So book one of our favorite budget hotels in the city, and start planning your eating adventure in Dublin.

And remember, the dining scene now offers much more than just fish and chips!

How to save on dining in Dublin

If you’re ready to explore all the delicious eats Dublin has to offer, here are a few tips to help you save along the way.

1. Seek out markets and street food

Staying away from restaurants is one of the best ways to keep your euros. Several markets offer great value (and large portions), such as the Temple Bar Market (Saturdays) or the Mespil Road Market (Thursdays). Browse through the market options for price and portion size. Check out the Visit Dublin website and the Irish Village Markets website for more details.

2. Plan a picnic

There’s great value in grocery stores, bakeries, and specialty shops. One of the best ways to enjoy a gourmet meal without the price tag is to stock up on products straight from the stores. Grab a sandwich, cheese, and charcuterie from Sheridans Cheesemongers, duck into the basement shop at Avoca for a loaf of fresh Irish brown soda bread, or stop into the grocery store Tesco to gather picnic supplies.

3. Take advantage of the early bird

Show up early to experience the best Dublin restaurants for reasonable prices. If you eat a light lunch, you might be ready for an affordable pre-theater dinner. For example, check out the lunch or pre-theater menus at Hugo’s, or Achara offers an early-bird menu from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with three courses for €25 per person.

4. Eat your biggest meal at lunchtime

Many restaurants have a similar prix-fixe menu for lunch. You can save a few euros by eating your bigger meal at lunchtime. Some restaurants with great lunch specials include The Winding Stair and Pichet.

5. Ethnic eats

Dublin doesn’t have the widest range of ethnic eats, especially in comparison to other European capitals. These restaurants do offer great value, both in the food and drink department. Stop into Hop House for affordable Korean and Japanese, Govindas for huge helpings of Indian-influenced vegetarian food, and Thai Spice for tasty Thai dishes.

The post Dublin: 5 easy ways to save on dining appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, tourists might find it difficult to navigate the many chains of supermarkets in Paris. Here are the names of Paris supermarkets to know if you’re ready to visit a supermarché.

Franprix

The chain with the most supermarkets in Paris, Franprix has at least one store in almost every neighborhood. Stores carry the brand “Leader Price,” one of the cheapest store brands available. Franprix offers decent produce, frozen selections and general grocery needs. Many locations are even open on Sundays and until 10 p.m. at night! This is by far the most popular supermarket choice.

Carrefour

The Walmart of France, Carrefour offers a huge variety of brand name and generic goods. Smaller Carrefour markets within Paris and larger Carrefour superstores just outside of the city limits are sure to please the most ardent grocery store addict.

Picard

While not the cheapest place to shop, Picard does offer an excellent selection of exclusively frozen goods (this is a good market if you have a freezer). You can get almost anything frozen for reasonable prices, considering the great quality. We recommend sampling the cupcakes at these Paris supermarkets.

Monoprix

Whenever anyone asks where to buy something, Monoprix is usually a good answer. Comparable to Target in the US, Monoprix also doubles as a great grocery store with inexpensive Monoprix brand products. Every arrondissement has at least one large Monoprix store in addition to smaller shops, called Monop’ Daily, for a quick sandwich or can of beans.

Related: Gourmet Picnic ideas for your Paris hotel room

Additional tips

Other Paris supermarkets to look out for include G20 and Coopérative U stores. And while not always as cheap, bodegas and corner markets sell small selections of food at reasonable prices (and stay open late!).

Be warned that most grocery stores close before 9 or 10 p.m. and—apart from a handful of Franprix stores—are rarely open on Sunday. Store brands are consistently cheaper than name brands, though the quality is not remarkably different. Plus, brands such as Leader Price and Monoprix now offer organic goods, so even organic shoppers can find a deal!

Related: Paris Outdoor Markets: 10 tips for budget shoppers

Your experience with Paris supermarkets

Do you have a favorite grocery store or supermarket in Paris? Tell us about it!

The post A guide to supermarkets in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Throughout the city, you’ll have no problem finding delicious meal deals, like a döner kebap piled with fresh toppings for under €3! Armed with a €1 beer from the next-door “Späti,” you’ll enjoy every bite and look like a local while hunched over your food on the nearest bench.

So grab some extra napkins and belly up to the bar. Here’s a primer on Berlin’s best street food.

Döner

Döner is ubiquitous in Berlin, and most Berliners’ “favorite” döner shop is either the one closest to where they spent their evening partying or the most convenient to the tram, train or bus stop on the way home. While plenty of döner are enjoyed during normal daytime hours, for an authentic döner experience try ingesting one on any random street corner at 2 AM. Don’t feel the need to over plan your döner purchase, as döner will always, always come to you when you least expect it and most need it.

That said, if you prefer to flock to your döner, you can join the long lines forming at:

Mustafas Gemüse Kebap
Kreuzberg, right outside the U6/U7-Mehringdamm station.

Grill and Schlemmerbuffet
Located in Mitte at U8-Rosenthaler Platz.

Hasir
Six locations across the city.

Tadim
Located in Kreuzberg at U8/U1-Kottbusser Tor.

Know before you go: With/out onions “mit/ohne Zwiebeln,” with/out garlic “mit/ohne Knoblauch,” with/out chili sauce “mit/ohne scharfe Sauce.”

Currywurst

If you get to Mustafas (above) and decide the line is simply too long to wait, luckily relief is just up the block: Curry 36 serves up some of Berlin’s best currywurst virtually all hours of the day and manages to handle its line a lot more quickly than Mustafas. The Kreuzberg location is its most popular, but you can get the same food at its Zoologischer Garten outpost (U9, S-Bahn, and trains).

Konnopke’s is your currywurst destination in Prenzlauer Berg (U2-Eberswalder Str.).

Wittenbergplatz, located at the junction of the U1, U2, and U3 lines and at the foot of KaDeWe, is a handy place to grab a currywurst, as there are kiosks on each of its four corners serving up traditional or organic varieties (as well as, you guessed it, döner!). Nearby Dolores offers fresh, delicious, made-to-order California-style burritos.

Know before you go: With/out natural casings “mit/ohne Darm.”

Falafel

While Berlin isn’t as famous for its falafel as, say, Paris, fans of the food will greatly savor the offerings at DaDa Falafel (U6-Oranienburger Tor) or Habibi (two locations in Schöneberg, either U7-Eisenacher Str. or U1/U2/U3/U4-Nollendorfplatz).

Eating your way through Berlin’s markets

Like many European cities, Berlin hosts a variety of weekly indoor and outdoor markets with a wide selection of traditional and ethnic options on offer.

Winterfeldtplatz market has open stalls specializing in local cheeses and produce, perfect for an afternoon snack. Photo: Apler C

Winterfeldtplatz

This open-air market is recognized for fresh local produce and locally-crafted, high-quality meats, cheeses and other specialty foods. It’s held Wednesdays 8 AM to 2 PM and Saturdays 8 AM to 4 PM, a short walk from U1/U2/U3/U4-Nollendorfplatz or U7-Kleistpark.

Maybachufer

This market has the feeling of a Turkish bazaar, with as many cheap things as foods for sale. It’s held Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 AM to 6:30 PM and can be reached from U8-Schönleinstr.

Markthalle Neun

Popular with foodies from the slow food movement, the covered Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg offers a weekly market of locally-produced and high-quality foods on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM, and a daily lunch special in its canteen from 12 to 4 PM (closed Sundays).

Every Thursday night between 5 and 10 PM, the hall hosts “Street Food Thursday,” where an ever-changing cast of cooks offers up tacos, BBQ sandwiches, dumplings and everything in between! Markthalle Neun can be reached from U1-Görlitzer Bahnhof.

Streets with great outdoor dining

Friedrichshain is a popular area for al fresco cafes and eateries. Photo: La Citta Vita

Friedrichshain’s Simon-Dach-Str.

If it’s restaurant dining en plein air you’re looking for, there are two Berlin streets where you can’t go wrong. First is Friedrichshain’s Simon-Dach-Str. The atmosphere here is lively—even celebratory, as scores of stag and bachelorette parties seem to have an obligatory evening stop here. Weekend brunching is also popular in the area, which is easily reached from U5-Frankfurter Tor or S-Warschauer Str.

Related: A Walking Tour of former East Berlin: Hanging out in Friedrichshain

Kreuzberg’s Bergmannstr.

Second go-to address is Kreuzberg’s Bergmannstr., equally as visited on summer evenings as the Simon-Dach-Str., but by a more relaxed crowd. Cafes, bars and restaurants line both sides of the streets between Mehringdamm and Zossener Str. The popularity of both Simon-Dach-Str. and Bergmannstr. have led to similar development in neighboring streets, so feel free to wander a bit till you find the right place to sit.

Schöneberg’s Akazienstr.

A third option with a plethora of restaurant styles and comfortable places to enjoy a drink (but avoid tourist crowds) is Schöneberg’s Akazienstr. It has plenty of options including Vietnamese food, falafel and relaxed outdoor cafes perfect for hanging out for an afternoon.

And for dessert?

Caffe e Gelato at Potsdamer Platz Arkaden shopping center serves up a tasty bowl of ice cream. Photo: Olivier B

Within a stone’s throw of many of these establishments are some of Berlin’s most popular and delicious homemade ice cream shops.

For more information, read our previous post on the scoop on Berlin’s best ice cream options.

The post Berlin cheap eats: Döner, currywurst, and outdoor dining appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.

Supermarkets

The Icelandic supermarket will be your best friend if you really want to keep your food costs down. Bonus is a discount chain that can feed you for just a few dollars a day, and there is one right in the heart of the city at Laugavegur 59 Kjörgarður.

If your hotel or hostel has kitchen facilities, consider at least a few meals that you can cook yourself, and then you’ll have a little extra left over for the nights you do want to go out. Shopping at the supermarket lets you taste local Icelandic specialties like fish and lamb without shelling out a small fortune. And don’t leave the market without picking up a few types of licorice candy, the local sweet treat that everyone loves!

Reykjavik cheap eats

The prices at restaurants and bars in Reykjavik can add up quickly, but here are some budget options:

• For a delicious local delicacy at a good price, try a bowl of lobster soup at Saegreifinn
  
• For a hearty and healthy lunch along the main drag in Reykjavik, Sandholt, a bakery that has been making homemade bread for over 100 years,  serves up sandwiches and salads in their cafe space.
• Food halls offer a fun, affordable way to eat out in Reykjavik. You’ll find everything from fish and chips to lamb burgers at Grandi Matholl and Hlemmer Matholl (a renovated bus station).
• Pop into Brauð & co for delicious (and affordable) organic pastries that are so good they usually sell out before the end of the day.
• The student cafe, Háma, at the University of Iceland is a good spot for lunch with daily specials for under $10.
• Coffee shops we like include Reykjavik Roasters and the classic Mokka that’s been serving espresso since 1958.
• For a hot dog, try Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a very popular stand in the center of town that has been open for decades.

Pastries from Brauð & Co and coffee from Reykjavik Roasters. Photo: Craig Nelson

Happy Hours

Iceland is famous for consuming large quantities of beer — and the even larger price tags that come with those pints. Taxes on alcohol are off the charts, and a beer can easily set you back $10. However, there are several excellent happy hour deals around town. If you love good beer, check out Skúli Craft Bar during happy hour where you can sip local brews at the outdoor picnic tables or head to Kex Hostel for one of the cheapest beers in town (800 kr). There’s also an app, Appy Hour Reykjavik, that you can download to find the nearest (and cheapest) cocktail, although during COVID they have not been updating the information on a regular basis.

Kaffibarinn is a popular bar in Reykjavik. Photo: halighalie

Nightlife

Even though Iceland is tiny (about 350,000 population), the music scene has produced an impressive number of world-famous acts from Björk to Sigur Rós and GDRN. The nightlife scene is hopping with dance clubs with DJs, bars that get packed on the weekend (like Kaffibarinn), and plenty of live music venues as well as numerous festivals throughout the year like Iceland Airwaves that draw fans from around the world.

The Reykjavik Grapevine offers detailed listings for movies, music, performing arts, and much more. You can pick up a copy around town or check their website before you hit the town.

Our guide to budget travel in Iceland

Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:

• Airfare: Finding cheap flights from the US
• When to go to Iceland
• Budget hotels in Reykjavik
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Bus tours from Reykjavik
• Budget tips for visiting Reykjavik

The post Reykjavik cheap eats: Save on restaurants, cafes and bars appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Standard Swedish breakfast fare

The most common Swedish breakfast is made at home and centers around a smörgås (open-faced sandwich) consisting of bread, margarine or butter and a slice of cheese. You can spice up your smörgås with a variety of traditional toppings, including gurka (cucumber), tomat (tomato), and cold cuts such as skinka and nötkött (ham and beef). Contrary to popular belief, Swedish pancakes are not typically served for breakfast. (Sorry folks, IHOP got it wrong!)

Muesli, a common breakfast item in Switzerland, is also very popular among the Swedes. The blend of flakes, grains and sometimes dried fruits is usually served with filmjölk, a soured yogurt similar to buttermilk.

Coffee (kaffee) is an absolute must with any Swedish breakfast. The Swedes love their coffee strong; don’t be surprised by the lingering caffeine buzz…

Common for Swedes, daring for foreigners

For a more authentic (and fishy) morning treat, try knäckebröd (crisp bread) with kalles caviar. This delightful combination of fish paste and bread is not for the faint of heart. But, if you want the full Swedish breakfast experience, by all means try it. It tastes great on eggs, too!

You can also opt for an interesting dish consisting of makrill fillet (mackerel fish in tomato sauce) on a piece of soft bread topped with cucumber. This may sound a bit strange, but it’s actually quite tasty.

For a DIY-breakfast, you can purchase the above items from any local COOP or ICA grocery store in Stockholm.

Best restaurants for a Swedish breakfast

If you’d like to have a nice sit-down meal, here are three good options:

Cafe String

Nytorgsgatan 38
Breakfast: Saturday–Sunday 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Website

Café String is situated in the heart of SOFO, the bohemian district of south of Stockholm’s city center. It has a relaxed, friendly vibe with a good selection of Swedish breakfast foods, including waffles, fresh fruit and a variety of juices. String is very popular with the locals, so come early!

Sirap

Surbrunnsgatan 31 A
Breakfast: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Website

Café Sirap is Stockholm’s best choice for an “American- style” breakfast, and it should be — the owners are American. The contemporary atmosphere is very inviting, and the large portions remind you that America is king when it comes to big breakfasts.

Clarion Hotel

Ringvägen 98
Breakfast: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m
Website

The Clarion offers more than your average hotel breakfast buffet. Expect a wide variety of warm and cold options along with Asian-style breakfast favorites (lactose- and gluten-free alternatives are available). If you stay at the hotel, the room rate does include breakfast.

Your favorite Swedish breakfast dishes

Have a favorite breakfast spot in Stockholm? A delicious recipe that can be made, even in a hotel kitchenette? Share your favorite Swedish breakfast tips below!

The post Stockholm: What’s a typical Swedish breakfast? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

More ways to save in Paris:

• 50 ways to save time and money on your trip to Paris
• 10 costly mistakes that tourists make in Paris
• Paris: 10 tips to save on dining

The Best Cheap Meal in Paris

Nestled into the cobblestone streets of the trendy Marais neighborhood, L’As du Fallafel is a sure bet for your next meal in Paris, where you can get an amazing falafel sandwich for only €8.

How to order at L’As du Fallafel

L’As du Fallafel (French for “the Falafel Ace”) sits on Rue des Rosiers, a charming and windy little street in the heart of Paris’s historic Jewish neighborhood. As you approach the restaurant, you will most likely find a line of hungry and excited fellow Cheapos waiting to get a falafel to go. There’s always a line, but don’t worry; it’ll move quickly. You will be approached by the restaurant staff to place your order and pay before you reach the window. This is a great way of handling the crowd, so hats off to the restaurant for efficiency.

It goes without saying that you should order the falafel sandwich to go. You can get it spicy or not spicy, your choice. Hand over your €8, wait patiently, show your receipt to the front window. Voila, you’ll have yourself one tasty and budget-friendly Parisian meal.

What €8 gets you at L’As du Fallafel

L’As du Fallafel dishes up a relatively large pita filled to the brim with crispy fried falafels, garlicky hummus, harissa, crunchy pickled red cabbage, cucumbers, and perfectly fried eggplant. We recommend getting a fork and plenty of napkins as you leave to prevent a mess. If you can bear to wait a few minutes before digging in, walk to Place des Vosges, a beautiful nearby park. Here, you can lounge on the grass after finishing this delectable Cheapo phenomenon. In addition to this gorgeous park, don’t forget to check out these 25 free things to do in Paris.

Contact and hours for L’As du Fallafel

L’As du Fallafel is located at 34, rue des Rosiers (Métro: St. Paul). If you plan to Uber there, here are some tips to get the cheapest ride. They don’t have a website, but they can be reached at (33-1) 48-87-63-60. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and closed Saturday.

Looking to save for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the City of Light? This guide will help you find cheap eats in Paris.

The post L’As du Fallafel dishes up the best €8 meal in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whether you are visiting Florence or living here on a budget, here are some simple ways to stretch your dining dollar.

So book your Florence hotel room and start thinking about all of the delicious things you will drink and eat from Bistecca alla fiorentina (a special steak dish) to the famous wines of Tuscany.

Tips for dining on a budget in Florence

Go to the market

Going to the markets in Florence is a beautiful experience, as they offer a fantastic combination of smells, amazing fresh fruit and vegetables — and no shortage of people-watching opportunities. And don’t forget your camera, because you will always find something neat to photograph.

The two main central markets in Florence are the Mercato di San Lorenzo and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. These are both wonderful markets, open every day except for Sundays until about 1:30 p.m.

Okay, now here’s the thing, to save your precious euros when going to the market you should know a few tricks. Many of the food stands in these markets cater to tourists and have the prices to match. I recommend taking a nice long walk around the market, looking at each stand. Look to see who is buying what at each stand. Head to the stand that has the most locals hanging around (normally this will also be the least fancy of the stands). Don’t be afraid to ask a local which stand they prefer.

At the markets, as well as in the supermarkets, all produce is sold by the kilo, so it’s always a good idea to ask how much something costs if you are not sure. You can also order by price. In this case, you would say, for example, “I’d like €3 of apples.” This way you will always know exactly how much you’re spending, especially if you are not familiar with metric quantities.

As far as the other outdoor vendors selling clothing and household items… bargain to your heart’s content! Unlike in the retail stores around town, at the market, you can bargain and sometimes get the vendor to dramatically reduce the price. When you are bargaining, I recommend having the amount of money you are offering for the item already in your hand for the vendor to see. I have had more luck that way. Happy bargaining!

Enjoy a picnic

For tourists visiting Florence, eating out every meal gets expensive quickly. Fortunately, you have access to great produce and local food products, so instead of heading to yet another restaurant, take a break and pick up some fresh vegetables at San Lorenzo market and some locally made cheeses and bread at Sant’Ambrogio. You can even check out the supermarkets around town for some cheaper, yet quality food supplies.

Now, where to go to have your picnic? You could go to any of the many public parks in Florence — during the day Le Cascine Park or anywhere along the Arno River would be a great choice. I would also recommend heading to any big piazza, such as Piazza Santa Croce or Piazza della Repubblica, as they’re fantastic for people watching.

I also recommend going to the Boboli Gardens to have a picnic, as the lovely gardens offer a lot of space. There is, however, an entrance charge of €6 at the Boboli Gardens. On a nice sunny day, I’d say it’s worth it.

Don’t sit down with your coffee

When going to a bar for a coffee or tea, remember that there are sometimes two different prices for drinks: bar prices and table service prices. Table service (meaning they take your order and serve you at a table) is about double the price of ordering and consuming your drink at the counter. Not all bars will charge you for table service, so it is important to ask before you order.

Related: How to order coffee in Italy

Snack on an “Apericena”

I love enjoying an “Apericena” with friends, as it’s definitely cheaper than going out to dinner at a restaurant and often much more fun, as well.

Now, to clarify: An “Aperitivo” is a before-dinner drink, normally accompanied by some light finger-food and snacks like chips, olives, or bread with dips. An Apericena, however, includes a drink of your choice, accompanied by a buffet of food, typically including different pasta salads, risotto, couscous, little sandwiches, etc.

The cost of an Apericena is typically around €5 to €8. After a couple of rounds at the buffet I’m usually a posto (“done”). Dinner and a cocktail for under €10 is a great deal. If you have a special diet or allergies to certain foods, make sure you take a look at the buffet before you order anything, or better yet, ask one of the staff what is in each dish. There are many Apericena spots around the city, so don’t be afraid to be selective.

Your tips

Do you have tips for dining in Florence? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Florence: Simple strategies for saving on dining appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no time like the present to hop a flight to Dublin (with cheap airfare, of course!) and discover this fun city.

Once you’re on the ground and you’ve booked your Dublin hotel, use these five tips to keep your money where it belongs: in your pocket.

Dublin budget tips

1. Don’t waste money on transportation

It can be tempting in Dublin just to hop in a cab, but this is one way to empty your pockets very quickly. Instead of cabs, check out the local bus schedule. Dublin Bus is very affordable, and routes connect all different areas of the city.

Alternatively, Dublin’s bike share program, called Dublin Bikes, is a cheap and easy way to get around the city. And remember, Dublin is very small and manageable on foot, too.

2. Eat your dinner early

With Dublin’s current boom, there are more and more gourmet restaurants opening in the city. These same restaurants do have deals if you know where or when to look. One strategy to fill seats is offering heavily discounted “early bird” or pre-theater specials.

Take one of my favorite restaurants in Dublin for example — The Winding Stair. A meal here is usually a splurge, but early birds can enjoy an incredible 2-course meal for just €29. You will leave stuffed and your wallet won’t be nearly empty.

Related:  Five ways to save on dining in Dublin.

3. Make friends with the half-pint — And keep your change!

There’s no such thing as a discount on alcohol in Dublin — you won’t find any “happy hours” in the city. If you’re trying to keep your costs down on beer, order a half pint instead of a full pint. This way you can spread your money a bit farther between different pubs.

Also remember, if you order from a bartender, there is no need to tip. Keep all your change!

4. Seek out free entertainment

While you’re sipping on that half-pint, how about some entertainment? Many Dublin pubs are known for their live music, so check out pubs that provide some entertainment beyond the Guinness and Jameson.

For traditional music, check out O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row. Another great option for live music is Doyles, right across the street for Trinity College. If you happen to be in Dublin on “match day” (whether it’s rugby, soccer, or the Gaelic games) be sure to grab a seat in the pub — both the game and the locals will provide the entertainment.

5. Research your ride to the airport

If there’s one thing visitors complain about when it comes to Dublin — it’s the lack of airport transportation. You won’t find a train or a subway system that connects Dublin Airport to the city center. Some visitors resign themselves to taking a taxi (this costs at least €20) but Cheapos will want to check out the buses.

There are two options: the local bus that is very cheap (but stops frequently, seriously lengthening your journey into Dublin) or taking the Aircoach, a 24-hour express bus service into the city. Purchase a return fare to save a few euros instead of paying for a ticket each way. (Read more on Dublin’s airport transportation.)

A little airport research ahead of time could mean a lot of money saved during a trip to Dublin.

Your Dublin tips

Do you have any favorite ways to save? Share in the comments below!

The post Dublin Budget Tips: 5 simple ways to save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So how can you live like a Roman while on holiday? Follow these 10 tips to keep your savings in check and still make the most of a trip to Rome.

Pick up farm-fresh produce for cheap and mingle with locals at outdoor markets like this one at Campo di Fiori. Photo: Sergio Calleja

1. Explore the markets

Rome has some of the best fresh food markets in the world, with vendors selling everything from porchetta to fresh mozzarella, and of course heaps of vibrant produce. Stock up on blood oranges for breakfast or hunks of cheese and freshly baked bread for a picnic lunch. The vendors bring their products straight from their farms, so you know it’s good. Plus, the price is much cheaper than restaurants or even the grocery store. The atmosphere, a bustle of bargaining and banter and a true taste of local life, is an added bonus.

If you’re staying in the city center, check out the open-air weekend market in Campo dei Fiori, or if you’re near the Vatican, head to Mercato Trionfale. Piazza Vittorio, Circo Massimo, and Trastevere host large markets as well.

2. Save at restaurants

Nothing beats an authentic Italian meal in a family-run trattoria. Generations of secret recipes and fresh tomatoes blend to create sauces your grandmother can only dream of (unless she happens to be Italian, and in that case lucky you!), and perfect pizza crust is a true art. That said, eating out every meal on vacation takes a significant chunk of your budget, so follow these tips to save money on every meal, without sacrificing the good stuff.

At restaurants, ask for tap water instead of bottled, and say no to bread, which can cost you €2-3 per person. If possible, steer clear of places where the menu is listed in more than two or three languages—one, because it’s less authentic, and two, because touristy places hike up their prices. As a general rule, most good restaurants list pasta for €8-11 and pizza from €6-10. Sides are usually less than €10. There are special cases, of course, but unless the restaurant has rave reviews or a Michelin Star to its name, you shouldn’t pay anything higher.

When it comes to wine, if you’re an enthusiast, you’ll probably want to try a few special local bottles while in Italy. To save money, alternate between a nice bottle and liters of house wine, which run from €6-10, and are often better quality than pricier bottles in the US.

3. Eat (and drink) on the streets

For inexpensive meals, grab something to go. Rome is full of amazing sandwich shops where a panini will cost about €5 or less, and takeaway pizza, or pizza al taglio, is everywhere. Grab a slice and people watch from one of the many piazzas or parks.

The same goes for drinking. Act like a real Roman and buy a bottle of wine from a mini market (they’ll be happy to open it for you and provide plastic cups), then hang out on the Spanish Steps or the Fountain of Madonna dei Monti. You’ll get a taste of authentic Italian nightlife from the groups that gather in these areas every night, and the drinks will be half the price of a restaurant.

For a cheap coffee pick-me-up the next morning, drink your cappuccino at the bar. Table service at most cafes will cost you an extra euro or two.

4. Speak la bella lingua with language exchange

If you’re in Italy for an extended amount of time and want to learn Italian, or even if you’re visiting for a week and want to master some basic phrases, consider a language exchange. Instead of paying for lessons, you and an Italian native speaker will practice Italian and English over coffee or aperitivo. It’s a nice way to learn the language and make friends at the same time. Your new language partner might even have local tips or show you an area of the city you would have missed otherwise.

Hotel and Hostel des Artistes is a cheapo pick with clean and comfy rooms for affordable rates. Photo: EuroCheapo

5. Stay in independent hotels or bed & breakfasts

Often, the most expensive part of a visit to Rome is accommodation. Huge demand allows hotels to charge ridiculous prices for tiny rooms, especially if they’re in central locations. Luckily, the need for budget accommodation has caught the attention of many independent business owners, and Rome is now bursting with budget hotel options. Similarly, Italian families with houses or rooms to spare have turned their guesthouses into adorable bed & breakfasts.

These hotel owners put their hearts into their businesses and are proud of showing off their city, so by renting from them you save money and end up with a more memorable experience. At EuroCheapo, we’ve spent many years hunting down the best small and affordable places to stay in Rome — check out this list of our favorite budget hotels.

6. Shop vintage

Rome certainly has its share of high-end designer stores. All you have to do is stroll down via Condotti to find yourself in a sea of Armani, Bulgari, and Dolce & Gabbana. But with a little looking, you can find your own designer goods for a fraction of the price. Check out Rome’s array of vintage stores for steals on leather jackets, designer jewels, classic handbags, suits that never go out of style and a mix of funky t-shirts and other unique finds.

The Monti neighborhood has three vintage stores on via del Boschetto and one on via dei Serpenti. If you’re in the center, head to the Borghetto Flaminio Market, (Piazza della Marina, 32), for a treasure trove of clothing, accessories and household goods.

7. Be smart about sightseeing

Plan your trip ahead of time, so you can make the most of your time without spending a fortune. Take a few hours to walk through the city, a better way to see the sights than any paid tour. During your stroll, make stops at the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, all of which are iconic, beautiful and best of all, 100% free.

If you want to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, buy a ticket that includes both, plus the Palatine Hill. It’s cheaper than buying separate tickets, and all three are equally impressive.

The Vatican is a must but can be expensive and time-consuming. Plan to get there early in the morning to beat the lines, and if you can, visit on the last Sunday of the month, when entrance is free.

8. La Notte dei Musei

Rome is home to spectacular artwork, but seeing it all can be costly. Once a year, Rome’s museums open up for La Notte dei Musei, or The Night of the Museums, an all-night affair where every museum is open to the public with free admission. Find more information here.

9. Concerts at Castel Sant’Angelo

The Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, towers over the Tiber River, and a trip to the top provides staggeringly beautiful views of the city. On certain nights, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs hosts classical music concerts in the courtyard. Listening to Vivaldi or jazz from an ancient castle on a warm summer night is a wonderful Italian experience. Entrance to the castle, a guided tour, and the concert is included for a very affordable price.

10. Take public transport

Taxis are expensive and almost guaranteed to try and rip you off at least once during your stay. A better option is public transit like the metro, which covers the main tourist attractions, or the bus lines, which are more comprehensive. While you might spend a few extra minutes waiting for your bus to actually show up, the €1.50 fare is a much better alternative to a taxi. At night, for example, taxis start at €6.50, just for getting in the car!

Similarly, if you’re heading out of the city, consider taking the regional trains. The fast trains are Italy’s pride, and they are admittedly very nice, but they’re often two or three times the price of a regional train to the same destination. Build some extra time in your schedule so you can take the regional train, or if you want to take the fast trains, book online at least a month in advance to get a discount fare. (Tickets can be booked on trenitalia.com, or italotreno.it).

More ways to save

For even more Rome tips, check out EuroCheapo’s Guide to Rome and all of our Rome blog posts. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter or Facebook.

The post Rome: 10 easy ways to save on your next visit appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In addition to the ubiquitous döner kebab that is always a reliable choice, you’ll find cheap pizza, traditional Austrian food at excellent prices and more than a few vegetarian options.

Our cheap picks run the gamut from cozy pub grub to pay-what-you-wish Pakistani fare. Here are five of our favorites to keep in mind for your next trip to Vienna.

Related: Our favorite budget hotels in Vienna

5 cheap eats in Vienna

1. Tunnel

Florianigasse 39
Neighborhood: Josefstadt
Website

If it’s an unabashedly young and laid-back vibe you’re after, look no further than Tunnel. This restaurant-live music hybrid offers a large menu with very reasonable prices.

The menu includes sandwiches, pastas, soups and vegetarian dishes ranging from €5 and up. Tunnel’s drink list is equally expansive, with juices, beers and cocktails all about €4. You’re guaranteed to hear a live band nightly (at 9 p.m.), though there is often a cover charge.

2. Esterházykeller

Naglergasse 9
Neighborhood: Innere Stadt
Website

More than your average charming Austrian restaurant, the Esterházykeller offers the added bonus of historic significance. Opened in 1683 and named after the Esterházy noble family, the place was famously frequented by Joseph Haydn.

The restaurant serves typical Austrian cuisine (think plenty of meat) though vegetarian options are available as well. Meals start around €6, and you can order a fine wiener schnitzel for around €11. Wine from the Esterházy vineyard is on the menu, along with apple strudel and other sweets, most under €5.

3. Der Wiener Deewan

Liechtensteinstraße 10
Neighborhood: Alsergrund
Website

Der Wiener Deewan puts a Pakistani twist on one of our favorite restaurant concepts: Take a hip, colorful atmosphere, add a buffet with a pay-what-you-wish policy, and you have yourself a wi(e)nner!

A buffet is served all day with a mix of meat and veggie curries that also comes with fresh nan bread and salad. And yes, you decide the price at the end of the meal. Just pay the cashier on the way out. The restaurant also offers takeaway boxes and drinks are also available, though these come at fixed prices. Stop by on Monday evenings to catch some live music.

4. Pizzeria Mafiosi

Reindorfgasse 15
Neighborhood: Mariahilf
Website

If you want a cheap slice of pizza or a hefty portion of lasagna, this Italian eatery is a safe bet. The topping selection is impressive, and the prices are quite low; nothing on the food menu costs more than €6, and they have a handful of pizzas under €4.

A beer will set you back €2, while a glass of wine can be had for the super cheapo price of only €1.20. The Pizzeria Mafiosi is located south of the city center near the Schönbrunn Palace.

5. Kent Restaurant

Brunnengasse 67
Neighborhood: Ottakring

A local favorite in Josefstadt, the Kent Restaurant has a sprawling menu of Turkish entrees. Choose from variety of salads, kebabs and Middle Eastern sandwiches. They’re all very tasty and very affordable.

A complete breakfast is available for around €5, and desserts (including baklava) are also served. They also have two other locations in Vienna.

The post 5 Cheap eats in Vienna appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.