Winter is one of the best seasons for Cheapos to visit Dublin. Not only are airfares and hotel rates at their cheapest for the year, but the cold temperatures offer a great excuse to get snug in the pub and order up an Irish coffee.

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.

But for bus fiends, devotees of road transport who feel inclined to coach the highways of Europe, most rail passes are of little help (although some locally sold passes, such as the Explore Wales pass, do usefully combine road and rail transport).

Euroline's London Victoria Coach Station ticket counter. Photo: Vief C.

Easy connections by road

But if trains are not your thing, or you just fancy trying something different why not opt for a pass to explore the Eurolines coach network?

If you don’t know about Eurolines, check out our article earlier this month which gave a few key facts on why coach travel can be a credible alternative to taking the train on many European journeys.

From €175 for 15 days

Current pass prices start at €175 for 15 days of unlimited low-season travel between major cities in two dozen countries across the Eurolines network. That fare holds for anyone aged under 26. For older travelers, the fare for the same 15-day pass edges up to €205. 30-day passes are also available, with the current adult pass costing €310. All passes carry premium prices during high season.

Critics of the Eurolines pass have often argued that the scheme emphasizes larger cities at the expense of smaller places (although Eurolines’ dense network really does serve many out-of-the-way spots). The Eurolines consortium responded in 2011 by adding in a few secondary cities to the pass scheme. These newcomers include Rennes, Tours, Dijon, Nancy, Alicante and Kaunas.

From Ireland to the Baltic States

Once you have your pass, you can roam at will between cities included in the scheme. The geographical coverage is impressive, extending from Dublin and Edinburgh to Rome and Bucharest. Of course, you will need to change coaches on many long journeys.

Eurolines services are intended mainly for international journeys, but there are some domestic hops that can be booked by pass holders. Barcelona to Madrid is one, and Edinburgh to London another (though Catalonian and Scottish nationalists might well argue that both journeys are international in spirit).

Reserve seats in advance

Eurolines offers a hassle-free way of exploring principal cities across Europe in comfort, but a little advance planning pays off. All seats can be reserved, and on popular routes the coach can be full. So Eurolines strongly advise that travelers reserve each leg a few days in advance. Any specific sector can only be ridden twice during the validity of a pass.

You will find a wealth of further information, all very impressively ordered, at www.eurolines-pass.eu and www.eurolines.com/eurolines-pass/.

Vahram Muratyan’s book Paris vs. New York: A Tally of Two Cities has been making quite an impression on big city dwellers. Debuting at Colette last year in Paris and launching in February in New York, the book visually chronicles the comparisons and contrasts between both iconic cities. Images illustrate the cultural showdown, like the macaron versus the cupcake, the baguette versus the bagel, or the bobo versus the hipster.

Recently images form the new book have been making waves across social media sites, particularly Muratyan’s map of Paris that replaces arrondissements with New York neighborhoods.

The Café Francais, in Bastille. Photo: SSedro

For those who know both cities, the comparisons are uncanny, so I thought it might be fun to see which ones are spot-on and which ones seem like a stretch:

1. Bastille – Bowery, East Village: Spot on.

The young, artsy, still up-and-coming Bastille neighborhood where the Revolution ceremoniously began (well, for some) reflects the same vibe you get walking through the gentrifying East Village – although Bastille is much better serviced by the subway system.

2. Marais – West Village, Chelsea: Spot on.

The quirky gay-friendly Marais has all of the vivacity of Chelsea and the West Village, with pricey boutiques to match.

Café Pick Me Up, East Village. Photo: Marco Mazzei

3. Latin Quarter – Greenwich Village, NYU: Stretch.

50 years ago it would have been true, but besides being student neighborhoods, the Latin Quarter feels much more like a tourist trap than the Village. It’s a place where students occasionally study and party, with none of the urban campus vibe of NYU where thousands of students actually live.

4. Montmartre – Gramercy: Spot on.

Severely gentrified since its Belle Epoque bohemian days (think Moulin Rouge) Montmartre, much like Gramercy Park, is a charming place that most people just look at with so few possessing the keys (read: money) to truly access this neighborhood.

5. Passy – Upper West Side: Stretch.

Young people live in and like the Upper West Side. Some young people live in Passy, but no one likes it.

Tourists stream down the Champs-Élysees. Photo: Caribb

6. Champs Elysées – Times Square: Spot on.

Both are equally avoided by locals. At all cost.

7. Arc de Triomphe – Washington Square: Stretch.

We get the similarities, but the Beatniks and students at the Washington Square arch have nothing in common with the Napoleonic greatness of the military-inspired Arc de Triomphe.

8. Choissy – Chinatown: Spot on.

Porte de Choissy is Paris’s liveliest Chinatown, though New  York’s version is even more vibrant.

Taking in Times Square. Photo: Ed Yourdon

9. Saint-Germain – Upper East Side: Stretch.

While they share similar qualities like museums and old rich people, Saint-Germain has many redeeming ones for locals, including great restaurants, boutiques, and endless café culture. The Upper East Side has redeeming qualities as well.  Just give me a few minutes…

10. Louvre – The Met, Union Square: Stretch.

Two big museums, OK, it was necessary. But I’m not sure about the Union Square comparison aside from the skateboarders.

11. Opéra – Theatre District: Spot on.

Locals and visitors alike flock to the area around the Opéra for a night of ballet, music, or comedy in one of the many smaller venues that fuels Paris’s theater scene. Even though theaters are found all over the city, the majestic Opéra Garnier and its little brother the nearby Opéra Comique are two of the most popular.

Your comparisons? So urban dwellers, what do you think about the comparisons between these cities?

There is a feeling among some backpackers and DIY-type travelers that tours are for, well, tourists. Granted, I don’t want to be one of 75 people following a guide’s orange flag through the city streets of Rome or London. Not only do those sorts of tours make me feel embarrassed, it’s almost impossible to hear what the guide is saying with that many people.

This is not to say I don’t like tours. I love tours. Tours with a local in Barcelona (or any city) are excellent ways to A) meet a local (the guide), B) pick his brain about where to eat dinner, and C) learn all sorts of weird stuff about the place you’re visiting.

In Barcelona I have taken quite a few tours even though I live here. These tours have opened my eyes and helped me to see a side of the city that I never would have experienced otherwise. Here are my suggestions for local, small, savvy city tours in Barcelona:

George Orwell Tours

Before booking with Alan Warren of George Orwell Tours, read Homage to Catalunya by George Orwell. Warren’s tours focus on Barcelona during the Civil War, a fascinating time in Spanish history which has not been forgotten by the older generation and has certainly shaped current culture in Barcelona and Catalonia.

Many foreigners from the United States and the United Kingdom came to Spain during the Civil War to fight for the Republic and against fascism (a little known fact), and George Orwell was one of them. Later, Orwell went on to write Homage to Catalunya about his experiences in Barcelona and on the front.

Warren’s tour takes visitors on a stroll through 1930’s Barcelona visiting important Orwell sights, such as the hotel he stayed in, battle grounds, and the George Orwell Square. If you’re interested in anarchy, the Civil War and Spanish politics, this is the tour to go on. It’s also very affordable.

Secrets and Legends Tour

Juan J. Pardo Eimil took me on one of the best tours I’ve ever done. What’s more, the tour was of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, an area I’ve trod extensively over the last six years. His Secrets and Legends Tour, which explores the Roman and medieval center of the metropolis, is the ideal way to get to know Barcelona. Book him on your first or second day in the city to gain your bearings.

His tour company, Juan Ciempies Turisme Cultural, offers several tour options. Those already familiar with the city may want to ask him about his El Raval neighborhood tour to see a less “touristy” part of the city, which is rich in history and incredibly trendy with young people these days.

Other tours

Here are some more options for touring around Barcelona:

Runner Bean Tours - “Free” tours of the city; tipping expected at the end.

El Moli Tours - Not in Barcelona, but just outside the city in wine country. Tours by bike and foot. Lots of wine tasting!

Barcelona By Bike - Bike tours of the city daily.

Even during the off season Amsterdam is a busy place. Lines for museums are common, stuffy buses are all too familiar, and traveling in and out of the city can take some time.

Here are 10 ways to keep you from playing the waiting game and make the most out of your trip to Amsterdam:

1. Pay in cash

Forget paying with a credit card in grocery stores, they only accept cash or Dutch debit cards. And many authentic Amsterdam cafes (and coffeeshops) only take cash. Save time by always having cash on hand, and use your credit cards for the shops and ATM machines.

2. Buy day tickets on public transportation

Yes, you can buy your ticket on the trams and buses, but save time (and annoying people behind you) and buy a day ticket if you’re taking public transport. This way you can simply “punch” your ticket when going on and off the tram or bus like everyone else. (Look for the round pads on the side of the doors that say “OV”.)

Visit the Anne Frank House Museum in the evening to avoid the line (above). Photo: Mattmangum

3. Go to Anne Frank House, late

During high tourist season the Anne Frank House Museum is open until 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Saturdays); and during the off season until 7 p.m. (9 p.m. on Saturday). In fact, during July and August the museum doesn’t close until 10 p.m. daily. So save time and avoid that long line by coming later, about an hour before close.

4. Make dinner reservations

Since Amsterdam’s old city center is well preserved, it also means cafes and restaurants have a small capacity for patrons. Save time searching for an open table by simply reserving a place at a café. Call ahead (or stop by) during the afternoon and you should be fine.

5. Bike around

Waiting around for trams and buses gets old fast – Amsterdam public transport isn’t as frequent as other European capitals, especially on weekends. Save time (and money) by renting a bike during your stay. It’s fun, healthy, and once you learn the rules of the bike paths, it’s a breeze!

6. Party outside the center

On weekends the city center is packed with people, mostly foreigners and Dutch people coming to the Dam for a big weekend. Save time and stay away from the bars and clubs at the big party squares – you’ll spend ages waiting for a drink or club entry. Instead, hit the surrounding hoods like De Pijp, Jordaan, Oost or Westerpark. These areas are more fun, authentic and comfortably filled with locals.

7. Book train tickets in advance and use kiosks

It might sound obvious, but I wholeheartedly encourage travelers to book train tickets in advance online. Whether you have a print-out on hand or you have to use a kiosk computer at the station – both methods are so much faster than waiting in line to buy tickets at the station. (Of course, checking in for flights in advance and using self-service check in at the airport will also save you loads of time.)

8. Get Dutch-y

Although everyone in Amsterdam speaks English and things are rather international, don’t spend time searching for your favorite chain coffee store or smoothie shop. Suppress your cravings for tacos and hot dogs – you won’t find the real deal here, and you’ll waste valuable time. Instead, get Dutch. Head for the fries stands, falafel shops and fresh orange juice. Want to taste something exotic? Try Indonesian or Surinamese cuisine – the Mexican and Chinese food of The Netherlands. (Here’s a list of our favorite late-night snacks.)

9. Don’t bother getting to the airport too early

Be early for your flight, but don’t overdo it: It takes about 20 minutes to get from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Schipol Airport. If you’re flying on a low-cost carrier to another EU destination, gate assignments don’t even appear on the departure screens until 40 minutes before takeoff. If you just have a carry on, don’t overdo your prep time for short flights. Two hours is just too long for an EasyJet flight; 60 to 90 minutes is fine.

10. Don’t wait empty handed

Face it: There will be times when you’ll just have to wait around. When you find yourself stuck in a long line, waiting for transport, or twiddling thumbs on the train, pass the time with something good. Whether it’s a book or a light-weight tablet for videos, having an extra something to keep entertained while waiting is still the best way to remedy the waiting itch.

Also in our guide: We can also save you time hunting down the best budget hotels in Amsterdam. Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed cheap hotels in Amsterdam, all centrally located, clean and affordable. Read more in our Amsterdam hotel guide.

No international trains

Even this time last year, there were still direct trains from Greece to five other countries. But then the Greek government stepped in, anxious to limit public-sector debt, and ordered the cessation of all international rail services across the country’s borders. This woeful lack of regard to neighborly relations won Greece few friends. And it probably did not save Greece much money. Most of the carriages used on those long runs from Greece to distant capitals were provided by foreign railway administrations.

The last international services ran in mid-February last year. As a result, travelers lost links from Greece to Istanbul, Sofia, Belgrade and many other cities. Curiously, Bulgaria had just the previous month been added to the Eurail scheme, thus allowing Eurail pass-holders to follow creative new itineraries through the eastern Balkans to Greece.

Greek petulance over the question of international rail links meant that many travelers had to abort their plans and Greece thus lost visitors who would surely have helped boost the country’s ailing economy.

Cruising affordably in Greece aboard the Minoan lines. Photo: Edoardo Forneris

International alternatives by bus

When international rail services to and from Greece were suspended, it looked as though this might be a temporary affair. But now, as it is turning out to be a more permanent fixture, let’s examine the options for those still keen to visit Greece in 2012.

The capitals of Macedonia and Bulgaria are still very well connected with the wider European rail network, and both are just short hops by express coach from the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki. You will find timetables for coaches from Skopje to Thessaloniki and for coaches from Sofia to Thessaloniki and Athens in the European Rail News section of the Europe by Rail Web site.

The boat option

For travelers from western Europe, ferries from Italy are a credible option (and some give discounts or even free deck passage to holders of certain rail passes). Our preferred route is the Venice to Patras service which gives a lovely cruise on the run down the Adriatic. Minoan Lines and Anek Lines both operate this route, with journey times varying from 29 to 35 hours.

If such a leisurely approach to Greece is out of the question, look for faster crossings from Ancona, Bari and Brindisi.

Rail options inside Greece

The national rail operator in Greece is OSE. They may have scrapped all international services, but trains within Greece are still running. True there have been some changes since the financial crackdown of early 2011.

Yet there is still a very good service on the main Athens to Thessaloniki axis, and frequency is much the same as it was a year or two ago. But the fastest trains now take an hour longer than they did in 2010. On the main route east from Thessaloniki towards Thrace, until last February used by the international services to Turkey, services have been savagely cut. Where once there were six trains each day from Thessaloniki to Alexandrupoli, now there are just two.

On some branch lines, services have been completely withdrawn and elsewhere frequencies trimmed. And sleeping cars have been removed from the few remaining overnight services. There is, it seems, no place for creature comforts in the Hellenic Republic’s new austerity drive.

Saving your pennies can feel like an impossible task in a city like London when just using public transport can burn a massive hole in your pocket. Thankfully, all the main museums are free, meaning that large chunks of your day can be spent admiring everything from the wonders of the universe at the Science Museum, to the world-famous artwork at the National Gallery without parting with a penny.

Beyond the museums, you need to be crafty to get the best value out of central London – so get your Oyster Card ready (see my previous post on saving on public transport) and follow these tips to have fun on a budget in London.

Cheapo-friendly live music

Ronnie Scott’s aside, many of London’s lesser known blues and jazz bars offer free entry and excellent live music. Plus, the venues are quirky and the atmosphere friendly and relaxed.

Try Ain’t Nothin’ But blues bar in Soho for a fun night of live entertainment without the hefty entry fees. There is live music every night of the week and free entry Sunday-Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays it’s free to get in before 8.30 p.m.

The Spice of Life in Cambridge Circus, Soho, also hosts an eclectic open-mic night on Mondays and a blues jam on Tuesdays, both of which are free to get in.

Free laughs at Islington's Camden Head. Photo: Dom Stocqueler

Alternatively, head to the Road Trip Bar in Old Street on a Wednesday night for the jazz-fusion Hoxton Jam.

For something more relaxed, factor in a trip to ‘Round Midnight in Angel, Islington for the Monday night acoustic session which kicks off at 8 p.m.

Free laughs

London is also home to an impressively large number of free comedy nights, so if you’re up for a bit of good old British humor, this is an ideal Cheapo way to spend an evening.

The beautiful Queen’s Head pub in Denman Street (Piccadilly Circus) runs The Absolutely Free Comedy Night every Wednesday and Sunday from 8.30 p.m.

The Camden Head, just off Islington’s buzzing Upper Street, plays host to Angel Comedy on Saturday nights, plus Free and Funny every Thursday and each second and third Sunday of the month, all of which start at 8 p.m.

If you’re in the mood for a New York sense of humor, don’t miss Lewis Schaffer is Free Until Famous at The Source Below, just behind Regent Street. The Brooklyn-born comedian’s twice weekly show has become pretty legendary on the London comedy scene and is now in its 18th year. Catch Lewis on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 p.m. and be sure to register your name on the guestlist in advance to guarantee entry.

Eat, drink and be pampered

If you’re looking to frequent some of London’s more exclusive establishments on a Cheapo’s budget, be sure to check out Travelzoo’s Local Deals. I can’t guarantee what you’ll find as the deals change all the time, but I have been wowed by huge savings at some of London’s finest restaurants, as well as some pretty nifty deals to swanky spas and bars. The deals last for several months so even if you see something ahead of your trip you can snap it up and then use it when you arrive in London.

For discounts on all sorts of different restaurants across the city, from the cheap and cheerful to the downright expensive, make sure you check out TopTable before booking. This is especially good for lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Also in our guide: All laughing aside, we also have recommendations for the best cheap hotels in London. Our editors have inspected, photographed and reviewed hotels throughout central London looking for the best deals. Read more in our London hotel guide.

Trekking to Paris? Interested in the arts? Don’t forget the smaller museums, galleries and institutions. While running the streets in the city, I’ve spied a few recent trends. A great deal of the town halls (“mairies”) in the various arrondissements are sponsoring many of the coolest shows. And they’re usually free, to boot. Cha-ching.

For example, check out the striking “Marcel Storr, Bâtisseur Visionnaire” (“visionary builder”) exhibit at the Pavillon Carré de Baudouin. Sponsored by the Mairie of the 20th arrondissement, it will shine through March 31, 2012. Calling all connoisseurs!

Towering works by Marcel Storr

Meet Marcel Storr

Cheapos, lean in because Storr’s story is an interesting one. Born in 1911, he was abandoned as a child, and raised by nuns in a convent. He later worked as a miner, and then as an unloader of trucks at the old Paris central food market of Les Halles before he found a job sweeping leaves in the Bois de Boulogne.

Fascinated by towers and tall buildings, he started drawing in secret during his spare time, filling spiral bound notebook after notebook with pencil and colored ink drawings of cathedrals and utopian cities of the future.

Here’s what caught my little eye

The intricate, exquisite drawings mirror both the golden autumn leaves, along with the towers at La Defense, which were built before his very eyes during the 1960s while he swept away the falling foliage. As a leaf sweeper in Bois de Boulogne, he had quite the catbird seat. And he loved it. “We need towers! We need towers!” he said.

Fast forward

Liliane and Bertrand Kempf discovered his stash of drawings one night in 1971 while the artist was away from home. Storr’s wife introduced them to his dreamy world, which had been hidden under the bed and oilcloth of the kitchen table. And now forty years later, for the first time ever, the works have been put on display. The 60 drawings in the current show have never been on public exhibition before.

Organized by France’s legendary visionary and outsider guru Laurent Danchin, his dedication and passion for visionary, outsider and self-taught art shows through every inch of this thoughtful and exciting presentation. Looking very much like a dashing, modern day Victor Hugo, Danchin has organized numerous exhibitions, and written several books on the subject. Cheapos, he knows.

Keira Knightley, where are you?

For the love of epic historic films, I ask. Great news! The exhibit is in the Pavillon Carré de Baudouin, an 18th-century “folie” (country house). Rocking colossal columns and a villa vibe with a neoclassical twist, this former party crib for the rich and famous is located about six blocks from the Mairie of the 20th arrondissement.

Outsider guru Laurent Danchin

And yes, this old house pushed me back in time and beyond the present-day city walls. If it’s a pretty day, book it there with a book and a snack. The garden is divine.

And there’s a catalog!

Here’s a tip for the road! If you can’t make it to the show itself, there’s a catalog and it’s a beauty. You can pick one up nearby at the bookshop Le Monte en L’air (71 rue de Ménilmontant) or at the Musée Halle Saint Pierre (2 rue Ronsard, 18th arrondissement).

As curator Laurent Danchin said, “Creation is elevation of the mind. If you want to know what the word ‘genius’ really means and to see a paramount case of genuine ‘art brut’ or ‘outsider art’, just go see the show. Marcel Storr is a great master of highly inspired non-professional art.” Just do it, Cheapos.

Bring a book to the Pavillon Carré de Baudouin

Snack options abound!

Looking to lunch before or after visiting the gallery? I recently enjoyed a coffee with Laurent at Le Gambetta café. Located just outside the Gambetta Métro station at 104 Rue de Bagnolet, the jaunty joint is very charming and affordable, too. Plus, the piping hot beverage is served with a scrumptious piece of dark chocolate. (Goodbye, heart.)

Laurent also recommends Chez Luna, conveniently located nearby at 108 rue de Ménilmontant.

For the love of classic French neighborhoods, the Gambetta ’hood is chock-full of trees, cafés and shops. It’s totally worth the hike up the (gently steep) rue des Pyrénées. Oh, the places we will see. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the cheese shops and brocantes, along with some fun, infectious street art too. Wear comfortable shoes.

Multi-taskers, the Cimetière du Père Lachaise is located nearby at 15 Boulevard de Ménilmontant.

Got a hankering for still more visionary art?

If you’re in Paris, stop and visit Halle Saint Pierre (2 Rue Ronsard, 18th arrondissement). This international jewel features both contemporary and historic works by self-taught and outsider artists. Housed in a former 19th-century food market, HSP also boasts one of the best art bookshops in Paris and a homey café with a striking view of Sacré Coeur. Great quiche!!

Getting there

Pavillon Carré de Baudouin
121 rue de Ménilmontant, 20th arrondissement
Métro Gambetta or the “96” bus line (Pyrénées/Ménilmontant)
Open: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM

Also in our guide: Planning your trip to Paris and looking for an affordable place to stay? Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed the best cheap hotels in Paris (all of them central, clean and cheap). Read more in our Paris hotel guide.

Only have €10 in your pocket? There are still many ways to spend a day in Dublin. Whether you’re craving some fresh air, want to indulge in culinary pleasures, or even do a little shopping, here are 10 activities in Dublin that will set you back less than €10.

1. Kilmainham Gaol — €6

Every trip to Dublin should include a little history. A captivating guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol will shed light on a group of Irish revolutionaries that gave their lives for the creation of the republic.

2. Rent Bikes in Phoenix Park – €10

Dublin is home to the biggest city park in Europe, Phoenix Park. Visitors can take advantage of the bike rental program, Dublin Bikes, but a credit card is required and not all stands accept cards. Another simple option is to rent your bike from Phoenix Park Bike Hire, at the cost of €10 for three hours.

3. Cake Café – €6 for cake and coffee

Part of the fun of stepping into a new city is finding yourself at an off the beaten path café surrounded by locals. Venture into the Portobello neighborhood and located off a small street and through an even smaller courtyard is the Cake Café, home to mismatched plates and fresh baked treats.

Catch something edgy and independent at the Irish Film Institute. Photo: Pierofix

4. Jameson Distillery – €11.70 (€10.60 for students)

This one is slightly over budget for non-students, but worth every cent. A tour of the former Jameson Distillery will not only bring you to the interesting Smithfield neighborhood, but will also bring you through a distillery, teach you about the process of making famous Irish whiskey, and even includes a tasting.

5. Walk the Pier in Dun Laoghaire – €2 each way

Board the DART train in the city center and head south to the coastal village of Dun Laoghaire. Right near the train station you’ll see the entrance to a pier jetting out into the Irish Sea. For the price of the train ticket you can watch the sailboats, see local families fishing, and maybe even catch a glimpse of seals swimming around the pier.

6. Irish Film Institute – €9.90

If you need an alternative to another night in the pub, check out what’s playing at the Irish Film Institute. Not only is this a hangout spot for Dublin’s artistic and literary set, but it is also a great place to see independent, European, and Irish films.

7. Take Advantage of Lunch Specials – €10

One of the best ways to eat well in Dublin is eat your big meal at lunchtime. There are great lunch specials throughout Dublin, including at one of the city’s latest hot restaurants, the Rustic Stone. At this healthy-focused restaurant, for €10 you can dig into dishes like sushi-style tuna with ginger couscous, tofu, and lime.

8. Hike from Bray to Greystones – €2.50 each way

To get to know the waterfront city of Dublin, take a hike along the coast. One of the best ways to accomplish this without breaking the budget is to take the DART train bound for Bray, follow the coastal hiking trail south 2 ½ hours to Greystones, and hop the DART back to the center of Dublin.

9. The Dublin Flea Market – Free

If you happen to be in Dublin on the last Sunday of the month, head to Co-op on Newmarket Square for the Dublin Flea Market. Entry is free, and your €10 will stretch far on the goods for sale here such as vintage clothes and accessories.

10. Sample Local Cheeses – €10

Step into Sheridan’s Cheesemonger, tell them you have a budget of €10 and would like to sample some local cheeses. There’s more to Irish cheese than Cashel blue and farmhouse cheddar, you’ll learn from these cheese experts. Take your stash to nearby St Stephens Green for a picnic.

Also in our guide: Heading to Dublin? Don’t blow all your euros on sleeping! Our editors have inspected, photographed and reviewed the best cheap hotels in Dublin. Read more in our Dublin hotel guide.

New York business owners and workers consider foreign tourists notoriously bad tippers. To be fair, many tourists are visiting from countries that don’t expect substantial tipping. And face it, eating, drinking, traveling and getting beautiful in New York is already pretty expensive, even without the gratuity thrown in at the end.

Although tipping can stretch the traveler’s budget, it’s really quite important. Most waiters don’t make a living wage, so they rely upon the tips to balance out their income. The same goes for taxi drivers, whose tips make up roughly 25 percent of their income.

Tipping isn’t hard or complicated. Here’s a quick overview of how much to tip in New York:

Paying for your taxi by credit card. Add 25%, 20%, 15% or whatever you like. Photo: Wayan Vota

Taxis

Even New Yorkers find tipping taxi drivers difficult at times. It’s no secret that cabbies face long hours and dangerous working conditions. That said, some drivers can be pretty rude, refusing to drive to outer boroughs or ignoring you while chatting on their hands-free phones. Still, you’ve got to tip.

Most passengers tip around 15 percent of the fare. The credit card machines available in all yellow cabs give passengers the option to tip 15, 20 and 25 percent. Don’t panic, Cheapos. You can still tip as you see fit using the keypad.

Restaurants

This is the big one, and applies to all restaurants where a waiter brings food to your table. (This does not apply in fast-food restaurants where you order at a counter and take your own food to a table.)

After paying your bill, leaving a 15-18 percent tip is standard. If service is outstanding, reward your waiter with 20 to 25 percent. You can add it to your bill if paying by credit card, or simply leave the money on the table, if paying with cash.

Always look carefully at your bill: The tip should not be already included. However, we’ve heard that certain swanky establishments like the Gansevoort Hotel have started adding 18 percent gratuity for everyone.

Larger groups (more than six people) should expect to have gratuity automatically added to their bill (usually about 18 percent). Make sure you check your bill carefully, and ask if it isn’t clear.

Note for foreign visitors: We’ve noticed, with some frustration, that gratuity is sometimes added to bills when it’s obvious that the diners are foreigners. It’s annoying, as it sends a message that just because the waiter or manager overheard the table speaking a foreign language, the diners will be unaccustomed to adding a tip on their own. Be aware and check your bill carefully — especially if you’re speaking another language.

Coat check

If you hand your coat, bag or purse to an attendant to be checked away while you dine or attend an event, giving a $1 tip is customary when you pick up your item.

At some bars, you’ll pay a small charge per item when you drop them off. This is a sort of preemptive tip. Feel free to drop off another tip when you pick up your item, although it won’t really be necessary.

Note that tipping is not required (and may be forbidden) when checking items at museums.

Bars

For a drink under $10, a $1 tip per drink is common. Go up from there depending on the quality of the bar. Most bartenders agree there’s a difference between pulling a beer tap at a dive bar and muddling fresh ingredients to make a top-notch drink at a lounge—and they expect customers to tip accordingly.

Tipping in bars has more to do with making sure your next drink comes faster than it is about service. But by all means, give the cute, friendly or super-efficient bartender a couple more dollars.

Salons

In the land of $7-manicures, feel like a big spender with a 30 percent tip—it’ll only set you back $2 extra.

When it comes to the other services at hair salons and day spas, the standard 15 to 20 percent rule applies.

Getting a 90-minute massage? Feel free to go over 20 percent for your tip. You’ve just spent quite a bit of time with a complete stranger!

Your tips?

Have any advice on tipping to add to our list? Tip us off in our comments section.

Also in our guide: Heading to New York and looking for great, affordable places to sleep? Check out our reviews of the best cheap hotels in New York City, all visited, inspected and reviewed by our team of editors. Read more in our New York hotel guide.