Go easy on your wallet and avoid the astronomically pricey “high teas” on offer at many of London’s most expensive hotels by making like a local and bagging a table at one of these fabulously affordable options:

Highness Cafe and Tea Room
21a Highbury Park
London, N5 1QJ
Tube: Highbury & Islington / Arsenal

Located at the end of Highbury Fields, Highness Cafe is without a doubt one of my favorite spots in London to spend a lazy afternoon. After being lured in by the fantastic array of cakes on show in the window, you’ll find friendly service and an excellent selection of food and drink.

The type of cake on offer changes regularly, but you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy, from classic carrot cake, to Oreo cheesecake and tempting cupcakes. Opt for one of the downstairs tables if you want to enjoy the buzz of the cafe or head up the spiral staircase to the mezzanine level for quieter experience.

Prices start from around £3.75 for a slice of cake and £2.25 for a herbal tea infusion.

Soho’s Secret Tea Room
Upstairs at the Coach & Horses Pub
29 Greek Street
London, W1D 5DH
Tube: Leicester Square
Website

This secret haven for tea drinkers is not the easiest to find, but those who do will be rewarded with a truly unique experience. Once you’ve located the Coach & Horses Pub on Greek Street, you’ll need to tell the person at the bar that you wish to go to the tea room. If it’s busy, they may say you need a reservation, however at quieter times they should let you in – behind the bar and up the stairs, that is.

If you do make it up there you’ll find you’ve been transported to a (somewhat tongue and cheek) 1940’s tea room, and you’ll probably feel like you should be wearing a floral 40’s dress, red lipstick and high heels. As music crackles from a gramophone choose from an impressively long list of teas accompanied by scones, cupcakes or slices of cake. Alternatively opt for a full afternoon tea, which starts from £14.50 per person.

The Tea Rooms
155 Stoke Newington Church Street
London, N16 0UH
Bus routes: 393, 473 and 73
Website

Located on picturesque Stoke Newington Church Street, this cozy, old fashioned tea room almost transports you from the bustling streets of London into a quaint countryside village. An array of sweet and savory treats line the bar and the long list of teas make it difficult to choose what to order. All the food is made lovingly by expert pastry chefs with experience catering at Claridge’s Hotel and even private Royal households, so you can be sure your taste buds are in good hands!

Prices start from £2.95 for a generously sized slice of cake, and £2.30 for a cup of tea. A pricier option is a full-blown indulgent afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches, scones, cakes and Prosecco for £23 per person.

The Fan Museum
12 Crooms Hill
Greenwich, SE10 8ER
Tube: Cutty Sark DLR station (Docklands Light Railway)
Website

One of the most Cheapo-friendly afternoon teas in London, if you’re planning on exploring Greenwich, then be sure to incorporate this unlikely attraction into your itinerary. The Fan Museum itself houses a beautifully quirky collection of over 3500 fans and fan leaves from all over the world.

Afternoon tea is served in the pretty Orangery on Tuesdays and Sundays only at 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. and costs just £6 a person, including a delicious selection of tea, sandwiches, scones and cakes. Add to that the museum entrance fee (£4 for adults) and you’re still enjoying one of the best value afternoon teas in London.

Booking is absolutely essential though, so as with all great bargains, make sure you plan ahead!

Also in our guide: For much more information on ways to save in London, stop by our London guide. Our editors point out their favorite budget hotels, plus provide many tips for saving on transportation, sightseeing, and dining.

The post London: 4 tea rooms that are deliciously affordable appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Yesterday over dinner I asked my sweetie if he remembered the last time it rained in Barcelona. We both tried to remember. It’s been weeks. While the sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky, mornings are crisp and chilly and it feels like winter.

On these nippy winter days and nights, nothing is tastier than a frothy cappuccino, a thick hot chocolate or a aromatic cup of herbal tea. When you want to get out of the cold and warm frozen fingers, these are the cafes and restaurants to hit up:

A serious cup of chocolate at a Granja-Xocolateria in Barcelona. Photo: Pedro Rebelo

1. La Pallaresa: Granja-Xocolateria
c/ Petritxol 11 – Barcelona 08002
Gothic Quarter

There will be a line out the door at this spot on the weekend in the evenings. Locals love to dunk “churros” in lava-like cups of Swiss hot chocolate. I say go for the calorie explosion and get your coco with a slab of whip-cream on top. Heaven in a cup and well worth the wait.

**There are Granja-Xocolaterias all over Barcelona. They are a sort of cafe serving chocolate drinks and desserts.

2. La Nena
c/ Ramón y Cajal 36 – Barcelona 08012
Gracia

Also a Granja-Xocolateria like La Pallaresa but in Gracia. Less of a wait at this one and in an interesting, fun area. They also have teas and cakes.

3. Buenas Migas
Web site

During the winter months Buenas Migas, an excellent cafe chain, serves up several hot cocoa options at all of its restaurants. Try the “xocolata suïssa” topped with whip-cream and chocolate syrup or the “xocolata amb galetes” for a cocoa topped with whipped cream and cookies! Buenas Migas also serves teas, cakes, pies, and all sorts of coffee drinks year-round.

4.Farga
Web site

Another chain, Farga is known for their chocolate, ice cream and sweets. Try a cappuccino and a slice of something sweet and wonderful at their Diagonal location.

5. Federal
Web site

Known for their Aussie brunch more than anything else, Federal is also an excellent place for a morning coffee or an afternoon teatime snack. They serve tempting desserts and pastries and have a full coffee bar.

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Barcelona and trying to find an affordable place to sleep? Check out our reviews of the best and most affordable hotels in Barcelona, all of them inspected, photographed and reviewed by our editors.

The post Barcelona: Best hot chocolate, coffee and tea on cold days appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Ireland has a tea culture. It’s almost considered rude to ask someone how many cups of tea they consume in a single day. For many, the answer could be in the double digits. Others who don’t have much of a “tea habit” can drink up to five cups a day.

So what is a traveler to do when that java craving hits while wandering through the streets of Dublin? There are two choices. First, know the best cafés for coffee or alternatively, drink tea.

The Irish use one word that I especially like to describe coffee: “muck.” The general standard of coffee in Dublin is certainly “muck,” so if you have high standards for a cup of joe, don’t just stop in anywhere and expect to get a quality cup.

Here are three cafés that serve high-quality coffee in central Dublin:

Café Boulevard
132 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Not only does Café Boulevard offer perfect tables in the window to do some Dublin people watching, but it also offers hearty sandwiches and spicy little potato wedges that make this a favorite lunch spot in City Center. On top of the food, they also know how to make a lovely cappuccino. No burnt milk here, no bitter coffee. They also have a nice selection of desserts to accompany your coffee.

The Bald Barista
55 Aungier Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Constantly rated the best coffee in Dublin, the Bald Barista is serious about how they make their coffee. Baristas here enter competitions to show off their skills, so you can bet they can make you a cappuccino that will rival the best you’ve had at home. Ironically, the Bald Barista is located in the Avalon House hostel. Here you’re sure to find a young crowd who shares the bald baristas passion for coffee.

Queen of Tarts
4 Cork Hill, Dublin 2
Web site

Queen of Tarts might be better known for its stunning (and I mean stunning!) range of pastries, but they also serve up a solid coffee to accompany your fresh-baked treat. With plenty of tables outside, this is a nice spot to refuel after exploring the galleries, shops and markets of nearby Temple Bar.

Bewley’s
78 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Sometimes, you just have to give in to the local traditions. For one of the most traditional places in Dublin to sit down with a cup of tea (or better yet, a pot of tea) head to Bewley’s on Grafton Street. Climb the stairs to the second floor and try to get a table overlooking the street. Once you take that first sip of Irish tea, you might understand what the fuss is all about.

Have a favorite coffee spot?

Do you have a favorite café in Dublin? Tell us about it in the comments section.

The post Dublin Cafés: Where to find great coffee in Dublin appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

North African nations of the once-mighty French empire, including present-day Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, still maintain important links with France, especially concerning immigration and cultural exchange. Today these communities are an integral part of the Parisian scene. Unfortunately, however, it’s cultural tensions with these groups that receive most of the media attention.

Food for thought

For better or worse, cultures often become defined by their food, and the Maghreb countries are no exception. While there could be a magic carpet hidden amongst the fabric stores of the Barbès neighborhood, let’s focus on the couscous, mint tea, and orange blossom pastries that await Paris-bound travelers.

Here’s my Cheapo-friendly tour of where to experience the tastes of North Africa in Paris:

Mint tea

Mosquée de Paris
2 bis, Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005
Web site

For the best mint tea in Paris, head to the Mosquée de Paris in the Latin Quarter. The building was inaugurated in 1926 and is the third-largest mosque in Europe. While most non-Muslims cannot enter the building freely, the café connected to the religious monument offers a taste of the Maghreb.

Mint tea (€2) flows plentifully while an assortment of North African pastries awaits you. Sitting in the blue-and-white tiled courtyard, watching the sparrows flit among the foliage, you forget that you’re in the heart of Paris, or even in Europe for that matter.

Art and cultural exhibits

Institut du Monde Arabe
1, rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard 75005
Web site

To experience some more culture, head to the Institut du Monde Arabe, which since 1987 has been hosting art, photography and cultural exhibits stemming from Arab nations. For just €6 (€4, reduced), the exhibits are yours to roam. If money is an issue, the rooftop terrace and café offers sublime views of the city and the Seine–and access via the elevator is absolutely free.

Algerian couscous

Les 4 Frères
7, Boulevard de la Villette 75010
Web site

When hunger hits, a steaming plate of fluffy couscous and stewed vegetables is a sure-fire cure. Restaurants all over the city propose the North African specialty. My favorite is Les 4 Frères, located just up the street from the Belleville Metro station. The restaurant offers some of the cheapest and tastiest traditional Algerian fare in the city. A plate of couscous with either chicken, beef, or lamb is only €7.20–a small price to pay for a veritable feast. Don’t hesitate to try a pastry or two – they’ll bring the platter to the table and let you decide.

North African pastries

Bague de Kenza
Various locations
Web site

If we’re going to talk pastries, there is definitely a one-stop must-see for any serious sweet tooth. The Bague de Kenza chain offers some of the best Algerian pastries in the city. Feast on flaky pastries rife with almonds, orange blossom, honey and pistachio. There are six locations in Paris, so there’s no reason to miss out on one of their fig-glazed or honey-enrobed delights.

Outdoor market

Barbès market
Boulevard de la Chapelle
Open: Wednesday and Saturday

Since picnic season is upon us, a trip to an outdoor market is always helpful when shopping for affordable fruits and veggies. One of the most exotic (and least expensive) is the Barbès market situated just south of the Montmartre district and open every Wednesday and Saturday. As with most Parisian markets, after noon the vendors start unloading their goods at much lower prices, often selling baskets of produce for just a euro or two.

The crushing crowds along the Boulevard de la Chapelle will transport you out of Paris and into a Moroccon souq, with shouting vendors hawking their produce to a diverse crowd of North African Parisians. Be warned, it’s not for the agoraphobic.

Your suggestions?

Even if you’re still planning that North African adventure, let us know where in Paris you find your inspiration. Where is the best place to find tastes from across the Mediterranean? Share your advice in the comments section.

The post Paris meets North Africa: Tastes of Morocco and Tunisia appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

A proper afternoon tea in London can be an expensive affair, with the classic set-up usually costing a hefty £40 or £50 per person. Delightful as it is to indulge at renowned institutions such as Fortnum and Mason or Claridges, you can save a bundle of cash by booking an alternative high tea prepared by students of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu patisserie school.

Afternoon tea with Le Cordon Bleu

Tea party with Le Cordon Bleu

108 Marylebone Lane
UK W1U 2 (tel. 020 7969 3900)
Web site

This monthly event, at which you can feast on the elaborate creations of pastry chefs in training, is held at 108 Marylebone Lane Restaurant & Bar, at the Marylebone Hotel. The menu includes an enticing array of cakes, pastries and classic scones with jam and clotted cream, plus other treats such as sugar sculptures, macaroons and strawberry and champagne mousse.

The next event takes place on December 1, 2010 from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. The price per head will be a very reasonable £9.95. The first two events of 2011 will be held on February 8 and March 9 at the same time, and places are priced at £13.95. Bookings, plus information on further dates, are available via email or phone.

Other options for tea and cake

If your visit to London doesn’t coincide with one of Le Cordon Bleu’s events, here are some alternative budget-friendly options for a great afternoon pitstop.

Bea’s of Bloombsury
44 Theobald’s Road
WC1X 8NW
Web site

Afternoon tea: £9.90
Served: Monday through Friday 2:30 p.m.-5:30; Saturday and Sunday noon-5:30 p.m.

Candid gallery café
3 Torrens St
EC1V 1NQ
Web site

Open: Monday through Saturday noon-10: p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.

Betty Blythe’s Fine Food Pantry
73 Blythe Road
W14 0HP
Web site

Open: Daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Bridge Coffeehouse
15 Kingsland Road
E2 8DA

The post Traditional Afternoon Tea in London Without Breaking the Bank appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

From July 27 to September 29, 2010, the recently opened Garden Café will provide visitors the opportunity to enjoy some light refreshment on the West Terrace, located between the State Rooms and the Palace garden. The café overlooks the Palace’s famous lawn and lake.

The Garden Café is open during the Palace’s visiting hours, from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. View the Palace’s Web site for more information.

The price of luxury

Of course, the fancy ambiance does come for the cost of a visit to the State Rooms: The café sits at the end of this exhibit. Admission costs £17 (£15.50 reduced).

Buckingham Palace also offers “A Royal Day Out” combination tickets, with admission to the States Rooms, the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery for £30.50 (£27.50 reduced). The combination tickets are available from July 27 to October 1, 2010.

If you’ll be in London again (and can’t get enough of Her Majesty’s posh pad), buy your combination ticket from the Royal Collection to get free admission for the next 12 months. (Otherwise, stick to the standard ticket and save the pounds for a confection at the café.)

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