Still need more proof? We made a list of the 5 most romantic spots in Rome.

But any good lover knows that a romantic getaway isn’t complete without a love nest. And luckily, Rome offers dozens of affordable hotels that offer romance without breaking the budget. So tell your sweetheart it’s time to go to Rome!

Here our favorite romantic hotels in Rome:

Marta Guest House: For the lovers on a budget

Vatican & Prati
Double rooms from $85

The Marta Guest House is by all accounts a simple pension, but a tucked-away location (on a side street off of Piazza Cavour) and sweet decorative touches (think wrought-iron bed frames and pretty gold fabrics), make it a great pick for a little lovin’ on the cheap. Read the full review

Nothing says romance like Champagne and flowers in your hotel room. Welcome to Pantheon View!

Pantheon View: Romantico classico

Pantheon-Piazza Navona
Double rooms from $111

A former haunt of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and others, this charming and historic B&B embodies quintessential Rome. Each room is slightly different, but you can always expect distinct charms, such as chandeliers or candelabras, lovely balconies or even a view of the Pantheon’s dome. Read the full review

Hotel Giuggioli: Modern mood

Vatican & Prati
Double rooms from $77

Set on the first floor of a historic palazzo, the two-star Giuggioli takes the sleek, minimalist road. The rooms are simple yet stylish and contain useful amenities (like a mini-fridge). Some also offer small balconies. Read the full review

Hotel San Francesco: Extra indulgence

Vatican & Prati
Double rooms from $84

Classic meets modern at the three-star Hotel San Francesco, a former seminary in the quiet and lovely neighborhood of Trastevere. The reception is dominated by sparkling marble floors and a Baby Grand, and rooms are chic with dark wooden furnishings. Some rooms feature extras like jacuzzi tubs, and the hotel also has a lovely roof terrace perfect for cozying up to enjoy a sunset drink. Read the full review

Looking for even more budget hotels in Rome? Check out our top cheap hotels in the Eternal City or browse our entire hotel catalog for Rome.

The post Valentine’s Day: Romantic hotels in Rome that won’t break the bank appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So come on Cheapos, it’s time to pull out all the stops and show that special someone you care with a romantic (and budget-friendly) day out in London!

Call your sweetheart, book an affordable hotel in the heart of London, and follow along for a fun-filled adventure.

1. Escape the city on a romantic walk

Many visitors to London go no further than Regent’s and Hyde Park when in search of green spaces, but to really escape the madness of the city, just head north to Hampstead Heath. This wild and rambling area of parkland is the perfect place to get away from it all and whisper sweet nothings.

The view from Hampstead Heath. Photo: Martin Deutsch

Lakes, swimming ponds, rolling hills, and woodland all make for the perfect romantic backdrop. So, if the weather is good, take along a picnic and make a day of it. Don’t miss the climb to the top of Parliament Hill, one of London’s highest points, where you can take in a spectacular view of the city’s major landmarks including The London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf and the Gherkin, to name but a few.

Hampstead Heath
Highgate Road NW3 7JR
Tube: Hampstead

2. Snuggle up at the movies

Make a trip to the cinema even more romantic and visit the Everyman. In each of the Everyman cinemas, you can choose to reserve a plush sofa for two complete with footrests and “sofa service” so you can sit back and enjoy a more intimate cinema experience. Although a little more pricey than a normal cinema ticket, with sofas priced at £17.50 per person, it certainly adds a touch of romance and is perfect for a special occasion.

Everyman Cinemas (several locations in London)
See website for more information.

3. Splurge on a romantic view of the city

Enjoy the ultimate romantic London experience and head for a sunset drink at the lovely Oxo Tower Bar. Whilst just thinking about dining at the Oxo Tower Restaurant or Brasserie is enough to leave most Cheapo’s out of pocket, sipping on an early evening drink is easier on your wallet and certainly worth the splurge. Located on London’s South Bank, the Oxo Tower is one of the city’s most iconic restaurants and the views across the river are unbeaten.

Oxo Tower Wharf
South Bank SE1 9PH
Tube: Waterloo / Southwark
website

4. Wine and dine by candlelight

There’s no better place to cozy up together and enjoy a great meal than at Gordon’s. Opened in 1890, this atmospheric haunt claims to be London’s oldest wine bar and offers excellent wine, exquisite cheese platters, and tasty traditional English fare at reasonable prices (meals cost between £10-13).

Gordon’s Wine Bar oozes character with low lighting and candlelit tables tucked away in the nooks and crannies of this underground cavern. It is entirely unique and is the ideal setting for that special romantic meal.

Gordon’s Wine Bar
47 Villiers Street WC2N 6NE
Tube: Embankment / Charing Cross
website

The post 4 Cheapo ways to be romantic in London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Celebrating love with books and roses

Celebrated on April 23, St. Jordi’s Day is one of my favorite Catalan traditions. All day the streets around the city’s central plaza, Pl. Catalunya, teem with men selecting roses and women examining books.

I do find the tradition a bit sexist. (Men get the books and women roses? Really?) These days, however, it is not uncommon for women to snag a few roses (from various admirers) and a book, so maybe things are finally balancing out.

Instead of reserving a romantic dinner for two, couples walk La Rambla (or “Las Ramblas”) or Passeig de Gracia and maybe have lunch or grab a cup of coco along the way. The streets are filled (and I mean packed, if you’re uncomfortable in crowds, avoid!) with lovers strolling arm in arm and stands selling books.

Sometimes couples go together to pick out books along La Rambla. Others, single or taken, head over to Passeig de Gracia where authors sign their latest novels and speak about the art of writing prose. Many of the city’s book shops have special events on St. Jordi’s Day (although many of their speakers will present in Catalan).

St. Jordi’s Day is not celebrated in the rest of Spain, and is very much a local, Catalan holiday. Regardless of when you’re in town, keep an eye out for St. Jordi (or “St. George”), who is depicted throughout the city in various sculptures and stained-glass art. He is famous for slaying a dragon and saving the damsel in distress.

Favorite bookstores

Some of my favorite places in Barcelona to pick up books for my sweetie are:

Laie
C/ Pau Claris, 85, Barcelona
Web site

I dig the Pau Clais and CCCB store, but any Laie shop will do.

La Central
C/ Elisabets, 6. 08001 Barcelona
Web site

You’ll find an awesome book selection and fab cafe in front!

The post St. Jordi’s Day in Barcelona: Love, roses and books appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Read on, Cheapo!

A for Abbesses
By now it’s no secret that “Amélie” was filmed here, but did you know that its original title was “Amélie des Abbesses”? If you come by Metro, do take the lift. The station is ten stories underground!

B for Brocante
Throughout the year you’ll find “brocantes” (antique/junk sales) and “vide-greniers” (garage sales) scattered all over. For a listing, click here.

Outside the Coquelicot boulangerie.

C for Coquelicot
Next to Metro Abbesses, you’ll find the Coquelicot boulangerie. Thierry Racoillet’s old-fashioned and award-winning Picolla baguettes are not to be missed. They also give bread to the homeless.

D for Dalida
The late pop diva’s house is at the bend in rue d’Orchampt, and her grave is in the Cimetière de Montmartre. Pilgrims still visit both shrines to the female Elvis of France!

E for Eiffel
Not only did Madame La Tour Eiffel recently celebrate her 102nd birthday, but now it’s possible to buy tickets online prior to your visit!

F for Flea markets
Junkies, note that the Porte de Vanves is open Saturday and Sunday mornings, while the Porte de Clignancourt flea runs all day Saturday through Monday.

A shrine to popstar Dalida

G for Serge Gainsbourg
Long live the late French King of Croon! “Vie Héroïque,” a film about his life, was just released. His former pad at 5 bis Rue de Verneuil is now covered with layers of graffiti left by ardent fanatics.

H for le Halle Saint Pierre
Visionaries, naives, and outsiders, oh my! Homemade quiche with a view of Sacré Coeur! If you like Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum, you’ll love Halle Saint Pierre, a giant cultural center with plenty of attractions.

I for “I Love Sympa”
Practice the art of elbow-to-elbow bargain bin shopping in the heart of Montmartre, elbow-deep in garb by Kookai, Jennyfer, Naf-Naf, Pimkie, Sinéquanone, and Sandro . . .  at only a fraction of original cost!

J for Jardin des Tuileries
This is the place to read your book or museum catalogue—and people-watch! Nab a bench and stay till sundown.

Strawberries and asparagus in season

K for Kilos
At the markets, think seasonally! Produce will taste better and cost less. Asparagus rules in May, cherries star in July, and apples shine in early autumn. The lively marché d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement is a favorite.

L for Jardins de Luxembourg
Run, Cheapo, run! Each loop is about 1.25 miles. Forgot your watch? There’s a clock on top of the Palais du Luxembourg.

The Mona Lisait bookstore

M for Marais
The great discount bookstore Mona Lisait and the Musée Carnavalet are practically neighbors in the Marais! Carnavelet has an entire jewelry shop designed by Mucha and featuring Marie Anoinette’s dancing slippers. Bookshop tip: Avoid heels, the floor is ancient cobblestones.

N for Napoléon
High and aloof atop his column in the Place Vendôme, le petit caporal overlooks the Hôtel Ritz, (where the daring Cheapo will sashay through, just to have a look, see).

O say, can you see the Opéra?
The best spot for ogling the Phantom’s lair is the Metro Opéra entrance.

P for Pariscope
Pick up a copy at any newsstand. The pocket-sized weekly lists the week’s cultural happenings for brows of any height.

Q is for Quizzes
Expect more to come, Cheapos!

R for Raindrops
They fall often but never for long. Pack your “parapluie!”

The Studio 28 cinema

S for Studio 28
Thank heaven for little cinemas! At Studio 28, you’ll be wooed by Jean Cocteau’s fantástico chandeliers, a crushed velvet fainting couch in the lobby, an art gallery, café, and footprints of the stars!

T for Taxi!
Need a cheap airport ride? Contact Lizza at Art-Trans Voyage.

U is for “Erope”
What’s missing? You!

The Bazzar de l’Hôtel de Ville department store.

V for Bazaar de l’Hôtel de Ville (BHV)
At grand magasin BHV, you’ll find one of my favorite souvenirs, the French bath mitt. Pair it with Provence soap and you’re good to bathe.

W for Wallace Fountains
Test the waters at 108 fountains sprinkled around Paris.  Bring your own bottle; the water’s free.

X for the Unexpected
Sometimes the best things in life take us by surprise.

Y for Degas’ “Young Dancer”
Where bronze meets tulle at the Musée d’Orsay.

Z for Émile Zola
Signing off with a mantra by Zola, “I am here to live out loud!”

Speaking of “out loud,” Cheapos, let’s hear from you! What tips would you add?

The post Paris In A Cheapo Minute: City tips A-Z appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.