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.

Whether you’re picking up souvenirs for friends, family members or me, myself and I, we’ve gathered our best tips on what to buy, where to buy it, and how to save on souvenirs.

Read on for 10 of our favorite cheap souvenirs from around Europe from 2€ and up.

More tips for saving in Europe:
• 50 things to do in Europe for under €5
• 12 tips for traveling solo in Europe
• Buying a SIM Card in Europe: The cheapest way to use your smartphone

10 European souvenirs to pick up on your trip

Cava – Barcelona, Spain

Unlike in Paris, where champagne is every bit as expensive as it is in the states, in Barcelona, the local sparkling wine known as cava can sell for half as much as it does at home. Bottles start around €2 in supermarkets, but we recommend you splurge and spend at least €8 for a bottle that would sell for closer to $20 at home.

Or better yet, spend the day in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia touring bodegas like Recaredo and Gramona to buy a vintage you’d be hard-pressed to find even in American specialty wine shops.

Canned fish – Lisbon, Portugal

Sardines, tuna, anchovies — even eel and octopus! — come in brightly colored tins in Lisbon. They make a perfectly portable (and inexpensive) souvenir and have been a part of the city’s food culture since the canning industry was born in 1853.

While it’s such a popular souvenir that you can buy beautiful tins of sea creatures in the Lisbon airport, we recommend Conserveira de Lisboa (Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 34) in the Baixa neighborhood for a traditional experience (they’ve been open since 1930) or Loja das Conservas (Rua do Arsenal 130). Keep an eye out for local brands like La Tricana and La Gondola and expect to pay €2 and up for each can.

Chocolate – Florence, Italy

Italian chocolate is excellent but not as widely exported as Swiss or Belgian varieties. Nice bars made by Italian chocolate brand Novi, start at less than €2 in grocery stores in Florence and other cities.

For more elaborate confections in elegant packaging, Head to Venchi at the Santa Maria Novena Station. But be ready to pay more. Tinned gift sets of sweets start at €12.

Related: Affordable souvenirs in Florence for everyone on your list

Bulbs and seeds – Amsterdam, Holland

If you want to grow tulips like the Dutch, Amsterdam’s floating flower market is the place to buy them. Just make sure they’re marked for export with a label that says “Cleared for US Customs,” or you might get them confiscated. They’ll cost slightly more (a few euros per bulb depending on the variety) than the exact same thing without the label, but it beats losing your investment.

Related: 5 cheapo gifts to bring home from Amsterdam

Another good place to buy bulbs and seed for import into the US is Schipol airport. If you’d rather not risk it, grab a decorative tin of stroopwafel (thin wafer-like waffles stuck together with creamy caramel) at a local supermarket — a small container shouldn’t run more than €5.

Yum! Pick up a bag of the original Irish crisps. Photo: Lou

Tayto Potato Crisps – Dublin, Ireland

Typically Irish, and consistently delish, these potato chips or “crisps” are a favorite with locals. The most popular flavor is cheese and onion, but if you’re not into it, there’s also salt and vinegar, smoky bacon, and prawn cocktail to choose from, all ringing it at around 1€ for smaller packages.

Serious Mr. Tayto fans can head to Tayto Park, where they can meet Mr. Tayto himself, and ride the rides at Ireland’s only theme park.

Vintage clothes – Berlin, Germany

When it comes to vintage finds, Berlin’s got some of the best deals in Europe. This writer once bought a vintage 1980s Hermès scarf for less than €2 in a shop there. Some of the best deals involve rummaging through bins and buying finds by weight. It’s important to note that heavier items like jeans can get expensive using this system.

Related: Pick up authentic GDR souvenirs at Ostpaket

Another great tactic is hitting off-season sale racks which can start as low as €3 per piece. Try Garage (2 Ahornstrasse) or Pick’n’Weight (Alte Schonhauser Str. 30).

So many olives, so little time when you visit Greece. Photo: Marco

Olives – Athens, Greece

Even if you’re not a fan of Greece’s most famous exported olives, kalamatas, there are plenty of other options for you. Head to the open market on Athinas Street for all sorts of olives (and olive oils) at a fraction of the price you’ll pay stateside, plus, they come vacuum-packed and jarred for safe transport.

And if you’re not a fan of edible olive by-products, check out spoons and cutting boards made from olive wood. They’re gorgeous and cheaper in Greece than in the States, Spain or Italy.

Slices of Turrón in a Spanish shop. Photo: Nacho

Turrón – Madrid, Spain

Part of a traditional Spanish Christmas, turrón is a sugary treat usually served in slivers at holiday meals. But fortunately for Cheapos who aren’t in Madrid for Navidades, it’s now available in specialty shops like Casa Mira (c/Sant Jeronimo, 30) and Turrones Vicens (c/Mayor, 41) year-round.

Be sure to sample turrón de jijona, an almond-paste and honey confection roughly the consistency of fudge, one of the oldest varieties. If you’re in town between November and January, head to large supermarket chains like Día and Mercadona for the lowest prices (starting from €3).

Dried vegetables – Rome, Italy

It may sound a little strange, but dried vegetables make excellent souvenirs from Rome and beside their very reasonable price, offer a second advantage — they weigh nearly nothing. Our picks are dried mushrooms (porcini are excellent for pasta) and sun-dried tomatoes (good in everything). Both can be bought in small packages at supermarkets for a few euros. Or if you don’t want to fuss with reconstituting dried vegetables, you could also spring for a fancy vegetable-flavored dry pasta.

Ceramics – Krakow, Poland

Poland is famous for its blue-and-white traditional Boleslawiec pottery, and it’s sold at most of the souvenir shops around Krakow. But for the best prices and variety, Cheapos should make their way to Asortyment Shop (ul. Bozego Ciala 22). Spoon rests and smaller pieces start at around€5.

More souvenir tips

If you’re headed to the City of Light, we enjoy shopping for these 5 souvenirs under €5 in Paris. You can also read out souvenir favorites in Copenhagen, Venice, Budapest, Brussels, and Prague.

And how about you? Tell us your favorite souvenir in the comments below.

The post 10 affordable souvenirs from across Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Based on my experience, here are a few tips on how to experience a guilt-free shopping spree in Paris.

Now, let’s tally forth!

Paris shopping tips for budget travelers

1. Timing is key

Bargain hunter to the core? Try to schedule your trip during one of the citywide sales. The “Soldes d’hiver” launch in January and continue through February, while the “Soldes d’ete” are on tap to woo for six weeks in June and July.

Also, during the sales the prices start to drop and keep on dropping, so it’s a judgment call as to whether to pounce early and get the best selection, or wait it out a little and get the best deals. To be perfectly honest, I do both.

O, my deer! Do consider a basic shopping kit prior to your trip. A scene from a Bon Marché window. Photo: T. Brack

2. Be Prepared

Prior to setting out, consider your basic shopping kit: water bottle, moleskin (for blisters), a snack, Métro tickets, maps with targeted shops circled, and coins for WCs. And don’t forget a sturdy bag for your treasures. Most French grocery stores sell them at checkout for just a few cents. Lightweight and good-looking, they make perfect souvenirs, too.

My sister Wendy suggests also packing a camera for self-portraits, and snaps of celebrities like Lenny Kravitz. “Are you going our way?” we recently cried as he sped past us on his bike, near the Opéra. I don’t think he heard us because, well, he didn’t stop.

Regarding rooftop selfies: #Holdontotheledge

Visualization always helps me narrow my Great Hunt. A scene from a Printemps’ window. Photo: T. Brack

3. Plan of Action

Have a “quest” in mind, since visualization will help narrow your hunt while increasing your chances of finding the object of your desire.

What’s missing from your closet? Ballet slippers? Trench coat? Both are timeless French classics. Or perhaps you covet a Longchamp tote? Heck, we’ve been there. How about just a nice pair of shoes? Nobody’s going to judge you. It’s Paris, after all. So grab a pen and create a wish list.

Are you going our way? If so, take the bus, Gus! A scene from a Galeries Lafayette window. Photo: T. Brack

4. Getting around

Time is precious. However, it’s possible to visit two fashion-related exhibitions, three monuments, four department stores, and five prime (and affordable) shopping districts—all in one day. Lean in, because it’s true. Mine eyes have seen the glory!

What’s my secret? Get on the bus, Gus. For the price of a Métro ticket, you’ll not only cruise between the shopping districts with the greatest of ease, but also boast about your first scores of the day while the panorama of Paris rolls by en route to the next shopping district. You can use the same ticket for rides on several buses taken within 90 minutes of the first time you get it stamped.

To cite just one example, there are several personal favorite shopping meccas along the “95” bus route: Montmartre-Abbesses, Boulevard Haussmann, the Opéra district rue de Rivoli, and rue de Rennes. Talk about wheeling and dealing!

My sister Wendy documenting the Eiffel Tower and favorite sacred shopping grounds at Place de la Madeleine. Photo: T. Brack

5. Favorite Shopping ’Hoods

I’m no diva, but I do like to shop-hop without a lot of hassle. Focusing not only on the place but also on the journey—i.e., on the experience of the visit itself—I’m always on the prowl for historic shopping zones as well as scattered districts where clusters of stores may carry similar items.

Here are a few more favorite shopping havens. I call it my T-Zone:

• Passage du Havre at Gare St-Lazare
• Magasin Décathlon at Place de la Madeleine
• Le Bon Marché at Métro Sevres-Babylone
• the whole stretch of rue de Rennes, along with Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Champs-Élysées, rue de Rivoli
• BHV at Hôtel de Ville.

Related: Our 10 favorite shopping districts in Paris

You’ll find a pocket of vintage clothing shops in the Marais. Photo: T. Brack

6. Paging Secondhand-Roses

Possess a mad penchant for collecting the garb of yesteryear? I’m with you, step by step. Paris still gives me a strong Proustian dose of solidarity with both past and present. Throughout Paris, you’ll find pockets of “friperies” (second-hand clothing shops) and “depôts-ventes” (consignment shops), but especially in Abbesses and the Marais.

Also, Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville (BHV) now boasts a new vintage clothing department. Here you’ll find retro garb, along with gently used bags, scarves, hats, and shoes. During one of my recent sleuthing trips, I spied more than a few big name Catherine Deneuve-worthy trench coats here—but without their usual exorbitant price tags.

Related: Know you secondhand shopping vocabulary in Paris

Getting all Tête-à-Tête at the Porte de Vanves Flea Market. Photo: T. Brack

7. Flea Markets

Don’t leave Paris without at least one trip to the Porte de Vanves Flea Market. I’ve also scored big at the “brocantes” (antique/junk sales) and the vide-greniers (neighborhood-wide attic sales). Down through the years, I’ve found pink Valentino heels, black boots by Charles Jourdan, and a pointy brassiere by Maison Cadolle handmade in the 1940s. And none cost more than 30 euros.

Click here for the 2016 listing of brocantes, vide-greniers and marches aux puces.

Related: Shopping tips for flea market success in Paris

Keep your peepers peeled for pickpockets whist browsing through the bargain bins. Photo: T. Brack

8. Bargain Bins

I often find my bargain bin bliss at the Sympa shops on rue Steinkerque and along Boulevard de Rochechouart . Located at the foot of Sacré Coeur in Montmartre, the stock is always in rotation. Here you’ll find Kookai, Jennyfer, and Naf-Naf, along with Best Mountain, Etam, and Undiz, but at a fraction of their original cost.

Don your elbow pads, eat a hearty breakfast, and keep your peepers peeled for pickpockets. Game on!

Galeries Lafayette’s Belle Époque rocking dome has never failed to bring me to tears. Photo: T. Brack

9. Grand Magasins

Paris boasts four famous old department stores. Bon Marché, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette are conveniently located along the Métro 12 line, while Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville (BHV) holds court next to the Hôtel de Ville. Winding it back to the Belle Epoque, they’d lure the Cheapos of that day inside with displays of discounted silk remnants (a.k.a. “coupons”—literally “piece cut off,” from couper “o cut”).

Here’s how to get a few coupons of your own.

Don’t discount the tourist discount cards because every little bit counts. Photo: T. Brack

Tourist Discount Cards at BHV and Galeries Lafayette

Both BHV and Galeries Lafayette offer tourist discount cards, which knock off 10% on selected items. To score G.L.’s “Exceptional 10% Discount” card, present your passport at the information desk on the store’s ground floor near the rue Mogador entrance.

You’ll find BHV’s “-10% offer*” discount voucher on their website. Print it before leaving home and then present it at the welcome desk, along with your passport. It’s just that easy!

Department store house brands are often slashed by 20% to 50% during the big sales. A scene from Printemps. Photo: T. Brack

House Brands

Don’t miss the department store house brands. Affordable, well-made, and sporting souvenir-worthy labels, the collections feature bags, scarves, and sweaters. During the two annual sale periods (mentioned above), price tags are slashed by 20-50%.

Plus, Galeries Lafayette and BHV’s house brands are often eligible for the tourist discount. So do request your card. As my grandmother put it, “It all adds up.”

We always feel snappy and happy like room without a roof up on the rooftop at Galeries Lafayette. Photo: T. Brack

Rooftop Views

For years now, I’ve carried on a torrid love affair with the rooftop café at Printemps. Here, the wine is affordable and the panoramic view of the Tour Eiffel, the Opéra Garnier, and Sacré Coeur is free. The roof of Galeries Lafayette also sweetly tempts with its faux green grass and funky red plastic chairs and sofas.

But now, there’s a new roof in town. Not to be outdone in the potted plant department, Le BHV Marais now has its very own rooftop terrace. “Perchoir Marais” is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, after the store closes. It’s another win-sin.

As Oscar Wilde once quipped, “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.”

I completely agree. Happy Hunting!

The post Paris Shopping Tips: How to save big on your shopping spree appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Even with a stronger dollar, very few made-in-France goods are really “affordable” to begin with. Even Parisians pay an arm and a leg for some of these fashionable and sweet-smelling products so associated with the French capital.

So before you start compiling a list of all the très Français items you wish to stock up on, here’s a sanity check to keep your expectations — and your budget — in line. After all, it might just be cheaper to buy these at home!

1. Luxury bags and accessories

Whether it’s a Chanel clutch or a Louis Vuitton handbag, people come to Paris, the heart of it all, to stock up on these luxury goods. The problem? They’re not really much cheaper here than back at home. It’s just more fun to say, “I got this in Paris.”

Budget option: If you do stock up on some of these fancy items during your trip and you’re not a citizen of the European Union, don’t forget to get a tax refund. That alone can make these items much more affordable. However, note that you must spend a minimum amount during your trip.

2. Fashion

Same goes for the clothes. Yes, designers are a dime a dozen in Paris, but that doesn’t mean their goods are any less expensive. Things might actually be cheaper at home from a department store during a sale. Visit the Gaultier and Givenchy shops, but don’t expect to leave with any steals. Even during the twice-annual sales (“soldes”), their prices aren’t going to budge too much.

Budget options: Try a vintage shop, maybe, and even then you’re still not guaranteed a good price. Also, follow our cheapo-friendly fashion itinerary, buy your lingerie for less here, and if all else fails, pick up high-end designers for less at these big chains.

3. Perfume

The perfume capital of the world, tourists so often think that fragrances for men and women flow freely from Paris, but that’s not the case. Your best bet is to wait until you pass through the duty free shop at the airport (although, to be sure, it is much less elegant!). What you will find in Paris’s perfumeries are some more unique scents that aren’t available in department stores in the US. Very cool, but again, no deals to be had.

Budget option: You could just stop for free samples along the Champs-Elysées or visit the free Perfume Museum.

4. Champagne

Another luxury item, Champagne isn’t starkly cheaper in Paris than back home. Bottles still run €40, €50 and €60 depending on the brand – not much cheaper than what you can find in America. Granted, the selection is far greater, so it’s definitely a different experience.

Budget option: For a much more budget-friendly (and still exquisite) option, consider trying some of the French crémant, any bubbly white wine not issued from Champagne. Some of it is really, really good, and quite affordable. Read more wine-buying tips.

Prepare to shell out many euros for a classic French meal like this one at Chez Michel. Photo: Kent Wang

5. Quality French fare

This is France! French food should be cheap, right? Not always. If you are looking for a good, quality, authentic French meal, you might have to open your wallet a little wider. Classic bistros, formerly local places with homey, traditional cooking, are becoming rarer as they’re replaced with less authentic options that heat up pre-made meals. Meanwhile, most of the remaining old-fashioned gems have gotten expensive. (Of course if you’re happy for a bit of frozen duck heated in the microwave, you can still find that for cheap.)

Budget option: Try one of these prix-fixe deals from a classic bistro at lunch time or be prepared to splurge a bit for a nice dinner.

6. Flea market finds

Talking about shopping at the “puces” (flea markets) in Paris conjures up images of finding tiny treasures for mere euros. To be fair, there is a lot of cheap stuff at the flea market, but probably the stuff you’d actually want will take some serious digging. Furthermore, it can get quite pricey at the markets, especially since certain halls cater to high-end antiques and oddities that cost thousands of euros.

Budget option: You might want to check out the Marché Vernaison, which tends to have more affordable objects, before wandering too far into the rest of the market. Also, follow these tips for flea market success.

7. High kicking entertainment

The can-can! The cabaret! Paris is just lousy with dance halls dating back to the 19^th century where topless women dance and merriment abounds. Yes, that’s all true, but it’s not cheap.

Tourists looking to take in a show at the Moulin Rouge are often surprised by the €90+ price tag. While it’s not insanely expensive (have you seen Broadway ticket prices recently?), it’s just not what many travelers might be expecting. You’ve been warned. A night out can-can ruin your budget!

Your budget surprises?

Have you been surprised by any other prices while visiting Paris? Share with us in our comments section below!

The post Paris: 7 popular items that cost more than you think (and simple ways to save on them) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The names of Italy’s finest designers sit alongside independent boutiques and market stalls as shopping in Rome caters to every budget.

And if you need a cheap place to sleep, we know where those are, too! Check out our favorite budget hotels in Rome.

More Rome tips:
8 Charming hotels in Rome near the historic city center under €100
Rome: 10 Easy ways to save on your next visit
Rome: 25 Free things to see and do

Rome Shopping on the Cheap

Here is my “Top Five” guide to the best places to go whether you are looking for Prada shoes or a flea market bargain.

1. Via Condotti and the Spanish Steps

This is the home of Rome’s designer shopping area and where you will find Prada next to Armani with a sprinkling of Gucci. The shops that line Via Condotti entice your credit card out of hiding with their glittering window displays. Take time also for people watching, as this is the haunt of any celebrity in town worth their Hermes bag. And even if this is way out of your budget, remember it costs nothing to go in and unfold things.

Related: Where to dine for cheap near the Spanish Steps

2. Via Cola di Rienzo

This busy shopping street just behind Castle St. Angelo is home to mid-price shops with a mix of designer boutiques and high street chains. Look out for Brandy, a teenage basement clothes shop that is almost hidden below street level. COIN, one of Rome’s few department stores is a great place to spend an hour or two browsing.

For a bite, check out “Castroni,” a delicatessen that sells not only a fantastic range of Italian delicacies but also stocks international food. It’s the only place in Rome where you can buy peanut butter or baked beans! (Metro A, Lepanto or Ottaviano)

There’s something for everyone on the always bustling Via del Corso. Photo: Chris Yunker

3. Via del Corso

This long narrow street is at the heart of Rome’s historic center running from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo and a short walk from the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. During the evenings, the street is packed with shoppers. Wander around the mix of high street stores like H&M, Mango, Diesel, Levis, and Zara mixed with small designer boutiques, bookstores, and the elegant Galleria Alberto Soldi shopping center.

Related: Affordable hotels near Via del Corso

4. Porto Portese Flea Market

Held every Sunday morning, this is the largest market in Rome and the place to come for a bargain. With a mix of second hand and new goods, food, antiques, and general bric-a-brac, spare at least a couple of hours to browse the endless rows of stalls.

Getting there: Tram 8 Largo Argentina to Trastevere Station – then about a five-minute walk to Via Ippolito Nievo. Follow the crowds.

5. EurRoma2 and Castel Romano Outlet

Euroma2 is an upscale shopping center in the EUR area of Rome spread over three floors in an elegant temple style with ornate glass domes. Chain stores and designer shopping sit alongside coffee shops and restaurants catering to all budgets. This is a good place to come during summer as it’s air-conditioned and all indoors.

Getting there: Take the Metro to EUR Palasport Metro Line B. and then take the free shuttle bus that stops just outside, a journey of around 10 minutes.

Castel Romano is a designer outlet village, part of the McArthur Glen chain, around 15km south of Rome. Designer discounts housed in a mock ancient Roman village, brands here include Burberry, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabanna, and Roberto Cavalli.

Getting there: There is a bus service to the outlet that operates from EUR FERMI Metro Line B, and there is a private shuttle that can be booked at most hotel receptions. See more details.

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While I’ve mentioned some great ideas for ultra-cheap meals in other posts, here’s a look at the cost of everyday items you might want to buy at a grocery store. Most of these can easily be kept in your hotel room and all will save you some some serious moolah. (Also be sure to also check out this post on Barcelona’s grocery stores.)

Foods easily stored in a hotel room that don’t require refrigeration: 

• a bunch of bananas from the Canary Islands (5): €2.70
• a bottle of Raimat wine: €4.45
• a bag of 4 peaches: €1.20 (seasonal)
• mandarin orange juice: €1.02
• bar of chocolate: ¢.82
• large “gordal” olives: €2.50

Let’s say you’ve got a mini fridge in your room:

• a six-pack of Moritz beer, made in Barcelona: €5.
• a can of Coke: ¢.56
• a bottle of white Blume wine: €3.50
• five tomatoes on the vine: €2.02
• a tub of hummus: €1.39
• three herbed goat cheese rolls: €3.75
• can of “bonito,” a sort of tuna fish:€1.82
• a baguette of white bread: ¢.60
• a baguette of homemade, cereal bread: €1.20 (or more)
• pack of 4 yogurts, locally produced: €1.47

Let’s say you can use a kitchen, because you’re staying at a hostel with kitchen access (like the Itaca & Hostel One Paralelo):

• brick of tofu: €2.60
• box of brown rice: €1.85
• large box of Barilla pasta: €2.20
• liter of milk from Catalonia: ¢.84
• strong coffee: €2.90
• pasta sauce in a jar: ¢.84

Perk up!

If you have a kitchen at your hostel, you’ll save big having coffee in every morning. A coffee with milk in a cafe would cost you €1.50 -€2, yet, to do it yourself:

• the entire 250 grams of espresso roast coffee: about €2.80
• a liter of milk ¢.84

Clearly, it adds up fast. If you don’t, I also have some suggestions for cheapo places to grab a good breakfast or brunch.

Do-it-yourself lunch

Also, if lunch out in Barcelona costs €10-€15 a person, it makes good budget sense to buy:

• some noodles: €2.20
• pasta sauce: ¢.84
• bottle of Blume wine: €3.50
• some bread: ¢.60

And now, voila!, you’ve got yourself a respectable lunch for four for about €2 each.

You’re welcome!

The post How much does food cost in Barcelona? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Ostpaket, located across Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse from the train station in the Berlin-Carré shopping center, sells a combination of popular GDR brands that withstood the economic transition and are still for sale today, as well as items that were produced in such excess under the planned economy that they remain as leftovers, even after nearly two-and-a-half decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Here, among other tasty treats, you can pick up a jar of the famous Spreewald pickles, perhaps best enjoyed before boarding your next plane. For your loved ones back home, try the multi-colored chicken-shaped hard-boiled egg holders, spiced soaps, fine textiles such as handkerchiefs, or traditional wooden toys – all still produced in Germany’s “new states.” Unlike the rest of the tourist-oriented stores cluttering the street, you can be certain that every souvenir from Ostpaket was really made in Germany.

Ostpaket is located on the second floor (German: 1.OG.) of the Berlin-Carré shopping center, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 13, in the rear above Kaiser’s. Open for your shopping pleasure Monday-Friday, 9-19, Saturday 9-18.

The post Berlin: Pick up authentic GDR souvenirs at Ostpaket appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But first, a few tips:

1. In France, most ATM machine “keys” do not include letters, just numbers. So what to do if you’ve memorized your password as “Rosebud” and not as “9693292”? Get thee quickly to a payphone booth! Here the keys include both numbers and letters. Voilà, Super Man! This little tip saves the day every time. (More advice about ATMs in Europe.)

2. Looking for discounts? Shop during the two annual Big Sale (“Solde”) periods in either January or June. This year’s summer sales launch on Wednesday, June 27, 2012.

3. Got to shop ’til you drop on a Sunday? I recommend hoofing it to either Abbesses or the Marais, where most stores are open seven days a week. Here you’ll also find beaucoup bars, cafés and pâtisseries going full blast!

4. Check out our full list of tips to save big on shopping Paris — everything you need to know for a perfect shopping spree!

Now on to the list:

Hoof it to the Porte de Vanves flea market!

Flea Markets

Bitten by the Flea? Visit the Marché aux puces de la Porte de Vanves (14th arrondissement, Métro Porte de Vanves) or the Marché aux Puces St-Ouen de Clignancourt (18th arrondissement, Métro: Porte de Clignancourt).

Tip! The 95-bus line connects both “puces.” See this Web site for a handy 2012 listing of Paris Fleas, brocantes and vide-greniers.

Trendy (and affordable) Labels

Looking to shake up your wardrobe with a little Zara, Etam or Naf-Naf? Here’s where I go-go for my Chains of Love: Boulevard Haussmann, rue de Rennes, and rue du Commerce, along with rue de Rivoli and Champs-Elysées.

During the Big Sales, the Zara at 40 rue de Rennes usually serves as one of “last stops” for the chain’s leftover clothing.

Bargain Bins

I often find my bargain bin bliss at the Sympa shops on rue Steinkerque and along Boulevard de Rochechouart (Métro Abbesses or Anvers). Located at the foot of Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, the stock is always cha-cha-changing. Expect Best Mountain, Etam, Naf-Naf, Sinéquanone, and Undiz but at a fraction of their original cost.

Don your elbow pads and eat a healthy breakfast. Game on! (Read more about Sympa shops in Paris.)

Vintage Clothing

Throughout in Paris, you’ll find “friperies” (secondhand clothing shops) and “depôts-ventes” (consignment shops). I’d either book it to Abbesses (Métro Abbesses, 18th arrondissement) or the Marais (Métro Saint-Paul, 4th arrondissement).

Both have deep pockets of vintage clothing shops. Le Caverne à Fripes at 25 rue Houdon in Abbesses or FREE’P’STAR at 61 rue de la Verrerie in the Marais are peek-a-boo-worthy! (Read more about vintage clothing shops in Paris.)

Funky designer shops and studios

Rocking a fairy tale vibe, the skinny rue d’Orsel (Métro Abbesses or Anvers) is lined with a row of clothing shops and studios. Their kitschy, candied-colored vitrines always stop me in my tracks. Located in the textile district, the artists here play with the full spectrum of fabrics like there’s no tomorrow.

Check out: Zélia’s Sur la Terre Comme au Ciel, Marie’s Le Boudoir de Marie, and Kitty’s Killy Grind.

Fabric

At the foot of Sacré Coeur in Montmartre (Métro Abbesses or Anvers) is where I hunt for fabric and notions. I’d kick off the quest on Rue d’Orsel (north of Metro Anvers in the 18th). Flaunting four floors of textiles, notions and baubles, both the Marché Saint Pierre on 2 rue Charles Nodier, and the Tissus Reine at 5 Place Saint-Pierre (with its fifty miniature mannequins!) are definitely worth a visit. Yes, you’ve got the notion!

Looking for African Megawax cloth? Trek it to the nearby Barbès neighborhood. Tip! Most of the fabric is precut at six meters (about 18 feet, enough for two shirts or dresses). Look for the €10 piles of cloth!

Kitchenware

WWJCD? (What would Julia Child do?) That joke never gets old! For gastromical sakes, she’d hunt the aisles of kitchen-equipment specialist E. Dehillerin! “Thunderstruck!” was her description of the heated encounter she first had there. Located at 18 Rue Coquillière (Métro: Les Halles), the centuries-old shop’s shine has not dulled the least bit.

Also, check out Julia’s photograph behind the cash register!

Tableware

When it comes to dinner parties, presentation is everything! So channel your inner Martha Stewart, and roll on over to shops along rue de Paradis (south of Métro Poissoniere, 10th arrondissement). There’s also a row of funky tableware shops along rue de Rennes (Métro: Rennes, 6th arrondissement). For the love of whimsy, all three shops are worth a pop-by: La Vaissellerie (85), Culinarion (99), and Plastiques (103). (Read more on buying kitchenware in Paris.)

Vintage Postcards

One of my favorite hunting grounds for “cartes postale ancienne” (known as CPA in the trade) is at Caveyron Devey, located at stall number 7 and 8 in the Passage Lecuyer (off Rue Jules Vallès) in the Marché aux Puces St-Ouen de Clignancourt (Métros: Garibaldi or Porte de Clignancourt). Stocked with postcards organized by category or genre, if you’re looking for a specific category, don’t be afraid to ask! The Porte de Vanves Flea also carries them, along with vintage magazines.

Books

Also at the Clignancourt Flea, you’ll find one of my favorite bookshops. La librairie de l’Avenue is a large but still intimate bookshop, stocked with new and used art books, catalogues, vintage prints and antique magazines. After hunting at the Porte de Vanves Flea, book it to the book and prints flea market. Located at intersection of Rue Brancion and Rue Fizeau in the 15th arrondissement, the market is open Saturdays and Sundays.

Your favorite shopping spots?

Cheapos, do you have a favorite shopping district in Paris? Do spill!

Also in our guide: If you’re planning your Paris vacation and need suggestions for great affordable hotels, check out our reviews of budget hotels in Paris. All of our picks have been visited, inspected and approved by a EuroCheapo editor. Read more in our Paris guide and grab some helpful tips on where to stay during your visit.

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Today the Netherlands is the largest exporter of tulips worldwide, and many visitors flock there each year for the explicit purpose of enjoying these colorful blooms. One thing is certain: Those in the country during tulip season (March through mid-May) should not miss seeing them.

The Keukenhof garden, located about 45 minutes outside of Amsterdam, is one of the most popular places for tulip viewing, but if you wish to stay in the city, we have some tips for tulip spotting, buying and exploring in Amsterdam.

Bloemenmarkt: Look but don’t buy

Amsterdam’s famed Bloemenmarkt (located at Muntplein) is the only floating flower market in the world, and the stands are packed wall to wall with flowers and bulbs available for purchase. But hold back temptation and stick to snapping pictures. These prices are the most expensive in the city.

If you want to buy tulips, a good alternative is the Albert Hein supermarket, with locations just across the way on both ends of the market. And keep your eye out for tulip vendors walking around the city streets—they often sell bundles of up to 50 flowers for €5!

Try the Tulip Museum

If you’re interested in how tulips shaped the history of the country, as well as global trade, check out the Tulip Museum. It’s small, it’s cute and it’s conveniently located on the Prinsengracht. It takes about 30 minutes to go through museum, and the admission price is €6. (There is no charge to browse in the upstairs Museum Bulb Shop.)

The best part about the museum is that it’s run buy flower farmers, which means they’re passionate and well-educated about all things tulip. Yes, these are the people whose job is to tend to those beautiful, orderly rows of flora along the Dutch countryside. They know the best tips and tricks for tulip tending, as well as where to find the best deals of the day.

Bulb buying? Look for labels

In North America it’s possible to bring tulips home if they’re bulbs. However, you must absolutely, definitely, 100 percent make sure they are certified to be admitted into your country. How can you tell? Look for a sticker on the bag that specifically says you’re good to go.

To buy bulbs with a lucky label, you may have to dish out a tourist price. The Bloemenmarkt is an option, as is the small flower stand located on Damrak just between Centraal Station and Dam Square. Also visit the Tulip Museum for a heads up on the latest good finds.

Take a tulip-spotting stroll

The Artis Zoo is one of the sweetest spots (especially for familes) to walk around and admire Amsterdam’s tulips. But tulips are everywhere in the city, especially along the Museumplein, Vondelpark area and Canal Belt.

If you’re a real tulip lover, however, get out of the city. There are endless tulip fields, and nothing beats a day trip biking along scenic, peaceful farmland. Keukenhof, one of the most photographed spots in the world, holds more than 6 million flowers. To reach it, catch a bus from Schiphol Airport. A ticket costs €21 and includes admission to the garden. (Keukenhof is open until May 20).

For more information, read our post on taking a day trip to the Keukenhof.

The post Amsterdam: Tips for tulip shopping (and peeping) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. For foodies

Dad loves to cook? How about some Spanish spices to go in his next attempt at paella or tapas? Grab some saffron, red bell pepper powder (called “pimenton,” better if it’s “smoked” — try the Carmencita brand) at the grocery store.

A small jar of “all i oli” is fun, as is a bottle of the very local and very tasty “Salsa Espinaler” which is good to put on potato chips and canned seafood. I’ve also given specialty olive oil as a souvenir which is easy to find at any market.

2. More food

If you have a bit more space in that bag of yours, then an actual paella pan could be a nice souvenir. You can get one (they come in all sizes) at many stores around the city. They’re not too expensive, but they are fairly heavy. To make the “all i oli” that goes with your paella or fideuá, grab a typical Spanish mortar and pestle. Again, this is not lightweight as it’s made of clay.

3. T-shirt

So you want the t-shirt? Fine! Honestly, I’ve given t-shirts as souvenirs many times, but unique ones (not your typical “I Love BCN” or “My sister went to Spain and all I got was this stupid shirt” sort of thing).

To be truly from Barcelona the shirt should not depict a bull, which is a Spanish symbol, but show a donkey. Yes, a donkey. This is the symbol of Catalonia and you’ll see all sorts of paraphernalia around town with donkeys, from bumper stickers to hats. I recommend Despistarte for one-of-a-kind shirts made in the city.

4. Cultural gifts

For your artsy-fartsy Aunt Jane head to any of the Laie book shops. Laie runs many of the museum gift shops around the city and most of them have eclectic selections of books, goodies and art. I’m not always a fan of gift shops, but Laie is different. The one at the Caixa Forum (which was one of Barcelona’s FREE museums until it started charging admission in 2013) and downtown on Pau Clais are two to look at.

5. Music

It can be tough to pick music out for some people, but if you know someone who loves new tunes or Spanish music a CD could be the way to go. FNAC on Pl. Catalunya has a huge selection. For something more local visit any of the independent music shops on Carrer Tallers right off Las Ramblas. I recommend Love of Lesbian (local Barcelona band – Indie), Joaquín Sabina (sort of folk-classic and well-known), Maria Coma (local, sings in Catalan) or Concha Buika (flamenco jazz).

Extra tip: No wining

I don’t recommend bringing wine back on the plane (ask your local wine shop guy to explain all the reasons). Drink it up while in town, but skip bringing it home.

Also in our guide: If you’re still hunting around for an affordable place to stay while visiting the city, make sure to read our reviews of the best budget hotels in Barcelona. Each has been visited, inspected and reviewed by our Barcelona-based editor.

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