If you're living abroad, it's quite likely that you're a student or an intern. It's also quite likely that you're a little strapped for cash. Here’s a list of free, and almost free things to do in Madrid, the city of infinite bars...…
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Emily Wilson
7 Fancy Things to do in London on a Student’s Budget
As William Shenstone once said, ‘nothing is certain in London but expense.’ He was right on the money. London, your prices are a complete joke. But unlike most jokes, they’re not funny. Some say that you can only have fun in London if you have lots of cash. We’…
Halloween: 8 Scary and Unique Things to do in London
London is scary. And we’re not just talking about rush hour on the tube. Millions of people have lived and died here, so it's no wonder there are more ghost stories than free parking spaces. And with Halloween creeping up on us, we've come up…
7 fancy things to do in Paris on a student’s budget
Everyone wants a piece of Paris. So much so, that there are 38 cities called Paris across the globe. Paris (the French one) is the 7th most expensive city in the World, but that doesn't mean you have to live like a character from Les Miserables. If you&…
Music in London: famous sites you have to visit
It’s a fact: London has inspired some of the best music ever written (editor’s note: opinions are not facts). And because the sounds are indelibly mixed up with the sights, it’s the perfect excuse for a spiritual, historical, magical mystery tour of music in London... A pilgrimage,…
Movies in Paris: A Cinema Lover's Guide
Is Paris the most photogenic city in the world? Film directors seem to think so. So does Spotahome [https://www.spotahome.com/paris]. It’s the backdrop to 900 movies each year. It’s not a surprise though, is it? The French capital just has a certain je ne sais…
Which is Better, Paris or Lyon?
Madrid or Barcelona? Sydney or Melbourne? Paris or Lyon? The truth is, there’s no real answer. Or is there? (Editor’s note: There is, and it’s Madrid.) Emily and Sacha both work at Spotahome. Sacha is from Paris [https://www.spotahome.com/paris], while Emily has lived in…
Visit the 7 best parks in London - free
Living in London, life gets on top of you. But when the sun shines, it’s one of the prettiest cities in the world. Nothing beats a summer’s day in England. When you don’t have time to take a day trip, a park is your best option. The…
5 Best Day Trips from London
London. The most wonderful, yet overwhelming city in the World. A bold claim, but live there for a year and you’ll see why. In England’s capital, you can find a different thing to do every day for several years. We really mean it. But why not venture out…
A quick guide to music in Lyon
Like any big city, Lyon has a great music scene. But if you’re new in town, you may need a little help finding your way around it. So read on for a list of places to watch, perform and enjoy yourself in France’s 2nd city. Bars, clubs, and…
4 Markets in Paris You Have to Visit ASAP
What do you think of, when you think of France? Probably not markets in Paris, but le marché is actually one of the country’s proudest traditions. And it won’t be dying out anytime soon. There about 10,000 across the country and some are over 100 years old!…
Guide on How to Get a French Citizenship
You might still be reeling from the results of Brexit. Or maybe you’re from the U.S. and have had to deal with visa applications ever since you can remember. Whatever your reason, if you’re over 18 and want to live, work or study in France, you may…
Christmas in France: 5 Things You Should Know
Christmas is celebrated differently in every country, and France is no exception. So, if you’re spending Christmas in France, here are 5 little-known facts that might interest you. Joyeux Noël! 5 things you should know about Christmas in France See also: 6 Reasons Why You Will Fall Madly in…
How to Avoid Getting Scammed in Paris
France: the world’s number 1 tourist destination. Paris: the world’s number 3 tourist destination. That’s all very well, but did you know Paris is also ranked number 5 for theft? You may be a savvy, worldly traveller, but Parisian thieves have a bag full of sneaky ways…
All You Need to Know About Fête des Lumières
Lyon and Paris are fierce competitors on many fronts: art, architecture and food. We might never decide which of the two is France’s gastronomic capital or which is the real City of Lights, but one thing’s for sure – in December, Lyon shines brighter. Have you heard of the…
Creepy Haunted Paris Facts to Get You Ready for Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner – let’s explore some haunted Paris facts! With history comes hauntings, and Paris is no exception. With more than 2,000 years of recorded events, this city has seen more than its fair share of scare. If you want to freak yourself out before…
All You Need To Know About Flirting in France
Love. If you believe the French, they are obsessed by it. Gallic literature, music and art are all saturated with the perils of passion. But is France the most romantic place on earth? Do the French really flirt better? Read on to decide for yourself. We do love a bit…
11 Amazing French Festivals You Absolutely Have to Attend
Mud, rain, sun or fun – which word best describes a music festival? And does it even matter? At Spotahome we love a good party, and we love France too. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite French festivals you’ve never heard of (but should…
Confessions of an Erasmus Student in Lyon
It was with a heavy heart that I boarded the plane and waved goodbye to Lyon; a city that I had called home for a 20th of my life. Erasmus in Lyon was interesting, in a good way. For me, the most memorable parts were the beginning and the end…
How to Make the Most of Your Erasmus Year in France
The phrase ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ is all too relevant for Erasmus students. Whether you were nervous or excited before you set off, 3, 6, or even 9 months can feel like days when you’re living abroad. It’s no wonder leavingfrom Erasmus is more difficult…
8 Facts You Didn't Know About Lyon
As a city with over 2000 years of history, it’s no wonder Lyon hides a multitude of secrets. Whether you live here, plan to move here or are just passing through, read these 8 facts you didn’t know about Lyon to discover why France’s 2nd city is…
How to Travel Like a Local
Avid explorers often find that the best travel tips come from locals. More often than not, the people you chat to on a bus can offer more valuable advice than most expensive travel guides. But how do you gather the courage to ask a local for advice? Meet Stay.com.…
The Best Places to Live in Lyon
Lyon will forever compete with Marseille for the title of France’s 2nd city, but its reputation as the country’s gastronomical capital remains undisputed. Welcome to the City of Light. Lyon’s luminous nickname stems from an ancient tradition of offering candles as a tribute to the Virgin Mary.…
12 Free Essential Apps for Living Abroad
These days, almost everyone owns a smartphone. These intelligent devices help us with saving money, socialising and organisation. How else do you think the smartphone earned its name? Here at Spotahome, we have compiled a list of the 12 FREE and most essential apps for living abroad. Whether you are…
12 Ways to Make Friends in a New City
You’ve just moved to a new city and you know nobody. This thought is either exciting or terrifying depending on whether you are extroverted or introverted. See this opportunity as a positive challenge – you will meet great people in no time! Here are 12 tips from Spotahome which will…