It hasn’t happened for a number of reasons.

First, and most obviously, cost: Canal-side hotels almost always charge more for the views. Venice has been welcoming tourists for hundreds of years, and those in the hotel business caught on long ago that they could charge more for rooms overlooking the city’s famous waterways, even the tiny, inconsequential canals.

Secondly, when I visit Venice for work, I’m almost always alone, and hotel owners almost always reserve their romantic canal-side rooms for doubles. Single rooms in Venice, in fact, are quite often afterthoughts (if they were thought of, at all).

While I can’t do much about the plight of the single traveler in Venice, I can offer some advice for budget travelers looking to book a hotel with a view. Fortunately, there are a few budget hotels left in the city with canal views. These tend to be romantic hold-outs who have chosen not to renovate themselves into four-star boutique properties with sky-high rates. (For that reason alone, we should support them!)

5 Venice hotels with canal views

Here are five of my favorite affordable hotels in Venice that offer rooms with canal views. Note: As many of these offer only a handful of rooms with the views, be sure to be clear when reserving that you’re interested in a room with a view.

Related: 5 Cheap and charming hotels in Venice | Budget hotels in Venice with great locations

The view of a passing gondola from a room at the Doni. (And yes, the gondolier is texting.)

Albergo Doni

From $58

The Doni is a Cheapo classic, a small, family-run place located a couple of tiny bridges away from St. Mark’s Square. It’s an old-fashioned and modest hotel, run by the grandchildren of the original owner. Four rooms at this creaky and unpretentious hotel have canal views. Read more.

The Locanda Silva is close to St. Mark’s Square but hidden from the tourists.

Locanda Silva

From $63

Another sweet, family-run hotel nestled along a quiet canal near St. Mark’s Square, the one-star Silva has low rates and simple rooms with AC. Modern art (painted by family members) hangs throughout, and six rooms look out to the small waterway. The Silva is a nice option for visitors wishing to be near San Marco, without sleeping in the midst of the crowds. Read more.

Guests at the Dalla Mora can also relax on the hotel’s roof terrace.

Hotel dalla Mora

From $76

Perhaps the best deal in town, 10 of the 14 rooms at the one-star Hotel dalla Mora have prime canal views. The hotel is located in the charming Santa Croce neighborhood, a bit removed from the tourist bustle of San Marco, and offers very well-kept rooms with AC, and no TV. The Dalla Mora is also a family affair, run by two brothers who have created something special (and popular — book well in advance). Read more.

View of the Accademia Bridge and Grand Canal from the Hotel Galleria.

Hotel Galleria

From $129

This one-star hotel is the most expensive on the list for a good reason: Its rooms don’t just look out to any old tiny canal, they open to the Grand Canal. Located quite literally at the base of the Accademia Bridge in Dorsoduro, the Galleria is named for its neighbor, the Galleria dell’Accademia, Venice’s most important art museum. Rooms are lovingly decorated with old-fashioned details, but the real star here are the views of the Grand Canal, bridge, or art museum. Read more.

View from the Antica Locanda Montin.

Antica Locanda Montin

From $101

Situated along a small canal in Venice’s dreamy Dorsoduro district, the Montin is a convenient restaurant-hotel combo with an impressive collection of paintings. Dine downstairs in its popular Venetian restaurant, then climb the staircase to your room, passing through a salon decked out with artwork. Rooms are simple, although dressed up with paintings, and two special rooms have small terraces overlooking the canal. Read more.

More budget hotel picks

Looking for more affordable hotel options in Venice? Check out our favorite budget hotels in Venice and read all of our reviews in our Venice hotel guide.

The post Venice: 5 budget hotels with canal views appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And sure, you’re always welcome to shell out a few euros to climb the stairs or hop an elevator for a bird’s eye perspective. But why would you when in most cases there’s a free option that’s just as good or even better?

More tips for traveling in Europe
• How to plan a European itinerary that won’t leave you exhausted
• Guide to buying a SIM Card in Europe

10 Best free views in Europe

Are you ready to soak in the spectacular views of Europe at no cost? Read on for our top tips on places to get a higher perspective in cities across Europe.

1. Paris: Parc de Belleville

For sweeping panoramas and some peace and quiet for a picnic, head to this 20th arrondissement park. Once you get there, climb to the summit of Paris’s highest park where there’s a 30-meter tall terrace. If you’re short on time, another great place for free vistas of the City of Lights are the steps of Sacre Coeur in Montmartre.

Related: 9 Budget hotels in Paris packed with old-world charm

2. Rome: Capitoline Hill

In the city of the seven hills, there are views all around when you visit Rome. For one of the best vistas at zero cost, we recommend Piazzale Caffarelli on Capitoline Hill. If you’re up for some refreshment, head to Terraza Caffarelli.

3. Berlin: The Reichstag

Not enthused about climbing up somewhere to get a bird’s eye view? Berlin’s got just the ticket. Visitors to the city can hop an elevator to the top of the German Parliament building, free of charge. There’s one catch though — you absolutely — must reserve in advance online (no phone calls).

4. Athens: Mount Lycabettus

Want to see the Acropolis from a distance in Athens? Climb up the highest hill in town, Mount Lycabettus. Standing at 277 meters above sea level, this is the best spot in town for watching the sunset or even spotting the Aegean Sea on a clear day. There’s a café in the vicinity, but prices are as high as the altitude, so you may want to bring your own food and drink.

5. Edinburgh: Arthur’s Seat

Believe it or not, this large hill in Edinburgh, thought to be one of the possible locations for King Arthur’s Camelot, is actually an ancient volcano. While you can hike up it from pretty much any direction you desire, locals advise taking the easy route from the east side straight on up to the top. Note that rock-climbing of any kind requires a permit.

6. Barcelona: MontjuÏc Cemetery

Barcelona’s most famous city of the dead has more to offer than the wildly creative funerary art — it also has sweeping vistas of the city and beyond. To get there you can either take the hour-long walk to the top from Plaça Espanya or hop the buses 107 or 125.

Related: 7 Tips for saving on your hotel in Barcelona

7. London: Parliament Hill

This 98-meter high hill was once attached to a manor given to Henry II’s butler. Today it is part of Hampstead Heath, one the most popular parks in London. From up on Parliament Hill, snap a few shots of the London skyline, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the famous Gherkin building.

Related: The 5 Best cheap hotels in London

Stroll through these beautiful gardens for a stunning view of Lisbon. Photo: Jorge

8. Lisbon: Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara

Walk uphill from Chiado and find your way to this garden overlooking Baixa for panoramas of all of Lisbon, including views of its iconic castle, St. George’s. While you’re there, explore the garden itself with its classical statues of heroes and gods from Greek and Roman mythology.

Related: 10 Ways to save on a trip to Portugal

9. Copenhagen: The Tower at Christiansborg Palace

See Copenhagen from an entirely different vantage point for free. Stroll through The King’s Gate near Palace Square and take the elevator to the top of the city’s tallest tower. You may have to wait in line, especially during high season, but it’s worth the wait to look down on the rooftops of the entire city free of charge. Just be advised that Tårnet, the restaurant at the top, is pretty spendy and probably best avoided by folks on a budget.

Grab a seat and enjoy the view from the Amsterdam library. Photo: Ellen F.

10. Amsterdam: Openbare Bibliotheek

East of Amsterdam Central Station, the largest library in the Netherlands is home to more than a massive collection of books. The top floor at Openbare Bibliotheek is the best spot in town to see the Dutch capital from a higher perspective. There’s even a restaurant with a terrace if you prefer to take in the views from outside.

Related: The 10 Best cheap hotels in Amsterdam

Do you have a favorite spot to enjoy a view of Europe for free? Tell us in the comments below.

The post 10 Breathtaking views in Europe — for free! 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.

To save a few shillings without having to scrimp on the sights, here are our EuroCheapo top tips for first time visitors to London.

1. Walk it.

The center of London is deceptively small. Rather than be the tourist who wastes £4.50 getting from Charing Cross to Embankment on the Tube (when they’re right next to each other on the street), it usually pays to use your feet. You get much better views too.

Marvel at London at its most imposing by walking from Trafalgar Square and National Gallery, down Whitehall and on to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster. Or experience the city’s fun side by exploring the streets of Theater Land around Covent Garden, before wandering over one of the Thames’s bridges to the always-bustling South Bank.

From street performers to hidden parks, there’s a lot more to happen-upon when you’re traveling above ground.

2. Use an Oyster card.

It’s an unrealistic hope to completely avoid public transport in London so make sure that when you use it, you’re using it in the smartest possible way. Get an Oyster card: it slashes your journey costs. (For example, it would reduce the cost of that unnecessary Tube trip from Charing Cross to Embankment to £2.10.)

Additionally, opt to take the most picturesque bus routes rather than paying for sightseeing tours (we recommend the RV1).

And if aquatic is your favorite style of transport, I would recommend the Thames Clipper, which goes from Waterloo to the Dome in North Greenwich, as a great cheapo alternative to a river cruise, costing only £3.90 with your Oyster.

3. Visit free sights and museums.

National Museums are all free and definitely worth factoring into any itinerary. The British Museum, Tate Modern and the National Gallery are the more obvious choices for first time visitors, but it’s also worth saying hello to the dinosaur skeleton hung in the imposing Gothic building of the Natural History Museum, spending an afternoon in Greenwich – a world heritage site – at the National Maritime Museum or learning more about your host city at the Museum of London.

Cheapo tip: If you arrived by Eurostar, it’s worth keeping hold of your ticket: they allow two for one entry into many of the major temporary charging exhibitions.

4. Find special offers in advance.

While the paying attractions will undoubtedly make a dent on your wallet, it’s always worth checking out deals before you turn up. It’s cheaper to go on the London Eye if you book in advance, for example. The same applies to bus and train fares.

And while you’re on the National Rail website, make sure to stop off to look at their two-for-one entry deals to places like Tower of London, the Zoo and Madame Tussauds.

5. Grab a free Time Out.

If the last two tips have both failed you, make sure you pick up a copy of Time Out Magazine for their money saving tips and vouchers. The city’s best listing guide is now given away each week for free. Get the new edition each Tuesday for the latest of what’s going on and their authoritative reviews, as well as cost-cutting advice.

6. Vouchers can make meals much cheaper.

Vouchers are your secret weapon when it comes to eating in London without breaking the bank. UK website Money Saving Expert keeps an up-to-date listing of which restaurant chains are currently running 2 for 1 or money off promotions.

We recommend Pizza Express as a safe bet: it’s got branches throughout the capital, reliable service and food and is part of London’s history: it opened its first branch in Soho’s Wardour Street in 1965. Celebrate your savings with an extra helping of their dough balls.

7. Join a free walking tour.

Take a walking tour to familiarize yourself with the city. While there’s plenty of paying options available, there are some fantastic free walks on offer too. Sandeman’s has a free Central London Royal London tour that will guide you through the city from Anglo-Saxon times.

For contrast, Alternative London runs a pay-what-you-like tour of East London, with an emphasis on its street art and creative scene. Both are great ways to get a flavor of the city and to work out what bits you’d like to spend more time exploring yourself.

8. Avoid peak travel times.

If you have some flexibility with your timings, avoiding peak times for travel in the UK will help with both costs and crowds. These times are mainly Easter, Christmas and the school summer vacation, when you’ll be competing with British families to make the most of London. An enjoyable time to visit would be September and early October, once the schools have gone back and there’s usually some late summer sunshine hanging around.

Between Christmas and New Year can also be a good period for exploring the city: the streets are still looking pretty in their festive decorations but are free of stressed commuters. Just be prepared for bad weather and be willing to spend some of your day hauled up in a cozy pub.

9. Use bathrooms when they’re free.

Public conveniences in London tend to be rather inconvenient. There’s not many bathrooms left for public use and those that remain are often paying. With entrance fee of up to 50 pence per visit, you can spend a lot more than pennies during a day’s sightseeing. Instead, make the most of the bathrooms inside tourist attractions, and in restaurants, bars and pubs.

For when you’re out and about, it’s worth taking note of this excellent toilet map, a mobile-friendly guide to all of London’s public facilities. You’ll never need to be caught short – or short of cash – again.

The view from Alexandra Palace is stunning—and Cheapo! Photo: lo_ise.

10. Enjoy free views of the city.

With a trip on the London Eye costing from £17 upwards (even after your early booking discount), going up the Shard priced at £24.95, and an ascent of the London Orbit in the Olympic Park billed at £15, getting a good view of London can be a costly business. But some of the best views in London are free and a great way for a first time visitor to get their heads around the city.

Head up northwards to Alexandra Palace to see a majestic sweep across all of London, or to Parliament Hill where residents gather with picnics in the summer and celebrate each new year with sparklers. In central London, Monument – 202 feet tall and built to commemorate the Great Fire of London in the seventeenth century – costs only £3 to climb. You’ll even get a souvenir certificate thrown into the price.

Got your own Cheapo tips? Share them in the comment section below.  We’re always looking for ways to save in London! And of course, if you’re looking to save on your accommodation, swing by our guide to budget hotels in London.

The post 10 money saving tips for first-time visitors to London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Cheapo’s counting those precious pences will be relieved to hear that London is also full of amazing views that aren’t accessed via a turnstile and ticket booth. Here’s my list of the best free views in London:

1. Waterloo Bridge

Tube: Embankment / Waterloo

Of London’s 33 bridges that cross the River Thames, Waterloo definitely has the most impressive views. Looking east you can take in St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin, the Oxo Tower, Somerset House and the National Theatre. Look westwards and you can take in the bustle of busy shoppers and street performers along the South Bank, the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit during the day to take photos and in the evening to admire it all lit up at night.

Looking out from Parliament Hill. Photo: Duncan Harris

2. Parliament Hill

Tube: Hampstead

Hampstead Heath’s famous “Kite Hill” has featured in TV commercials and films aplenty over the years, as its wonderful juxtaposition of rolling fields and greenery backed by London’s iconic cityscape is so unusual. Many visitors to the capital don’t know that you can escape the madness of the city with such ease (and without actually leaving the city).

A brisk walk through Hampstead Heath is enough to revive any weary tourist and a stroll to the top of Parliament Hill is always rewarding. Join dozens of dog walkers and kite enthusiasts at the top of the hill, and enjoy an elevated view of the city from afar. Canary Wharf used to be the focal point, but The Shard’s recent appearance is certainly stealing the limelight on London’s skyline today.

Relaxing on Primrose Hill. Photo: Peretzp

3. Primrose Hill

Tube: Chalk Farm

Tucked away behind Chalk Farm and Camden Town, Primrose Hill is on the northern edge of Regent’s Park. From the top of the hill you’ll get an incredible panorama of central London and it’s the perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day. Heading down Regent’s Park Road towards Chalk Farm you’ll also find a pretty selection of boutique-y shops and some lovely pubs.

4. National Portrait Gallery

Tube: Charing Cross / Leicester Square

A trip to the National Portrait Gallery isn’t just for the exceptional artwork. Make sure you don’t leave without stopping for a drink at the very swanky rooftop Portrait Restaurant and Bar. Admire everything from Nelson’s Column and Trafalgar Square in the foreground, to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye in the background.

Also in our guide: If you’re heading to London and looking for an affordable place to sleep, be sure to read our reviews of budget hotels in London. Our editors have hunted down the best values in the city’s accommodation scene. Read more in our London guide.

The post The best views in London… for free! appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Not even the Ulmer Münster, the world’s tallest church steeple, was able to vanquish my enthusiasm for gaining a bird’s-eye view of every city I visited. (Although it did turn my and my host sister’s legs to jelly. Who knew going down those tiny, curvy staircases was as much of a workout as going up?)

While I no longer climb everything in sight, I still enjoy watching the workings of a city from on high. Berlin, London and Paris all offer visitors various options for getting above the fray. Here are some of my favorite views from the top.

Berlin’s high points

The Reichstag is at the, um, top of most Berlin to-do lists, especially for first-time visitors. When it was built in the late-19th century, the now iconic Parliament building towered over even the City Castle. After it was destroyed in World War II, the Reichstag was rebuilt in the ’60s, and its new, modern glass dome (added in the ’90s) has become a Berlin Landmark.

Today, due to security concerns, visits to the Reichstag’s dome are possible only with advance online registration. They are, however, free, and the building is open daily (with a few exceptions noted on the Web site) from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Alternatively, you can visit the top of Berlin’s Fernsehturm at Alexanderplatz. Open daily from 9 a.m. (summer) / 10 a.m. (winter) to midnight. Admission €12 for adults. Visit the Fernsehturm’s Web site for more information about planning a visit.

London high points

Tours of Big Ben are available to UK permanent residents only. Tickets must be requested in advance (allow 3-4 months) through the resident’s MP or MHL office. There are three possible visits per day, weekdays only (closed bank holidays). Admission is free.

The dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral has three galleries — one internal, two external — which allow for panoramic views of central London. Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.), closed to visitors Sundays. Admission £15. Read more on St. Paul’s Web site.

Paris’ high points

Skip the long lines at the Eiffel Tower by booking your ticket in advance online at no extra cost. In summer, you may need to book your tickets at least two months before your intended visit. Open daily from 9 a.m. – midnight (summer), 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (other three seasons). Admission (elevators to all levels) €14.

If the views from the hillside of Montmartre still aren’t high enough, climb up the dome of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (winter) / 7 p.m. (summer). Admission €5. (Read our tips for visiting Sacre Coeur.)

Your favorite high points?

Do you have a favorite high place in Europe? Share with us in our comments section!

The post Our favorite “high points” in Berlin, London and Paris 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.

Here are my favorite places in Prague to enjoy a delicious beer while taking in a breathtaking view:

Letna
Letenske sady (Letna Park), Prague 7 – Letna

From whichever direction you enter Letna park, the view never fails to inspire awe. As I’ve stated in a previous post dedicated to Prague’s green spaces, Letna is perched high above the city on a plane overlooking the Vltava River, with its succession of bridges, framed by the city’s stunning architecture. This view conjures up images of a Europe of long ago.

The beer garden hugs an edge of the park and encompasses 20 or so long wooden tables with benches. You purchase your beer from a small stall, where you can also stand at round tables and drink your golden brew with a plate of sausage, dark bread and hot mustard. They also offer some other snacks like chips and ice cream bars.

Seated at the benches, listening to the happy banter of others and staring out at the stunning view, day passes into evening almost without your awareness, as perfect moments always do.

Reigrovy Sady
Riegrovy Sady, 120 00 Praha 2 – Vinohrady
Web site

One of Prague’s largest, the beer garden at Reigrovy Sady mixes the country’s national beverage with a lovely park setting.

After purchasing your beverage (at the stall at the garden’s entry), sit back at one of about 30 wooden tables and enjoy the cool and lush environment, thanks to the parks numerous trees. If you’re into sports, you can also watch the latest game on the beer garden’s large screen (if you’re not into sports, don’t worry, the screen is set in one corner of the large space, so it doesn’t prove to be a distraction).

To experience the view–including rooftops of the city’s center and the castle in the distance, all framed by trees–find a patch of grass on the hill (located to the left when you’re standing outside the entrance to the garden) or sit on one of the benches just above it.

Vysehrad (Hospudka Na Hradbach)
V pevnosti 144, 128 00 Prague 2 – Vysehrad

Set within the grounds of one of Prague’s most magical settings, Hospudka Na Hradbach offers a stunning panorama of the city many visitors never get to see. To find your way there, look out for the dark spears of the Church of St. Peter and Paul, which nearly rivals Prague Castle as the dominate feature in the city’s skyline, and characterizes the entire Vysehrad neighborhood.

To best experience the view, sit down at one of the tables along the garden’s edges. If you’re not so lucky, opt for one of several tables within its center and then stroll over at your leisure. Along with beer, Na Hradbach offers a wide selection of food offerings.

To finish the evening or afternoon, walk the periphery of the area for more equally stunning views of Prague.

Parukarka
Parukarka Park, 130 00 Prague 3 – Zizkov

An off-the-beaten-path location well worth the trip, Parukarka sits atop a hill in Prague’s Zizkov district and offers nearly 360-degree views of the city. Although there are a few tables outside of the small pub, most people opt to sit in the grass just behind it. From there you can enjoy your beer with a view that includes a rooftop perspective of Zizkov, Prague’s TV tower, Vitkov National Memorial, and yes, Prague Castle in the distance.

To get there from the center, take the metro’s green line to the stop “Flora.” From there walk down the hill along “Jicinska” street (or catch tram number 5 to “Olsanske Namesti”). At the bottom of the hill, cross over the intersection, pass the bus stop and then head up the set of stairs directly in front of you. At the top, you’re at Parukarka.

Now sit back and sip in the view!

The post Prague: Beer gardens with great city views appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But not so fast, Paris! There’s also an endless supply of romantic spots in Rome. The Eternal City inspires romantics from every vista, piazza and fountain. Looking for the perfect spot to profess your love? The hardest part will be narrowing down your options!

Of course, you’ll also need a romantic nest to cuddle up in every night, so reserve one of these romantic hotels in Rome that won’t break the bank and start planning your trip.

Here are five of the most romantic spots in Rome:

Janiculum Hill

There’s simply nothing like going for a late afternoon passeggiata (stroll) from Trastevere up to the top of the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill). On the hike up, the breathtaking views of the the city’s skyline will make any heart flutter. It’s also an amazing place to watch the sunset.

Giardino degli Aranci

Viale Nino Manfredi

Many tourists overlook this beautiful spot, so popular with locals in love. The magical Giardino degli Aranci (“Garden of Oranges”) is situated near many of Rome’s most enchanting churches. This garden is popular, and if you visit on a weekend you’re likely to run into newlyweds getting their wedding photos taken.

The beautiful orange-scented garden offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of Rome’s most romantic panoramas. Make sure to snag a spot on the little terrace and watch the sun set over St. Peter’s Dome.

Pincio Gardens

Villa Borghese

Whether for a picnic or an afternoon stroll, there are a slew of things to keep lovers busy in Villa Borghese, Rome’s most popular park. Nothing, however, tops stealing a bacio (kiss) or two at Pincio gardens while gazing over the magnificent Piazza del Popolo. The Pincio balcony and gardens are especially popular with love birds.

Via della Conciliazione & Borgo Pio

Citta del Vaticano

There’s nothing quite like walking up Via della Concilliazione, the street that leads you to St. Peter’s Square, at night when the Basilica is lit up. Regardless of whether or not you’re a pilgrim, you’ll find yourself inspired by the scene. Once you’ve reached the square, turn back around to the Borgo Pio (the mostly pedestrian neighborhood) that surrounds Vatican City and duck into one of the restaurants for a candlelit dinner.

Villa d’Este

Tivoli

The Villa d’Este is one my favorite spots, and one that I always recommend for those looking for an easy day trip from Rome. Villa d’Este is a villa located in Tivoli, a town just outside of Rome, that boasts perfect examples of Renaissance architecture and splendid gardens.

The villa itself is filled with marvelous frescoes and an extravagant array of artwork. Perhaps the most beautiful part of the villa is it’s exterior: a maze of lush gardens with some 500 fountains running all at once. During the summer, the villa is also open at night and believe me, it’s equally gorgeous lit up at night. It’s a perfect place to propose!

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Here are a few of my favorite rendezvous-worthy places, squares and gardens, along with the les bancs (benches) and statues that bring them to life. So allons-y! Pack an umbrella, reading material and a picnic. Oh, je t’aime! Je ne me quitte pas!

1.) Place du Trocadéro

Where: Place du Trocadéro, 16th arrondissement (Métro Trocadéro)

Here you’ll find my favorite view of the Eiffel Tower! Let’s first meet up for a brownie and a Coke Zero at the bustling, family-friendly Café Carlu nestled inside the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine. This is my new happy place! I think you’re going to dig the bookshop, too.

2.) Place Dalida

Dalida at Place Dalida

Where: The tip of rues Girardon and Abreuvoir, 18th arrondissement (Métro Abbesses)

Pilgrims from all over the world visit the quite fetching bust of Dalida (the female Elvis of France) and touch her for

luck! By the way, the pop diva’s house is located nearby on rue d’Orchampt, and her grave is in the Cimetière de Montmartre. (Katy Perry’s fireworks got nothing on you, Dalida!)

3.) Le Jardin du Musée Galliéra

Where: 11-13 avenue du Président Wilson, 16th arrondissement (Métro Iéna or Alma-Marceau)

Though the museum is still closed for an extensive makeover, the gorgeous garden is still open. I love this place. This is where I catch my breath, gaze out at the mile-long lines across the street at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and Le Palais de Tokyo and feel completely satisfied.

4.) Square Jehan Rictus

Where: Place des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement (Métro Abbesses)

Please take heed! The “J’taime Wall” will get you in the mood for random kindness, imagine! After touching the wall, we’ll saunter over to the Café Saint Jean for a lil’ vin chaud and the best chicken salad on this side of Sacré Coeur. Inside or outside, this joint is a prime people watching hot spot.

5.) Place Constantin-Pecquier

Where: 18th arrondissment (Métro Lamark- Caulaincourt) The Fontaine Steinlen

Ah, Cheapos, I’ve a confession up my faux fur sleeve. After my cat left this world for another Fancy Feast, this is where I spent many hours. Both Montmartre residents Steinlen and Erik Satie understood the wonderous feline, and I found and still find great comfort in that.

6.) Église de la Sainte-Trinité de Paris

Where: 4 Place d’Estienne d’Orves, 9th arrondissment (Métro Trinité)

I love this church not just for its beauty alone but also for its brilliant solution to the ugly construction in the works. They didn’t just apologize, Cheapos, they brought in the clowns! Bars and cafés round out the Place. The Musée du Romantisme (Museum of Romantic Life), with George Sand’s bling and other personal artifacts, is just a Chopin hop, skip and away!

7.) Jardin des Tuileries

Where: 1st arrondissement (Métro Tuileries)

Let’s meet at Métro Concorde or at Métro Carrousel du Louvre because we’ll be able to pick up reading material at either W.H. Smith Book Shop or at the fabulous museum shop at the Musée de la Mode. Let’s not forget the Jardin de Tuileries gift shop either. Cheapos, how green does your garden grow?

8.) Square du Vert-Galant

Where: Tip of the Île de la Cité, 1st Arrondissement (Métro Pont Neuf)

For the love of vitality, admiration and gossip, Parisians gave the little tear-drop-shaped park the flamboyant King Henri IV’s nickname, “Vert-Galant,” or “Gay Blade,” since he was larger than life, compassionate, wildly loved and quite the looker in the day. Mad about music, wine and women, Henri would horse around here with his friends, entertainers and favorite mistress, Gabrielle d’Estrée. Ooh, ta ta.

As Henri IV liked to say, Cheapos, “Great cooking and great wines make a paradise on earth!”

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