“When I was a lad, there must have been more than a dozen folk on Stóra Dímun,” explains a Faroese man who, like us, is watching from the deck of the boat. “But they’ve gone. Just as they are leaving Mykines. And Fugloy too.” And then the man was silent, and the last Dímun was swallowed up in the mist.

The harbour of Nólsoy, a village located half an hour by boat from Tórshav. Photo © hidden europe

Life beyond Tórshavn

If you want to get to the heart of what it means to be Faroese, you have to get out of Tórshavn. The capital is a pretty enough place, to be sure. Indeed, there is probably no other European capital that comes close to matching Tórshavn for its homespun village-like charm. Unpretentious and sleepy Tórshavn with its lovely jumble of black-tarred cottages on rocky Tinganes, the promontory that juts out into the harbour, is a wonderful introduction to the Faroes.

But the soul of these islands lies elsewhere. Ask the men working on the dockside in Tórshavn where they come from, and they will tell you they are from Funningur or Kirkja, from Saksun or Sumba, all wee slips of places where grass grows on the roofs of long-abandoned barns, where the church is more often locked than open, and where each winter the snow drifts deep.

“I’ve not been back to Kirkja for over twenty years,” admitted one man from the remote northern island of Fugloy, evidently oblivious to the fact that the remote bygd where he was born and lived the first fifteen years of his life is only half an hour from Tórshavn by helicopter.

Faroese connections

Go to the Faroes. They are so easy to reach and it’s well worth it. At this time of year Smyril Line sails on Saturdays and Tuesdays from Hirtshals (Denmark) to Tórshavn. The crossing takes about 32 hours. Winter sailings are just once weekly and take up to 40 hours.

The Faroese airline Atlantic Airways flies year round from Copenhagen to Vágar (usually twice daily). This summer the airline is also offering twice-weekly flights from Bergen and London Gatwick to Vágar. The seasonal link from Norway operates until the end of August. The service from Britain runs till mid-September.

Once in the Faroes, make time to visit the smaller islands in the archipelago. The islands have well-integrated bus and ferry services that make it very easy to get around. For those in a rush, there is also the inter-island helicopter service run by Atlantic Airways.

Unlike other European capital cities, you don’t have to stay outside of the center to find good prices, especially if you’re open to staying in one of the city’s hostels. Wondering what to expect in Dublin hostels? Keep reading for everything you need to know before you book your bed.

Hostel Overview

Dublin is home to a handful of popular, central hostels with solid reputations. They all have some things in common, such as free Wi-Fi, free linens, and often a free continental breakfast (that includes hot tea in Ireland) but be sure to read the fine print:

• Some hostels offer only dorm-style rooms (with as many as 12 or 16 beds), while others have private rooms for one to four people.

• Some hostels only have shared bathrooms while others do have a few private bathrooms (all the more reason to make reservations in advance).

At almost every hostels, you can expect a common space for meeting fellow travelers. In Dublin, this is often a bar or lounge, and in the case of one unique property, an upscale coffee bar. Though metal bunkbeds seem to be the norm across the city, hostels are generally clean, safe, and offer lockers for easy storage of your backpack.

Enjoy a hot cappuccino at Isaacs Hostel.

EuroCheapo Hostel Picks

Isaacs Hostel
Read review
From $19

Located near the River Liffey on the north side of Dublin, Isaacs Hostel might surprise visitors with its charm. The hostel is housed in a building that was once a wine cellar and warehouse, so expect lots of stone walls and vaulted ceilings throughout.

Both dorms and private rooms (for one to four people) are available here, and an exterior courtyard bar is a fun touch. While all bathrooms are shared, there’s a nice basement lounge with a pool table and guest kitchen for meeting fellow travelers. Both Wi-Fi and continental breakfast are included in the room rate.

Avalon House
Read review
From $16

Walking by the Victorian building that is home to Avalon House, it is hard to believe this could be a hostel. The beautiful building is located on scenic South Great Georges Street, a central south-of-the-Liffey spot that is both quiet and near the pub action.

In addition to free Wi-Fi and some private bathrooms, Avalon House is also home to the Bald Barista, a coffee bar that draws locals off the streets with a perfect espresso. A comfortable basement lounge area is also another bonus.

The Globetrotter Tourist Hostel offers more comforts than your standard hostel.

Globetrotters Tourist Hostel
Read review
From $16

While many of the other hostels in Dublin offer metal, almost barracks-style dorm beds, Globetrotters focuses a little more on comfort. Both dorms and private rooms are available here, with cozy beds and linens included.

A big breakfast is served in a bright, cheery space where it will be easy to meet other travelers. Globetrotters has genuinely appealing spaces to relax after a day of pounding the pavement in Dublin, including a Japanese garden.

Jacobs Inn
Read review
From $19

One of the most contemporary options in Dublin is Jacobs Inn. Although this is one of the largest hostels, it is also one of the most bright and modern with a fresh paint job and spacious rooms with large closets. Here you can choose between dorms or private rooms (for one to four people).

Unlike other properties, all rooms at Jacobs Inn have their own private bathroom (and they are new and clean to boot). Wi-Fi and breakfast are free and a number of social events, such as pub crawls, are frequently organized.

Other Super Cheap Options

For Cheapos, hostels are often the default bare-bones-budget option. In Dublin, there are some other choices depending on the time of year you visit. During the summer months (when students aren’t in session), dorm rooms at Trinity College Dublin can be rented. These rooms are clean, comfortable, and offer an incredible central location along with free continental breakfast (or full Irish for an extra few euro).

Outside of the summer months, Cheapos will want to investigate guesthouses and inns. Particularly in the low season, a charming room in a privately owned guesthouse can run the same price as a private room in a hostel (and include a big, filling breakfast too). To see all hotels recommended by EuroCheapo’s editors, please visit our Dublin hotel guide.

However, what we tend to shout about less are the homegrown recipes we locals grew up with, the tastes that punctuate British cooking. While most visitors to London try to seek out a traditional fish and chips, English breakfast or Sunday Roast during their stay, one thing I think Britain does very well are desserts. And happily for Cheapos, these are almost always quite affordable!

Here’s a run down of my favorite desserts to look out for on any pub menu during your stay. I’m sure you won’t regret giving them a try.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

The absolute dream dessert for anyone with an ultra sweet tooth, Sticky Toffee Pudding is about as traditional as it gets. Nobody is quite sure when the recipe was really invented, but some believe it is as early as the start of the 1900′s. The pudding itself is a lovely steamed sponge with a dark, toffee color due to presence of dates and black tea in the recipe. The sponge is topped with a thick, rich, warm toffee sauce.

It’s normally served with cream, custard or vanilla ice cream, all of which make a welcome addition when matched with the intense sweetness of the dessert. Your teeth will hate you for this one, but your stomach will love you!

Fruit crumble is a summertime staple. Photo: rukakuusamo

Fruit Crumble

A summer favorite, crumble has been a staple British dessert since the 1940′s and you’ll find it made with lots of different fruit combinations on dessert menus across London. Traditionally, a fruit crumble is made with stewed apples, blackberries, rhubarb and sometimes sharp gooseberries. The delicious sweetened stewed fruit mixture is then covered with a crunchy “crumble” topping of sugar, flour and butter. It’s best eaten hot with a dollop of cold vanilla ice cream.

Strawberry Trifle — like “mum used to make.” Photo: sifu_renka

Trifle

One of the oldest British desserts, and one that highlights the nation’s love of custard, Trifle has been a traditional sweet since the 1500′s. Trifle isn’t found as regularly as other desserts on restaurant menus and tends to be a more nostalgic dish that everybody’s mum “used to make.” If you do spot it being sold somewhere, then it’s well worth a try, or alternatively you can pick one up in supermarkets like Marks & Spencer for a few pounds.

The main ingredient is thick custard, which is layered with sweet sponge cake, fruit jelly, fresh strawberries or raspberries, cream and a bit of sherry to give it a kick.

Eton Mess is a popular sugary mix of goodness. Photo: Curns

Eton Mess

This simple summer dessert is said to have been invented at Eton College in the 1930′s. It’s a sugary mixture of crushed meringues, fresh chopped strawberries and whipped cream that continues to be a popular choice with Brits today.

Bread and Butter Pudding is a traditional and delicious way to end a meal. Photo: sifu_renka

Bread and Butter Pudding

Very English and ever traditional, while Bread and Butter Pudding may sound like a strange way to end a meal, it really is delicious, with a surprisingly delicate taste. This dessert has been a staple dish since the 1700s at least, and is made by layering buttered bread and raisins with cream or milk, cinnamon and nutmeg. The dish is baked in the oven so that it is crispy on top and and gloriously soft underneath. It’s normally served warm with ice cream.

Where to try them

Good pubs in London will always offer a wide selection of traditional desserts, so check out our post on the best pubs in London and traditional British restaurants for some ideas.

Other locales of note include London’s oldest restaurant, Rules in Covent Garden, where they serve up a mean Sticky Toffee Pudding, if not a little on the pricey side at £7.95. Canteen is also worth a look – this small chain has restaurants on the South Bank, Canary Wharf, Baker Street and Spitalfields, and specializes in reviving classic Brit dishes. The desserts are delicious and start from a more palatable £4.50 each.

Roast in Borough Market and Market in Camden Town also offer a mouthwatering selection of typical desserts starting from around £7 each.

Have a favorite British dessert?

Did we miss one of your favorite British desserts? Have a suggestion for a great place to try any of those listed? Share with us (please!) in our comments section below.

Here’s our quick guide to introducing yourself to Amsterdam — without paying too much for the experience!

Friday night

Get saucy

You’ve arrived at Amsterdam Centraal station with just enough time to check in and have a night out. Do not take the taxi to your hotel unless you’re ready to spend €20 on the ride. At €2.75 for a one-hour ticket, trams are a better option in general for Amsterdam transit.

Note: If you haven’t yet found a place to stay in the city, swing by our guide to central budget hotels in Amsterdam. We’ve inspected, reviewed and chosen our favorite hotels that are all within walking distance of the sights mentioned in this itinerary. (Read more in our Amsterdam guide.)

Amsterdam’s Red Light District at dusk. Photo: Qiou87

Amsterdam Friday nights as a first timer basically demands a visit to the Red Light District. Take in all the eye candy by wandering through the oldest part of the city. Aim for streets like “Oudezijds Voorburgwal” and “Oudezijds Achterburgwal,” and all the alleyways in between. The Red Light District is safe and secure, more of an attraction than seedy streets. (Still, here’s a quick guide to scams to avoid when visiting.)

Enjoy a night cap at one of the many old sailor Dutch “brown cafes” off Nieuwmarkt or Zeedijk, the oldest street in the city. I’d recommend a micro brew at De Prael, a local brewery where each beer is named after a late great Dutch celebrity. A midnight stroll through the romantic Jordaan canal district is a top-notch way to end a first night out (for free!).

NOTE: For cannabis smokers, try to refrain from coffeeshops in the Red Light District. They’re all over priced and geared towards the uneducated pot smoker. Save your “down time” for later in the visit when you’ve got all the “must sees” checked off the list. (Coffee confusion? Read our article on the difference between coffeeshops and cafes.)

Pedal off on a bike tour. Photo: Hans S

Saturday

Bike it, and build around one idea

The best way to see Amsterdam is by bike, so rent one at least for a day. These bikes are easy going, fun and simple to use. Even the less-coordinated pedal pushers will love it. The streets were made for biking here. It’s healthy, it’s safe, and it beats being dragged around in a tram all day. Get to know the local bike safety rules, and pedal off!

For a daily dose of history, go for a guided bike tour. There are many to choose at competitive prices (€15 to €25 for a few hours).

If you do decide to ditch the bike idea, at least check out a walking tour. Tours are great for wrapping your head around new cultures and getting your bearings in a new city. Check out New Amsterdam Free Tours for stellar guides working on a tips only basis (tours at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm daily from Dam Square).

By afternoon you’ve seen the city life, and it’s time to step indoors. You can’t see the Anne Frank Huis, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt Huis and Heineken Experience all in one day. So pick one that tickles your fancy most, and build your afternoon around it.

Take in the Jordaan neighborhood’s free sights and shops. Photo: Remon Rijper

Anne Frank and free activities in the Jordaan

Since we’re strapped for time and in a Cheapo frame of mind, let’s say your pick is Anne Frank Huis, located on Prinsengracht just next to the magnificent Westerkerk (West Church). Don’t go right in the middle of the day, as it will be far too crowded. Instead, first spend some time walking down the canal towards Noorderkerk (North Church).

Between these two churches are a plethora of (free) pit stops. The Cheese Museum has an endless supply of free samples fresh from the farms. Next door, the Tulip Museum is an adorably quaint look-see of everything tulip.

Another block down is the Go Gallery, a fun and creative look at the city’s latest urban artists. And music and photography lovers will dig the Rock Archive’s collection of stunning black and white posters of rock legends.

Coffee breaks on the canal are best on the P96 café boat, but authentic and cozy brown cafes dot the Prinsengracht with charm and character. By the time you’ve arrived at Noorderkerk you’ll be in the thick of Saturday’s organic food market. Look for fresh oysters, baked goods, exotic herbs and pressed juices. It’s also a good spot for trinkets and postcards.

When it’s time to hit the Anne Frank Huis, buy your tickets online so you can skip the line. Last-minute buyers will want to pass by late afternoon, the museum is open until 9 pm during off-season, 7 pm during high season. (We recommend visiting at night. Here are some more time-saving tips for visiting Amsterdam.)

Give yourself about an hour inside, and expect to feel a little down afterwards. Trust me, the best pick-me-up is a slice of apple cake and a bike ride!

Cheap music and drinks at Mulligans Irish Bar. Photo: Illustir

Free music for the night out

Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are the hotspots for going out at night. This is when your wallet can run amok, so keep it cheap by finding quick eats. Places like Wok 2 Walk for Asian food, Maoz Falafel, and pizza joints are everywhere. Choose these over burgers and fries for a healthy meal, satisfying for both your tummy and wallet. (Read more about cheap eats in Amsterdam.)

Get a taste of nightlife on the cheap by checking out live music spots. Mulligan’s Irish bar has nightly live music at Rembrandtplein, but my pick is Jazz Café Alto at Leidseplein. It’s exciting, energetic, small and intimate; well worth the €5 for a Saturday night.

Other places like Bourbon Street Blues (€5) and the Last Waterhole (€1) keep the party going with live tunes until 4 am! But if relaxing is your forte, a brown bar on Nieuwmarkt can dish out a cold Heineken as you people watch from one of the many outdoor terraces overlooking the square.

Chill out on Sunday with a canal cruise. Photo: Caribb

Sunday

Wrap up with a canal cruise, coffeeshop, and cultural cuisine

It’s your last day in Amsterdam, and you’re exhausted from a busy Saturday. Take it easy this morning by opting for a lazy canal cruise (€12 to €16+) to float you around the center. Boat tours really give visitors a chance to step back and marvel at the funny facades of Amsterdam’s buildings. And it’s a way to be active while giving your body a rest!

Lunchtime is the best time to dine out on the cheap, menus offer lower prices and restaurants aren’t as busy. Thai Bird on Zeedijk has excellent lunch deals, while Burgermeester spots are great for healthy, hearty burgers. Outdoor markets like Albert Cuypmarkt, and Albert Heijn grocery stores have many options to go, and all-you-can-eat sushi is best at Sumo on Leidseplein and Vijzelstraat.

Or you could grabs a coffee or tea and experience one of Amsterdam’s fine “coffeeshops.” Stay out of the Red Light District or pay too much for bad quality. If you’re looking for the classic setting and decent cannabis, you’ll love places like De Dampkring. The more experienced smokers will want to try Grey Area. Whatever you decide, be responsible, and never mix cannabis with alcohol.

Early dinner?

Café Klos on Kerkstraat has the best ribs in town with a cozy brown bar ambiance. Not far is Café de Zotte, a Belgian beer bar that locals love for their selection and steak. Be ready to pay about €20 for a plate, but it will always include a salad and frites!

Those curious about Dutch cuisine should try stamppot at Moeders, down the Rozengracht West from Westerkerk. Crazy for pancakes? I’d say the Pancake Bakery on the Prinsengracht has the best setting and selection (although I recommend two additional pancake joints here). And spice lovers who want to turn up the heat can find Indonesian, Thai and Chinese dishes along Zeedijk, Amsterdam’s Chinatown. Dishes at these spots can range from €10 up.

Come back!

End your weekend with a bird’s eye view of the city from OBA, the free public library just by Amsterdam Centraal station. Soak it in, grab your bags, and hop on the train. We’ll see you again!

Below are five recommendations for very affordable sleeps in Venice. For dozens more options, be sure to stop by our guide to cheap hotels in Venice.

Hostel Domus Civica

Doubles from $80
Read review

One of the cheapest accommodations you’ll find in the city, the Hostel Domus Civica is a women’s college residence during the school year and becomes a hostel from June 1 to September 30. Located close to the Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia train station as well as the restaurant and wine bar-littered square of Campo Santo Margherita, this hostel is popular with un-fussy backpackers.

Rooms vary in size and guests can choose between private quarters or dorm-style. Although simple, rooms are extremely clean with warm wood furnishings. For safety reasons, nobody is allowed to enter the building between 12:30 am and 7 am, although if you have a special request they will work to accommodate it. When you’re feeling social, head to the TV lounge to meet other travelers.

The San Samuele is a spunky little place with style — and some super cheap rooms.

San Samuele

Doubles from $53
Read review

Located near the Campo San Steafano, Albergo San Samuele is a 1-star boutique hotel showcasing a variety of rooms to fit every budget, from single rooms with private bathrooms to doubles with shared facilities. (And yes, you read the “Doubles from $53″ correctly. That’s for a double with shared bath.) The vibe of the hotel is eclectic, with a mix of period furnishings, stone courtyard entry, modern art and rooms with marble floors and bright pink walls.

Budget-travelers will love the property’s free Wi-Fi as well as its central location, near St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, the Accademia and the Palazzo Grassi. For something unique to do in the city, the hotel offers rides with Venice’s first female gondolier, Alexandra Hai. For a Cheapo breakfast, head over to their sister property Hotel Salieri, which offers a continental buffet for €5.

The Gazzettino is an affordable three-star charmer that can be hard to find.

Al Gazzettino

Double rooms starting at $135
Read review

For something a bit more upscale but still affordable, the Hotel Al Gazzettino is a three-star hotel centrally located in Venice’s San Marco area between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Rated as “Excellent” by our staff hotel reviewers, the property features 10 rooms all with satellite TV, telephone, air conditioning, spacious modern bathrooms and either a street- or canal-view. Moreover, decor is in a romantic Venetian style with baroque prints, antique mirrors and period furniture.

Those on a budget will love the complimentary Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast spread of fruits, meats, cheeses, fresh croissants and Italian coffee.

The Centauro is a budget-friendly three-star hotel.

Hotel Centauro

Doubles from $90
Read review

Located in Venice’s historic center near St. Mark’s Square and the Great La Fenice Theatre, Hotel Centauro is a 16-century Venetian palace transformed into a three-star accommodation. Although budget-friendly, the hotel doesn’t skimp on comfort. All guest rooms feature satellite TV, telephone, air conditioning and Venetian-style furnishings.

Moreover, budget-travelers will enjoy free perks like one hour of Wi-Fi, a complimentary pass for the Venice Casino and a guided tour to the island of Murano to visit glass factories and view ancient art. They also offer reduced parking around the city. And for those who don’t want to leave their furry friends at home, the hotel allows guests to bring pets for no extra change.

In their sunny breakfast room, a buffet of warm croissants, cereals, yogurts, meats, cheeses, eggs, tea and coffee can be enjoyed. We recommend asking for a room with a canal view to enhance your stay even further.

The San Lio is located in a 14th century building near many of Venice’s biggest sights.

San Lio Tourist House

Double rooms starting at $139 per night
Read review

For travelers looking for an inexpensive accommodation in a central location, San Lio Tourist House is an excellent choice. As it’s located just a short walk from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, as well as restaurants and nightlife, you’ll save money on transportation. Rooms are clean and simple, with baroque print linens, television, air conditioning and private bathroom.

Additionally, the building itself gives guests a look into Venice’s history, as it dates back to the beginning of the 14th century.

Want more suggestions?

To read many (many!) more reviews of budget hotels in Venice, check out EuroCheapo’s Venice Guide. All of our editor’s picks have been inspected, photographed and reviewed by our editors.

And it’s also far cheaper. Using an Oyster card, it’ll cost you £4.40 a day at most to get anywhere on the London bus network, compared to double that on the Underground (find out more about how to use London buses in our guide).

With over 700 different bus routes in the city, there’s no need to pay for traditional sightseeing tours. Here are the five buses that every visitor to London should know about.

The RV1 is sometimes referred to as the “tourist bus.” Photo: Sludgeulper

RV1

We’ve sung the praises of this bus on EuroCheapo before and with good reason, as its route takes in some of the city’s most famous attractions (Londoners commonly know it as “the tourist bus”). It starts in Covent Garden before heading to the river for some stunning views, including the London Eye and the South Bank Buildings, and it trundles over Tower Bridge for a picture postcard perfect shot, before delivering you virtually to the door of the Tower of London.

All in all, a much better experience than that enjoyed historically by most visitors to the Tower.

#9 Heritage Route

Think of a traditional London bus and you’re probably thinking of a Routemaster: a red double decker, with a platform at the back for passengers to leap on and off. This style of bus had been on the road since the mid-1950s and its withdrawal from service in 2005 lead to howls of protests from its fans. Because of the protests, the Routemasters were allowed to keep operating on two “heritage” service: the 9 and the 15. The Heritage number 9 route is suitably scenic, running through Kensington, past the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and Green Park for Buckingham Palace, before terminating in Trafalgar Square.

A huge disadvantage is that the buses aren’t built for wheelchair or pushchair access (a reason behind them being taken out of service). However, there are also modern and access-friendly number 9 buses running along an extended version of the same route. Although slightly confusing, it does mean that the views are available to everyone.

The hardworking 38 bus heads from Victoria to the centre. Photo: Wirewiping

#38

The number 38 is a hardworking route, going all the way from Victoria Station to the south of the centre, up to Clapton in the East End. In fact, it’s the perfect route for visitors who have come straight off the bus or the train, as its hour-long journey (on a good day) takes in Piccadilly Circus, Marble Arch and Bloomsbury, before heading north to King’s Cross and Euston stations, and up east through Hackney.

As testament to its usefulness, this route was selected as the first to run the “new bus for London.” Introduced at the end of 2011, these new buses were designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the man behind the London Olympics cauldron. Their sleek and space-age style will give you something else to ponder as you cross the city.

The 24 shoots from Pimlico straight through the heart of London. Photo: Zongo

#24

No meandering around back streets for this bus. The 24 takes a very useful and direct route through the centre of the city. Starting in Pimlico, it travels through the heart of Westminster and past the Houses of Parliament, before shooting northwards. Use it to take you to drinks in Soho, or to check out Camden’s famous market, or to head for a bracing walk on Hampstead Heath. With the route taking an estimated 40 minutes in total, it’ll probably get you there quicker than the Tube, and certainly with more interesting things to look at along the way.

#8

For exploring the east of the city, you’ll need to get to know the number 8. It starts in the depths of the East End, and its route takes in some of London’s most fashionable bars, clubs and shops that are clustered around Brick Lane and Shoreditch. Then it’s onto the City itself – one of the oldest bits of London and where historical institutions brush up against today’s modern financial market. You can find out more in the Museum of London, one of the next stops on the route. A final sweep through Bloomsbury and then you’re bang into the centre of the city.

Did we miss your bus?

What are your favorite London buses? Tell us about the ones we’ve missed.

This was always about more than trees. That’s the thing about Turkey — a lot goes on without most of us in the EU and North America even noticing. Just occasionally, as now, Turkey grabs the media limelight.

Turkey’s railways

As with politics, so with transport in Turkey. The day will come when outsiders will suddenly wake up and realize that Turkey has a pretty good rail network. Make what you will of the Erdogan government, but under his controversial premiership, Turkey has pushed forward with a raft of development projects — and the railways have been key beneficiaries.

It may be that the park development in Istanbul will be the eventual undoing of Recep Tayyip Erdogan — a man whose capacity to heap sarcasm on his opponents does him no favors.

Linking Europe with Asia

Part of Erdogan’s legacy will be a number of major improvements in railway infrastructure. Several key projects have yet to be completed, most notably the undersea rail tunnel which will link Europe and Asia.

It’s called Project Marmaray and, if all goes smoothly in the final stages of this great engineering venture, then trains will be speeding under the Bosphorus by the end of this year. (And if it is delayed a little, as well it might be, we’d still bet our last Turkish lira that the Bosphorus railway line will be completed before the Berlin airport project).

High-speed connections

Major high-speed rail projects in Turkey are now coming to fruition. Cast back just two years and the fastest trains from Ankara to Konya took nine hours. Today, they take less than two hours.

In March this year, Erdogan inaugurated the new high-speed service from Ankara to Eskisehir. That is also a two-hour journey, a great improvement over the previous journey time of eight hours. By the end of next year that service is due to be extended to Pendik, just 20 miles east of Istanbul. Many other new routes are under construction.

Bus vs. rail

The ever-reliable Man in Seat 61 rightly highlights that the country’s bus operators must be wondering about their future. He asks: “Do you really want to spend 12 hours in a bus, when you can travel on a civilized inexpensive air-conditioned train?” He goes on to note that travelers on Turkish railways are spared the terrible roadside development that mars major highways across the country. That, for us, has always been a major plus of rail travel. It is as true of some parts of Poland and Italy as it is of Turkey.

So there is one revolution on the streets of Turkey, one which has reminded us that coverage on Twitter is nowadays worth more than exposure on television. And there has been another revolution on Turkey’s railways, one that will surely benefit Turkish citizens and visitors to the country for many decades to come.

Sure, New York is home to many a great art museum (some even free on certain days of the week), but when summer comes nothing beats enjoying free out-of-doors art in bustling parks. Here is the best of the bunch. And, because everyone loves a good art hotel, I’ve thrown in a few picks where you can sleep near interesting art for less.

Union Square

See: Jaehyo Lee’s naturally elegant works currently grace the southeast triangle of Union Square Park. The artist highlights “beauty in what is seen but not noticed.” Quite apropos for this oft-frenetic Manhattan hub, full of locals pushing through to the subways and teenagers rolling by on skateboards.

Tip: Head over on a Farmer’s Market afternoon (Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday) to pick up a cheap and yummy lunch and enjoy it, and the art, in the park.

Sleep: Not far from Union Square’s bustle is one of our most interesting hotel picks. Ye Olde Carlton Arms Hotel is part hostel, part hotel and all art. What it lacks in amenities (no TV or air conditioning here), it makes up for in flair (each room is decorated floor to ceiling by a different artist). Rooms are available with or without private baths.

The High Line

See: The popular elevated park features a number of interesting art works, including Busted, a series of figurative sculptures by various artists. Based on sculptures found in the streets of ancient Rome, the series examines the nature of heroes, democracy, the self and more.

Sleep with art at the quirky Ye Olde Carlton Arms.

Additionally, Carol Bove’s Caterpillar highlights the magical quality of the Rail Yards, the park’s final section, still untouched wilderness for one more year.

Tip: The High Line is populated with a number of street vendors. Pick up a snack and take a stroll. Also, since the Rail Yards are closed to the public, reserve ahead to get on a free public walk, offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. (Reservations are sold out until August 3. Tickets for August 3-September 28 will become available on June 18.)

Sleep: It’s the art of the Silver Screen that graces the walls of the Chelsea Pines Inn,  located a block east of the southern entrance to the High Line. Each of the inn’s rooms is devoted to a different Old Hollywood star, but this is far from your elitist Hollywood scene. In fact, it may just be the friendliest hotel in Manhattan.

Madison Square Park

See: Orly Genger’s undulating “Red, Yellow and Blue” weaves its way through the park, much as its nautical-knot composition gives the work itself a woven look. The work is monumental. It’s made from 1.4 million feet of rope (that’s nearly 20 times the length of Manhattan) collected along the Eastern Seaboard. Weighing in at 100,000 pounds, it changes the landscape of the park, creating nooks, crevices and open spaces like an urban version of the corn maze.

Tip: Wait in the long line for the Shake Shack, then find one of those private “chambers” to sit and enjoy burgers and Concretes.

Sleep: Situated two blocks north of the park, the Gershwin Hotel is bright, funky and artistic, so much so that it’s got its own “style guide,” a local artist associated with Warhol’s Factory. Rooms range from dorms to apartment-style, and all are decked out with quirky art pieces.

Riverside Park South

See: Meanwhile, on the Upper West Side… The Art Students League of New York brings back its “Model to Monument” program, showcasing seven sculptures by student artists, all addressing (in myriad ways) the theme of flux.

Now you can take a passeggiata on the High Line. Photo: Timothy Schenck, Courtesy of Friends of the High Line

Sleep: While it’s not exactly an art hotel, there is no shortage of pretty at the Harlem Flophouse, a truly special B&B about a 10-minute walk from Riverside Park. Each of the four guest rooms is named for a different Harlem personality, and décor is a grab bag of beautiful finds from all around the world.

Where else to get your art fix

Art abounds in many more New York parks, and there are even a number of not-so-cheapo hotels where you can view amazing art gratis. Here, a small sampling…

1. Take a stroll along the Park Avenue Malls to enjoy No Limits, Alexandre Arrechea’s series of sculptures representing iconic New York buildings from the Chrysler Building to the US Courthouse.

2. Wander through The James Hotel, a swanky Soho spot where the rooms are pricey but the art (in the entry, lobby, sky lobby and even elevator) is free to enjoy.

3. Take a trip out to the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk, where Heartwalk, commemorates both the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy (it’s constructed from the boardwalk the storm destroyed) and that fabulous New York resilience and love witnessed in the aftermath.

4. After taking in some museums on Museum Mile, take a peek in The Surrey Hotel, a schmancy spot with original modern art sprinkled throughout its public spaces. 5. Contemplate the confluence of humans and nature with Tomorrow, Akihiro Ito’s sculpture of a baby (the future) made from laminated wood (nature) in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park.

I was a little more than peeved. It being a relatively short trip with constant, cool temperatures at my destination, I had very little in the suitcase to begin with. Unlike other trips in which I have donned every article of clothing or shoved books down my pants to make my bag lighter, I had absolutely no difficulty in this instance fitting both my purse and laptop bag inside to abide by their one-bag rule. You have to wonder what the sense of a one-bag rule is if passengers are then expected to sort out their valuable and fragile items into another bag at the gate?

I put the agent off by telling her my bag would need to be repacked, hoping that in the meanwhile she would forget about me and my unproblematic suitcase.

But she was diligent. And when she tried to insist again there was no space on board over my own insistence that the bag in question fits easily under the seat (which, unlike the overhead bins, cannot be argued to be anything other than my space), a manager was called to resolve the issue. He examined my small suitcase and allowed it to go on board.

It’s about time

And after all that, because they’d sequestered so many carry-ons and because the flight wasn’t full, there was ample storage space in the cabin that went unused. It was pretty clear to me that the real issue had never been one of space, but rather of time.

The inbound flight had been late, which meant our departure was also delayed. In order to turn us around quickly, we would need to board as smoothly as possible. By removing the need to wait for other passengers to stow their luggage overhead or to search for empty bins in an overfilled section, the cabin crew surely cut time off both the loading and unloading of the plane. EasyJet reckons that the ground crew is faster at transporting and loading our luggage into the hold than we can get it in and out of the overhead bins! And they are probably right!

Know before handing off to the hold

But you as a passenger need to be aware that when you relinquish your carry-on to the hold, any damage or theft that occurs to the items in your luggage is governed by the general laws concerning airline liability, which are fixed in amount and, further, may be capped by the weight of the bag in question.

Also, to quote Air Canada, these regulations generally exclude damages for “liquids, valuables or items whose loss may cause serious damage, such as money, jewelery, silverware, negotiable papers, securities, computers, cameras, cellular phones, business documents, samples, paintings, antiques, artifacts, manuscripts, prescription drugs, or irreplaceable books or publications.” This changes in no way when an airline insists you gate check an item, so be thoughtful about removing all such items from your luggage before turning it over.

easyJet’s uncertain carry-on “guarantee”

EasyJet has posted a “guarantee” on its website — if your luggage meets certain, more restrictive size guidelines, you are assured of a space for your carry-on luggage on board. Please read this less as a “guarantee” for travelers and more as an assurance that this time-saving strategy of confiscating bags is set to be rolled out across the continent this summer.

The “guaranteed” size is currently 50 x 40 x 20 cm, so measure your bag to have a sense of whether or not this might affect you. If it will, assume the worst and take the following precautions:

• Pack another foldable bag/tote to move items into;
• Remove all breakable and valuable items from the bag to be checked;
• If you are carrying fragile equipment, goods, or gifts, package them securely against breakage beyond the protection of your suitcase (i.e. in a cardboard box, not just paper or bubble wrapped).

Finally, as in my case, if you are unwilling to check your bag or worried about transporting your valuables without breakage, politely but firmly request an exception from the gate agent. If s/he is unwilling, request to speak to their manager.

Also in our guide: Looking to see which budget airlines fly between European cities? Do a flights search and see times and prices from Ryanair, easyJet and more.

1. Paris Plages
July 20 – August 18

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

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

2. Outdoor Cinema
July 24 – August 24

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

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

3. Picnic with the locals

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

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

4. Soldes!
June 26 – July 30

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

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

5. Off-Broadway in Paris
June and July

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

6. The Titanic Exhibit
June 1 – September 15

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

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

7. Music Festivals
All summer

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

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

8. Frozen treats

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

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

Hurry up, it’s melting! Photo: cameronparkins

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

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

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

9. Bastille Day
July 14

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

10. The Great Exodus: Parisians leave
August

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

Your favorite reasons for visiting Paris in the summer?

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

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