Am I? When it comes down to it, I don’t like swimming with plastic bags and other things that I won’t describe here.

So, when I go to the beach to take the waters, I head out of Barcelona. Here are a few swim-friendly destinations I’d stick a big toe in:

Best beaches near Barcelona

Sitges

I’ll admit that Sitges beaches are a bit packed in the summer months, mostly with men (this is a gay getaway). It can be hard to find a plot of sand upon which to lay. Get a sun umbrella and a chair for €5-€10 a day and enjoy.

Garraf, Spain. Photo: Eduard Maluquer

Sitges also makes my list because it’s close to Barcelona (45 minutes to the south), easy to get to by Renfe train, and is basically just a really fun little city. Lots of choices here for eating out, bars, nightlife and cafes. Makes for an excellent day-trip or weekend away from Barcelona. Read more here.

Garraf

I looked at houses here and imagined moving to Garraf, a small village a couple train stops before Sitges, snug in the mountains and overlooking the Mediterranean.

Sigh. It’s lovely.

Alas, the issue with Garraf is that not all trains stop in this petite beach town, so be careful to get a Renfe train that hits all the stops or you might chug right on by. Also note that Garraf is a village, but also a region. In the village there are two main beaches: one which is large and more popular, and another which is much smaller on the other side of the port. It takes about 35 minutes to get to Garraf from Barcelona’s Pssg de Gracia station.

The beaches of Sant Pol de Mar. Photo: Olivier Bruchez

Sant Pol de Mar

About an hour north of Barcelona in the Maresme area of the Catalan coastline, Sant Pol is about as charming as Mediterranean fishing villages come.

Does it have all the boutiques and cafes that Sitges does? No, not even close. It’s tranquil, not crowded and I recall the sand being especially fluffy (that may just be me). An ideal day-trip for those who want to swim, read, nap and snack on a picnic lunch.

More beaches near Barcelona

Farther away from Barcelona and only accessed by bus and car, I recommend the Costa Brava, especially Cap de Creus, Tamariu and Begur. To the south try some of the many beaches around Tarragona. Tarragona, the city, also has an ample beach (Tarragona is reached by train).

Also in our guide: If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and looking for the perfect affordable place to stay, make sure you check out our budget hotel recommendations. Our editors have scouted out the best deals on accommodation in the city’s historic center. Read more in our Barcelona guide.

The post Best Beaches Near Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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.

Why not cool down and relax at one of the nearby beaches? There are several beaches within an hour of Rome by public transport, and they all cost less than €10 to reach.

Related:
• Our favorite budget hotels
• Search all Rome hotels
• Our favorite free parks in Rome

The best beaches near Rome

Sun, sand and the sparkling Mediterranean offer the perfect break from Vatican lines and Colosseum tours. Here are four favorites beaches close to Rome:

Anzio

The turquoise water and golden sand beaches of Anzio are some of the prettiest near Rome, and also the cleanest, as you can tell from their Blue Flag designation. The colorful port is packed with great seafood restaurants, and the entire place holds an old fishing-town atmosphere.

You can’t go anywhere in Italy without running into something of historical significance, and Anzio is no different. It was first used as the base for Coriolanus’s rebellion against Rome, and later as a vacation spot for emperors, who built theaters and luxurious villas. More recently, and the reason it probably sounds familiar, it was where British and US forces landed in 1944 to liberate Rome from German occupation. You can visit the 77-acre American Cemetary where nearly 8,000 Americans are buried.

Getting there: Anzio is about an hour south of Rome on a regional train from Termini, and a ticket will only cost you €3.

Hotels: Search more than 100 places to stay in Anzio

Santa Marinella

A convenient and beautiful beach, Santa Marinella is only an hour north of Rome and has been a bathing resort since the days of the Roman Empire. The light sand is soft and the water is clear, and there are both free and private beaches. The small resort town also has good seafood restaurants and a few bars and shops.

Getting there: Best of all, it’s only €4.60 on the regional trains leaving from Termini, Rome’s main station.

Hotels: Search more than 50 accommodations in Santa Marinella

Ostia

Ostia Lido isn’t the most beautiful beach near Rome, but it’s the closest and does the trick when you’re in need of sand and sun. The dark sand beaches are split into public and private areas, and for about €10 on the private beaches you get a chair, umbrella, and towel. If you brought your own towel and don’t mind crowds, find yourself a spot in the free public areas.

Getting there: Take the Metro Line B from the Piramide stop in Rome, then take the Ostia-Lido train toward Cristoforo Colombo. You use the same ticket for both. You’ll get off at either the Ostia Lido Centro stop or Ostia Stella Polare.

One of the best parts of Ostia Lido is its proximity to the ancient Roman ruins at Ostia Antica. To visit, get off two stops before Ostia Lido Centro.

Related: The Roman ruins at Ostia Antica, Italy’s best kept secret.

Sperlonga

Sperlonga is the most picturesque beach near Rome, but a bit of a hike. The whitewashed town is perched on a cliff over the sea, and the clear waters of the Blue Flag beach stretch below. The charming, narrow streets hold many shops, restaurants, and cafes, and the sandy beaches are exceptionally clean. Since ancient Roman times, Sperlonga has been a holiday favorite, and you can visit the old villa of Emperor Tiberius.

Getting there: Reaching Sperlonga is a bit of a commitment, but it’s worth it. Take a regional train from Rome’s Termini station to the Fondi-Sperlonga stop, about an hour away, then take the bus from outside the station to the beach, about half an hour. You can also take a taxi from the train station.

Hotels: Browse more than 200 properties in Sperlonga

The post Rome: 4 beaches accessible by train for €10 or less appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, not all of these summer destinations are recommended for travelers trying to keep their costs under control. Many are absolutely crammed with tourists, while others have become blighted with commercial development and sub-par restaurants. Meanwhile, many of those peaceful spots that retain their charm come with a high price tag.

But fear not: We’ve got several affordable Spanish seaside options for you, along with some tips on keeping it cheap at the beach. Who’s ready for a swim?

Related: Soak in the sun at these 6 budget beaches in Europe

Our favorite seaside getaways in Spain

Formentera

My favorite shorelines in all of Spain are found on the island of Formentera. The water surrounding the tiniest of the Balearic Island undulates between clear and turquoise, and come summer, it is warm and calm like a heated swimming pool.

Because there are no direct flights to the island, it has remained unspoiled and less popular and expensive than neighboring Ibiza and Mallorca. To get to Formentera and its idyllic beaches, fly first to Ibiza and then hop on a ferry which will get you to the island in about 25 minutes (about €20/each way on the Trasmapi ferry).

Accommodations in Formentera

When booking a room, note that inland options away from the beach will be a lot less expensive. Browse 240+ hotels and vacation rentals in Formentera.

Cadaqués, Costa Brava

Beautiful coves and beaches are also tucked along Catalonia’s Costa Brava. But warning: Certain areas of the Costa Brava are touristy and abound in Irish bars, fish and chip eateries, shops selling cheap plastic junk, and booze tours.

My advice is to skip these worn destinations and seek out the Costa Brava’s smaller villages. Cadaqués, a whitewashed fishing village in the north of Catalonia, is one of the regions prettiest and remains relatively unspoiled, thanks to a snaking two-lane road that is the only access to the hamlet. In August Cadaqués (and all beach towns in Spain) buzzes, but the rest of the year it’s sleepy and affordable.

Accommodations in Cadaqués

Staying in Cadaqués will put you near the Dalí Museum in Portlligat where the artist lived for 40 years. Search through this list of hotels to find affordable options.

Calella de Palafrugell is another (usually) affordable option along the Costa Brava. Photo: franganillo

Calella de Palafrugell, Costa Brava

Also along the Costa Brava is the bustling village of Calella de Palafrugell. As is the norm in this region, Calella’s shoreline is made up of several intimate coves instead of one long beach. From Calella trails cut through Mediterranean pine forest to connect to hidden inlets and other fishing villages.

Accommodations in Calella de Palafrugell

You should have no trouble finding an affordable place to stay in Calella most of the year, except in August when hotels fill up. (Check this list for available hotels.)

Islas Cies offers pristine beaches to travelers who don’t mind roughing it a bit. Photo: darkhornet

Islas Cies

On the other side of Spain in Galicia, one of the country’s most pristine coastlines welcomes travelers who don’t mind roughing it a bit. There are no hotels on the Islas Cies, and cars are not allowed. To stay right on the island’s beachfront, visitors must bring their own tent or rent a large canvas tent from the campground (neither of which is expensive). There are a couple of restaurants on the island, but not much else.

The Islas Cies offer up powdery beaches that look more like something you’d find in the Caribbean than in Northern Spain and are not crowded most of the year. The crisp, clear Atlantic is surprisingly calm along the best of the island’s beaches, which teem with sea critters.

Like Formentera, the Cies have remained immaculate partially because they take some work to get to. Visitors must fly to Vigo (there are several affordable hotels in Vigo) and then take a ferry to the islands; from the ferry, it’s a 10-minute walk to the campground and the island’s top beach.

Because the islands are in the North of Spain where the weather is rainier and colder, the summer months are the best time to drop by.

Hitting the beach in Cadaques. Photo: eugeniocanevari

Tips for seaside savings

Finally, if you find yourself at a crowded and touristy beach such as Playa d’en Bossa on Ibiza, Lloret de Mar in Catalonia, or Benidorm in Valencia, there are a few things you can do to make your money last.

• If you’re traveling in a group, you might want to opt for a vacation apartment to save on meal costs. Search for accommodations in Ibiza.

• Stock up on food and wine at the supermarket and make dinner at your apartment before a night out on the town.

• As with all of coastal Spain, the summer months are high-season and prices rise steeply from June to September. Visit outside these months if at all possible.

Beachfront eating tips

Another tip is to ask Spanish locals where they like to eat; chances are that they will be more than happy to point you in the direction of an authentic paella or tapas joint. Be careful when considering restaurants. If locals are eating and drinking at an eatery the prices will probably be lower than at spots filled with tourists.

In general, sidestep “the strip”. I’m thinking specifically of Playa d’en Bossa which boasts an overrated strip of restaurants and bars both on the shoreline and a few blocks in from the beach. No matter which beachy town you visit, search out eateries and shops along the less touristed side streets.

Your favorite beaches?

Have another budget-friendly seaside escape to add to our list? Have you been to any of these listed above? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

The post The best affordable beach escapes in Spain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

A Word About A.C.

A movie in a dark room can be a lifesaver on a scorching afternoon, and you have the best chance of decent a.c. at one of the bigger multiplexes, but keep in mind that the temperature will never be as chilly as it would be in the U.S. Same goes for large department stores like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché or the B.H.V., where you can cool down a bit, but possibly not as much as you would like.

Browsing frozen treats–and cooling off–at Picard. Photo: asirap

Browse the Aisles of Picard

You can always duck into a supermarket and hover in the frozen food section or vast dairy aisle of a Monoprix or a G20. Even better? Picard, Paris’ popular frozen food chain, which is a great place to escape for a breather from the hot sun while browsing the aisles full of gourmet French TV dinners.

Go Underground

When Paris gets hot, those seeking cooler temps head for the Paris Catacombs, where the temperature is a cool 57.2 degrees F and you can chill your soul by looking at the bones of six million people that line the walls. The catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and the tour lasts 45 minutes. But keep in mind if you’re feeling worn out from the heat that it’s 130 steps down and 83 steps back up to street level.

Another underground tour where you can escape the heat for an hour or so are the city’s elaborate 19th-century sewers (though be warned that the ambient odor might make this a less desirable place to revive). Closed Thursdays and Fridays.

Take a Swim

You can’t jump into the Seine on a hot day, but Paris has 38 municipal swimming pools if you feel like taking the plunge. Remember that pools are crowded, bathing caps are required and shorts are not allowed.

The city of Paris has created a new free app (available in English) to help you locate the pool nearest you and find out everything you need to know about pool hours and other information.

The post Paris Heat Wave Survival Strategies appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The heat makes me crave cool drinks, gazpacho, salads, fresh fruit, and grilled fish (not to mention chilled white wine, better if it’s a Priorat), all foods that go well with my diet and the warm weather.

Cava for summer in Spain

Here are some of the best local cheap eats to look for in Barcelona from June to September:

Gazpacho

A tomato-base soup served cold. Typically, the waiter will bring you a side of minced cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper, which you can mix into the gazpacho, along with croutons. Most restaurants will offer this refreshing and healthy soup in the summer for lunch or dinner, usually as a starter. €5, aprox.

Ice Cream and Gelato

Not in my diet, but delicious! There may be more gelato stands than bars areas like the Gothic Quarter and El Born. My preferred ice cream place in Vioko, in La Barceloneta. Try the rose and raspberry flavor. €4.

Rose wines for the summertime

Rosé and White Wines

Spain does wine well. Summer is the time for sangría, which is made with red or white wine or even cava, plus fruit and liquor. I don’t normally order sangría, as it’s akin to mixing Coca-cola with red wine for me (yes, people do this, it’s called kalimotxo).

Instead, I stick to the basics: an excellent rosé from Navarra, a cool white from Priorat or Galicia, and cava from Penedès. Have a glass of wine or two at Vila Viniteca’s La Teca in El Born. €3, a glass aprox. (See more of my favorite wine bars in town.)

Horchata and Granizados

Nothing says “it’s freakin’ hot” like a line in front of your local horchata shop. Granizados are like slushies… but made with natural ingredients such as lime, lemon, etc. Horchata is made from tigernuts, and is bitter-sweet. I’m not sure if I like it or not. I’d probably go for the granizados.

They say the best Horchata in Barcelona is found at El Tío Ché in Poblenou, which has been in the biz since 1912. Under €5.

These tasty Barcelona treats will keep you cool and happy this summer. What foods do you crave when the heat hits?

The post Cheap Eats for the Summertime in Barcelona 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.

Fête du Cinéma

Until July 3

The four-day Fête du Cinéma offers reduced priced admission on new releases in theaters around the city. This year’s 29th edition is an even better deal thanks to a new initiative that has all ticket prices at €3.50. (In previous years you had to buy one ticket at full price to get a discount.)

If you missed this year’s event, next year’s will start on the last Sunday of June and continue until the first Wednesday of July. Or if you’re planning to visit in the spring, catch sister festival Printemps du Cinéma, which has taken place every March since 2000.

Paris Cinéma president Charlotte Rampling and actor Vincent Cassel at the festival’s 2011 final showing. Photo: Yann Caradec.

Paris Cinéma

Until July 9

Paris Cinéma International Film Festival is a low-key, offbeat city-wide event that screens more than 300 films including international premieres, retrospectives and tributes, and hosts movie-themed outdoor and special events like a flea market selling movie-related collectibles on July 6 and 7 in front of MK2 Bibliothèque and “Saturday Night Fever”-themed karaoke.

All films are screened in their original versions, many with English subtitles. General admission is a budget-friendly €5.

Cinéma en plein air

July 24-August 18

An outdoor event at the Parc de la Villette that has been a summer highlight for the last 23 years, Cinéma en plein air screens a selection of international films (all in their original versions, with subtitles) every night except Mondays and Tuesdays between July 24 and August 18 starting at nightfall.

It’s free if you want to just park yourself on the grass; to rent a lawn chair and a blanket is €7, or bring along some friends or family and get 5 lawn chairs/blankets for €20. The full program can be found here.

Cinéma au clair de lune

August 1-11

Watching classic movies shot in Paris under the moonlight in movie-set-worthy Parisian settings like the Place des Vosges, the foot of the Butte Montmartre, the Jardins du Trocadéro or the Esplanade des Invalides is a surreal, romantic summer in Paris experience. The 13th edition of the Cinéma au clair de lune, presented by the Forum des Images, is a surefire antidote to the dog days of Paris in August.

Free admission, no reservations and a limited number of complimentary chairs means that it’s a good idea to get there early, and BYOB (booze and blanket). Screenings may be canceled due to rain. For details on films and screening times, go here.

The post Cheap Summer Film Festivals in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here, 25 free events in New York City this summer that we’re particularly excited about:

Street scenes

From parades to festivals to block parties, New Yorkers like to party in the streets.

1. Pride Weekend
June 28-30
Various locations

As is the case with most things New York, the Pride celebration here is one of the biggest in the world. The parade marches down Fifth Avenue on Sunday, June 30, but festivities fill the weekend, including Dance on the Pier, Rapture on the River and Pride (Poolside). And in this critical year there’s a lot to celebrate, so be sure to come out and join in the fun.

2. Independence Day
July 4
Hudson River or Coney Island

There is little that feels more American than the smell of hot dogs, the boom of fireworks or the Fourth of July. The big Macy’s fireworks show lights up the sky over the Hudson, with various access points from 24th Street on up to 54th Street. A hint if you choose to go: Head farther downtown (below 12th Street), where the crowds will be (slightly) smaller. Wherever you go, get there early and bring along blankets for sitting and food for eating.

If you prefer the hot dog aspect of the day, head out to Coney Island to cheer on the big eaters in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The fun starts at noon, but arrive early to stake out your spot (and a hot dog).

3. Bastille Day
July 14
60th Street between 5th and Lexington Avenues or Smith Street, Brooklyn

France’s answer to Independence Day has several festivities of its own. Manhattan‘s party, on 60th Street from Fifth Avenue to Lexington Avenue, becomes a veritable Franco-wonderland, replete with cheeses, éclairs and crêpes (oh my!), plus crafts, live music and much more. Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, you can expect costumes, music and fabulous eats at the Bar Tabac Bastille Day celebration in Cobble Hill.

4. New Museum Block Party
July 20, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sara D. Roosevelt Park

Experience art firsthand at this all-day extravaganza with performance art, interactive projects and workshops, plus free public tours of the museum.

5. Harlem Week
July 27 to August 30
Various locations in Harlem

Talk about understatement: Harlem Week lasts a month! Head Uptown for Gospel concerts, a jazzmobile, a fashion showcase, a basketball classic and much more.

6. Summer Streets
Dates and locations to be announced

For a few Saturdays every summer, New Yorkers receive a special gift: their streets. Traffic is diverted so that cyclists can cycle, runners can run and everyone else can walk, skip and cartwheel down the center of the street. Expect fun and games at stops along the way (last year saw a zip line and climbing wall).

Dance and sing

Whether you’re keen to cut a rug, groove in place or just sit and watch, outdoor music brings delights, especially the free kind.

Bust out your best garden party duds for the Jazz Age Lawn Party. Photo: Suzanne Russo

7. Celebrate Brooklyn
Throughout summer
Prospect Park Bandshell

All summer long, Prospect Park is alive and humming (literally). This year’s lineup includes Shaggy, They Might Be Giants and a live performance of the score from Beasts of the Southern Wild.

8. Midsummer Night’s Swing
June 24 to July 13
Lincoln Center

For 25 years now, live bands have filled the stellar space outside Lincoln Center with jazz, salsa, swing and disco, so that the good people of summer can jump, jive and jitterbug to their hearts’ content. Skip the $17 admission (which includes a lesson at 6:30 p.m. and admission to the dance floor) to shake and shimmy for free outside the ticketed area.

9. Jazz Age Lawn Party
August 17-18
Governors Island

A live concert and so much more, this 1920s-themed fête is the event of the summer (for this New Yorker, at least). Picture the old-fashioned splendor that is always Governors Island, now aglow with dashing costumes, games and all that jazz courtesy of Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra. A ticket ($30 in advance) gets you into the main area with access to dance floor, vintage clothing booths and food and drink offerings, but you can just as easily pack a picnic, claim a spot on the lawn and enjoy the festivities for free.

10. Summerstage
Throughout summer
Various locations

Mambo, hip-hop and everything in between. No matter your music preference, Summerstage will have something for you. Free concerts take place in Central Park and other parks throughout the boroughs.

11. Sweet Spot Festival
Select Saturdays through September 22
Jackie Robinson Park or Pier 1

The whole family can partake in this celebration of Harlem culture. In addition to vintage shopping, rotating shows include a reggae party and a roller skating jam.

That’s Entertainment

High culture, out of doors.

Rock out at Lincoln Center Out of Doors. Photo: Ian Muttoo

12. New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
July 10-16
Various locations

Now’s your chance to hear the famed New York Philharmonic, Cheapos. The orchestra spends a week playing at one location in each borough (Prospect Park, Brooklyn; Cunningham Park, Queens; College of Staten Island; Central Park, Manhattan; Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx). There’s something extra magical about classical music under a blanket of stars.

13. Lincoln Center Out of Doors
July 24 to August 11
Lincoln Center

Once the dancers have had their fill, Lincoln Center opens the floor to all array of entertainment, from Afrobeat with Red Hot + FELA to the jazzy Kronos Quartet to funky Ozomatli. This year also includes the 30th Annual Roots of American Music Festival.

14. Shakespeare in the Park
Through August 18
Delacorte Theater

One of New York’s favorite summer traditions: the Bard, performed live, in Central Park’s lovely Delacorte Theater. Tickets are free, but can be hard to come by. Check out our trusty guide to free Shakespeare in the Park tickets for tips on claiming yours.

15. The Met Summer Recital Series
July 16 to August 1
Various locations

Just like the Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera brings its art to the masses, with six performances throughout the five boroughs. Bring a blanket, a picnic and your best falsetto.

16. New York Classical Theatre
Through July 28
Various locations

Free Shakespeare. In parks. (Minus the Shakespeare in the Park lines.)

17. River to River Festival
June 15 to July 14
Locations vary

Theater, art, dance, city… The R2R Festival has it all. Watch open rehearsals, listen to poetry readings, or get your hands dirty at interactive events. The festival takes place on waterfront spaces (Governors Island, South Street Seaport…) throughout the city.

Films alfresco

It’s a bit overwhelming how many free movie series there are in New York, and each is awesome in its own way. Here’s the rundown.

You don’t know what to watch, movie or scenery in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo: Courtesy of Movies with a View

18. HBO-Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Mondays through August 19
Bryant Park

The grand daddy of the summer film fests has the throngs arriving hours early (the lawn opens at 5 p.m.) to score a spot. Movies won’t start until dusk, but the wait is part of the pleasure. It’s fun to strike up conversations with strangers, and we can certainly think of worse places to lounge than Bryant Park. Movies here tend toward the tried-and-true (this year’s season closes with E.T the Extra Terrestrial).

19. RiverFlicks for Grown-ups
Wednesdays, July 10 to August 21
Pier 63, Hudson River Park (enter at W 23rd Street)

For more modern selections, movies on the river are a good bet. This year’s theme is “bands of heroes and bands of singers,” so you’ll see everything from Argo to Pitch Perfect. It’s a good chance to catch up on the blockbusters you missed last winter. Plus, the staff passes out free popcorn while supplies last.

20. RiverFlicks for Kids
Fridays, July 12 to August 23
Pier 46, Hudson River Park (enter at Charles Street)

Don’t let the name fool you. This youthful version of RiverFlicks offers nostalgic kid-friendly favorites like Beetlejuice and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Oh, and more free popcorn.

21. Central Park Film Festival
August 22-26
Central Park just north of Sheep Meadow

Classics for a classic. This five-day film festival tends to go retro in its pickings, and this year the “People’s Park” let the people decide the movies. The winners include West Side Story for Classics night, The Shining for horror night and Raiders of the Lost Ark for adventure night. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and movies start at 8 p.m.

22. SummerScreen
Wednesdays, July 10 to August 14
McCarren Park, Williamsburg

This hipster fest kicks off each evening with live music and food trucks at 6 p.m., followed by a ’90s throwback movie (Can’t Hardly Wait, The Goonies…) at sunset. We’d expect no less from the ‘burg.

23. Syfy Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursdays, July 11 to August 29
Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn

And the winner for best scenery goes to… With the Brooklyn Bridge looming off to one side, and lower Manhattan as backdrop, the atmosphere at Brooklyn Bridge seems like something from, well, a movie.  Snag a spot early and be rewarded by not only a seat but fabulous views and DJ tunes (from 6 p.m.) Feature films—this year kicks it off with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and ends with Lost in Translation—are each preceded by a short. 

24. The Intrepid Summer Movie Series
Various dates through August 15
Intrepid Museum, Pier 86 (W 46th Street)

It’s no surprise that this massive aircraft carrier turned museum has the likes of Jaws, Top Gun and The Karate Kid on the docket this year. Space is limited and priority seating is granted to members, so arrive early (doors open at 7:30 p.m.), and note that there is no admission after 8:30 p.m.

25. Films In Tompkins
Thursdays through August 8
Tompkins Square Park

Somehow the thought of watching Rocky Horror Picture Show in the heart of the East Village just feels right. Gates open at 6 p.m., and musical entertainment starts around then too.

Looking for somewhere to sleep?

While you can catch free theater, concerts and movies outdoors, we wouldn’t recommend trying to sleep under the stars while in New York (Cheapo as that may be).  For our favorite cheap sleeps in the city, check out our guide to budget hotels in New York.

Anything to add? 

Know of any other free events in New York this summer? Feel free to share them in the comment box below.  And if you have any questions about the events listed, ask away!

The post New York: Summer 2013 free events calendar appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Paris Plages
July 20 – August 18

From the banks of the Seine to the banks of the Canal in the 19e arrondissement, those looking for a bit of reprieve from the heat need search no further than Paris Plages. Kids and adults can enjoy the various activities (think line dancing) and relaxed atmosphere that are both so quintessentially un-Parisian. Bring a towel, a picnic, and some SPF as you relax on the imported sand beaches and imagine yourself on the Riviera at no cost.

Skip to the loo, then take a seat for “Cinema en plein air”. Photo: Fabrice Paulmier

2. Outdoor Cinema
July 24 – August 24

The Cinéma en Plein Air at Parc de la Villette offers everyone the chance to kick back at night in front of a giant inflatable movie screen. Picnic supplies and a blanket are a must. Films for the summer of 2013 include “Milk,” “The Social Network,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” and of course some French films that you may not know, but will happily become familiar with.

Note: Plan a bathroom break before hand, as meandering through the crowd in the dark is both difficult and, frankly, annoying.

3. Picnic with the locals

It goes without saying that Paris is a giant picnic in the summer. Along the river or in any of the gorgeous parks like Buttes Chaumont or Montsouris, there is no better way to cozy up to the locals than to pack some bread, cheese, and charcuterie. Bring a bottle of wine, but “forget” your opener – it’s the perfect excuse to talk to that oftentimes-attractive group of Frenchmen/women next to you.

Get to the sales early and don’t forget to hydrate! Photo: Galinette

4. Soldes!
June 26 – July 30

Those looking to do some shopping in Paris should wait until the biannual sales, or “soldes,” that take place in the winter and the summer. But this shopping is not for the faint of heart. Hydrate well and bring an attitude as you’ll be scrambling among more seasoned Parisian clients who are used to the huge lines and scattered goods.

Check out smaller boutiques near the Canal St. Martin or in the Marais and avoid the department stores if you’re not a crowd person. (More tips on making the most of Paris’ bi-annual sales.)

5. Off-Broadway in Paris
June and July

Opera and ballet are great, but sometimes expats and tourists yearn for a good old-fashioned American musical. American Musical Theater Live! is introducing the Off-Broadway genre to Paris with “Edges” and “The Last 5 Years”, both debuting this summer. They are in English, with international casts, and tickets are affordable for musical theaters (try getting a €20 ticket in the West End easily!). The shows will play at the Auguste Théâtre in the 11^th arrondissement and are definitely worth checking out.

6. The Titanic Exhibit
June 1 – September 15

Twenty-one passengers boarded the Titanic when it docked at Cherbourg, and 16 survived the sinking. The boat’s story, however, is intriguing to all nationalities, and the traveling exhibit of artifacts is coming to Paris. On Monday, tickets are cheaper than the rest of the week. It may not scream, “Summer in Paris!” but excitement is subjective, right?

Music performances, planned and otherwise, take to the streets throughout Paris during the Fete de la Musique on June 21. Photo: Boklm

7. Music Festivals
All summer

Summertime turns up the soundtrack in Paris with multiple festivals. While not all are a free, the Fête de la Music on June 21 allows musicians to play all over the city into all hours of the night.

Also check out the Jazz Festival at the Parc Floral (June 8 – July 28) or get tickets to either Solidays (June 28-30) or Rock en Seine (June 23-25) for more contemporary artists. Read more about the city’s music festivals.

8. Frozen treats

When it’s hot, well, we want something cold. Sure, you can wait in line at Berthillon for some classic French ice cream, but there are plenty of other options:

• A new frozen yogurt boutique, Baci Bisous, has opened by the Canal just in time for summer. (25 rue des Vinaigriers, 75010)

Hurry up, it’s melting! Photo: cameronparkins

• Try the various flavors of Chacun ses Goûts and add toppings to your own yogurt creation as you wish. (4 rue Geoffroy l’Angevin 75004)

• In the Upper Marais, Mary’s Gelato (1 rue Dupuis 75003) is whipping up some of the best Italian sorbets you’ll taste, just down the street from equally delicious Pozetto (39 rue du Roi de Sicile 75004) and their signature chocolate-hazelnut or pistachio gelato.

Read more of about Paris’ best ice cream and gelato options.

9. Bastille Day
July 14

From the Firemen’s parties (“bal des pompiers”) to the military parade down the Champs Elysées, July 14th is a huge party in Paris, even if it celebrates the beginning of an unfortunately bloody revolution. But fireworks! Bag a non-alcoholic picnic (they check bags for spirits – let’s keep it family-friendly) and head to the Champs de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for one of the most stunning spectacles ever. Just don’t be in a rush to get out afterwards. The thousands of spectators are very carefully funneled through controlled exits, so it takes a few moments – or hours. But it’s worth it!

10. The Great Exodus: Parisians leave
August

In August, the migration begins as locals ship out and Italians, Americans, Russians, and just about any other nationality interested in Paris fill in the café seats left behind. It’s an odd feeling to see so many local places closed while major tourist addresses are inundated, but it’s also refreshing. A week or two of calm in most non-central neighborhoods does a person good. Head to the 19^th, the 17^th, or the 15^th during this time to see what a Parisian ghost town feels like! (Read more about visiting Paris in August–without Parisians.)

Your favorite reasons for visiting Paris in the summer?

Have something to add to our list? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Also in our guide: If you are planning to head to Paris this summer and looking for an affordable place to stay, be sure to stop by our guide to recommended budget hotels. Our editors have inspected, reviewed and photographed every recommended hotel in our guide.

The post Paris: 10 reasons to visit Paris this summer appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.