Ahhh, food. Hands down eating is the best part of a trip, regardless of where you go. And in many places, food is ingrained into the culture! So this is why we always tell people to never turn down a good meal when traveling in Europe.
This is not going to be one of those blog posts where I tell you to grocery shop and eat home-cooked meals twice a day, because let’s be honest, nobody wants to do that when on vacation. You want to eat everything, experience everything, and take cool pictures of your food.
Now we’re not asking you to break bank on fine dining, but hopefully you have a decent amount of budget for food because you took the tips and tricks on saving on flights and stay from us to heart… Right??? All of that aside here are even more ways to save money in Europe, even as a self-proclaimed foodie!
So, without further ado (did I spell that right?) let’s get started! Also, I’ll list these as suggestions, because we all know that it’s hard to follow these to the letter, and a little self-indulgence never hurt anyone… that much.
Our first suggestion
Opt for a pastry/espresso combo for breakfast! This will cost you anywhere between $4-$6 depending on what you get. Most bakeries and cafes will sell espresso for a cool one euro and eighty cents! The cost of coffee will go up if you are on the beach (granted, not by much, but still, this adds up!).
Suggestion 2:
Look for more takeaway style foods/street food for lunch! This is a tasty and affordable way to save you a pretty penny! Leave the sit down dining for dinner, that’s when Europe comes to life anyways. Prepare to eat dinner at 7 or 8 PM! Look for doner kabobs, gyros, savory crepes, or even local delicacies!
Suggestion 3:
When you ask for water, ask for tap water! At restaurants in Europe, they will automatically bring you a bottle of water. And depending on how nice the place is, they might ask you if you want it in the bottle, still, or sparkling. Oh, and be wary, some places aren’t the best to drink the tap water. For instance, in Greece, don’t drink the tap water. Always get a bottle. It’ll set you back a euro or two, but hey, better to spend more time eating and less time on the toilet.
Suggestion 4:
When you decide to sit down for a nicer meal, try to find a place a little off the beaten path. We’ve occasionally walked away from the hubs or town centers and have found smaller taverns where the meals are four to five euros less than in the more populated areas. And who knows, you might find your new favorite spot, and without the noise and wait!
Happy eating,
David & Cosette
