1. Je ne regrette rien—NOT.

Dear Musée Edith Piaf, You broke my heart. Was it really necessary to slam the door in my face back in November when I arrived at your doorstep without a set rendezvous? I’ve loved you since my first visit back in 1998, and every visit since. So what gives? Do the math. For over a decade, I’ve been sending folks your way. In this easy, breezy social media world, perhaps a new system is needed? Just asking.

Regrette rien at Anna’s music box shop.

If operations get switched up for the better, do let me know. Nothing in this world would give me more pleasure than happily spreading the word about the “little sparrow” and your collection once more. (5 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011)

Happy alternative plays on

Yearning for a little “La Vie en Rose” to take home with you? Then trek it to Boîtes à Musique Anna Joliet. Located at the northern end of the Jardin du Palais Royal, Anna and her collection of hand-cranked music boxes have held court here for three decades. Prices start at only €8.

Looking for a specific tune? Just ask. Listen for Debussy, Chopin, and Charles Trénet, along with Mozart, Beethoven and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Yes, fellow felines, “Memory” is always in stock.

The Centre Pompidou. All that plumbing… and not one decent toilet.

2. Skip the loo—entirely.

Dear Centre Pompidou, I love you, but it’s time to clean up your act, as my grandmother Helen would quip. I’m no restroom diva, but golly gee wham—I nearly fainted during a recent visit. All that piping on the outside of the building and there’s still a problem? It makes the mind reel! Perhaps it’s time to get Point WC on the horn. After all, their restrooms at the Louvre and Printemps are state of the art and consistently spotless. It’s just a thought.

By the way, the Point WC washrooms are pretty hot. One euro gets you private seating in a water closet lit by rose-colored lights, and stocked with fluorescent toilet paper in blues, pinks, and greens. Just don’t leave your soda pop bottle behind. They will hunt you down, and give you a scolding at sink side! My-O-My, bad.

Alternative pit stop

Cheapos, if you plan to visit the Centre Pompidou, pick your potty spot prior to your arrival. Or run nearby to the grand washrooms at the BHV department store (Bazaar de l’Hotel de Ville), which also boasts one of my pet views of Paris. It’s a straight shot down rue du Renard. Make a left at rue Rivoli. It’s also definitely worth the wait (or trot)!

So what’s red hot? Follow my lead!

Farewell, Sympa.

1. Sympa

Due to a recent fire, two of my favorite Sympa shops have closed. Located at the historic “Bal de l’Elysée Montmartre,” this is where Can Can starlet (and muse of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec) La Goulue got her start before joining the Moulin Rouge.

I nearly cried when I spotted the damage. Confession: I did cry. Its façade is still a beauty, on the outside at least. I’ll keep you posted on any future reconstruction work.

In the meantime, the Sympa bargain bins on rue Steinkerque and along Boulevard de Rochechouart are still overflowing with tremendous deals.

Wendy at the Starbucks kitty-corner to the Moulin Rouge.

2. Starbucks

Café Royalists, look away because you’re going to hate this tip. During my sister Wen’s recent trip to Paris, the Starbucks at Place Blanche is where she picked up her morning coffee.

Located kitty-corner to the Moulin Rouge, the place was bustling, but by the end of her week-long visit, the amiable staff not only knew her name, but also her standard “Café Latte skim” order. Did they make fun of her French? I don’t think so!

Inside and out, the jaunty joint was packed with locals, not tourists, by the way. Don’t hate me because I’m truthful.

Pumped and ready at Minutit moins 7.

3. Minuit moins 7

And speaking of red hot steals, I recently scored a pair of Christian Louboutin kitten heels at a flea market for just €15. They’re real and they’re spectacular. Except for the soles, the black leather shoes were in perfect condition.

So what to do? I took them to the Minuit moins 7 for a much-needed official red resoling. Located in the historic passage Véro-Dodat, the repair will cost just €20. Also, this is where Monsieur Louboutin takes his very own shoes. Ask about their signature homemade (and affordable) shoe polish.

“Gaz à les étages around 1880” at the Bibliothèque Forney

4. Bibliothèque Forney

While strolling about in the Marais, I stumbled upon the “Gaz à tous les étages” exhibition at the Bibliothèque Forney in the Hotel de Sens (1 rue du Figuier, 75004). It’s definitely worth a pop in. Named as a nod to the little blue enamel signs that can still be spotted on buildings throughout the City of Light (“All floors have gas”—a 19th century boasting), the exhibit recounts the brilliant history of gas in Paris.

Highlights include antique lighting and cooking equipment, gas company uniforms, and a stellar collection of advertising posters along with a 1920s kitchen and hair salon, an Art Nouveau bathroom, and Frédéric Kastner’s weirdly entrancing gas organ. It’s a looker, and one of only two in the world. “Gaz à tous” will stay on through January 28, 2012.

Happy New Year, Cheapos!

The post Paris: What’s hot (and what’s not) in 2012 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Cheapos rejoice! There are plenty of ways to Tweet, Dig, Tumble and surf in Barcelona for free. While many hotels and hostels in Barcelona have free Internet access (or should, anyway), here are a few options for when you want to get out of your dimly lit hotel room.

1. Biblioteques or Remember the Library?

All Barcelona libraries have Internet available for members. That’s the thing, you have to be a member, but this is easy enough to do! You can open a free membership at a Barcelona library with your passport. This is a great option if you’re planning to stay in the city for a longer period of time.

I should also mention that Barcelona libraries are awesome. There are many of them throughout town, at least one in every neighborhood. While their English selection of books varies, they always have some offering as well as CDs and DVDs in in many languages.

Or just try to pick up a signal wherever you can find one… Photo: Josh Russell

Libraries are also where to go to read the daily paper for free and browse magazines. You don’t need a membership card to just go and sit in the library and read.

More: Official Barcelona library Web site

2. City WiFi Point

Throughout Barcelona there are “WiFi points,” indicated with a illuminated blue sign resembling that of the Metro, but with a ‘W’ on it. This is where free Internet access can be found. Anyone can use it, you just have to agree to their terms and you’re on your way to surfing the net and updating your Facebook status.

I’ve never used this service, but I’ve seen other people sitting around plazas using it, laptops on their knees. That’s the catch for me; do I really want to sit in a Barcelona park with my Mac Book Pro? No, I don’t. Barcelona is known for pickpockets and Spain is in “crisis.” While I don’t want to believe that anyone would rob me of my laptop, it is a possibility.

(On that same thought, don’t be the guy with your laptop out on the Metro. There’s no WiFi on the Metro and you’ll be calling attention to yourself. I mention this because I often see it.)

If you are going to use the city’s WiFi points, do it in the daylight hours with other people around. It is sort of nice to have Internet access in, for example, Ciutadella Park on a sunny afternoon. The service lends itself more to iPad and small communication devices than to laptops.

More: Barcelona WIFI Website

3. Cafe amb Internet, “si us plau“

Or, “Coffee with Internet, please.” On cold and rainy fall and winter days, head to a cafe and have a cupa Joe with your Twitter. I hate to say it, but Starbucks a good choice for finding a connection, extra frap.

For something more local try Bar Qué at the beach (c/Baluard 56) which has a bohemian vibe and the same Bob Marley tape playing non-stop (kidding… sort of). They’ve got WiFi, coffees and a full bar. Lively at night.

Bar Santa Marta, right on the beach is another good bet. An Italian cafe, they serve fantastic, albeit expensive, coffee (Grau i Torras 59).

In the Born, or Gothic Quarter, connect at Cafe Born, one my preferred cafes (Pl. Comercial 10).

If you’re in the Eixample, then try new bar and art space Mitte for a beer and Google search or La Bastarda BAR (Balmes 122).

Also in our Guide: Planning a trip to Barcelona? Our editors have hunted down, inspected and reviewed the best budget hotels in Barcelona, all centrally located and clean. Check out our reviews, and trust us… we’ve been there!

The post Barcelona: Where to find free Wi-Fi in Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.