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7-day route through Poland in summer

What to do on one week in Poland in summer

When thinking about summer holidays, many people think of beaches, hammocks, palm trees and piña colada. But there are many travelers who prefer to visit the capitals of northern Europe in the warmer months. It is a good opportunity to see these cities with more life than ever. Both tourists and locals go out to the street to enjoy the terraces and parks making the experience totally different to what they would find traveling during other months.

Today we propose a 7-day tour through three of the main Polish cities with advice on what to see and what to do in Poland in summer. If your trip lasts less days, you can easily adapt it and choose the options that you prefer.

The cities that we propose to visit are Wroclaw, Krakow and Warsaw. The distances between them are similar (3-3: 30h) which makes them perfect to visit in the order you want. In addition, you can organize the trip to make the transfers by train or car and you can choose the arrival and departure airports that best suit you since the three cities have good connections with the main Spanish airports.

Day 1 Warsaw

The first thing that draws attention when arriving in Warsaw is the contrast between the modern office buildings, the Soviet buildings and the old town. But the old Town with cobbled streets is not such. After the World War II more than 85% of the buildings in Warsaw were destroyed, forming a mass of rubble. After the war, began the reconstruction of almost everything you will see during your visit and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to know more about the subject, you can visit the Warsaw Museum in the Market Square, in the old town. Nearby you will also find the Miniatures Park where some of the most interesting buildings that were destroyed or severely modified throughout the history of the city are reproduced.

You can also take the first day to visit the old town, or Stare Miasto, where you will also find the Royal Castle, the Column of Sigismund III and the Mermaid Fountain. And in the immediate vicinity you can visit the Marie Curie Museum or get closer to watching the multimedia fountain show (at dusk or at night it is best to see the lights and the effects of the fountain while you take an ice cream).

Day 2 Warsaw

Palace on the Island, Lazienki Park, Warsaw

Once you've seen the old town, it's time to take the Royal Route as if you were one of the ancient kings of Poland. The Royal Route begins at Royal Castle (at Stare Miasto) and exits southwards through Krakowskie Przedmieście, continues through Nowy Świat, Aleje Ujazdowskie, Belwederska, Sobieskiego and ends at Aleja Wilanowska. This route of more than 11 kilometers is what the kings did to move from their usual residence in the old case to their palaces outside the center: the Ujazdów Palace, the Palace on the Island in the Łazienki Park and the Wilanów Palace.

Although there are regular buses that will take you to the main tourist attractions of the route, we recommend you to do the first section that goes from the old town to Aleje Jerozolimskie on foot (or by bike). In this area, a large part of the city's gastronomic, shopping and nightlife offer is concentrated. You can also get closer by taking a walk to the Frédéric Chopin Museum.

Day 3 Warsaw

For the last day in the Polish capital, we recommend you to get away from the center to discover other charms of the city. It may be a good time for you to look for a "milk bar" or Bar Mleczny where you will regress in the early twentieth century eating traditional food, without artifices and at a cheap price.

Clandestine printing, Uprising Museum, Warsaw

One of the historical facts for which Warsaw has been known throughout the world is the Warsaw Uprising against the Nazi invasion. In the Museum of the Uprising you can learn everything that happened before, during and after the rebellion. If your visit coincides with August 1, the anniversary of the start of the uprising is celebrated in the city. On the street you will see men and women dressed in typical clothing from the 40s, there are concerts and many activities to remember this day.

For the last day's sunset, reserve a moment to climb the PKIN viewpoint or Pałac Kultury i Nauki w Warszawie. It is a palace that Stalin once "gave" to the Poles. Nowadays it houses offices, exhibition halls and movie and theater halls. From the viewpoint you have the best views of the city.

Day 4 Warsaw – Krakow

Cloth hall in Krakow — Cloth hall building in Krakow

On the fourth day of travel, we change city to go from Warsaw to Krakow, about 300 kilometers to the south. You can do this journey by train or car rental. Both options are fast and not very expensive.

The first thing to visit in Krakow is its old town. The Stare Miasto in Krakow is surrounded by a green belt that is where the city wall once stood. It has a horseshoe shape. In the south is the Wawel Hill, with its Castle and its Cathedral. To the north is the Barbican, one of the doors that gave access to the city through its wall. In the center is the Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe, with the Cloth Hall in the center and surrounded by several historic buildings such as the St. Mary's Basilica. Near the Market Square you will also find the Jagiellonian University where they studied, among others, Pope John Paul II or Nicolaus Copernicus.

Courtyard of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow

In addition to contemplating the passers-by of the square, you can have a drink or a meal in one of its numerous bars and restaurants or you can also buy souvenirs. But, undoubtedly, the most curious thing you can see (or rather, listen to) in the square is the trumpet call every hour on the hour from one of the towers of the St. Mary's Basilica.

Day 5 Krakow

For the second day in the city of Krakow we propose you to get to know one of the neighborhoods with more atmosphere and more activity of the city, the Jewish district Kasimierz. It is the neighborhood where the Hebrews of the city traditionally settled until the Second World War. Its streets and buildings are very well preserved.

There you will find synagogues, exhibitions, basilicas, museums and countless restaurants and bars that animate its streets and squares. It is a good option to try the specialties of kosher cuisine and traditional Hebrew dishes.

Cabinets in the Pharmacie Under the Eagle

South of the Vistula River you can expand the history of the Jewish population of the city during the Nazi occupation at the Oscar Schindler Museum and the Pharmacie Under The Eagle. Both buildings contain exhibits so visitors can see how they were trying to save the lives of Jewish citizens of the Krakow ghetto.

Day 6 Krakow – Auschwitz – Wroclaw

On the sixth day of travel we leave Krakow to travel to Wroclaw, 270 kilometers away. Again you have the possibility to go by rental car or to make the trip by train. But, as you will see, our recommendation is to take a car (at least from this day) to have more freedom on the move.

About 70 kilometers from Krakow is the Extermination Camp of Auschwitz Birkenau. We leave to your choice if you want to make this type of visits during your holidays or not, since they are not pleasant visits. But it can be a good option to become aware of the magnitude of what happened not only in Poland, but in much of Europe. If you decide to see it, keep in mind that in summer there are usually many people, be patient with the queues.

For the first day or the first afternoon in Wroclaw you have to take a walk through the old town with its Market Square. You can see the St. Mary Magdalene Church or the St. Elizabeth's Church whose bell towers stand out above the buildings of the city. In the center of the square stands the City Hall Building with different architectural styles that reflect the passage of time. In a corner of the Market Square you will see the Hansel and Gretel houses. And you can entertain yourself during the walk by looking for all the figurines of the dwarves of Wroclaw (which are not only in the old town, are spread throughout the city).

The Oder River that crosses the city, passes through the north of the old town, at the foot of the University of Wroclaw. On the river there are several islands with landscaped areas to stroll through and also several churches and historic buildings. And on the other side of the river is the largest concentration of religious buildings in the city with the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Church of St. Giles, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Faculty of Theology and the Archbishop's Palace between others.

Day 7 Wroclaw

For the last day in Poland we propose a curious and not at all overcrowded visit, since the vast majority of tourists traveling to Poland are unaware of this place. It is about the underground city of Osowka. The city is located about 80 kilometers southwest of Wroclaw. It is a network of tunnels dug by the Nazis under the mountains of the area. Being a wooded area, they were not easy to detect by enemies. The purpose of this construction was kept secret and nowadays it is not known for what purpose they were created, although it is speculated that it could be a hideout to hide if they lost the war and could survive for a few years until they could leave again or they could be the new secret headquarters of Hitler. The total complex has 7 excavations in different parts of the Owl Mountains, next to the Polish border with the Czech Republic.

The guided tour is in Polish (if you're lucky one of the guides speaks Spanish) but you can take the audio guide in English.

Back to Wroclaw you can make a stop in Ksiaz, to visit its Castle or in Swidnica to visit the Church of Peace.

We hope you find this post helpful to organize your next vacation in Poland. And before your trip, remember to change Euros to Polish Zlotys for the purchases and payments you make during your stay.

Enjoy the trip!

5 things to do in New Zealand from north to south

Prepare your trip to New Zealand with these 5 tips

New Zealand is a natural paradise is divided into two islands: North Island and South Island. We will mention five interesting things you can do from north to south in New Zealand so that, in this way, you can make the most of your time, your money and your strength.

Hobbitt Houses at Wellywood, New Zealand — Hobbit Houses at Wellywood, New Zealand

Cinema scenario

In the North Island you will feel like a movie star as this island served as the setting for the filming of the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" movies. Whether or not you are a fan of this saga, doing one of the tours that are organized in the filmographic set will undoubtedly be one of the funniest things you can do. That is why we recommend you to watch the movie before going. They will tell you in the guided tour anecdotes and curious things about the shooting that has made all the world rage. In "Wellywood", as the city of Wellington is known, it is where you will find these cinema stages and you will be able to discover much more about the filming.

Handmade in New Zealand

If you like to buy handicrafts in your travels, you will have to visit Wairarapa. This region is also located on the North Island of New Zealand and you will find it just 60 minutes from Wellington, the capital. This area is known for its handmade crafts and objects. Here you can shop for costume jewelery, pottery and handmade things in general but, in addition, taste wines, chocolates and cheeses made with 100% handmade and ecological techniques.

Land of volcanoes

Another place we recommend you to visit in the North Island is the Tongariro National Park. This place is the oldest National Park in New Zealand and is considered a World Heritage Site according to UNESCO. Here you will be able to cross three active volcanoes by land: the Tongariro, the Ruapehu and the Ngauruhoe. These lands are full of the elements of the ancient Maori culture of New Zealand. We suggest you read a little more about this culture to enjoy more of this local experience. On the website of the Tongariro National Park you will find more information about it.

Historical Tram, Christchurch, New Zealand

Art and nature

Once enjoyed the North Island, it's time to go to the South Island to enjoy Christchurch. This city is a crazy combination between art and nature. It is not uncommon to see works of art everywhere on the public roads of this region. Set aside at least two full days in this city to give you time to see the wild penguins native to their natural habitat thanks to one-day ecological tours that are organized from this point. Christchurch is known throughout the country for offering a wide range of outdoor activities.

Adventure for all tastes

And finally, to finish the route on the South Island, you can not miss out on Milford Sound. It is a Natural Park that is one of the most popular places in the country. There are endless activities to do there such as canoe tours, hiking trails or you can even visit it while cruising. We recommend you to see this natural beauty in a canoe because the reflection of its waters will give you the sensation of sailing on top of a mirror. In addition, you can do camping during your stay to have a 100% adventure experience. On the Milford Sound website you will find more information about the whole range of activities.

Don’t forget to exchange your Euros for New Zealand Dollars before your trip so you don’t have to worry about currency exchange while you are there.

Have a movie stay!

4 getaways through Europe for this summer

Four ideas for a short trip in Europe during this summer

If this summer you don’t have time or budget to make a long trip to the other side of the world, don’t worry. You also have options to make a 3-4 day getaway to European destinations on a budget. What are you waiting for? Take a look and start preparing your trip for this summer!

Krakow, Poland

Located in southern Poland, Krakow was the capital of the country for several centuries. Although at present it is not the capital of the country, it is still an important cultural, economic and educational point.

The old town (Stare Miasto) of Krakow can be visited in one day. Don’t miss out on the market square (Rynek Główny) and the Hejnał Mariacki, the trumpet played hourly from one of the columns of the cathedral.

You can spend another day touring the Wawel Castle and the Wawel Cathedral and ending the day with a picnic along the Vistula River.

In the Jewish quarter you can get to know more about its culture and its gastronomy by walking through its intricate streets. In addition to witnessing its most recent history during the Second World War visiting the Oscar Schindler's Factory.

Bucharest, Romania

Palace of the Parliament in Bucarest, Romania

Bucharest is the capital of Romania, located in the south of the country. It is also its industrial and economic engine and, in recent years, has seen tourism grow in its streets.

A large part of its old town was destroyed during the communist era to build the great buildings and avenues of the time, however north of Unirii Square there are still a dozen cobbled streets where you can get to the idea of how the city was before being the metropolis that it is now. In the area there is a great gastronomic and leisure offer as well as the History Museum of Romania and several Orthodox churches.

Bucharest was known as the little Paris in the early twentieth century for its tree-lined avenues as Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff Avenue that leads to its replica of the Arc de Triomphe of the French capital. During communism Unirii Boulevard was also built, trying to imitate the Champs Elysees in Paris. Strolling along this Boulevard you will find some of the grandest buildings in the city with the huge Parliament Palace at the end as the icing on the cake.

To escape the hustle and bustle, prepare a walk through one of the parks in the city or the multiple lakes north of the city.

Prague, Czech Republic

The capital of the Czech Republic is located more or less in the center of the country. Its best-known tourist attraction is the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) with the Church of St. Nicholas and the Astronomical Clock Tower. Around it you will find a network of narrow streets that make up the old part of the city (Staré Město). Synagogues, churches and museums, restaurants, cafeterias and clubs make up its leisure and cultural offer.

On the other side of the river is the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) with Malá Strana at its feet, literally Little Town. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city where you can stroll, visit museums and palaces crowned by the Cathedral of Saint Vithus within the Castle.

To the south of the castle, you can walk like a local in the Petřín Park. It is also one of the best places to have a panoramic view of the city at sunset.

Lake Balaton, Hungary

If what you want for this summer is a getaway to rest in the sun instead of visiting a city, you can choose one of the cities of the "beach of Hungary", Lake Balaton.

Lake Balaton is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Budapest and is the main national tourist destination. Along its 75 kilometers you will find beaches, water activities, the Balaton-felvidéki National Park, accommodation for all tastes and all pockets, vineyards and local wines, historic cities, SPA's,…

To travel around the villages around the lake use the network of trains and buses that connect the towns around the lake and enjoy the views.

We hope we have given you some ideas for your summer holidays. Remember that if you need to buy foreign currency for your trip, at Eurochange we give you the best price with full availability.

Good trip!

A 5 senses experience in Budapest

5 things to do in Budapest to have a 360 degree experience

If you want to absorb a culture, whatever it is, you must stimulate each one of your senses with elements that you can only find in the place you visit. For example, if you taste a popular flavour, surprise your eyes with something interesting, listen to a beautiful recital, discover the smells of the flora of a local park or relax with a good massage with ancestral techniques of the area, you would get to live a 360 degrees experience. Today we tell you how you can get this experience with the 5 senses in the capital of Hungary.

Stimulate the taste

We begin with gastronomy. We suggest you to try the country's signature dish, the Goulash. For the realization of this recipe a kind of paprika from the area is used. This dish is a classic of Hungarian cuisine that dates back to the seventeenth century. It is a kind of meat stew with a base of onion, potatoes, red pepper and lard. Season with typical paprika.

Develop the smell

If you are one of the people who enjoy the smell of grass and flowers, what better than to do the digestion walking around Margaret Island. It is an island on the Danube, where you will find gardens, monuments and restoration areas in case you have dinner time. There is also a sports complex with public pools and a spa. There are several ways to access the island, by boat or on foot from one of the bridges that connect it to the city.

Pamper the touch

You can not leave Budapest without giving your skin a double thermal sensation in one of the largest thermal spas in Europe, the Széchenyi Spa. Can you imagine being in the water of an outdoor pool at 37 degrees while the ambient temperature of the surface is typical of frost? It is a contrast that you will never forget. If you visit the city in summer, there will not be so much contrast in temperatures, but the experience will be equally fantastic. This place has up to 15 different pools distributed both indoor and outdoor and you can accompany your experience with a massage or some of the wellness treatments they also offer.

Enjoy with the hearing

Detail of the building of the Opera in Budapest

The Budapest Opera is a pleasure of sight and hearing. This place is simply awesome. It is one of the main tourist and cultural attractions of the city. During the day there are guided tours of the building that last about an hour where you will learn about the history of the Budapest Opera and a little more about the history of the country. If you want more, you can buy tickets to attend a performance, a ballet, a concert or an opera. There are performances almost every day (except in the summer months), and the weekends are the dates with the most passes and performances. In addition, the tickets are affordable even for the most privileged seats.

A feast for the sight

And finally, to say goodbye to this beautiful city with an indelible image, climb up the hill of Buda to reach the viewpoint Fisherman's Bastion. In addition to visiting a curious building, from there you can see the city of Budapest in postal format with the Parliament Building in the foreground. Perfect for taking some photos that you will want to show when you return.

To enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind, do not forget to exchange your Euros for Hungarian Florins. At Eurochange we have the best rates and total availability. Make your purchase of Hungarian Florins now on our website and pick it up at the nearest office or receive them at home (in Spain).

Enjoy the Pearl of the Danube!

Are you looking for things to do in Budapest?

5 destinations for Easter Holidays 2019

5 destinations for a short trip during Easter holidays

There are only a few weeks left until the Easter Holidays come but it is still not too late if you decide that it is time for a break and disconnect from day to day taking advantage of the holidays. So today we propose you five destinations so you can organize a last minute getaway.

Sweets in Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey

Exoticism in Istanbul

Istanbul is a destination that has enchanted travelers from all over the world for centuries. It was capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires and is divided by the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia. These conditions are what favor that in Istanbul coexist technology and tradition, exoticism and conventionality, history and modernity, in a unique way.

You can not miss out on Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque. In the Grand Bazar you can buy crafts and souvenirs of your trip. In addition you can discover the authentic Turkish food with influences from Eastern, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine.

Cruise through the Norwegian Fjords

The mid season is the perfect time to cruise the Norwegian Fjords. The temperatures are not as extreme as in winter, but you can still contemplate the most spectacular snowy landscapes. In addition, there is still not as much influx of visitors as in the summer months.

It could be said that fjords are, along with salmon, the emblems of Norway. The best known are those of Flåm, Ålesund, Stavanger, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Vik, Trondheim, Romsdal and Oslo. Although you can visit them from the inside, entering a fjord through the sea is a unique experience.

There are cruises of different sizes and routes, you can choose yours adapting it to the duration of your trip. And surely to contemplate these magnificent landscapes is an unrepeatable experience.

Krakow, the heart of Poland

On some other occasion we have already recommended a visit to Krakow, one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. For many years it was the capital of Poland and remains the artistic, cultural, tourist and historical center of the country.

In Kraków you can learn the history of Poland from the Middle Ages to the most recent history. You can also get closer to the life of his two most famous citizens: Pope John Paul II and Oscar Schindler.

In Krakow, you will discover a modern city that is very aware of its past and prides itself on its history.

Nature in Croatia

It is likely that the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of traveling to Croatia are its beaches and its islands. It is true, they are one of its most important tourist attractions. But today we propose a different trip through the country of the Dalmatian Coast.

Croatia has 8 National Parks and 11 Natural Parks. Among them you have to choose between beach, mountains, islands, lakes and a great variety of landscapes with little distance between them. The most popular are the Krka National Park, the Plitvice Lakes National Park or the Kornati National Park.

Choose yours, prepare the routes and the picnic basket because you have all the nature you want at your fingertips.

Buckingham Palace in London, United Kingdom

The classic London

Year after year, we never tire of recommending an urban getaway to London. If you still do not know the city, you have to visit it. And if you already know it, for sure you've still had something to see.

Museums, excursions, markets, royalty, history,… London is a city where you can spend days and days visiting its main tourist attractions and also losing yourself in its charming alleys and corners.

For a few days' view, note: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, Hyde Park, the Camden market and the Covent Garden market are our must-haves.

We hope we inspired you to organize an Easter break. And if your plan is to stay at home, we are sure you can find plans in your city outside of your usual routine. The important thing is to enjoy and disconnect to return after the holidays with the batteries charged.

Enjoy it!

Holi Festival: the color festival of India

All the information about Holi Festival in India

What is the Holi Festival?

The Holi Festival is a religious celebration celebrated mainly in India and Nepal, but also in other regions of the world with a strong Hindu tradition.

It is celebrated in the last full moon of the winter. In 2019 it will be celebrated on March 21st. It is a festival in which the arrival of spring and love are celebrated.

How is the Holi Festival celebrated?

The Holi Festival begins, in fact, the night before with the celebration of Holika Dahan. That night bonfires are formed in which a figure of Holika is burned.

The Holi colour party takes place the next day. During this day, people play in the streets with coloured powders and coloured water. In this way the arrival of spring is celebrated with colours and joy. During the celebration they also enjoy typical sweets from India and sing songs in the streets.

What is the origin of the Holi Festival?

Legend says that King Hiranyakashipu was the king of the demonic Asuras and made everyone worship him. No one could kill him: neither a human nor an animal, neither indoor nor outdoor, neither by day nor by night, neither by a weapon grasped nor by a weapon thrown, neither on earth nor water nor air.

However, his son, Prince Prahlada, worshiped the God Vishnu. Despite the harsh punishments of his father, the prince did not stop worshiping Vishnu. The sister of King Hiranyakashipu and the prince's aunt, Holika, tricked him into sitting next to her on a pyre. She wore a tunic that protected her from fire, but the prince would be exposed and would burn. When the fire started to burn, the tunic slipped from Holika's body covering Prince Prahlada and protected him from the fire while his aunt burned.

Then Vishnu took the form of another God half human and half lion and at dusk he took Hiranyakashipu to the doorway. He sat him on his lap and killed him with his claws.

For this reason Holika burns again at the stake every year and the victory of good over evil is celebrated.

Another of the legends about the colour festival has to do with the Gods Krishna and Radha. It is said that Krishna had blue skin because a demon tried to kill him by giving him poisoned milk. Krishna cried because of the injustice that meant that his beloved Radha had such a clear skin color. To comfort him his mother told him to go to paint Radha's face the color he wanted and he went and painted her face blue.

According to this legend, the day of the Holi Festival also commemorates the love of Krishna and Radha. It is common for at Holi lovers to look for their beloved one to paint their faces on each other as a symbol of their love.

Where to celebrate the Holi Festival?

If you want to celebrate the Holi Festival in style in India (or elsewhere in the world), check out the Holi Festival website. You will be able to consult all the information to enjoy this colourful and happy festival.

Do you need to exchange Euros to Indian Rupees?

If you are already preparing your trip to India to celebrate the Holi or to know this enigmatic country and all its traditions, you can change your Euros to Indian Rupees right now on our website. We give you the best price without commissions and you receive your Rupees in 48-72 hours.

Enjoy the Holi!

Basic prices in… Oslo (Norway)

Basic prices in the city of Oslo in Norway

One of the questions we usually ask ourselves when preparing a trip is how much money we should take. There are destinations where it is easier because the prices are similar or because they use the same currency (as it happens in all countries of the Euro zone) so we do not have to worry about carrying money changed or making card payments. But there are destinations where the task is made more complicated by the change of currency and the difference in prices. This is the case of Norway, where the official currency is the Norwegian Krone, its value is not similar to that of the Euros o Pounds and, moreover, the prices there are well above the prices of the countries of southern Europe.

So in our post today we are going to review the basic prices of Oslo to help you decide how much money to take to travel to Norway.

In the restaurants

If we think that eating cheap is eating for 10-15 Euros per person (or less), then eating cheap in Oslo is not easy. To give you an idea, a normal-size Big Mac menu at McDonlads will not fall below 100 NOK (about 10 Euros). There are alternatives to spend 150-200 NOK (16-22 Euros) per person, without drinks included, in restaurants such as pizzerias, kebab, burgers or oriental restaurants. They are not usually very elaborate dishes and are simple (we are talking about a margherita pizza, for example) but you can eat for a more affordable price. If you decide to try the local cuisine, in a restaurant you can pay 400-500 NOK (about 44-55 Euros) per person for a main dish and a dessert.

The gardens of the Royal Palace may be a good place to make a picnic in Oslo

You can always compensate for a few days of higher spending on restaurants with shopping in a supermarket to prepare some snacks and some fruit and have a picnic in one of the parks in the city (which is a fairly common custom when the weather is nice) or if you visit the lake areas and surrounding nature.

In the restaurants the water is free and they serve it to you in jars and quite cold. You can ask for all you want. But if you want to order a beer, you will pay peacefully between 80-100 NOK (8-10 Euros).

Visits and activities

First of all, don’t be scared. There are free activities and many places to see in Oslo without spending money. You can tour the Vigeland park (and take the opportunity to have a picnic that day), enter the Akershus Fortress (without a visit to the castle) or stroll through the Opera and its surroundings in the Town centre.

Outdoor spaces of the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

Here you have a list of the prices of the main tourist attractions, but keep in mind that, if you buy the Oslo Pass, you will have free entrance fees to some of these museums as well as other activities and discounts.

Akershus Fortress: the entrance is free. The guided tour costs 60 NOK (6 Euros)

Norway Opera: walking outside and roof is free. The guided tour is 100 NOK (10 Euros). Seeing a function costs between 300 and 1000 NOK (33-110 Euros) depending on what you want to see.

Museum of Viking ships and Historical Cultural Museum: the entrance costs 100 NOK (about 10 Euros) per person and is valid for the two museums in 48 hours.

FRAM Museum: NOK 120 (12 Euros)

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History: 160 NOK (16 Euros)

Munch Museum: NOK 120 (12 Euros)

Transportation

Oslo has a good transport network that includes buses, trams, ferries and metro. The single ticket costs 36 NOK (about 4 Euros) and can be used for 1 hour if you have to change. If you buy the ticket directly on the bus it is 20 NOK more expensive (2 Euros).

Usually, people use public transport, but if you decide to take a taxi, the prices to go or return to Gardemoen Airport are 750-850 NOK (82-92 Euros) depending on where you stay. There is also a train service (Flytoget) that costs about 190 NOK per ride (about 20 Euros) and a bus (Flybussen) which costs about 180 NOK.

The best option if you are going to use transport and visit some museums, is to buy the Oslo Pass. With this card you will have included transport, tickets, discounts on attractions and restaurants,… for 1, 2 or 3 days for 445 NOK, 655 NOK and 820 NOK respectively.

Booking.com

Find the best accomodations in Oslo

Sleep

The average price of a double room, with private bathroom, per night is about 1200-1500 NOK (between 130-160 Euros more or less). Are not there cheaper options? Of course. You can find options for half the price (or even less) if you move a little away from the center or if you opt for options such as hostels and B&B. If you're looking for something very, very cheap, there are hostels where, sharing a room and bathroom, you can pay about 300 NOK (about 30 Euros).

Tips

In bars and restaurants it is usually left between 5% and 10% of the total bill as tip, as long as the service and food have been good. It is not obligatory, it is up to you. In other services such as hotels, taxis, etc. Tipping is not common. But a good service or help in case of need, can always be compensated with a tip.

Trick to calculate prices

We show you a trick to calculate the prices in Norwegian Krones and know more or less what they are in Euros. When you see a price in NOK, remove the two leading zeros and duplicate the first number. E.g., 100 NOK would be 11 Euros, 500 NOK would be 55 Euros, 800 NOK would be 88 Euros, 5 NOK would be 5.50 Euros. It is an approximate change, but useful to make the calculation fast for amounts under 1000 NOK.

As we have said, prices in Norway are generally much higher than in other European countries. Calculate your budget based on the days you are in the country and the activities you want to do. Always carry a card for incidentals, but keep in mind that you may pay high fees for using it in a non-Euro country.

If you want to buy your Norwegian Krones right now, place your order on our website and recieve them at homr or pick them up in an office in 24-48 hours.

Enjoy your trip!

New Airport of Murcia – Corvera

The new Murcia Airport is already working

Last week the new International Airport of the Region of Murcia (RMU) began its activity with the arrival of a flight from East Midlands of the Ryanair company.

Location of the new Region de Murcia International Airport between Murcia, Cartagena and the former San Javier Airport.

Airlines and destinations

At the moment, 3 companies with 12 destinations are operating in the new airport. TUI will link with Antwerp and Brussels; Ryanair with Birmingham, Dublin, Nottingham, Leeds, London and Manchester and Easyjet with Bristol, London and Southend.

The popular Jet2 will start operating at the new airport starting April 1, 2019 flying, initially, from Leeds and Manchester. In the same month, Norwegian activity will also begin, linking Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger and Trondheim with Murcia. Between the months of May and June, SmartWings activity will start with flights from Tirana, Brussels, Burgas, Varna, Zagreb and Prague. And in the month of May there will also be flights from Asturias operated by Volotea.

In addition, other companies that did not operate in the former San Javier Airport are studying the option of starting to fly to the new Murcia Airport, as in the case of Iberia and Vueling.

How to get to the new Murcia Airport

The bus company Interbus is responsible for transporting passengers to and from the airport. At the moment they have put into operation 4 lines.

Two of them connect directly with the Murcia Bus Station (with a price of 5 Euros each way) and with the Cartagena Bus Station (for 6 Euros each way). A third makes the route to San Javier and San Pedro del Pinatar and the fourth goes to Los Narejos making stops at La Torre Golf, Golf Terrazas, Mar Menor Golf, Serena Golf and Los Alcazares (these two with a price of 10 Euros each way).

It is expected that from the months of April and May there will be new lines connecting the Airport with other localities such as Lorca, Mazarron, Aguilas or La Manga.

The company Radio Taxi of Murcia has confirmed that the taxi service is higher in the new airport since it is better prepared. The journeys between the new Airport and the main coastal areas last about 30 minutes to San Javier (approximately 30 Euros), about 40 minutes to Los Alcazares (approximately 40 Euros) and about 50 minutes to San Pedro del Pinatar (approximately 50 euros).

There are also three car rental companies available at the moment: Europcar, Goldcar and Firefly. In addition, companies like Beniconnect also offer private transportation services that can be interesting for families or for those traveling with special baggage.

Currency exchange

If you are going to need to make a currency exchange before or after your flight, in Los Alcazares you will find the nearest exchange office to the Region de Murcia International Airport where you can exchange more than 35 different currencies with the best prices.

If you like to prepare your trip in advance, you can place a reservation of Euros to be collected on arrival or the currency that you need to be collected before your flight. This way we will have everything ready for you to collect it.

San Miguel de Allende (Mexico), American Capital of Culture in 2019

Discover the American Capital of Culture of 2019, San Miguel de Allende, in

In our post last week we told you what will be the European Capitals of Culture for this year. And today we tell you what the American Capital of Culture will be, in case your 2019 vacation takes you to Mexican lands.

San Miguel de Allende has been chosen to be Capital of Culture this year. This Mexican town is located in the centre of the country, which is why it is known as the Heart of Mexico. In addition, the City is a Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2008 for being a benchmark of the Mexican Baroque and for its important role in independence.

What to see and do in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel offers many attractions for tourists who visit it, it is also considered one of the best destinations in Mexico (and the world) to travel.

Tourist attractions

If you visit San Miguel there are several things you have to visit. First of all, you can enjoy visiting the most important religious sites of the city such as the Parish Church of San Miguel Archangel, the Temple of the Immaculate Conception or the Temple of Our Lady of Health. You can also walk through the Main Garden or the Handicraft Market to buy a souvenir of your visit. In the Museum House of Ignacio Allende you can soak up the history of the region and learn more about the War of Independence and Ignacio Allende, one of the inciters and leaders of the independence movement (the city has his surname in his honor). And if you want to see what the region was like in pre-Columbian times, visit the Cañada de la Virgen Archaeological Zone, an old Otomí settlement with pyramidal constructions located a few kilometers southwest of the city.

Culture and tradition

In San Miguel every month there is a celebration. They have religious celebrations, in tribute to Independence and popular festivities. As they say in San Miguel, there everything is celebrated in style and they like to prepare their parties and enjoy the streets. Check the calendar of celebrations during your visit to be able to fully enjoy their traditions.

Nature and wellness

In recent years San Miguel has taken force as a wellness destination. It has a wide range of active tourism in the middle of nature with activities such as hiking, cycling, zip lines, abseiling,… And to relax after a day of adventure, nothing better than enjoying its thermal waters in one of the SPAS of the region.

Wine Tourism

Another trend that has grown in the city is wine tourism. The region of Guanajuato is becoming one of the wine producing areas of the country and there are wineries that you can visit, walk among the vines and taste the wines they produce.

If you have already decided to visit San Miguel de Allende, keep in mind that for your trip you will need to exchange your Euros for Mexican Pesos. You can make your change in Eurochange with the best price.

For more information, visit the website of San Miguel de Allende.

Matera and Plovdiv, European Capitals of Culture in 2019

In 2019 Matera and Plovdiv will be European Capitals of Culture

At Eurochange we think that the best way to start the new year is to start planning the holidays and the getaways of the year. That's why we want to start our first post of the year by proposing two cultural destinations for your 2019 holidays: Plovdiv in Bulgaria and Matera in Italy. The two cities will be European Capitals of Culture this year and therefore will be two destinations with a lot of activities throughout the year.

Matera, a city carved into the rock

The city of Matera is located in the south of Italy, in the region of Basilicata. Since 1993 it is part of the Unesco World Heritage Site for its Sassi and its set of rock churches.

The Sassi are the typical houses that confirm the old town of Matera that are excavated in the limestone of one of the slopes of the Gravina ravine. The Sassi are considered one of the first settlements of population in Italy, since objects belonging to the Paleolithic have been found.

Among the cave churches stand out San Pedro Barisano and Santa María de Idris, both also carved into the rock.

During the year 2019, in Matera you can enjoy exhibitions, theater, concerts and workshops among other activities that will take place from the opening ceremony on January 19, until January 20, 2020.

On the official Matera website you can find the complete program of activities.

Plovdiv, a city with history

Plovdiv is now the second most populous city in Bulgaria after Sofia. It is located more to the center of the country and is considered one of the oldest cities in Europe since its history dates back to the 4th century BC.

Throughout its history it was conquered by the Macedonians, the Thracians and the Roman Empire. And as a result of these conquests, today remains in the city remains of its former inhabitants, from Nebet Tepe (the first settlement of the city) to the old town (architectural and historical reserve) through the Roman stadium or theater.

For this year 2019 Plovdiv has prepared an extensive program of cultural activities that remember their origins and under the motto "together" they will create a new legacy for the future uniting the different social groups, ethnic groups and religions that coexist in the city converting it in a better place to live and an attractive destination for new tourists.

On the official page of Plovdiv 2019 you can see the full program of activities.

We hope we have given you some inspiration to include one of these two destinations (or both) in your list of places to visit in 2019.

5 Christmas traditions around the world

Five tradicions of Christmas celebrated in five different countries

Christmas and the arrival of the New Year are celebrated in different ways around the world and in each country there are own traditions or that have been extended to other countries by the expansion of religions, migration and globalization.

Today we tell you 5 traditions from different countries related to the celebration of the Christmas holidays.

United States: Thanksgiving

Although it does not officially belong to the Christmas celebrations, we have included Thanksgiving among the Christmas celebrations because it supposes the beginning of the Christmas season. And although it is not a party held exclusively in the United States, it is the best known.

The origin of this celebration is reason for discussion. Some people say that their roots are in the celebrations of appreciation for good harvests, but the most widespread belief is that it recalls a time when a group of settlers did not have enough food for all and a Native American tribe offered them food.

Whatever the origin, today the celebration always takes place on the fourth Thursday of November. It starts in the morning with the Thanksgiving Parade that Macy's celebrates in New York. This parade gathers 3 million people who watch it live and 44 million watch it on television.

And the final culmination comes with a great family dinner (the more family better) in which you can not miss the roast turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and pumpkin pie.

The next day is Black Friday, where shops offer great discounts to start the holiday shopping season.

Denmark: the J-Dag and the Christmas beer

In the year 1990, the Danish beer brand Tuborg began the tradition by announcing the J-Dag (J of julebryg which is Christmas beer in Danish and Dag that means day) for the launching of its Christmas beer. The Christmas version of his beer was born a few years ago and it is a beer with a little more alcohol and more spicy.

This marketing action generated great expectation and since then it has continued to be celebrated, although with small changes. The current date on which it is celebrated is the first Friday of November. On this day, the Tuborg delivery people go out on horse-drawn carriages wearing blue Santa hats. They distribute this limited version of beer and the bars are filled with people celebrating this day as the beginning of Danish Christmas.

Currently there are other brands that also produce their versions of Christmas beer, but undoubtedly, the most demanded is that of Tuborg, which can be found in bars and shops only during the 6-7 weeks between the J-Dag and the end of the Christmas.

Mexico: Las Posadas

With almost half of its population of Catholic religion, Mexico is the second country in the world with more inhabitants belonging to this religion. It is not surprising that one of its Christmas traditions pays homage to the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph before the Birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

The origin of this celebration is in the sixteenth century, when Catholic priests in an attempt to evangelize the population, began to celebrate nine Masses before Christmas, one per day, until December 25. Slowly, this tradition passed from the churches to the streets until it became the popular celebration that is celebrated today.

Las Posadas is celebrated between the 16th and the 24th of December. During these 9 days in the neighborhoods or communities simulates the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Each year people choose which houses will be the posadas for each day and the participants arrive to request hospice in each one. Sometimes there are even those who play the roles of Mary and Joseph and carols and popular songs are sung. Once inside "la posada" the participants enjoy punch and typical Christmas sweets.

Japan: ōsōji, the tradition of cleaning the whole house

The Japanese prepare for a couple of weeks before New Year's Eve with a general cleaning of the whole house. In fact, not only the house, offices, shops, schools,…

This tradition is derived from other ancient traditions in which the house was cleaned to welcome the Shinto deities in the New Year with a clean house, a clean body and a clean spirit. Nowadays the Japanese usually start with the big cleaning in the last week of December, but in the old days it started around the middle of the month.

And don’t think it's just about doing a general cleaning of the house. It's about cleaning in depth in a Zen way, stopping in places that don’t pay much attention during the rest of the year, to take advantage of the cleanliness and order to cleanse and also order the mind. They are based on the premise that in clean, orderly and clear spaces we are happier and suffer less stress. It is a good way to prepare to receive the New Year with energy.

Spain: The Magi

The celebration and tradition of the day of the Magi is not exclusive to Spain. There are other countries such as Portugal or Italy where it is also celebrated.

Tradition says that after the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in Bethlehem, the three Kings (or wise men) traveled from the East guided by a star to give him three gifts: gold, incense and myrrh.

Since the end of the 19th century, the celebration of the Three Kings Day takes place in Spain with a Three Kings Parade that takes place on January 5, where their Majesties go through the streets of towns and cities distributing candy and gifts. That same night, the children have to go to bed early for the kings to make their deliveries during the night: children who have been good will have gifts and children who have been bad will have coal. It is common for children to leave a snack to be taken by the Kings and their camels when they pass through their homes.

Something that can not be missing is the roscón de Reyes, a sweet and shaped bun that is taken for breakfast or snack on the day of Kings. Hidden inside the bun is a figurine and a bean. Whoever finds the figure will be the King and will be able to wear the crown (which usually comes with the roscón) and whoever finds the bean will have to pay for the roscón.

What do you think of these Christmas traditions? Do you dare to celebrate some?

5 December getaways

5 ideas to plan a getaway in December

If you are one of the lucky ones who has a few days off in December you can prepare the last getaway of the year before the Christmas holidays. If you can’t think of where to go, today we give you 5 ideas for a December getaway.

1. London

London is a very affordable destination to visit from Spain: in about 2 hours or 2 and a half hours you are there from any Spanish airport and the prices of flights are usually quite cheap (around 70 Euros per flight). People say that if you sit on the stairs of the Picadilly Circus statue for a couple of hours, you meet someone you know. Because London is still one of the favourite cities for tourists from around the world.

Essential for 4 days in London: take a picture with Big Ben, go through Buckingham Palace (if you wait for the changing of the guard ceremony, better), see Westminster Abbey, a tour of the London Eye, visit the Tower of London, a walk through Hyde Park and the Camden Market, visit Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown and, at least, the British Museum.

2. Copenhagen

Denmark has been considered for several years the happiest country in the world. And it is something that is transmitted and enjoyed during a vacation. Copenhagen is a perfect city for a getaway. It is not very big and its main tourist attractions can be seen in a few days. In addition you will get a relaxed lifestyle and you will like more than ever to sit in the sun on the terrace of a café, cover yourself with the blanket (yes there are blankets in the bars so you can sit in the winter) and enjoy a coffee or a warm chocolate.

Essential for 4 days in Copenhagen: a view of the Tivoli gardens, contemplate the Little Mermaid, go through the Nyhavn canal, an immersion in the hippie lifestyle in Freetown Christiania, climb the tower of the Vor Frelsers Kirke church, enjoy the Nørrebro modern neighborhood, visit the Rosenborg Castle and the Amalienborg Palace, have a drink in a café in Strøget and, of course, visit the Christmas markets.

3. Oslo

Some people are in love with Norway because of its fjords, its natural landscapes, the Northern Lights, … but Oslo is a European capital that is also worthwhile. It is a city with a large area, but with few inhabitants compared to other European cities. This contributes to create a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, perfect for quietly enjoying a few days of relaxation (and probably snow).

Essential for 4 days in Oslo: visit to the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram Museum (boat used by the explorer Roald Amundsen), tour the roof of the Oslo Opera, walk through the Vigeland Sculpture Park, enter the fortress and old prison Akershus, see the Royal Palace (from outside, for visits only open during the summer months) and the Museum of Cultural History where you will see how people lived in Norway centuries ago.

4. Budapest

Budapest is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In it you will discover the charm of a city that enjoyed its maximum splendor at the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and you can relax enjoying its thermal waters.

Essential for 4 days in Budapest: visit the Buda Castle, contemplate the Parliament building from the other side of the Danube, visit the Fishermen's Bastion and the Matthias Church, stroll through the Heroes' Square, cross the Bridge of the Chains (the oldest in the city that had to be rebuilt after the Second World War) and take a bath outdoors or covered in the Spa Széchenyi.

5. Warsaw

Known as the City of Phoenix because of the enormous reconstruction work that took place after the Second World War, Warsaw is a perfect city to visit in a few days. In Warsaw you will find classic buildings next to buildings of the communist era and you can enjoy a young city, with a cool atmosphere.

Essential for 4 days in Warsaw: stroll through the Old Town and the Market Square, visit the Royal Castle, walk through the Lazienki Park, climb the viewpoint of the Palace of Culture and Science, visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum and discover the lives and works of the two most famous Varsovians: Marie Curie and Frédéric Chopin.

If you have already decided on one of these destinations (or any other) remember to check the temperatures and plan your trip to make the most of your vacation time. Also, remember to make your currency exchange before your trip so you do not have to worry about doing it during the holidays.