It’s a weekly ritual for many Parisians, but there’s no reason that the casual tourist can’t stock up on a few snacks or picnic supplies as well.

Here’s our guide on how to tackle the often intimidating world of outdoor food markets, along with a few of our favorite picks.

Related: 50 Ways to save time and money in Paris

Where and when

There are dozens of markets all over the city on different days of the week. It’s best to consult the city’s official guide for the nearest one or check out Secrets of Paris which has extensive listings. They usually open early in the morning, by 7 am and begin closing around 1 pm, though it all depends on the market.

Many shoppers want to head to the famous Raspail Market or to one of the fancy organic markets — but the prices usually keep me away. Instead, head to some of the more budget-friendly ones.

The most popular markets are the Marché d’Aligre open daily except Monday. The covered market attached to the outdoor stalls houses a beer stand, cheese shops, and a specialty olive oil store. The market on Richard Lenoir by Bastille, open on Thursday and Sunday, is enormous and full of every imaginable food product. Real Cheapos will head to the Belleville market on Tuesday and Friday to brave other Parisians looking for some of the cheapest produce around. Here’s a guide to our favorite

Preparing for a trip to the market

Come to the market ready, armed with the necessities. First, don’t come too hungry or else you’ll want to buy too much. Be smart about it!

Do come with enough bags to carry everything home. Markets are still using small colored plastic bags for individual items, but it’s best to have a larger canvas bag or basket to put everything in afterwards. Having ten plastic bags cutting into your fingers is not the lasting impression we want at the market.

Related: 10 Tips for shopping at Paris markets

Also come with spare change. While some market vendors do accept credit card, most prefer cash. It’s best to have lots of loose change to get as close as possible to the right amount, because busy sellers don’t have time to do lots of math when the clients are queuing — but they are really, really good at fast math.

Market etiquette

So once you arrive at the market, where do you begin? I like to do a few laps to spot the items I want, to check out prices, and to enjoy the atmosphere before I start buying. Some merchants will be cutting up pieces of fruit to sample while others will beckon you to their stalls. Be friendly, but don’t feel pressured to buy anything you don’t want.

Related: 10 French phrases to help you save

When you approach a stall to purchase, don’t immediately touch anything. Most of the cheaper markets (read: any that I go to), allow you to choose your own tomatoes and lettuce. You take what you want in a plastic bag and they weigh it, then you pay for all of your items.

Some sellers, however — and you’ll know which ones I am talking about — are a bit fussier. At these more pristine stands, food will be a bit more orderly and the seller will choose for you. It’s normal, and if you see them putting a bad apple in the bag, you can speak up about it. They’ll weigh it and you’ll pay. Just be careful if you’re not aware of how heavy a kilo is. It’s better to say you want a few handfuls of spinach than a kilogram, which may not end up fitting into your shopping bag.

Buying produce

When it comes to the food, there are things to remember. The French are into seasonal eating, so strawberries in February will be costly since they are coming from a greenhouse somewhere. In the springtime, the market sellers are practically giving them away. So look for items that match the season, and also those that were grown in France, which haven’t traveled so far and are thus probably relatively seasonal.

Related: Shopping success at outdoor food markets in France

Of course some items are never grown locally — limes, pineapples, or bananas — so don’t go crazy. Buy what you need, and as little or as much as you want. You can just buy five apples if that’s all you want from a stand. That’s five less that the sellers will have to worry about at the end of the day.

Fresh seafood at a stand at an outdoor market in Paris. Photo: Erica Firment

Other foods

Markets are also full of stalls selling cheese, seafood, eggs, meats, wine, bread, pastries, prepared foods, even pizzas and coffee. Plan on going for lunch and walk away with a baguette, slices of cheese and ham, and a bit of fresh fruit, but bring an extra bag for a few bottles of wine or packages of olives for later.

Again, there’s no reason to buy ten kilograms of cheese. Just get a little slice of two or three cheeses to experience them — the cheese monger will usually indicate how much he or she is going to cut, and you simply say more or less.

Final tip: Shop like a local!

If you are in Paris for a while (or even a few days), try to create a rapport with market vendors you appreciate. My veggie guys always throw in a few extras since I’m a faithful client, and that bit extra helps make the experience that much more enjoyable. Heading to the market is a much better way to engage with Paris than just stopping by Monoprix – and it’ll end up being cheaper! Now let’s get out there and shop. Here are a few of our favorite places…

A guide to the best markets for Cheapos

Marché Bastille
Métro: Bastille or Richard Lenoir
When: Thursday and Sunday, 7 am -2:30 pm

One of the biggest and most popular markets in the city, this is a must-for anyone who wants to stock up on produce with the rest of Paris. Seemingly endless stalls of fruits, vegetables, and cured meats dominate the market, while several stands selling prepared dishes like fresh paella and sandwiches are great lunch options

Marché d’Aligre
Métro: Ledru-Rollin
12th aar
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am -1 pm

A local market that guidebooks made famous, Marché d’Aligre attracts those interested in a more sedate market experience without sacrificing quality — or quantity for that matter. The unique feature is a covered section with specialty products like flowers, olive oil, and craft beer.

Marché de Belleville
Métro: Belleville
When: Tuesday and Friday, 7 am -2:30 pm

In the culturally diverse Belleville, this market is popular among the neighborhood’s many Asian shoppers. Marché de Belleville may not be the most photogenic market, but the cheap prices and plentiful produce make it a solid option for budget seekers.

Marché Barbès
Métro: La Chapelle
When: Wed,  7 am – 1 pm, Saturday,  7 am – 3pm

Marché Barbès has all of the hustle and bustle of a North African souk, so don’t go bother being too polite. Shoppers shove and snake their way through this dense market where you can find random collections of food items — potentially expired butter, for example — but don’t worry, those are just “sell-by” dates. Right?

Marché Maubert-Mutalité
Métro: Maubert-Mutalité,
When: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday,  7 am – 2:30 pm

The Left Bank has markets, too, and this tiny one, not too far from Notre Dame, is one of the oldest. Go to Marché Maubert-Mutalité for the fresh produce and other random goods hawked here, like scarfs or binoculars. The market’s backdrop is a textbook example of French shopping with a boucherie, charcuterie, poissonnerie, fromagerie, and boulangerie all lined up nice and neatly.

The post Paris: Tips for shopping at the best outdoor food markets for Cheapos appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Free introductions & information

City maps

Getting your hands on a map of the city is a must. Free maps can be found in blue kiosks at Amsterdam Centraal Station, though many guides and information/tourist attraction shops around the city stock complimentary ones as well.

Walking tours

I find the best maps belong to New Amsterdam Free Tours, a company that specializes in free walking tours around the city center. They equip visitors with a map, discounts on tours and sights, and offer an informative and entertaining two-hour walking tour on a tips only basis. Guides offer tours in both English and Spanish, and some are even prepared to give specific tours in the Red Light District and bicycle jaunts in the countryside.

Computers & WiFi

Need to check booking addresses and vital info upon arrival? The Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) is located just a few buildings east from Amsterdam Centraal station, just past the floating Chinese restaurant. Computers there offer free internet, and WiFi is available throughout the building. The top floor houses La Place café, which offers a list of yummy food dishes at a fair price. Plus, one of the best views of the city is on their terrace, and yes, it is totally free.

The free outdoors

Beaches and along the coast

Amsterdam is very walkable, and when the weather is nice outside, locals love to be out in the sun as long as possible. Hit the beaches like Zandvoort and Blijburg—they’re just a train (or tram) ride away. A day trip to the peace and tranquility of the North Sea at Zandvoort will be an unexpected treat.

Roaming arty neighborhoods

Staying in the city? Dam Square is worth a short visit, but spend afternoons sauntering around the picture-perfect district of Jordaan. Or feel the gritty artistic skill of the squatters that live on Spuistraat. The Plantage district is a great stroll around the Botanical Gardens, Artis Zoo, and many green areas hosting monuments to commemorate the Jewish population that perished in WWII.

People watching in the city

Popular squares to sit and people watch are Nieuwmarkt, Het Spui, Noorderkerk, and Rembrandtplein. Each place has their own different character and setting, and there are benches scattered all over the city to your free-seating pleasure. If your ideal seat is taken, park yourself on the canal skirts of Waterlooplein and watch the dozens of ferries glide by. At Spui, check out the Begijnhof garden for a slice of peaceful serenity in the heart of Amsterdam.

Free transportation

Ferries to Amsterdam Noord

The blue and white GBV ferries located behind Central Station are free, and depending on the ride, can last from five to 20 minutes. All ferries dock over the Ij river in Amsterdam Noord, a laidback district offering a unique view of Amsterdam.

Free (and cheap) eats

Local food markets

Outdoor markets like Albert Cuyp, Noordermarkt and Dappermarkt are lively and full of local foods and trinkets to take home. If you’re looking to eat like a local, markets are a great way to dive into wheels of farm cheese, pickled herring, and fresh pressed smoothies.

Free samples

A light morning breakfast is best at Albert Hein. Coffee machines freshly ground small cups for about a euro, and some even offer free samples. Warm croissants are about a euro and best enjoyed by a canal or behind central station at the ferry docks.

Free culture

Free Museums

The Cheese Museum and Tulip Museum are free indoor info boutiques side by side on Prinsengracht, and the Cannabis College in the Red Light District is a free museum and info center on marijuana culture in Amsterdam and abroad.

Free art galleries

The Amsterdam Museum has an inside hallway accessible free to the public just behind the Begijnhof garden that holds a number of old Dutch paintings from the Golden Ages on walls sky high. While smaller art galleries can be found around Museumplein, down Vijzelstraat and the canal belt streets in the Jordaan.

Ask a local

Regardless of your plan, come to Amsterdam knowing that it’s possible to escape touristic prices, purchases and activities. Dig a little deeper in your research, but if all else fails, ask a local—the Dutch are excellent at knowing all about nearby freebies and deals!

The post Free Amsterdam: The ultimate guide from ferries to art galleries appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While Borough Market and the South Bank Centre’s Real Food Market are worthy staples on most visitor’s list of attractions, here are some cheaper options that will make your money go that little bit further:

Berwick Street Market
Soho

An excellent value lunch choice if you’re exploring Soho during the week. Join the hoards of office workers fueling up on generously sized falafel boxes, steaming Vietnamese Pho, tasty pizzas and other takeaway delights. The market itself is actually one of the oldest in London, dating back to the 1770’s, but the fare on sale today is more “lunch on the go” than your traditional fruit and veg.

Head to nearby Soho Square or the newly refurbished Leicester Square to bask in the sunshine while you tuck in.

Lower Marsh Market
Waterloo

Another popular choice with local workers and the perfect pit stop if you’re near Waterloo or the South Bank and want to avoid the more expensive food options. Lower Marsh Market is open from around midday to 3 p.m. and serves up a large range of really affordable food. Think pad Thai, curries, wraps and cakes, all for just a few quid each.

Once you’ve made your choice, Waterloo Millennium Green at the end of the street is a convenient place to sit and eat – or head to the South Bank and eat overlooking the River Thames, feeling very smug that you got such a good bargain!

Broadway Market
Hackney

A fashionable way to spend a Saturday in London, Broadway Market has a lively atmosphere and is more of a destination in itself than a quick lunch stop. So give yourself a bit of time to peruse the quirky range of stalls before choosing what to eat. The cupcakes and the traditional British pies should come high on your agenda.

Brixton Village Market
Brixton

Ok, so strictly speaking most of this is under cover, but the joy of it is that you can sit outside a restaurant under the old market arches all year round and it does kind of feel like you’re sitting outside. This is an ideal place to spend an evening eating, drinking and being merry—all on a budget.

Brixton Village and Market Row arcades were both run down and under threat of demolition when local businesses won the right to transform them into a bustling foodie hub. The choice of food is immense—from hearty Caribbean and South American fare, to delicate Thai and Japanese street food, humungous pulled pork burgers and sourdough pizzas so popular the queue goes round the corner.

Many of the restaurants also have a bring your own booze policy too, which keeps things nice and cheap. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are the liveliest.

Truck Stop
East London

Food trucks are gaining in popularity in the UK and this summer sees Truck Stop parking up in East London. Over 20 food trucks have come together to offer a massive choice of tasty eats, from southern comfort food, fried chicken and The Breakfast Club’s indulgent all-day breakfasts, to meals you are less likely to find at a food truck—good old fish and chips, Japanese gyoza and Lebanese flatbreads.

The Truck Stop is hitting Wood Wharf near Canary Wharf the first Thursday and Friday of every month this summer, with the next events on August 1st and 2nd and September 5th and 6th from 5-11 p.m. Tickets cost £10 and can be exchanged for 10 “Truck Stop Dollars” to spend on beers or cocktails. Bargain!

More markets in mind?

Let us know about your favorite outdoor markets in London using the comment box below—we’re always on the lookout for Cheapo spots to shop!  Or, if you have any questions, ask away!  And don’t forget to check out our picks for the best budget hotels in London for a spot to stay.  If you’re lucky, you might find a place next to your favorite market!

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When traveling, shopping for your food is not only a great way to get to know a place, it’s also a smart way to save some crowns. Here’s a quick guide to food shopping in Prague.

Let’s start with the big boys

The three main supermarkets in Prague are Albert, Billa and Tesco. In my personal experience, Albert caters more to the Czech Republic market, Billa has a bit more quality and Tesco offers the most options for foreign shoppers.

All of them have locations throughout the city. Once inside, shop with a basket or have a 5 or 10 crown on you to insert into the top part of a shopping cart (to unlock the chain holding it to the other carts) if you plan to pick up a lot of items.

Don’t expect aisles and aisles of packaged goods or frozen meals. Do expect lots of interesting yogurts, beer and chocolate! Try new stuff even if you don’t know what it is. It’s fun!

Just a quick pick up

The potraviny, something equivalent to a smaller market or convenience store, can be found on nearly every corner of the city. Here you’ll find more of the essentials. There great places to go if you just need to pick up a few items. They usually stock a small selection of bread, sometimes cheeses and a handful of fruits and vegetables.

If it’s a bit late in the day, look out for something called Vecerka. These are potraviny that stay open later or in some cases, non-stop.

Ovoce a Zelenina (Fruits and Vegetables)

The fruit and vegetable markets are the place to go for the best selection and highest quality of produce. Again, ovoce a zelenina are found throughout the city. Some are just tiny little shops, while others spill out into the streets, with a few even being housed in small huts on the street.

Inside, you usually just select and bag your own goods (small clear plastic baggies are found hanging or in a roll within the fruit and vegetable box). There are still a handful of places where the clerk does it for you; just point, nod and smile.

Enter the land of meat

If you’re a fan of meat, there’s lots of in the Czech Republic. You can’t miss the butcher shop because the meats are prominently displayed in the window. (People stop by and stare as if gazing into a clothing shop window.) And you can’t miss the smell–it starts before you even enter the shop.

I don’t eat much of the stuff, so I’m not a great guide for this one. Just go inside and see what’s on offer.

Farmers’ markets

Although the fall brings an end to the farmers’ market season, they’re definitely worth noting. As I mentioned in a previous post, they just started last year and continue to be packed with shoppers eager for fresh, local goods.

Go early, buy one of the beautiful weaved baskets on offer and start shopping for some delicious Czech specialties.

Of the health food and organic variety

During the past few years, a noticeable number of of bio-portraviny (“bio” is basically the same as organic) have been popping up around the city. To be sure the items are indeed organic, look out for the Czech biozebra mark or the EU organic logo.

There are also a few fair-trade offerings as well as food shops selling Czech-made goods. Founded in 1991, Country Life stores offer organic, fair-trade and a variety of health food options. Many of the products are from the shop’s own eco-farm and organic bakery. In a few locations they have a restaurant or a take-away counter.

The post Prague: A guide to grocery stores and food markets appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, sometimes the weather may turn so sour that you’ll need to plan for an “inside” day. The following are some of the best things to do in San Francisco when the weather makes a turn for the worst.

1. California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
Web site

If you get stuck in the rain at Golden Gate Park, this is the best place to spend the rest of your day. The California Academy of Sciences is a multi-faceted museum, one that can be easy to get lost in for the entire day. Not just a natural history museum, it also features an aquarium and planetarium.

If you’re visiting on Thursdays, stick around for the museum’s weekly nightlife, which includes snacks and adult beverages to enjoy while taking in all of its great offerings.

2. Ferry Building Marketplace
1 Ferry Building
Web site

The San Francisco Ferry Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the bay area. Dating back over 100 years, the Ferry Building stands today as an indoor market featuring some of the best food that San Francisco has to offer. Plan on going with an empty stomach, as you’ll want to follow the smells coming out of some of the different shops.

This also makes a good stop after lunch for enjoying premium chocolates from Recchiuti Confections or fresh coffee from Blue Bottle.

3. Ghirardelli Square
900 N Point St.
Web site

Just look for the big Ghirardelli sign near Fisherman’s Wharf to find this landmark. The square has a long history that dates back over 100 years as the headquarters for Ghirardelli chocolate. The indoor market features nearly 50 boutique shops and restaurants. If nothing else, let loose with an ice cream cone or some Ghirardelli chocolates.

4. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
151 3rd Street
Web site

Since San Francisco is one of the most creative destinations in the world, it should come as no surprise to see the Museum of Modern Art on this list. Unlike most art museums, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is devoted exclusively to contemporary art. The collection includes over 25,000 different works of art, including paintings, photographs, statues and multimedia.

In between exhibits, enjoy a coffee served by one of San Francisco’s most popular coffee companies: Blue Bottle.

5. San Francisco Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason Street
Web site

A trip to San Francisco really isn’t complete without a cable car ride. However, before jumping on, learn a little more about their history and significance by visiting the San Francisco Cable Car Museum. The museum features exhibits that include cable cars that date back over 100 years. And did we mention it’s free?

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