To really get into la dolce vita, it’s better to limit yourself to a few cities or towns and take your time in each one. Delays and unforeseen events (along with these common tourists mistakes) can derail even the best-planned schedules and cause stress, which is the opposite of what your vacation should be about.

If you’re planning to be in Italy for 10 days and want to see the best cities the country has to offer, while also leaving time to enjoy spontaneous events and relax, follow this itinerary. This schedule takes you through the greatest hits of Rome, Florence, and Venice for an unforgettable and affordable vacation.

In another post, we offer tips for exploring Italy by car, including small villages and towns. However, for this trip, we’re hitting up the country’s big three cities, so we’ll travel by high-speed train.

Related: 11 Simple ways to save on your trip to Italy

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Fly into Rome, take the train in from the airport and spend the afternoon and evening relaxing.

Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood of your hotel (we recommend staying at one of these budget hotels with central locations), and indulge in your first Italian meal. Roman food is unique to the rest of Italy, so ask your concierge or host for their recommendations on the best amatriciana or cacio e pepe in the neighborhood. If you find yourself near the Spanish Steps, you can try one of these restaurants.

Affordable hotels in Rome:
• All budget hotels in Rome

The Duomo is the heart of Florence and must-see for your first day. Photo: Dennis Jarvis

Days 2 & 3: Explore Florence

You’ll see everything Rome has to offer soon, but today we’ll take a train to Florence, about two hours away from Rome’s Termini train station. Book these tickets well in advance for the lowest prices (from €17!) directly from Trenitalia, the national railway. (By the way, don’t be confused if you type “Florence” into the search and nothing comes up. You need to search for “Roma” to “Firenze.” Another note: If Trenitalia’s website shows up as unavailable for your region, you can book the same tickets at the same rates, plus a €3.50 fee, through the U.S.-based Italiarail.com.)

Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is also one of the most beautiful and culturally important cities in the country. Arrive in the early afternoon and, after checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day wandering around the famed Basilica (the “Duomo”) and climbing to the top. You’ll be hungry after the walk, and when in Florence, make sure to eat a panini or the famous dish, Bistecca alla Fiorentina! (Read more posts about eating for cheap in Florence.)

The next day is for sightseeing (Read: 5 ways to save on sightseeing in Florence). After a tasty breakfast, spend the day exploring Florence, whether you want to visit Michelangelo’s David sculpture in the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, pore over art in the Uffizi Gallery, or shop for handmade leather goods and souvenirs.

Cheap hotels in Florence:
• All budget hotels in central Florence

It’s hard not to fall in love with the Grand Canal in Venice. Photo: Gerhard G.

Day 4 & 5: Strolling in Venice

Head to Venice by train from Florence, a ride that takes approximately two hours. Again, book those tickets in advance through Trenitalia (and search for “Venezia”).

Once in Venice, you can immerse yourself in the romance of the canals and beauty of handmade blown glass. Venice is known for its seafood, so take advantage and feast on octopus and calamari. Unfortunately, Venice is also known for overpriced, tourist trap restaurants, so ask a local for recommendations. (Read more of our posts about food in Venice.)

When choosing a hotel in Venice, we like to go close, but not too close, to St. Mark’s Square. The Castello neighborhood is a nice option, with several affordable options that are tucked away and quiet-ish, but still super-convenient. Want a canal view? Consider these budget hotel picks. Want more options? Here’s a list of our favorite hotels in Venice.

On your second day in Venice, start your day at a delicious Venetian bakery, and then get ready for an unforgettable walk. From the Piazza San Marco (where every building turns a lovely shade of pink during sunset), to Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s brilliant Basilica, there’s plenty to do.

From our Venice sightseeing guide: visit these 10 sights for under €15, check out these lesser-known museums, hit up these 5 free sights, or take a walk through the Jewish ghetto.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Venice is sip a glass of wine while watching the gondolas glide by. You can also hop on a ferry, if a gondola ride is too expensive for your tastes. (It is for ours!)

Hotel picks for Venice:
• All budget hotels in Venice

Days 6 – 8: A Roman Holiday

Today, you’ll head back to Rome by train, passing through hill country and several castles along the way. It’s only three hours on the high-speed train from Venice, but the trip takes much longer on a regional train. (If booked in advance, the fast train will probably be about the same price as the slow one!)

When choosing a hotel in Rome, check out this list of our favorite budget hotels. This includes several that are near the train station, as well as those in extremely convenient locations near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps. (See all recommended hotels in Rome.)

Once checked in, take a night stroll through the city. The piazzas are bustling until late in the evening, and the city sparkles at night. If you have time, visit the Trevi Fountain by moonlight.

Related:
• 25 Free things to see and do in Rome
• 10 Easy ways to save on your next trip to Rome

Plan what you want to see in Rome, and split it up over the next few days. A tour of the Vatican will take about half a day, as will a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Related:
• 10 Tips for visiting St. Peter’s Basilica & the Vatican Museums
• Rome’s 4 commonly overlooked treasures

But give yourself at least one day to explore Rome away from the big sights. Explore outdoor markets, shop for Italian fashion, relax in one of Rome’s many gardens and parks, and just wander along the city’s cobblestone side streets!

Don’t forget to eat lots of gelato and drink house wine! Seriously, the house wine is much cheaper and just as good as most of the bottled stuff. It’s local! (Read more about eating and drinking in Rome.)

The beautiful waters of Anzio, Italy are just a quick and cheap train ride away from Rome. Photo: Helen Cook

Day 9 – Day trip

If you’re in love with Rome, go ahead and spend another day checking more attractions off of your wish list.

If you’re up for something new, there are several fun day trips easily accessible from Rome. Whether you want to enjoy some sun at nearby beaches, the hillside villages of Castelli Romani, or the ruins of Ostia Antica (one of the best-kept secrets in all of Italy), getting out of the city is worth it to see a different side of Italy before you leave. Most trains depart from Termini Station.

Day 10 – Arrivederci Italy

Have one last cappuccino and cornetto for breakfast and you’re off! Of course, your memories from 10 days in bella Italia will last a lifetime.

Your Italy tips

Have you been to Rome, Florence or Venice? Tell us how you like to save when you are sightseeing (and eating!) during your trip.

The post 10-day itinerary for Italy: An affordable trip to Rome, Florence and Venice appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

An obvious way to skip the crowds is to visit Venice during the winter when rain and fog deter most tourists.  If you can’t plan your trip during the off-season, try to visit during the week.

A third — and particularly helpful — tip for avoiding the crowds in Venice is to visit the main sights during the off-peak times. As a general rule, it’s best to visit attractions when they open in the morning, during the lunch hour or right before closing. Read on for more specific information.

More tips for Venice:
• 5 Best budget hotels in Venice
• 10 Things to do in Venice on the cheap
• 5 Cheap hotels in Venice with canal views

How to avoid crowds at Venice attractions

Here are some of the city’s top attractions, along with the best times to visit them:

Palazzo Ducale (Doges Palace) and the Bridge of Sighs

St. Mark’s Square
Open: 9 am – 7 pm (9 am – 6 pm from November – March)
website

The Palazzo Ducale was the center of power during the times of the Republic of Venice. Every room is full of amazing frescoes. After feasting your eyes on the beautiful paintings and architecture, consider checking out the Secret Itineraries Tour. The tour takes you through the palace’s dungeon and torture chamber, which is connected to the palace by the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs).

Best Times To Visit: Stop by the Palazzo when it opens at 9 am, between 12:30-1:30 pm (when tourist groups are having lunch) or about an hour before closing time.

Hotel Picks: Accommodations near Palazzo Ducale

Museo Correr (Archaeological Museum)

San Marco 52, 30124 Venice
Open: 10 am – 6 pm (10 am – 5 pm from November – March)
website

The Museo Correr is Venice’s civic museum. Here you’ll find exhibits that offer a fascinating insight into the art and history of the city.

Best Times To Visit: When the museum opens at 10 am, between 12:30 – 1:30 pm, and about an hour before closing time.

Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica)

St. Mark’s Square
Open: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm (2 pm – 5:15 pm on Sundays and holidays)

The Basilica di San Marco, perhaps the city’s most famous sight, is an amazing monument made unique by both its wealth of history and the magnificence of its façade and interior. The basilica is famous for housing St. Mark’s relics.

Best Times To Visit: Avoid Sunday mornings and holidays since the Basilica will be used for mass service. There is always a big queue at the entrance, no matter what time, but now you can book your ticket in advance to skip the line.

Hotel Picks: Browse accommodations near St. Mark’s

Campanile di San Marco (St. Mark’s Tower)

St. Mark’s Square  (opposite the Basilica)
Open: 9:30 am – 9:15 pm (closed during inclement weather)
website

A visit to this amazing church tower affords a great bird’s eye view of Venice.

Best Times To Visit: Avoid lunchtime, and get there very early in the morning or just before closing time.

The Rialto Bridge in Venice. Photo: Photo: Ekaterina

Rialto Bridge and its markets

The Rialto Bridge is located in the oldest (and most central) quarter of Venice, and it has been a bustling hub for centuries. The area is always packed with tourists, be it summertime or wintertime.

Best Times to Visit: Go early in the morning before 9 am. Not only will you see the local fish and vegetable market, but you can also enjoy a relatively peaceful scene at the bridge. You should also visit late at night after 10 pm, as the majority of tourists will be heading to bed or eating dinner.

Hotel Picks: Accommodations near Rialto Bridge

Gallerie dell’ Accademia (Academy Galleries)

Vaporetto stop Accademia, just off the Accademia Bridge
Open: Monday, 8:15 am – 2 pm; Tuesday – Sunday: 8:15 am – 7:15 pm
website

The Gallerie dell’ Accademia boasts a rich collection of Venetian paintings from the Byzantine and Gothic periods as well as work from Renaissance artists such as Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Tiziano and Gianbattista Tiepolo.

Best Times To Visit: I do not want to repeat myself, but as before, be there early (before 9 am) or go an hour before closing times (although this will obviously give you less time in the museum). Groups usually go during the day.

Hotel Picks: Affordable accommodations near Academy Galleries

Bonus Tip: Book online, and explore other areas

My final tip on avoiding crowds is to book your tickets online. For the majority of museums in Venice, you can do this on www.veneziaunica.com. Also, explore other areas of the city, away from the main sites. By treading off the tourist past, you will see my Venice.

The post Venice: How to avoid the crowds at the city’s main attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

With an expansive Egyptian collection, some enormous French canvases, and one curious little Italian who gets a whole wall to herself, the Louvre can take days to appreciate fully. But who has the time or stamina to see it all?

Related: Cheap hotels near the Louvre

6 Louvre tips to save time and energy

If you’re heading to the Louvre for the first time, here are some tips to help you survive the experience and to come out still smiling, just like the museum’s most famous resident…

1. Book your tickets in advance

Here’s the thing: Even though tickets are €2 cheaper when purchased at the museum, entry is not guaranteed — and you may not be able to enter, due to overcrowding. So these days, we actually recommend booking your tickets in advance, with a timed entry, in order to guarantee admission.

Adult tickets are €17 when booked online with a timed entry. Closed Tuesday.

2.  Pack accordingly

While you aren’t exactly trekking the Andes, going through the Louvre is physically taxing. Bringing a small snack or bottle of water in a bag can help subdue any irritation that may occur while struggling to find an exit, bathroom, or place to sit for a rest. It can also get warm in the Louvre at some points, so have a layer or two ready to remove.

Related: 10 Ways to prepare for your trip to Paris

There’s always a crowd around the famous Venus de Milo. Photo: Ming

3. Make a game plan

Take a map and take a moment to sit (emphasis on sit) and plan. The Louvre is big. Very big. Wandering it aimlessly can be enjoyable if you have no agenda, but if you want to see the major sights or any specific wings, make sure you plan a rough route first.

There are maps of the Louvre online that you can use to plan out your route before you enter the museum. Or, you can get a map upon entry and take a minute to devise a plan of action so that you don’t get lost.

Otherwise, you’ll be knee-deep in the Egyptian wing before you realize you want to see the kings’ crowns, the Venus de Milo, and the statue garden with no logical way to tie them all together.

4. See the “big three” while you have energy

See the highlights first while you still have the energy to fight the crowds, especially if traveling with children. The big three are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory statue perched atop one of the majestic staircases. With signs pointing the way, it’s not hard to find them but plan on hitting them right away and then escaping to lesser-traveled galleries already feeling accomplished.

Keep in mind that the Mona Lisa is a tiny painting that is secured behind a bulletproof case and is separated by a physical barrier. If you’re dreaming of analyzing the brush strokes up close, you’re probably better off looking at high-resolution pictures of the painting online at home.

Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre to avoid lines. Photo: Guilhem

5. Enter through a different entrance

Know your entrance options. Most people enter at the glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre, which is fine if there’s no line. But the safer bet is to enter into the Carrousel du Louvre, the underground shopping mall, toward an inverted glass pyramid (think Da Vinci Code) by the Apple store. At this entrance, the security line is often nonexistent.

Moreover, you can also enter through Rue Rivoli. This entrance links into the Carrousel du Louvre, and if you exit from Metro line 1 (Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre), you’ll only have to walk about a minute to enter the Louvre from Rue Rivoli.

But wait there’s more: If you already have a ticket (see tip #1), you can also enter along the Quai Francois Mitterrand. Check out this cool interactive map of the Louvre’s entrances for the latest information.

Related: 10 Tips for riding the Paris Metro like a local

6.  Consider the audio guide

While it sounds lame, be warned: Most of the signs in the Louvre are in French. So unless your French is up to snuff, you might not know exactly what you’re looking at. And with 35,000 pieces of art and no stories to go with them, this could amount to some quick frustration for you and your travel mates. The Louvre audio guide might be a good bet. This audio guide costs €5 to rent.

7.  Save it for later

No one said you have to go to the Louvre immediately. If it’s a once in a lifetime trip that brings you to Paris, by all means, get in there. But if you’re already planning your next trip, then there’s no reason to rush inside. There’s no shortage of things to do in Paris, so either wait until you’ve experienced what you really want to get out of Paris or else wait for a drizzly day to appreciate all of the wonders this former palace contains.

Louvre Museum
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 in the 1st arrondissement
Hours: 9 am to 6 pm; closed on Tuesday
First Saturday of each month: the museum is open until 9:45 pm and admission is free starting at 6 pm
Admission: €17 (online), €15 (at the museum)

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Paris right now? Head over to our Paris guide to read our hotel reviews. Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed affordable hotels all over town, and recommended those we think are the best value. See advice on neighborhoods and discover our favorite cheap hotels in the City of Light.

Your Louvre survival tips?

Do you have another piece of advice for visiting the Louvre without losing your sanity? Tell us about it in our comments section below.

The post Paris: 7 tips for surviving the Louvre appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The truth is, there isn’t just one type of Parisian, nor is there one way to act when visiting the city.

But you know us — we couldn’t resist creating a jumbo list of our own. However, we’re listing only friendly do’s and don’ts that will help you make the most of your trip and your budget. Do… keep reading!

Related Paris reading:
• 10 costly mistakes that tourists make
• 10 Ways to prepare for your Paris vacation
• The best SIM Cards for a trip to France

Browse the cheese, but don’t forget to say hello, er “bonjour”, to the shopkeeper. Photo: LEAF Project

Basics

1. Do say “Bonjour” when engaging with another person. This includes all salespeople, servers, front desk, etc. Bonus points for adding a “Monsieur” or “Madame”.

2. Don’t worry about not speaking French beyond the basics. However, do learn a couple of words. Bonjour. Au revoir. Merci. Monsieur. Madame. Oui. Non. Voila — you’ve got it. (Want more? Here are 10 French phrases that can help you save money.)

3. Do seek out locals, or at least try to talk to them at a picnic or in a bar. But try to drop a couple of words in French. It’s a good conversation starter.

4. Don’t expect the French to be rude. They’re just humans. (And you’re far less likely to find yourself in a rude situation if you stick to rule #1 above.)

5. Do learn how to use an “inside voice”. Parisians, in general, are a lot quieter in public places than we’re used to being in the US. You will notice this tout de suite in the Metro, restaurants, in line at the bakery, etc.

Clothing and Packing

6. Do wear comfortable shoes (no stilettos) and clothes that can easily be layered. Pack a nice outfit for special occasions, but don’t go overboard here. You’re mostly going to be walking, and walking, and walking…

7. Don’t come unprepared for the weather. Research the weather before you go and pack accordingly, when possible. Pack an umbrella and a light rain jacket.

8. Do wear a scarf in the winter and fall. It might seem like a cliché, but it’ll keep you warm and Parisians wear them all the time. Wrap yourself up — you’ll fit right in.

Eating and drinking

9. Don’t buy bottled water in a restaurant unless you like or need bubbly water. Otherwise, stick to a “carafe d’eau”. It’s delicious — and free.

10. Do spend at least an hour at a café terrace at some point during your trip sipping something. Bring the journal, notepad, book, or postcards, and have the whole experience.

11. Do refill your water bottle at any of the city’s outdoor water fountains. It’s the same delicious water Parisians drink daily. Eco-friendly! Free! Photo-op!

Go for a “tradition”! Baguettes at La Grande Epicerie in Le Bon Marché. Photo: kanuck

12. Don’t buy a baguette “ordinaire”. Stick to the “tradition”. Trust us on this one.

13. Don’t fuss over eating like you eat back home. This is not home, so breakfast options and coffee choices are not the same. (Sorry. But not really.)

14. Do eat things that you have never tasted before. This is Paris and we like to eat. (And we like to eat things that might seem rather unusual to you at first. Go for it!)

15. Do order a carafe of wine at lunch to share… or for yourself. Wine is cheap in France! And you’re on vacation, right?

16. Do eat as much as you can. Once you’re home, you won’t get any more baguettes. Well, maybe you can buy one from Whole Foods, but it won’t taste the same. Here’s how to eat like a local for under €20 a day.

17. Don’t go to McDonald’s. I mean, it’s fine for a bathroom break (and for emergency free Wi-Fi), but the experience isn’t really that different or more exciting than you’d have at the Golden Arches back home.

18. Do throw yourself a picnic if possible. Head to an outdoor market, get some cheese from a fromagerie, some fresh baguettes and head to the wine store. We’re so there.

19. Don’t write off ethnic food in Paris. A lot of it is really good and unique. Just don’t fiddle with the American stuff. But the falafel? Winner!

20. Don’t tip needlessly in restaurants. Please don’t. We’ve talked about this already.

21. Don’t eat anywhere within a beret’s toss of a major tourist destination, especially Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower, or Notre Dame. Push a bit farther afield and look for something more authentic without “tourist pricing”. Here are a few choices for dinner in Paris.

22. Do consider restaurants that aren’t listed on TripAdvisor. The site isn’t the final word on dining in Paris — and, actually, it can be quite an echo chamber, sending more and more tourists to the same restaurants, while smaller establishments remain ignored. Head off on your own… follow your nose and your own instincts.

Book accommodations in a central location like Hotel Marignan in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotels

23. Don’t pay for breakfast in a hotel or hostel if you don’t have to. It will probably cost you about €9-14 for something that you get (fresher!) at the corner bakery for about €3-4.

24. Do book a hotel that’s as central as possible to avoid wasting time in transit. You might have to pay a few more euros per night, but you’ll save a lot of time and money. EuroCheapo has hotels whether you’re a romantic or traveling with your family. Check out our full guide to cheap Paris hotels.

25. Don’t touch those items in the minibar. Head to the nearest supermarket to pick up water, drinks, snacks, champagne, fruit, etc.

Always keep an eye on your stuff in touristy areas like cafes and popular attractions. Photo: Danile Lobo

Money and Safety

26. Don’t carry your passport and all of your credit cards with you. Leave your passport and some of your plastic in a safe back in the hotel. (Also, do make a copy of the passport and keep it with your travel documents.)

27. Don’t fall for street scams (aggressive petitioners, “charity” collectors, bracelet/ring scam artists, three-card monte dealers, shell game hucksters, etc.). But don’t be freaked out by normal people. Simply avoid anyone who approaches you in an unusual manner. If it feels odd, keep on walking.

28. Don’t let your guard down. Petty crime exists here. Just because Paris can seem like a movie set doesn’t mean pickpockets don’t lurk in the shadows. When sitting at a cafe, keep your purse safe and valuables (including that smartphone!) off the table. Things can disappear from your table between sips…

Shopping

29. Don’t take pictures of people in shops. They tend not to like it that much. It’s going to get awkward.

30. Do go to Paris’s famous flea markets to find something totally unique to bring home. We promise you’ll find something more special than an Eiffel Tower snow globe. (Well, you might find a cool vintage Eiffel Tower snow globe.) Check out a few of our favorite flea markets.

31. Don’t be entirely cheap. Sometimes a few extra euros can go a long way. And if you want to embark on a shopping spree, here’s how to do it on a budget.

Yes, a river cruise along the Seine is touristy, but it’s also a lovely way to see Paris. Photo: Jean-Pierre

Sightseeing

32. Do visit all of the touristy sights that you’ve been eager to visit, even if there’s someone in your group moaning and groaning about it. Don’t leave with regrets about not having visited (fill-in-the-blank). You can even get started on your very first day in Paris.

33. However, don’t feel you have to go to Versailles, even though it’s famous and big and glorious. It won’t change your life unless you’re completely obsessed with Louis XIV.

34. Do buy a travel guide. Much of the information listed is evergreen and will be useful. Plus, it doesn’t run out of batteries and it’s a lot less costly to lose (or spill a glass of wine onto) than an iPad. Here are a few of our favorite Paris guidebooks.

35. Do read a few websites and travel blogs before visiting. (As you’re reading this post right now, you’ve already mastered this one. Well done!) Often websites have more offbeat and more recently updated information than guidebooks and magazines.

36. Don’t bring a selfie stick. No one will like you, and many museums look down on them. Take your photo the old fashioned way — ask that guy from Minnesota walking past you to take it.

37. Do take a boat ride along the Seine. It’s breezy and romantic — well, unless you get stuck with a group of 100 teenagers who are literally going bonkers.

38. Don’t come with a padlock and leave it locked to one of our monuments. Please just don’t.

39. Do take advantage of the city’s many free museums, festivals, and concerts. Paris is full of amazing free attractions, especially during the summer.

40. Don’t just see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. Try to find something else that resonates with you — and that you don’t have to fight to get close to.

41. Do keep your expectations realistic and remain flexible, with a sense of humor, if possible. Paris is not perfect and sometimes things don’t go as planned. (The Eiffel Tower workers go on strike the day you visit? Take a photo — you’ve got a story!)

42. Don’t plan too many day trips from Paris. I’ve lived here for years and have yet to discover all of Paris. If you have a week, you might not want to spend five days day tripping…

43. Don’t walk around with your headphones on while visiting. Why should your ears miss out while your other senses get to enjoy Paris?

44. Do know the hours and opening times of major sights in advance. Go early or late to avoid the big crowds. And know if you can book major tickets in advance (you can at the Musée d’Orsay and Eiffel Tower, among others).

45. Don’t scorn other tourists – we’re all in this together.

Don’t be afraid to take the Metro and be assertive when boarding if needed. Photo: Chris Yunker

Transportation

46. Do use the Metro to get around town when you have more than 4-5 stations between you and a destination. Is it closer? You can easily walk that. Of course, you can also take a taxi, bus or Uber, too.

47. Don’t be shy in the Metro. Say “pardon” and shove gently when needed.

48. Don’t ride a Vélib public bike if you do not feel safe cycling in a city. It seems fun (and it is!), but it can also be dangerous, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Paris’s streets and traffic patterns.

49. Do some pre-trip research on how Paris works, even if it’s very basic. Know how to get to and from the airport, for example. And be prepared for your first day in Paris.

Wi-Fi

50. Don’t try to connect to free Wi-Fi every chance you get. Yes, it’s tempting, especially if you’re used to being constantly connected back home. But you’re on vacation — Instagram and Facebook when you get back to the hotel at night. You have the power to put away your phone! (Your traveling companions will thank you for this one.)

One last thought

Do resign yourself to the fact that you can’t see it all during your visit. You’ll just have to come back. Paris is a life-long love affair, and it only gets better with each visit.

Your tips

What do you do to make your Paris adventure even better? Tell us in the comments below.

The post Paris: 50 Do’s and Don’ts guaranteed to improve your trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So how can you live like a Roman while on holiday? Follow these 10 tips to keep your savings in check and still make the most of a trip to Rome.

Pick up farm-fresh produce for cheap and mingle with locals at outdoor markets like this one at Campo di Fiori. Photo: Sergio Calleja

1. Explore the markets

Rome has some of the best fresh food markets in the world, with vendors selling everything from porchetta to fresh mozzarella, and of course heaps of vibrant produce. Stock up on blood oranges for breakfast or hunks of cheese and freshly baked bread for a picnic lunch. The vendors bring their products straight from their farms, so you know it’s good. Plus, the price is much cheaper than restaurants or even the grocery store. The atmosphere, a bustle of bargaining and banter and a true taste of local life, is an added bonus.

If you’re staying in the city center, check out the open-air weekend market in Campo dei Fiori, or if you’re near the Vatican, head to Mercato Trionfale. Piazza Vittorio, Circo Massimo, and Trastevere host large markets as well.

2. Save at restaurants

Nothing beats an authentic Italian meal in a family-run trattoria. Generations of secret recipes and fresh tomatoes blend to create sauces your grandmother can only dream of (unless she happens to be Italian, and in that case lucky you!), and perfect pizza crust is a true art. That said, eating out every meal on vacation takes a significant chunk of your budget, so follow these tips to save money on every meal, without sacrificing the good stuff.

At restaurants, ask for tap water instead of bottled, and say no to bread, which can cost you €2-3 per person. If possible, steer clear of places where the menu is listed in more than two or three languages—one, because it’s less authentic, and two, because touristy places hike up their prices. As a general rule, most good restaurants list pasta for €8-11 and pizza from €6-10. Sides are usually less than €10. There are special cases, of course, but unless the restaurant has rave reviews or a Michelin Star to its name, you shouldn’t pay anything higher.

When it comes to wine, if you’re an enthusiast, you’ll probably want to try a few special local bottles while in Italy. To save money, alternate between a nice bottle and liters of house wine, which run from €6-10, and are often better quality than pricier bottles in the US.

3. Eat (and drink) on the streets

For inexpensive meals, grab something to go. Rome is full of amazing sandwich shops where a panini will cost about €5 or less, and takeaway pizza, or pizza al taglio, is everywhere. Grab a slice and people watch from one of the many piazzas or parks.

The same goes for drinking. Act like a real Roman and buy a bottle of wine from a mini market (they’ll be happy to open it for you and provide plastic cups), then hang out on the Spanish Steps or the Fountain of Madonna dei Monti. You’ll get a taste of authentic Italian nightlife from the groups that gather in these areas every night, and the drinks will be half the price of a restaurant.

For a cheap coffee pick-me-up the next morning, drink your cappuccino at the bar. Table service at most cafes will cost you an extra euro or two.

4. Speak la bella lingua with language exchange

If you’re in Italy for an extended amount of time and want to learn Italian, or even if you’re visiting for a week and want to master some basic phrases, consider a language exchange. Instead of paying for lessons, you and an Italian native speaker will practice Italian and English over coffee or aperitivo. It’s a nice way to learn the language and make friends at the same time. Your new language partner might even have local tips or show you an area of the city you would have missed otherwise.

Hotel and Hostel des Artistes is a cheapo pick with clean and comfy rooms for affordable rates. Photo: EuroCheapo

5. Stay in independent hotels or bed & breakfasts

Often, the most expensive part of a visit to Rome is accommodation. Huge demand allows hotels to charge ridiculous prices for tiny rooms, especially if they’re in central locations. Luckily, the need for budget accommodation has caught the attention of many independent business owners, and Rome is now bursting with budget hotel options. Similarly, Italian families with houses or rooms to spare have turned their guesthouses into adorable bed & breakfasts.

These hotel owners put their hearts into their businesses and are proud of showing off their city, so by renting from them you save money and end up with a more memorable experience. At EuroCheapo, we’ve spent many years hunting down the best small and affordable places to stay in Rome — check out this list of our favorite budget hotels.

6. Shop vintage

Rome certainly has its share of high-end designer stores. All you have to do is stroll down via Condotti to find yourself in a sea of Armani, Bulgari, and Dolce & Gabbana. But with a little looking, you can find your own designer goods for a fraction of the price. Check out Rome’s array of vintage stores for steals on leather jackets, designer jewels, classic handbags, suits that never go out of style and a mix of funky t-shirts and other unique finds.

The Monti neighborhood has three vintage stores on via del Boschetto and one on via dei Serpenti. If you’re in the center, head to the Borghetto Flaminio Market, (Piazza della Marina, 32), for a treasure trove of clothing, accessories and household goods.

7. Be smart about sightseeing

Plan your trip ahead of time, so you can make the most of your time without spending a fortune. Take a few hours to walk through the city, a better way to see the sights than any paid tour. During your stroll, make stops at the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, all of which are iconic, beautiful and best of all, 100% free.

If you want to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, buy a ticket that includes both, plus the Palatine Hill. It’s cheaper than buying separate tickets, and all three are equally impressive.

The Vatican is a must but can be expensive and time-consuming. Plan to get there early in the morning to beat the lines, and if you can, visit on the last Sunday of the month, when entrance is free.

8. La Notte dei Musei

Rome is home to spectacular artwork, but seeing it all can be costly. Once a year, Rome’s museums open up for La Notte dei Musei, or The Night of the Museums, an all-night affair where every museum is open to the public with free admission. Find more information here.

9. Concerts at Castel Sant’Angelo

The Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, towers over the Tiber River, and a trip to the top provides staggeringly beautiful views of the city. On certain nights, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs hosts classical music concerts in the courtyard. Listening to Vivaldi or jazz from an ancient castle on a warm summer night is a wonderful Italian experience. Entrance to the castle, a guided tour, and the concert is included for a very affordable price.

10. Take public transport

Taxis are expensive and almost guaranteed to try and rip you off at least once during your stay. A better option is public transit like the metro, which covers the main tourist attractions, or the bus lines, which are more comprehensive. While you might spend a few extra minutes waiting for your bus to actually show up, the €1.50 fare is a much better alternative to a taxi. At night, for example, taxis start at €6.50, just for getting in the car!

Similarly, if you’re heading out of the city, consider taking the regional trains. The fast trains are Italy’s pride, and they are admittedly very nice, but they’re often two or three times the price of a regional train to the same destination. Build some extra time in your schedule so you can take the regional train, or if you want to take the fast trains, book online at least a month in advance to get a discount fare. (Tickets can be booked on trenitalia.com, or italotreno.it).

More ways to save

For even more Rome tips, check out EuroCheapo’s Guide to Rome and all of our Rome blog posts. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter or Facebook.

The post Rome: 10 easy ways to save on your next visit appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So is it a worthwhile investment for budget-conscious travelers? To answer this question, let’s break down the costs by looking at a few examples.

Related:
•Cheap hotels in Berlin under $100 per night
•15 Free and affordable museums in Berlin under €10
•Berlin: Tips for saving on shopping

Details of the Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive

Cost

Although the benefits sound great, the card is a bit on the pricey side. The Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive costs:

• 2 days: €95 (€49 for children 3-14 years old)
• 3 days: €109 (€54 for children)
• 4 days: €129 (€59 for children)

(See all prices for the All Inclusive card)

Comparatively, the regular old Berlin WelcomeCard is much cheaper. A 2-day WelcomeCard is €19.90 and a 3-day is €27.90. A three-day WelcomeCard with entry to Museum Island museums is €44. (See all options.) Remember, however, that the normal WelcomeCard only covers transportation and discounts of up to 50% at attractions.

Sightseeing and tours included

The Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive includes dozens of perks not included in their other “WelcomeCard”. We’ve chosen a few sightseeing offers to help you break down the costs:

Berlin on Bike

You can choose either a 3.5-hour guided bike tour that includes a bike rental or a 48-hour bike rental.

Regular full price: €21 for tour, €10 for 24 hours per adult, prices for children depends on age and transportation needed (bike, bike seat, trailer bikes, etc.)

City Circle Sightseeing

(BBS, BEROLINA, BVB, BEX): Includes a Yellow ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

Regular full price: €22 for a day ticket or €26 for a 2-day ticket per adult, €11 for a day ticket or €13 for a 2-day ticket per child ages 7 to 14

Original Berlin Walks Tour

Discover Berlin is a 3.5-hour walking tour in English.

Regular full price: €14 per adult or €12 for people 26 and under

Stern und Kreisschiffahrt Boat Tours

River Spree city tour (1 hour) or Havel World Heritage Tour (2 hours).

Regular full price: Between €11-14

Museums and attractions included

The Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive also grants you free admission to 19 different museums, including museums on Museum Island, like the Pergamon Museum, art museums like the Gemäldegalerie, and museums of history, such as the German Historical Museum.

Without the card, ticket prices for most of these museums range between €12/€6 (Pergamon Museum), €10/€5 (Gemäldegalerie) and €8/€4 (German Historical Museum). For most state museums, admission for children 18 and under is free of charge.

Several attractions are also included in the card, such a trip up to the top of the Berlin TV Tower (regular price €13 for adults, €8.50 for children age 4 and up), free entry to Olympiastadion Berlin (regular price, €7/€4) and a trip to the Berlin’s Madame Tussaud’s (regular price to €16 to €20, depending on when you book).

Theater ticket discounts and more

The Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive also provides 25-30% discounts off tickets for theaters such as Friedrich-Stadt Palast and Wintergarten Varieté, various restaurants and shops.

Notably, it also includes the price of a day ticket for regular public transportation (€7/€4.70 within Berlin, group discounts available).

Is it a good deal?

So is the Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive worth the dough? The answer really depends on what type of tourist you are. If your goal is to hit as many museums and sights as possible, take walking or bus tours, and maybe even check out a Vegas-style show, this card will most likely help you save.

If, however, you’re really just looking for a card that will cover public transportation plus admission to the top museums on Museum Island, we’d forget the “All Inclusive” ticket and consider the WelcomeCard “Museum Island” ticket, good for three days at the five museums located on the island.

Meanwhile, there are cheaper (and in our opinion, sometimes better) ways to save than just falling in line with every other tourist. Here are some cheapo alternatives:

Biking

If you’d rather just rent a bike and explore on your own (instead of a bike tour), you can find bike rentals lower than the €10 per day that Berlin on Bike charges. Check out our guide to cheap bike rentals in Berlin.

Transportation

Since they follow more or less the same route as Berlin’s Bus 100 line, in our opinion, the hop-on-hop-off buses are are not worth the added price. A trip across one of Berlin’s many rivers is admittedly a delightful experience, but to save, you can also take a ride on one of the regular public ferries that travel from Wannsee to several locations. These public ferries are included in the price of a regular public transportation ticket.

Museums and entertainment

As for museums, most offer nicely priced tickets to begin with, as well as free admission for children 18 and under. As mentioned above, the Berlin WelcomeCard “Museum Island” ticket covers admission to those five museums and is much cheaper.

The ticket price for shows at variety, music and cabaret shows will still be on the pricey side even with the discount the card offers, and the restaurants listed are mainly overpriced tourist traps.

Last but not least, in our opinion, there’s absolutely no reason to go to Madame Tussaud’s in Berlin — unless the kids insist.

Final thoughts

So, in a nutshell, if you’re a really ambitious tourist, go ahead and spring for the Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive — the 4-day card offers the best deal and will allow you to pack in tons of sights and activities. We’d be much more likely to buy the WelcomeCard “Museum Island” ticket — and use it for discounts at museums and attractions not covered by the card.

And if you’re more of a relaxed tourist who would like to pick and choose your activities or find alternative ways to explore Berlin, then hold onto your wallet, as this card is probably not for you.

For a full list of all the benefits and discounts the Berlin WelcomeCard all inclusive offers, click here.

The post The Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive: Is it a good deal? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Although the saying doesn’t have the same ring in English as it does in German, it still gives you a good feel for the differences between the two areas: SO36 still has a gritty, punky vibe and attracts a younger party crowd while 61 is a quieter, more gentrified oasis popular with hipsters, urban families, and those 30 or over.

Known as the “third largest Turkish city”, Kreuzberg also has a thriving Turkish community, particularly SO36. Here are some budget-friendly travel tips for the two areas of the neighborhood.

Kreuzberg SO36

Getting there: Take the U-Bahn to stations Kottbusser Tor (U-8/U-1 lines), Görlitzer Bahnhof (U-1 line) and Schlesiches Tor (U-1 line)

Free and affordable things to do

The streets Oranienstrasse and Adalbertstraße make up the heart of SO36. They are located directly at the U-Bahn station Kottbusser Tor, which is affectionately called “Kotti” by locals. Take a stroll around the area and browse through the funky clothing stores and Turkish shops. For a little urban culture, check out the street art and graffiti covering many of the walls.

Museums
Two nicely-priced cultural highlights are Museum der Dinge, a design museum for everyday objects from the 20th and 21st century (admission price: €6), and the Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain (FHBX) Museum, a museum chronicling the history of the neighborhood, which is free of charge.

Catch a film
Located around the corner, the Babylon movie theater often shows original language films with subtitles (called “OmU” in German). To save on the regular admission fee (about €8), go on Mondays, when tickets only cost €6.50.

Historic Park
The park Görlitzer Park once housed a large train station, Görlitzer Bahnhof, which was destroyed during the war. You can still see some of the ruins in the main field, popular with Frisbee players, picnicking hipsters and students lounging with a beer and one hand and a cigarette in the other.

Although the park has had drug problems in recent years, the Children’s Farm is still very popular with kids and families. Hang a right when you get off at the U-Bahn station Schlesisches Tor for more cafes and bars with a hip, 20-something crowd.

Cheap Eats

Luckily, you’ll find many cheap eats around Oranienstrasse, Wienerstrasse (near Görlitzer Park) and Schlesisches Tor. Some of the best options under €5 euros include:

• Tadim (Adalbertstr. 98), a Turkish fast food restaurant with great kebab and Lahmacun, a.k.a. “Turkish” pizza
• Maroush (Adalbertstr. 93), a Lebanese place with great falafel and chicken shwarma sandwiches
• Spätzleexpress (Wiener Str. 11), a small restaurant serving Spätzle and Maultaschen, two tasty noodle treats from the Swabian region in Southern Germany
• Rissani (Spreewald platz 4-6), another great Lebanese restaurant which is more of a sit-down place than Maroush.
• If you’re jonesing for a burger and fries, check out Burgermeister (Oberbaumstr. 8), conveniently located under the elevated u-bahn tracks at Schlesisches Tor.

Nightlife

If you’re in the mood to party, then SO36 is the place to be. Dozens of bars and cafes line the streets around all three U-bahn stops.

If you’re in the mood for an urban, industrial vibe mixed in with a little kitsch (there’s a weeping Virgin Mary projection on the wall) all packed in a gay-friendly atmosphere, then check out Möbelolfe (Reichenberger Str. 177).

Franken (Oranienstr. 19a) is an unpretentious watering hole with a punky edge and Wild at Heart (Wiener Straße 20) is a well-known punk rock and rockabilly bar.

The club SO36 (Oranienstr. 190) on Oranienstrasse offers live shows as well as regular events like a Monday after work skate night and Kiezbingo (neighborhood bingo).

Kreuzberg 61 (aka “Bergmannkiez”)

Getting There: Take the U-Bahn to stations Südstern, Gneisenaustrasse and Mehringdamm (U-7 line) or stations Hallesches Tor and Prinzenstrasse (U-1 line)

Playing bocce in Kreuzberg’s Viktoriapark. Photo: Eugene K

Free and affordable things to do

If Oranienstrasse is Kreuzberg’s punk rock wild child, then Bergmannstrasse is its tamer, older sister. Popular with tourist, the street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Cemeteries
At the quieter, leafy green section of Bergmannstrasse (close to U-7 Südstern station) you’ll find the large cemetery, Friedrichswerder Friedhof II. The cemetery has many old graves from the 18th and 19th century with impressive statues and headstones. Head up the hill and you’ll also find many mausoleums in a glorious state of gothic decay.

The cemetery at Hallesches Tor has many beautiful Art Nouveau graves and is the final resting place of the classical composers Mendelssohn and Brahms, and the German poet E.T.A Hoffmann.

Canals and window shopping
A walk along the Landwehrkanal is also an absolute must. In the summer, the banks along the canal are full with young people picnicking or popping open a beer or two. It also leads to Gräfekiez, the upscale, stylish part of 61. Although the designer boutiques are not priced with the budget traveler in mind, Dieffenbachstrasse and Gräfestrasse are still worth a peek and a little window shopping.

Parks
Kreuzberg 61 is also home to two parks, Volkspark Hasenheide and Viktoriapark. Located on one of Berlin’s only hills, Viktoriapark is also home to the Nationaldenkmal für die Befreiungskriege (National Monument for the Liberation Wars), which offers great views over the city.

Cheap Eats

Like SO36, Kreuzberg 61 has a wide range of cafes and restaurants, although they tend to be a bit more expensive. But there are still plenty of great cheap eat options.

• The Marheinike Markthalle (Marheinekepl. 15), a large market hall located at the corner of Bermannstrasse and Zossenerstrasse, has plenty of food stands where you can get lunch or dinner at a nice price.
• Curry 36, (Mehringdamm 36) a snack bar near U-7 Mehringdamm has arguably the best curry wurst and fries in the city and is just up the street from the ever-popular Mustafa’s Vegetable Kebab stand (Mehringdamm 32).
• The King of Falafel (Urbanstr. 68) also has fabulous falafel as well as lesser known vegetarian and vegan treats.

Related: Best Berlin cheap eats from currywurst to falafel

Nightlife

If you’re in the mood to party, SO36 is a better option. Still, Kreuzberg 61 does have a few highlights:

• Bad Kreuzberg (Blücherstr. 17) is an unpretentious dive bar which offers free pretzels and peanuts with drinks.
• Junction Bar (Gneisenaustr.18) is a basement club for jazz and blues with a no-frills pub on top.
• Minibar (Graefestr. 77) is a small-but-cozy option in Gräfekiez.
• Die Legende von Paula & Ben (Gneisenaustr. 58) is a nice neighborhood place with a friendly vibe.

Sleep for cheap

Looking for a hotel to be near the action in Kreuzberg? Check out our Kreuzberg listings for local hotels and hostels with rates starting as low as $39 for a double room.

The post Berlin: Kreuzberg’s best affordable sights, bars and restaurants appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Walking or biking around Paris, however, can become a drag when the sky opens up and even the most prepared tourist may be caught off guard. Fear not, there are plenty of things to do in Paris when it rains–if not, do you think so many of us would still live here?

Here are five activities perfect for Paris “when it drizzles”:

1. Museums — but be careful!

Museums seem like an obvious choice, but choose wisely. If you decide to visit the Louvre on a rainy day, you very well may be lined up outside of that big glass pyramid waiting under your umbrella like everyone else who had the same idea.

Instead, try the Carnavalet museum in the Marais which features highlights of Parisian history, and it’s free. Or for €9.50 you could easily spend an entire day in the Hotel des Invalides visiting Napoleon’s tomb and the museum’s collection of war artifacts from medieval times until World War II. The perk? The museum is in French and English.

2. Pompidou Center Library

Everyone heads to the Pompidou Center for their modern art galleries, but if you just need a break from the rain, head to their library which is free of charge. The entrance is along rue de Rénard and any line that may form is rain-free.

Head upstairs to browse the collections or just bring your own book and grab a seat by the large windows overlooking the city and watch the rain fall. There is even a little café, bathrooms, and a covered balcony for smokers.

Related: How to spend three days in Paris

3. Park it at a café

Everyone always wants to play Parisian by passing a few hours sitting at a sidewalk café, and a rain storm provides the perfect excuse. Head to any café and order coffee for €1-3 and kick back.

Going solo is entirely acceptable, just bring a book or a notepad to make yourself look busy while you enjoy the pitter patter of the rain on the sidewalk.

4. Movies!

Movie time was always the perfect rainy day solution when I was a child. In Paris, the cinema is still a great option. Many theaters have special daytime or student prices, just make sure you see the “VO” version, the version original, or else you’ll be getting the version dubbed in French.

Head to the UGC at Bercy, for example, where shows before noon are only €6.70. Rainy mornings are just as bad as rainy evenings, right?

5. Brave it outdoors

If rain doesn’t faze you, then bite the bullet, put on some rain boots, grab an umbrella and take advantage of the fact that the rain scares most tourists away from the city’s most popular sights. A promenade in the rain through the Tuileries or Luxembourg gardens can be spectacular when no one else is around.

As long as you’re feet are fine and you leave your electronics in the hotel or hostel, you can really enjoy Paris during a summer afternoon shower.

Accessories

No matter what you do, plan accordingly. Proper shoes and umbrellas are a must for all seasons in Paris. If you are carrying any documents or important papers, keep them in a waterproof bag or leave them in the hotel safe–nothing is worse than a soggy passport at customs.

Your rainy-day activities

Paris proves, again and again, rain or shine, it’s always one of the most beautiful cities in the world. What are your favorite rainy-day activities? Share with us in the comments section.

Note: This article was updated on July 4, 2014 to reflect price changes.

The post Paris in the Rain: 5 activities for Paris when it drizzles appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

City Tour

There are numerous boat companies plying the central waterways on sunny summer days. Such tours typically last one hour and take passengers past the city’s major sights: Haus der Kulturen der Welt, government quarter including Chancellery and Reichstag, Hauptbahnhof, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, and Nikolaiviertel.

Boat companies include: Stern & Kreis and Reederei Riedel. The most convenient location with regular departures is Friedrichstrasse station. Cost: Around €10

• Cheapo tip: Have a local friend or host with a transportation ticket subscription? Such “Abo” customers are eligible for 2-for-1 tours on BWSG boats. Print the coupon here.

Canals Tour

Stern & Kreis offers a “bridges” tour through Berlin’s canal system, taking you through Mitte, Friedrichshain, Treptow, Kreuzberg and Charlottenburg, before returning through the center of the city. It’s an excellent three-hour excursion. Wait for a fine day and slap on sunscreen! Click for departures from Friedrichstrasse or Jannowitzbrücke. Cost: 20€.

• Cheapo tip: Score 20% off your ticket price with a coupon from the Berlin Stars booklet, distributed with paid admission by participating attractions (Fernsehturm, Madame Tussaud’s, SeaLife, Legoland, etc.).

Ultimate Cheapo Tour

For the price of a regular AB public transportation ticket or included in any day or week ticket, Cheapos can take the ferry F10 across Wannsee to Alt-Kladow. The harbor is a quick walk from Wannsee station, located 20-30 minutes from Friedrichstrasse (S1/S7) or Zoo (S7) stations.

The ferry ride takes 20 minutes in one direction; either enjoy a stop in one of Alt-Kladow’s harbor-side biergartens for an hour, or disembark and immediately join the line reboarding for Wannsee. Consider stopping on an excursion to or from Potsdam. Cost: 5.20€ (or free). More information.

The post How to save on Berlin’s boat tours and river cruises appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And it’s also far cheaper. Using an Oyster card, it’ll cost you £4.40 a day at most to get anywhere on the London bus network, compared to double that on the Underground (find out more about how to use London buses in our guide).

With over 700 different bus routes in the city, there’s no need to pay for traditional sightseeing tours. Here are the five buses that every visitor to London should know about.

RV1

We’ve sung the praises of this bus on EuroCheapo before and with good reason, as its route takes in some of the city’s most famous attractions (Londoners commonly know it as “the tourist bus”). It starts in Covent Garden before heading to the river for some stunning views, including the London Eye and the South Bank Buildings, and it trundles over Tower Bridge for a picture postcard perfect shot, before delivering you virtually to the door of the Tower of London.

All in all, a much better experience than that enjoyed historically by most visitors to the Tower.

#9 Heritage Route

Think of a traditional London bus and you’re probably thinking of a Routemaster: a red double decker, with a platform at the back for passengers to leap on and off. This style of bus had been on the road since the mid-1950s and its withdrawal from service in 2005 lead to howls of protests from its fans. Because of the protests, the Routemasters were allowed to keep operating on two “heritage” service: the 9 and the 15. The Heritage number 9 route is suitably scenic, running through Kensington, past the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and Green Park for Buckingham Palace, before terminating in Trafalgar Square.

A huge disadvantage is that the buses aren’t built for wheelchair or pushchair access (a reason behind them being taken out of service). However, there are also modern and access-friendly number 9 buses running along an extended version of the same route. Although slightly confusing, it does mean that the views are available to everyone.

#38

The number 38 is a hardworking route, going all the way from Victoria Station to the south of the centre, up to Clapton in the East End. In fact, it’s the perfect route for visitors who have come straight off the bus or the train, as its hour-long journey (on a good day) takes in Piccadilly Circus, Marble Arch and Bloomsbury, before heading north to King’s Cross and Euston stations, and up east through Hackney.

As testament to its usefulness, this route was selected as the first to run the “new bus for London.” Introduced at the end of 2011, these new buses were designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the man behind the London Olympics cauldron. Their sleek and space-age style will give you something else to ponder as you cross the city.

#24

No meandering around back streets for this bus. The 24 takes a very useful and direct route through the centre of the city. Starting in Pimlico, it travels through the heart of Westminster and past the Houses of Parliament, before shooting northwards. Use it to take you to drinks in Soho, or to check out Camden’s famous market, or to head for a bracing walk on Hampstead Heath. With the route taking an estimated 40 minutes in total, it’ll probably get you there quicker than the Tube, and certainly with more interesting things to look at along the way.

#8

For exploring the east of the city, you’ll need to get to know the number 8. It starts in the depths of the East End, and its route takes in some of London’s most fashionable bars, clubs and shops that are clustered around Brick Lane and Shoreditch. Then it’s onto the City itself – one of the oldest bits of London and where historical institutions brush up against today’s modern financial market. You can find out more in the Museum of London, one of the next stops on the route. A final sweep through Bloomsbury and then you’re bang into the centre of the city.

Did we miss your bus?

What are your favorite London buses? Tell us about the ones we’ve missed.

The post London: 5 bus routes every visitor should know appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.