How to Eat Cheap While Traveling in Europe

Food is one of the joys of travel — but dining out in Europe can get expensive fast. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy delicious meals without overspending. Here’s how to eat cheap and still enjoy the best of European cuisine.

🍞 1. Buy from Supermarkets

Most European supermarkets offer affordable ready-made meals, sandwiches, and snacks.

Why it works:

Cheaper than restaurants
Great for picnics
Local chains (Lidl, Carrefour, Billa) offer regional options

🌯 2. Eat Street Food and Local Markets

Cities like Berlin, Budapest, and Istanbul have fantastic street food scenes.

Examples:

Gyros in Greece
Currywurst in Germany
Goulash soup in Hungary

Local food markets (like Mercat de Sant Josep in Barcelona or Naschmarkt in Vienna) offer quality food at local prices.

🧑‍🍳 3. Use Hostel or Airbnb Kitchens

Buying ingredients and cooking a few meals can save you big money.

Tips:

Cook breakfast or dinner and eat out for lunch (when menus are cheaper)
Share meals with fellow travelers

🍽️ 4. Look for Daily Menus

Many restaurants offer a “menu del día” or prix fixe lunch, especially in Spain, Portugal, and France.

What you get:

2–3 courses + drink
Great quality at a fraction of dinner prices

🧾 5. Avoid Tourist Hotspots

Restaurants near major attractions charge much more. Walk 5–10 minutes away and check local reviews.

Use apps like:

Google Maps
TripAdvisor
TheFork (for deals)

🥐 6. Enjoy Free Breakfasts

If your hostel or hotel includes breakfast, make the most of it. Some even let you take fruit or sandwiches for the road.

🍎 Bonus: Farmers’ Markets and Bakeries

Fresh bread, fruit, and local cheese can make a perfect low-cost lunch — with real local flavor.

Final Tip:

Eating cheap doesn’t mean eating poorly.
With a little planning and curiosity, you can enjoy tasty, authentic meals throughout Europe — and save your budget for more adventures.