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The Best Places to Retire in Spain

Discover The Best Places to Retire in Spain (and Why Madrid is Not in The Top 10)

If you have already read any of my other articles about retirement abroad, you can jump straight to the first subtitle (Why are we writing about retiring in Spain?). If not, keep reading from the beginning to get some context about the best places to retire in Spain.

My company helps expats. Many of these people know what they want and just need help. What about retiring in X? What’s your opinion? they ask me.

Often I don’t know what to say. I tell my team to research the destination and write a detailed report so I can give our customers the information they need.

Not surprisingly, most of the destinations are warm places with idyllic beaches. Below is the resumed version of some reports we did, available for free for you:

Ps: Check also our Youtube Channel.

Why are we writing about retiring in Spain?

As we said, our team wrote about a myriad of countries that are among the favorite places for pensioners, remote workers, and digital nomads.

There is a certain country that we wrote a few times about on our website: Spain.

It figured in multiple articles and ranks we made (more about these ranks below) because the demand for people interested in moving to Spain is massive.

But we never wrote about where to live in Spain, especially if you are a pensioner.

Until now…

Before jumping on the best places to retire in Spain, let’s understand the criteria used.

The Criteria to Define the 10 Best Places to Retire in Spain

While some aspects of the decision to move somewhere are indeed subjective, we specified a set of objective indicators and data to select the best places to retire in Spain.

Some other aspects, like the bureaucracy of moving to some places, we decided to leave out. The reason is that they would differ drastically from reader to reader. For example, if you are an American, moving to Valencia demands a few more bureaucratic steps (but it is still doable) than if you are German.

Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants.

This may not be that important if you are part of the FIRE movement, but if we are talking about the traditional idea of retirement (when we are already at a certain age), good healthcare is necessary because people get sicker as they get older.

While this is not always the case, a city with few hospital beds per 1000 people may have an overburdened healthcare system. This can delay medical procedures and make specialized care harder to get. However, a city with many hospital beds per 1000 people often will have a decent healthcare system.

The source for this data is the Ministerio de Sanidad(Health Ministry of Spain).

The income per capita.

A higher income per capita means that the city or region has a higher average income, which typically leads to a higher standard of living, better infrastructure, and access to quality healthcare facilities (since these areas attract better doctors, clinics, and other infrastructure investments).

The data used is from the INE (Instituto Nacional de Estadística).

The Human Development Index (HDI)

The “human development index” (HDI) is a composite indicator that goes from 0 to 1. It takes into account factors such as life expectancy, education, and income to provide an overall measure of human development in a certain place.

The HDI is an important indicator when deciding a place for retirement because it provides insight into the overall quality of life in the area.

To put it into perspective, Norway has an HDI of 0.861, while Pakistan has an HDI of 0.544.

The Regional HDI of Spain is calculated by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística or compiled by the GlobalDataLab.

Cost of living per couple and to rent/purchase an apartment in the city center.

This is self-explanatory. If someone is retiring abroad, he/she wants to make the best of her buck.

When we are living on a stable pension from abroad, we look for a place where we can have a good quality of life for the lowest prices.

For these indicators, we used data from Numbeo and Expatistan.

Disclaimer: This indicator uses 2021 data. Since 2022 and 2023 had high inflation, values may be higher now, but the difference between cities (what matters for a comparison) remains.

The average temperature in January

January is the coldest month of the year in the northern hemisphere, and this is also valid for Spain.

Older people are especially affected by cold, so living in a place where negative temperatures are rare can boost immensely their quality of life. Some of the health conditions that are triggered or worsened by colder temperatures are:

Arthritis: Cold weather can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in people with arthritis. This is because cold temperatures can cause the tissues around the joints to contract, leading to increased pressure on the joints.
Influenza and other respiratory infections: Cold weather can weaken the immune system, making older adults more susceptible to respiratory infections like the flu, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
Heart attacks and strokes: Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in older adults.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months, and it can affect older adults as well.

The 11 cities we selected as the best places to retire in Spain are ranked below based on their average temperatures in January, from warmest to coldest.

To put into perspective, the average temperature where I live (Poland) is 1.5 negative in January.

Tenerife – 20°C
Malaga – 14°C
Costa del Sol – 14°C
Alicante – 13°C
Valencia – 12°C
Costa de Azahar – 11°C
Mallorca – 10°C
Bilbao – 8°C
Madrid – 7°C
San Sebastian – 7°C

The average maximum temperature in July

While warm weather help with health conditions like Arthritis, excessively high temperatures can also present a risk for older people.

This is especially true when we get close to or above 40 degrees Celsius. I lived for some years in Qatar and high temperatures were one of the major risks for construction workers–mostly young and healthy. For seniors, it is even more dangerous.

That is why we filtered out any city that has an average maximum temperature in July (summer peak) above 32 degrees celsius. This resulted in the removal of cities like Seville (35.5°C of average max. temperature in July) and Córdoba, which has an incredible 36.5°C of average max. temperature in July and many days going above 40°C.

Below is the July average maximum temperature of our selected cities, from highest to lowest.

Costa del Sol – 31°C
Malaga – 30°C
Alicante – 30°C
Mallorca – 30°C
Valencia – 29°C
Costa de Azahar – 29°C
Tenerife – 28°C
Madrid – 28°C
San Sebastian – 23°C
Bilbao – 23°C

Now that all the criteria used are clear, time to go for our list.

Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

The Best Places to Retire in Spain (and Why Madrid Has No Spot in the Top10)

Madrid: good quality of life for pensioners…. but for a high cost.

Population: 3,334,730
Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 1.8 per 1,000 inhabitants
Income per capita: €34,821
HDI: 0.940 (2021)
Cost of living for a couple: €2,506.94 per month
Average maximum temperature in July: 28°C
Average temperature in January: 7°C
Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €971.43 per month.

Center of Madrid, Spain. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

We were not supposed to put Madrid, the largest Spanish city, on this list of the best places to retire.

However, we inserted it for a few reasons.

The first of them is that there are indeed some pros to retire in the spanish capital.

Pros like the ample offer of high-quality major hospitals, entertainment and cultural options like science and art museums, an international airport that connects you to the entire world, excellent transport links by rail, and all the modern conveniences that a 3-million-people city can offer.

Madrid also has plenty of green spaces (they represent almost 16% of the city) and fresh food is available in the daily central market. In terms of violence, Madrid is a very safe city too.

The second reason we put Madrid in this ranking is that indeed a lot of people (including over 6 thousand other British citizens and expats) choose this city to live in.

But what are the cons of living in one of the largest European cities?

First and foremost, Madrid is expensive (the same is valid for another city we didn’t put in this list, Barcelona). Both the capital and surroundings are ery expensive when compared to many of the cities mentioned here.

If you are retiring abroad, you want to be cost-effective, and compared to other Spanish cities, Madrid is not. Another reason we didn’t put Madrid in the Top 10 is that it can get cold in the winter since the city is located at 657 meters of altitude. The third reason is that it is a 3-million-people metropolis, and therefore, it can get noisy, polluted, and complicated.

But, as we said, it has an excellent healthcare system and great infrastructure.

Mallorca

Population: 896,038
Hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants: 1.9 (Balearic Islands region)
Income per capita: €24,866(Balearic Islands region)
HDI: 0.876 (Balearic Islands region)
Average cost of living for a couple: €2,238.15
Average max. temperature in July: 26°C
Average temperature in January: 10°C
Cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €825

Pros of retiring in Mallorca

Warm and sunny climate all year round.
The Balearic Islands have a good healthcare infrastructure, with 1.9 hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants
Many opportunities for outdoor activities and an invitation to live the beach life.
Due to the touristy nature of the place, it has good airline connectivity.

Cons of retiring in Mallorca

Nearly all the cons of Mallorca are related to the fact that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain.

High cost of living, especially in peak season.
During the summer months, the place can get really crowded.
It can be noisy close to the most touristic spots and where there is a large concentration of hotels.
Overcrowding and traffic congestion in certain areas due to tourism.

Bilbao: One of the best large cities to retire in Spain

Population: 345,141
Hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants: 2.8 (Basque Country region)
Income per capita: €32,925 (Basque Country region)
HDI: 0.932 (Basque Country region)
Average cost of living for a couple: €2,289.22
Average max. temperature in July: 23°C
Average temperature in January: 8°C
Cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €750

Bilbao, in the Basque Country. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Pros of retiring in Bilbao

High HDI (Human Development Index) of 0.932, which is one of the highest in Spain
Well-developed economically, with plenty of job opportunities for those who want to work in retirement
Good public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city and beyond.

Cons of retiring in Bilbao

The language barrier, as Basque is the lingua franca in the region and many locals prefer it instead Spanish.
Relatively Cold weather, as temperatures can drop lower than in other parts of Spain, especially in the winter
High cost of living, as Bilbao is one of the most expensive cities in Spain
Air pollution can be an issue in some areas of the city
The city may feel crowded and busy, especially during peak tourist season.

If someone prefers a smaller, and fancier alternative for retirement in the Basque region, there is also a city that is worldwide famous for its high cuisine and scenic views: San Sebastián.

Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

San Sebastián: The Fancier, Smaller Alternative in the Basque Country

San Sebastian is situated on the coast of the Golfo de Vizcaya (Bay of Biscay), making it a great location for retirees who enjoy the beach and water activities (although Spain’s north Atlantic coast is much colder than the Mediterranean side). Bilbao, on the other hand, is not directly on the coast, although it is relatively close to some beaches.

San Sebastian also enjoys a milder climate than Bilbao, with average temperatures being a bit warmer and more comfortable throughout the year.

Finally, San Sebastian is a smaller city than Bilbao, with a more laid-back pace of city life. This can be appealing to retirees who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of a larger city.

Population: 186,000
Average cost of living for a couple: €2,400-€2,700/month
Average max. temperature in July: 23°C
Average temperature in January: 7°C
Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,000-€1,400/month

Tenerife & Canary Islands: the best place to live in Spain if you are suffering from arthritis

Population: 917,841
Number of hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 2 beds per 1,000 inhabitants (Canary Islands region)
The income per capita: €18,990 (Canary Islands region)
HDI: 0.902 (Canary Islands region)
Average cost of living for a couple: €1,200 – €1,800 per month
Average max. temperature in July: 28°C
Average temperature in January: 20°C
Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €500 – €800 per month

Towns in the Canary Islands. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Living in Tenerife and the Canary Islands as an expatriate retiree can be a mixed experience. While the islands offer a pleasant climate, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed way of life, they also have their challenges.

Expats should be prepared for a slower pace of life, and some areas can feel quite touristy. Additionally, the islands’ remote location can make it difficult to access some goods and services, and the cost of living can be high in certain areas during the high season.

Pros of Retiring in Tenerife and the Canary Islands

Mild winter weather (one could even argue if winter exists there at all) – Tenerife has one of the warmest winters among European cities, making it the best place to retire if you suffer from arthritis.
Decent infrastructure – The islands have a modern infrastructure befitting of a place with almost 1 million residents.
Relatively affordable cost of living – Compared to the Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands (which are located in the Atlantic Ocean) offer a more affordable cost of living.

Cons of retiring in The Canary Islands

Things run slower there – The islands’ relaxed way of life can be frustrating for those used to a faster pace.
It can get touristy – Some parts of the islands can feel overrun by tourists, especially during peak season.
Limited access to goods and services – The islands’ remote location can make it difficult to access certain goods and services.
High cost of living in some areas – While the cost of living can be relatively affordable, certain areas can be quite expensive (general rule of thumb: the closer to popular beaches, the more expensive it gets).

Málaga – Low Living Costs and Good Connectivity

Population: 578,460
Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 1.8 (Andalusian region)
Income per capita: €20,321
HDI: 0.860
Average cost of living for a couple: €1,800-€2,200/month
Average max. temperature in July: 28°C
Average temperature in January: 12°C
Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €700-€1,100/month

Malaga, in Spain. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Málaga, located in the autonomous community of Andalusia, is home to a large and welcoming expat community. Multiple retirees from all over Europe chose to make their home in this part of Spain.

The city also boasts excellent airline connectivity to other countries and parts of Europe, making it easy for retirees to travel and stay connected with loved ones. However, as with any location, there are also potential downsides to consider.

Pros of living in Málaga

Low cost of living
Good healthcare infrastructure with 1.8 hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants
Considerable expat community
Excellent airline connectivity to other European countries.

Cons of retirement in Malaga City

Andalusia is one of the least developed regions in Spain. The unemployment rate is relatively high, which creates some other problems that can affect retirees.
Hot summers can be uncomfortable for some
High levels of tourism during the summer months can make the city feel crowded
Andalusian bureaucracy can be frustrating and time-consuming

Only 81 kilometers from Málaga, in southern Spain, is a little region that is extremely attractive to pensioners that are beach lovers: Costal del Sol.

Costa del Sol: One of the best places to retire in Spain by the sea

Average cost of living for a couple: €1,700-€2,000/month
Average max temperature in July: 31°C
Average temperature in January: 14°C
Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €650-€1,100/month

Living in the Costa del Sol as an expatriate pensioner can have its ups and downs. While the climate and relaxed lifestyle can be appealing, the region can also be quite crowded and expensive in certain areas.

Three of the favorite places for expatriates in the region are Marbella, Benalmadena, and Fuengirola.

Marbella is known for its upscale amenities and is a popular destination for wealthy retirees. The city offers high-end shopping, fine dining, and world-class golf courses. The cost of living can be quite high there.

Benalmadena is located between Malaga and Marbella and offers a more affordable option for expatriate pensioners, and Fuengirola is just 25 minutes from Malaga airport. The town has a long promenade, and beautiful beaches, and the cost of living in Fuengirola can be quite reasonable, making it an attractive option.

The Costa del Azahar: A Forbes-selected Spot 100km Far from Valencia

Population: 406,703
Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 2.1 (Regional data)
Income per capita: €22,289 (Regional data)
Average cost of living for a couple: €1,300-€1,600/month
Average max. temperature in July: 29°C
Average temperature in January: 11°C

The region is known as Costa del Azahar is located on the eastern coast of Spain, and has a relaxed lifestyle with a warm Mediterranean climate.

While not as well-known as the Costa del Sol or the Costa Blanca, it is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirees seeking a quieter pace of life. A few years ago, the fame of the place was boosted when the magazine Forbes mentioned it among the best places to retire.

Popular areas for expats include Peñiscola, Benicassim, and Castellón, de la Plana.

Peñiscola is a beach town known for its golden sand beaches and medieval castle, Benicassim is a popular resort town, and Castellón de la Plana is a larger city (not in the seaside, but not far either) with a historic center and wide variety of amenities.

Alicante – One of the lowest costs of living.

Due to its low cost of living and a good offer of services, Alicante is also popular among Spanish retirees.

Population: 334,329
Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 2.1 per 1,000 inhabitants (regional data)
Income per capita: €22,289 (regional data)
HDI: 0.889
Cost of living for a couple: €1,791.57 per month.
Average max temperature in July: 30°C
Average temperature in January: 13°C
Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €564.29 per month.

Benidorm, 45 kilometers from Alicante, the second best place to retire in Spain — Benidorm, 45 kilometers from Alicante, the second-best place to retire in Spain. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Pros of Retiring in Alicante

Low cost of living, making it an affordable option.
Mild winters, making it an ideal location for those who want to retire overseas but have a low tolerance to cold weather.
Gorgeous beaches and outdoor activities such as hiking and golfing, make it easy to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Cons of Retirement in Alicante

During the summer months sometimes temperatures go over 38°C, which can be uncomfortable for some retirees.
Alicante is near some very popular vacation spots like Benidorm. So during the summer, there is a high population density and a large number of tourists, which can lead to crowded streets and difficulty finding peaceful places to relax.
For services not related to tourism, there is limited availability of English-speaking options, which can make it challenging for retirees who do not speak Spanish (that is why you should learn Spanish if you are considering a move).
Occasional water shortages due to the region’s dry climate, which can affect the availability of water for household use.

Talking about Alicante, very close to there is one of the popular places for English-speaking expats that choose Spain to live: Costa Blanca.

Costa Blanca: One of the trendiest retirement spots in Spain

Costa Blanca, on Spain’s southeast coast, has beautiful white sandy beaches, charming coastal towns, and plenty of sunshine. Many British, German, Dutch, and Scandinavian retirees live in this part of Spain, and often locals speak English as a second language.

The cost of living in the Costa Blanca can vary depending on the specific location within the region. For example, one of the most expensive places is Benidorm, which is also very touristy. In general, the larger coastal cities and tourist areas may have a higher cost of living compared to smaller towns and inland areas.

Cons of retiring in the Costa Blanca

Two drawbacks of living in Costa Blanca are that crowded beaches and tourist spots, especially in summer, make it hard to relax, and some areas have limited public transportation, making it difficult for retirees without cars.

Valencia – Likely the Best Place to Retire not only in Spain but Entire of Europe

Population: 794,288
Number of hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 2.1 (Comunidad Valenciana)
Income per capita: €22,289 (Comunidad Valenciana)
HDI: 0.944 (Comunidad Valenciana)
Average cost of living for a couple: €1,500 – €2,000 per month
Average max. temperature in July: 29°C
Average temperature in January: 12°C
Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €650 – €900 per month

Valencia, the Best Place to Retire in Spain — Valencia, the best place to retire in Spain. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

If you already saw our ranking of the best cities to retire in Europe, you know that Valencia has far more pros than cons.

Spain’s third largest city is extremely safe (it has a homicide rate of 0.6 murders per 100K residents and lower criminality than the more hyped Barcelona for example).

The living costs in the city are remarkably low when compared to other trendy places in Europe. According to Vivre Valencia, anyone can easily find a house with a swimming pool close to the coast for less than a third of the price of the French Riviera.

But the attractiveness of a city that is considered by many the ideal retirement destination also raised some issues. Expats should be prepared when trying to find a place to live since competition for housing can be intense, and in some areas, prices increased considerably.

Pros of Retirement in Valencia

Valencia is one of the most popular destinations for expatriates in Spain. Foreigners represent almost 13% of the city population, and there are many events for this public.
There is a large English speaking community in the city.
High HDI – The city has a high Human Development Index (0.944), reflecting a high quality of life.
High-quality healthcare infrastructure
Airline and rail connections to other parts of Europe.
With close to 800k residents, Valencia is neither too large nor too small for most people.

Cons of Retirement in Valencia

Competition for housing can be fierce, particularly in popular areas.
Increasingly crowded – As Valencia became more popular, the city can feel crowded, particularly during peak tourist season.

Conclusion: The Best Places to Retire in Spain

Taking into consideration factors like the Human Development Index (HDI), the number of hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants, the average cost of living for a couple, the average cost of housing, and temperatures in July and January, we ranked the best places to retire in Spain:

11 – Madrid

10 – Mallorca

8 – Bilbao and San Sebastián

7 – The Canary Islands

4 – Málaga, Costa del Sol and Costa de Azahar

2 – Alicante and Costa Blanca

1 – Valencia – The Best Place to Retire in Spain

If you enjoyed this article about the best places to retire in Spain, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Travelling

WayAway Review: Multiple travel cashback programs in 1 (2023)

How much money you can save on your next holiday? Check our WayAway review

Ps: Read our WayAway review until the end to discover how you can avoid paying the full price for the annual plus subscription and save 5X more in a single holiday.

Travel cashback programs are a pretty cool way to save money on your adventures. They work like this: you sign up for a program (usually online), and then when you book flights, hotels, rental cars, or other travel goodies through the program, you get a percentage of your purchase back in the form of cash.

The amount of cashback you get can vary depending on the program and the specific deal you’re taking advantage of, but it’s usually a pretty sweet deal.

Until now, most cashback programs were focused on secondary, smaller expenses like booking hotels (one very famous cashback program for hotels is the one sponsored by Revolut, for example).

But we all know that often the biggest expense in a holiday is not the hotel reservation or the tours you made, but the flight. Still, it was incredibly hard to find a cashback program for flights that were not tied to a single airline. A cashback program for all major airlines… this sounded like a dream.

Until a new sort of flight aggregator appears in the neighborhood: WayAway.

But wait…

Is WayAway just another flight aggregator?

A flight aggregator is a service that compares and books flights from multiple airlines and travel providers. Instead of visiting each airline’s website individually to find the best prices, a flight aggregator lets you search for flights across multiple airlines and compare prices in one place.

Flight aggregators have a search engine that lets you filter flights by price, time, duration, and other factors, helping you to find the best flight deals on a certain period. Once you find cheap flights you like, you can book it directly through the aggregator or be redirected to the airline’s website.

Some examples of flight aggregators are:

Skyscanner, which is a pioneer in this area and one of the few that reliably show low-cost airlines, although also famous for recommending sketchy airline ticket providers.
Kayak, which for years was one of the leaders in market share in travel services combined with flight search.
Google flights, the very own flight aggregator from Google, which however not always show the cheapest flights.

WayAway is quite similar to these. If you are familiar with Kayak, you will see some similarities in terms of flight deals, hotel bookings, and so on.

However…

There are travel services (and one $imple thing I will reveal later) they offer that none of the flight aggregators above do, and we will disclose them to you soon in our WayAway review. First, let’s understand how WayAway will make your next travel easier.

How WayAway Works

What is “Inside” WayAway besides flights: Car Rentals, Hotels, Travel Insurance, and more.

Illustration of compass for review of WayAway cashback program

As we said, WayAway goes beyond just flights.

If offers your cashback. They will give you back part (sometimes a very generous part) of everything you spend using their services.

Below we will list all the services you can find there. It is worth remembering that these services are also offered in partnership with very reputable firms.

Flights

WayAway is able to compare airfares from 1,038 different traditional, charter, and low-cost airlines to find more affordable tickets. They also compare the prices of airline tickets from hundreds of different booking sites and travel agencies.

Low-cost airlines also appear in the search result, differently from other flight agreggators!

Every time you book a flight using WayAway, you receive part of the money back (the % you will receive back we inform in a few paragraphs). This is the magic of cashback.

Hotels, Hostels, and other types of Accommodation

WayAway will find for you accommodation with the best-cost benefit using two of the most popular companies in the world for this purpose:

Booking.com and Hostelworld.

If you have a Wayaway Plus Membership Plan, Every time you reserve accommodation on Booking.com or Hostelworld using WayAway, you receive part of the money back (the % you will receive back we tell you soon).

Car Rentals

WayAway will find the best car rental deals that you need for your travel, from super-compact to large vans, using two of the most reliable aggregators in the market:

Rentalcars and QEEQ

Every time you rent a car using Rentalcars or QeeQ using aWayaway Plus Membership, you receive part of the money back (the % you will receive back we tell you soon).

Tours and Experiences

WayAway will find you skip-the-line tours and entrances for the most spectacular museums in Europe, Asia, or America, using two of the most famous travel experiences websites in the world :

Viator and GetYourGuide

Every time you rent a car using Viator or GetYourGuide using your Wayaway Plus Membership, you receive part of the money back (the % you will receive is in a few paragraphs).

Airport Transfers

If you have a Wayaway Plus Membership, you can book a round airport transfer using KiwiTaxi and have part of your money back.

Concert and Festival Tickets

Looking for concert tickets? WayAway is a partner of Tiqets, one of the largest companies in the world in this area, and you have the membership program, a good part of the money you spend on concerts will return to your pocket.

They also partnered with Klook, another company that sells tickets, just in case you don’t find what you at Tiqets.

You can even earn money if your airline delays your flight!

If you are part of the WayAway Plus Membership program, you can even have significant compensation in case your flight is delayed or canceled.

This is because they partnered with AirHelp, a company that checks your claim’s eligibility, handles the paperwork, and negotiates with the airline on your behalf.

Is that All?

No no, on top of ALL that, Wayaway also has a trip planner that suggests alternative dates with cheaper prices and other travel resources. It will save you a lot of time and make the purchase of travel deals effortless. You can also use them to offset your global carbon footprint.

Let’s go for the most expected part of this WayAway review: how much you will receive back.

Check also: 5 Unusual Travel Tips for Europe for 2023

What WayAway Offers to Your Pocket: Cashback rates for users

As promised in our WayAway review, here is the percentage you will receive back if you are part of the WayAwayPlus membership program for any travel service used.

The cashback on flights depends on each airline. Cheap tickets often have a fixed amount (eg: $7 of cashback for a low-cost ticket). On the other hand, a round flight on global airlines can result in a cashback of 5%!
Booking.com has a standard cashback of 10%, but it can be up to 20% in some cases.
Hostelworld has a 6% cashback.
Travel experiences like museum tickets or tours booked on GetYourGuide cashback have an 8% rate, while Viator returns to your pocket 6%.
Rentalcars and QEEQ both return 5% of the value you spend on car rentals.
Attraction tickets on Tiqets give you a cashback of 7%, the same for Klook.
AirHelp will return 10% of the fee paid, in addition to the compensation they may win for you from the airline.

Sweet, right?

My fingers almost itched to calculate the amount I would receive back when I booked the flight tickets, hotel and car rental for my next holiday using WayAway.

But to have this money back, first I needed to subscribe to WayAway Plus, which is a subscription service that costs $44.99 per year

Now you may think that all this article was a trap. That I am just pushing you to pay for a subscription of $45 dollars per year just to receive a $20 cashback.

No, and here is why:

1st – Likely in just one trip, in a single holiday, you will receive already way more than the price of an annual subscription.

2nd – They offer a 7-day trial, and after this period you don’t even need to pay $44.99 per year. Below I will teach you how.

Is WayAway Plus Worth it? Real-Life Example With Simple Math

Let’s imagine that you live in Houston, Texas, and want to book your holidays to visit Rome, Italy (the opposite is also valid since the cashback programs are available on both continents).

You will travel in July of 2023 with your partner (you don’t need to have two subscriptions for that, only one is enough).

First, you book your flight using WayAway. There we can find this very convenient and inexpensive ticket with a short stopover in Paris. The cashback you will receive for this is $29.
Time to book your hotels. Let’s say that you will stay 11 days in Rome (the most beautiful city in Europe) and 10 days in Milan, in a 3-star hotel with breakfast (you can select a different kind of accommodation since there are from budget hostels to 5-star hotels).Your cashback per hotel reservation is 10% (it may vary, but on average is around that). So you will receive $91 for reserving the Hotel Lirico in Rome and $87 for reserving the Hotel Ibis in Milan.

Only from this (booking flight tickets and reserving hotel), your total of cashback rewards is $29+$91+$87 = $207 dollars.

And for all that cashback amount you paid only $44.99 for an annual subscription (this price is temporary, only for a few months)!

It feels almost like printing money, but it gets better because you don’t even need to pay that, and now is the time to discover how.

Check also: How to Get a Hotel Room up to 50%

How Can I be part of the WayAway Plus Membership Program?

Remember that I told you that even though the price of $44.99 for an annual subscription could easily be offset in a single trip, you still can pay less for it?

Here is the link to join the WayAway Plus program, and if you use the code TheExpatFan, you will receive a 10% discount.

If you enjoyed this WayAway review, here are a few other travel tips and reading suggestions for you:

The Most Beautiful Locations in Brazil for a Photo

Tanzania Honeymoon: The Secrets to Spend a Romantic Holiday!

The Best Place to Visit in Europe Each Month of the Year

The Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in South Africa

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Best Countries Ranking

The Most Beautiful European Capitals in 2023 (And the…

The Most Beautiful Cities in Europe Among Capitals, As Seen Through My Own Eyes

PS: Most of the pictures in this article about the most beautiful capital cities in Europe were taken by me, the author. Since I am not a photographer, they likely don’t do justice to how glorious some places are.

Ps2: Visit also our channel, The Expat

During the last few years, both as part of my job as a hospitality entrepreneur and writer and also as an avid traveler, I visited 22 capital cities in Europe, not counting microstates like the Vatican city (since they don’t have capital cities).

What is Europe’s most beautiful city? is one of the most common questions we get.

Some people say that beauty is difficult to define. I disagree. Beauty is a combination of qualities that please the aesthetic senses.

What is subjective is what each person finds pleasing to their sense of beauty. I once met a guy who considered that black fabric for furniture was better than gobelins or jacquard. He said he was a minimalist, and that is why he preferred plain, dull black. Later on, he revealed that it was not the black that was more beautiful for him, but he preferred it since it was more difficult to spot stains when it got dirty.

So, in this list, you can expect cities that please the senses. At least they pleased mine and all my companies when we visited them.

I am also not evaluating anything else other than the aesthetic criteria. Some of the cities with low scores fare remarkably well in other things, like history-filled Bucharest. All these cities, however, are relatively safe, and none of them figure among the most dangerous cities in Europe.

Each city is rated from 0 to 10. It may be cruel, and if anyone has any point to make, feel free to do so in the comment section.

However, once more: this is not supposed to be an insult, and while some cities may not be the most aesthetic, they have their own qualities.

With no further ado, it’s time to start. Since the article is about the most beautiful cities in Europe from worse to best, we start with the ugliest.

**The LEAST Beautiful Capital City In Europe*: Berlin, Germany**

*The least among the visited ones.

Rating (from 0 to 10): 3

Berlin is ugly. Yes, it has an interesting past; every district is full of history, it has an iconic landmark like the wall, and it is a great place to party if you like electronic music (like I do).

But it is ridiculously ugly. Let’s start with the bizarre TV tower that just looks like a giant toothpick (to not say worse).

Then we see dozens of construction sites and graffiti-covered walls with unexplained characters that try to be edgy but are just an eyesore.

The former communist part still looks like a desolate concrete jungle, and there is a complete lack of harmony with the (still-existent) historical buildings… argh.

Yes, Berlin is not among the prettiest cities in Europe or Germany (Munich is a much more charming city).

I dare to say that Berlin is not even the most beautiful city in Berlin.

Read also: Is Berlin safe in 2023?

20 — Tirana, Albania

Rating: 4.5

While Berlin is ugly despite being the capital of a wealthy country, the same cannot be said about Tirana.

Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe, and Tirana reflects that. Still, this nation has some lovely cities, like Shkoder, and the people I met there are remarkably friendly.

19 — Bucharest, Romania

Rating: 5

When I visited Bucharest, the tour guide started with this short explanation:

This city used to be beautiful. However, in the 70s there was an earthquake; large parts of the city were destroyed, and the communist dictator who ruled the country decided to rebuild it according to his own taste.

The dictator (Ceaușescu) apparently had a particular taste for urban landscaping. The city has large avenues and is relatively well-planned, but sadly, concretism and brutalism are everywhere.

But Romania does have many gorgeous cities, and I’ve already suggested Brasov for a winter trip in Europe.

18 — Podgorica (Montenegro) and Sofia (Bulgaria)

Rating: 5.5

Both cities have a similar past: communism.

As someone who also lives in a former communist capital, I do recognize that there are some positive points, like the abundance of services always available at a close distance (making cars something completely dispensable).

But the buildings are ugly. As in almost all former communist countries (and for some reason, in Brazil), public buildings and urban planning followed a school of architecture called brutalism.

Brutalism emphasizes the functionality of a building over its aesthetics. This indicates that the function of the building takes precedence over its aesthetics. Practical factors like the building’s function or the materials available frequently are preferred over beauty.

Podgorica however, is a surprisingly interesting destination for the month of January.

16 — Moscow (Russia) and Bratislava (Slovakia)

Rating: 6

Moscow and Bratislava also share a common point: both are aesthetically outclassed by their former sister cities.

Saint Peterburg (the Russian capital until the Bolshevik revolution) and Prague (the capital of Czechoslovakia, the country where Bratislava belonged until 1992) are way more attractive.

It is not that both don’t have their beautiful parts. Moscow has some really beautiful squares, parks, and historical buildings, and the same can be said for Bratislava. But they are just small parts drowning in a much larger brutalist setting that reminds the clichés about eastern Europe (although Bratislava is technically in central Europe).

14 — Warsaw (Poland) and Belgrade (Serbia)

Rating: 6.5

Warsaw has a lovely old town, except that it is not really old but a reconstruction of the former old town that was completely destroyed during World War II. It is still beautiful, and if you are somewhere around, visit it.

Belgrade is the same. Stari Grad is pretty charming (and the street sellers of Rakia during the evenings made it even better). The city was dangerous in the past but the criminal clans are virtually gone. Today, it is one of the most vibrant cities in the Balkans.

The farther you go from the old town square, they are ordinary cities with traffic jams and some cringy post-modernist buildings, like the recently built (and pathetic-looking) Warsaw museum of modern art.

However, for history lovers like me, both cities are remarkable and have really good museums. In 24 hours in Warsaw, you can be shaken by the place’s history.

*Nowy Świat, one of the most iconic streets of Warsaw, with its XIX-century architecture. It is a modern reconstruction since nearly everything was destroyed during World War II.* Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

12 — London (England)

Rating: 6.75

This was likely the most difficult rating for me to give.

From one side, London has splendid historic buildings with beautiful architecture like the Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben. Even the hostel where I stayed there (the Palmers Lodge at the Swiss Cottage) was located in a charming house.

But at the same time, London is a noisy modern city, quite crowded, and has monstrosities like:

The Shard. It is like a giant glass pencil that got stuck in the ground and forgot to sharpen its point. Tall and shiny, like a beacon for birds looking to crash into something.
The Minster Building Some people call it neo-gothic, but I call it silly. It looks too cartoonish, almost as if an architect tried to design an office tower based on the castle of Gargamel from the Smurfs.
The Trellick Tower Despite the fact that England was never under communist rule, somehow they managed to build a brutalist monster that could come from the darkest corners of the USSR.

Somehow, and that is a very subjective impression, I feel that London is the most Americanized of all European capitals, and this is slowly destroying its English atmosphere.

11 — Dublin (Ireland) and Athens (Greece)

Rating: 7

Dublin (which is also one of the cheapest destinations to fly into Europe if you are in America) has numerous examples of Georgian architecture that are very well preserved, as well cobblestone streets that transport you back in time. If it were not for some random post-modern buildings creeping into this scenario, I would give them even more than a 7.

Athens could be much higher. This ancient city has iconic landmarks enough to be one of the most visited tourist destinations in the entire world. The not-so-ancient is also worth a visit, like the many orthodox churches.

But… apparently, years of economic turmoil have taken a heavy toll on the city. Outside of the most famous districts, like Plaka (and the pretty colorful houses), many places look rundown. Athens also got more dangerous, unfortunately.

Check also: the most dangerous city in Europe by country.

9— Budapest (Hungary) and Vilnius (Lithuania)

Rating: 7.5

Budapest has some splendid districts that mix Neoclassical, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, bringing from one side a Habsburg flair influenced by oriental scents — check the thermal baths. The Danube River in the background makes it even more charming.

The Hungarian capital. has one of the most amazing Christmas markets in Europe, in a scenario that fits perfectly the seasonal feeling (and where you can find delicious food).

Vilnius is a hidden gem in the Baltics, a city that I visited almost by accident and loved.

It is an underdog on almost any tourist route and one of the most underrated cities among the capitals of European countries. For this reason, it is also one of the most surprising little capitals you can visit. This lovely city is also very walkable.

7 — Prague (Czech Republic) and Lisbon (Portugal)

Rating: 8

Prague was a disappointment for many reasons for me, from the scammers and excessive number of tourist traps to some “attractions” trying to rip you off all the time (apparently the only things that are really cheap there nowadays are beer and bariatric surgery).

But one cannot deny that this former capital of the Holy Roman Empire is charming with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Here are some travel tips for when you visit Europe, including the most visited city in the Czech Republic.

The Prague castle and the St. Vitus cathedral are two must-visit, even if you just see the external parts. The Charles Bridge is another very aesthetic landmark that you can see for free. Finally, Prague is a relatively compact city, with a well preserved old town.

Lisbon didn’t disappoint me, but the opposite.

I didn’t have high expectations, and it surprised me positively with its colorful buildings, well-preserved monuments, the feeling of safety, and harmonic urban arrangement.

I just wish I could spend more time there since I couldn’t yet visit some of the not-so-popular attractions like the Telecabine Lisboa, a cable car with panoramic views over the Tagus river.

As strange as it may sound, if I had to describe one city as tasty, it would be Lisbon.

5 — Paris (France) and Copenhagen (Denmark)

Rating: 8.5

Some context is needed to explain this particular pair in the top 5 of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. Once on a social media network, someone asked what city was better in Europe: Paris or (secret: this city actually tops our list).

I said that Paris couldn’t compare to this city, even though the French capital does have a lot of lovely buildings, streets, and parks (but the Eiffel tower is overrated). Boulevards like the Champs-Élysées make strolling around one of the most exquisite experiences.

Unfortunately, the city is slowly creeping into certain hypes of questionable taste.

One of these hypes was the so-called high-tech architecture, and the ugly fruit of this in Paris was the Centre Georges Pompidou. It was supposed to look modern, and maybe it looked like that when it was built in the 70s. Nowadays, it is kitsch and completely out of place.

Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Copenhagen, on the other hand, may not have the same heritage or architectural richness as larger European cities, and neither boulevards like Paris. But it is a capital city with the feeling of a smaller, regional town, where you can go by bicycle everywhere.

It is a very balanced city, where life looks simpler (not sure if this is just an impression or reality, since I spent just a short time there).

The 3rd Most Beautiful Capital City in Europe: Valletta (Malta)

Rating: 9

Valletta brought me back in time, and I fell in love with this city as a shipwrecked sailor would in the XVI century.

There is a bit of bias here. Because I love Baroque.

And there is only one other capital in the world (which is next in this ranking) where you can see such an intensity of Baroque masterpieces translated into buildings, winding streets, roofs, quaint cafes, etc. as in the picturesque city of Valletta.

The Maltese capital is quite recent, developed by crusaders during the XVI century (that explains why Baroque is everywhere there) in substitution to Mdina, a medieval old town located in the center of the island.

It is not a surprise that such a beautiful city is a popular retirement destination in Europe. Almost the entire city is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The palaces, alleys, piers, and all other man-made wonders are in a perfect fusion between rich history, the privileged natural landscape, the Mediterranean Sea (not far from Valletta is Mellieha, one of my favorite beach towns in Europe), and the carved coast.

It is a feast for the eyes.

Valletta (Malta),the third place in our list of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. — Valletta (Malta). Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

The 2 Most Beautiful Capitals in Europe (Surprise?)

More than once, I have been asked what the most beautiful city I have ever visited is.

My answer is always the same: Rome and Vienna.

And as a father, when asked which kid is his favorite, I refuse to say which one is better, for the same reason the father would:

They are thoroughly different cities, and both are majestic in their own way.

Rome, the eternal city, is the triumph of the human will and of the aspirations that nourish and move our spirit.

Many of Rome’s details, from a distance, look just like marble and stone, but the grandeur of the whole is breathtaking. Rome gets crowded, however, and that is why I recommend visiting it in November.

And this grandeur crosses millennia, from the Castel Sant’Angelo, built over the foundations of the Mausoleum of Hadrian, a construction of almost two thousand years…

Castel Sant’Angelo (former Mausoleum of Hadrian), and the river Tiber in Rome. Picture by the author (Levi Borba).

Or modern buildings, like the Altare della Patria, a monument finished at the beginning of the XX century.

Altare della Patria, also known as Victor Emmanuel II Monument, in Rome, one of the two most beautiful capital cities in Europe — *Altare della Patria*, also known as Victor Emmanuel II Monument, in Rome. Picture by the author (Levi Borba).

On the other side, Vienna is a hymn to man’s ability to create beauty in every inch, word, brushstroke, and musical note.

Vienna is the beauty of details and of good taste. A refined beauty, baroque-rococo, that brings a bit of the divine even in the most trivial constructions

The Habsburgs and their architects, who projected the city, didn’t create buildings only for their functionality.

It needed to be breathtaking in every detail of its Renaissance architecture, almost as if whoever projected these structures, parks, and streets wanted to play a game of “how many jaws can we drop in a day?” at every single building, no matter their purpose.

I could write about well-known top attractions like the Schönbrunn Palace, but Vienna is so much more than that.

This, for example, is their national library.

Austrian National Library. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

Someone could still say, “So what? It is just some nice wooden shelves and a statue. Not very impressive.”

Then I would tell him to look up, at the ceiling.

Ceiling of Austrian National Library in Vienna — The ceiling of the Austrian National Library. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

Not far from the library, we passed in front of a cinema. It looked better than the presidential palace of my home country.

Cinema building in Vienna. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

In the evening, my wife and I decided to have a coffee. A typical Viennese coffee, so we choose a nearby cafe.

I chose a random place that does not even figure in any ranking I saw about the best cafés in Vienna.

Then we entered it, and…

It was simply the most spectacular coffeehouse I have ever been to. The picture doesn’t do justice to how sumptuous the interiors looked. And contrary to general belief, the waiter was friendly and polite.

The name of the cafe is Gerstner K. U. K. Hofzuckerbäcker.

Cafe Gerstner K. U. K. Hofzuckerbäcker. in Vienna. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

Seeing how the Austrians of the 18th and 19th centuries managed to create beauty in even the most ordinary places, I can understand the effusiveness of one of my favorite composers, the Viennese Johann Strauss II.

Every step I walked felt like a note from the Blue Danube, every corner I turned, it was like a section from the Frühlingsstimmen. Perfection.

Statue of Strauss in Vienna, one of the two most beautiful capital cities in Europe — Monument of Johann Strauss II in Vienna’s Stadtpark. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

If you enjoyed this article about the most beautiful capital cities in Europe, here are a few other travel tips and reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

The Mind-Blowing Tourist Scams You Can Find in Europe

City and Safety Guides

The Mind-Blowing Tourist Scams You Can Find in Europe in…

From bird drops to lucky eyes, there are some very creative tourist scams in Europe

After visiting over 30 countries in the entire Europe, I witnessed natural and human beauties that will never be erased from my memories. But I also saw some very creative tourist scams and all sorts of people trying to take advantage of travelers that came to visit a new country on this splendid continent.

People that, in their greed of separating innocent tourists from their valuables, developed travel scam methods so creative that one would stand up and clap for their talent — if, obviously, they were not the criminals they are.

I am not talking about obvious things like taxi scams or taxi cab drivers taking the long way to your destination… no, no, no. I am talking about real scam artists. People that could teach at the recently discovered Scam University in Brazil.

In the next paragraphs, you will discover a selection of tourist scams used by con artists all over Europe, from London to Athens, from Lisbon to Moscow.

Be aware that as scary as some of these scams may look, Europe is still a very safe place, especially when you compare it with Mexico’s violence rates, for example.

Since we are talking about scams and criminal methods, check later our article about the creative methods used by Brazilian criminals.

The Pigeon Drop Scam (Popular Scam in Spain Also Known as Fake Bird Poop)

Image of Athens, Greece, a place where tourist scams use the distraction of the fake bird poop. — Athens has plenty of birds in some squares, so scammers have the perfect excuse.

Scam Location: Athens (Greece) and large cities in Spain, but also happens anywhere with lots of pigeons around.

Athens is a place prolific for scammers. From the shady types walking around Omonia to the common scams targeting tourists in places like Syntagma square. My family fell victim to criminals there two times in a matter of days, and I wrote an entire article about safety in Athens.

Likely the pigeon drop scam is not particular only to Athens, but happens in other places where you have the presence of these birds (or similar ones, like seagulls). There is another type of scam called Pigeon Drop, so it is important to not confuse both.

How the Fake Bird Poop Scam Works:

Imagine that you are calmly strolling across Syntagma square in Athens or in La Rambla in Barcelona, minding your own business.

Suddenly, you feel something drops in your hair, shoulder or back. It is some white, sticky, disgusting thing that looks like bird poop.

Almost at the same time, an innocent looking person picks her tissue and helps you to clean the mess, while cursing those damned birds.

This is all a distraction for this person or someone nearby to steal your wallet.

This is one of the many distractions used by pickpockets. My father had his cell phone stolen when pickpockets (a group of kids) dropped close to him a cup of soda. To avoid travel scams that use distractions, it is important to be extremely wary of your surroundings if you are in a crowded place in a foreign country. Another option is to use a money belt.

Book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights — Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

The Lucky Eye Scam

Just like in the previous example, you are again walking in a touristy area, but this time in London. Suddenly, someone comes closer to you and tricks you into thinking that they are some sort of fortune teller or wizard, and they say that you have a lucky eye and they can tell you how you can use this gift to reach fortune, love, etc.

They either do that to lure you and:

Demand money for their advice, or
Sell you one necklace with a “charm” that just looks like an eye, or
Just use this as a distraction to pickpocket your wallet or cellphone.

The High Fashion Scam

Center of Milan. Italy is known for its culture, beauty, and history, but is Is Milan safe... — Fashion capitals like Milan are the spot for a very peculiar type of tourist scam.

This is a scam that happens in fashion capitals like Paris, New York, London, and Milan.

While taking pictures or visiting a place packed with tourists, you are approached by an elegantly dressed man that politely asks for a minute of your time.

He then proceeds to explain that he is a shop owner in another place and just attended some important fashion fair or show, but then his credit card got blocked or he lost his money. Now he needs to sell his high-quality luxury products to go back home.

He explains that all the things are original and he is selling them way below the fair price or the cost he paid just to raise some money to pay his expenses.

Sounds too good to be true? Because it is, and the products are fake.

The Bracelet Scam

Scam Location: I saw it in Milan (more about it here), but in Italy, it is among the most common travel scams.

There are many variations of the ever-present (and very annoying) bracelet scam.

The friendship bracelet (which is often offered for pairs of tourists, scamming two people at once).
The African bracelet of good luck.
The bracelet from a hidden tribe in the Amazon.

All of them have a thing in common: street sellers will call you calmly and politely. They will tell you that this bracelet looks good on you (or on your new friend there), and ask if you can just try it, until they convince, between smiles and little jokes, you to give it a try.

Suddenly, they will demand money, sometimes even aggressively. To avoid problems (often the sellers are not alone), people just give them whatever they ask.

To avoid this, simply walk away from any pushy vendor.

The Rickshaw Tourist Scams in London (or Tuk Tuk Drivers Scammers)

the cost of living in London — Not all rickshaw drivers in London are scammers, but there are reported cases.

Reported location of the tourist scams: I was a victim of it in London, but I guess it is also common in other places.

Anyone that lives in London for some time already knows the common travel scams
involving tourists being ripped off by the local pedicab (or rickshaw) drivers. Rickshaws are similar to tuk tuks, but the first is moved by pedals while the second is motorized.

This is exactly what happened to me during my very first trip to Europe, 12 years ago. I took a rickshaw for a very short distance and he charged me multiple times what a taxi driver would charge.

I thought the problem was solved, but recently there were multiple reports of overpriced tuk tuk tours as well as rickshaw drivers charging tourists £1000 for a 10-minute trip.

The Picture Scam

Reported location of the tourist scams: I saw it in Rome, but it is common in multiple touristy areas.

I wrote more about this scam in my article The Most Stupid Thing You Can Do in 5 European Capitals.

Here is how it works: in some popular places in Rome like the Coliseum you will find people dressed as gladiators, emperors, etc. Kids (and sometimes adults) are often attracted to taking pictures with them.

They will initially be cordial and even smile for your photo. After that, they will charge you a payment, and if you do not pay, things may turn aggressive. If you call the closest police officers, likely the cops will take the side of the street artists in this case — after all, you were the one that requested to take a photo with them.

Another article that you may find useful if you are traveling to Rome (in my opinion, the most spectacular city on earth) is this one: Her Wallet Was Stolen in Rome For Doing a Little Mistake.

The Hooker Scam (Or the Strip Club Scam)

Amsterdam - Imagem de Iulian Ursache por Pixabay — No surprise that some infamous tourist scams happen in Amsterdam.

Reported location of the tourist scams: as you may guess, close to red light districts.

I will not spend a lot of words explaining this one, primarily because I was never a victim of that, but as a hostel owner, I heard backpackers tell their stories about getting scammed in red-light districts like the one in Amsterdam or in strip clubs in Warsaw.

In Amsterdam’s red light district, scamming is so rampant that you can find some really curious stories on their Tripadvisor page. Things like girls charging $50 just to walk inside a suit.

In Poland, often the scam involves strip clubs spiking drinks (the free beer they offer) with chemicals that numb customers and make them use their credit cards to pay huge amounts for nothing or to just give their credit card details during a dance. Recently there was a scandal involving US soldiers.

Fake Charity Petitions

Fake charity petitions are a great way to get you to sign a petition by playing on your emotions and convincing you that a cause is important.

Often, this is just another distraction. Although it doesn’t sound too sophisticated when compared to the previous examples, this is a fantastic opportunity for a pickpocket disguised as a friendly local to attack.

Travel Agent Scams

In many popular cities, you will find travel agents or local offices offering cheap tours, train tickets, or even skip-the-line entrances to crowded or sold attractions (too good to be true things). Local taxi drivers often advertise these travel agents to their customers, because they receive a commission.

Not rarely, unfortunately, it is a scam, and you will just realize that your ticket is fake or expired by the time you are trying to enter the attraction (or they sold you a boat tour and at the place there are no boats). That is why when traveling to different cities and buying tours, I prefer to check their reputation using Viator.

The Money Exchange Scam

Reported location of the tourist scams: I witnessed it in Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague disappointed me, and that was only one of the reasons. There still happens one of these common travel scams that targets people who prefer to use cash (like me) instead of a debit card.

Never (and I mean never) change cash on the street, especially in touristy areas like the area around the Old Clock. If someone approaches you in front of an exchange office and offers you a better rate, you can be sure that you are being scammed. You won’t be able to get Czech money very often. You’ll end up with some Eastern European money, which won’t do you much good here.

Use an ATM if you require Czech currency (which you will since the Euro is not recognized as legal tender here).

Always ask the exchange office how much you’ll get for your money when you see one (and there are many of them everywhere). You may be duped into believing you are getting a good deal by many exchange offices. You might be shocked when you sign the bill and only get half of what you anticipated. Please be advised that once you sign the bill, you are indicating your acceptance of the offer and cannot request a refund.

The Fake Police Officer Scam

(There is also another version, the Fake Ticket Inspector Scam)

Tram in Lisbon, to illustrate article about Is Lisbon safe. — Trams and Buses are some of the favorite areas for the fake ticket inspector scam.

Reported location of the tourist scams: There are reports of this scam in Vienna.

In many European cities, you enter the public transport system without physical barriers that demand you to insert a ticket. Therefore, the public authorities often hire ticket inspectors to randomly check if passengers have valid tickets. If they don’t, they are fined and can pay it (with a discount) on the spot.

Knowing that often tourists are confused by how the ticketing system works, fake inspectors (sometimes even with very realistic fake uniforms) make regular checks in train stations, trams, and buses in large cities to fine unwary people.

The best way to avoid that is to have a valid ticket, and if the fake inspector tries to confuse you, ask for the assistance of the local people to verify if your ticket is valid.

I got scammed on the street, what should I do now?

You don’t need to be in the most dangerous cities in Europe to be a victim of scam artists.

What you should do if you are a victim of a tourist scam?

A) Shout loud your anger out on your social media accounts, or

B) Find the closest police office

While often we see people choosing A, the most efficient way to recover at least part of your losses is to call the alternative B (call the police). Some countries have a special division of their police forces focused on helping tourists. After that, it is fine to vent your dissatisfaction online :).

One thing that could not be understated is the importance of travel insurance. Especially when traveling to areas that have higher risks or exposing yourself to some situations, find a reliable travel insurance provider (since there are also plenty of travel insurance scams). I recommend EKTA, which has great coverage and very affordable prices (likely among the cheapest for Europe).

To avoid scammers from separating you from your hand luggage, a good idea is to hire a temporary storage facility while you visit the city. Radical Storage has storage facilities in central areas all over Europe and very good prices.

To avoid fake travel agents selling you fake tours and train tickets, I recommend purchasing tours using Viator and train tickets using Trainline.

Lastly, to avoid the unfortunate cases of scammers disguised as taxi drivers, something very common in airports, I prefer to schedule my airport transfers in advance using GetTransfer. They will compare multiple options and give you the cheapest and most reliable one.

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity Cover — Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

The Expat Consultancy Safety Guides

My team wrote some guides to help you keep safe, avoid tourist scams, choose the best districts, and avoid the worst neighborhoods. Here are some of them:

Athens, Greece
Belgrade, Serbia
Berlin, Germany
Munich, Germany
Copenhagen, Denmark
Dublin, Ireland
Edinburgh, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland
Lisbon, Portugal
Madrid, Spain (We also wrote a guide with tips on immigrating to Spain)
Manchester, England
Milan, Italy
Rome, Italy

If you enjoyed this article about travel scams, here are a few other travel tips and reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

City and Safety Guides

Is Edinburgh Safe?

Is Edinburgh, in Scotland, a safe place to live or visit?

Edinburgh is an incredible city to explore and live in, a city steeped in history and character, with stunning architecture and home to the biggest arts festival in the world.

Scotland’s capital city has so much to offer tourists and locals alike. With outstanding nightlife, arts and cultural festivals, there’s a plethora of incredible things to see and do in this historic city.

Wander the cobbled streets of the UNESCO heritage Old Town and partake in a ghost tour exploring the city’s gruesome and intriguing past. Stroll down the Royal Mile taking in the sights and sounds. Browse luxury shops and independent boutiques in the New Town. Of course, a trip to Edinburgh isn’t complete without a visit to its imposing and majestic castle.

There is something for everyone in this magical city…but with plenty of tourist-friendly things to do attracting around 2.2 million visitors a year, how safe is Edinburgh?

You’ll be pleased to hear that Edinburgh is a very safe city to visit and live in. In fact, according to a survey conducted in 2014, Edinburgh was voted the safest city to live in among the top most populated cities in the UK.

No matter where you go, there are always sure to be some key areas to avoid and particular crimes that do occur, so what is the crime rate like in Edinburgh?

Infographic for article Is Edinburgh Safe — Our infographic with the answer to the question, “Is Edinburgh Safe?” (Feel free to share, but please give proper credit by linking back to this article 🙂 )

Edinburgh Crime Rate

Statistics released in 2022 show there are several types of crime that have seen an increase. These include sexual assaults, domestic abuse, and violent crime such as serious assaults.

Although this is a worrying fact, the overall statistics show crime within Edinburgh over the past ten years has been on a continuous downward trend. Making the city a safe place to live and visit.

The pandemic has also significantly impacted local crimes such as house burglaries and theft, which can only be good news for this thriving city.

There are wonderful places to visit in the Scottish capital, but there is also some activity from scammers. Our website has a special report about common (and creative) scams targeting tourists in Europe. Read it before your next trip.

Nowadays, Edinburgh is much safer than Glasgow, the other large Scottish city.

Worst Places To Live In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a beautiful cosmopolitan city with many incredible sights to see. Still, there are areas in the city that should be avoided if looking for a place to settle in Scotland.

There are areas of high deprivation due to poverty, high crime rates and low unemployment. The lack of local infrastructure and exciting things to do inevitably leads to crime and anti-social behaviour.

A report conducted by the Scottish government called the Index of Multiple Deprivation shows there are eight areas within Edinburgh in the top 100 crime areas within Scotland. Here are a few places that made the list.

Map of the worst places to live in Edinburgh. — Some of the worst places to live in Edinburgh are inside the circles. Source: Google Maps

Market Street

If you ever asked yourself “Is Edinburgh safe?”, maybe in the Market Street the answer would be not much.

This area, near the Edinburgh Waverley train station, is right in the city’s heart and close to main attractions such as the Royal Mile. There are plenty of hotels in this area, and it is the starting point for many visitors arriving in the city. But its close proximity to the train station means it has high instances of crime (check in the end of the article some useful tips for the next time you stay close to a train station!). These include theft, assaults, vandalism, and drug-related offences.

Wester Hailes

This area, which is located southwest of the city, is known for its high crime rate. The site was developed in the 1970s by building high-rise flats to support a growing population moving out of cramped tenement buildings within the city. Due to these high-rise flats and a lack of infrastructure within the area, crime here is high. Some redevelopment has occurred within the last few years, with newer low-rise flats being built to replace older high-rise buildings.

Leith Street

Leith Street, which leads onto Leith walk and connects the city centre with the buzzing port area of Leith, is a popular spot with an abundance of bars, restaurants and things to do. Being a popular area for late-night revellers means it brings its own problems, such as anti-social behaviour, petty theft and assaults.

Best Areas To Live In Edinburgh

There may be some not-so-savoury places that you wouldn’t want to visit in Edinburgh, but there are many more wonderful and thriving areas with so much to offer. Perfect for a weekend of exploring or perhaps to live in?

From the bustling, quaint parts of the Old Town to hip, thriving communities close to the beach, there are many exciting and safe places to live in Edinburgh.

Map of some of the best areas to live In Edinburgh. — Some of the best areas to live In Edinburgh are inside the black circles. Source: Google Maps.

Old Town

The historic heart of the city, the old town of Edinburgh, will have you wandering around cobbled streets and exploring picturesque lanes and alleyways. Named a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, this bustling and popular area will be the first port of call for most visitors. There are plenty of landmarks and attractions in this area, and lots for tourists wanting to soak up the unique and diverse history the city is proud to tell. Visit exciting museums, explore shops and restaurants, and take part in a walking tour. The list really is endless in this fascinating part of Edinburgh.

Haymarket

This area, in the west of the city centre, is an excellent commuter area due to its proximity to Haymarket railway station. It has a youthful vibe and is popular with students and young people as it’s a relatively affordable place to live. Haymarket is a diverse area with plenty of bars and restaurants. There’s an array of independent eateries and restaurants serving food from around the world. It’s an incredible place to try a few delicious culinary delights before enjoying drinks with friends.

Leith

In the north of the city, Leith is a port area with a buzzing and hip vibe. Due to its redevelopment, it has become a must-visit destination in Edinburgh. It’s packed with trendy waterfront restaurants and bars, perfect for enjoying a few drinks in the sunshine. There’s plenty to do here. From riverside walks and cultural events to browsing the array of boutiques and independent stores and enjoying delicious food – it’s a melting pot of culture and fun!

Portobello

Situated around 3 miles east of the city centre is the gorgeous coastal area of Portobello. This charming seaside spot attracts weekend visitors looking to escape the city, explore the outdoors, and get a taste of the sea air. It has a fun community feel here, and with quaint ice-cream shops and three miles of beautiful sand, it’s a great place to bring kids. It’s a nice location to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as walking, paddle-boarding and swimming, although it might be pretty cold!

There are some excellent and (surprisingly!) inexpensive hotels in the best areas of Edinburgh. You can find them below.

Other Useful Edinburgh Tips

Edinburgh is a great city to be explored on foot. Staying centrally close to a train station means you don’t need to rely on public transport and expensive taxis. Instead, you can wander the city at your own pace and soak it all up. Traffic is a problem within the city, so you’ll also avoid wasting too much time on public transport and more time enjoying the delights Edinburgh has to offer!

Of course, if you want to use public transport to explore different parts of the city, make sure you take care of your bags and personal belongings.

One of Edinburgh’s biggest attractions is its incredible festival scene. The city has a jam-packed festival schedule year-round and is home to the world’s largest arts festival – The Fringe Festival. The event is an explosion of arts, from theatre, comedy, circus displays, musicals, opera, and so much more; it’s a mesmerising month-long affair that attracts people worldwide.

Whilst enjoying the festivities, it’s always important to watch for pick-pockets who thrive in busy tourist-packed events. Keep your bag in front of you when walking, and be careful with your phone or camera in public.

Be sure to try the national dish of Scotland whilst you are visiting. Not for the faint-hearted, haggis, made of sheep offal (heart, liver and lungs), onions, spices, oats and fat, is traditionally served with mashed turnips and mashed potatoes, known here as ‘neeps and tatties’. It’s a hearty Scottish dish served in restaurants all over the city.

The city also has a large expat community, something that often helps with immigrant adaptation.

If travelling internationally to Edinburgh, it may be worth purchasing a local pay-as-you-go sim to make calls and access the internet when out and about. However, free wifi points are available all around the city, and most bars and cafes will have wifi available for customers.

It’s a good idea to download the offline version of the city on google maps on your phone before arriving, in case you don’t have access to the internet. This is a valuable way of ensuring you know where you are going as soon as you arrive.

Extra Tips for Staying Safe in Edinburgh

Picture of the Center of Edinburgh. Below are some more tips for staying safe while visiting the city. — Is Edinburgh safe? Overall, yes, but below are some more tips for staying out of danger while visiting the city.

1st — If you are visiting the city, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from the Malpensa Airport, Bergamo Airport, or from any station to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

3rd — If you want to walk around and see some historical spots without the risk of getting lost or wasting your time, hire a guide. You can find some amazing and reliable guides and tours at Viator. They will give you insider information about historical facts and curiosities, and also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

4th—Stay in a good hostel. Hostels are usually in the safest parts of cities (at least in Europe and South America), unlike hotels. Most hostels have private rooms that are as comfortable as a hotel, plus a friendly staff to give information. When looking for hostels, I visit Hostelworld and filter for those above grade 7.

There may be times when you need help, and it’s essential to have some helpful numbers in an emergency.

999 – Emergency number for police, ambulance, fire service, coast guard, mountain rescue.

101 – A number to report minor and non-emergency crimes.

111 – To be used during out-of-hours, such as evenings and weekends, for health concerns that are not life-threatening.

As you can see, Edinburgh is a fabulous and safe city to explore and live in. There’s much to see and do and something on offer for everyone. So grab your coat and get exploring!

If you enjoyed this article answering the question Is Edinburgh Safe? here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

Dublin, the city from James Joyce and Colin Farrell, should be on your bucket list, and here is why.

How to Keep Warm in Winter with Minimal Heating

The Most Violent Cities in Europe BY COUNTRY

Levi Borba is the founder of the Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.

Business in Europe

Inequality in Russia

How Russia Is One of the Most Unequal Countries on the Entire Planet

Since my childhood in Brazil, I always heard about how our country is unequal in terms of income and wealth, so since high school, we have been taught about something called the Gini Coefficient because we know that Brazil performs very badly on it.

The problem is that the Gini coefficient is not a very good measure of certain countries.

Why?

While the Gini coefficient measures the distribution of income in a society, it does not count for two things:

1st: The income that is earned by people from that certain country but are not brought to its economy (eg: Russian oligarchs with large bank accounts in Dubai).

2nd: It does not measure the regional disparities.

I am not here trying to invalidate the Gini coefficient. Brazil is an unequal country, and that is visible in our society.

BUT…

As someone who has traveled to every continent since I left Brazil almost a decade ago, I dare to say that Brazil is not even close to being among the worst cases. And here I bring up the matter of Russia.

Because Russia, despite having one of the most affordable educational systems in the world, is an extremely unequal country when you observe its regional disparities. Something that has deep roots in the very genesis of the Russian state (more about it later).

So I decided to compare the income per capita of the richest and poorest regions of different countries in the world (at least those that have public information easily available, so sorry North Korea, you are not part of my little study).

Criteria for a Regional Approach to Income Inequality in Different Countries, including Russia.

I made it simple.

Basically, I compared the most recent data from multiple sources like Statista (for the United Kingdom and a few other countries), Eurostat (for EU countries like Poland), and UNDP (for Russia).

On these websites, I searched for the sub-unit (meaning state, province, region, voivodeship, oblast, etc) GDP per capita. Not PPP, since there are different methodologies for PPP calculation, but nominal GDP per capita.

Then, using an excel sheet, I calculated the income difference between the richest and poorest sub-unit of each country.

The results are shown in the table below.

Country	Year	Richest State/Unit	GDP Per Capita (US$)	Richest State/Unit	GDP Per Capita (US$)	Difference
Russia	2018	Moscow	$22,060	Ingushetia	$1,790	1132%
India	2020	Goa	$6,227	Bihar	$661	842%
Mexico	2018	Campeche	$67,233	Chiapas	$7,255	827%
Brazil	2019	Distrito Federal	$22,677	Maranhão	$3,515	545%
Colombia	2016	Casanare	$26,546	Vaupés	$4,293	518%
France	2018	Île de France	$70,500	Mayotte	$11,800	497%
The United States	2021	Washington	$226,861	Mississippi	$42,411	435%
Poland	2019	Warsaw	$30,612	Lubelskie	$9,535	221%
Italy	2018	South Tyrol	$55,600	Calabria	$19,100	191%
Japan	2014	Tokyo	$68,776	Nara	$24,970	175%
The United Kingdom	2020	London	$55,974	North East	$23,109	142%
Germany	2019	Hamburg	$78,904	Saxony-Anhalt	$33,978	132%
Canada	2019	Northwest Territories	$100,871	Nova Scotia	$47,837	111%

Income inequality between the richest and poorest administrative units of each country. Multiple sources (to check, see first paragraphs).

A Regional Approach to Income Inequality in Russia

As expected, developed countries like Canada, Germany, and the UK all had relatively low inequality between their richest and poorest regions.

Inside the US, a country with 50 states, the richest unit (Washington DC) has a GDP per capita 435% higher than the poorest (Mississippi).

France is a bit of an outlier when compared to other European countries because their overseas possessions are relatively poor, and that is the case of Mayotte, an island close to Mozambique. Île de France, the department where Paris is located, has an income six times larger than Mayotte.

As one could expect, all the analyzed Latin American countries have very high regional inequality. In Brazil and Colombia, the richest regions have more than six times the income of the poorest ones. In Mexico, it is almost 10 times more.

In India, a country with over 1 billion people and where a caste system still exists in some regions, the richest region (the former Portuguese colony of Goa) has a GDP per capita 842% higher than the poorest region, Bihar.

But none (I repeat: none) of these countries have regional inequality close to that of Russia.

Check also: Debunking the Myth “Sanctions Against Russia Aren’t Working”

Why does Russia have so much Inequality?

Image of Moscow. Regional income inequality in Russia has some very expressive numbers.

Moscow has a GDP per capita that is 1132% higher than the poorest region.

There are some other regions in Russia that also have high incomes, but due to their very small populations (e.g., the Nenets Autonomous Okrug has a GDP per capita larger than Moscow, but since it has only 42 thousand residents, it is likely that a single entity or person is skewing this number). If we considered these regions, the regional inequality in Russia would be even higher.

There are many explanations for why Russia has so much inequality, but many fail to consider that this inequality is not a recent phenomenon. It is historical, and has existed for centuries across many regimes: from Czarist Russia to the Soviets and now to Putin’s government.

There is one single expression that may explain why there is so much variation between regions.An expression proudly repeated by Russian ideologues like Alexander Duguin, but which bears a much more sinister meaning:

Russia as the “The Third Rome”

I will not enter into all the complex explanations behind the idea that for centuries, Russian intellectuals considered their country the successor of Rome, but rather on the economical implications of it.

Rome prospered and thrived by exploring the outskirts of the empire. Yes, they also brought law and protected the borders, this is true, but the heavy taxes and enslaved rebels from the provinces were some of the most important foundations of the Roman economy.

When the Roman empire ceased to expand, it was the beginning of its downfall.

And the very idea of “Third Rome”, which forms the expansionist Russian ideology, explains a little of why Russia needs to expand. Why do the Czars, Trotsky, Khrushchev, and now Putin all need to expand? Because Moscow requires resources, just like Rome needed them.

And Russia is now facing one of the worst population declines in the entire world, just as Rome suffered back then.

If you enjoyed this article about inequality in Russia, check these below:

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The Chinese Banking Bankruptcy Could Trigger the Mother of All Crises

Subscribe (for free) to receive my articles directly in your inbox and receive a special gift. If you enjoy this article, please consider becoming a Medium member by using this link and have access to premium, unbiased content from authors not tied to big media.

Levi Borba is the founder of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author.

Brazil

5 Amazing Locations To Take A Family Photo While…

The Most Beautiful Locations in Brazil for a Photo

Traveling opens you up to the world. It expands your knowledge and sometimes your outlook on life. However, at times, it also ignites a wanderlust that can be difficult to quench even years later.

Brazil is a country of great variety, with something for everyone. As a Brazilian myself I must admit that crossing it to take photos can be a challenge. Transportation can be time-consuming and remote locations can be difficult to find.

But more than photos, you are invited to a good time!

(Besides, after the World Cup 2014 and the Summer Olympics 2016, the infrastructure of the country improved. It is not ideal, but it is much better and the largest airports can even be considered up to international standards).

In the next paragraphs, I will invite you to some of the most splendid places in this enormous, gigantic country. Not only to take pictures but to create some of the best memories of your life.

Ready?

Check also: Discover how a cashback program can help you recover some of your holiday spending on flight tickets or Booking.com on our WayAway review.

Book recommended: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro: A Stunning Historical Location in Brazil

A picture I took during an evening walk in Paraty. One of the most stunning historic locations in Brazil for a photo.

One of the most well-known attractions in the State of Rio de Janeiro is the city of Paraty! But why this old colonial city is so captivating to people? Why does everyone who visits it want to return?

The Historic Center, a group of harmonious colonial buildings, is without a doubt the most responsible for the enchantment that the city awakens.

Portuguese-style architecture is present. The houses were constructed close to the streets, with their white and joined facades. The doors and windows, which are stunning and so distinctive and come in an infinite variety of colors, make the entire area joyful.

Another example of the Portuguese influence are the various churches that are still located in the Historic Center. Hiring a city tour is a great way to discover more about the area’s history and find spots worthy of holiday cards.

There is nothing more enjoyable than hearing a resident of the city describe the city. These two-hour tours visit the most interesting locations, including some that you might not have found on your own like the charming Rua do Fogo.

While in the past Rio (both the state and the capital) were considered very dangerous, things are improving.

Not far from Paraty is Ubatuba, where you can find one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, called Praia do Cedro.

MASP and Avenida Paulista, São Paulo

São Paulo city’s most well-known street, Avenida Paulista, has amassed a lot of history over the course of its nearly 130-year existence. Today, the street hosts over 1.5 million visitors each day and serves as the city’s commercial and cultural hub. The three kilometers of the avenue are never the same twice.

The MASP, the most significant museum in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as cafes, bars, restaurants, other cultural centers, movie theaters, parks, shopping areas, and book stores are all located there. There are also many universities nearby, therefore you can also find locals and foreigners that chose Sao Paulo for their studies.

While São Paulo may not be an example of a safe city, it is the safest capital in Brazil.

Parque da Independência and Museu do Ipiranga, São Paulo.

The Parque da Independencia, or “Independence Park,” opened in 1989. It is called “Independence Park” because it has important historical pieces for the history of Brazil’s independence, which have been listed by agencies at the municipal, state, and federal levels in charge of preserving history.

There, you can see the famous Ipiranga Museum, the beautiful gardens that were inspired by Versailles, the Independence Monument, and the Casa do Grito, which is close to where D. Pedro shouted “independence or death!” to declare the country’s independence.

Cataratas do Iguaçu (Iguazú Waterfalls), Foz do Iguaçu, State of Paraná.

Located in the state of Paraná, one of the most stunning natural sights in the world may be found in the city of Foz de Iguaçu and the surrounding Iguaçu Falls.

The length of the wooded trails and the size of the waterfalls are famous all over the world. The falls thrill visitors and offer experiences that no other location can. It’s understandable why the place was recently named one of the world’s new seven wonders.

There, you’ll discover a setting with clean air, gentle scents, delectable food, and even information about the Natural Heritage of Humanity.

**Jardim Botânico de Curitiba (Curitiba’s Botanical Garden), Curitiba, State of Paraná**

The Jardim Botânico de Curitiba, opened since 1991, is a glass-enclosed greenhouse surrounded by diverse varieties of plants.

A picture I took in 2019 in front of the botanical gardens of Curitiba,, one of the most beautiful locations in Brazil for a photo.

French gardens served as inspiration for their design, and the first thing you notice is a carpet of flowers. Additionally, the greenhouse we previously discussed contains botanical species that are important in Brazil.

The Botanical Garden is known as the “garden of senses” because visitors can experience various plant scents and textures.

This is a wonderful area to go to if you want to take a peaceful and lovely walk. Besides, since December is summer in Brazil, it is a perfect place to produce (custom-made) one of the best Christmas cards for 2022, or at least a very exotic one 🙂

Amazing Locations To Take A Family Photo While In Brazil: Conclusion

Maybe by now, you are thinking why I didn’t include places that are always in these rankings about Brazil like Lençóis do Maranhão or the Blue Lake in Bonito. Here is the answer: because I have never been there, and I don’t want to advertise places that I never visited yet 🙂

So here is my tip of 5 incredible places to visit and take memorable pictures in Brazil (not in order):

Centro Histórico de Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro
MASP and Avenida Paulista, São Paulo
Parque da Independência and Museu do Ipiranga, São Paulo
Cataratas do Iguaçu, Foz do Iguaçu, State of Paraná
Jardim Botânico de Curitiba, Curitiba, State of Paraná

If you enjoyed this article about the most beautiful locations in Brazil for a photo, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

Things That Brazilians Buy for Much Less Than You

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The best place for Digital Nomads in Brazil and entire South America

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Digital Nomads

10 Reasons For a Zanzibar & Tanzania Honeymoon in…

A Zanzibar and Tanzania Honeymoon: The Secrets to Spend a Romantic Holiday!

I’d been there, and it was nothing short of spectacular!

Are you looking for a romantic place to go after tying the knot? Have you ever wondered about Zanzibar and Tanzania honeymoon? An increasing number of people do!

But these African spots are great destinations not only for honeymooners. I visited there with my family and girlfriend, and it was wonderful. I would only not recommend it to people allergic to pristine beaches and incredible wildlife.

Located in East Africa, these coastal destinations are a traveler’s dream. You get beaches, wildlife, culture, good food and much more.

When we talk about Tanzania and Zanzibar, we are referring to a single country, since the last is part of the first. But to give you a bit more detail:

Where is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in east Africa. It consists of over 250 small islands, with a total area of 236 square miles. The largest island is Unguja and the capital is Zanzibar City (also referred to as Stone Town). Over half the population of Zanzibar lives in the capital.

t is a semi-autonomous part of the country with its own president, who is elected every five years. It is nicknamed “Spice Island” due to its location on the Spice Coast, which derives its name from the spices grown there.

Where to Stay in Zanzibar

When I traveled to Zanzibar, I stayed close to a beach called Nungwi. It is gorgeous (you can see by the picture above), very well conserved, and has some nice beach bars with affordable prices for you to sip a drink or eat something.

I slept at Baraka Aquarium Bungalows, an inexpensive bed&breakfast that has a pond with turtles (you can swim with them!). They also serve a delicious breakfast! Nungwi has also a few other accommodation options for you to choose from.

Nungwi is also in my ranking of the 8 best beaches in the world for holidays.

Now, time for the 10 reasons why a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar is the perfect post-wedding gift for yourselves.

Check also: Discover how a cashback program can help you recover part of the money spent on flight tickets or Booking.com on our review of the WayAway cashback program.

1. Take a Honeymoon Safari or Practice Snorkel in Zanzibar

One of the top reasons to visit Tanzania is the wildlife, be it on the surface or underwater!

You get to see wildlife in their natural habitat. You could spend a day with the magnificent Lions, elephants, zebras, and leopards. Yet, that doesn’t even capture the abundance of wildlife.

There is still so much below the water surface, and I saw that myself!

Simply said, Zanzibar is a snorkeling paradise. It is an excellent diving location all year round, with an average water temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and visibility easily above 20 meters.

Mnemba Atoll is a well-known conservation area in Zanzibar that is high on most people’s “must-see” list. Year-round visibility is good, up to 30 meters. Snorkeling around Mnemba Island’s shore will bring you up close to spectacular coral reefs, many fish species, and other marine life such as dolphins, green turtles, and sea stars.

And it is REALLY inexpensive for such a wonderful experience.

If you prefer to do a more traditional, dry safari, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the wildebeest migration.

The Serengeti is a perfect romantic getaway spot. There are amazing packages for Tanzania honeymoon safaris you can take advantage of. The travel agents arrange everything for you. They can also create custom packages depending on your budget. See unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes under the African sun.

How about taking your Zanzibar in Tanzania honeymoon safari a notch higher? You don’t have to spend the whole time in the resorts. There is the option of camping in the Serengeti.

The thrill of sleeping in a tent, mere feet from animals of prey, is an out-of-this-world feeling. The honeymoon safari service providers will organize bonfires and other night activities. The open starry sky is so romantic that you may never want to leave.

Budget Travelers Digital Nomad and Expats Book — Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

2. Zanzibar Has Miles of Pristine Beaches

What can be more romantic than miles and miles of pristine white beaches? Tanzania and Zanzibar lie on a coastline and have some of the best beaches in the world. Take romantic strolls, dip in the water, or spend a lazy day basking.

There are also plenty of water activities if you fancy some physical exertion. You will both enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling.

Your honeymoon safari agents can arrange for private escapades at the islets. Some of the popular ones in Zanzibar include Chapwani, Chumbe, and Mnemba.

Picture of one of Zanzibar's Pristine beaches, which turn honeymoons in Tanzania into a unique experience — Zanzibar’s Pristine beaches turn honeymoons in Tanzania into a unique experience

3. Learn the East African culture

Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is rich in culture and has so much history. The town has preserved most of the historical influences. There is a mix of European, Persian, Indian, Arabic, and African heritage. It almost feels like you are taking a walk through the past.

Exploring old Stone Town is intriguing, but it’s easy to get lost in the area’s maze-like, tiny lanes. For less than 40 dollars, a private guide you show you all the gems of the historical city and make the best of your time!

4. Spices and More Spices

Many people know Zanzibar as a spice island. The locals farm all types, including nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric. A trip to farms will teach you about the spices’ history, processes, and uses.

There are some excellent and (surprisingly!) inexpensive hotels in the best areas of Zanzibar. You can find them below.

5. Enjoy the Cuisine of Tanzania and Zanzibar During your Honeymoon

A Tanzania and Zanzibar honeymoon trip will expose you to the local cuisine. The night food market in Stone Town is something you want to experience. The aroma of spices and good food is one part of the trip you will remember for a very long time.

In Zanzibar, I ate one of the most delicious grilled fish of my entire LIFE. I don’t know the name of the species, but I can still remember the dazzling flavor it had.

The best part: the dinner was served at the beach.

Eating Fish in Zanzibar, Tanzania. — This fish was among the most delicious things I ate in my entire life. To visit Zanzibar and Tanzania is also a gastronomical experience. Author’s copyrights.

6. Experience the Maasai Culture

One of the best places to visit in Tanzania is the Maasai manyattas or villages. This East African tribe has held on to its culture despite Western influences. The nomadic pastoralist community has managed to co-exist with the wildlife.

You may see humans and animals within the same vicinity during your safari honeymoon. Indeed, there is a special relationship between lions and the Maasai.

7. Angling Excursions in the Indian Ocean

When signing up for the Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages, ask for the angling excursion. You will both love the sport, even if you are both amateurs. You learn everything about casting, raising, and landing your catch.

The angling occurs in the deep seas, away from the protected reefs. But don’t worry; the expert crews will ensure your safety.

8. Appreciate the Wonder of Nature At Ngorongoro Crater

A trip to Ngorongoro crater must be on your list of places to visit in Tanzania. Volcanic Caldera plays host to a wide selection of animals. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, flamingos, hyenas, and hippos. You may even catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino.

The Tanzania honeymoon safari service providers can arrange for photography at the site. You will love the stunning backdrop and may also catch a few wildlife species in the pictures.

9. Spend a Day with the Chimpanzees at Mahale National Park

If you ever doubted evolution, a visit to Mahale National Park will change your mind. The main draw is the chimpanzees, which exhibit very human-like behavior. Kids play by themselves while adults sit around, chat, and sometimes squabble.

The park is also home to over 100 animal and fish species. Stick around till evening to catch the stunning sunset. Charge your camera for plenty of romantic photos.

Also, take the opportunity to see the red colobus monkey in the Jozani forest. The colobus is another endangered species that got a new lease of life at the reserve.

10. Strengthen Your Bond with a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro would be the perfect culmination of a safari honeymoon. Prepare well in advance, though. You will be attempting to climb the highest mountain in Africa. What would be more romantic than you and your spouse getting to the peak?

Indeed overcoming the challenge would be a testament to your strength as a couple. No challenge will ever be too big to overcome as long as you work together.

Picture of the Kilimanjaro mountain, which is one of the good honeymoon destinations in Tanzania for very active couples. — For very active couples, the Kilimanjaro mountain is one of the good honeymoon destinations in Tanzania

Honeymoon in Tanzania and Zanzibar: Final Thoughts

From the reasons above, it is easy to see why Tanzania and Zanzibar are fantastic honeymoon destinations. There is so much to see and do that it will be time to head back home before you know it.

Tanzania honeymoon service providers can make bookings stress-free. Partnerships with resorts and transport companies yield good deals. You can save money by booking as a group, plus custom packages let you choose your trip activities. Include some of the above activities.

If you would like to go a bit more to the south in Africa, check this article I wrote with the top 10 honeymoon destinations in South Africa.

And enjoy your time, hakuna-matata 🙂

Subscribe (for free) to receive my articles directly in your inbox and receive a special gift. Second, if you enjoy this article, please consider becoming a Medium member by using this link (you also support me by doing that) and enjoy access to premium, unbiased content.

If you enjoyed this article, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The 10 Most Beautiful and Captivating Gardens in Europe!

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and a best-selling author. Some of the links in the article may be affiliate links, which means the author receives a commission on any purchases made by readers.

Travelling

5 Unusual Travel Tips for Europe for 2023

The Most Stupid Thing You Can Do in 5 European Capitals

Some of these foolish acts forced me to spend a night in a police station, while others resulted in a few days in a hospital. One of them even resulted in the authorities refusing me entry into Qatar. And these things inspired me to write about these five travel tips for Europe.

In my defense, most of my mistakes were due to ignorance— remember what they say, that pain is often the best teacher.

It might be fun to tell those stories years later after they’ve happened. However, they are not always made up of pleasant experiences.

Some of the events that inspired the travel tips for Europe described in this article occurred to me, while others occurred to friends; hopefully, however, none of them will occur to you.

But if you think there are other travel tips for Europe that we should mention, please tell us in the comment section! (Reminding that we have an exclusive post where we reveal the cheapest day of the week to fly!

1 — To Exchange Money at THIS place in Prague, Czech Republic

The Region of the old square. One of the European travel tips people often ignore: Don't change your money inside touristic old towns. — The Region of the old square. One of the European travel tips people often ignore: Don’t change your money inside touristic old towns.

This is not the first time that I write about why Prague disappointed me. But some things must be said more than once. The first is that, while it disappointed me, it was still one of the 7 most beautiful capitals in Europe that i visited.

The second is: Never (and I mean never) change money on the street, particularly in tourist-heavy areas such as the Old Clock’s environs. You can be certain that you will be scammed if someone approaches you in front of an exchange office and offers you a better rate. Most of the time, you will be unable to obtain Czech money. You’ll wind up with some east-European currency that won’t help you much in this country!

If you need Czech money (and you will, given the Euro is not legal cash here), use an ATM.

Always inquire how much you’ll get for your money if you come across an exchange office (and there are many of them everywhere).

Many exchange offices deceive you into thinking you’re receiving a good deal. After you sign the bill and receive half of what you expected, you could be astonished. Please keep in mind that once you sign the bill, you cannot get your money back because your signature indicates that you have accepted the offer.

Check also: 3 Very Affordable (and Charming) European Cities to Visit During Winter

2— To Buy THIS THING in Poland to Use as Decoration

A znicz nagrobny. — Source: Wikimedia Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Poland.

If you visit Poland in the autumn and enter a supermarket, you will notice that entire shelves are covered with red, yellow, and transparent glass lamps crafted in a variety of motives.

One might even believe that Poles have a special fondness for romantic dinners under candlelight with all of these sophisticated lanterns, and you might be tempted to buy one for your living room.

Don’t do it. These are known as znicz nagrobny, and they are placed on cemeteries during All Saints Day (and other celebrations, like Christmas). It is a way to remember those who have passed away.

On a side note, the ballet of thousands of lantern lights is a very interesting spectacle to see for those who visit cemeteries in Poland during the all saints holiday.

3 — To take pictures with the Legionaries in Rome

That one didn’t happen to me — I always thought it was kitsch and slightly stupid stuff to do to take pictures with a guy dressed up in a costume if you are already an adult.

But often kids (and some not-so-young fellows) are frequently tempted to pose for photos with these men dressed as Roman legionary soldiers who stand in Rome’s busiest tourist areas.

They will initially be friendly and even smile for your photograph. After that, they will charge you a fee, and if you do not pay, things may quickly turn violent. If you call the cops, likely the police will take the side of the street artists in this case — after all, you asked to take a picture with them.

But don’t worry, despite this unfortunate scam, Rome is a safe city to visit (and one of the 5 European capitals that everyone should visit at some point) and if you visit it in November you can enjoy this spectacular place for cheaper prices.

Check also: The Mind-Blowing Tourist Scams You Can Find in Europe

4 — Have a Deep Breath at Paris Metro Tunnels.

Paris metro STINKS. It is among the most disgusting, distasteful, filthy, and disturbing senses that a city outside of a war zone can offer you. To avoid its fragrances should be one of the most obvious European travel tips for anyone that is not a masochist.

The scents of the Parisian subway will vary between rotten eggs, urine fumes, and human excrement. Some homeless people who spend their days in Metro stations use the passageways and platforms as restrooms.

If you need to use the Paris underground public transport, it may be a good occasion to check how long you can hold your breath (somehow, Paris is not among the dirtiest cities in the world).

PS: Discover how a cashback program can help you recover part of the money spent on flight tickets or Booking.com on our review of the WayAway cashback.

5 — Walk around La Rambla in Barcelona without paying attention to your surroundings (and valuable stuff).

Street in Barcelona. A travel tip for anyone used to European standards of safety La Rambla is full of pickpockets. You are welcome. — A travel tip for anyone used to European standards of safety La Rambla is full of pickpockets. You are welcome.

The place itself has its charm. La Rambla is a 1.2-kilometer-long tree-lined pedestrian boulevard in the center of Barcelona. This street is close to some of Barcelona’s most notable attractions, such as the La Boqueria market and the Palau de la Virreina.

According to this, the hordes of visitors attracted pickpockets, scam artists, and individuals harassing you to buy useless things. It’s doubtful that you’ll be able to fully appreciate this street’s architectural gems while zigzagging among unwelcome street vendors.

There’s also a risk that, as it happened to me, some nimble petty thief may grab your sunglasses from your head or the wallet from your pocket. If you want to visit the Iberian peninsula with fewer risks to lose your wallet, Lisbon may be a better choice.

Book cover of Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity: 11 secrets to make your expat life better than you imagine — Book recommendation: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

If you enjoyed this article about travel tips for Europe, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The 10 Most Beautiful and Captivating Gardens in Europe!

THESE Are the Cheapest Cities to Fly to In Europe

International Flight Tickets: 4 Tips to Pay Less

First, subscribe (for free) to receive my articles directly in your inbox and receive a special gift. Second, if you enjoy this article, please consider becoming a Medium member by using this link (you also support me by doing that) and enjoy access to premium, unbiased content.

Levi Borba is the founder of the Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and a best-selling author.

Expats

5 Benefits of using Taxi Centrale Amsterdam

Taxis are the trending mode of travel nowadays. Gone are the times when using your own personal vehicle was thought to be the best approach for a perfect traveling experience.

The incentives of using a good taxi service like Taxi Centrale Amsterdam far outweigh the benefits of driving your own car currently. Booking online and through mobile phones has promoted this industry immensely.

The importance of taxi services globally can be observed through a research report about the taxi market, where the global taxi market for 2019 was calculated to be $69.18 billion. It’s projected to achieve a target of $120.89 billion by 2027, with a growth rate of 12.3 percent (from 2020 to 2027).

Whether looking for Taxi Amstelveen or Taxi Uber Amsterdam, you can get multiple benefits from using their premium taxi services. The principal is a memorable travel experience that will make you their long-term user.

Coming or going to Schiphol or just needing an honest taxi service from Amsterdam to any city in the Netherlands, they have got you covered with their matchless travel experience. By using their services, you can enjoy five major pros:

Flexibility

Their taxi service provides you with the flexibility to pick you up from wherever you wish and drop you off at whatever destination you have in mind in the Netherlands. In comparison, public transport has fixed time arrangements for traveling; if you miss them, you lose your ride.

Work according to your schedule.

They cater to your instant travel needs by providing quick service because your timely arrival or departure matters to us. Taxis in Amsterdam are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Their high-quality taxi service will be there whenever they wish for those who need transportation regularly.

Economical service

You get a fixed price quote by booking their taxis, with significantly lower rates than other transport services in the Netherlands. There are no hidden costs included in the pricing feature.

Well-maintained vehicles

They make your journey pleasant with their fleet of well-maintained cars, available in different sizes and models as per your needs. You can forget slow or poorly-cared-for transport vehicles with their taxis.

Professional attitude

Their drivers are true professionals who are discreet about your privacy while driving and help you with your luggage handling. They are selected with care. They have a huge network of experienced drivers and the most up-to-date cars, so they can make sure you have a great taxi ride.

Parting Thought