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Top Destinations and how to get there!
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| Top destinations and how to get there |
| Europe » Belgium |
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| Bruges |
Getting There
If you fly into Brussels – it’s easy to grab a train or a bus to Bruges. Trains take just under an hour and buses take around ninety minutes.
The budget airlines that serve the Belgian capital include BMI - who offer €63 flights between Brussels and London.
By bus Eurolines are best with some great advance fares and seasonal offers
By train you are spoilt for choice. Brussels is linked to most European capitals and when you arrive here on the Eurostar, your ticket includes an automatic, free onward transfer to Bruges.
What To See
You can cover the city on foot but boat is better. Tours pick up from canals just south of Burg Square. These 45-minute jaunts cost a mere €10 and they're a great way to get orientated.
Het Dagelijks Brood on Philipstockstraat is a fantastic café for pastries and people watching. If you’re in town for chocolate then head to The Chocolate Line on Simon Stevinplein. Most choclateries in Bruges sell mass produced chocolate, made outside of the city. The Chocolate Line however sells hand made, tasty, organic treats. Unusual flavours worth a try include chilli and salted caramel.And beer, lots of beer. You can try many, many different kinds of Belgium beer in one of the nice pubs in the middle of the town.
Where to Stay
The Bauhaus hostel is the premium budget traveller base in Bruges. It’s made up of four Brugean, step gabled houses - all renovated to give modern travellers what they really want – there’s even beer tasting! Inside there’s a great blend of locals and visitors, in the Sacré Coeur restaurant and bar.
Where to Next?
That’s entirely up to you but if we can help – just let us know. We have friends all over Europe and we’re more than happy to put you in touch. |
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| Europe » England |
| Newquay |
Getting There
Trains, buses and planes are all viable options when it comes to transporting yourself to Newquay. The best approach is to head into London and try out these options:
National Express coaches are the cheapest option but only when you book well in advance. They can also take more than eight hours.
Trains from Paddington take around six hours but the clear winner for the time and budget conscious - is the airline option. Advance returns with Ryanair from Stansted weigh in at £20. You can also fly in from Edinburgh.
What To See
In the south west of Britain you will find a surfer paradise that’s been breaking the surf since the sixties. You can get involved with the local surf schools or alternatively, launch yourself into the culture of the surrounding countryside.
The nearby county of Cornwall includes the ruins of Tintagel Castle - the legendary home of Merlin the Magician, Uther Pendragon, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Also nearby is the ecological Eden Project – a famous dome with tours all about man’s dependency on plants!
Where to Stay
St Christopher's Newquay is the hot spot for visitors. Nearby you will find 11 beaches, stretching over seven miles of sand. This backpacker base is in the heart of it, on a cliff top, overlooking Towan beach, with a surf school attached to it!
Where to Next?
That’s entirely up to you but if we can help – just let us know. We have friends all over Europe and we’re more than happy to put you in touch. |
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| Bath |
Getting There
Bath is best served by railway which connects the city to both Paddington and Waterloo in London. Also if you book tickets - well in advance a one way journey is just €8!
If you’re flying into the British capital, make sure you take a look a budget airline Ryanair and the cheap flights they offer to Stansted Airport. From there take the train.
National Express coaches also link Bath to most places in the UK and offer some great prices.
What To See
In Bath you can explore the ancient Roman Baths, eat an infamous Sally Lunn Bun, dip your toe into the natural hot water at the modern spa and take a day trip to Stonehenge.
Bath is a beautiful city, frozen in time and the architecture is stunning. The Bridges are based on unused designs from Florence and you’re guaranteed to have your breath taken away.
Where to Stay
Hidden away in the Somerset countryside you’ll find a St Christopher’s Inn. This great value budget hostel on Green Street is also within easy walking distance of the train station.
Where to Next?That’s entirely up to you but if we can help – just let us know. We have friends all over Europe and we’re more than happy to put you in touch. |
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| Brighton |
Getting There
The easiest way to get to this sea side city is to head to London first. From here it’s simple to get to the south coast of England. Student day returns start at €14 and direct journeys take less than an hour from Waterloo, London Bridge or Clapham Junction train stations.
If you’re travelling by coach from London then National Express and Megabus are your best bets for discounted fares.
What To See
The tourist circuit includes the famous shops that line The Lanes! These are full of retro clothes, seventies furniture and almost everything you can imagine!
The Royal Pavillion is also worth a visit if you want to see what happens when you combine Indian, Chinese, Moghul and Islamic architecture! Also inside you can see one tonne chandeliers suspended from jewel encrusted brass dragons.
Down towards the beach you will find and the Sea Life Centre and its resident, 170 kilogram turtle.
Where to Stay
The St Christopher’s hostel and hotel in Brighton is next to the bus station and less than a ten minute walk from the train station. Is also offers views of the pier and the beach.
Where to Next?
That’s entirely up to you but if we can help – just let us know. We have friends all over Europe and we’re more than happy to put you in touch. |
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| London |
Quick Trips To London
Like every world class city, Amsterdam is linked to great destinations by air and rail. About an hour away by plane is London – a vibrant hub filled with backpackers on their way around the world. So if you decide to take a trip to one of the planet’s most cosmopolitan cities - here are our top tips to help you out.
Getting There
Flights from Amsterdam: If you’re flying from Amsterdam to London your best bet is to grab a cheap flight with EasyJet to Gatwick, Luton or Stansted Airport.
Flights from Eindhoven: If you want to save a bit more money and don’t mind the extra travel time - our tip is to take a train to Eindhoven and fly with Ryan Air to London Stansted Airport.
Take a Train: The ever improving European train network is a fantastic option but this takes a little more time and depending on when you book, it might be more expensive.
Trains leave Amsterdam Central Station for Brussels-Noord Station every hour and a ticket will cost you approximately €34. From here you can grab a ticket for the Eurostar and ride it all the way through to London St Pancras Station.
What To See
It’s tough to know where to start in a city as big as London so we’ve narrowed it down for you.
Transport: First of all you need to get around London so the easiest and cheapest way to do this is with a Pay-As-You-Go Oyster Card. You can pick these up from any train or underground station, load it with credit and then step onto the London Underground.
A Great Walk: There’s no better way to orientate yourself in London than a stroll around the sights. A great place to start is Waterloo Station. Use your money saving Oyster Card to get there on the London Underground and then head up to the surface.
Now head towards the river and to your left are The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. A walk to your right will take you along the river, past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern Art Gallery, before delivering you to the London Dungeon, Borough Market, The Tower of London and London Bridge.
Where to Stay
There are a lot of options when it comes to accommodation in London but for the best locations book a bed with St Christopher’s Inns. Here are your options around the city.
North London: If you want to experience a cutting edge music scene then Camden is for you. You’ll find the MTV London studios here and many great gig venues.
East London: A short ride out of the city centre takes you to the tranquil surrounds of
Greenwich. The Meridian Time Line runs through the nearby observatory and the pedestrian tunnel under the Thames comes out here too.
South London: Back towards the city centre there are three great hostels on Borough High Street - near London Bridge. This is right next to all the great attractions along the south bank of the River Thames.
West London: Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush have West London covered and they are great bases for exploring West End Theatre and the parks. Hammersmith is also a good stop over en route to Heathrow.
Where to Next?
That’s entirely up to you but if we can help – just let us know. We have friends all over Europe and we’re more than happy to put you in touch. |
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| Europe » France |
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| Paris |
Getting There
If you’re arriving by bus then Eurolines offer some great advance fares and the special seasonal offers are definitely worth a look.
Flights into Paris are also an option and cheap advance tickets start at €33, between European capitals, with EasyJet.
If you’re travelling to Paris from London, one of the cheapest and most environmentally friendly options is the Eurostar. Carbon neutral tickets start at just €38, for a one way fare - when you book in advance.
What To See
Free walking tours are abundant in Paris and they’re a great way to get orientated.
Most tours take in the Louvre, where you will fine the eyebrow-less Mona Lisa. Tours also pass the nearby Musée d’Orsay – an old train station that now houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist Art – in the world.
The Eiffel Tower is of course a tourist tradition but if you don’t want to queue for two hours and pay too much, then go to the Tour Montparnasse. You can get some great photos from the viewing deck of this sky scraper.
Another attraction not to be missed is the Père Lachaise. It’s in this cemetery where you will find the graves of Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde!
Where to Stay
The brand new St Christopher’s Hostel is in the most modern, vibrant and rejuvenated neighbourhood in Paris – the 19th District. This former industrial area is a hotspot for great nightlife and romance along the canals - featured in Amélie.
It’s also well connected with three underground Metro lines nearby, and if you arrive into Gare du Nord train station, it’s only a ten minute Metro ride to the hostel.
Where to Next?
That’s entirely up to you but if we can help – just let us know. We have friends all over Europe and we’re more than happy to put you in touch. |
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| Europe » Germany |
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| Berlin |
Getting There
Berlin is connected to the wider world with a great range of budget airlines. EasyJet for example offer advance return flights to Berlin - from most major European cities, for less than €65. Air Berlin also offer some great rates so take a look.
If you’re travelling by train then Berlin is very well serviced by a fleet of international trains, linked to most European capital cities. If your journey involves the Eurostar then here’s a tip. Head to Brussels and then get on to a high speed Thalys train.
What To See
Check out the free walking tours that set off daily from Dunkin Donuts, in front of Zoologischer Garden and Starbucks near Brandenburg Gate. They start at 11am and 1pm, and last for nearly four hours.
If you’re a keen photographer then the best place to get a shot of the skyline is Marx-Engels-Forum, near Alexanderplatz. From this park you can capture the TV Tower, the Rote Rathaus and much more.
For parties, ask reception; the nightlife is crazy, but hotspots change fast.
Where to Stay
The St Christopher’s premium Berlin youth hostel is in the vibrant and historic Berlin-Mitte area - a great location, famous for the nightlife, the cultural scene, some fantastic architecture and for the girls, amazing shopping in the neighbour-area ‘Prenzlauer Berg’.
Where to Next?
That’s entirely up to you but if we can help – just let us know. We have friends all over Europe and we’re more than happy to put you in touch. |
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| Europe » Scotland |
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| Edinburgh |
Getting There
If you’re flying in then you can count on budget Airline EasyJet to line up some amazing deals. For example, if you book far enough in advance you can get single tickets to Edinburgh, from most European capitals, for less than €40. When you arrive - the airport Shuttle Bus will drop you almost anywhere in the city.
British trains head to Edinburgh Waverly - which is right in the city centre. Single tickets with National Express East Coast, between London and Edinburgh, start at €36.
National Express also run coach services up and down the United Kingdom, so when you arrive in England, this is a great option.
What To See
The Celtic capital offers you a taste of something you won’t find anywhere else. From the best Whisky to a little Highland Fling, Edinburgh has something to please everyone.
A trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. If you go during the day don’t miss the Stone of Destiny and the Scottish Crown Jewels. Alternatively you can take some great photos of this fortress - as it lights up the skyline at night.
Where to Stay
St Christopher’s Inn on Market Street is within easy striking distance of Holyroodhouse Palace, the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Storytelling Centre and much more – all located on the Royal Mile.
Where to Next?
That’s entirely up to you but if we can help – just let us know. We have friends all over Europe and we’re more than happy to put you in touch. |
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Europe » Austria
Europe » Belgium
Europe » Bulgaria
Europe » Czech Republic
Europe » England
Europe » France
Europe » Germany
Europe » Greece
Europe » Hungary
Europe » Ireland
Europe » Italy
Europe » Latvia
Europe » The Netherlands
Europe » Poland
Europe » Portugal
Europe » Scotland
Europe » Spain
Europe » Switzerland
Europe » Turkey
Europe » Wales
North America » Canada
North America » United States
North America » Central America
South America » Peru
South America » Argentina
South America » Brazil
Asia » Other
Oceania » Australia
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- Amsterdam, Netherlands - The Flying Pig Hostels
- Bad Gastein, Austria - Euro Youth Hostel
- Barcelona, Spain - Kabul Youth Hostel
- Berlin, Germany - Circus Hostel
- Bruges, Belgium - St Christopher's at The Bauhaus
- Cardiff, Wales - Cardiff Backpacker Hostel
- Corfu, Greece - Pink Palace Hostel
- Dublin, Ireland - Avalon House Hostel
- Edinburgh, Scotland - St. Christopher's Inn
- Interlaken, Switzerland - Balmer's Herberge
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Lisbon, Portugal - Oasis Backpacker's Mansion
- London, England - St. Christopher's Inn
- Loch Ness, Scotland - Morag's Lodge Hostel
- Munich, Germany - Euro Youth Hostel
- Nice, France - Villa Saint Exupery
- Prague, Czech Republic - Czech Inn Hostel
- Riga, Latvia - Friendly Fun Frank's Hostel
- Rome, Italy - Alessandro Palace Hostel
- Salzburg, Austria - Yoho International Youth Hostel
- Valencia, Spain - Home Youth Hostel
- Vienna, Austria - Hostel Ruthensteiner
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About Europe's Famous Hostels
21 of Europe's best independent hostels have now been chosen as Europe's Famous Hostels by backpackers and budget travellers as their favourite and most memorable stays on their journeys. Each hostel has been highlighted repeatedly on web sites, guidebooks and through word of mouth as must see destinations - as important as the cities themselves!
www.famoushostels.com
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