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.

Some visitors and foreigners in Paris take a “no-tip” approach to everything in Paris, based on the idea that service is included in the price listed on the menu. There are general rules, however, for those who want to be good customers, especially those who want to become regulars at neighborhood establishments.

Related
• 50 Ways to save time and money on your trip to Paris
• The top 25 Free things to do in Paris
• Simple ways to save on your Paris hotel 

Tipping in Paris

Before you lay down a tip everywhere you go, brush up on these tips to help you navigate tipping culture in Paris.

When NOT to tip:

In general, it is never wrong to tip, but some people just don’t expect it. Imagine if you left the dentist a few dollars after a mouth cleaning — it’s nice but also, let’s admit, kind of weird.

Cafés: A quick coffee and croissant at the local café may set you back €5, but there’s no need to drop an extra euro on the tip. The server isn’t working for tips, and his salary is consistent despite how many tables he or she gets.

Bars: Drinks at a bar are usually tip-free and bartenders rarely expect anything extra, which is good news for happy hour fans.

Clubs: At clubs, coat checks already cost a few euros, so tipping more is unnecessary. I can only imagine tipping the checkers in ritzy clubs that budget-seekers don’t frequent anyway.

In general, the less something costs, the less likely it is that a tip will be necessary. Leaving 15% on a coffee that only cost two euros seems like you were trying too hard.

Related: Paris: 10 money-saving tips for first time visitors

When TO tip:

Restaurants: When a server goes out of their way to explain the wine list in a cozy neighborhood restaurant or is exceedingly nice throughout the service, a small tip is absolutely deserved. You can leave up to five euros depending on the bill and expect a gracious “merci.”

Taxis: Taxi drivers usually expect a bit extra, understandably. Driving in Paris isn’t easy, and they will often be very helpful with luggage and shopping bags.

Tour Guides: Tour guides are not poorly paid, but those who go the extra mile to answer questions and make the visits enjoyable deserve to be tipped. Anyone in the service industry, familiar with foreigners, will often expect a tip, so have a few coins on hand.

Hotels: If a staff member helps to bring your bags up to your room, then you can offer a few euros in return. However, most of the hotels we stay at, we lug our own bags! You can also give a tip to a concierge for making reservations at a restaurant or helping you get tickets to a show. Check in at one of our favorite budget Paris hotels.

Salons: Hairdressers and barbers, especially if you want to become a regular without mangled bangs, appreciate a few extra euros.

Related: Our 8 favorite hotels in Paris under €80

Doubtful?

Not sure if the service was good? You spent two hours in a café and only bought two coffees? The taxi driver was a bit erratic driving down the Champs Elysées? When in doubt, just round up the bill, even if that means leaving just 50 centimes.

Although Parisians seem exceedingly proud, no one is going to refuse your tips if you offer it. Money speaks the same in any language!

Your tipping advice?

Got a tip for us? What has been your tipping experience in Paris? Tell us about it in the comments section.

The post Paris: When (and when not) to tip in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But as you plan your Spanish jaunt, it’s important to think about a few pitfalls that are easy to walk into… but just as easy to avoid.

Once you reach Spain, keep these rookie mistakes in mind to avoid any mishaps that can cost you precious time and money.

Related: Recommended budget hotels in Madrid | Barcelona | Seville

1. Trying to see too much

Spain is fairly large as European countries go, and you cannot possibly see it all. Where you go during your trip depends on what your interests are, but plan (at the very least) a couple of days in Barcelona, a day in Madrid, and some time in Andalusia. If you are a foodie, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list.

Whatever you do, don’t try and bulldoze through your vacation, spending just a day in each town. Spain’s cultural rhythm is slow and leisurely, and it’s best to adapt to this way of being while visiting. (We go into this further in our guide to creating the best itinerary for your trip to Europe.)

To help you organize your visit, check out this 10-day trip itinerary for Spain that will take you through some of our favorite places in the country.

2. Thinking it’s all about bulls and flamenco

When many tourists think of Spain, they’re often only conjuring up an image of one region of the country, Andalusia. Angry bulls and beautiful women in ruffly dresses can indeed be found in Seville, but not so much in Barcelona or San Sebastian.

Each region of Spain has its own food, culture, and in some cases (like the Basque Country or Catalonia) language. However, while the tradition is illegal in some regions, you can still see a bullfight in Madrid.

3. Mistaking a rhythm for rudeness

Things move more slowly in Spain than they do in the United States and Northern Europe. Lunches are long and unhurried. Dinners last for hours. A drink at the bar can easily turn into watching the sun rise over the Mediterranean. Don’t mistake your server’s inattentiveness as rudeness. At the same time, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for whatever it is that you need (the bill, salt, another beer, etc.).

Your server may not come by every 10 minutes to ask you how everything is, but you will also never be hustled out the door so they can “turn” your table. Act like a local and chill with your glass of wine; feel free to linger and chat as long as you want.

Related: 10 Spanish phrases every traveler should know

3. Not packing the right gear

For whatever reason, many tourists assume that Spain is hot and humid year-round. Not so! Make sure to pack lots of light layers in the summertime and a heavy coat in winter (unless you plan to spend your entire vacation on the Canary Islands).

In the north of Spain rain is common, even during the summer. In the south of Spain, temperatures can easily reach the 100+ mark from June to August, and you’ll want to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.).

4. Ordering the wrong food at the wrong time

Important: The big meal of the day in Spain is lunch, and this is the time to have a hardy seafood paella. Do not order paella at 10 p.m. in the evening; it’s too heavy and in most respectable restaurants, it will not even be offered on the dinner menu.

Usually, Spaniards eat lighter fare for dinner, including tapas, fish dishes, and salads. Drink wine with lunch and dinner–order the whole bottle, and no one will bat an eye.

Related: 8 Tips for eating like a local in Barcelona

5. Eating too early

It can be difficult to get on the Spanish clock when it comes to meal times. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are enjoyed quite late by American standards. If you’re starving, go grab some tapas to hold you over until the restaurants open.

Lunch is typically served between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. If you go out to dinner at 6 p.m, you will either be dining alone or with other tourists. Most local restaurants don’t even open their doors until 8 p.m (or later).

Related: 7 local dishes you need to try when visiting Spain

There might be one Spanish flag, but Spaniards speak a variety of regional languages as well. Photo: abdallahh

6. Not knowing the languages (that’s plural)

If you know Spanish, then you’ll be able to communicate with everyone in Spain. However, not every local you meet will speak Spanish as his or her mother tongue. Don’t be surprised to see signs in Basque or Catalan as you travel, and keep in mind that there are five national languages in the country.

Picking up a few words in the regional lingo will show some respect (and really endear you to the locals). It can also help you save–here are 7 Spanish phrases to help you save in Barcelona.

7. Tipping too much

This one is always hard for visitors from the United States. Tipping is not common across all of Spain. You should not leave 20%. If you get a really good meal or excellent service, you might leave something, but generally, tips are not expected.

Even in popular cities like Barcelona, you don’t tip bartenders, cab drivers, waiters, or anyone else more than some spare change.

8. Not having cash on hand

Want to pick up some tasty Jamón ibérico or a pair of authentic espadrilles from a local vendor? Take note that many small shops and taxis do not take credit cards. Furthermore, numerous stores, both big and small, will not have small change if you give them big bills. Be prepared and have cash on hand in a variety of sizes.

Crowded areas like Las Ramblas are ripe with pick pockets and other scams. Photo: Fraser Mummery

9. Not paying attention in touristy areas

This largely applies to Barcelona and Madrid, but you should be careful all over Spain, especially in the most touristy areas. Don’t leave your valuables on the beach while you go for a dip. Instead, leave everything important in the hotel’s safe.

Do some research ahead of time to book a hotel in a safe area of the city where you are less likely to be hassled. Spain is not dangerous, but petty theft can be a problem.

Related: Safety tips for female travelers in Barcelona

Final Tip: Just go with the flow

Spain is a diverse and fascinating country filled with open and relaxed people. It’s hard not to love it once you get into the rhythm. Visit at an easy pace and allow yourself plenty of time to just chill. Loiter on a plaza. Dawdle in a park. Hang out for hours at a cafe or bar on the beach.

It’s in the waiting and watching and just “being” that Spain shows herself to you.

The post Spain: 10 first-time mistakes to avoid when visiting appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating that when in Paris, it’s OK to be a tourist. Book that charming hotel in the center of town, enjoy an outdoor table at a cafe, and stroll along the Champs-Élysées if you like. Over the years as a tour guide and correspondent, I’ve experienced lots of people who try, without success, to pass as a local. It’s just not necessary.

It’s normal that tourists want to fit in, but too often you end up adding too much pressure to the trip planning process and to the actual trip itself. Here are five ways I think tourists could relax about their trips to Paris:

1. Don’t freak out about wearing the right shoes.

I always tell people I can spot a tourist by their shoes—but since they are usually in a touristy spot, like by the Eiffel Tower, I don’t think I’m really all that clairvoyant.

The bottom line on footwear? If you really think anyone in Paris cares what you are wearing on your feet, and if you’d rather spend more time shoe shopping than planning the rest of your trip, that’s your problem. Parisians wear boots, sneakers, flats, heels, loafers, Chucks and everything in between. And while they aren’t always practical, flip-flops do come out in the summer from time to time.

Related: 8 Paris travel myths debunked

2. You don’t need to speak French like a pro.

You don’t know any French? Quel dommage. Enough websites (including EuroCheapo, for example) urge visitors to learn some basics—merci, bonjour, au revoir—and that’s all you’ll need to know.

It’s nice to know local lingo, but few waiters or bartender will expect you to whip out the conditional or future perfect tense while ordering a beer. Some Parisians speak English, and others who you will inevitably encounter are comfortable with tourists pointing, nodding and holding up fingers to signal numbers—if you’re polite about it. Get the bare basics down and then give it a rest. This isn’t a backwoods town where no one has ever met a foreigner.

Be prepared for lines at big attractions in Paris like the Louvre. Photo: Duncan R

3. Visit museums that match your tastes.

Paris is a treasure trove of art, and travelers want to be very discerning when choosing their museums to visit, and often think that it’s better to go to one museum over another. In the end, if you really care about art, go to the museum that matches your taste. If you’re only going to the museum because you think you need to, then go when it’s convenient and just accept that yes, there will be tourists at places like the Louvre. Everyone wants to see the Mona Lisa, and no one knows why, so either just go with it or else pass.

Related: 7 tips for surviving the Louvre

4. Relax about finding the “perfect” restaurant.

You only want to eat where the locals are eating? Sorry, I’m very selective about who can come over for dinner. Want to do what Parisians are doing if not dining at home? Have you seen the lines at McDonald’s?

Thinking that Parisians are all going to some quaint little, off-the-radar bistro every night is a good exercise for your imagination. There are plenty of great “local” places, but don’t think you’re going to unearth anything that hasn’t been dug up a thousand times already. Just try to enjoy your meal wherever you go, and don’t Instagram it—because real locals don’t need to photograph every goat cheese salad and glass of wine.

Be aware but don’t panic for your entire trip. Photo: Duncan Hull

5. Stay alert and stay safe.

Money belt, traveler’s checks, locked box in the hotel—check, check, check. You’re a tourist and you’re overly concerned about falling prey to pickpockets? While I applaud your caution, I wonder if you leave your phone laying on a table while you go to the bathroom at Starbucks. Do you often take candy from strangers? Do you leave your door unlocked at night?

For some traveling to Paris means leaving all notions of personal safety back in their home country—but Paris isn’t Disneyland. (Although there is one a few miles outside of the city.) It’s a real city with the same sorts of crimes that you find in other parts of the world, including America (without the fear of getting shot). If you’re walking around with a wad of cash in Paris, you’re asking for as much trouble as if you did that in Chicago, or London or Sydney—it’s not a good idea anywhere, so don’t do it.

Be vigilant and prepared, yes, but don’t overdo it. Keep your wits about you as I hope you do anywhere else in the world and you should be fine. Check out our article on popular “scams in Paris” so you know what to expect, but honestly, if a scruffy looking group of teenagers swarmed around you in Kansas City asking you to sign a dirty petition and give them money, would you really stop and engage them?

Other things tourists should relax about?

Do you have something else to add to our list of things tourists should relax about when visiting Paris? Do you agree or take issue with any of the points above? Share with us in our comments section below.

The post 5 things tourists should relax about when visiting Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Buying pastries at Elephant house. Photo: Axon Manage

The Elephant House
21 George IV Bridge

The Elephant House is famous for three things. First of all, the elephants that gave the place its name: there’s loads of them dotted around this charming café. Then there’s Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling apparently wrote some of the first Harry Potter sitting in this café’s back room that has what you might call inspirational views over to Edinburgh castle. And, finally, there’s the food. Although it does open in the evening, this is mainly a sandwich and soup, or a coffee and cake kind of place. Attracting academics from the National Library of Scotland opposite as well as Potter tourists and aspiring novelists, the Elephant House is a great place to sit and people watch for an hour or so.

The Mosque Kitchen 
22 Nicolson Street

Another firm student favorite, this eatery—as the name suggests—is related to Edinburgh’s mosque. It originally served the congregation but opened its kitchen to all, much to the delight of curry lovers around the city. You’ll need to queue, and it’s more of a canteen than a restaurant (meals are served on paper plates), but when you can pick up a tasty chicken curry with two sides for less than a fiver, it’s more than worthwhile.

North African favorite Nile Valley Cafe. Photo: Gary Denham

Nile Valley Cafe
6 Chapel Street

Situated right by University of Edinburgh, its influence can be felt in the flyers and posters for student events decorating the walls, as well as the cheap prices of this North African eatery. Think flavorful falafel, kebabs and flat breads with great dips and sauces, perfect for adding some color on a cold Edinburgh day. Charmingly scruffy around the edges, you can enjoy a set lunch at £5.99 or evening meal for £15.50, and make the most of their bring your own booze policy.

A Room in the West End & Teuchters Bar
26 William Street

This place is perfect if you want a Scottish experience—it’s basically a highland bar transplanted to the center of Edinburgh. That means football and rugby on the TVs and an extensive range of whiskys behind the bar. There’s a bar menu—a tempting variety of things served in mugs—or head downstairs to the cozy ‘room’ to enjoy a more formal dining experience. Food is suitably Scottish, with an emphasis on seafood, but many a fond word has also been said about their Banoffee pie. Mains are around £13 each, but you can get a good deal on a set lunch. There’s another branch in the Leith area of the city.

Cottage pie with braised red cabbage at The Dogs restaurant. Photo: Edinburgh Blog

The Dogs
110 Hanover Street

The Dogs was set up to provide a good value dining experience. It’s a fun, young and informal atmosphere with mismatched plates and crockery, dark wood tables and hearty mains, using locally sourced food where possible. In the day, you can get mains for under £7, while in the evening around £13 will get you delights such as a generous portion of stuffed pork belly. At busier times in the city, such as Hogmanay or the Edinburgh Festival, you’ll probably need to book ahead.

The post Edinburgh: Five top cheap and tasty restaurants appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are some tips I’ve developed over the years for Paris “tout seul”:

Dining

It can be tricky in any city to go to a restaurant on your own. It takes guts. Those looking to eat in Paris’ trendier addresses and gourmet restaurants may find them slightly awkward for solo dining. They aren’t necessarily relaxing experiences, but more than that, these long drawn-out meals are meant to be shared, and doing it alone can be, well, a bit depressing.

Opt instead for an outdoor dining experience, like a picnic in a park if the weather allows it. If not, find a nice terrace where you can enjoy your steak frites in peace, with a bit of street theater to keep you occupied between bites. No one will look at you funny, you won’t feel pressured to give up your seat, and you won’t feel left out in a dining room full of chatting friends and acquaintances.

Nightlife

Going out alone at night is easier said than done. But fortunately in Paris, you can forget the clubs and glitzy nightlife and hunker down in one of the many bustling bars or cafés to enjoy a glass of wine or potentially meet some new people. The wine bar at Verjus, for example, is a great place to make new friends, or head to the Belle Hortense in the Marais for a drink with people spilling out onto the street at night.

In any case, if you are looking for something specific – dancing, gay nightlife, parties – do your research beforehand. Many a night has been spent wandering the streets of Paris with nary a hint of where to go when a group of out-of-towners decide they want to stay out all night.

Meeting people

Paris has plenty of options to meet new people. Meetup.com is popular in Paris, as is the Expatriates in Paris Facebook group. There’s also a website called OnVaSortir (“We’re Going Out”) that offers random group meetings from happy hours to walks along the Seine for free.

If you want to dine with new people, there are plenty of ways to do it, including Colunching, a website that allows you to lunch or dine with new people at a variety of restaurants around town. And the Jim Hayne’s dinners each Sunday were legendary ways to meet new people from across the globe while, of course, eating. Unfortunately, he passed away in January 2021.

Go on tour

Some people feel that walking tours are touristy – and they are. If you’re a tourist, there’s no shame. But they are also great ways to meet new people.

Paris Walks, for example, offers daily tours in English for just €12, and all you have to do is show up.

Paris by Mouth also offers culinary tours that will introduce you to new people and tastes – two birds with one stone, right? If nothing else, at least you’ll discover a slice of Paris you may not have known before.

Don’t worry

A big problem for people traveling alone is that they worry. It’s understandable, but try not to. Thousands of people before you have survived a visit to Paris on their own, if only for one day, and some for years, so just relax. Have some addresses jotted down and a book on hand for any downtime, and enjoy.

Your tips for enjoying Paris “tout seul”?

How have you enjoyed Paris on your own? Share your tips with other solo travelers below in our comments section.

The post Solo Travel in Paris: Simple tips for visiting Paris on your own appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

According to the European Union of Vegetarians, around 10% of Italians are vegetarian – the highest percentage in Europe. In Rome, you’ll find meat-free meals almost everywhere. Most pizza-by-the-slice places serve vegetarian-friendly combinations (such as potato and rosemary) for €5 – €10. Rome also has an array of Kebab shops where you can pick up felafels and a quick salad for under €10.

There are a number of vegetarian restaurants located in the city center. Note that the lunch menus are a particularly good value and that not all serve alcohol.

Here are five of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in central Rome:

Fresh and healthy meals at Il Margutta RistorArte. Photo: VeganTraveller

Bibliothè
Via Celsa 5, Rome. Ph: 0667 814 27, Open: Mon-Sat 12:30 – 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Nestled in a chic cobbled alley off Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Bibliothè is conveniently located near most of Rome’s key tourist attractions (a 5-10 minute walk from the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Foro Romano). Bibliothè serves Ayurvedic food, whole grain and organic pasta in a cozy library-inspired environment. Many of the dishes are vegan, and the daily lunch special is popular and inexpensive (cost varies, but it’s usually around €13).

The service can be slow at times (so I’ve been told – but I’ve never had this problem myself) but the atmosphere is chilled-out and fairly unpretentious.

Govindas
Via di Sardegna, 55. Ph: 0668 891 540. Open Tue-Sat 12 – 2 p.m., Fri – Sat 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
www.harekrsna.it

Govindas is a popular Hare Krishna spot known for low-fuss vegetarian nosh. They are currently in the process of moving to a new location near Via Veneto and will be closed until the start of April 2012 (the restaurant on Via Santa Maria del Pianto is gone). The new spot will be about a ten-minute walk from metro stop Spagna (Line A) or a 15-20 minute walk from Termini.

You can choose between different menus ranging in prices and the food is presented buffet-style. Choose from rice with vegetables and spices, grilled vegetables, bread and desserts. Second helpings are available. Govindas does not serve alcohol.

REWILD Cruelty-Free Club
Via Giovannipoli, Garbatella. 18. Ph: 0697 613 910. Open: from 8 p.m.
www.rewild.it

You’ll need to take the metro out of the center to find this place (Line B – Garbatella), but it’s an interesting spot. Rewild is a vegan pub – so to speak. It serves burgers, hotdogs and beer, but all dishes are vegan. They also put on concerts, films and exhibitions (check their website for information). It’s really cheap and not at all touristy.

To eat here, you need to become a card-carrying member – but don’t worry, it’s free and you can sign up on the spot. They also have menus in English – you just need to ask.

Il Margutta RistorArte
Via Margutta, 118. Ph: 0632 650 577, Open: 12:30 – 3:30 p.m., Dinner from 7 p.m.
www.ilmarguttavegetariano.it

Il Margutta is a Roman institution – more than 32 years and counting. Located north of Piazza di Spagna and minutes from Piazza del Popolo, art lovers will appreciate the trendy art-gallery vibe. The nearest metro stop is Flamino. Dishes get pricey at dinner, but they do a pretty good value brunch menu.

Arancia Blu Cucina Vegetariana con Enoteca
Via Prenestina 396e, Tel: 064454105, Bistrot open from 5 p.m.
www.aranciabluroma.com

If you ask a Roman to recommend a vegetarian restaurant, they’ll probably mention Arancia Blu. It’s not cheap, but the food is delicious and for a light dinner, they do a fixed degustation menu for about €20 (including beer). No list of vegetarian restaurants in Rome would be complete without it. Save it for a night when you’re feeling particularly extravagant.

Also in our guide: Hungry for a great affordable hotel? We’re here to help. Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed the best inexpensive hotels in Rome, all central, clean and affordable. Read more in our Rome guide.

The post Rome: 5 vegetarian restaurants for a great (meatless) meal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Just ask and you shall (hopefully) receive:

1. Water at meals

All meals, from the ritziest restaurant to the lowliest donor kebab, should come with a free pitcher of tap water. Even an espresso comes with a glass of room temperature hydration.

If you don’t have a pitcher when your food comes, simply ask for “une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plait,” and don’t hesitate to ask for refills.

2. Bread at meals

Bread is also a staple at the table, so don’t hesitate to ask for it. In typical restaurants, mustard, salt, pepper and bread will be put on the table before you receive your meal. Of course there are many exceptions, but if you’re having a sit-down meal, asking for bread (“le pain, s’il vous plait”) will surprise no one. This is the birthplace of the baguette, after all.

3. Maps

Tourists hitting the streets of Paris with their guidebook maps are often disappointed by the missing streets and tiny Metro maps printed inside the cover of their books. Fortunately cartography is a big business in Paris. Metro maps, in both large and small formats, can be obtained for free at most Metro stations. (Simply ask for “un plan de Metro, s’il vous plait.”)

And the Galeries Lafayettes, one of Paris’ famed department stores, prints free city maps (“plan de Paris”) that can be found in the reception areas of most of Paris’ hotels and hostels, along with other major tourist sights.

4. Samples

This one’s delicate. Free samples are abundant in Paris – if you know when to ask. Many chocolate shops will offer a taste if you linger long enough, but play your cards right. If the shopkeeper can tell you’re going to buy something, he or she will have fewer qualms about offering up a sample to help you decide. And sometimes not.

When you stroll through outdoor markets, merchants are all too eager to have you taste their pineapples and mangos, so just say “Merci!” and taste away. Cheese shops will also be fairly willing to cut you a sliver if you ask to taste the difference between two choices, if you’re clearly going to purchase some fromage.

5. Toilets

While there are many free public bathrooms that look like small space pods located throughout the city, bathrooms are also available with any purchase at a café. If you purchase a café or a Perrier at the café bar (remember, it’s cheaper at the bar than at a table), you can ask for the bathroom without worries.

Note: If the bathroom door looks like it is coin-operated, simply ask for the “jeton” (token) from the server and he or she will hand you a silver coin that will open the door.

6. ATM withdrawals (for Bank of America clients)

Free money? Well, almost. If you want to avoid paying pesky bank fees, you can withdraw without charge from the BNP Paribas bank if you have a Bank of America account. If this applies to you, you will curtail any travelers’ checks or foreign exchange fees that have troubled travelers for so many years. (Read our guide to ATM bank fees for Americans abroad.)

7.  Wi-Fi

I’ve said it once and I’ve said it again: paying for the internet in Paris is a scam. With Paris’ public Wi-Fi program, and the various wireless networks available in cafés and McDonald’s, there is no reason to drop a dime to check your email.

For more information, read my previous post on where to find free Wi-Fi in Paris. Trust me, it still works as long as you have a smart phone or laptop.

Your favorite free things in Paris?

What other freebies have you found in the City of Light? Tell us, Cheapos, in the comments section.

The post Paris: 7 things that are always free in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

How much should you tip in Amsterdam? Learn from the locals and follow these general guidelines:

Hospitality has a healthy wage

The restaurant and hospitality industry in the Netherlands represents a well-paid group of workers. They’re usually students, and if they’re considerably older chances are they own the place.

Regardless, minimum wage at cafes, restaurants and bars is well above that in North America (usually more than double), so servers do not live off of tips. In fact, many don’t expect anything beyond coins left on the table. Hence the lack of fast, positive and friendly customer service here: They’re simply doing their job.

Ten percent rule for nice restaurants

Eating out, for the Dutch, isn’t as common as it is in North America. It’s not as cheap (due to low demand), and the idea of a restaurant is reserved for special occasions (friends in town, celebrations, etc.).

Knowing that, don’t expect happy hours, “early bird” specials or daily deals. And if you find them, chances are it’s a tourist restaurant (which is not a bad option if you’re looking for a cheap dinner). Authentic, delicious dishes are reserved for cafes with three-course meals, charming canal-side ambiance and patient customers who take their time when dining.

For a tip at these fine dine establishments, hover around the 10 percent mark. It’s easy math, and the fine dining experience justifies the little extra spent on a tip.

Not one buck at the bar

When ordering any drink at a bar or a café, don’t tip. It might feel wrong at first and it takes some getting used to. But unless you’re at a high-end cocktail bar, servers only expect a little extra tip if it benefits the team. (Most places pool tips and split after a day, a week, a month; or they save up yearly and splurge on a party.)

If you’re a group of two or more sitting down for a drink, and you feel guilty for not throwing something on the side, the general rule is this: Take the total and round up to the nearest euro. It might be a mere 30 cents, but it will relieve the server from fishing around for change (and they’ll be thankful).

“Going Dutch”

One joke I heard from an expat about her dating experience with the Dutch summed it up pretty well: “The Dutch are like birds… cheap, cheap, cheap!” Alright it’s not that bad, but most Dutchies know they have a culture that leans on the thrifty side of life. The term “going Dutch” has a hint of truth, although many locals will say this view is long passe.

Regardless, I’d be fibbing if I said I’ve never split the bill with my local buddies. That’s how it usually goes even on dates, even for one round of Heineken. I’ve even received emails and Facebook messages with bank account details so I could transfer them an easy €10! So, relax and don’t be afraid to split the bill!

Final “tip”

Simply put, go easy on the tipping. If you really want to impress a server with generosity, cover the entire bill for your party, and have someone else worry about the tip!

Note: This goes for tipping in drinking and dining establishments only. Hotels, tour guides, taxi drivers and the like have their own tipping tradition, which will be covered in a later post.

For additional “tips” on what to see and do in Amsterdam, click here.

The post Tipping in Amsterdam: How much to tip in restaurants, bars and cafes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

These days, you can’t throw a stone without hitting a Currywurst stand in Berlin. Just follow the sweet smell of a deep fryer and you won’t be disappointed. But if you want an extra special experience, here are a few picks:

Krasselts
Steglitzer Damm 22
Web site

Leave the likes of Konnopke’s to the amateurs. Get off the tourist circuit and get yourself to Steglitz. If not for the Turmkunst, a stop at Krasselts is well worth the trek to the residential district. Instead of the common ketchup, the owner uses a tomato sauce made from a “secret” recipe.

For those of us who like to eat on the go, there’s also a far less messy option: pork on the stick. If there’s a line, it’s not because the place is conveniently located (it’s not). It’s because Krasselts’ Currywurst really is all that.

Bier’s Ku’Damm 195
Kurfürstendamm 195

When you’re done sweeping through the department stores and boutiques of Charlottenburg, head down to Bier’s. Better yet, go there late at night—and you might see society folks in tuxedos and evening gowns. Don’t act all surprised. It’s Kurfürstendamm—naturfürlich you can order champagne with your Currywurst or shish kebab. (This being Berlin, of course, everything’s still affordable.)

Curry 36
Mehringdamm 36
Web site

I know, I know, every guide book mentions this place—and for a good reason. Open into the wee hours, this snack bar, nay, “legendary institution” serves up fresh-off-the-grill sausages smeared with plenty of sauce. The brusque Berliner service is part of the charm.

A magnet for club-goers and bar-hoppers, this lively joint is the perfect place to eat, chat with strangers and watch the sun rise after a long night out. Don’t forget the sauteed onions and fries. You need some veggies and carbs for a balanced meal.

Currywurst Museum
Schützenstraße 70
Web site

Just steps away from Checkpoint Charlie, this compact museum is perfect for the diehard fans. While the admission fees are steep (€7-€11), they do include a complimentary serving of Currywurst. You can watch a documentary called “The Best of Wursts” (rim shot, please), listen to Herbert Groenemeyer’s 1982 rock tribute, browse a 3-D map of Currywurst stands in the city, or trace the history of snacking back to 4,000 BC (popcorn, if you must know). It’s Teutonically thorough fun.

Mobile Wurst

It’s technically not a Currywurst place, but this innovative business model deserves a mention. Men sporting a grill like a backpack hang out on the street, serving pipin’ hot brats for around €1.20. You’ll see them moving about across Mitte, but you can always count on running into one outside the Friedrichstrasse and Alexanderplatz stations.

The post Berlin: The best Currywurst in town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.