But do you really have to? Probably not — in many European destinations boozy beverages don’t cost much. Sometimes they’re the same price or even less than soft drinks!

For example, in Prague, beer is the cheapest thing to drink after tap water, and in Spain, a glass of house wine often costs the same as a Coke. The key to drinking inexpensively in Europe? Knowing what to order depending on what country you’re in.

Related: Hungry? 10 favorite cheap snacks in Europe

10 Cheap drinks we like to sip in Europe

While a basic knowledge of what locals drink will lead you in the right direction, here are ten of our favorite cheap drinks from around Europe. Regarding cost, all of these drinks are typically available for €3-5 or less, especially if you order them away from major attractions.

Here’s how to get booze (and a buzz) while traveling on a budget in Europe.

1. Calimocho – Spain

Also spelled kalimotxo, this ’70s era student drink is equal parts cola and cheap red wine. Thought to have originated in Basque Country, the drink is widespread throughout Spain. It’s best ordered any place where university students congregate and in small neighborhood joints.

Want to order something slightly more grown up? Try a tinto de verano, a refreshing mix of red wine and lemon soda or sweetened soda water.

Related: 5 tips for saving on wine in Spain

Enjoying a beer in Prague. Photo: Jeffrey

2. Beer – Czech Republic

Drinking on a budget in Prague is easy. Just stick to local brews like Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, and Budweiser Budvar. At $1-2 on average, a frosty pint is pretty much always cheaper than anything else you’d be tempted to drink — including coffee and wine.

Some other countries where you’re typically best off drinking beer to keep costs under control include Germany, Holland, and Belgium.

3. Vinho Verde – Portugal

While Portugal is also famous for its barrel-aged port and meaty Douro reds, its young, or “green” white wines make for a refreshing and budget-friendly option. They’re especially lovely when paired with local cod dishes and warm weather (which lasts well into fall around the country).

Related: Exploring Portugal: 10 days through Lisbon, Porto & Braga

4. Prosecco – Italy

It’s not always cheap to drink in Italy. But that said, wine and the sparkling wine known as Prosecco can be acquired for the bargain price of €5 or less per flute. Prosecco-based cocktails like a Bellini and Negroni spritz are also usually economically priced.

5. Radler – Austria

Refreshing and a little sweet, this local shandy is perfect for the warmer spring and summer months or year-round for folks who want something very lightly alcoholic to drink. Traditionally made from a mixture of local beer and the Austrian national drink, Almdudler (herb-flavored soda), it’s also sometimes prepared with lemonade, grapefruit, or lemon soda.

6. Froccs – Hungary

This summery drink mixes wine with soda water and is called different things depending on the water to wine ratio. Made with a 2-to-1 wine ratio this drink is called “nagyfröccs”, and with a 3-to-2 ratio it’s called “házmester”. If you’re visiting during Hungary’s frosty winter months, sub in “forralt bor”, a traditional mulled wine to warm you up instead.

Accommodations: The best budget hotels in Budapest

7. Kir – France

This white wine-based cocktail is thought to have come about in the 1950s when the mayor of Dijon tried to make the most of a bad batch of wine by adding black currant liquor. It’s typically served as an aperitif (before the meal) and should be the color of a rose or blush wine, not darker.

If you’re feeling particularly spendy or celebratory, splurge on a Kir Royale, the Kir’s fancy cousin made with Champagne instead of white wine.

A selection of ouzo at a bar in Athens. Photo: Mark

8. Ouzo – Greece

Considered the national drink of Greece, this distilled liquor isn’t for folks who don’t appreciate black licorice as it’s heavily flavored with anise seed. The most famous varieties are from Lesvos and Tyrnavos. It’s best served ice-cold.

To stretch your drink, and your euros further, dilute it with water to release essential oils in the liquor and make it even more aromatic.

9. Vodka – Russia, Estonia & Poland

If you’re traveling in a country that could be described as the former Eastern block or belongs to Europe’s famed vodka belt, the drink of the same name is your safest bet for bargain booze of quality. Consumed chilled before, during, and after special occasion meals (like when you go out with visiting friends or colleagues), it’s name is Slavic for water. It’s usually sipped neat.

Related: A budget travel guide to Warsaw

10. Vermouth – Spain, Italy & France

Long regarded as an old-fashioned and out of style drink, vermouth is having a comeback in big Spanish, French, and Italian cities. This fortified and herbed wine is typically served either neat, over ice, or with a slice of citrus fruit and some soda water.

Bonus Tip

And whatever you do, skip imported tipples if you want to save on your drink bill. That means no tequila, rum, or bourbon. Drink like a local and reap maximum savings.

Do you have a favorite cheap drink in Europe? Tell us about it in the comments below.

The post Cheers! 10 cheap drinks in Europe that we love to sip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Keyword being many. There are affordable (and awesome) rooftop bars to be had in this fair city, and we’ve rounded them up for you, dear Cheapos. The list that follows includes only bars with beers and cocktails in the $6-$11 range, at least during happy hour. However will you repay us? Well, we’d love for you to share your  rooftop party photos and dispatches—now get to (roof) drinking!

The Delancey
168 Delancey Street
Lower East Side

The roof of this Lower East Side playground is equal parts sleek and airy, with a deck, potted palms and white lounges. The drinks aren’t necessarily cheap, but they aren’t the most expensive we’ve seen either. We recommend bottling this spot as a happy hour place (the scene gets a little crazy late at night anyhow). Happy Hour: $2 off every drink, Monday through Wednesday, 5-7 p.m.

Met Museum Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar
1000 Fifth Avenue
Upper East Side

You don’t get more iconic New York than the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And its roof bar, surrounded by still more art, plus Central Park and West Side Manhattan views? Well worth a $9 beer (or a splurge on a $14 cocktail). The café is open (and serving wine and beer) from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily, and the martini bar is open until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

It’s a cheery scene in Juliette’s roof garden. Photo: Juliette

La Birreria
200 Fifth Avenue
Chelsea

Foodie darlings Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich joined forces to bring this cheery beer garden to the roof above their popular Italian food emporium, Eataly. Many beers come (surprise) from Italy, but there are also housemade ales, brewed 30 feet from where you’ll mingle with friends, strangers, and views of the Flatiron, Empire State Building and Madison Square Park. There are also wines on tap.

Juliette
125 N. Fifth Street
Brooklyn

You don’t have to be a Francophile to visit this Williamsburg favorite. The cavernous and festive restaurant is one thing, but the roof garden takes whimsy to a whole new level. Frenchy-themed cocktails (think a Citronelle Sucre made with lemongrass gin, grapefruit juice and basil) range from low to average ($8-12) in price, and beers and wines start at an affordable $7, with some bargain wines by the bottle as well.

Hudson Terrace
621 W 46th Street
Hell’s Kitchen

Any farther west and you’re in the Hudson, but what you get for trekking to no man’s land are sweeping views of the river and an extra dose of swank. We’ll be honest, a Cheapo this place is not, so the only time we recommend going is during happy hour, when it’s two-for-one drinks (Tuesday through Friday 5-7 p.m.).

Midtown 1015
1015 Second Avenue
Midtown East

A dark sports bar downstairs, Midtown 1015 brightens on the roof, with brick floors and red umbrellas. Drinks here are fairly affordable all the time and downright cheap at happy hour. Monday through Friday from 4-8 p.m. you can score $4 Budweiser, $5 wine and $24 pitchers of sangria.

Berry Park. Talk about a beer with a view. Photo: Berry Park

Berry Park
4 Berry Street
Brooklyn

It’s beer only on the roof of this mammoth beer hall (cocktails and wine are available downstairs), and the scene is just what you’d expect a Williamsburg roof garden to be: concrete floors, a smattering of simple-yet-hip picnic tables, smokestacks (and gleaming new condos) rising—and Manhattan stretching out in the distance. Most beers are under $10.

Hotel Chantelle
92 Ludlow Street
Lower East Side

The Hotel Chantelle’s unmarked doors open to a moody, 1940s-esque hideaway, but up on the black-and-white roof things are far more casual. Drinks are pricey by night, so the time to come is brunch, when mint juleps, mimosas, bellinis, and bloodies cost a mere 92 cents (yes, you read that right). There is often live music during brunch as well.

Brass Monkey
55 Little West 12th Street
West Village

Hudson River views and 75-plus brews on tap make this Meatpacking District beer hall the place to be on a perfect summer night. Doubly so if you like your Guinness—these Irish bartenders are known for their perfect pours. Come Monday through Friday between noon and 7 p.m. to receive $2 off domestic beers and wines.

A night on the roof of Night of Joy will be nothing less than, well, joy. Photo: Night of Joy

Night of Joy
667 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn

In Manhattan, bespoke cocktails culled from fresh fruit and botanicals would cost upwards of $13 (sometimes even $20), especially if served among twinkle lights and planter boxes on the roof. In Williamsburg, the concoctions on the handwritten menu run $10 and less at all times—and $6 during happy hour (daily from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.). Paper lanterns combine with graffitied brick walls for the ultimate urban-chic effect.

Vu Bar
17 west 32nd Street
Murray Hill

It’s hard to believe that tucked inside an unassuming Koreatown La Quinta Inn, house one of the quirkiest rooftop bars in the city. It’s nothing fancy, but with a position in the shadow of the Empire State Building and drinks that run $7-12 regularly or $5 during daily happy hour (5-7 p.m.), it doesn’t have to be.

Anything to add? We’re always on the lookout for more affordable rooftop bars where we can spend our summer evenings.  If you have your own favorites, let us know in the comment section below.

The post Rooftop Bars in New York with the Best Drink Deals appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Start with these four bars…

1. McSorley’s Old Ale House
15 East 7th Street
Web site

Call us sentimental, but we feel pretty strongly that a good New York Irish pub crawl (or any New York pub crawl, for that matter) should start with a pilgrimage to this New York City institution, the city’s oldest operating saloon.

Another reason to start here, incidentally, is that McSorley’s is one of the few New York bars that closes at 1 a.m., as we realized on a recent late-night visit. But when you’re this cool (and old), you can close whenever you want to.

Why do we gush so?

1) The bar, which was established in 1854, is a living museum, littered lovingly with everything from yellowed photographs to the chair in which Abraham Lincoln enjoyed his share of McSorley’s ale.

2) You get two drink options here, light or dark McSorley’s ale, and for $5 you get two glasses of it.

3) It’s been the subject an E.E. Cummings poem, a John Sloan painting and several short stories. Plus, its walls talk—and you can usually sweet talk the famously curmudgeonly bartenders to pick up where they left off.

2. Bull McCabe’s
21 Saint Marks Place
Web site

Just a block north of McSorely’s, the gritty little dive bar Bull McCabe’s dominates a somewhat kitchy block of St. Mark’s. The crowd here tends to be on the young and rowdy side, but the drinks are cheap, the music is fun and the pool table is… well, a pool table. There is also a great patio for those nice-weather days.

3. The Thirsty Scholar
155 Second Avenue
Web site

Those who like their pubbing on the more “refined” side (snobs!) would do well to check out Bull’s sister bar, the Thirsty Scholar. You bring your best James Joyce commentary, they supply the charcoal portraits of Samuel Beckett. Oh, and the libations of course, which are cheaper during daily happy hour, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.

4. Puck Fair
298 Lafayette Street
Web site

This tri-level bar just a block from EuroCheapo’s headquarters has a lot going for it, including a fun atmosphere and a crazy-comprehensive array of beers, both bottled and on tap. If the options are overwhelming, know that you’ll never go wrong with the Guinness, which, thanks to a schmancy cooling system, tastes almost as good as it does in Dublin.

A little trivia tidbit: The bar’s across from the gorgeous red Puck Building, but its name actually comes from the goat-themed festival that takes place every August in Killorglin, County Kerry (read about its history on the wall above the bar).

5. Molly’s Pub and Shebeen
287 Third Avenue
Web site

Still standing? Take a little breather by way of hopping on the “6” train (at Bleecker and Lafayette) and making your way up to Gramercy Park. There awaits a gem of a joint, with sawdust-covered floors, stucco walls and a working fireplace. Molly’s has been doing its thing since 1895, paused only by a brief stint as a grocery store during Prohibition.

Molly’s is the adorable, friendly sort of spot on which modern Irish pubs model themselves. But Molly’s has experience on its side, and what better way to wrap up the night than with a few beers, a crackling fire and a bit more history. Oh, and don’t forget about your umpteen new friends (also known as the rowdy, cheerful crowd that goes hand in hand with any good Irish bar).

The post Exploring New York: An Irish pub crawl appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The Portuguese often refer to Lisbon as the cidade das sete colinas, or “city of the seven hills.” They’re not kidding. Although walking the hilly terrain will be a workout, the seven hills do offer outstanding views that the locals enjoy every day.

Most of these vistas offer dramatic, sweeping views from at least one major terrace. Most also have some sort of cafe or bar, where you can take a seat, take in the view, and enjoy some drinks and food. These wonderful spots are called miradouros in Portuguese, or “lookout places.”

You’ll see miradouros identified on tourist maps in Lisbon. But which ones are worth the climb? Here are my five favorite lookout points in Lisbon:

Miradouro da Graça
Location: Next to Graça church, in the Graça neighborhood
Hours: Open days and nights, drinks and snacks served from late morning to sunset

The Graça miradouro is one of the highest in town, offering an amazing view of the city from the east. From here, one can see the 25th of April Bridge, the “Cristo Rei,” the castle, and also look out over Lisbon’s downtown, known as “Baxia chado.” The snack bar is open until after sunset and serves a variety of drinks and things to eat.

Visiting this miradouro is convenient if you’re already planning to check out the Alfama and Graça neighborhoods. If you’re taking the famous tramway 28 (locally called “Electrico 28”), get off at the “Graça” stop, and you’ll be close to the “Igreja da Graça” (Graça Church). The miradouro is right next to the church.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Location: Between Bairro Alto and Chiado, above the Chiado train station
Hours: Open days and nights, drinks and snacks only from late morning to sunset

On your way to party in the Bairro Alto, stop by the miradouro of São Pedro de Alcântara. Very popular with both international and Portuguese students, it’s the perfect setting for a drink before or after touring the bars of Bairro Alto. It is probably the largest miradouro in Lisbon, offering both an upper and a lower terrace. On either one you can buy drinks or snacks from a kiosk and sit at one of the outside tables.

However, the tradition here is to head into one of the adjacent streets and pick up a “litrosas” (liter) of your favorite beer (Sagres or Superbock, depending on what Portuguese soccer club you support). Late at night, after all the bars have closed, this is generally where the party continues on. (Tip: You’ll own the scene if you manage to bring a few “litros” and can play the guitar!)

Miradouro da Santa Catarina
Location: Between Bairro Alto and Bica
Hours: Open days and nights, drinks and snacks only from late morning to sunset

When it comes to having a nice sunset view and a great atmosphere, there is almost nothing better than the Miradouro da Santa Catarina. Portuguese artists and expats come here to sit in the grass, on the benches or on the terrace for sunset.

As with other miradouros, you’re able to order drinks and snacks. However, when taking in the view at Santa Catarina, you must try their tap sangria. Sweet, sparkling and fresh, it might just make your day, as it has for so many (and it’s cheap–only €1 a glass!). You might also want to try the “tosta mixta,” a sandwich made of two big slices of toasted Portuguese bread, ham and melted cheese.

Castelo Sao Jorge
Location: Alfama district
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from March to October, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to February

This unofficial miradouro is in the castle that dominates the city. In general, guidebooks classify the Castelo Sao Jorge in the “things to visit” category, and don’t list it for its vista. These days, however, apart from the walls and gardens, the only thing to see is the view.

The view from the top of the walls, the garden or from one of the bordering terrace is one of the best in the city. Since you’re probably already planning to visit the castle, why not go there at sunset and bring along a bottle of Portuguese wine? Of course, the entrance of the castle will cost you €5, but you were probably going to pay that anyway… (Just make sure you don’t forget your bottle opener!)

Clube ferroviaro
Location: Behind Santa Apolonia train station
Hours: Evenings only, Wednesday to Sunday

The “railroad club” is a newly renovated space that offers two rooms for concerts, and a gigantic roof terrace equipped, quite appropriately, with train seats. It’s also located close to the Tejo river, which offers an outstanding view from the roof terrace.

It is not the cheapest place (€2 a beer, kind of pricey for Lisbon), but if you go there in the evening, you might be able to enjoy, along with the view, a free electro or funk concert. Tapas and light meals are also served.

The post Lisbon: 5 lookout points offering a drink with a view appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

(Note: Although spelled “cicchetti” in Italian, the word in the Venetian dialect is spelled “cicheti.” We’ll stick to the Venetian spelling for this post.)

Cicheti

Cicheti is a perfect alternative to a full meal, and it gives you also a chance to try different foods from the Venetian tradition. These dishes are little finger foods usually eaten just before lunch or dinner. In fact, the word “cicheto” comes from the Latin word “Ciccus,” meaning “small quantity.” You are supposed to eat one cicheto with each glass of wine (allegedly so you do not get drunk so quickly).

There are different varieties of cicheti: fish ones (baccala on crostini bread or polenta, sweet and sour sardines, and fried calamari), meat ones (meatballs, arancini, and small salami rolls), and vegetarian ones (sun dried tomatoes in olive oil, boiled eggs, fried breadcrumbs, and stuffed olives).

Cicheti are usually served in an osteria (also called a “bacaro”), which is the Venetian version of a pub or bar. In the old days, these places were the favorite meeting points for Venetian  men who wanted to get away from home for a while, have a drink with friends, and play some card games. Nowadays, osterias are more popular with students and young people.

Spritz

If you are going to have a cicheto, then you must also try a spritz. The legend goes that this drink was created during the Austrian invasion. The Austrians could not drink the Venetian wine since it was too strong for them, so they added some water to it. The Venetians thought this was tasteless and decided to perk it up a bit. So they added sparkling water and Aperol (a local bitter).

A Venetian spritz

Today, the official version of the spritz is 1/3 sparkling water, 1/3 good Prosecco wine, 1/3 Aperol or bitter, lemon zest, and an olive. It is usually served in a small tumbler glass, but sometimes some osterias serve it in wine glasses. The average spritz costs €1.50-2.

Where to try them

These are my personal recommendations for trying some traditional cicheti and spritzes:

Osteria Antico Dolo
Sestiere San Polo, 778  (just by Rialto Bridge)

One of Venice’s oldest osterias, this place is open all day and offers a larger variety of cicheti and well-priced spritzes. You can try a small selection of cichetti and a spritz for about €7 or you can try the cichetti plate which offers the entire cicheti selection for €18 (the plate is enough for two people). The osteria also offers typical Venetian recipes. My favorite cicheto here is the polenta topped with tomatoes sauce, squid, and a fried prawn kebab.

Osteria La Patatina
Calle Saoneri, S. Polo 2741/A

The Osteria La Patatina is another traditional osteria located near Campo San Polo. The osteria is open for lunch time and in the evenings after 6 PM. You can have a proper Venetian meal here, or you can try their very big selection of cicheti. If you decide to go for the cicheti, you will have to stand up at the counter. The cost for each cicheto is about €1-1.50. I recommend the “mozzarella in carrozza” (deep fried mozzarella) and “polpette di carne” (fried meatballs).

The post Eating and drinking cheap in Venice: The best cicheti and spritz in town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Finally, a decent bar on the rue de Rivoli!

The Benjamin is a typical French café with a downright decent happy hour. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every night, all cocktails are 50% off. The two-person cocktails are the best deal. They normally cost an outrageous €22 (hey, this is the first arrondissement!) When split with a friend at half-price, however, you’ll end up with a giant drink for just over €5. Deals like this one are few and far between in this neighborhood.

The upshot: the next time you’re stranded near the Louvre in need of an early evening cocktail, you’ll know where to go!

The Benjamin is located at 53 rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement. The closest metro station is Châtelet.

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