Then there’s the food. Granada is easily one of the cheapest destinations in Spain to eat, drink and be merry — a tradition of complimentary tapas and a large population of university students (around 80,000) may have something to do with it.

Related: How to buy tickets to Alhambra in Granada

Here are five tips for a fun Granada escape on a budget.

1. Visit during the week to save on hotels

Hotels in Granada are already pretty cheap, which some running as low as €35-70 a night. However, many are even cheaper in the middle of the week. Private rooms at hostels are even more economically priced, ranging from €30-50 a night.

Looking for a place to stay? Search our Granada hotel listings.

Order a sherry at Bodegas Espadafor and get a plate of delicious (and free!) tapas. Photo: Craig Nelson

2. Free meals! Take a culinary journey through tapas

Tapas are the way to go in Granada. In most bars, custom still dictates that when you order a drink (alcoholic or otherwise) a small bar snack is included. That’s right, you can fill up on free food all over town.

Whereas, elsewhere in Spain, this tends to mean olives, popcorn or a bowl of peanuts, in Granada it means actual food — spicy sausages dipped in cognac and lit on fire, stewed garbanzos, meatballs, Spanish omelet— all kinds of tasty eats come free with your beverage. Best of all, the more drinks you order at any one bar, the better the free tapas get (and the stronger the drinks tend to become along the way).

Try Bar Reca (Plaza de la Trinidad 11) or hop from bar to bar on Calle Elvira, known locally as the “Tapas” street. You can also find a variety of tapas cuisine from seafood to North African specialties.

If you’re really, really hungry go out to a restaurant for lunch, not dinner. At the midday meal, fixed-price menus include wine and bread and start at €7.

Or, for a cheap snack, stop off for Moroccan tea and pastries in the Albaicín neighborhood at bakeries like Casa Pasteles.

Wandering through the famous Medieval streets of El Albayzín. Photo: bruchez

3. Travel by foot

Granada is easy to explore by foot. It’s a small and compact city that’s easy to navigate with a good map. It can be hilly, but that means you get a lot of scenic views. Wander the narrow streets and historic Moorish buildings of the Albaicín, an enchanting district and UNESCO World Heritage site,. This is a highlight of a visit to Granada that won’t cost you a dime.

For transportation during your stay, don’t waste your money on the bus anywhere but to and from the airport. Just invest in a good pair of walking shoes and you can get around with ease.

A passionate Flamenco show in Granada. Photo: whertha

4. After Alhambra, focus on Flamenco and free attractions

Save your spare cash for the Alhambra — the Moorish citadel, palace and gardens is the one paid entry attraction in town that you simply must see. (Check out guide to getting tickets to Alhambra.)

With your leftover euros, look into seeing an authentic Flamenco show at Peña Flamenca La Platería (Placeta de Toqueros, 7) — the oldest flamenco club in Spain. The Thursday night shows are legendary and €8 buy you a show and a bottle of Manzanilla fortified wine.

Spend the rest of your time on free, open-air sights. See the ruins of the historic Arab baths at Banuelo. Walk along the River Darro at Paseo de los Tristes. Browse the wares at the Saturday morning flea market in Zaidín. Listen to buskers at the Mirador de San Nicolas while you watch the sun set behind the Alhambra.

Alhambra is one of the tourism treasures of Europe. Photo: RaMaOrLi

5. Arrive in Granada for less

Budget airlines like Ryanair and Vueling fly to the Granada Airport from big cities in Spain and elsewhere in Europe for less you’d pay to check a second bag on a major airline. More often than not, budget flights are even cheaper than Spain’s national rail, RENFE. Book your tickets as far in advance as possible and don’t check a bag for added savings.

Search for a flight on EuroCheapo.

The post Granada: 5 ways to save big on your trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Searching out these inexpensive bites is half the fun of traveling through the Iberian Peninsula and the islands. But how do you know what to order? We’ve made your culinary mission a lot easier by coming up with seven top tastes sorted by city and region.

Related: The perfect 10-day itinerary in Spain

Madrid: Bocadillo de calamares

When visiting the big capital city of Madrid, you will have lots of food choices including tapas, Spanish rice, traditional sweets, and even international fare. For a low-cost snack on the go, order like the locals and get a calamari sandwich, or bocadillo de calamares. You can find them in almost any bar in town.

You may be thinking, “Did I just read squid sandwich?” Yep! Madrid’s most famous sub is little more than deep-fried squid on a bun with a touch of olive oil — the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer.

Barcelona: Pa amb tomàquet

Granted, pa amb tomàquet, or bread with tomato, does not sound like an exciting snack. Think of it more as the definitive base to any meal in Catalonia and Barcelona. Pile Catalan charcuterie high on pa amb tomàquet or spread pungent goat cheese over thick slices for a satisfying afternoon bite.

Pa amb tomàquet may be served already prepared, or you might just get the fixings to make it yourself. If the latter is the case, you’ll have to rub toasted bread with halved tomatoes, and then drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt on it. Sometimes raw garlic is also offered, and if so, you should peel it, and then rub it gently on the toasted bread.

Related: 18 tips for eating like a local in Barcelona

Canary Islands: Papas arrugadas and mojo picón

As its located closer to Africa than to Spain, the Canary Islands boast a number of dishes that are quite different to those in the rest of the country. One of the most popular side dishes on the islands is papas arrugadas, or “wrinkled potatoes”. Small potatoes are cooked with a massive amount of salt to create a savory spud, usually served alongside fresh fish from the Atlantic or meat.

While the papas are tasty on their own, the real draw is the red and green mojo picón sauce they are always served with. Mojo picón is spicy and garlicky, so smother your papas in it or use it sparingly, depending on how much of a kick you want.

Don’t leave Mallorca without getting a few of the famous pastries known as ensaïmadas. Photo: pocketcultures

Mallorca: Ensaïmadas

Don’t be surprised to see travelers stuffing stacks of boxes into the overhead luggage bin on your return flight from the island of Mallorca. These round boxes contain ensaïmadas, the island’s most popular pastry. Served for breakfast, but also as an afternoon snack in cafes, locals have been producing the simple sugar-covered bread since the 17th century. Budget-friendly and delicious, try an ensaïmada with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

A local bar in San Sebastian with a typical spread of pintxos. Photo: Jonathan Hood

San Sebastian: Pintxos

There is a difference between tapas and pintxos, although both are similar to “appetizers” and both make a delectable afternoon or evening nibble. While tapas are small dishes featuring all sorts of ingredients, pintxos usually consist of a slice of bread topped with cheese, seafood, omelet, or any of a number of other ingredients, all skewered together with a toothpick.

In San Sebastian and throughout the Basque Country, pintxos abound in bars and restaurants. Normally, customers are given a plate and can then peruse a buffet of pintxos, snagging the ones that look most tempting. At the end of the meal, the waiter will count up the toothpicks on a plate and charge the customer accordingly. This is the honor system at its best, so don’t abuse it. Furthermore, at €1.50 to €3 a pop, pintxos are not going to break your bank.

Seville: Tapas

You can find tapas all over Spain, but for many, the region of Andalusia is the top spot to chow down on these small dishes. Seville’s many bars offer long lists of tapas which include everything from elaborate seafood and meat dishes to simple plates of cheese and ham. On menus in Seville, you’ll see raciones offered, and these are larger portions than the smaller tapa.

While in some areas of Spain (like Granada), tapas are free whenever you order a drink, this is not often the case in bigger cities. In Seville the tapas are plentiful, delicious, and inexpensive, making them a good dinner option, especially when washed down with a €3 glass of Spanish red wine.

Valencia: Paella

Spanish rice, or paella, is found all over the country including Barcelona, but the best place to eat it is in Valencia (in either the city or the region of the same name). Paella originated in this part of Spain, and locals are experts in creating the slow-cooked rice with seafood, rabbit, pork, and chicken.

Note that paella is a lunch dish, and Spaniards almost never order it for dinner. It’s so rich, you need the rest of the day to digest this tasty feast! Also, in many restaurants, there is a two-person minimum for ordering paella, so if you’re traveling solo, you might need to find a friend before trying this quintessential dish.

Related: Taking the ferry to Valencia from Barcelona (via Mallorca)

What’s your favorite Spanish Dish?

So many more types of food and drink could be added to this list. In Galicia you should try a slice of empanada, in Menorca you can’t go wrong with the gin, and don’t miss the hard cider of Asturias.

Of course, Spanish wine will be good almost wherever you go, but be sure to order sherry in the south and a vermouth in Barcelona. When in doubt, ask the waiter for tips on what’s in season and if there any specials on the menu. Avoid tourist trap restaurants with neon paellas and enormous photos of the food, and you should eat well across Spain.

Tell us your favorite dishes and tips for finding the best food!

The post The best food in Spain? Here are 7 top contenders appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Free Tapas?

In many parts of the country (most famously in Granada), the tapas are free when you buy a drink such as a beer, wine or even a soda. Place your beverage order and a small tapa magically appears before you eyes.

However, don’t expect any small skillets or free tapas in Barcelona. While there are plenty of excellent eateries serving up small plates of Mediterranean nosh, they will cost you a few euros. Luckily, they are still very cheap, and prices hover around €3 and up for them. Nearly all restaurants serving Spanish-style food in Barcelona will have tapas on the menu, and some bars and restaurants only serve tapas.

Razor clams, pimientos de Padrón and olives are typical tapas you’ll find in Barcelona. Photo: Jeremy Keith

Defining exactly what a “tapa” is always causes great debate in Spain. But you can think of them as small portions or appetizers. In the north of Spain, especially in the Basque Country, tapas are called pintxos and are often served on tiny slices of bread. In Andalusia tapas can also be served as larger portions that are called raciones. In Barcelona you can find a wide range of all types of tapas, especially of the seafood variety, so it’s a great place to explore the culture of tapas from all regions of the country.

Related: Favorite outdoor bars serving tapas in Barcelona

On your next trip to Barcelona keep these tips in mind when searching out an afternoon or evening snack:

Pintxos and a beer in Barcelona. Photo: Regina W. Bryan

When to eat tapas

Locals start with appetizers before lunch around noon (especially on the weekends), and from midday onwards, tapas can be found around the city. Usually this pre-lunch snack is called having a “vermut,” which means having a drink (often alcoholic or vermouth on ice) and something small, such as potato chips, olives, a few white sardines, and maybe a bit of cheese.

Later on in the day you’ll find tapas available almost everywhere. It’s a wonderful and smart Spanish tradition to have abundant trays of tapas displayed along bars around 6 PM in the evening, when it is still too early for dinner (which starts typically at 9 or 10 PM), but your stomach is starting to rumble. This is the time of day I frequently end up ordering a tapa while washing it down with a glass of wine or a beer.

There are also many restaurants that make whole meals of tapas, and in fact it makes good sense to go for a dinner of several tapas, because people eat so late in Spain. Trust us, ordering a few mini-dishes instead of a plate of heavy pasta or rice is easier on the stomach at 11 PM. While it is common to have tapas for dinner, few locals would order only tapas for lunch, which is the largest meal of the day.

A spicy potato croquette at La Cova Fumada in Barceloneta. Photo: Craig Nelson

Recommended tapas

This can depend on your taste buds, but many visitors will want to nibble on a bit of acorn-fed Spanish ham and embotits (embotits = charcuterie and cured meats). Embotits are a Catalan specialty, so make sure to ask for the locally-made varieties.

Similarly, you cannot go wrong with a tray of Catalan and Spanish cheeses, which are strong, rich and often served with dried fruit.

Also, I recommend ordering any seafood dish that’s on the menu. Barcelona is on the Mediterranean Sea, and most local cooks know their way around a fresh clam and a prawn. Opt for a tapa of grilled razor clams drizzled with olive oil or a plate of shrimp smothered in a garlic and white wine sauce.

Whatever you decide to sample, make sure to also get “pa amb tomàquet,” which is nothing more than bread with olive oil, tomato, and garlic, but is an essential dish in any Barcelona tapas spread.

Tapas prices

Tapas in Barcelona can add up fast, so expect to spend at least €20 a person if you’re making a formal dinner out of it. To save a little money, those on a budget can eat a few tapas as an afternoon snack, and then have a more traditional meal with a filling main course for dinner.

Related: Barcelona cheap eats under €6.

Where to eat tapas

Try out any bar or restaurant that calls to you, but try to avoid restaurants serving tapas on the lower portion of La Rambla (the excessively touristy bit). In addition, use common sense when perusing the many tapas on display at a hole-in-the-wall bar. Does the ensaladilla rusa (potato salad with tuna) look like it’s been unrefrigerated for ten hours? Do the cod fritters look overly greasy? Then they probably are, and you would be wise to move on. Choose a place with fresh tapas and a nice ambiance.

Here are a few of our favorites spots to order tapas:

El Vaso de Oro
Seafood tapas and a good selection of craft beer.
Street address: C/ de Balboa 6 (La Barceloneta)
Metro Stop: Barceloneta
Telephone: (+34) 933-193-098
Website

Betlem Miscelánea Gastronómica
Creative, Mediterranean tapas and long wine list.
Street address: C/ de Girona 70 (L’Eixample Dreta)
Telephone: (+34) 932-655-105
Metro Stop: Girona
Website

Casa Mariol Wine Bar
Small, local bar serving cold snacks, vermouth and wine.
Street address: C/ del Rosselló 442 (Sagrada Família)
Metro Stop: Sagrada Família
Telephone: (+ 34) 934-367-628
Website

La Cova Fumada
Old-school hang out famous for La Bomba, a spicy potato croquette.
Street address: Baluard, 56 (Barceloneta)
Metro Stop: Barceloneta
Telephone: (+ 34) 932-214-061

Final note: My husband and I wrote a guidebook on food in Barcelona, and we offer many additional listings for restaurants serving tapas at Eat-Guides.com.

The post Barcelona Tapas Guide: What, where, and when to eat tapas appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Look out for these bars and restaurants which have the perfect combination of excellent tapas AND outdoor seating. Keep in mind that you will almost always have to pay a little more (5-10%) if you choose to sit outside, but it’s worth letting go of our cheapo spirit for a few hours to bask in the warm Barcelona air.

Barcelona’s port has plenty of options to enjoy tapas in the fresh air. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Betlem

C/ Girona 70
Tel: 93-265-51-05
Website

Come for one (or two) of the many Spanish wines available at this stylish bar in the Right Eixample. There are only a few tables outside on the street corner, and they are sought after when the sun is shining. If there’s no outside seating, sit at the bar by the wall of windows inside, which is almost as good as being in the fresh air.

The waitstaff at Betlem know their vinos. If you’re feeling adventurous, tell them what you’re in the mood for and let them choose the bottle for you. While their tapas menu is not huge, what’s on offer is top-quality. Try the bravas (spicy potatoes) or the olives for a quick bite.

Attractive terraces line the streets in Barcelona. Photo: Regina W Bryan

L’Óstia Taverna Gastronòmica

Plaça de la Barceloneta 1-3
Tel: 93-221-47-58
Website

During the summer months, there is a constant river of tourists flowing from the Gothic Quarter to the seashore along the portside street called Joan de Borbo, in La Barceloneta. This means that almost all the eateries on Joan de Borbo cater to these tourists, and charge more because of their presence.

To get a better price and away from the hubbub, take a left into the narrow lanes that make up La Barceloneta. Here you’ll find many authentic restaurants and bars, one of which is the newish L’Óstia on Plaça de la Barceloneta. Sit outside on its herb-filled terrace area, or take a seat at the long ‘L’-shaped bar indoors. Wine, beer on tap, tapas, and exceptional coffee are offered at fair prices. Try the cod fritters for €5.35.

La Candela Bar Restaurant

Pl. Sant Pere 12
Tel: 93-310-62-42
Website

On Plaça Santa Pere, this tiny eatery will fill up fast on the weekend. Get there early to find a seat if you plan to have dinner al fresco. Make sure to order their “potato skins” which are served with rich side dips ranging from sweet to salty to tangy. They also offer many dishes made with organic ingredients.

These are just three of many bars and restaurants with terrace seating. Remember that if you do sit outdoors in downtown Barcelona, keep a close watch on your personal belongings. Things can disappear fast if you’re not paying attention. Salud!

The post Barcelona cheap eats: 3 outdoor patios for tapas appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Tapas

You can’t come to Spain and not have tapas, which are like appetizers. In some parts of the country (especially the south) when you order a beer or Coke they give you a plate of tapas for free (chips, olives, nuts), but don’t get too excited because this never happens in Barcelona. You have to pay for your tapas here, each and every one.

Stacked tapas, or Basque-style tapas (“pintxos”), are usually the most expensive, but it’s a lot of fun to eat them standing up in a crowded bar. Other tapas can be anything from mushrooms in garlic and white wine sauce, to Manchego cheese slices to fried squid.

I recommend “patatas bravas” for a cheap, filling and yummy tapas snack. You can get them everywhere in Barcelona. Don’t pay more that €4.00 for “patatas bravas,” after all, they’re just potatoes with hot sauce….

Tapas pick: ‘Cala de Vermut’
C/ Copons, 2
Barcelona (Gothic)

2. Fidueá + Alioli

Spanish rice, “paella,” is famous ’round the world, but its Catalan cousin, fideuá, is not as well known. I prefer fideuá to paella, as it is made with small pasta noodles instead of rice and usually served with a potent side of garlicky mayo called “alioli.”

Fideuá usually has seafood in it, especially squid, but can be made with sausage or chicken as well, it just depends on the restaurant. Like paella, fideuá is usually made for two people, and runs about €10-15 per person.

If you are traveling solo and don’t have another person to share lunch with, try to find a “menu del dia” (daily lunch special) that includes fideuá as one of the dishes. A “menu del dia” will set you back around €9-20, depending on how fancy the eatery is.

Fideuá pick: ‘Maians’
Carrer de Sant Carles, 28
Barcelona (Barceloneta)

Paella pick: ‘Restaurante Salamanca 2’
http://www.gruposilvestre.com/
Barcelona (Barceloneta)

3. Cava

Finally, you’ll want to wash all this delicious Spanish/Catalan grub down with a bottle of “cava.” A sparkling wine a lot like Champagne, cava is served in most restaurants and bars in Barcelona.

Stay away from the sugar and order a “Brut Nature” cava, which is dry and goes well with savory foods. That’s the thing about cava, it is served with tapas, with main courses, and with dessert, too! Very versatile, this is one of the preferred beverages in Catalunya. A glass should cost about €5 and up.

Cava pick: La Champañería
Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 13
Barcelona (Port/Born)

4. Fresh Squeezed O.J.

Okay, I realize orange juice is served internationally, and we can’t call it solely Spanish and certainly not Catalan. However, all the freshly squeezed O.J. served up in Barcelona bars did surprise me when I first came to the city six years ago, and continues to be something I really enjoy.

When you order an orange juice in almost any bar or cafe in the city, the waiter will ask you, “Bottled or squeezed?” Bottled is slightly less expensive than the squeezed, but not as tasty. Squeezed O.J. is served in a goblet with a couple sugar packets on the side, in case the oranges were not sweet enough for your taste.

Anything tasty to add?

Do you have another cheap must-try Catalan dish to add to our list? Tell us about it in our comments section.

The post Barcelona Cheap Eats: 4 local dishes worth trying appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If shopping is on the agenda while you’re in Madrid, you’ll surely come across price tags that will make you scratch your head. The good news is that although most trendy stores will drain your funds, there are some spots that won’t.

Clothing: Lefties
Multiple locations, including:
Calle Carretas, 10
Calle Princesa, 63
Calle Conde de Peñalver, 16

In Madrid Lefties is pretty much the Spanish equivalent of H&M. The store has multiple locations around the city and all of them have a large selection of inventory. Even though the price tag is super cheap – the clothes are made well and outlast the latest fads.

A quick tip: Because this is such a popular spot, sometimes you’ll have to go searching through disorganized racks and shoes here and there to find that perfect item. The checkout line can also be brutal. Go during the week and don’t expect it to be a quick trip.

Sales: February and July

Unlike in the United States, where sales happen all year long, in Madrid there are only two sale seasons. February and July are when the rebajas come to the city. The best time to hit up the racks is at the beginning of the month, because by the end there’s almost nothing left on the hangers.

Essentials: El Chino

All around town you’ll find stores that locals call “los chinos.” These tend to be stocked with everything one would need: adapters, slippers, coffee makers, notebooks, shower curtains, kids stuff, plates and more at unbelievably low prices. Even if you don’t need anything, they’re a fun place to explore–it’s almost like entering a Bazaar. Really, these stores have it all.

Food: Order a drink and get free food

If you’ve been to bars in the south of Spain, you know how amazing tapas can be: you order a small beer and you get a large plate of food “on the house.” Well, in Madrid, if you know where to go, you can get the same treatment. Some suggestions:

España Cani
Plaza Angel 14, 28012 Madrid
67 644 5808

Off of Plaza Santa Ana is local bar that serves up a large bowl of potato chips, chorizo and jamon with any drink you order. Best of all, once you’ve finished you’re first drink and order another one, you get a whole new basket of goodies.

La Buena Mezcla
Calle Redondilla, 9, 28005 Madrid
62 940 6776

In the neighborhood of La Latina, which is known for its tapas bars, this little spot is hidden off the main strip. Enter this cozy locale and sit at the two tables on the main floor that’s adorned with old photos, phones, dishes and pans, or walk downstairs and lounge on bean bags. Order a glass of wine or caña and choose from homemade dishes like tortilla española, lentil soup or paella. The options change weekly and the portions are large.

The post 5 Ways to Save on Shopping and Food in Madrid appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

La Fabula
Calle Ruiz, 20

The outside looks like any taberna in the city, but inside the decor is a mix of cultures. Paintings by a Russian artist, hand-carved Mexican furniture, painted tables flown in from India, and the list goes on. Besides stopping in to see what this place looks like, you should also take a seat in the gorgeous dining area and order some Galician style pintxos (tapas). The dishes here start at €1.80. To wash the Boquerones en Vinagre down, try one of dozens of types of wines. There’s also a good beer selection and the bartender here makes excellent cocktails.

El Sur
Calle Torrecilla del Leal, 12

For Spanish film buffs out there, this tapas joint has got the goods. If you’re up on your movie trivia, you might try naming the director of each movie poster plastered to the wall. Walk to the back where there are wooden tables, large enough for groups, and browse through the savory menu. At El Sur you’ll find a mix of Raciones: spinach quiche with raisons (a larger plate at only €2.50), scrambled eggs with mushrooms, chorizo, and Jamón Serrano, the Tortilla Española, plus a a bunch of daily specials.

Bar Automåtico
Calle de Argumosa, 17

Posters and old framed photographs adorn the light blue walls of this popular bar-cum-restaurant. The vibe here is 50s chic mixed with a local Lavapiés-neighborhood flavor. During warmer months, Automåtico is the place for sipping Tinto de Verano and other refreshing concoctions outdoors. All year long, though, this place is chock-a-block full of patrons. Put simply, the tapas some of the best in the ‘hood. The Salmorejo is rich and fresh, croquetas pack a punch, and the prices are reasonable.

The post Three cheap and tasty tapas spots in Madrid appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Not feeling in the groove? No worries: The city has plenty of other nightlife options as well. From international bars to dives serving beer for €1, Seville’s after-hours scene has something for every Cheapo.

For a local scene: El Tremendo Cervecería
C/ Previsión, 10
Tel: + 34 954 358 952
Hours: Open daily from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Web site

A popular cervecería in the Santa Catalina district, El Tremendo is popular among locals for its social atmosphere and its seriously cheap beer. A beer will set you back a mere €.90, and the lack of tables means you’ll get to mingle with the locals outside. Other than some chips and nuts, El Tremendo has little in the way of food.

For a historic setting: El Rinconcillo
C/ Gerona 40 y Alhóndiga 2
Tel: + 34 954 223 183
Hours: Open daily from 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Web site

If it’s atmosphere you’re after, look no further than El Rinconcillo, the oldest bar in Seville. Dating back to 1670, this historic place is still owned by the same family who opened its doors centuries ago. The restaurant serves tapas, a la carte items and prixe-fixe meals (though the latter range from €27-47). Stick to the tapas and small plates, and consider shelling out for some of El Rinconcillo’s famous house wine.

For live music and flamenco: El Perro Andaluz
Bustos Tavera, 11
Tel: + 34 954 222 029
Hours: Open 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Tuesday-Saturday)
Web site

Another pick in the Santa Catalina hood, El Perro Andaluz is known for hosting live bands most nights of the week. (Thursday is usually Flamenco night.) Shows are usually free—beside the cost of a drink, that is.

For all-night partying: Sala Fun Club
Alameda de Hercules 86
Tel: +34 650 489 858
Hours: Open from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Tuesday-Saturday)
Web site

Home to plenty of rock and alternative performances, the Sala Fun Club is also the place to go if you want to dance all night, as it stays open till 8 a.m. (Come on a Thursday if you want to dance; this is when the DJ spins.) The club boasts a central location in La Alameda, so it shouldn’t be hard to find another spot if you reach your limit of pounding bass and metal bands.

For an international crowd: Texas Lone Star Saloon
C/Placentines, 25
Tel: +34 954 560 491
Hours: Open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. (Monday-Thursday), 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Friday to Sunday)
Web site

Before you snicker at the decidedly un-Spanish theme of this popular bar, know that it is cheap. Also known as the “Tex-Mex Bar,” this place is owned by the director of a study-abroad program, and it shows: The bar is decked out with college banners and the multiple TVs broadcast NBA games and American sitcoms.

We recommend hitting up this bar if your wallet is getting empty but the night is still young. Happy hour specials include €1 beer and sangria. The Texas Lone Star Saloon sits in the center of Seville near the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.

And if you need a place to stay, check out our favorite cheap hotels in Seville.

The post Seville: Bars and restaurants for a cheapo night on the town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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

Cicheti

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

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

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

Spritz

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

A Venetian spritz

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

Where to try them

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

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

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

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

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

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