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

1. Bathing: Au naturel

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

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

2. Bathing: To see and be seen

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

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

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

3. Ice cream

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

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

4. Fight fire with fire: Hot Currywurst

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

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

5. When all else fails: Street water pumps

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

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

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

You might think that this world-class sporting event would be out of the reach of a budget traveler — but it’s not!

With tickets starting at only €15 and the venue accessible by the Metro, the French Open is surprisingly affordable if you plan ahead. Read on for tips from our recent trip to Roland Garros.

Paris travel tips:
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to Paris
• Our favorite 15 cheap hotels in Paris
• 8 Fantastic day trips less than an hour from Paris

How to attend the French Open on a budget

Full disclosure: I love tennis, so it should be no surprise that passionate tennis fans will be in heaven at Roland Garros. But even if you’ve never even picked up a racket, the French Open offers a special experience that you can only find in Paris.

With daylight stretching past 10 pm, spring is a wonderful time to visit as the city comes alive after a long winter. The people watching is amazing at Roland Garros, and if you need a break from the action on the courts, you can always splurge for a glass of Champagne and shop for fun souvenirs. And who knows? If you catch Roland Garros fever, you might even come away with making the French Open an annual tradition.

Related: When is the best time to visit Paris?

Getting tickets

I purchased a ticket on the official Roland Garros website for the first round of action when they went on sale in March. My €40 ticket got me a reserved seat with a great view in Court 1 (affectionately known as the “Bullring”) for four matches (two women’s and two men’s games). It also gave me access to 17 other courts for the whole day. And unlike American sporting events where Ticketmaster can gouge you with extra charges, the online fee was only €2 per ticket. Not a bad deal for nine hours of tennis!

If €30 or €40 is too much for your budget, you can find much cheaper options. Tickets can go as low as €15 for general admission (or even lower for students). And they’re not as hard to get as you might think. Even if you’re in Paris without tickets during the French Open, it’s worth seeing what’s available. There were several tickets available during each day of the tournament when I was there. You can check for tickets online.

The main venue at Roland Garros, Court Philippe Chatrier. Photo: Craig Nelson

Getting there

The easiest way to get to Roland Garros is by Metro. The nearest stations, Michel-Ange – Molitor or Boulogne – Jean Jaurès on the 10 line and Exelmans on the 9 line, are all about a 10-minute walk from the venue. There’s lots of security, so make sure to factor in extra time if you’re trying to catch an early match. You can check out the Roland Garros map to see all the points of entry and nearby transit stops.

Related: 8 Tips for riding the Metro in Paris like a local

Book a hotel near Roland Garros

Since the Metro is easily accessible from almost anywhere in Paris, you can stay close to the 10 Metro line near the Jardin du Luxembourg or Sorbonne . The Latin Quarter offers quick access and a classic neighborhood to enjoy.

Alternatively, you can cut your morning commute time by booking a hotel near the French Open. Not surprisingly, prices will spike during the tournament, but if you book way in advance, you can find some good deals.

Search for hotels near Roland Garros

The scene outside Court Suzanne Lenglen. Photo: Craig Nelson

What to bring (and what to leave at your hotel)

Although there is heavy security, you can still bring a bag to the event. Big backpacks are not allowed, but they do have a place to check items right outside the gates which is very convenient. You can also bring a water bottle up 1.5 liters. But leave the wine behind because no alcohol is allowed. You can read more about what is prohibited on the official Roland Garros website.

Pack a lunch

Unlike some sporting events (we’re looking at you US Open!), you can bring in food and waters. If you plan on spending a full day at Roland Garros, this will save you a suitcase full of euros. We suggest picking up a baguette sandwich, a bottle of water (plastic only), and maybe some dessert before hopping on the Metro.

However, if you don’t bring anything, Cheapos won’t be stuck. Surprisingly tasty sandwiches and salads range from  €5-9, a very reasonable price.  Throw in a beer or glass of wine for €5-7, and you’ll have an ideal Parisian lunch. You can also upgrade to Champagne, but that’s a little outside the cheapo budget. Being Europe, they add an extra euro to your bill for a beverage to encourage you to return your plastic cup for a refund. Don’t leave without getting that euro coin back!

Plan for rain and/or sun

Springtime in Paris is absolutely beautiful. But it can also bring rain and thunderstorms. Matches are frequently delayed or postponed, so be prepared for a drizzle or even a thunderstorm or two. The day I went, matches were delayed due to a steady rain, but the skies quickly cleared for the rest of the day – until a huge thunderstorm stopped the action around 8 pm.

Bring an umbrella and a jacket with you, because buying them at the Roland Garros gift shop will probably cost you more than your ticket. Also, bring sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen because the courts have very little cover. If the sun is shining, you can burn pretty quickly if you’re not prepared.

Related: What to do in Paris when it drizzles

Fans watching the action on the big screen. Photo: Craig Nelson

Soak in the atmosphere

Even if you have a seat in one of the main stadiums, make sure to walk around and see the other courts and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Grab a seat in one of the orange lounge chairs in front of the big screen to watch marquee match-ups. The day I was there, Serena Williams debuted her famous catsuit to play her first match of the tournament. And during the early rounds, you can just roam from court to court to see who’s playing. The smaller courts are an excellent way to get up close to the best tennis players in the world.

During my strolls, I encountered players being interviewed, French celebrities taking selfies with fans, and an overall feeling of joy. The staff was very helpful at every turn, even to a fan like me who speaks very little French!

Pick up a souvenir

You can’t go all the way to the French Open and not bring something back home to remember your tennis experience. There were several souvenir and apparel shops set up around the grounds. I looked past the expensive shirts and accessories to choose a tote bag and some colorful, old-school wristbands that cost about €10 each.

Strolling around Roland Garros is just as much fun as the tennis. Photo: Craig Nelson

Plan your escape route

If you stay until the last match (usually around 8 or 9 pm), be prepared for a long and slow walk back to the subway station. If you have dinner reservations or evening plans, you might want to beat the crowds and leave a little earlier. For the easiest subway route, the Roland Garros website suggests, “When leaving the stadium, choose Michel-Ange Molitor station (lines 9 and 10) to avoid the queues that often build up at other stations.”

If you plan on just wandering the neighborhood and finding an affordable restaurant, don’t stop at the first place you see. Many of the restaurants near Roland Garros are nice but spendy. Luckily, I walked a little bit farther until I stumbled upon Le Village D’Auteuil, a lively bistro with classic French eats at reasonable prices.

Your French Open tips

Have you been to the French Open? Tell us your tips for visiting Roland Garros.

The post Paris: How to experience the French Open on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

You might wonder why the site of a sporting event ranked high on my list of must-see attractions in this “city of art and culture”, but this is no ordinary tennis stadium. Host to the French Open, one of the four majors of the sport, Roland Garros is rivaled only by Wimbledon in history and charm. (All apologies to partisans of Melbourne and Flushing Meadows.)

A view over the practice courts at Roland Garros

With its leafy campus outside of the city center and just adjacent to the massive Bois de Boulogne park, Roland Garros is a pleasant spot for an urban escape.  During the French Open, of course, the scene is probably much more hectic, but we were visiting the complex while all the stars of tennis were busy at the U.S. Open back in New York.

Touring Roland Garros

I had expected the tour to include a stroll through the striking red-clay courts that tennis fans know so well, and perhaps a visit to center court. Rather, the hour-plus tour was a sweep of the entire campus, including visits to the press boxes, media rooms, and players’ locker rooms, finishing up with a visit to the French Federation of Tennis Museum.

Your 2013 French Open champion, Brendan Linard! (Or so I got to pretend.)

Visitors can sit in the press room and pretend they won the championship, while an audio recording of the most recent final adds the proper ambiance to the center court visit.  And no, unfortunately you don’t get to walk on the clay court itself (the groundskeepers would be beside themselves).

Filled with history and interesting anecdotes about players ranging from Suzanne Lenglen to Steffi Graf and Rafael Nadal, the tour will be appreciated by any tennis fan visiting Paris. Even non-fans will feel the historical significance of the complex.

Tours cost €10.50 per person (€8.50 for children and students) and a combined tour/museum ticket runs €15.50. English-language tours depart at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (plus Tuesdays and Thursdays during French school holidays). Check out the Roland Garros website for more information.

Free and cheapo visits

If you’re not willing to dish out for a tour, but you still want to take in the scenery of the Roland Garros campus, access is perfectly free for most of the year. You won’t get to see center court or the other auxiliary attractions, but the grounds themselves are worth the trip on the Metro.

During the French Open, of course, you’ll have to pay to get into Roland Garros.  There are ways, though, of getting your tennis fix on the cheap.  During the tournament (mid-May to early June each year), evening tickets start at €12. These get you access to the outside courts from 3 p.m. on or the show courts from 5 p.m. on. You might not catch a marquee match-up, at least in whole, but you’ll still get to see the pros duke it out on the challenging clay courts.

To get to Roland Garros, take Metro Line 10 to Porte d’Auteil.  The entrance is a 10-minute walk down Avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil and Avenue de Gary Bennett.

Where to eat

Our trip to Roland Garros began with a delightful brunch in the garden of the quaint and convenient Le Roland Garros restaurant, where we gorged ourselves on charcuterie, merguez and eggs “a la coque” (soft-boiled). The restaurant unfortunately does not offer Cheapo-priced meal fare, but the idyllic atmosphere might be worth a decently priced cocktail plus charcuterie, antipasti or a dessert (each at €8 – €10).

More information

This post is part of a series sponsored by Atout France – USA, the French Tourism Development Agency in New York, which is highlighting youth travel in France. On our recent trip, we traveled from Paris to Montpellier, inspecting accommodations, activities and sights that appeal to youth travelers.

For EuroCheapo’s advice on the best places to stay in Paris, check out our list of budget hotel recommendations.

The post Tennis and history on the outskirts of Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Thankfully, a large city like Berlin offers ample opportunities for both types of escapes. If you’re in the mood for the latter, here are three of Berlin’s best summer oases.

Strandbad Wannsee

A 30-minute S-Bahn ride from the center transports you out to the green edges of the city, where you’ll find numerous small lakes offering reprieve on hot days. The Strandbad offers nearly 1.3 km of well-managed (and popular) sandy beach on the lovely, clean Wannsee.

After hours of fabulous people- or sailboat-watching, listening to the sounds of the waves, or alternately swimming in the lake then drying in the sunshine, your mind should be clear enough to choose between the many, many types of popsicles and ice cream bars available at the snack bar. (Read more about the Wannsee and other fabulous lakes and parks in Berlin.)

S1-/S7-Nikolassee
Admission: €4.50
Open everyday, check website for hours

Stadtbad Neukölln

By far the most beautiful of Berlin’s public pools, the Stadtbad Neukölln, built in 1914 in classical style, retains its original character despite modern renovations, with tall marble columns leading upwards past mosaics to an arched ceiling. The experience rivals the famous baths of cities such as Budapest.

With both lane swimming in its 25m pool and a relaxing space for bathing in a separate 19m pool, the Stadtbad attracts young and old alike for a regal dip.

(And if you’re heading to Neukölln, check out these suggestions for delicious cheap eats.)

U7-Rathaus Neukölln
Admission: €4.50; sauna entrance extra (€10)
Open everyday, check website for hours

Liquidrom

Modern and upscale, Berlin’s Liquidrom offers a spa-like experience right in the center of the city. Spend a relaxing afternoon and evening floating in the saltwater pool, known for its underwater sound system. If that isn’t special enough in itself, check the schedule of regular live music performances on their website.

And 30° C will seem downright refreshing after a 80° C turn through the Liquidrom’s four saunas, running the gamut from salt to steam. Infusions and basic skin treatments are scheduled throughout the day and are included in your entry.

S1-Anhalter Bahnhof
Admission: between €19.50 and €29.50, depending on length of stay
Open everyday from 10 a.m. till midnight, Fridays and Saturdays till 1 a.m.

The post Swimming in Berlin: Our Favorite Pools and Beaches appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So to counteract the overindulgence, here are a few pointers on where to get fit in London. Oh, and by the way, all these options are free or dirt cheap, so don’t even try and tell me you don’t have the money to work out…

Free gyms

London has seen an increasing number of “adult playgrounds” opening up in parks over the last few years. These outdoor gyms allow you to do everything from cardio to suspension training without paying a penny.

We’ve got The Great Outdoor Gym Company and Open Gym to thank for running a huge number of outdoor gyms in some of London’s most central parks, making it practically impossible to come up with an excuse not to stop for a workout as you wander between museums. You can find your nearest gym by visiting the links above.

Fitness classes, military-style

If you’re looking for tough love, then British Military Fitness is a good place to whip you fitness levels into shape. Run by current and former members of the armed forces, these classes are notoriously tough but always good fun. You can try a class for free at any of the many London park locations, which include Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, Clapham Common, Finsbury Park and Canary Wharf.

Free group runs every Saturday morning

If running on your own doesn’t appeal to you, why not join an organized group? Park Run is a free 5 km timed run held on Saturdays at 9 a.m. in 39 parks across Greater London.

Locations include Finsbury Park, Richmond Park, Highbury Fields, Dulwich Park and Mile End Park. You just need to register online beforehand so the organizers know how many people are coming and then get ready to run! Afterwards the group grabs a celebratory coffee nearby so there’s a nice sociable element to it as well.

Tennis for free

You can suss out where to play tennis without spending up by checking out Tennis for Free. This great charity not only lists details of all the UK’s free tennis courts, but also offers free equipment loans and coaching for all ages and levels.

Not all of the courts profiled on the site need to be booked in advance, so you can just turn up without prior notice. With options like this, there really is no excuse not to start preparing for Wimbledon!

Cheap gyms in London

If the gym is your thing and you can’t face an outdoor workout in the icy winter months, there are several very affordable options in London that don’t require signing long contracts.

Pay As u Gym: Perhaps the most flexible option is Pay As U Gym. The idea is a bit like topping up a mobile phone and you use the money in your online gym account to pay for a one-day gym or swim pass at hundreds of participating health centers. You can choose from really central locations like Covent Garden and Islington, to Bethnal Green and Clapham. The benefit is that the day rate at that particular gym will either be cheaper than anywhere else or only on offer via Pay As U Gym. While there is no flat rate across all gyms, it’s a great option for people who visit London regularly and want to access gyms in different locations.

The Gym: Leading the more conventional budget gym scene is The Gym. With over 30 gyms across the country and nine different centers in London, it’s a fairly accessible option, and all the gyms are open 24/7. The most central London location is Waterloo and day passes cost £5. If you’re looking for something slightly longer term you can pay a £20 joining fee and then £19.99 per month.

Pure Gym: Although slightly less central, with gyms in Oval, Greenwich and Wandsworth, Pure Gym does offer day passes for £5.99, three-day passes for £12.99 and seven-day passes for £24.99, which must be used on consecutive days.

easyGym: And finally, as if planes and hotels weren’t enough, Stelios and the Easy.com team has opened EasyGym. There are currently four locations across the UK, with just one London gym in Wood Green. Not the most central area, but a well-kitted out health center where thankfully the orange paint has been kept to a minimum. Day passes are available for a flat rate of just £5, giving access to a class and all the gym facilities.

Also in our guide

If you’re currently planning a trip to London, be sure to swing by our budget guide to London, which includes cheap hotel recommendations and lots of budget tips. Fitness ideas aside, we have plenty of strategies to share to help you keep the pounds off your travel budget, as well.

The post London fitness: Affordable gyms, classes, and group runs appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And the truth is, nobody really knows. Will it be so busy that buying a pint in a pub becomes an impossible task or will the vast majority of locals retreat into their living rooms giving up the streets to foreign visitors? I have a sneaking suspicion it will be the former. Either way, it is going to be a memorable time to be in London so here are some tips to enjoying the Games on a Cheapo-sized budget.

Live sights

Big screens and bucket-loads of activities will be going on in central London’s three designated live sites: Hyde Park, Potters Fields and Victoria Park.

Visitors will be able to soak up the atmosphere with live music, plenty of family-friendly activities and lots of enormous screens in each of the parks, which will be showing all the action live and direct from the Olympic venues. It’s free to access the parks every day between July 28 – August 11 and there are a few “guaranteed entry” tickets still available online.

Tickets are also still on sale for the opening ceremony concert (July 27) which will be held in Hyde Park and cost £60 per person.

Alternative Opening Ceremony parties

If a £60 entry fee sounds a bit hefty, more Cheapo-friendly options will be taking place at The Water Poet pub in Shoreditch and Rich Mix, a social enterprise in Bethnal Green.

The former is undoubtedly one of the most fun-filled pubs in London. Not only will the Opening Ceremony be aired on nine screens inside the pub, but the whole place will be Olympics-themed for the night with sporting tournaments such as ping pong and pool. Best of all – it’s free to get in! Beyond the opening night the pub will also be showing all the other events throughout the Olympics.

Alternatively, Rich Mix will be hosting an evening of comedy, music and highlights from the Opening Ceremony on the big screen. The entry fee will set you back £10. More about Rich Mix in a previous post.

Where to Watch the Olympic Marathon

The Olympic Marathon is on August 5 (Women’s Marathon) and August 12 (Men’s Marathon). This is an entirely free event (except at the start/finish line) so the only thing Cheapo’s will need to worry about it is bagging a good spot along the route!

Both Marathons will start at The Mall at 11 a.m. and will complete a three lap circuit of the North Bank of the River Thames and through the city of London, before heading back to the Mall. Get there early and plan your route by checking out the estimated arrival times on the interactive Marathon maps at London 2012.

The Olympic Journey: Story of the Games

If you fancy reliving the very best of past Olympic Games, pop into this comprehensive exhibition, which is set to open in the foyer of The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden on July 28. The exhibition runs until August 12 and details personal stories from 16 different heroic Olympians through the ages.

Still need a place to sleep?

If you still haven’t booked a hotel for your Olympic trip, you might be surprised to hear that there are still many affordable hotels available for Olympic dates. In fact, rates seem to have dropped as the event has grown closer. Check out our list of recommended budget hotels in London, plus our previous post on alternative accommodations, including Camp In London.

The post Where to Watch the Olympics in London: A Cheapo’s Guide appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Before the days get too short and while leaves are still on the trees, here are a few of my favorite lookout points in Dublin. Some are for relaxing picnics while others will require a little energy to get there.

1. The Sugar Loaf Mountain
Web site

One of the best views in all of Dublin is found from the peak of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. Located about 30 minutes south of city center, this peak is accessible only from a trail off a narrow country road. En route to the top, you will pass ancient stone fences and grazing sheep.

While the climb might look daunting, it’s really more of a hike on an incline than a climb. It is possible to reach the top in an hour or hour and a half, with only a few tricky steps towards the top when you must scramble over a few rocks. Once you pass this test, views are the reward.

The whole geography of Dublin unfolds in front of you. The Bay of Dublin, the piers jetting out into the water (where you can go for a swim if you dare) and the surrounding signature green countryside are all clearly visible from this vantage point.

Bring a picnic with you and stay for a while to take in the views.

2. Bewley’s Grafton Street Café
78/79 Grafton Street
Web site

Grafton Street is the pedestrianized center of Dublin. Very often visitors walk up or down this street en route to some attraction or another throughout the city. Yet how many stop to enjoy the view? Beyond shopping, Grafton Street is known for street performers, or buskers (Rodrigo y Gabriela got their start here).

One of the best places to take in the bustle is on the second floor of Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street. Get a table overlooking the street. The windows will be open on a nice day and while sipping on a cup of tea you can watch the daily theater of Grafton Street unfold beneath you.

3. Hike from Bray to Greystones
Web site

Some of the best coastal views in Dublin can be seen on a hike between the villages of Bray and Greystones. From the city center, hop a commuter DART train heading south to Bray. From the station, wander down towards the beach, and join the trail that winds south along the coastline.

Over the course of a 90-minute hike, you will have the chance to see not only coastal views from every possible angle, but also the DART train barreling through tunnels. Finish with a stroll through a grassy field as you approach Greystones. There are several places to picnic along the route before boarding the train in Greystones to head back north to Dublin.

Your views?

From the center of Dublin to the top of a mountain, this city is full of places with incredible views. If you’re looking for a place with a view to sip on a pint of Guinness, check out my recommendations for scenic summertime bars.

Have a favorite lookout point not listed here? Tell us about it in our comments section.

The post Dublin: The best lookout points around Dublin appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Many travelers don’t associate Dublin with water. There’s the River Liffey that runs through the center of Dublin (I wouldn’t recommend swimming here) but there’s also a stunning coastline with plenty of swimming holes. It’s perfect if you’re adventurous enough to dip your toes in or dive right in.

Here are three of my favorite places to swim in Dublin. They all offer gorgeous scenery along with the chance to splash around – if you dare.

The South Wall – Ringsend
Web site

Rent a bike for the afternoon (check out the affordable Dublin Bikes rental program) and pedal outside the city center to the South Wall in Ringsend. Here you will find a pier that juts out into Dublin Bay with a charming little red lighthouse at the end. It is one of my favorite places in the city to go for an evening stroll, when boats are out for a sunset sail and kiteboarders are showing off their skills.

It is also a great place to swim. About half way up the pier there is a designated swimming spot. You can’t miss it – stairs lead right off the pier and into Dublin Bay. Currents change here often, so during your walk take the time to observe the currents before diving in.

The Forty Foot – Sandycove
Web site

One of the most legendary places for a swim in Dublin is called the Forty Foot. Locals have been diving into the water here for over 250 years. This is an example of a swimming hole that attracts sporty types all year long, regardless of the weather. On a sunny day it is a popular place to swim, and many local children will launch themselves off the rocks right into the water.

If you would rather soak up the sun, there are areas here for watching everyone else take the leap into the Irish Sea. Although it’s summer, the temperature of the water here never rises too high – be prepared for a chilly dip.

Killiney Beach – Killiney
Web site

Cheapos might be looking for a proper beach during their trip to Dublin. One of the best is Killiney Beach, easily accessed by taking the DART train south of Dublin City Center to Killiney. Once you arrive at this sandy and pebbly beach, you will hardly believe you are still in Ireland.

This beach is a great place for afternoon picnics, a refreshing swim, or simply admiring the surrounding scenery. And the best part? It’s all free – no entrance fee required.

Ready to dive in?

Sometimes our favorite destinations can surprise us. No matter what you’ve read about Dublin before, be sure to pack your bathing suit if you’re planning a summer trip to the Irish capital. Have you gone swimming in Dublin? Tell us about your experience in our comments section.

The post Dublin: Three scenic spots to go swimming appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s a list of some of the city’s top outdoor spots to take a dip.

1. Podolí
Podolská 74, 147 50, Prague 4
Tel: 241 433 952

Plavecký Stadion Podolí, or just “Podolí” as it’s most often referred to, is located just off a main tramline street running alongside the river in Prague 4. Comprised of an indoor pool and two outdoor pools, Podolí was built over 50 years ago as one of Czechoslovakia’s preeminent grounds for swim competitions.

Today visitors sunbathe on towels on the metal bleachers bordering the pools, directly on the concrete or in a large grassy area, which is bordered by the base of a rocky hill. As with many of the public pools, it does get crowded during the summer, but Podolí is one place where you can actually get in a few laps.

Open daily 6 a.m – 9:45 p.m. A full day ticket costs 150 Kc for adults. Head there after 3 p.m. and the price is reduced to 110 Kc.

2. Pražacka
Sportovní a rekreacní areál Pražacka
Za Žižkovskou vozovnou 19/2716
CZ-130 00, Prague 3 – Žižkov
Web site

For a truly neighborhood feel, head to Prague 3’s Pražacka in the Žižkov neighborhood. Open from June through September, Pražacka’s outdoor pool measures 25 x 12.5 meters and is heated. Hang out on the newly built terrace, or lay on the grounds bordering the pool or the grassy lot. After a dip, enjoy a cold beer and klobasa.

During the week, the pool is open from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., but then closes for two hours before opening back up at 10 a.m. until 6:45 p.m. The cost for the full day is 100 Kc. Reduced admissions (60 Kc) applies after 5 p.m. (You can get in an additional 90 minutes in from 8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.).

3. Slavia
Vladivostocká 1460/10, Praha 10
Tel: (+420) 267 311 062
Web site

Located in a residential area of Prague’s Vršovice district, Plavecký Stadion Slavia has one of the city’s largest outdoor pools at 50 meters long. As with Podolí, the center features metal bleachers and lots of Communist-era concrete architecture. Grab an ice cream or beer at one of several kiosks. Find a spot on the grounds surrounding the pool or in the grassy areas.

For those who wish to fully catch some rays, Slavia features an area for nudists (as does Podolí).

4. Divoká Šárka
Šárka Nature Reserve, Praha 6
Tram 20, 26 to the “Divoká Šárka” stop

An exceptional forest location makes this Prague pool the most enchanting. Follow a path through the trees to this swimming area, which features two large pools, including an exceptional invigorating one (due to its very cold temperatures) that is stream fed. Play ping-pong, grab a snack at the obcerstvení (snack/refreshment seller) or just dream away the day on the large grassy area while looking into the forest surrounding you.

The price is 60 kc before 4 p.m. when the price drops to 40 kc.

The post Prague Pools: Where to go swimming this summer appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are some tips for visiting Innsbruck on a budget:

1. Fly there

Innsbruck is one of the few ski towns with an airport, and in my opinion the only affordable one. Low-cost airlines fly in and out of the valley numerous times a day, which beats the frequent changes and possible weather delays travelers encounter when taking the train (and rarely are there special rail offers coming from surrounding countries).

Drink here!

2. Ski there

Another plus is Innsbruck’s convenient location to ski areas. Over a dozen different resorts surround the town and are accessible by car and public bus. Terrain varies from steep back country to easygoing trails and many freestyle parks.

Cheapo Tip: Buy the half-day tickets for the best rate. Rental stores are not only abundant, but also offer competitive prices.

3 Drink there

Innsbruck is one of those legendary European locations where beer flows cheaper than water, and I recommend taking advantage of it. Stiegl, Ottakringer, Zillertal and the local brewery Theresienbrau are some of the best beers on tap.

Beware, however, that Austrian beer sizes follow that of their Bavarian cousins: The average size is a half-liter stein.

4. Sled there

The old-fashioned wooden sleds are cheap, easy to handle and a lot of fun. Any winter sports rental store will carry sleds, and it’s a perfect activity for when the streets are snowed over. Watch out for the cars, stick to the daytime and bundle up—these mini race cars can move it!

5. Sleep there

On top of being a good deal for winter sports and food, Innsbruck has a lot to choose from for accommodation. There are a handful of Innsbruck hostels that stay cozy at a low cost and plentiful cheap hotels in Innbruck. Even bed and breakfasts can be found at a lower price than other more touristy Austrian ski towns. Do a search in the box above to see options.

The post Innsbruck, Austria: 5 Ways to keep it cheap appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.