What to look for

Cheapos with an appetite are well served by a number of low-cost eateries in the central district of Mitte, where most major sights are located, that turn out big, warm meals at surprisingly low prices.

Unless you’re in an adventurous mood, be sure to avoid Berlin’s more unusual specialties, including Eisbein (pickled knuckle of pork), Hering nach Hausfrauenart (pickled herring), and Gekochte Eier in Senfsauce (boiled eggs in creamy mustard sauce). Stick instead to filling classics like roasts, schnitzels, sausage, and vegetarian-friendly casseroles.

Where to get home-cooking in Mitte

Follow procrastinating Humboldt University students to Deponie No. 3 (Georgen Str. 5, U-bahn and S-bahn: Friedrich Str.) for a budget-friendly meal that will keep you fueled for hours. Near the pricey Friedrich Strasse and stately Museum Insel, this wood-lined, pub-like eatery is adorned with a hodgepodge of hokey antiques. Find a wooden table and peruse a huge menu of classic German meals like mama makes. Most entrees, including stuffed cabbage, big schnitzels, and vegetable Aufläufe (casseroles), cost less than €10.

Decorated with antique movie posters, cozy Sophieneck (Grosse Hamburger Str. 37, U-bahn: Weinmeister Str.) is steps from Hackescher Markt’s pricey boutiques and Sophien Strasse’s exclusive art galleries. Luckily, prices for dishes such as roasted pork, Bratwurst, and Boulette (meat patties), aren’t out of reach. Even with a beer, you can dine for about €10. Stop by for lunch to take advantage of the daily specials, which always include a vegetarian option (€5.90).

Quick eats that will still warm you up

If you’re in a rush or about the catch a train, head to the food court on the ground floor of the Friedrich Strasse Bahnhof (train station, U-bahn and S-bahn: Friedrich Str.) to find German classics served with speed at Damisch (across from the Edeka grocery store). Dishes like stew, schnitzel, Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes), and a plus-sized Currywurst usually go for €5–7. With a meal like this, you won’t notice the brisk temperatures outside.

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Sure, it’ll be a little chilly but with average temperatures of around 37 to 50 degree Fahrenheit, it’s nothing a good coat, gloves and a few warm layers won’t cope with.

For budget travelers, there’s also the advantage of securing cheaper airfares and hotel rooms (if you avoid the holidays). Once you’ve made it over here, try these suggestions for enjoying London in winter on a budget.

Christmas and New Year

1. Take in one of the Winter Festivals

A whole array of mini festivals pop up in the weeks before Christmas and generally stay open until the first week of January. Entrance is free, although you’ll probably pay a premium for the mulled wine. Try the South Bank or Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.

Or head down to Trafalgar Square in the evening to take in the impressive Christmas tree—a gift from Norway each year, in gratitude for Britain’s support in the Second World War. There are carols in the Square too, performed by charity groups to raise money, which never fail to raise the festive spirits.

2. Head to festive Somerset House

This impressive neoclassical building on the Strand is at its most picturesque in the run-up to Christmas, partly because of the hugely popular courtyard ice rink. But Somerset House has a whole range of run activities. Skating is quite pricey, but the surrounding buildings are full of free treasures to be explored. There are often free photography exhibitions, while the Courtauld Gallery, housed within Somerset House is renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post-impressionist artworks.

If you do fancy a skate, London has several rinks to choose from— book your tickets online in advance for the best discounts.

3. Make the most of a quieter city

London is a lot quieter than usual between Christmas and New Year when lots of its residents leave the city for the holiday, or simply don’t leave their houses. Now is the time to check out the major attractions, such as the British Museum, without the crowds. Or else to simply enjoy having a bit of breathing space on the Tube.

Holiday lights along Oxford Street. Photo: Magnus D

4. Check out the Christmas lights

The main shopping streets, Oxford Street and Regent Street, are transformed with elaborate lighting schemes for Christmas, while the window displays in department stores, the likes of Selfridges, are always spectacular. It can get extremely busy with shoppers however, so come prepared.

And, if you really like a challenge, head down this way for spectacular discounts in the January sales: although you’ll really need to get your elbows out to make your way through the bargain-hunting masses.

During the rest of winter

5. Dig into some hearty grub

Traditional British food tastes at its finest in the winter months. Tuck into a bargain roast or a full English Breakfast, knowing that you’re bound to burn off the calories in the cold. Probably.

And fish and chips definitely taste at their finest when eaten straight out of their paper on a wintery evening. Then you’ll need to walk it off…

6. Go for a beautiful winter walk

Whether a stroll by the Serpentine, in Regent’s Park, or admiring the deer in Richmond Park, bright blue skies and a layer of frost can make London’s many parks look at their prettiest. For a walk in a real winter wonderland, head out to Epping Forest. It feels like the English countryside but is accessible on the tube. Plus there are pubs and restaurants close by for refueling your energy after a vigorous walk.

7. Get active outdoors

If it’s a bit too chilly to walk around, and you don’t fancy getting onto a stuffy tube train, why not get the circulation moving with a quick ride on a Boris Bike? We’ve got a guide to getting around town on this very reasonable option here. Many Londoners will be on a fitness kick after the excesses of the holiday season, so why not join us on a Park Run? It’s a free 5k run that takes places in parks all over London and the UK.

8. Shop at a local market

While London is known for its street markets, an indoor market can be easier to explore in the winter months. Alfie’s Antique Market is set over several floors and has an amazing array of antiques and collectables, available at all price points. Or the covered Brixton Market Row and Brixton Village in south London combines a long-established market with bargain eateries and vintage stores.

9. Make like a Londoner and head indoors

If we’re not at home, we’re probably in the cinema or the theatre. We’ve got a guide to bargain cinema tickets here, and how to sample London’s theatre on the cheap here.

Or perhaps we’ll be enjoying a pint in a cozy pub. Before you drink all your traveling money away, check out our guide to budget pub going.

10. Or head out for deals or a night on the town

Shops and restaurants are usually so eager to woo customers in the January slump that there are often discounts to be had. Check out Moneysavingexpert.com for the latest money-off deals, or pick up a free copy of Time Out on a Wednesday for the latest listings.

The post London: 10 tips to enjoy winter on the cheap appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Let me explain: Exploring New York, especially on the cheap, involves a lot of outdoor time—a stroll through Central Park, myriad free summer extravaganzas, gazing up at the Chrysler Building… Even walking briskly among the throngs is an essential New york experience. Of course all of these free activities become difficult, even unbearable, when the temps drop, but you don’t have to shell out all of your hotel savings on taxis and indoor activities. Here are some tips for winter travel in New York.

Getting Around

Like any New Yorker worth my salt, I tend to get around by walking. I walk a lot, often favoring my own two feet over the subway. But I’m also a “winter wimp.” Come the cold, I am far less likely to want to be outside for any length of time, and it becomes much more tempting to take a taxi. But here is the secret: Even if it’s 10 degrees out, you should seldom have to take a taxi!

Even on the coldest days, the subways still run 24/7. Photo: MTA

New York has one of the best transportation systems in the world, and while cold weather can sometimes affect the way the trains and buses are running, they are still convenient, cheap and often even faster than cabs. Various (free!) apps will help you easily navigate the subways and buses so that you can minimize the time spent waiting outside in the cold. All three of the below apps give real-time data on train and bus schedules (when you’re above ground), but each has other elements for various types of travelers.

For those who need a little extra motivation.  In addition to giving Citymapper tells you how many calories you burn for each route and how much (more) as taxi will cost.

For the navigationally challenged. Transitapp is helpfully color-coded like the trains themselves to make picking the right line easy. The app also shows when the next train or bus is coming and allows you to easily see schedules so that you can map your day.

For the claustrophobic. Moovit is a fun app with a social element. Not only does it give you routes and schedules, but it also records the data of anyone riding with the app open. This gives an idea of how crowded the bus will be, and also helps keep to-the-minute on delays and possible alternative routes.

Winter activities on the cheap

It might be hard to spend a day wandering through Central Park in the cold, but before you shell out for one museum and indoor attraction after another, consider the following tips for indoor activities.

Make the most of free museum days. Almost every museum in New York has a regular chunk of time—be it a free-admission day or a pay-what-you-wish evening—during which it offers deals. Visiting a different museum every day for a week could save one adult around $100. Check out our guide to free museum days to see what’s available each day.

Visit always-free attractions. If determining free museum days seems to complicated, never fear. New York is chock-full of free attractions too. The Main Branch of the New York Public Library (5th Avenue and 42nd Street) is free to visit and stunning to behold. Wander around its storied halls, and be sure to check out the magnificent Map Room. Also free is the National Museum of the American Indian (1 Bowling Green), worth visiting as much for the gorgeous Alexander Hamilton Custom House as for the fascinating exhibits therein.

Take a tour. You won’t want to do a self-guided walking tour of any neighborhoods, but there are unique (and indoor) free tours to be had. Get a peek into the workings of the national economy on a tour of the Federal Reserve (33 Liberty Street), or (equally important) learn about beer making at the Brooklyn Brewery (79 N 11th Street, Williamsburg). Be sure to book at least a week in advance for the Fed. The Brewery runs regular tours on Saturdays and Sundays, but it’s a good place to wile away some indoor hours any day of the week. The beers are inexpensive, and the vibe is convivial.

Embrace the chill. Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it, but as miserable as the cold can be, New York makes it easy to enjoy it to. Take a spin around the Bryant Park skating rink (free admission, $14 skate rentals), or take the plunge with the Polar Bear Club, who invite brave souls to join them for a guest “swim” off Coney Island any Sunday November through April (talk about street cred!).

That’s entertainment. In this city of culture, entertainment abounds, and though much of it will cost you, there are a variety of options to be had for a song. Spend a Friday night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where the free entertainment at BAMcafé Live (30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn) could be anything from rock to pop to jazz, or hit up the famed Marie’s Crisis (59 Grove Street), where you can enjoy musical stylings of friendly regulars who gather round the piano to belt out show tunes. If it’s comedy you’re after, there is plenty for free as well (check out this list for ideas).

The post New York: A winter (and wallet-friendly) travel survival guide appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Winter biking is not for tourists

Amsterdammers are glued to their bikes. Come rain or snow, the Dutch will push pedals through the worst of weather. It’s impressive, it’s admirable…BUT it’s not for first timers! Not all of the snowy bike paths in Amsterdam are shoveled, and at night they can turn into ice sheets with just a few inches of wiggle room for bikes. In winter conditions, walking might be the better way to get around for new visitors to the city.

Seriously, be careful on a bike

Just like a car in harsh winter conditions, bike brakes freeze, bells break, locks bust, and chains snap. Unless you’re geared up like the locals and prepared for winter biking, the slightest turn can send you sailing down to the ground faster than your head can register the fall. By day you’ll deal with dirty slush up to your knees, while night time can bring a thick layer of ice suitable only for skaters. Gravity always wins, so instead of dropping like a wet snowball, you probably want to opt for walking.

Slow and steady on canal bridges

Much of the downtown walkways are shoveled, but sidewalks can be at their slickest on the canal bridges. These bridges might be classic Amsterdam icons, but when winter comes, they present a challenge. You might even see a police officer stationed at a corner, ready to assist when someone takes a tumble. Make sure to take your time and walk heavy-footed over bridges. Still not sure? Stay close to the rails, and slowly scoot your feet across black ice patches. Those on two wheels should walk their bike (although you really shouldn’t be on one!).

Be ready for delays on national trains…

Dutch rail services are notoriously known to freeze up when snow hits train tracks. Delays are a given, and they can range from ten minutes to ten hours. And although everyone agrees how frustrating this can be in the modern world, at least it’s also totally acceptable to complain about it to any fellow stranded strangers. If you’re lucky, the station you’re stuck at will be giving away free coffee and tea at the kiosks to make up for it. Time to make some new friends.

…And on city trams

City trams aren’t much better with keeping to a schedule. In fact, forget any timetable posted at a tram stop when there’s snow. Do as the transportation does—show up when you can. And get ready for a tight squeeze when the tram arrives…you’ll be joining the moms with strollers and city seniors who are trying to avoid walking on ice.

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1. Dress the part

It’s funny how many adults forget how to prepare for inclement weather, as if we all grew up in Rio having never seen snow.  Come on, people, and get with it.  Dress more warmly than you think and put on those layers.

Thermal underwear, or my favorite, the Uniqlo Heat-tech leggings and shirts, are a huge help and I don’t leave the house without them, no matter how unglamorous they feel.  Did I mention they are cheap?  (Uniqlo, 17 rue Scribe 75009).

And please, socks and sensible shoes. A pair of Converse seem trendy and cool until that zero degree wind whips right through them and you’re walking on numb stumps for hours on end.

2. Seek shelter

But no matter how warmly you dress, everyone will reach a limit.  You’ll have to sneak inside eventually – but plan accordingly.  If you’re tired of museums and monuments, and you want to stick to the streets, a café is always an option, with heated terraces and cheap drinks.  Still, people watching from a February Parisian café is hardly worth the €2 café, so why not spend your money elsewhere, making several smaller stops while covering my ground and actually doing something?

My vote goes to eating.  Duck into a chocolate shop or five for a quick taste of something sweet while warming up.  Chocolate makers like Pierre Marcolini and Patrick Roger sell boxes and assortments that will hurt most oil tycoon’s wallets, but ask for just one or two pieces from the counter à déguster, to taste right away, and you won’t pay more than €2 or €3. By the time you browse, choose which you want, and settle the bill, you’ll be ready to brave the cold again.

Scope out the shops in St-Germain around metro station Odéon, for example, and taste your way through the afternoon.  (Patrick Roger: 108 Blvd St-Germain 75006, Pierre Marcolini: 89 rue de Seine 75006)

3. Have a drink

If you simply must have a warm beverage, there are options beyond tourist-laden Angelina’s for a hot chocolate.  Around the corner, Jean-Paul Hévin has a selection of interesting molten chocolate drinks including one with matcha powder and another with an oyster emulsion, just to shake things up, and they are about the same price as Angelina’s. (231 rue Saint Honoré 75001)

Or if you’re by the Canal St-Martin, stumble over to the trendy yet cozy Chambre aux Oiseaux for a cup of coffee or one of their delicious warming infusions like lemon and ginger that will revitalize even the most frigid traveler.  They also have an ever-changing selection of sweets like chocolate or violet shortbreads to feed the famished. (48 rue Bichat 75010)

With plenty of free museums, departments, and galleries to visit, you won’t freeze to death during a cold day out in Paris while on a budget, but think ahead to maximize your time so that you don’t get stuck somewhere unfortunate, pining for the Mediterranean…

Also in our guide: Heading to Paris this winter? Be sure to also seek shelter in our guide to visiting Paris on a budget. Our editors recommend the city’s best low-cost hotels, and offer further advice to maximizing your experience on a minimal budget.

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From shopping to sports to comedy, there is plenty to do in Dublin when the cold drives Cheapos indoors. Stay warm in Dublin this winter with the following indoor activities:

Shopping

Music, literature, and design all provide insight into Irish culture. Spend a day shopping at the following stores and find great deals along with local character.

Browse at Celtic Note, a music store specializing in Irish music of yesterday and today. Shelves are packed to the brim at Books Upstairs, a wonderful little bookstore for discovering the best of Irish literature (don’t be surprised if books are signed by the author). Get to know Irish design by heading to the Loft in Powerscourt Townhouse, a space shared by multiple local designers, jewelry makers, and vintage sellers.

Weekend Sport

During the dark winter months, locals look forward to one tournament in sport: the 6 Nations Rugby Tournament. The Ireland team plays home matches in Dublin, and in 2012, will battle Wales, Italy, and Scotland at home.

While attending a game is the best way to get in on the action, the local pubs will have an electric atmosphere on match day. Get cozy – early – in a pub near the Aviva Stadium and watch the Irish team battle to be rugby champions. Check out the schedule for the 6 Nations tournament.

Winter Events

Throughout the winter cultural events keep locals entertained indoors. One favorite event is the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, held from February 16 through February 26, 2012. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festival and Al Pacino is confirmed to attend.

Winter is also a great season to check out the Dublin comedy scene. Venues for comedy in Dublin include Vicar Street, the Mill Theatre, the Olympia Theatre, and the Laughter Lounge.

The post Dublin When It’s Cold: Fun winter activities 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.

A church in Jutland. Photo © hidden europe magazine

Beat those Winter Blues

Those few leisure travelers who are out-and-about are heading in the main for Europe’s winter sports regions. Buck that trend and you will have much of Europe to yourself.

We traveled last week along Denmark’s windy North Sea coast, enjoying empty roads and clear blue skies. This past weekend we rode by train through northern Germany: ten trains in all, and never more than a handful of people aboard. Spread out, and enjoy the space on trains which would be crowded in mid-summer.

Low season rates and heavy discounting by hoteliers still don’t woo the crowds. So travel is cheap. Bleak weather is still interesting. And there is a peculiar charm to many off-season coastal resorts. Expect dramatic skyscapes and wild seas. Go dressed for the worst.

Five of the Best

Here are a handful of our top coastal choices for January travel:

Gozo: Malta’s kid sister is at her best in the depths of winter. Catch it when the fierce grigal winds blow in and you’ll see a moody Gozo far removed from the sedate Mediterranean island featured in guidebooks.

Connemara and Galway: Western Ireland can be formidably crowded in summer, yet even popular spots like Clifden offer space to breathe in deepest winter. Watch and feel Atlantic waves and winds roll in off the ocean.

Istria: This little pocket of territory near the head of the Adriatic, where the Latin and Slavic worlds collide, is the perfect antidote to winter blues. Piran (Slovenia) is our favorite winter hideaway on the Istrian coast.

The North Frisian Islands: It just happens that’s where we are staying all this week. The chic set who celebrated New Year here has gone and everyday life has returned to this happy scatter of Danish and German islands in the eastern North Sea. Off-season in the region is hard to beat, whether you opt for the islands of Sylt, Amrun and Föhr (all on the German side of the border) or head further north to the Danish islands.

Galicia: The north-west corner of Spain teems with summer visitors, yet is deserted in January. The seafood is as good as ever and if you drive out to the headland at Cape Finisterre on a stormy day you really will have a sense of having reached the end of the earth.

The post Exploring Europe’s Coastal Regions in Winter appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Cheapos, here’s the scoop: The “80” bus line connects two of my favorite shopping districts in the city: rue des Abbesses in the 18th arrondissement and rue du Commerce in the 15th arrondissement. Nestled in cobblestoned ’hoods with views to boot, both boast a cool blend of bargain bins, “indy” designer boutiques, funky shops, and trendy chains.

For the mere price of a metro ticket (the same tickets work for both buses and Metros), you’ll not only cruise between the shopping havens with the greatest of ease, but also boast about your first scores of the day while the panorama of Paris rolls by en route to the next shipping district. The 80 is one of the most scenic bus lines in the city, so keep your camera handy and eyes open!

Related: How to save big when shopping in Paris

Rue des Abbesses

We’ll first hit Abbesses (Métro Abbesses) in the morning. The neighborhood has a bustling village vibe about it, and is chockfull of shops, cafés, and hair salons. Even Louis Vuitton recently fell under its spell, and named one of their messenger bags “Abbesses.”

Beloved national and international chains sit pretty on rue des Abbesses, while most of the vintage shops and funky designer boutiques hold court on the side streets. On Sundays the area becomes a pedestrian-only and traffic-free district!

Something old

Looking for fine vintage? Dial back the clock at Le Caverne à Fripes at 25 rue Houdon. Here the inventory is eclectic, and may seem chaotic but don’t let looks deceive you. The collection is quite organized. Looking for a specific item? Don’t hesitate to ask. They once tracked down a French sailor hat for me. Prices are super reasonable, too.

Something new

Bargain bin shopping Sympa is located nearby at the foot of Sacré-Coeur. Inventory rotates. Here you’ll often find Best Mountain, Etam, Naf-Naf, Sinéquanone, Sandro, and Undiz Lingerie Planet but for a wee fraction of their original cost!

Something borrowed and stunning blue

While trekking about, check out Van Gogh’s old third floor apartment on 54 rue Lepic. A plaque marks the spot where he lived with his brother Theo for a few years.

Feeling all inspired and starry, starry eyed after the visit? Then pop by Sue’s Matière à Bijoux bead shop located directly across the street, and create your own work of art. She’ll even help you design your own bling! Tell her you’re a Cheapo.

This is our stop

After we shop till we drop in Abbesses, we’ll hop on the 80 bus. The bus stop is located at rue Caulaincourt and Tourlaque, just around the corner from the (late, great) pop star diva Dalida’s Bambino studio at 10 Rue Damrémont and Toulouse-Lautrec’s atelier at 7 rue Tourlaque! Again, building plaques mark both historical and hip hot spots.

Oh, the places we’ll go

On our way to rue du Commerce, we’ll pass the Cimetière de Montmartre, Place Clichy, Gare Saint Lazare, the Église Saint-Augustin de Paris, the unofficial Princess Di memorial at Pont de l’Alma, École Militaire, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower, and the Le Mur pour la Paix created in 2000 by artist Clara Halter and architect Jean-Michel Wilmote. Here the word “peace” in 49 languages is inscribed on large glass panes and tall, slender metal columns. From our rolling catbird seats, we’ll also spot legendary fashion houses like Valentino, Dior and Jimmy Choo!

Rue du Commerce

Hold onto your hat and signal the bus driver because we’ve reached our final destination! First we’ll fortify ourselves with a soda pop at the café, located next to La Motte Picquet Grenelle bus stop. A favorite of the locals, this is prime people-watching zone, any time of the day or year.

Got passion for fashion?

The Rue du Commerce shopping district runs from from Boulevard de Grenelle to Rue des Entrepreneurs. I love this place. The shops are just beyond the bridge. Here you’ll find Cheapo iconic darlings like Monoprix, Etam, Cameliau, Zara, and H&M—where, by the way, rumor has it that the fabulous Jimmy Choo shoe line for the celebrity embracing chain can still be found at the very back of the sale racks! How cool is that? Oh, la la.

Happy Hunting, Cheapos! May the shopping force be with you.

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For Snow Bunnies: Vall de Nuria

Vall de Nuria is the place to go if you want snow and nature, but aren’t fussy about skiing. This is more of a sledding sort of place popular with hikers, snow shoe enthusiasts, and families with children.

To get to Vall de Nuria you have to catch a zipper train from Ribes de Freser, which can be reached from Barcelona on the RENFE train. There are all sorts of package deals to be had at Vall de Nuria, making it the perfect winter escape. For example, the zipper train, two nights at the lodge, and a guided tour start at €125.00 per person. Family ski packs start at €85.00 a person.

Skiing: Andorra

Hard-core skiers and snowboarders will want to head to Andorra. It takes some work to get to Andorra from Barcelona and you will either want to rent a car, or get tickets a day or so ahead at the Barcelona Nord bus station.

Andorra is a tiny country and largely supports itself on ski and snow tourism. Look for skiing options at Grandvalira, Naturlandia, Parador Canaro and the Vallnord ski stations.

Hot Springs: Dorres

One of my favorite winter activities is taking long dips in the earth’s hot waters. I dislike the cold, and nothing warms my toes better than a hot swim in a hot spring. Most of the hot springs, and there are many, in Catalonia are built up. The exception to this rule is Dorres, which is on a snowy hillside this time of year, right on the Catalan-French border.

I also highly recommend a couple days soaking at the Balneario Vichy Catalan, or the newly opened Rocallaura. Both use hot mineral water in their water works areas and baths. They are more expensive than Dorres and you’ll need a car to get to these steamy retreats.

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