything without being in the hustle and noise. Shopping bargains are found nearby on Girona street.

The elegant stairway in Hostal Girona. Photo: Michael Shade

Hostal Girona
$63 and up

This small hostal is located in a beautiful old building with an intricate floral façade. The building is in a local, residential area which is safe and quiet.

Enjoy the beach in Barcelona when you book a hotel just a short walk away. Photo: Stuart Pinfold

The Mediterranean

The sea is Barcelona’s big swimming pool from May to October, and a darn fine place to go for a walk or sit in the sun year-round. Whenever I’m asked why I prefer to live in Barcelona, as opposed to Madrid, my answer is always ‘the sea.’ Madrid is wonderful for so many reasons, but living next to the Med, well, it’s pretty special. Some of the best seafood in the city is found along the waterside, and when the weather is warm the beach buzzes with sunbathers, paddle boarders, hopeful surfers, vendors of all kinds (massage, coconut slices, water, beer, doughnuts?), rollerbladers, plus locals and tourists strolling the boardwalk.

Catalonia’s history museum is down by the seaside in an ancient shipping warehouse. If you want to get an idea of how Catalonia was formed, and why there is a call for independence among many Catalans now, then stroll through this well curated museum (all displays in English in addition to Spanish and Catalan).

Check these hotels for rooms within walking distance from the coastline.

Hotel del Mar
$95 and up

Located on the border between the seaside ‘hood of La Barceloneta and La Ribera, this is a great location especially if you like sunshine and nightlife.

Park Hotel offers modern rooms very close to the seaside. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Park Hotel
$107 and up

An elegant hotel with vintage touches, this property is located in a lively area right across from the train station. It also has a nice bar with a street terrace and is only a ten minute stroll to the waterfront.

A scene from the Gothic Quarter. Photo: Eric Goodwin

The Cathedral and Gothic Quarter

Mammoth worn stones from the Roman era mix with newer bricks around every corner in Barcelona’s most charming ‘hood. As an American from the western United States, it’s the Gothic Quarter that has always enchanted me the most, probably because there aren’t many Roman pillars and medieval palaces where I come from. Iron street-lamps cast their golden beams along twisting alleyways where obscure bars buzz seven nights a week. Gargoyles and other creatures watch from their perches atop the cathedral as visitors rotate their maps and buskers serenade the night.

While pickpockets and getting lost can be an issue in the Gothic Quarter, it is one of the most romantic areas to be in, with plenty of food and shopping close at hand.

Try one of these budget hotels to stay in the oldest part of Barcelona.

Hostel Itaca
$76 and up

This is a true backpacker hostel located right next to the cathedral in a very hip part of the neighborhood. They also have double private rooms if you don’t want to share.

Hostal Fernando offers a perfect central location. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hostel Fernando
$50 and up

Conveniently situated right off La Rambla, this means it’s very easy to find—even at night after a bottle of Spanish red wine.

So what will it be? The tall towers of the swooping, psychedelic Sagrada Família? The gentle waves of the Mediterranean Sea? Or the puzzling side-streets of the Gothic Quarter? A stay in any of these areas will put you close to the source that gives Barcelona its intoxicating buzz.

The post Barcelona: Affordable hotels near top attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Due to the fact that it is awesome, in the true sense of the word, everyone and their mother wants to go see the Sagrada Familia, which is to say it gets as packed as Wal-Mart on Black Friday.

Here are some tips to view the Sacred Family without losing your mind.

1. Go early or at off times

First of all, Barcelona is packed with tourists in the summer months. People come from May to late August in droves, filing off cruise ships and popping off cheapo flights from northern Europe. These months will always be more crowded at the Sagrada Familia.

Like most monuments, if you go early, you beat the rush, as not too many people get up to go sightseeing at 9 AM. I went at about 3 PM on a Wednesday recently, and while there were plenty of people there, I didn’t see long lines to get tickets and there was no pushing and shoving inside (a plus, considering this is the House of God, right?).

Hours: The basilica is open October to March from 9 AM to 6 PM and April to September 9 AM to 8 PM. While the Sagrada Familia is impressive in the dark, lit up against the night sky, it really should be viewed during the day.

Related: Affordable hotels close to Sagrada Familia

2. Stay away from tour groups

When inside the Sagrada Familia, you’ll see lots of tour groups. Do not follow them. If they go left, you go right. Stay clear of them to have a better experience and the chance to take nicer photos.

3. Consider an official tour (in English)

There are tours in English every day at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. If you want to go on the tour, which I have not done but would LOVE to do, you have to buy a more expensive ticket.

For €16.50 you can either get an audio guide and show yourself around, or go on the group tour and have a real person explain why there are turtles on the façade.

Related: 10 photos that will inspire a trip to Barcelona

4. Pay to go inside (yes, it’s worth it)

A normal ticket to get in to the basilica is €14.80, and €12.80 for students and seniors. For €18.30 you get into the Sagrada Familia and into the Gaudí up at Park Güell, which is the one I’d recommend.

As you can see, glimpsing the Holy Family’s awesomeness is not cheap, but I do think it’s worth chucking over a few bucks to get in.  While you can appreciate the building from the outside, the main nave is inspiring and like nothing I’ve ever seen. Think of a grove of massive trees inside a church; it’s like that, sort of.

5. Notice nature all around you

Gaudí grew up in the countryside in southern Catalonia. Like many who grow up around nature’s bounty, Gaudí was impressed by the natural world and used it as his muse throughout his life.

Look for nature’s mark in plant, animal and mineral form throughout the Sagrada Familia. Clearly the trees in the nave are a good example, but also notice mineral forms on the capitals crowning the temple, spirals like snail shells, vines on the Nativity Façade and gargoyles, amphibians and reptiles from the Mediterranean on the neo-Gothic apse.

La Sagrada Familia
Carrer de Mallorca, 401
Hours: April to September 9 AM to 8 PM, October to March 9 AM to 6 PM
Admission: Adults €14.80, Students and seniors €12.80
Website

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Barcelona? Read our reviews of the best budget hotels in Barcelona, all centrally located, clean and budget friendly.——

The post Barcelona: Tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As the summer approaches the city streets will swell a bit more each month with visitors, tourists, cruise-ship goers and backpackers. This means longer lines at the MACBA and CasaBatllo, cramped buses and hordes of people wandering along La Rambla. Sound like fun?

I do not like crowds, and like them less with each passing year. Maybe I am aging, or maybe I’ve just been elbowed one too many times on the Metro. Either way, I avoid the throngs of tourists in Barcelona whenever possible.

If you too, prefer the road less traveled, take heed and consider these expert tips:

1. Avoid La Rambla

I know, I know, La Rambla is very famous and very central, making it a very easy way to get around the Gothic Quarter. It’s also filled with interesting people doing tricks, selling ice cream and painting portraits. So fascinating, but so filled with people 24/7.

Check out La Rambla quickly and then avoid it the rest of your stay. Take the side-streets, which is what the locals do. This way you will see more “residential” Barcelona and lessen your chances of getting pick-pocketed on La Rambla! It’s a win-win!

2. Come in August

What? But isn’t that when everyone else in Europe is on vacation and therefore on holiday in Barcelona? Yes. But this is also when all Catalans go on vacation and many businesses close for the month.

There are a lot less people in Barcelona in August, and those who are here are either visiting, too broke to travel, or somehow got stuck working while the rest of the city took the month off. Actually, I like Barcelona in August because it is so much quieter.

3. Hit the big sights early

I am not an early riser and fully understand the merits of sleeping in while on vacation. However, if you do not want to stand in line under the blazing Spanish sun to see La Sagrada Familia, then be one of the first in line when it opens.

Another good time to visit popular sights is at lunch, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., but check ahead to make sure they will not be closed.

4. Get a map… a really GOOD map

With a detailed map of Barcelona you will be able to navigate the side-streets and alleyways of the Gothic Quarter, Raval, Barceloneta and Eixample with no problem. Wander off the beaten path.

If you are on a street that has lots of signs for “Real Spanish Sangria $25.00!!!” then you are in a touristy place, you could even be on Carrer Ferran. Just take a right! Or a left and walk on to avoid the crowds. You’ll see some fabulous, tranquil streets this way and go around the masses.

5. Stay in El Eixample

I recently updated EuroCheapo’s Barcelona hotel reviews. Touring Barcelona’s many hotels and hostels I was reminded that La Rambla is by far the worst place to stay when it comes to crowds and El Eixample (either side) is the best place to avoid crowds. Stay in a B&B like Fashion House and experience Barcelona like a local.

6. Avoid the beaches at La Barceloneta

I love La Barceloneta, the city’s closest beach, but this is not where to go for swimming and sunbathing unless you like listening to other people’s conversations, music, arguments, children crying… etc.

Go much further down the Barcelona shoreline to Marbella or other beaches found around the Bogatell stops (requires some walking). You could also rent a bike and take off from La Barceloneta down the boardwalk along the seaside. After a good 15 minutes of riding you will note that the crowds on the beaches thin out quite a bit.

Always remember to watch your belongings on the beach. (Read my previous post about Barcelona’s best beaches.)

Your advice?

Have any advice to add about avoiding crowds in Barcelona? Please share your thoughts in our comments section.

The post Barcelona: 6 ways to avoid crowds during high season appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.