The City of Light might be Europe’s most visited destination, but it doesn’t need to be the most expensive. Below you’ll find tips for saving on every aspect of your trip, updated in April 2025.

From getting in from the airport to saving on hotels, shopping, and eating out, we’re ready to help you save. On y va!

EuroCheapo’s Paris budget travel guide

Saving on hotels

At EuroCheapo, we’re passionate about affordable accommodations in Europe. Our founding mission has been to help readers find great, inexpensive places to sleep that will also get them closer to the local culture.

Our Paris hotel guide includes more than 100 hotel recommendations (including our favorite cheap hotels in Paris). In the meantime, here’s some quick advice to get you started:

Super cheap hotels in Paris don’t have to equal a boring stay. Just take a look at these guestroom views from Hotel Rivoli as proof! Photo: EuroCheapo

1. Save on transit by sleeping in a central neighborhood

Considering that it’s a world capital, Paris is a fairly compact city. If you have a central starting point, you can get to most of the city’s main sights by foot or a quick Metro ride. The city is divided into 20 districts, called “Arrondissements.”

Numbering starts with the first arrondissement in the center of town, which includes the Louvre, and spirals clockwise out. Here’s a map, in case you need help visualizing it. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central arrondissement, perhaps sticking to 1-9 (possibly skipping the 8th, which is a bit more far-flung and can get pricey).

Choosing a hotel in these neighborhoods (especially near the Louvre, in the Marais, in the Latin Quarter, near the Eiffel Tower, and near the Opéra) will put you in the center of the city. You’ll save on transportation, especially at night, when you would be otherwise tempted to hop in a taxi or Uber to get home.

2. Don’t mind a commute? Save by staying outside the center

That said, if you don’t mind taking the Metro to and from your hotel, you certainly can find cheaper hotels if you’re willing to stay a bit outside of the center of town. The Metro snakes through the entire city, so you’re never really a long ride from one side of Paris to the other.

One of the most convenient lines, Line 1, slices through the center of Paris and comes every two minutes. It’s also fully automated, so it isn’t affected by strikes, which happen frequently in Paris and can shut down the other lines. So, you could stay in an arrondissement like the 11th between Bastille and Nation, which will be cheaper than a more central neighborhood, but you’ll still be able to commute quickly to the center.

3. Don’t be afraid of these super cheap hotels

Some great Paris hotels are really, really cheap (like the Rivoli, pictured above). Many of these are inexpensive because they’ve kept things simple — some haven’t even added TVs to the rooms.

But don’t let that scare you: the simplicity of these hotels doesn’t mean that they are unsafe or uncomfortable. Rather, they give you a great place to stay while saving for the rest of your trip.

• Read more ways to save on hotels in Paris and how to save on hotels in France.

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Getting around

Paris is a big city, with hot spots that aren’t always situated around the corner from your hotel. Here’s how to get to where you need to go, cheaply.

Boarding the RoissyBus at Place de l’Opera, heading for CDG. Photo: Alexandre

4. Take public transit in from Charles de Gaulle airport

If you’re taking a long-haul flight to Paris (especially from the U.S.), you’re probably landing in the Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG). To make the 23 km trek into Paris, you have several options.

If I’m alone or just with one traveling partner, I usually take the RER train or a bus to save on cash (although not everyone at EuroCheapo agrees with me on this point). Here’s some more info on both of these options:

• Take the RER B (regional train)

It can be a bit of a grim entry to the city, but the RER takes 25-50 minutes (depending on your destination and whether or not you get an express train) and costs €13. There’s no need to reserve in advance — you can buy your ticket from one of the many machines that line the walls at the RER station attached to the airport.

These trains stop in Paris at the Gare du Nord, Châtelet Les Halles and St-Michel Notre Dame, among other stops. From here you can transfer to the Metro or possibly just walk to your hotel. (Note: Hold onto your RER tickets! You’ll need them to exit the RER and not being able to fish it out of your pocket is a lousy way to start your vacation! Not that I’ve been there…)

• Take a bus to central Paris

The “RoissyBus” is operated by the city, costs €13 per person, and takes about an hour. It departs from most terminals at CDG and drops you off at its main stop at the Place de l’Opéra.

Buses leave from CDG to Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 6 am to 8:45 pm and every 20 minutes from 8:45 pm to 12:30 am. To get back to the airport, buses leave Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 5:15 am to 8 pm, every 20 minutes from 8 pm to 10 pm, and every 30 minutes from 10 pm to 12:30 am.

5. Be careful with taxis from the airport

Yes, many people do take taxis in from the airport. It will cost you dearly (around €50-70 for a basic car, plus tip and luggage surcharge) and take about an hour, depending on your destination. But wait, there’s more! Extra charges will be added for driving during morning rush hour and on Sundays and holidays.

If you have a small group of people, however, the fare can be worth it. They’re also regulated and trustworthy, so you can feel safe and won’t get scammed (beyond the already high price). Here’s how to save on cabs from the airport and our guide for using Uber in Paris.

6. In general, avoid taxis for short distances around Paris

The starting fare for a taxi in Paris is €7. Thus, if you’re just going a short distance, hoof it or hop on a bus or Vélib’.

7. Buy a multipack or travel pass for Metro and bus tickets

Metro and bus tickets cost €2-2.50 each. We recommend buying a 10-pack, or a “carnet” (pronounced “car-nay”), to save money. Paper tickets are being phased out, so purchase the 10-pack in paperless form and load them onto your Navigo Easy pass. The 10-pack costs €17.35 for adults and €8.65 for children. Alternatively, you can buy a 5-day visitor pass that offers unlimited access to metro, buses, trains, and more for €76.25 per adult and €38.10 per child.

Note: the Navigo Easy pass currently only works on the Metro lines, so if you need to take an RER to go farther outside of Paris (e.g. Versailles, Giverny, or Disney Paris), you’ll need to ask an agent at the ticket counter for the right ticket.

8. Use CityMapper or Bonjour RATP instead of Google Maps

Google Maps is useful for getting around, as it will calculate routes that include Metro and RER options. However, it does not update quickly when one of the Metro lines is stopped or slowed for strikes, mechanical problems, or other issues — which happens frequently.

Bonjour RATP is the official navigation app for the Paris public transit network, and CityMapper is an alternative that includes bike and scooter options. Both can be used in English and will provide more up-to-date information and alternatives when lines or stations are closed.

9. Relax — the Metro machines are in English

The ticket machines in the Paris Metro are available for use in English, and they take credit cards as a form of payment.

10. Buying tickets on the bus are more expensive

Yes, you can buy your bus ticket from the driver (and make everyone behind you wait), but you’ll pay €2.50 and it won’t cover a transfer. Here are more bus tips for saving on your transportation.

11. Take a Cheapo city bus tour

There’s no need to pay for a sightseeing bus. Here are seven public bus lines that offer great sightseeing for the cost of a bus ticket!

12. Consider a “Paris Visite” travel card

If you plan to spend a lot of time getting around in the Paris Metro, consider buying a “Paris Visite” travel card, which offers unlimited travel on the Metro and bus system and various discounts from partnering businesses. Adult tickets cost €29.90 (one day), €44.45 (two days), €62.30 (three days) and €76.25 (five days).

13. Make sure your credit card has a chip!

Thankfully, the majority of American credit cards now employ the “chip and PIN” technology that has been in use throughout Europe for years. If, however, your card is still chipless and uses only a magnetic swipe, you’ll likely have problems in automatic ticket machines in France.  This includes machines in the RER stations at Charles de Gaulle and in Metro stations.

(If your card isn’t working at the machine, head to the ticket window. Old-school American cards will work fine when handed to a cashier for swiping.)

Choosing a bike from a Velib’ kiosk. Photo: Rachel Ludwick

14. Save by biking around town on Vélib’

Paris’ Vélib’ bike share program was one of the first in the world when it launched in 2007 and remains enormously popular today. With 20,000 bikes in the program available from a whopping 1,400 stations around the city, it’s truly massive. Once you join, you simply head to any Vélib’ station, enter your access code, take out a bike and ride off! Park it at another Vélib’ station, and you’re done.

A one-day Vélib’ pass costs €5 and covers a 30-minute ride (you’ll pay a small charge for going over the 30-minute limit). We recommend buying a 3-day pass for €20, as it covers 60-minute rides AND includes electric bikes (45-minute rides).

Sights & Attractions

Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous cultural attractions, many of which have their own “cheapo tricks” for saving a few euros.

Visit the Musee d’Orsay on Thursday night to save time — and avoid crowds. Photo: Pierre Blache

15. Get into museums for free

If you are under the age of 26 and a resident of the European Union (this includes non-citizens with student visas, au pair visas, or any visa longer than 3 months), you get free admission to most museums and cultural sites, including the ones we’ve listed below.

If this doesn’t apply to you, most of these museums are also free on the first Sunday of every month. However, you’ll have to beat some serious crowds to get in.

16. Saving at the Louvre

• Normal admission: €22 when booked online with a timed entry. Closed Tuesday. Be sure to book through the official Louvre ticket site.
• Tickets are €2 cheaper when purchased at the museum, but entry is not guaranteed — and may be refused due to overcrowding. Take this seriously. When visiting in January 2024, I wasn’t able to get into the Louvre for an entire week due to crowds. I won’t make this mistake again!
• Admission is free on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m., except in July and August.

17. Saving at the Eiffel Tower

• Adult admission to the tip-top: €36.10, cheaper for lower level.
• Save time by buying your tickets online in advance, and avoiding the ticket line.
• During peak travel times, online tickets (especially to the top) will likely be sold out. However, they may still be available at the tower for immediate use. You’ll just have to wait in that ticket line…
• You can pay a cheaper price (€27.50) if you take the stairs up to the second level, then the lift to the top (if it’s available).
• If you’re not interested in reaching the top and just want a nice picture, get off at the Metro stop Trocadero on lines 9 or 6, which is directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. There you’ll find a large public plaza that faces the tower, and gobs of tourists posing for their fridge pick. Warning: There are also likely to be a gaggle of shady characters and shell-game con artists hanging about. (Walk on by…)

18. Saving at the Arc de Triomphe

• Regular admission to enter the Arc and see the view from the top is €16.
• It is completely free to walk under and around the Arc at the ground level, where you’ll also find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Go at night. It’s open until 11 pm (10:30 pm in fall and winter).
• Access the Arc by taking the underground walkway. You may see other tourists trying to dodge traffic and running across the busy roundabout to get to the center. This is incredibly dangerous — don’t do it.
• More tips on visiting the Arc de Triomphe

19. Saving at the Musée d’Orsay

• Regular admission: €16 when pre-booked online, which allows priority entry during your designated time slot, and allows you to avoid the ticket line. Tickets purchased at the museum are €2 cheaper — but you’ll have to wait for tickets and for entry.
• Closed Monday. The museum closes most days at 6 pm and is “cleared” at 5:30!
• On Thursdays, however, the Musée d’Orsay remains open until 9:45 pm. Buy a “Late Opening Ticket” to enter after 6 pm for €12.
• First Sundays of the month are free (but packed and require online reservation).

20. Saving at the Palace of Versailles

• Buy the Versailles Passport (€32) for access to all major parts of the palace grounds, or pay €21 for Palace only. Add another €11 for the musical fountains show.
• Pre-booking online is required for entry.
• Save by picnicking along the Grand Canal just outside the gates.
• More tips for visiting Versailles

21. Avoid crowds whenever possible

During the high season (May – September) the lines at the city’s top attractions can be overwhelming. But it is possible to plan your day so that you show up outside the peak visiting hours.

In general, go first thing or late to the biggest sight of the day, and stick to smaller sights from late morning to early afternoon. You can also use Google Maps, which updates in real time forecasting how busy a location will be. Check out our tips for beating the crowds at top attractions.

22. Culture fanatic? Buy a Paris Museum Card

Tourist cards aren’t always worth the money, but if you plan on spending lots of quality cultural time in Paris’ museums, consider picking up a Paris Museum Pass. The card offers free and discounted admission to over 50 museums and monuments around the city, and it lets you skip the ticket lines! Prices: €70 (2 days); €90 (4 days); €110 (6 days)

Spend a free day relaxing, sleeping or picnicking on the grounds of Jardin du Luxembourg. Photo: Phillip Capper

23. Don’t forget free sights!

The city boasts a long list of places that are free to visit. From museums operated by the city like the Musée d’Art Moderne, Maison de Balzac, and Maison de Victor Hugo (free to visit permanent collections) to most churches and parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg and even an ancient Roman amphitheater (Aréne de Lutéce), admission is always free.

24. Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours of Paris’ central sights are available from several tour companies (who do, however, expect a tip at the end). A less publicized option is the Paris Greeters program, in which local Parisians lead you on a free guided tour of their Paris.

25. Save on boat rides

Taking a boat ride along the Seine is an experience that manages to strike us as both romantic and overly touristy. However, these bateaux mouches offer a unique vantage point from which to see the city and can give your legs a break. We recommend the Vedettes de Pont Neuf, as they offer a live (not prerecorded) commentary and great discounts when booked in advance on their website.

Eating and drinking

Paris has some of the best food in the world, but it can get pricey quickly. Here are a few ways to enjoy authentic French cuisine without breaking the bank.

26. Think twice before tipping

Whether you’re dining in a restaurant or enjoying a coffee on a sidewalk cafe, a service charge has already been included in your bill. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t leave a little extra as a nice gesture, but you certainly shouldn’t leave 15-20% of your bill. A simple €1 or €2 is perfectly acceptable as an extra tip in Paris. Here are some more thoughts on tipping.

27. Save on breakfast

The breakfast that will be offered by your hotel will likely be an underwhelming and overpriced affair (think baguette, jam, and hot drink for €8-€10+). You can get the same thing (but fresher) at almost any bakery or patisserie in your neighborhood. Shop around for breakfast.

Oh, and when you’re in a café, the cost of your coffee depends on where you’re sitting. If you stand at the counter or bar, that coffee will frequently be one euro less than if you take a seat at a table. Strange, but true.

28. Water and bread are free in restaurants

No need to order bottled water. The local stuff is great and gets plunked down on your table in a cute carafe, free of charge. If not, just ask for it. “Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.” (“Oon car-aff doe, see voo play”) Ditto for the bread.

29. Splurge on a prix-fixe lunch

Go heavier at lunch and enjoy a two- or three-course meal with the locals. It’ll be cheaper than a big dinner.

Why? Restaurants throughout town offer “fixed price” deals — just look for the chalkboard out front or a sign in the window with the day’s menu (“menu du jour”). With prices that hover between €15-25 for two or three courses, you’ll even have some money left for a little vin (if it’s not already included in the deal!). Here are a few of our favorite Paris lunch menus.

Pick up everything you need for a great picnic lunch (or gourmet dinner) at any of Paris’ outdoor food markets. Photo: The LEAF Project

30. Pick up lunch at outdoor markets

Foodies will be in pure heaven in Paris, and not just for the mouth-watering restaurants and to-die-for patisseries.

Don’t neglect the outdoor food markets that overflow with fresh produce and local delicacies. Whether picking up for a Seine-side picnic or stocking up for a long train ride, Paris’ outdoor markets have you covered. Read more about our market shopping tips.

31. Go light at lunch with a baguette sandwich

The city’s bakeries (“boulangeries” and “patisseries)” do more than bake bread and pastries. They also do a brisk lunch business, selling hot-and-crusty baguette sandwiches and delicious homemade quiches, which can also be bundled up with a drink and dessert for an extra Cheapo-lunch deal. Here’s a list of our favorite sandwich shops.

32. Opt for a light dinner with a crepe or falafel

If you opt for a big lunch, you might want to go a little lighter (and cheaper) at night. Opt for a classic crepe, Paris’ ultimate street food, or grab a tasty sandwich at L’As du Fallafel in the Marais. Check out other ways to eat your way through Paris for less than €20 a day.

33. Head to the grocery store for basics

When you do need to buy a bottle of water, don’t touch that hotel minibar! Head to any of the local grocery stores. A 1.5-liter bottle of water at Monoprix or Franprix costs less than €1. The same rule applies to wine, candy, soda, etc.

And if you can’t find a single bottle, just break up the shrink wrapped plastic on a multi-pack to grab a bottle for yourself. This is common practice in France, so don’t worry about a store clerk chasing you down!

Better yet, bring a refillable water bottle and top it up from the tap. Tap water is perfectly drinkable in Paris, and there are public water fountains all over the city (more on that in tip #35 below).

34. Wine from the supermarket? Oui.

Don’t assume that the wine being sold at the grocery store isn’t up to snuff. Some of it is quite good, and yes, quite affordable. Here are some tips for buying wine in Paris.

35. Fill up your water bottle around town

Paris has more than 1,200 drinking water fountains located throughout the city where you can easily fill up your water bottle for free. And if you’re a fan of sparkling water, there’s no need to run into the store for a few bottles. The city has fountains that even dispense the bubbly stuff!

Every summer the banks of the Seine transform into a lively beach scene complete with real sand! Photo: sergio_leenen

Entertainment

There’s always something to do in Paris, and quite a bit of it won’t cost you a dime! (Or, rather, a centime!)

36. Get happy for cheap drinks

Wine might be cheap, but a cocktail in Paris can easily cost you €15. Don’t worry, be happy! Keep your eyes peeled for “Happy Hour” deals (pronounced “‘appy ‘ow!-ers”).

You’ll typically see it posted on a sign outside most bars, and they run much later than the Happy Hours you may be used to — sometimes as late as 10 or 11 p.m.!

37. Enjoy free summer festivals

When the temperatures start to climb, so do the number of free events around Paris. Free entertainment is easy to find on almost every night of the week, including music series like the Paris Jazz Festival (late June through September) to outdoor film screenings like Cinéma en Plein Air (July and August). Head to Parc de la Villette which is packed with culture come summertime.

38. Hit the “beaches” along the Seine

Every summer the Seine and the Canal St-Martin transform into “Paris Plages,” one of Europe’s coolest urban beaches. Yes, in a city hundreds of miles from the nearest stretch of coastline, you’ll find Parisians lounging about in their hottest swimwear soaking in the rays.

39. Get cheap (or free) seats to opera, dance, and classical concerts

Love world-class opera and classical music? Grab a cheap seat at the Opera Garnier and Opera Bastille, and find cheap and free concerts around town by checking out L’Officiel des Spectacles or a Wednesday edition of Le Figaro’s insert “Figaroscope” listings magazine at any newsstand: also available online!

Shopping

If you’re looking to return home with suitcases full of souvenirs, here are some methods to do that in a wallet-friendly way.

40. Serious shoppers, don’t forget your tax refund!

Do you plan on doing some serious shopping? Non-EU citizens who spend at least €100 at any one store, may qualify for up to a 12% cash refund! This is available, with different requirements, throughout Europe.

41. Hit the flea markets for cheapo souvenirs

Paris is home to several fabulous flea markets. Selling everything from new clothing to vintage cookware, these outdoor markets offer unique shopping and souvenir opportunities, often at low prices. Here are some tips for flea market success and a guide to the best flea markets in Paris.

42. “Friperies” offer cheap vintage shopping

“Friperies” are inexpensive secondhand clothing shops where you have to dig through piles of cast-offs to find a vintage pearl. Here are a handful of addresses where Parisians go for a wallet-friendly vintage fashion shopping spree.

Miscellaneous

Finally, a few extra points about Paris to keep in mind.

43. Avoid sketchy situations

With millions of tourists visiting every year, Paris also attracts more than its share of con artists and shady types. Fortunately, they’re usually pretty easy to spot. A stranger approaches you to sign something, hold something, pick something up that they’ve dropped… Just say no and walk away from these common Paris scams. No drama. Just move on. No story is better than endlessly kvetching about it later.

If a stranger approaches you speaking French, do not reply with “I don’t speak French” because they will start speaking English to you. It’s better to ignore them and keep it moving.

To avoid pickpockets, it’s good practice to keep all your valuables in pockets, pouches, or bags that zip, snap, or close! In crowded places, many pickpockets get away with your things before you even realize they were there.

44. Be smart with your phone

Plan on using your smartphone? Either get a sensible data and international calling package from your carrier back home or buy a SIM card in Paris for use in an unlocked phone. It’s simple and can potentially save you nightmarish data roaming charges.

45. Bring a guidebook!

Here’s some retro advice (ironically conveyed via the Web): bring along a Paris guidebook! Go deeper by studying up on Paris before you get there. Underline away!

46. Find free Wi-Fi

Even with a good international data plan or a SIM card, we still appreciate free Wi-Fi. Fortunately, it’s easy to find in cafes, fast food joints (all McDonald’s), parks and museums. When you’re in a Parisian café or restaurant, don’t be shy. Ask the waiter for the Wi-Fi password. If you’re a paying customer, they will happily give it to you!

47. Talk to your bank before you go

Call your bank before you leave to let them know that you’re heading on a trip to Paris. You don’t want them to block your card when they see international charges pop up.

While you have them on the phone, ask about foreign transaction and ATM cash withdrawal fees. They might have a partnership with a bank in Paris that avoids ATM fees. (Here are some questions for your bank.)

• Read more about practical ways to save in Paris

Your tips?

Have tips to add to our list? Please contribute your thoughts on ways to save when visiting Paris in the comments section below.

Note: This article was updated with additional information, research, and fact-checking by Julia Hamilton in Paris in March 2023 and by Paige Bennett in April 2025.

The post Paris Budget Travel Guide: 47 ways to save on your trip (2025 Update) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s the good news: In general, Germany is not a particularly pricey tourist destination in western Europe, especially when compared to countries like France or Italy. However, you can still find plenty of ways to save and avoid tourist traps and bad deals along the way. To help you plan a fun, budget-conscious trip, we’ve listed our 55 best budget tips for visiting Germany.

Related:
• 10-Day Itinerary in Germany: Berlin, Potsdam, Hamburg, Munich & Neuschwanstein
• 10 Easy ways to save on your trip to Munich
• 10 Reasons for budget travelers to visit Germany this year

Budget Travel Germany: 55 tips to help you save

This is a “Cheapo Checklist.” We’ve included links through to more in-depth articles, where possible. Be sure to check out the comments at the end for additional tips, and please add your own in the comments at the end!

Germany lights up in the holidays with famous Christmas markets. Photo: Rene S.

Trip timing

Before you hit book on your tickets to Germany, pull out your calendar and follow these tips to guide you through the best time of year to visit.

• “SHOULDER SEASON” SAVINGS: If you can, try to visit Germany in June or September. You’ll find better deals during these months and the weather is still usually very pleasant. If you’re coming for the winter holidays, New Year’s tends to be pricey and full. Instead, why not come in early December and enjoy the Christmas markets that Germany is rightfully famous for.

• KEEP AN EYE ON SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Public school in Germany has five main school holidays: winter holidays, spring break, summer holidays, autumn holidays and Christmas holidays. Summer vacation is usually six weeks and the other school holidays range from a week to two weeks.

During school holidays prices are higher and the Autobahn is jam-packed, particularly at the beginning and end of the vacation period. The actual dates of school holidays are different in each state, so before you go, take a look at the school schedule for the area you plan to visit. A list of the school holidays in each German state can be found here.

• WATCH OUT FOR TRADE FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS: Frankfurt, Hanover, and Leipzig are all big trade fair towns, so if you’re planning to visit any of these cities, be sure you check the trade fair schedule online. If you’re accidentally there during a major one, like the Frankfurt Book Fair, you’ll have trouble finding a hotel room and will pay far more if you do find one.

Most of Berlin’s major trade fairs take place at the Messe ICC in Charlottenburg, so if you’re visiting Berlin when a big exhibition is in town, consider staying in a different part of the city.

• AVOID OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH. Oktoberfest is fun but it attracts huge crowds. Hotel prices in Munich at this time also go through the roof. To enjoy the Bavarian art of brewing paired with a soft pretzel or a Weisswurst with sweet mustard, you’d be better off visiting a beer garden in the summer when the weather is at its best. But the beer garden doesn’t have to be in Munich. Pretty much every town and village in Bavaria has at least one open in the warmer months, so take your pick.

Flying to Germany for less

Although flights are not super cheap from the US to Germany these days, there are deals out there if you know where to look. First off, sign up for these airline newsletters to get good deals to Europe.

• CHOOSE YOUR AIRPORT WISELY: If you’re flying from North America, you’re likely to find the best flight deals into Frankfurt, home to Germany’s largest international airport. However, Frankfurt is five hours away from Berlin and almost four hours away from Munich.

Since train tickets can be pricey and gas is expensive, it may be worth paying a little extra to fly closer to your destination. Be sure to also check out the airports of cities not too far away. For example, you might snag a deal on a flight to Hamburg, which is only two hours away from Berlin and well worth a visit on its own.

Related: Layover in Munich? Hit the beer garden!

• OPEN JAW TICKETS SAVE TIME AND MONEY: Consider flying into one city and home through another. (For example, into Berlin and back home from Munich.) Since you don’t have to circle back to your point of arrival to fly home, “open jaw” tickets can help you save both money and time. Best of all, the flight tickets are often about the same price as simple round-trip tickets.

• TRY A LOW-COST AIRLINE: Consider low-cost airline options from the US to Germany, including Norwegian Airlines and Condor.

• “HUB IT” FOR SAVINGS: Not finding cheap airfare to Germany? Try “hubbing it,” by flying first to any cheap European destination (for example, finding a cheap flight to Dublin on Aer Lingus) and then catching a budget flight from there to Germany (for example, on Ryanair). If your schedule is a bit flexible, you could find some savings.

• AVOID TAXIS INTO BERLIN: Taxis from the airport into Berlin are usually not as expensive as they might be in other European cities. In most cases, you should be able to get where you need to go for under €40. However, that’s a lot when you compare it to the price of a simple public transportation ticket.

Both Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and Schönefeld Airport are centrally located, with great public transport connections that should easily get you to your destination. So unless you’ve got a big family or lots of luggage, consider hopping on the bus or train, which will take you straight to the city or a nearby U-Bahn or S-Bahn station.

Want to see the world’s most famous castle? Make sure to plan a visit to Neuschwanstein! Photo: Ole

Building an itinerary for Germany

Before you add every city in Germany to your “to-do” list, take a deep breath and come up with a plan that’s as fun as it is reasonable.

• SLOW DOWN FOR SAVINGS (AND SANITY): To get more out of your vacation, especially if you’re not in the country for very long, it’s best to choose a region to focus on and come back some other time to see the rest.

For example, nearly every tourist visiting Germany says they want to visit “that castle,” meaning Neuschwanstein, made famous by Walt Disney. But if you’re planning to spend your vacation in Berlin, Neuschwanstein is nearly seven hours away (and speaking of Neuschwanstein, Germany has at least 20,000 castles to choose from, and most are not nearly as crowded or expensive as the famous Neuschwanstein!)

• THINK “DAY TRIPS”: Rather than driving to a new destination every day, consider spending two or three nights in each spot and taking day trips. For example, if you’re in Munich, you can easily drive into the Alps, hop up to Nuremberg or cross over into Austria for a visit to Mozart’s hometown, Salzburg.

• GO EAST: Sure, Munich is beautiful and Heidelberg is quaint, but both these cities are also on the pricey side. In many cases, you’ll find better deals in former East Germany rather than the former West.

For example, Erfurt is every bit as quaint as Heidelberg, and the historic Jena and Weimar are both nearby. Berlin is less expensive than Munich, but so is Leipzig, a city with a vibrant arts scene which easily rivals Berlin’s, but provides a more laid back atmosphere than you’ll get in Germany’s capital city.

• CHECK OUT THE NORDSEE AND THE OSTSEE: In the summer, many Germans head off to the Nordsee (North Sea) or Ostsee (Baltic Sea) coast to spend their holidays. Berlin and Munich are always swarming with tourists from around the world, but most of them never make it up to the coast.

If you want to see how Germans like to spend their summer vacation, as well as go off the beaten path, head up to the coast and islands, like Rugen. Although you can still find good deals in the high season, be sure to book far in advance because places fill up fast. And be sure to pack a rain jacket and a sweater or two, even if you’re there in August. The weather on the German coast is famously unpredictable.

Saving on trains and transportation in Germany

We love the high-speed trains in Germany, but you can also take regional rail or opt for a budget bus line and even rideshare options.

• BOOK ICE TICKETS IN ADVANCE: If you plan to take the ICE, Germany’s high-speed train, book those tickets as far in advance as possible for the best rates and to take advantage of sale fares. The closer you get to the travel date, the more expensive the seats.

• CONSIDER A GERMAN RAIL PASS: A single-country German Rail Pass is a good choice for many travelers in Germany. This pass gives you four day’s travel anywhere within the country as well as a few select routes outside of Germany, such as Salzburg.

• BOOK TICKETS THROUGH THE RAILWAY: Book your ICE tickets like the locals, through Deutsche Bahn’s official website. There’s no need to go through a third-party retailer or agency back in the United States. Book tickets directly for the lowest prices, and print off your tickets at home before leaving for Germany.

• BUY REGIONAL TRAIN TICKETS AT THE STATION: Taking slower, regional trains? Unlike the ICE, there’s no need to book those tickets in advance online. Just buy them at the train station. You can also purchase special deals such as the regional day ticket, the weekend ticket and regional day tickets.

• KIDS TRAVEL FREE: Some savings are already there for you to enjoy: Children 15 and under travel free on the ticket of their parents or grandparents.

• GET TO KNOW SOME LOCALS WITH A RIDESHARE: Ridesharing is an inexpensive way to travel in Germany, and a great way to get to know some locals. To see who might be heading towards your destination, take a look at BlaBlaCar.

• BUSES CAN BE CHEAPER THAN TRAINS: Take a look at Flixbus for super cheap fares for travel around Germany — and just about everywhere else in Europe. Perk: Flixbus coaches are equipped with free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets. Sample fare: €15 for Hamburg-Berlin; €30 for Frankfurt-Zurich.

Saving on rental cars in Germany

Before you hop in your rental car for a cruise down the Autobahn, take a quick look at our tips for driving safely and saving on your car reservation. You can also search for dates and compare car rates at European rental agencies.

BOOK CARS EARLY FOR DEALS: As with train tickets, booking early is a safe bet for finding the best car rental prices.

CANCEL IF YOU FIND A BETTER DEAL: Nearly all car rentals are flexible and able to be canceled. So, did you find something cheaper after you booked it? Cancel and rebook!

WATCH THE START DATE: Your car reservation shouldn’t necessarily start on the first day of your trip. It should start on the first day you’re leaving the city you fly into! Pick up your car when you’re ready to drive off from Berlin, not when you arrive.

Related: How to calculate the real rate of a rental car in Europe

BE SMART ABOUT AUTO INSURANCE: Does your car insurance or credit company cover overseas car insurance? Call before taking off to double-check. You’ll be getting the hard sell from the rental car agency, so know in advance. You might also want to consider travel insurance for your trip.

WATCH YOUR SPEED: When driving around Germany, pay attention to the posted speed limits, as well as to the “speed camera” signs. Yes, you have to pay speeding tickets on rental cars!

KNOW THE RULES OF THE AUTOBAHN: Many tourists have dreamed of barreling down the Autobahn at break-neck speeds, but it’s important to know a few basic rules, like not passing on the right. Contrary to popular belief, there is also sometimes a speed limit on the Autobahn (For example: near cities or construction sites). Tickets can be expensive, so watch for signs. Check out our top tips for driving on the German Autobahn.

PARKING IS HARD TO FIND IN THE CITY CENTER: If possible, try to avoid parking in the center of German cities. Parking can be hard to find and be expensive. In some cities, you can find parking in a parking garage, but more often you will need to pay for a Parkscheine, which can be purchased from a large gray box located somewhere near the parking areas marked with a blue square and a white “P.” Make sure to have some coins on you, because these boxes don’t usually accept bills or credit cards.

LEARN A FEW BASIC TRAFFIC SIGNS: Traffic signs in Germany can be baffling for those who didn’t grow up there. Many have lines and shapes and colors that make no sense at all if you don’t know how to read them. If you plan to do a lot of driving during your trip to Germany, you might want to learn a few first by taking a look at the information provided by ADAC, the German AAA. Check out this guide to signage.

• USE PARKING APPS: Many German cities now offer parking apps that can help you find and pay for parking spots more easily. Apps like EasyPark, PayByPhone, or ParkNow are widely used in major cities. These can save you time and the hassle of hunting for a parking meter.

The view from a private balcony at Hotel Pension Bella

Save on hotels and accommodation in Germany

Germany has one of the lowest price points for hotels in Europe. The average rate still averages to under €120 per night! Hotels are our specialty. Check out the best budget hotels in Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich. Looking for other cities? Search for great rates at over 47,000 hotels across Germany.

BOOK EARLY FOR POPULAR HOTELS: The best (and most affordable) accommodation options tend to go first, so try to book as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re traveling in the high season.

ROLL THE DICE WITH LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS: Flexible with your hotel options? If you’re willing to gamble a bit, you can often find great deals at the very last minute. This is especially true if traveling during the low season or to less touristy destinations. Here are tips on when to book for the best hotel deal.

RENT A FLAT: Hotels are not your only option, of course. Renting an apartment or staying with locals (through homestays) can offer much more room, kitchens, laundry facilities — and even save cash.

CONSIDER A HOSTEL: Although hostels sometimes have a party reputation, you can find some good deals at quieter places, especially in Berlin. If dormitories aren’t quite your thing, many offer inexpensive private rooms. Discover the best hostels in Berlin.

TRY ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS: Consider unique options like farm stays (Bauernhöfe) or monastery stays. These can offer a more authentic German experience and are often budget-friendly.

Free and cheap things to do in Germany

Germany is an easy place to find entertainment and culture on the cheap, whether you love art, going to the movies or just wandering around a city.

SPEAK WITH PROFESSIONALS: Get guidance from the source! Stop by the tourist information center first thing when you arrive in a city. Pick up maps and find out about museums, events, walking tours, day trips and more. You’ll find them in the heart of every city on the tourist radar: For example, in Berlin, there are six, including one at both airports. In Munich and Heidelberg there is one in the city center and one at the main train station.

SOME OF THE BEST STUFF IS FREE: There’s no ticket necessary to explore city streets or hang out in the park, of course. However, don’t forget that some attractions are free, too. Ask at the tourist information center for free activities, free (or discounted) museum admission, and free walking tours. In Berlin, for example, there is plenty of free music and several free museums, while Munich also has plenty of free things to do.

AVOID THE MULTIPLEX IN BERLIN: In Berlin, Sony CineStar Multiplex on Potsdamer Platz plays movies in English, but prices for admission and snacks are much higher than in the smaller movie theaters in town.

Instead, check out a Yorck Kinogruppe movie theater. This small cinema chain plays many films in OmU (Original mit Untertiteln, which means in the original language with German subtitles). Prices for both tickets and snacks are lower and the atmosphere is more charming. However, they tend towards art-house fare, so if more in the mood for a Hollywood blockbuster, you’ll have to head to Sony CineStar.

CHECK OUT THE BOX OFFICE: If you’d like to check out an opera or a play, it’s worth dropping by an hour before the performance starts. If any tickets are remaining for the performance, you can often purchase them at a heavily discounted price at the Abendkasse (box office).

CULTURE JUNKIE? CONSIDER A PASS: If you’re staying for a few days in a city and want to hit up a lot of museums and attractions, consider buying a tourist sightseeing card or pass. These passes often include free (or highly discounted) admission to popular museums, public transit access, and other discounts. Some popular passes include the Berlin Museum Pass, the KölnCard for Cologne, and the Munich CityTourCard.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE MUSEUM DAYS: Many museums in Germany offer free admission on certain days of the month or during specific hours. For example, many Berlin museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. Research these opportunities before your trip to save on cultural experiences.

Save on dining in Germany

Of course, there’s beer (and lots of it), but Germany also has a variety of cuisines, from classic German to international flavors. Eating out can be affordable, and there are plenty of places to grab cheap snacks.

AVOID YOUR HOTEL’S MINIBAR: That stocked minibar in your hotel room will cost you. Instead, head straight to the nearest grocery store for basics, like water, fruit, picnic supplies, and toiletries. In Germany, look for supermarket chains like Aldi and Lidl.

FEAST AT LUNCH: If you’re in the city center, many restaurants offer business lunch deals which get you a lot of food for less dough. However, if you’re in a very touristy part of town, seek out places on side streets rather than the main drag to avoid getting had by a tourist trap.

Related: Simple ways to save on dining and restaurants in Berlin

HIT UP THE BAKERIES: In Berlin, dinner prices don’t necessarily go any higher than lunch prices at most restaurants. A good tip: Pick up a sandwich on the go for lunch at one of the scores of bakeries you’ll pass, then go out for dinner in a less touristy neighborhood. Here are 5 bakery treats to try in Munich.

CHECK OUT FARMER’S MARKETS ON SATURDAYS: In many places in Germany, Saturday is still the traditional market day, and sometimes Wednesday too. You’ll usually find these markets on the main squares in towns and every neighborhood in cities. These farmer’s markets are nice for a stroll and fresh produce as well as a tasty, inexpensive lunch.

BE SURE TO ASK FOR “LEITUNGSWASSER”: Unless you specifically ask, it’s not common to get tap water automatically delivered to your table during a meal. If you’d like to have some, be sure to ask for Leitungswasser (tap water), otherwise, the waiter will likely bring you pricey mineral water.

BEER IS NICELY PRICED: Germany is famous for its beer, and it’s always the least expensive alcoholic beverage on the menu. Different regions have different brewing traditions, so try different local brews while you travel around. But don’t forget to sample a glass of German wine, especially if you’re in the Rhine valley, which is famous for delicious Rieslings.

GO EASY ON THE TIP: Know when to tip in Germany. For small stuff (coffee, beer at the bar, etc.) no tip is necessary. In general, you should tip 10% in restaurants — hand the waiter or waitress the tip directly when paying the bill, don’t leave it on the table. Taxi drivers and tour guides should also be tipped around the same amount.

TRY STREET FOOD: German street food is delicious and budget-friendly. Look for currywurst stands in Berlin, döner kebab shops nationwide, and local specialties like Flammkuchen in the southwest. These offer a quick, cheap, and authentically German dining experience.

Shopping

WINTER AND SUMMER SALES: Take advantage of the city-wide annual sales (“Schlussverkauf“) that are held throughout Germany in January and July. These events stretch for weeks in the winter and heat of summer, and nearly every retailer gets in on the action.

FLEA MARKETS: Both Berlin and Munich are well known for their flea markets, which take place all over the city on the weekend. You can find everything here from clothes to vintage toys to DDR memorabilia (in Berlin). Flea markets tend to have their own special flair and sometimes are only held on Saturdays, so be sure to do your research to find out which ones you’re interested in.

Related: Tips for saving big on shopping in Berlin

OUTLET SHOPPING: If you’re looking for brand-name items at discounted prices, consider visiting outlet centers. Popular ones include the Designer Outlet Berlin and Ingolstadt Village near Munich. These can offer significant savings on both German and international brands.

Staying in touch

It’s easier than you think to call and email friends and family back home when you’re in Germany. You don’t even need a special calling plan from your carrier!

SIM SAVINGS: Planning to use your smartphone? We recommend buying a SIM card if you have an unlocked smartphone handy. Calls, emails, and the web will be much , much cheaper. Even if you don’t own an unlocked phone, you can purchase one cheaply in Germany or before you leave. Here’s how it works.

CALL YOUR CARRIER: Not planning to make a lot of calls with your phone? At least call your carrier before leaving home to know how much calls, text, and emails will cost you. Consider getting a special international package to avoid surprises (like AT&T’s “Passport” package). Plus, be sure to set up your phone to avoid data drains.

Related: How to use your iPhone in Europe and avoid a billing surprise

GET ONLINE FOR FREE: Use free Wi-Fi whenever possible. Many cafes and international chains (like McDonald’s and Starbucks) offer free Wi-Fi in Germany, as well as municipal buildings, libraries, parks, and some museums. The BVG, Berlin’s public transportation system also now offers free Wi-Fi. Ask at the tourist information center about free Wi-Fi hotspots in town.

USE MESSAGING APPS: To avoid international calling charges, use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Facebook Messenger for calls and messages when you have Wi-Fi access or unlimited data. These apps are widely used in Germany and can help you stay in touch for free.

Banks and money tips

Don’t forget to bring your favorite credit card with you to earn points. Try to get one without any fees!

USE ATMS: To get the best deal on getting money in Germany, avoid all currency exchange counters and sketchy looking ATMs. Instead, use official bank ATMs to get the best exchange rates.

CALL YOUR BANK BEFORE LEAVING: First, tell your bank and credit card company that you’ll be traveling (to ensure that your card will work abroad). Ask how much you’ll be charged for ATM withdrawals and purchases. You may find that one of your cards has no foreign surcharge.

Related: Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe?

CONSIDER A TRAVEL-FRIENDLY CARD: Travel a lot? Consider a credit card specifically designed for international travel. These often have no foreign transaction fees and may offer travel rewards or insurance benefits.

More information

Want to read more? Check out our top-rated budget hotels in Berlin and Munich, or search hotels in hundreds of cities throughout Germany.
For more tips, visit our Germany guide or read more about 12 easy ways to save in Berlin.

Your tips

Do you have additional ways to save money on your trip to Germany? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Germany Budget Travel Guide: 55 Ways to save on your trip in 2024 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

From hotels to flights, rental cars, and train tickets, there are several things to keep in mind before you hit “book”. Regular readers might recognize a few of these tips from posts in previous years (including “10 Ways to Save Before Leaving for Europe”). They’ve been included below if they’re still important today, and if they represent a budget travel faux pas worth avoiding.

Related: The best budget hotels in Paris, Venice, Barcelona, and London.

Note: This post was updated in September 2024 with new information and current pricing.

1. Don’t over-pack your itinerary with too many destinations.

American travelers (myself included) tend to over-pack our itineraries when planning trips to Europe. It’s understandable — for many, vacation days are scarce and trips abroad infrequent. There’s a natural tendency to try to jam as many cities and countries as possible into our trips, as we don’t always know when we’ll be back!

However, this can be costly (not to mention exhausting), as over-packing trips with too many destinations in too few days leads to more time on the road, and more gas or train tickets. In extreme cases, it can sabotage a trip, turning it into a blur of hotel check-ins and check-outs (with constant packing and unpacking), while watching a never-visited landscape race past the car windows. If possible, slow down. You’ll save on transportation and gain more time to explore your destinations.

Looking for a helpful itinerary? Check out our 10-day itineraries for Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

On Kayak, click into “Multi-city” to search for flights into one city and home from another.

2. Don’t race back to fly home.

When searching for flights from North America to Europe, don’t forget about “multi-city” and “open jaw” tickets. These are flights into one destination and home from another. These tickets often cost about the same amount as simple round-trip flights, but, depending on your itinerary, can save you the hassle and expense of returning to your arrival city.

For example, imagine you’re flying from Atlanta to Paris and then spending 10 days visiting France and Italy, winding up in Rome. You might instinctively book round-trip tickets from Atlanta to Paris, and then try to figure out how to speed from Rome back up to Paris at the end of the trip to fly home. Instead, click into “multiple destinations” or “multi-city” when researching flights, and search for Atlanta to Paris, and then Rome to Atlanta. You can often find a flight for about the same price as the simple round-trip airfare.

Note: If you’re planning to rent a car, “open jaw” flight can make rentals a bit trickier and more expensive. It’s almost always cheaper to pick up and drop off the car in the same location, and dropping off in a different country can add a huge fee to your rental (we’re talking about hundreds of euros). However, you could still book an “open jaw,” rent a car for travel in one country and then switch to train tickets for reaching the last leg of your trip.

3. Don’t assume you need to rent a car from day one.

Many travelers renting a car for their trip instinctively start their rental on the day they arrive, picking it up at the airport. However, if you’re planning to spend at least one day visiting your arrival city, you shouldn’t rent that car until you’re leaving town. This will help you save on the rental and parking, and help preserve your fragile jet-lagged sanity.

For example, imagine that you’re flying into Rome, spending two days visiting the city, and then heading off to explore Italy by car for a week. Start the car rental on the third day of your trip (the day you’re leaving town, not arriving). You’re going to be visiting Roman ruins and the great sights of the central historic city and the Vatican—the last thing you’re going to want to think about (or pay for!) is parking. You’ll be getting around by foot, bus, and Metro, or taxi.

The same holds for Paris, Amsterdam, London, Barcelona… really any major city with a well-preserved historic center. Driving your way around the town’s big sights isn’t going to happen (or at least it’s not going to happen twice). That car will wind up in an expensive garage.

Get the car on your way out of town. This will also give you flexibility in terms of pickup location, as rental car agencies offer a wide variety of pickup spots in most major cities, often with many options around the major train stations.

Related: Search rental cars in Europe | How to calculate the “real cost” of renting a car

The Hotel de Nice in Paris won’t show up on page one, but it’s worth filtering for.

4. Look past page one for that hotel.

So you’re searching, and searching, and searching for that perfect hotel. Remember when researching on most major hotel reservation websites that the hotel results are often ranked by those that the website wants you to book. In most cases, these “page one” results are hotels that pay the site the highest commission. It’s in the website’s best interest to show you these hotels first.

For budget-minded travelers, this often means looking past these “page one” results, no matter how many bells, whistles, and “Only 1 room left!” freak-out messages they throw at you. Filter by guest rating, neighborhood, and price, and start digging around to find the good stuff.

On EuroCheapo, we’re a bit different as we’ve already done this filtering and ranking for you (and we don’t believe in freak-out messages). We list our hotels by “CheapoFactor,” which is a formula that presents the top-rated hotels (including those reviewed by our editors) that have the lowest rates in the most central neighborhood. If you do a hotel search (in the box above or from our homepage) you’ll see these hotels by default.

Related: Our favorite cheap hotels in Paris packed with old-world charm

5. Don’t sacrifice location for small hotel savings.

If you’re struggling to decide between hotels that are within your budget, I recommend giving preference to the hotel with the more central location. Budget travelers, in particular, have a tendency to choose a hotel in a far-flung location that’s €10 cheaper than one in a more central neighborhood. I’m a strong proponent of paying a bit more for something more central, as you’ll save time and money on transportation (especially if you wind up taking taxis).

Related: How to save on hotels in Europe

You can almost always save by not using a rail pass. Above, Munich’s main station. Photo: jseita

6. Don’t assume that you need to buy a rail pass.

As we’ve mentioned in several posts throughout the years on the blog, European rail passes sold to American travelers usually don’t save you any money. Unless you’re spending most of your travel days taking long-distance high-speed trains, buying a rail pass is probably going to be an unnecessary expense.

These days, the official websites of Europe’s main railways (SNCF in France, Trenitalia in Italy, Renfe in Spain, and Deutsche Bahn in Germany, among many others) are easily searched in English and offer great deals on high-speed and long-distance trains when booked a few months in advance. Buy these tickets like the locals: Book early and get great discounts.

For example, during a recent to Paris, Munich, and Venice, I took two trips by train, one high-speed (TGV and ICE) from Paris to Munich, and one Intercity train from Munich to Venice, on a romantic voyage straight through the Alps. Booked directly through the official rail websites about two weeks before the trip, the first ticket cost €74, while the second trip was only €69. These two trips covered several countries and cost only €143 for first-class travel. A rail pass would not have made these more affordable.

Having said that, there are still some reasons why you might want to book a rail pass. They do allow for greater flexibility in your schedule — you can determine your schedule at the last minute and not worry about paying more for the ticket (although you still risk sold-out trains). And yes, if you plan to take a great number of long-distance trains, it can pay for itself. They come with some other benefits, as well, like a family discount that allows two children to travel for free with a Eurail pass-carrying adult.

Related: Read previous posts about booking rail tickets, how to book slower trains in Europe, the three-month rule for high-speed tickets, how to save on French rail tickets, and booking German rail tickets.

7. Don’t pre-book the small stuff.

It’s now easier than ever to pre-book activities in each of the cities you’ll be visiting. You can book museum tickets and passes, walking tours, boat cruises… The list is endless and quite tempting. However, try to remain calm and limit the number of smaller activities that you pre-book, as you risk wasting cash and causing disappointment.

In the fun lead-up to your departure, there’s a tendency to forget about the unplanned realities that always creep into a trip. Things happen, people get tired, blisters form, the weather doesn’t cooperate. Making plans and compiling itineraries is a great idea — but pre-booking every small attraction puts you at the risk of burning out, skipping things, and wasting money. You’re not going to know what speed you’re able to travel at until you get on the ground.

Having said that, a couple of high-profile sights are worth pre-booking, especially during high season when their lines could lead to long waits, or worse, not being able to get in (I’m looking at you, Louvre…).

These include:

• tickets to the Eiffel Tower (book in advance through the tower’s website)
• tickets to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
• tickets to the Alhambra in Granada,
• the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam
• tickets to the Vatican museums
• tickets to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (again, skip the ticket line)

8. Don’t write off guidebooks.

Okay, I know that I’ll hear from detractors on this one, as it’s now fashionable to ditch heavy guidebooks in favor of apps and free information that you can pull up on your phone, tablet, and laptop. But I’m here to say that the best guidebooks out there can greatly enrich your trip and yes, can help you save time and cash by allowing you to put away your electronic devices.

When I was in Athens on a recent trip, I spent several days running around town with my Rick Steves‘ guidebook, following their informative (and often humorous) walking tours, getting restaurant advice, and gaining an understanding of how the city worked. That book was my companion, folded, dog-eared, and often tucked under my arm. Its value became doubly-obvious when I witnessed a couple in the ancient Agora trying to read information off of their iPad in the blazing hot sun. It wasn’t happening.

Relying on electronics is risky and can be unnecessarily costly. Batteries die. Sun makes it hard to read. And data charges are incredibly expensive. Don’t underestimate the value that a $20 guidebook provides.

9. Don’t forget to call your phone carrier.

As we have written in several previous posts, if you plan to use your phone abroad, call your carrier before leaving to discuss your international options. First, you should make sure that your phone works abroad and has been activated for international use. Secondly, you should discuss with your carrier the costs associated with using your phone to place calls, send texts, send emails, and access the internet.

AT&T, for example, has recently changed their international packages, and now offers an “International Day Pass”  that bundles together unlimited texting, data (to send emails and use the Web), and cheaper calling rates. These packages start at $12 per day and make good sense for anyone considering using their phone while traveling. (Verizon offers similar plans.)

“Winging it” without knowing how much you’ll be charged is not recommended. Call your carrier, get a plan if you plan to use your phone, and then make sure you set up your phone to avoid accidental data charges (in brief: turn off cellular data and restrict the number of apps that can use cellular data). And, as a plan, stick to free Wi-Fi networks for downloading and sending emails, checking the Web, and using apps.

Another option? Buy a SIM card for your phone when you get to Europe. Here’s our handy guide: Buying a SIM Card in Europe: The cheapest way to use a smartphone while traveling. We have also done the research to find the best SIM Cards to use in France, Spain, and Germany.

Withdrawing cash from ATM machines like this one in Berlin is almost always cheaper than converting dollars on your own. Photo: skohlmann

10. Don’t waste money getting euros before the trip.

Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe? Travelers waste a lot of money purchasing euros from their bank (or worse yet, from a currency exchange counter) before arriving in Europe. In most cases when exchanging money from home before a trip, you will pay dearly in fees, lousy exchange rates, or both. If exchanging a bit makes you more relaxed, go for it — just don’t overdo it.

I often arrive in Europe without a euro in my pocket. I head straight away to an ATM at the airport and withdraw cash using my American ATM card. It’s simple, and the exchange rate that I’m getting for the transaction is almost certainly better than any rate I’d get from my bank back home (especially once fees are factored in). Call your bank before you leave to ask about international ATM transaction fees, as they vary widely depending on the bank, the type of account you have (banks often wave transaction fees for premium accounts), and the type of ATM accessed abroad (your bank may have international locations or partnerships with local banks).

What if there isn’t an ATM at the airport? I’ve never experienced this. I have experienced long lines at the ATM, which has led me to use my credit card for purchases (rail or bus tickets into town, for example) until I found an ATM in the city without a line.

Related: Questions to ask your bank before you leave.

Your tips?

Have another mistake to avoid to add to our list? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Planning a trip to Europe? Avoid these 10 costly mistakes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But even though Spain easily figures among Western Europe’s cheapest destinations, with a good dose of common sense, you can stretch those euros even farther on your amazing Spanish adventure.

Check out 50 of our best tips for saving money on your trip to Spain below.

Related:
• Spain: 10 First-time mistakes to avoid when visiting
• 10-Day Itinerary in Spain: A Budget trip through Madrid, Barcelona & Seville
• 10 Spanish phrases every traveler should learn before their trip

Spain Budget Travel Guide: 50 Ways to save

This is a “Cheapo Checklist” to Spain. We’ve included links through to more in-depth articles wherever possible. Also, check out comments for additional tips and to add your own.

When to go

1. Spanish cities can be cheaper in August

Spain’s biggest cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville) will be quite hot, sure, but come August, most locals are on vacation. Spaniards flee urban areas en masse and head to the beach or abroad, making for a much less expensive time to visit. That said, some restaurants and shops will be closed or operating reduced hours.

2. Avoid major events in Madrid and Barcelona

Whenever possible, try to plan your trip on dates that don’t coincide with major local events — avoid visiting while the Mobile World Congress is in Barcelona (usually in late February) when room rates double and triple, and skip Madrid’s Fashion Week (usually in the Summer) unless you’re actually in town to see the latest from Spanish designers.

3. Plan your trip during Spain’s off-season

If the dates work for you, save tons of cash on your trip by choosing the time of year you visit carefully. Try for winter (not Christmas or New Year’s) for the best rates on rooms. Or if you’d like warmer temperatures, aim for the late fall or early spring shoulder seasons for competitive rates on rooms and better weather.

How to get cheaper flights to Spain

With low-cost airlines offering more and more flights to Spain, now is a great time to find cheap airfare.

4. You don’t have to fly round trip

Consider buying two one-way tickets or booking your flights into one city and home from another. For example, fly into Madrid and explore the central part of Spain before you head north and fly home from Barcelona. “Open jaw” trips, as these sorts of itineraries are called, can save you time and money as you don’t have to travel all the way back to where you started. Sometimes these tickets can be even cheaper than regular round-trip tickets.

CheapoSearch: Find low-cost flights to Spain

5. You don’t have to fly into Madrid 

Flying in from the US or Canada? Madrid isn’t your only option. You can also fly into Barcelona, or if fares directly into Spain are pricey, fly into a major hub like London, Munich, Dublin or Paris, and hop a budget airline to your Spanish city of choice.

6. Try flying a low-cost airline

Be sure to take into account budget air carrier options from the US to Europe. There’s also a new kid on the block, Level, a budget airline by Spanish carrier Iberia, with fares starting at $400 RT from Los Angeles, San Francisco, NYC, Boston, or Miami to Barcelona or Madrid. It’s important to note that the cheapest fares don’t include a checked bag or a meal.

7. Add a stopover for extra savings

Not finding a cheap fare directly to Barcelona or Madrid isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it could mean something even better. Stopping over in a major hub city for a day could bring your flight expenses way down and give you the perfect excuse to see a new place.

8. Skip the taxi into the city center

Don’t pick up your bags and head straight to the taxi ranks. In Barcelona and Madrid, there are inexpensive public transit options that will take you directly to the city center from the airport. In Madrid, the subway may be your best bet, but in Barcelona, we recommend the train (if you’re flying into T1 you’ll have to take the free shuttle to T2 to get it.)

Organizing your itinerary

Check out our 10-day itinerary through Spain for a classic trip to the highlights of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville.

9. Take things slowly

Signing up to do too many things in too little time is a sure way to overspend and not have a spare moment to relax. Take your time. Choose a few highlights you don’t want to miss (i.e., see one or two Modernista architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, not all of them) and spend some of your time wandering — sometimes getting lost is the first step to finding your new favorite place

10. Focus on a smaller area 

Instead of trying to see sights from across the entire country, decide on a specific region to explore — you’ll get a much more in-depth understanding of a place and spend less money traveling. More off-the-beaten-path parts of Spain, like Galicia (don’t miss Santiago de Compostela), Asturias, or Teruel and Valderrobres in Aragon, are good choices for extra savings on food and accommodation.

11. Go where the locals go 

If you’ve already seen major highlights from around Spain like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Prado in Madrid, head to lesser-known attractions that locals frequent and small villages and towns near big cities where urbanites go to get away from it all. One of our favorites? The beautiful coastal town of Tossa de Mar near Barcelona.

Want some more itinerary tips? Check out the following articles:

• Spain: 8 Overlooked destinations worth adding to your itinerary
• Best affordable seaside escapes in Spain
• How to save on your trip to Madrid

A Renfe train rolling through a mountain landscape in Spain. Photo: Nelso S

Saving on transportation in Spain

12. Tourist passes aren’t always worth it

Public transportation in Spain is very reasonably priced and easy to use, particularly when it’s aimed at locals. That’s why, for the most part, deals aimed at travelers (Eurorail passes, visitor passes in Barcelona and Madrid) aren’t the best value for your money unless you plan to use transit constantly.

13. Book Renfe train tickets ahead of time

Especially during peak travel times like Easter Week, Christmas, and summer, book your train tickets on the Renfe website ahead of time to get the cheapest tickets. Later in the game, you might not be able to get a tourist class ticket — it’s not worthwhile to pay for first class on Spanish trains.

14. Buy your tickets directly from Renfe

Whatever you do, don’t buy your tickets from third-party vendors. For the lowest prices and a legit ticket, always buy your tickets either from the ticket office in the train station or from Renfe’s official website, renfe.com.

15. Book tickets online for extra savings

There are special offers marked “promo only” available online that will save you a few euros, or quite a few if you want to book a high-speed AVE train.

16. Take the slow train for extra savings

Spain’s high-speed rail, AVE, is understandably more expensive than the plodding regional trains that stop in every village. But unless you’re rushing to make a flight, we think taking the slow train is a great way to see the countryside — and keep your budget in check.

17. Reserve AVE tickets as far in advance as possible

The high-speed AVE tickets are generally more expensive than any other way of arriving at a destination, with one caveat — if you book an AVE ticket far enough in advance, you could get a very good price — we found fares for around €50 each way online.

18. Consider taking the bus

Regional transportation companies like Sagalés buses go places the rails don’t and are usually cheaper than the train.

19. Fly budget for larger distances 

Flying a budget airline between Spanish cities is almost always cheaper than taking the high-speed train, and a good portion of the time, it’s cheaper than taking a slow train.

20. Use a rideshare service for greater flexibility 

If the trains, buses, and flights don’t go where you want to go when you want to go, arrange a rideshare with Bla Bla Car instead. It’s cheaper than a taxi and less hassle than renting a car. For more tips, read our guide to using Bla Bla Car.

Rental cars are a great way to see Spain. Just book in advance! Photo: Travis

Save on rental cars and driving

To really get out and see the Spanish countryside, renting a car is the way to go. However, before you hit book on your reservation or get behind the wheel, there are several tips you should know about. To find the latest prices, check out CheapoSearch to find good rates on car rentals across Europe.

21. Book a car with free cancellation 

Particularly during peak travel times, it’s best to book a car with free cancellation as early as you can. You wouldn’t want to do without a vehicle on your Spanish road trip, would you?

22. Cancel if you find a better deal 

If you’ve booked a car with free cancellation (or cheap cancellation if you didn’t follow through with our first piece of advice), keep looking for better deals as your travel dates approach, and if you find something better, book it and cancel your original reservation. Don’t feel too guilty, the car you’re not taking might end up being some other traveler’s windfall.

23. Pick up your car at the airport

It’s always more money to pick up a car in the city center, and it’s almost never worth the hassle. Even if it means you have to hop a bus to the airport, and a shuttle to the rental parking lot, it’s well worth the money saved, not to mention saving yourself the struggle of driving in traffic in Barcelona or Madrid.

24. Give yourself plenty of time for car pick-up

Give yourself a generous window of time after your flight lands to pick up the car, because if you’re late, the company might give your vehicle away or mark you a no-show, which is no fun.

25. Park carefully in Spain

Parking in the wrong spot in Spain can cost you dearly. Beyond the fines, parking in the wrong space might also get your vehicle hauled off to the local tow lot.

26. Don’t speed 

This is a no-brainer. Take your foot off the gas. An encounter with a police officer in a foreign language is no fun, especially not in a country where fines for speeding range up to €300!

27. Have a paper map

Everywhere I’ve been in Spain, the GPS occasionally fails. Sometimes the signal doesn’t come through or the digital maps haven’t been updated to reflect improvements. Either way, having a current paper map (preferably from your rental company or a tourist office) can really help out in a pinch… not to mention that maps don’t have batteries that run out.

28. Use GPS

That having been said, whether you prefer to use a GPS program on your phone or rent a GPS terminal from the rental office, having the technology will make navigating the confusing bird’s nest of Spanish roads far easier, especially if you’re traveling alone and have to be your own navigator.

29. Don’t drive in big cities (if you can avoid it) 

Big cities in Spain have cheap and reliable public transportation, which begs the question: why drive at all? Especially when driving means you can’t enjoy wine with lunch. If you’re stopping at a big city on your way somewhere else, park the car in a lot on the outskirts. If you’re thinking about keeping the car a few extra days to explore Barcelona or Madrid, return it and hop the Metro instead.

More tips: 10 Tips for renting a car in Spain | How to calculate the “real cost” of a rental car in Europe

Save on budget hotels in Spain

Check out EuroCheapo’s recommended budget hotels in Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville — and book at hundreds more Spanish destinations through our homepage.

30. Book early for the best deals 

Book your accommodations as far in advance as you can. Spain’s excellent selection of basic but comfortable accommodations in 2-star hotels, pensiones and B&Bs fill up fast with locals.

31. Rent something with a kitchen

If staying for a while at the same hotel, we recommend renting something with access to a kitchen to save money on eating out. Especially if you’re going to stay multiple nights, having the option of cooking for yourself will make you feel more at home. Access to a kitchen is particularly advantageous for family travelers and folks who have dietary restrictions.

32. Sleep in a pension

In Spain, pensiones are basic family-run accommodations. Usually, they only have a few rooms but they make for a truly local experience at a very low cost.

33. Save big when you book last minute 

If you’re willing to gamble a little, you could win big by booking your hotel at the last minute. Sometimes waiting to book until the day-of will win you a 4-stary room at a 1-star price. One of my favorite methods is booking a hotel with free cancellation ahead, and then canceling it if I get a better deal on a cheaper room. It’s important to note that as a general rule, walking in the day-of doesn’t usually get you any extra savings.

34. Stay somewhere without a view

Year-round, lodging with a view (beach, mountain or cityscape) will cost you substantially more than a comfortable room facing the inside of a city block or a garden. Since chances are your room is just a place to sleep, the view might not be worth the extra cash.

More hotels tips: How to save on your hotel in Madrid | Saving on your Barcelona accommodations | Our favorite cheap hotels in Seville

Save on sightseeing

35. Pre-book your “can’t-miss” activities

If there’s something you’re sure you absolutely must see that’s in high-demand, book it. Booking ahead will usually cost about the same, but it can save you the fuss of waiting in line. That said, don’t organize your days down to the minute. At most, book one activity per day and be sure to allow yourself lots of free time.

Also, don’t waste your money booking anything right after landing. You might be so exhausted that you sleep through that wine tasting you’ve spent months dreaming about, and who wants that?

Related:
• How to save time and money at the Prado Museum
• How to buy tickets to Alhambra, even at the last minute
• Tips for visiting La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

36. Hit up tourist information booths for tips

Even the most experienced travelers go to tourist information for tips (and free maps!). It’s a good place to get your first dose of local advice on where to eat, sights to see, and how to get places. The free maps will save you, so you don’t have to get a cab back to your hotel, and the advice on where to eat will usually save you from tourist traps like the restaurants on La Rambla.

37. Seek out free things to do 

Barcelona’s Parc Güell may not be free anymore but all of Spain’s major cities have plenty of art and culture available for free — try to plan your museum visits on free days or afternoons. Besides, one of the best activities anywhere in Spain, wandering around, is 100% free everywhere.

38. Be careful buying museum and city passes

Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, and other Spanish cities will try to sell you museum and city passes, and for most travelers, they’re just not worth the investment. Unless you’re a serious museum buff, or you plan to zigzag around the city all day like a crazed mosquito, you should probably just skip it.

Eating and drinking for less in Spain

Spain is a paradise for foodies on a budget. From cheap eats in Barcelona to tapas in Bilbao, you’ll find something tasty (and affordable!) around every corner. Just be careful of overpriced restaurants in more touristy areas like Las Ramblas.

39. Shop for food at grocery stores and local markets

Food out in Spain is cheap, but it’s still cheaper to eat food from the grocery store or the local markets like the famous La Boqueria, even if you stick to prepared stuff. Here are the top grocery stores in Barcelona.

40. Dine out during lunchtime

There’s just no better deal than the menu del día in Spain — in every-day sorts of restaurants you can get a feast of an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, with bread, coffee and wine for around €8-12. Keep an eye out for these must-try local dishes in Spain. Here are our favorite lunch spots in Barcelona.

41. Don’t overtip

Tips aren’t expected in Spain but rounding up small change is appreciated, as is a euro or two for exceptionally good service.

42. Stick to wine and beer 

Keep your alcohol bills to a minimum by drinking like locals do. Spanish wine and local beers (mostly Estrella and Mahou) are very cheap and available almost everywhere.

Still hungry? Check out these 18 tips for eating like a local in Barcelona.

Save on shopping

43.  Rebajas, ofertas and liquidacion are your new best friends

Want to save on your shopping trips in Spain? Make a beeline for establishments advertising discounted merchandise, sales, and clearance. In Spain major sales happen twice yearly, in early January (after 3 Kings) and in August.

44. Don’t forget to get your taxes back

If you’re doing triple to quadruple digit shopping in Spain, make sure to sign up for tax-free refunds. In 2018, Spain removed the minimum spend requirement, but note that for small purchases, the amount of cash involved is probably not worth the hassle. Also, you technically can’t use goods before you leave if you want the VAT refunded.

Stop! Check your phone plan before sharing that selfie in Barcelona. Photo: mingusmutter

Staying in touch for less

45. Buy a Spanish SIM card 

If you want or need to have your phone in full working order during your trip, spring for a pay-as-you-go Spanish SIM card. They’re cheap, and they’ll keep you from racking up insane international roaming charges. Find out more details on buying a SIM card in Europe.

46. Negotiate with your carrier

If you only want to use your phone in case of emergencies or very, very occasionally, it might be of interest to negotiate international roaming terms with your carrier. Whatever you do, don’t travel with a cell phone and use it without having talked to your carrier. Your phone may not work, but if it does, it may cost you a small fortune.

Check out these tips for using your cell phone in Europe without going broke.

47. Use free Wi-Fi

McDonald’s locations, many cafes and bars and even Barcelona’s El Prat airport all offer some form of free Wi-Fi (sometimes it’s limited or with purchase). Make the most of it to stay in touch without jacking up your cell phone bill.

Banks and money

48. Use a no-fee credit card

Before you travel, look at your credit card terms and grab the cards that offer no extra charges on international transactions. You can also rack up your points or miles on chargeable purchases during your trip. Although in the past, it was hard to use credit cards around Spain, more and more businesses are fully equipped to accept your Visa and MasterCard (sorry, no Discover and rarely Amex).

Also, be sure to call the provider ahead of time so that charges aren’t blocked.

49. Don’t change money

If you must take some cash, stash it away in the safe, and don’t change it to euros unless you absolutely have to — the fees and poor rates for converting from dollars just aren’t worth the hassle. Instead, use your bank card for the best exchange rates and lowest commissions. Just be sure to get the all clear with your bank before you leave.

Related: Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe?

50. Leave the traveler’s checks at home

Traveler’s checks are another thing that just aren’t worth the hassle for most folks. Lots of Spanish banks won’t even cash them unless you’re a client at their bank and the places that accept them charge a hefty processing commission. If you’re worried about getting into a pinch if lose your cards, or they stop working, remember that there are Western Union offices all around major cities and Spain, and in a pinch, you could have a friend or family member wire you money.

More tips to save in Spain

Want more of our best advice on spending less in Spain? Check out our favorite budget hotels in Barcelona and Madrid, or search over 60,000 accommodations across Spain including hotels, pensiones, B&Bs and vacation apartments.

For more tips, visit our Spain budget guide for more blog posts.

Are there other ways you’ve used to save cash on your trips to Spain? Share them with us in the comments below.

The post Spain Budget Travel Guide: 50 Ways to save in Spain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It can also be a way to save. There are certain words posted on signs at ticket offices, Metro stops, and on menus that non-Spanish and Catalan speakers’ eyes would glaze over, missing an opportunity on a discount or deal.

With that in mind, here are seven words and phrases that you should look out for in Barcelona, as they might help you unlock some savings.

A quick note about bargaining

Bargaining at the marketplace is not common in Barcelona. If you try to low-ball vendors, you will probably be met with confused or irritated looks. The price listed is the price you pay in Spain, but this doesn’t mean that there are not deals to be had. Read on to find out how to save.

1. “Rebajas”: Sales

From January 7 until the end of February, and again in July to the end of August, there are great discounts to be found in Barcelona shops. Rebajas means “sales,” and you’ll want to keep your eyes open for “rebajas” signs in boutique windows. The best deals are found in clothing and shoe shops, though other emporiums often extend price cuts, too. It is not the norm to have ongoing sales throughout the year in Barcelona. Instead, plan to shop until you drop during these four special months where items can be found for up to 70% off.

2. “Entradas reducidas”: Reduced price tickets

Depending on your age and what you do, you may be able to snag a discount when visiting many of Barcelona’s museums. Entradas are tickets and Entradas reducidas are tickets at a reduced price.

For example, at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), students (estudiantes) get 30% off the €12 ticket price, as do those with a Barcelona library card (Biblioteques de Barcelona – free to sign up for). If you buy a pass on the Bus Turístic or Barcelona City Tour you’ll get 20% off the ticket into MNAC. Look for similar deals at other museums.

3. “Entradas gratuitas”: Free entry

Even better than a discounted ticket is a free ticket. Look for information about entradas gratuitas at museums throughout town. Note that most museums have a few days a year when entrance fees are waived.

In the case of MNAC, it’s free to get in every Saturday after 3 pm, the first Sunday of each month all day, February 12, May 18, September 11, and September 24. Also, anyone under 16 gets into the MNAC for free year round. Again, it pays to take a look at museum websites and see what they have listed under entradas gratuitas, though most will be similar to the MNAC’s offerings.

Related: 5 things that are always free in Barcelona

4. “Menú del día”: Daily lunch special

This is one of my personal faves and a bargain I frequently take advantage of. From Monday to Friday most restaurants in Barcelona offer a menú del día from 1 to 4 pm. The menú del día is more or less the daily lunch special, and usually includes three courses, bread, and a drink (wine!) for under €15. The same amount of food during dinner service will cost at least twice that amount. I especially like indulging in a menú del día at posh eateries that would otherwise be too pricey. I may not always be able to splurge and drop €100 on dinner and wine at a fancy-pants spot like Monvínic, but I can afford their €19.50 menú del día.

Note: It is uncommon to find a menú del día on the weekends (though some restaurants will offer it), and if a restaurant does not have a menú del día midweek, then you’re probably better off going somewhere else.

Related: Five cheap eats under €6 in Barcelona

5. “Mayores de 60”: Older than 60

If you’re over the age of 60, there are price cuts to be had at museums and also on public transportation. For example, those over 65 get into the MNAC for free.

And it’s not just museums: if you’re older than 60 and staying in Barcelona for several months (or live here), you can pay €3.90 for a 10-trip metro ticket instead of €10 when you carry a “Targeta Rosa” card. The Targeta Rosa gets the user all sorts of discounts on public transportation and more. Because you have to be registered in the city to use the Targeta Rosa, this deal will only be useful for those who are staying in Barcelona for several months.

TMB/Metro also offers discounts to young people (under 25) and students. From their website: “If you are under 25, you can buy a T-Jove ticket, which lets you make an unlimited number of journeys over 90 consecutive days. You can buy a T-Jove at ticket machines at metro stations. You will need to enter your ID card number or that of any other official ID document (passport, driver’s license). You must have this ID document with you whenever you use your T-Jove.” See more about metro ticket bargains on the TMB website.

6. “Familias numerosas”: Savings for large families

If you’re traveling with children, you may be able to save some big bucks. Familias numerosas means large families, and often times parents will have to pay for tickets but children will get in for free or at a very reduced rate. Special rates are also available for single parents. For example, at the Catalonia History Museum parents with one child or more pay a reduced rate of €2 instead of €4.50 per person. At the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA Plaça del Rei) “familias numerosas” pay just €5 instead of €7.

7. “Ofertas en Atrapalo”: Online deals

Another way to say “sale” or “deal” in Spanish is oferta. One of the best sites in Barcelona, and across Spain, to look for ofertas is Atrapalo.com. It’s only available in Spanish, so you’ll need to have some grasp of the language to use the website. Atrapalo puts up ofertas for flights, car rentals, restaurant deals, and vacation getaways, but I tend to use them for discount tickets to events such as theater and concerts. Many times they will have tickets to Spanish guitar concerts for €15 instead of €23, and I’ve seen up to 50% off on some performances. If you’re interested in catching a show in Barcelona, it’s worth scrolling through Atrapalo first.

Note that you need access to a printer to use their ofertas, as you’ll have to print off your passes. Most hotels will be able to do this for you. Another site which lists deals in English is Money Saver Spain, though their deals are more general than Atrapalo’s.

Final Tip: Make sure there’s a price

One last word of advice: If there are no prices on a menu or a product, beware. It’s rare, but some unscrupulous shop keepers and restaurant owners might raise the price for tourists. When in doubt, ask to see a menu with the prices on it.

Your ways to save?

Are there ways you save in Barcelona? Let us know!

The post Barcelona: 7 phrases to help you save on your trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, if you’re like me, and enjoy a more low-key but still very fun experience in the city, you don’t need to bring a suitcase full of cash. In fact, for a recent five-day visit, I spent just a little over £200 (around $300) for all of my non-hotel expenses, from the time I reached Victoria Station to the moment I left for Paris on the Eurostar. Throw in four nights at a budget hotel for another £244, and you have a surprisingly affordable trip to one of the world’s most expensive cities.

Related: How I scored a $298 airfare to Europe

Before you start thinking this is impossible, there are a few key points to remember. First you need to score a cheap hotel in a central location and an affordable airfare.

But don’t forget all of the savings that automatically come with traveling abroad. As a New Yorker, I’m used to throwing down a handful of dollars for a round of beers, 20% on top of a $80 meal, and even a dollar tip if I pick up a nice cappuccino. In London, you can throw all of these rules out the window. The money you save on tips really adds up fast over the course of five days.

Plus, with free museums galore, cheap food easily available, and no need for spendy cabs in a very walkable city, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a memorable London experience. Still need proof? Read on for all the details.

Celtic Hotel is charming, cheap and centrally located. All photos by Craig Nelson

1. Book a budget hotel in a great spot

EuroCheapo has plenty of great London budget hotels to choose from, but Cheapos are especially in love with the Celtic Hotel. I reserved four nights here for £244 (about $90 per night, tax included), an incredible bargain for the posh Bloomsbury neighborhood in central London. Not only do you get friendly service from owner Rosanna, but  you also get a number of excellent and money-saving perks, like free WiFi and…

The full English breakfast at Celtic Hotel is the perfect way to start your morning.

2. Fill up with a free breakfast

Speaking of perks, the breakfast at the Celtic Hotel is legendary. And for good reason. Each morning you sit down to a hearty and delicious meal with juice, coffee or tea, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, as well as eggs, toast, and British favorites like mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and beans. Even bacon and sausage are available for the meat lovers. If you plan your meal right, you won’t be hungry until at least early afternoon or even dinner time!

A number of other London hotels on EuroCheapo also feature a complimentary full English breakfast like Luna & Simone and Arosfa Hotel.

Celtic Hotel is just around the corner from the Russell Square Tube station.

3. Choose your location wisely

Another benefit of the Celtic Hotel is that you can get to a lot of the top attractions in no time. The British Museum is only a five-minute walk through beautiful Russell Square. And when you do need to hop on the Tube with your luggage, Russell Square station is just around the corner. There’s no need for a taxi when you stay here.

St Pancras station is only a 15-minute walk from Celtic Hotel.

4. Walk, walk, and walk some more

I love to walk. It’s by far my preferred way of getting around when I’m traveling. You see so much more than cruising by in a taxi or underground on the subway. And even though the weather is usually a little grey, London is one of the finest walking cities in the world. Best of all, it was easy to walk across huge swaths of the city from where I was staying in Bloomsbury.

Most of the places I visited including Borough Market, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Millennium Bridge, British Library, Islington, Camden Town, and Tower of London were only a mile or two away. When it was time to head to my next destination (Paris), I was even able to hike up to St Pancras train station in about 15 minutes. Total cost of all these wonderful walks: £0.

Riding the bus is more fun and a lot cheaper than taking the Tube.

5. Hop on a double-decker city bus

In New York, I never leave home without my unlimited MetroCard, so it was a challenge to resist jumping on the Underground every time I walked by a station. However, I quickly learned that I didn’t have to give up on public transit altogether. Instead I just hopped on a famous double-decker bus. Not only can you grab a sweet view from the top deck, but you’ll save a little bit when compared to the Tube. When you use an Oyster Card, bus rides cost only £1.50 compared to at least £2.90 on the Tube.

Speaking of the Oyster Card, I was able to get everywhere I needed to go in five days with just £15 on mine. You have to pay a small fee to buy it up front, but then you can save the card for future trips to London.

A nice view of the ancient Roman city walls from the free Museum of London.

6. Go to free museums

Another big money-saver in London: You can see some of the world’s best collections of art, history and culture for FREE. During this trip I took in the British Museum, City of London Museum and the British Library.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the free museums in London, but it still provided me with hours of entertainment at absolutely no cost.  You can spend days staring at cultural treasures like the Rosetta Stone and original Beowulf manuscripts. One day, I did pay a €10 supplement to see a fantastic exhibit called Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination at the British Library.

Seeing the Tower of London is impressive from the outside. And cheaper than the pricey admission fee.

7. Admire pricey attractions from the outside

You don’t always have to go inside of a pricey landmark to have a memorable experience. I happened to be in town when the Tower of London poppies display was in full bloom. This tribute to World War I veterans was a stirring sight with the bright colors of the ceramic flowers contrasting with historic stone walls of the tower. Instead of shelling out €22 for an admission ticket, I joined the huge crowds that were there to remember their fallen soldiers. Refreshingly, it was mostly locals who were out to see the poppies, and I was able to chat with some Brits to get their take on this emotional scene.

An evening stroll across Millennium Bridge was a (free) highlight of my trip.

8. Stroll across Millennium Bridge

After a few pints and some fish and chips, an evening stroll is just what you need to end the day in London. My advice is to head to the river walk along South Bank and then cross over the Thames on the Millennium Bridge. It lights up when the sun goes down, and you don’t have to worry about squeezing onto a sidewalk with hundreds of other tourists — it was virtually empty around 8 pm. With the gorgeous St. Paul’s Cathedral hovering in the background, this Sunday night walk was a highlight of my trip.

Columbia Road Flower Market offers a bright splash of color on a grey Sunday morning.

9. Spend Sunday at the Columbia Road Flower Market

I’m not usually an early riser, but the Columbia Road Flower Market is a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning. This year-round market in East London offers a dash of local color to your weekend. Grab a coffee at one of the small cafes and listen to the vendors hawk their plants. Sure, you can’t bring fresh flowers back home on the plane, but a few colorful photos make sweet smelling souvenirs.

Take a weekend walk along Regent’s Canal to Camden Lock Market.

10. Explore the canals

If you get tired of walking the city streets, hop onto the trails that hug the city’s canals. Regent’s Canal is a hidden path where you can experience the city from a very different angle. Not only will you see hundreds of cute houseboats and interesting public art, but you’ll be free from any cars zipping by. Along the canals, there’s no need to make sure you look right instead of left!

Taking a scenic break at the top of Primrose Hill.

11. Chill out in a park

London is famous for its large swaths of open green spaces, and few cities can compare to its park-to-concrete ratio. Make sure to spend at least one afternoon or morning relaxing in a famous London refuge like Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, or Greenwich Park. For extra bonus points, climb to the top of Primrose Hill (adjacent to Regent’s Park) for stunning skyline views.

Related: Best London views for free

Spending a quiet Sunday night at the Lamb with the ghost of Dickens.

12. Spend a night writing postcards

Instead of spending money on a show or concert, I chose to spend a quiet evening at the historic Lamb pub. I found a cozy table, ordered a pint and dashed off some cards to friends and family back home. It’s one of the benefits of getting out on the road and disconnecting from your gadgets. I met a few locals and had some time to reflect on my trip and plan what else I wanted to do before I left. This relaxing night on the town cost a whopping £4.

Roaming around Borough Market is rewarded with tasty snacks and free samples.

13. Fill up on free samples

Wherever you may wander in London, try to plot a course for one of the many food markets across the city. After a lovely walk to Primrose Hill, I strolled the canals to Camden Lock Market on a Saturday where the Global Kitchen vendors offered an incredible selection of international eats. The next day I trekked across the Thames to Borough Market, which was celebrating the annual Apple Festival.

There was no need for lunch on either day, because I tried free tastes of everything from cave-aged English cheese and local smoked meats to Jamaican jerk chicken and Indian naan wraps. Some of the samples were huge!

Diwana offers a delicious special of Indian meals every night of the week.

14. Feast for £6.60

You might not find four-star atmosphere, but the Indian food served up at Diwana is fantastic. This busy spot near Euston Station offers a daily £6.60 dinner special, even on the weekends. I was very happy with my Sunday night meal of Muttar Paneer (pea and cheese curry), fresh paratha (grilled flatbread), raita and salad. Plus, it scores extra cheapo points for its BYOB policy.

15. Save on an upscale lunch (by sitting at the bar)

Since my mission was to spend wisely, I didn’t hit up any fancy restaurants for a blowout dinner. But that doesn’t mean I still didn’t eat well. For a more upscale lunch, you can visit St. John Restaurant, and sit in the bar section that’s open all day. Order a couple of small plates (£6-9 each) from the bar, and chow down on their famous roast bone marrow and parsley salad, or the mussels, leeks and salsify. It won’t be your cheapest meal of the trip, but it just might be your tastiest.

Wenlock Arms is a neighborhood favorite in Hackney for great cask ales and homemade food.

16. Get to know the neighborhood pubs

I love a good drink, and there’s no place like the pubs of London to enjoy a sip of ale. Surprisingly, the beer was not only bigger (20 oz.) than in New York bars, but it was also cheaper, even with the currency conversion! Many pubs offer lovely stouts, bitters and brown ales for around £3.50 ($5.25). Not bad at all since you don’t have to throw in an extra buck or two on top for the tip. I ventured outside the city center to local gems like Wenlock Arms and King’s Head Pub & Theatre.

Cittie of Yorke pours cheap pints of cask ale all day and night.

17. Grab a Cheapo pint in an historic tavern

I also found a great deal on pints in some surprising places. Two popular landmark pubs, Cittie of Yorke  and Princess Louise, were both serving special €2.90 pints of Samuel Smith pulled from wooden casks. That’s a tiny price to pay for a pint of excellent beer that you can enjoy in a marvelous historic interior.

Keep an eye out for unique snacks when exploring local markets.

18. Satisfy your snack attacks

Keep an eye out for local delicacies that make the perfect afternoon snack. Since I started each day with a huge breakfast, lunch was usually an afterthought. But when my stomach started to rumble I’d grab some homemade pasties or scones for (£2-3) or keep an eye out for something tasty.

For example I found a local shop named Lee’s Seafood near the Columbia Flower Market that was selling a special Sunday sandwich. It was packed with two delicious Cumbrian sausages, caramelized onions and rocket (“arugula” back in the States) for only £3.

19. Stock up at the supermarket

Supermarket prices at big-name chains like Sainsbury are very fair, especially when compared to New York. A huge bottle of sparkling spring water was going for 90 pence, and most of the scrumptious chocolate bars could be had for anywhere between 35 – 60 p. I dare you to try to buy a bottle of Perrier and two gourmet chocolate bars for $2.50 back in the States!

A crispy plate of fish and chips at Golden Union in Soho.

20. Don’t forget the classic fish and chips

To keep my budget in check, I stuck to classic British fare. Of course you can find British fare the world ’round, but somehow fish and chips just tastes better in London. For takeaway, you can try local shops like Kennedy’s where you can get a “small” (which could easily feed two) for about £6 or £7.

For something a little more fancy then your typical chip shop, Golden Union in Soho offers a range of fish from rock salmon, haddock and cod that are all local and sustainable. They even bake homemade pies. You can get either with a huge pile of chips for about £11.

21. Bring home unique cheapo souvenirs

Instead of typical tourist souvenirs, I tend to pick up a random assortment of items when I travel. In London I found a sturdy shopping bag at Borough Market, a bag of tea from a local shop, and a book at the newly renovated Foyle’s. Even if you don’t buy anything at the bookshop, it’s a great place to browse and escape the rain or hustle and bustle of the city. There’s a beautiful cafe on the top floor, and the public restrooms come in handy when you’re in and around Soho.

5-day budget

Transport: €20
Museums: €10
Food: €105
Drinks: €25
Coffee: €10
Souvenirs: €20
Postcards & stamps: €10
4 nights at Celtic Hotel: €244
TOTAL: £444

Your tips? How do you save in London?

Now you’ve seen the ways that I saved on my trip. How do you save when visiting London? Share with us in the comments section below.

The post 21 simple ways I saved on my trip to London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.