European Exploration

Written by Olivia Chamberlain | Designed by Karoline Cunico | Photographed by Mohan Ge

4 Affordable Things to do Abroad!

Europe is home to some of the oldest and largest museums in the world, housing famous artworks and historical walkthroughs. Thankfully, many of these museums don’t put a price on viewing art, including the National Gallery of London, home to works of Monet and van Gogh.

If you plan on venturing to Paris, the famous Musée du Louvre features paintings such as the Mona Lisa and sculptures by Michelangelo, selling tickets ranging from 0-17€ depending on age and group size. Ultimately, museums allow tourists to learn more about the places and people who have such large historical significance, not just in Europe, but the entire world.

London is full of flea markets that are known for various specialties, whether it be food, clothes, vintage furniture, and more. Brick Lane’s UPMARKET, open only on Sundays in the Old Truman Brewery, accommodates 40 different street-food vendors, locally sourced artisanal produce, and quirky independent designers and retailers. This market is frequented by artsy students and locals, and provides an opportunity to give back to the nearby community. Another market, Portobello Market, is mostly regarded for their antique stalls, but also offers fresh produce and quirky clothing. If I were you, I’d definitely re-watch Notting Hill before venturing to London’s Flea Market scene.

When most travelers think of Europe, one of the first things that comes to mind is the amazing food that each metropolitan city has to offer; some of these markets set the standard for fresh ingredients, diverse culinary options, and most of all, delicious meals! Open Wednesday through Saturday, London’s Borough Market is always available if you need inspiration for a foreign dish to recreate back home, or just a quick pick-me-up after a long day of touring. Italy offers Nuovo Mercato Esquilino in the Esquilino neighborhood, so it’s no wonder that you’ll find delicious options ranging from Chinese noodles to Romanian meats in Rome’s multicultural quarter. The most important piece of advice anyone will give you when you visit a food market in Europe is to ALWAYS take advantage of the free samples.

Europe holds some of the world’s most beautiful scenic views, the best of which is easily viewed from trains. The Bernina Express links Northern and Southern Europe, departing Chur, Switzerland, and arrives in Tirano, Italy with multiple stops that you can get off on if you wish. Prices range, but the most affordable offering available amounts to 33 CHF, or about $36 USD. Traveling by train is also the best way to move from country to country, a service that the popular rail system Eurostar offers; a trip from London to Paris amounts to about the same as a flight when you choose a Eurostar route. Ranging from $50-$200, this train ride offers the utmost comfort, pastries, and other delicious food options, and complimentary tickets to some of Paris’s top galleries and museums.