Food, drink and hotels are all cheap, English is widely spoken, and locals are friendly and eager to help. What’s not to love?! Plan your stay with the help of our Ljubljana budget travel guide.

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Ljubljana Budget Travel Guide

Ljubljana deserves to be one of the highlights on your Slovenia itinerary. If you’re the type of traveler that prefers to have a home base to return to every night, Slovenia’s capital is perfect. It happens to be right in the middle of the country, and it’s a hub for air and ground travel. Besides, even if accommodations here are slightly more expensive than elsewhere in Slovenia, they’re still very cheap as compared to elsewhere in Europe.

Are you ready to go to Slovenia? Read on for our best advice for making the most of your time in Ljubljana while keeping your costs under control.

When to go

For the best possible prices for airfare and accommodation, time your visit in the off-season so that it doesn’t coincide with the flood of European vacationers that tend to invade the city every summer.

Also, note prices can be higher during the Ljubljana Festival (mid-June through August), but it’s a fun time when the streets are full of live performances by actors, dancers and musicians.

The cheapest time to visit

Your best bet for reasonably good weather, competitive prices and fewer crowds? Early spring or fall. Just remember to bring an umbrella or a rain poncho, as some wet weather is pretty much a given.

Getting there

Ljubljana is home to Slovenia’s most important air hub, Jože Pucnik Airport, also known by its previous name Brnik Airport (code: LJU). It’s located about 25 minutes from the city center.

From the airport, you’ll want to hop the local bus service, Avtobusna Ljubljana number 28 into the city center. It costs about €4 and can be bought directly from the bus driver.

At the time of writing, there are no direct transatlantic flights into Ljubljana from the US, although connecting flights from elsewhere in Europe make the city a great add-on for your European itinerary, especially for folks planning to spend time in the neighboring countries of Italy, Croatia, Switzerland, Austria, or Hungary.

Finding cheap flights to Ljubljana

We found round-trip flights to Ljubljana from NYC on Norwegian via London starting at $550 and with Turkish Air via Istanbul starting at €650 for a trip in the fall.

For extra savings on last-minute fares in the busy summer months of July and August, it may be best to fly round-trip from the US into Venice. In Venice, you can then rent a car or hop a budget flight from Venice or Verona airport. You can also take the train to Ljubljana from Venice.

Another great way to save on airfare to this destination? Book your tickets way in advance — we found round-trip tickets with one connection on flights with Air France and Delta starting at €528 for dates next year.

Getting around Ljubljana

Ljubljana’s center is very walkable and pedestrian friendly, but should you want to venture further afield, the city is connected via the LPP public bus service and fares start at €1.20 per trip but must be swiped on an Urbana Value Card (find it at kiosks, green stand-alone machines, bus stops and stations, and tourist information centers for €2).

Traveling in a group and plan to make a lot of day trips while you’re in the area? Consider renting a car. Roads in Slovenia are good, tolls and fuel are reasonable for Europe, and parking in the Ljubljana area is included with many accommodations. Check car rental rates in Europe with CheapoSearch.

Cheap and free things to do

Ljubljana is a beautiful place to spend some time outside. Stroll the old town, window-shop and take snapshots of the gorgeous Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings.

Architecture and history

Be sure to have a look around Preseren Square and a peek inside the 17th-century Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, with frescoes painted by the Slovene impressionist painter Matej Sternen. Or walk along the city’s namesake river on its iconic bridges. Take a stroll over Triple Bridge, and our favorite, the Dragon Bridge, with its four green sheet-copper dragons.

Street art and culture

Fans of street art should definitely make a stop in Metelkova City, a former army barracks turned squat, turned local center for alternative culture and art.

Ljubljana Castle

If you’d rather get away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, head for the hills. Take a sunrise or sunset hike up to the city’s castle. Surrounded by a picturesque forest park, the castle grounds, as well as its dungeons and shops are free to visit. Castle admission to the tower, puppet museum and exhibition of Slovenian History costs €10. For €13, you can also hop the funicular back down to the bottom.

Picnic in the park

Another low-cost option? Shop for some nice picnic fare at Plecnik’s Central Market and then find a bench in Tivoli Park, the city’s largest green space.

Need more ideas for Ljubljana? Check out the official tourism website, I Feel Slovenia.

Eating and drinking on a budget

Ljubljana is becoming famous throughout Slovenia and around the world for its foodie culture. With local dishes that combine some of the best elements from Italian, Swiss and Eastern European cuisine, the food here is hard to resist.

Eat out at lunch to save

Like elsewhere in Slovenia, if you want to feast for less, eat out at lunch, between the hours of 11 am and 1 pm so you can take advantage of fixed price menus and specials for students and working folks. The prices are cheap, but just expect them to be 10-15% more expensive than in smaller Slovenian cities.

Try ethnic restaurants for cheap dinners

When the evening rolls around, head to ethnic restaurants — think Turkish, Bosnian, Slovakian or Indian — for an excellent meal that’s easy on the budget. We really like the generous portions and friendly service at Sarajevo 84 (Nazorjeva ulica 12, Ljubljana 1000). Pizzas are very reasonable here too, starting at €5 for a large individual to-go pie.

Authentic Slovenian cuisine

For more traditional fare head to Klobasarna (Stari trg 21, Ljubljana 1000) for Slovenian sausage on bread and soup for a quick bite or sit down to more elaborate fare at Druga Violina (Stari trg 21, Ljubljana 1000).

Cheap hotels in Ljubljana

Hotels in Ljubljana tend to be slightly more expensive than in other Slovenian cities. To save on accommodations follow a couple of rules — stay away from the riverfront and don’t stay overnight during the city’s major festivals (check here a list of Slovenian festivals) when prices can skyrocket with the demand for rooms.

Budget hotel rooms and private rooms in hostels start at around €30 with most hovering around the price of about €40 per night and beds in shared dorms are available from €15 per person nightly. Private rooms in shared apartments here start at €25 and studio apartment rentals go for just around €50 per night.

Sleep in the charming Old Town with a room at Adora Hotel.

Hotel picks for Ljubljana

Here are a couple of our favorite cheapo-friendly places to stay:

• We love the location of Adora Hotel, a family-run charmer with free breakfast in Old Town.
• For a more modern stay right in the city center, Hotel Emonec is a good choice with a free buffet breakfast and just steps from Preseren Square.

Take a look at over 1,000 hotels in Ljubljana. You’ll find prices as low as $30 per night — even in summer!

If you’re traveling beyond Ljubljana, you can book more than 4,000 hotels and apartments across Slovenia.

Your tips for exploring Ljubljana

Have you been to Ljubljana? Share your best tips for visiting Slovenia’s capital city on a budget in the comments section below.

The post Slovenia: A budget travel guide to Ljubljana appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you don’t mind a little grit with your beauty, you’ll instantly fall for Marseille. Nestled right in the heart of the famous French Riviera, Marseille is a much more affordable option that other jet-setting towns in the region.

Strolling around the Old Port is always fun, but get off the main drag a bit, and you’ll find plenty of affordable restaurants (from fresh seafood to pizza), sandy beaches, and bustling markets.

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Budget travel guide to Marseille

Located just a three-hour train ride away from Paris, this spectacular city has been at the center of trade and migration along the Mediterranean for centuries. The people reflect this rich history with a diverse population unlike almost anywhere in France. At night, you can literally watch the ferries sail off to Tunisia and Algeria every night. The connections between Marseille and the world are still as relevant as ever.

This vibrant mix is also a big plus for budget travelers. While a lot of tourists come seeking the high life in Provence, get away from the restaurants and hotels along the Old Port, and there are incredible deals to be found.

The best part of visiting Marseille? The unforgettable view of the boats bobbing in the harbor is always free!

A fishing boat docked at the Old Port. (All photos by Craig Nelson)

When to go to Marseille

Tourists flow through here during the summer high season seeking sun, Pastis on patios, and leisurely strolls along the port. As a result, prices tend to soar beyond our budget during July and August.

Our solution? Beat the heat (and the crowds) and come in the off season. On a recent trip in October, the Old Port was buzzing but not packed, and the prices were very attractive for Cheapos.

Getting to Marseille

From Paris: You can take the TGV high-speed train from Paris to Marseille-Saint-Charles Station in a little over three hours for prices starting at €25. Book at least two or three months in advance to get the best deals. The train drops you off right in the center of town, about a 10-minute walk to the Old Port.

Related: How to get cheap tickets on the TGV train in France

From London: You can take budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet direct to Marseille from London for as low as $33. Check times and prices on CheapoSearch.

The tram is an easy way to get around Marseille.

Getting around Marseille

The easiest way to get around to the city’s main attractions is on foot. You can easily stroll from the Old Port to Le Panier (Marseille’s oldest district) in just a few minutes. There are some hills that are a steep climb, but the views are worth it.

There is also a subway and tram system for those intrepid travelers wanting to explore the outer neighborhoods. Check the RTM transit website for more details or look into getting a CityPass that includes free public transportation on the bus, tram and metro (along with museum perks). Get a 1-day pass for €26, a 2-day pass for €33 or a 3-day pass for €41.

There’s also a tourist trolley, called the Marseille Fun Train, but it was hard not laugh every time it went by. It looks like a toy train you’d find at a kiddie amusement park!

A narrow street in Le Panier, the oldest district in Marseille.

Free and cheap things to do in Marseille

Considering there aren’t many major tourist attractions, it’s hard to spend a lot of money on sightseeing in Marseille. Instead, soak in the views of the harbor, visit a museum or historic church, then head to the Old Port for an after-dinner walk.

The Old Port (Vieux Port)

You can’t come to Marseille without taking a leisurely stroll around the Old Port. The walkway is car-free, and the sunset views and people-watching won’t cost you a thing. If you need a break, you can always grab an outdoor table at a cafe and enjoy a drink for a few euros or take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a great view of the city.

Le Panier Neighborhood

Wandering around Le Panier, the oldest district in Marseille, leads you down ancient streets where you’ll find small shops and neighborhood restaurants. The graffiti-strewn walls add a touch of grit, and it’s hard not to be charmed by the architecture.

For something more sacred, just steps away is the massive Marseille Cathedral (free admission).

Soaking in the turquoise waters of Marseille from the road Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy in Endoume.

Endoume

Take a spectacular walk or bus ride that hugs the sparkling Mediterranean coast. Just south of the Old Port, you’ll come across neighborhood beaches, charming fishing villages, and seaside restaurants. Just follow the road Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy until you get tired of the amazing views.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Also known as “La Bonne Mère” (the good mother), this magnificent Neo-Byzantine church perched high above the city opened in 1864. You can take a bus up to it, but if you’re in the mood for a heart-pumping walk, the views along the way are incredible. Admission is free.

MuCEM

Opened in 2013 when Marseille was the European Capital of Culture, MuCEM is short for the “Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations”. It has a fascinating collection documenting history and culture in the Mediterranean basin and is connected to the imposing Fort Saint-Jean that dates back to the 1600s. Admission is €9.50.

Cours Julien

To see the multi-cultural side of Marseille beyond the tourist districts, head to this lively city square. Check out the street art, pop into a bookstore or vintage clothing shop, or browse the outdoor market selling everything from fruit to antiques.

A boat tour cruising past Fort Saint-Jean, part of the MuCEM complex.

Château d’If

There are several harbor cruises that leave from the Old Port. We like the boat ride that goes to Château d’If, the famous island where the classic novel The Count of Monte Christo takes place. The cruise costs €10.80 per person.

Admission to the island is extra, so you can save a few euros by just riding the ferry out to the island and back. The views are amazing, and if you take a late afternoon excursion, you can be back in time for a Pastis in the Old Port.

Calanques

One of the highlights of visiting Marseille is the stunning natural beauty located just a quick bus ride away outside of the city. The Calanques are a series of inlets with rocky cliffs and turquoise waters, perfect for hiking and swimming. Calanques National Park makes a great day trip.

Cheap Eats in Marseille

With its deep connection to the sea, it’s no surprise that Marseille has excellent seafood. However, the famous bouillabaisse (a decadent seafood stew) doesn’t come cheap. If you want to try it, we suggest staying away from the touristy restaurants right along the Old Port. Here are few places to enjoy a nice meal in Marseille without blowing your entire budget:

Pan-fried cuttlefish with lemon and eggplant in tomato sauce at Chez Etienne.

Chez Etienne
43 Rue Lorette

A classic Marseille spot for pizza and seafood in the heart of Le Panier, Chez Etienne doesn’t disappoint — especially when we received a plate of complimentary olives and anchovies to kick off the meal. It attracts just as many as locals as tourists, so get there on the early side to get a table.

La Boîte à Sardine
2 Boulevard de la Libération

It’s a little bit of a splurge for Cheapos, but you can still enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with wine for about €25 per person. Feast on fresh sardines, oysters, and the catch of the day.

Bar des 13 Coins
45 Rue Sainte-Françoise

Located in Le Panier, this friendly corner cafe and bar serves surprisingly good food, including daily specials, burgers, and salads. You can also just stop by for a coffee or a drink at one of the outdoor tables.

Le Souk
98 Quai du Port

For a memorable Moroccan meal with a view of the Old Port, Le Souk is a nice splurge for budget travelers. Enjoy a tagine, couscous and grilled meats with The entrees are around €15 but the portions are quite big.

Tasty slices are only €1 each at Pizza Charly.

Pizza Charly
24 Rue des Feuillants

Surprisingly, Marseille adores pizza, and that’s great news for budget travelers. We dare you to walk by Charly Pizza and not grab a slice or two. A slice of anchovy, cheese, olive, or sausage is huge (a quarter of a pie) and will only cost you €1!

Pizzeria La Bonne Mère
16 Rue Fort du Sanctuaire

Off-the-beaten-path from the central city, this pizzeria is run by an Italian couple that really knows their dough. The wonderful pizzas go for €10, and during our visit, we enjoyed an espresso and grappa on the house! Our total bill, including two pizzas and a bottle of wine, was just €34. Before you make the trek, make sure to secure reservations because they only have two seatings a night.

Olives, lemons, beans…with prices so cheap at the markets in Marseille, you can try a little bit of everything!

Food markets in Marseille

With its diverse population, the flavors of Marseille come from across the world. The markets bustle with the flavors of North Africa with a large selection of Middle Eastern products alongside French favorites, and of course, a great selection of fresh seafood.

Vieux Port Fishing Market
Old Port

Browse the fruits of the Mediterranean at this fish market that doubles as a tourist attraction. It kicks off each morning around 8 am and winds down around 1 pm. Even if you don’t have a kitchen to cook up a feast, this marché aux poissons is still worth roaming around to soak in the atmosphere of old-world Marseille.

Market Noailles
5 Rue du Marché des Capucins

Just a short walk from the Old Port, the Market Noailles features outdoor vendors selling fresh fruit and produce. Pop into nearby Saladin World of Spices (10 Rue Longue des Capucins) for sensory overload for you eyes and nose.

It doesn’t get any fresher than the Vieux Port Fish Market.

Pastis with a view, nightlife, and culture for less

Marseille has dozens of waterfront and bars, but most of them are unfortunately way out of our budget. However, if you don’t mind a little walk, you can find a lovely patio where you can enjoy a couple of drinks for a decent price.

We liked Bistrot Plage (60 Corniche J.F. Kennedy) which poured a round of cassis for €5.

For a more classic experience right on the marina try the Bar de la Marine (15 Quai de Rive Neuve), although their prices are not exactly cheap, we loved the old-world atmosphere inside.

The view never gets old from the roof deck at Hotel Hermes.

Cheap hotels in Marseille

Unless you require a view of the harbor or four-star service, there are quite a few budget hotels in Marseille. Even in the summer, you can find deals for under $100 per night. Some hotels offer free breakfast, and if you’re willing to stay a little farther out, you can score a harbor view for less at some of the hillside hotels.

Here are a few of our picks for budget hotels in Marseille:

• Hôtel Hermès is perched right next to the historic Le Panier district and features an amazing roof deck.

• Radisson Blu Hotel Marseille Vieux Port has an excellent location and a swimming pool to boot.

• For a lovely B&B just outside the city center, check out Le Clos du Jas with a Mediterranean garden and homemade pastries for breakfast.

Looking for even more hotels and apartment stays in Marseille? Check out our 11 top cheap hotels in Marseille, or search more than 590 hotels in the city.

Your tips for Marseille

Have you been to Marseille? Share your tips for visiting the city on a budget in our comments section below!

The post A Budget travel guide to Marseille, France appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Many cities to the east, like Krakow, are chock-full of quaint old city squares, impressive castles and churches, and sites steeped in history that you can visit and explore at a fraction of the price you’d pay for their counterparts in the west.

Without a doubt, Krakow, Poland is among Eastern Europe’s most glittering jewels and a must-see place to add to your bucket travel list.

Related: More ways to save on your trip to Poland

Krakow Budget Travel Guide

To help you get the most of Krakow, as well as tips for saving along the way, we’ve gathered a list of what you need to know for your trip.

Getting there

With John Paul II International airport on the outskirts of the city and Kraków Glówny, the main train station, located directly in the Old Town, Krakow is easy to reach from anywhere. To get from the Krakow airport to the city center, hop on a train. They run about every 30 minutes and cost  9 zloty (about $2.50).

By Air

If you choose to fly from outside of Europe, LOT Polish Airlines and Norwegian usually have the best prices. You can also fly to Krakow from most major European cities. If you want a super cheap fare within Europe, book your ticket in advance from discount European airlines like easyJet or Ryanair. Check for flights on Cheapo Search.

Related: Tips for flying the cheapo skies on Norwegian Air

By train or bus

Since many flights include a stopover, you might want to opt for a more scenic train ride on Polrail (the Polish train service), which is often a little less expensive. However, the cheapest option by far is to hop on the bus. You’ll find the lowest prices on bus fare with Polskibus.com, a Polish express coach operator, as well as Flixbus.

Related:Tips for riding Europe’s budget bus company, Flixbus

Getting around town

By foot

Luckily, the best way to get around Krakow is not only free, it’s also good for you. Most of Krakow’s attractions are within easy walking distance and wandering around Krakow is a great way to get to know the city.

By bike

Another sporty and very cheap way to get around the city (as well as more off the beaten path sites) is to rent a bike from Wavelo, the bike share system in Krakow.

Here’s how it works: You pay by credit card at the docking station (instructions are available in English). The first 20 minutes are free, then up to an hour costs 2 zloty (around 50 cents, $1 = 3.65 zloty), up to two hours costs 3 zloty, and each additional hour after costs 4 zloty. Bikes can be rented for a maximum of 12 hours and the minimum balance for the card is 10 zloty (a little less than $3).

Krakow’s tram and bus system

If your feet and legs need a break, Krakow does offer a good bus and tram system. The system runs between 5 am and 11 pm, with a night service offered at less regular intervals. Here’s a map of the Krakow transit system.

How to buy tickets: You can buy a ticket either at a machine — available at major stops with instructions in English — or directly from the driver on the bus or tram. The cheapest ticket is valid for 20 minutes and costs 2.80 zloty. This should do if you’re just planning on taking in the Old Town sights.  If you would like to venture out further, we recommend you opt for the 40-minute ticket, which is still a steal at 3.80 zloty (about $1).

Tickets can also be purchased for one hour, 24, 48 or 72 hours or as an unlimited weekend family pass (11 zloty). Senior citizens over 70 and kids under 4 ride for free.

Krakow Tourist Card

If you’re planning to soak up a lot of culture on your stay, you may also want to consider picking up the Krakow Tourist Card, which gets you free unlimited travel on all trams and buses, among other discounts. See more details about the card in the attractions section (below).

Don’t get fined! Whether you purchase your ticket from a machine or directly on the tram/bus, make sure to stamp your ticket immediately once you’ve boarded. Krakow’s trams and buses are regularly checked by inspectors who seem to live for giving hefty fines to clueless tourists who don’t follow this rule!

Stay right in Old Town Krakow with a room at Hotel Jan.

Cheap hotels in Krakow

Cheapos will love the choice of hotels in Krakow. Three-star stays in Old Town that would cost more than $200 in some European cities can be had for less than $100 per night, and it’s very easy to find a good room for under $50. You’ll enjoy planning your trip to Krakow even more once you lock down a good hotel room at a good price, so we searched the city to find excellent cheap hotels in Old Town or just minutes from the city center.

Read our guide to the best budget hotels in Krakow.

Are you ready to go to Poland? Search more than 2,500 hotels across Krakow.

Affordable things to do in Krakow

Krakow is a lovely place for a stroll, and you’ll have no shortage of free things to do. Here are a few of our favorite attractions.

Rynek Glówny – Main Square

Dating back to the 13th century, Krakow’s main square (in Polish, Rynek Glówny) is one of Europe’s largest medieval market plazas. Brimming with beautifully restored old buildings, Rynek Glówny has a lively street life and is the site of many local events and festivities.

Some highlights here include St. Mary’s Basilica, a gothic church with a famously carved wood altarpiece by Veit Stoss, the Historical Museum of Krakow, and the National Museum and the monument to Adam Mickiewicz, Poland’s beloved romantic poet.

To bring home some souvenirs to folks back home or treat yourself to an amber necklace or two, be sure to check out the stalls in Cloth Hall.

Kazimierz – Old Jewish Quarter

Another area to check out is Kazimierz, Krakow’s old Jewish quarter. These days, the area is popular with a young, hip crowd and is known for its vibrant nightlife and café culture. When you’re there, make sure and take a stroll along the banks of the Vistula River, which offers great views of Wawel Castle and is home to boat bars in the summer and icy splendor in the winter.

Be sure to browse the antique and arts and craft vendors at Plac Nowy market, located in a red brick pavilion at the heart of Kazimierz. To learn more about the life and tragic history of Poland’s Jews, make your way to the Galacia Jewish Museum. For a glimpse into Jewish life in Krakow today, stop by Remuh Synagogue, Kazimierz’s only active synagogue, whose history traces back to the 1550s.

Wawel Hill

Wawel Hill is also an absolute must-see for any first-time visitor to Krakow. This area includes Wawel Royal Castle, home to three dynasties of Polish kings since the early sixteenth century, Wawel Cathedral, and Wawel’s dragon’s den, a cave which, according to legend, was once home to a ferocious dragon.

The den is now guarded by a bronze seven-headed dragon statue — and one of the heads even breathes fire, so watch out!

Jagiellonian University

A major university town, Krakow also has to Poland’s oldest and most prestigious university, Jagiellonian University, which has educated many famous students over the centuries, including Nicolas Copernicus, whose instruments are on display in Collegium Maius.

A restaurant in Kazimierz, the old Jewish Quarter of Krakow. Photo: Michela S.

More things to do in Krakow

A few other highlights include the museum Rynek Underground and Kosciuszko Mound (although you can easily skip the fee and just view it from outside the gates).

Architecture buffs should check out Nowa Huta, the Soviet-era suburban housing development which was designed to be the model proletarian city.

For a historical glimpse into the factory made famous by the movie Schindler’s List, take the tram to the museum at Schlinder’s Factory.

Day trips from Krakow

Popular day trips include the Wieliczka Salt Mine, complete with its underground chapels and Virgin Mary and Pope statues carved from salt. Although the Wieliczka Salt mine is worth visiting, the tours are on the pricey side, so skip it if you’re on a budget.

Another day trip that’s worth taking is a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.  If you want to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, bypass the expensive package tours. The site can be easily reached by bus or train. Please note that while entering the grounds is free, you need to make a reservation to see the memorial ahead of time.

How to save on attractions in Krakow

Several museums offer free admission one day a week. These include:

• The Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków (MOCAK) (free on Tuesdays)
• Schindler’s Factory (free on Mondays)
• Rynek Underground Museum (free on Tuesdays, except first Tuesday of the month)

You can also get a free tour of the various parts of the city — no reservations required. Check out the schedule at freewalkingtour.com.

Related: Five free and fun things to do in Krakow

Saving with the Krakow Tourist Card

If you plan to visit a lot of museums and sights, you might want to consider picking up the Krakow Tourist Card. This card offers free admission to over 40 museums and attractions, various discounts, transportation to and from the airport, unlimited public transportation, and transportation to and from the Wieliczka Salt mine.

The price of the card is $32 for 3 days or $26 for 2 days. If you want to just save on the museums and sights, but don’t need the extras, then pick up the 3-day Museum & Attractions Pass ($18).

Looking for tasty cheap eats in Krakow? Check out a sausage vendor! Photo: Space Trucker

Eating and drinking on a budget

Unless you head to the fancy restaurants or eateries in the touristy part of town, it’s easy to eat really well on a budget in Krakow. Use these tips to save and savor authentic Polish cuisine.

Street food

The cheapest of the cheap eats you’ll find in Krakow is the Polish street food and Krakowian specialties. Chow down on an Obwarzanek, a Krakow-style bagel, which can be had from street vendors all over the city for less than 50 cents.

Two other street food standards include Kielbasa, Polish sausage, and Zapiekanka, Polish “pizza” which is made from half a baguette smothered in melted cheese and mushrooms, as well as optional extra toppings, and is topped with ketchup. Both cost around $2.

Milk bars

For a taste of Polish culinary classics, check out one of Krakow’s milk bars. These Soviet-era canteens offer cheap, simple meals to locals and tourists alike. Sample both boiled or fried pierogi (Polish ravioli) or goulash topped with Polish-style schnitzel at Milkbar Tomasza (ul. Swietego, Tomasza 24 33-33).

Or dive into a bowl of Bigos, a stew that you can try at the very popular Bar Gornik (ul. Czysta 1). In each case, your meal should set you back about $2 to 3.

Dining out for vegetarians

Although traditional Polish cuisine is about meat, meat and more meat, with a potato and some cabbage thrown in for good measure, Krakow does have good and inexpensive options for vegetarians or those craving some fresh greens.

One we recommend is Chimera. Located in a 14th-century wine and beer cellar, Chimera boasts a 98-foot long bar with thirty different types of salad as well as warm vegetarian and meat dishes for the carnivores. Prices range from 6 to 19 zloty ($1.70 to a little over $5).

Food markets

If you’d rather do some cooking yourself, or just pick up some fresh produce, check out one of Krakow’s many food markets. One of the best farmer’s markets is Stary Kleparz, a covered arcade located just outside the city center. Here is a list of other food markets around town.

Pubs and beer gardens

As far as booze goes, cheap vodka pubs have been all the rage in Krakow for a while now. One of the most popular places in Bania Luka (pl. Szczepanski 6). At Bania Luka, beer and vodka shots cost about a buck each, and the bar also has an array of Polish bar food.

Another popular place is Klub Re (ul. Sw. Krzyza 4), a laid-back beer garden popular with locals. If you’re there in the summer, be sure to check out the large garden in the back.

Drinking local beer

Since Krakow is literally crawling with students, you can find many cheap pubs where you can toss back a cold one for very little dough. For the best beer bargains, stick with Polish brands like Zywiec, Tyskie and Lech, which cost a dollar (or less!) for a pint.

Cheapo tip: Like anywhere, Krakow has plenty of tourist traps that charge high prices to unsuspecting visitors. Before ordering, be sure you’re given a menu with the prices listed for both food and drinks to make sure you’re not being taken for a ride!

Your tips for Krakow

Have you been to Krakow? Share your advice and stories in the comments below!

The post Poland: A Budget travel guide to Krakow appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.