1. Jeronimos Monastery Cost: €12 for adults, free for children under 12, €6 for seniors (65+), and €6 for students; or free with the Lisboa Card. Highlights: Jeronimos Monastery, also known as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, is a stunning example of Manueline architecture, a Portuguese style that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements with maritime motifs. Commissioned by King Manuel I in the early 16th century, the monastery was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for his safe return. The monastery's architecture is simply spectacular. The intricate stone carvings adorning the façade showcase the wealth and artistry of Portugal's Age of Discovery. Detailed motifs, such as twisted ropes, sea creatures, and botanical elements, reflect the country's seafaring history and the natural world. And inside, visitors can marvel at the beautiful cloisters, considered some of the most magnificent in the world. Tips: - With so much to see, make sure to plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the monastery and its grounds. - After your visit, take some time to check out from Pastéis de Belém, which has been serving their famous custard tarts since 1837. It's just a short walk from the monastery and is a must-try treat while in Lisbon. Best Time to Go: The lines can get very long, so make sure to get there right when they open at 9:30 am. 2. Miradouro de Santa Luzia Cost: Free Highlights: This miradouro (viewpoint) offers one of the best views in Lisbon, as it provides a panoramic look at the Alfama district and the Tagus River. The tiled mosaics and beautiful gardens add to its charm, making it the perfect spot to catch a sunset. Best Time to Go: We recommend going at sunset. The views at sunset are especially breathtaking at that time and the lighting is perfect for photos. 3. Carmo Convent Cost: €7 for adults, €5 for children, students, & seniors. Highlights: The Carmo Convent, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, stands as a significant reminder of Lisbon's past. Partially destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1755, the convent's roofless nave creates a beautiful open-air space. Today, it houses the Carmo Archaeological Museum, where visitors can explore a fascinating collection of artifacts, including prehistoric relics, medieval tombs, and ancient sculptures. Best Time to Go: The Carmo Convent tends to get crowded in the afternoon, so we recommend getting there when it opens at 10 am. 4. Praça do Comércio Cost: Free Highlights: One of the largest squares in Europe, Praça do Comércio is bordered by impressive yellow buildings and the Tagus River. It's a vibrant hub of activity with restaurants, cafes, and the iconic Rua Augusta Arch. Best Times to Go: We recommend going in the early evening to catch the sunset. The square is also beautifully lit at night, perfect for a leisurely stroll after dinner. 5. Lisbon Cathedral Cost: €5 for adults, €3 for children Highlights: The oldest church in Lisbon, the Lisbon Cathedral features a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Highlights include the impressive rose window, the Gothic cloister, and the treasury with its collection of sacred art. Best Time to Go: To avoid the crowds, we recommend going in the early morning or late afternoon.

How to Spend the Perfect 4 days in Paris Day 1: Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe Morning Arrival: - Arrive at CDG Airport: Once you land, take the metro (RER B) to your hotel to drop off your bags. - Metro to Eiffel Tower: Head straight to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Eiffel Tower Experience: - Trocadero: Start at Trocadero for a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. - Pont d’Iéna: Enjoy the picturesque view from the river next to Pont d’Iéna. - Bir Hakeim Bridge: Another great spot for breathtaking views and photo opportunities. - Eiffel Tower Visit: Go up the Eiffel Tower (tickets range from €11.80 to €29.40) for an unparalleled view of Paris. - Eiffel Tower Garden: Relax and stroll around the gardens. - Scenic Streets: Walk along Rue de l'Université and Rue de Monttessuy for charming views of the Eiffel Tower. Afternoon at Arc de Triomphe: - Metro Line 6: From Bir-Hakeim, take metro line 6 to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. Sit or stand on the right side for views of the Eiffel Tower. - Arc de Triomphe: Cross the street using the tunnel to reach the Arc de Triomphe. Admire the monument or climb to the top (€16 each) for a panoramic view. - Champs-Élysées: Stroll along this famous avenue for some window shopping or indulge in actual shopping. Evening: - Dinner: Choose a restaurant along Champs-Élysées or near your hotel. - Return to Hotel: Head back to your hotel to rest and recharge for the next day. Day 2: The Louvre and More Morning: - Louvre Museum: Take the metro to the Louvre. Spend your morning exploring this world-renowned museum. Midday: - Bakery Visit: Stop by a local bakery of your choice for a quick bite. - Tuileries Garden: Walk through the beautiful Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde. - Petit Palais: Visit this stunning museum (free entry). Afternoon: - Galeries Lafayette: Take metro line 1 from Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau to Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre, then transfer to line 7 to Chaussée d'Antin — La Fayette. Enjoy the free rooftop view from Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Evening: - Dinner: Choose a nice spot for dinner in the area. - Boat Tour: End the day with a relaxing boat tour from Pont Neuf (€14 each). Day 3: Versailles Morning: - Versailles: Take the RER C to Versailles-Chantiers. Explore the opulent palace and gardens (€21+ each). Afternoon (Winter or Half-Day Option): - Catacombs: If visiting in winter or if you prefer a shorter visit to Versailles, explore the Paris Catacombs in the afternoon. Use RER C to RER B or line N to metro 6 or 4 for transport. Evening: - Return to Paris: Take bus back to Paris and have dinner at a nearby café or bistro. Day 4: Montmartre and Historical Sites Morning: - Montmartre: Begin your day in Montmartre, visiting the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. - Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at Crêperie Rozell Café. Afternoon: - Notre Dame: Take the metro to Notre Dame and marvel at this Gothic masterpiece. - Sainte Chapelle: Visit this stunning chapel (€13 each) known for its beautiful stained glass windows. - Orsay Museum: End your cultural day with a visit to the Orsay Museum (€16 each). Evening: - Dinner and Relax: Choose a cozy spot for dinner and reflect on your amazing journey through Paris. If you’d like to check out lesser-known spots in Montmartre, such as an analog photobooth, check out our One-Day in Montmartre itinerary here. Happy Travels! - Tasha & Rachel

Need budget-friendly activities in Paris? We’ve got you covered! Here are the top five free things to do in Paris that won't cost you a cent. 1. Explore Montmartre Wander the charming streets of Montmartre, the artistic heart of Paris. Stroll through Place du Tertre to see artists at work, visit the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic views of the city, and explore the quaint cobblestone streets that have inspired countless artists. Don’t forget to check out the Montmartre vineyards, one of the last remaining in Paris. 2. Stroll Along the Seine River The Seine River is the lifeblood of Paris, and its walkways offer a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. Walk along the pathways, admire the iconic bridges, and take in views of landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. The Seine’s riverbanks are also home to numerous bookstalls (bouquinistes) where you can browse for literary treasures. 3. Visit the Tuileries Garden Adjacent to the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Garden is a beautiful and historic public park perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Wander through the meticulously manicured gardens, enjoy the statues and fountains, and maybe even catch an impromptu performance or art exhibition. It’s a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. 4. Attend a Free Event at the Hôtel de Ville The Paris City Hall, or Hôtel de Ville, often hosts free cultural events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. Check the schedule to see what’s happening during your visit. The building itself is an architectural marvel worth seeing, and its events provide a glimpse into the vibrant cultural life of Paris. 5. Explore the Promenade Plantée Also known as the Coulée Verte, the Promenade Plantée is a beautiful elevated park built on a former railway line that stretches for nearly 5 kilometers. This green oasis offers a unique perspective of Paris as you walk above the streets and is filled with lush gardens, charming pathways, and scenic views—making it a perfect spot for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoying these free activities is a great way to experience the rich culture and history of Paris without spending a dime. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or just looking to soak in the Parisian atmosphere, these spots offer something for everyone.

Amsterdam is the first stop for many incoming (and departing) international flights so you may find yourself with a long layover and want to get out of the airport and explore. In this guide we’ll share everything you need to know about a layover in Amsterdam. How do I get from the airport to the city center? The train is a quick and convenient way to arrive in the city center in less than 20 minutes. You can even use your contactless debit card, credit card or mobile phone to pay and not worry about messing around with the ticket machines. Just tap and go. Each way costs about 5 euros per person making it relatively affordable too considering how much it can cost to get to and from the airport in other major European cities like London and Paris. Where do I store my luggage? If you have bags or suitcases you’d like to store while you’re out exploring you can use luggage lockers or the baggage storage area. There are 5 luggage lockers after security that cost 8 euros a day. The lockers are 40x40 cm and have a depth of 70 cm. You can leave bags in a locker close to your departure gate before leaving the secure area or take them to baggage storage on level -1, between Arrivals 1 and Arrivals 2. Hand baggage (max size 55x35x25cm) costs 6 euros a piece per day. You can also store larger luggage here for an additional fee. You can view the map on the Schipol website and search “locker” to find the luggage lockers after security or search “storage” to see where the baggage storage before security is located. Additional information on luggage storage can be found on the Schipol Airport website. What can I do on my long layover? There’s a lot you can do near Amsterdam Centraal. - Take photos at the row houses. - Take a boat tour for a unique perspective of Amsterdam from it’s iconic canals. The Our Lord in the Attic Museum is a lesser known spot just around the corner from where many of the boat tours leave. - Visit Amsterdam’s oldest building, Oude Kerk Amsterdam, which was a church but is now used for concerts and cultural events. It’s located in the middle of the Red Light District. - If you’re looking for free sites, check out the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. It’s free to visit and just only a 5 minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal. - Do some shopping on Damrak Avenue and grab souvenirs like cheese (many of the stores offer free samples!) and other Dutch goods. HEMA is a cute store worth checking out for affordable and often practical souvenirs as well. - At Dam Square you’ll find the ornate Royal Palace Amsterdam and The New Church. - One of the best ways to enjoy Amsterdam is admiring the picture perfect canals. If you want to go inside a canal house and see what it was like back in 1620, check out the Museum House Bartolotti. - If you want to visit the Anne Frank House be sure to reserve your tickets two months in advance! How long do I need for a long layover? We wouldn’t recommend leaving the airport if you have less than a 6 hour layover. If you’ve been to Amsterdam before and are familiar with the airport, public transportation, and the city you can maybe get away with leaving on a shorter layover, but for first time visitors you want to make sure you give yourself enough time. Seven hours or more would be ideal. Remember, if you’re traveling internationally and this is your first stop in Europe, you’ll need to go through customs and immigration and if it’s your last stop before leaving Europe you’ll need to go through immigration after security when leaving. The lines for immigration can be quite long in Europe so always give yourself plenty of time and stay up to date on current conditions at security. What can I do if my layover is under 6 hours? If you have a short layover there are a lot of shopping options in the Schipol airport. Pre-security you can find local stores like the grocery store Albert Heijn or the department store HEMA for local souvenirs or shops like Bloem and Fleurtiek for tulips and bulbs. Also, before security check out the Panorama Terrace for plane spotting and tour a KLM Fokker 100 plane too! Just because you can’t make it into the city doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the artwork from the Dutch masters. After security the Rijksmuseum Schiphol has a small collection of art from the middle ages to now straight from the Rijksmuseum. It even has its own gift shop. You can also visit the Airport Library with books by Dutch authors in different languages, music, and other cultural displays. Do I need a visa to leave the airport on my layover? That depends on what country your passport is from. As of now US citizens do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands. Starting in 2025 US citizens (and other countries) will need an 8 euro ETIAS travel authorization. That official date for when that will be rolled out has not been announced, but you can check this site for updates.

Morning Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre Beat the crowds and start your day early (before 10 am) at the iconic Basilica. There are about 300 steps to the top, but you can also take the funicular for a unique experience. Make sure to check the operating hours beforehand here. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Paris from the steps. Take a peaceful walk around the basilica and soak in the serenity of this beautiful landmark. Square de la Turlure (3-minute walk from the Basilica) From the basilica, take a short walk to this quaint garden. Take a leisurely stroll through the square, enjoy the greenery, and capture some photos of the picturesque surroundings. Late Morning Place du Tertre (4-minute walk from Square de la Turlure) Head over to the lively Place du Tertre, known for its bustling atmosphere and local artists. Spend some time exploring the square, watching artists at work, and maybe even getting a quick portrait done. Rue de l'Abreuvoir (4-minute walk from Place de Tertre) Take a stroll down Rue de l'Abreuvoir, one of the most picturesque streets in Montmartre. Enjoy the charming architecture, lush greenery, and historic vibe. This street is also home to La Maison Rose, the famous café featured in "Emily in Paris.” Lunch Crêperie Rozell Café (8-minute walk from Rue de l'Abreuvoir) Enjoy a delicious lunch at this charming crêperie. Savor traditional French crepes, either sweet or savory, and take a break from sightseeing while you enjoy the local flavors. Afternoon Halle Saint-Pierre (5-minute walk from Crêperie Rozell Café) Explore this distinctive cultural venue that showcases a variety of exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Spend a couple of hours immersing yourself in the current exhibits, which frequently highlight outsider art and contemporary culture. This is also the perfect place for an afternoon coffee break, so be sure to visit the on-site coffee shop for a relaxing pause and the bookshop for some unique finds. Fotoautomat, 53 Rue des Trois Frères (7-minute walk from Halle Saint-Pierre) Capture some fun and nostalgic memories at the vintage photo booth located at 53 Rue des Trois Frères. This old-fashioned Fotoautomat is a great way to take home a unique souvenir from your day in Montmartre. Evening Dinner and Evening Stroll After visiting Halle Saint-Pierre and the Fotoautomat, take some time to wander around the charming streets of Montmartre. Explore hidden alleyways, discover quaint shops, and enjoy the artistic atmosphere that Montmartre is known for. End your day with a lovely dinner at one of the many bistros or restaurants in Montmartre. After dinner, take an evening stroll to see Montmartre illuminated at night, a perfect way to conclude your day. To make planning easier for you, we've saved all the places in this Google Maps list. Tips - Start early to avoid the crowds. - Make sure to check the opening hours for all attractions, as they can vary. The funicular and some museums may have different schedules on weekends and holiday - Wear comfortable shoes, as Montmartre is known for its hilly terrain and cobblestone streets. - Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.