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Tips for keeping food costs down during a Europe trip?

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Rumen_B
Joined:
29.06.2020
Posts: 1243
Topic Starter
04.01.2025 05:17
I'm planning a three-week backpacking trip through Western Europe this summer and I'm really worried about my daily food budget. Eating out at restaurants for every meal is definitely going to break the bank, but I also don't want to just survive on supermarket bread and cheese the whole time. Does anyone have advice on how to find affordable local spots or hacks for grocery shopping abroad? I'm staying in hostels with kitchens, so I'm open to cooking, but I'd love to know how to make that work without wasting money on ingredients I can't finish. Any tips would be super appreciated!
19 replies in this topic
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Roman_88
Joined:
04.10.2023
Posts: 1287
19.01.2025 17:18
Hit up the local markets right before they close! Vendors often drop prices on produce and baked goods significantly to clear their stock for the next day.
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Leni_C
Joined:
07.01.2022
Posts: 1319
27.01.2025 21:55
In reply to a previous post
That's a great tip! Also, look for 'Menu del Dia' in Spain or similar lunch specials elsewhere. You get a three-course meal for half the price of dinner.
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Fari_P
Joined:
08.07.2022
Posts: 1458
18.03.2025 15:41
Street food is your best friend. Döner kebabs, currywurst, or crêpes are cheap, filling, and authentic enough to feel like a real experience.
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krisi_r
Joined:
02.04.2022
Posts: 2119
25.03.2025 05:46
Honestly, just carry a reusable water bottle. Bottled water is a massive hidden cost in tourist areas. Tap water is safe almost everywhere in Western Europe.
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Oli_L
Joined:
04.10.2023
Posts: 1807
26.03.2025 21:10
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the water bottle tip, but make sure to check if it's drinkable. Some places in Italy have beautiful fountains with free, cold, delicious water.
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Leon_M
Joined:
07.10.2022
Posts: 89
14.04.2025 15:43
When shopping for the hostel kitchen, focus on 'staples' like pasta, eggs, and onions. Don't buy full bottles of spices-just use what's already in the hostel pantry or ask other travelers.
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Filip_G
Joined:
18.07.2020
Posts: 943
07.06.2025 07:35
In reply to a previous post
Exactly! Most hostels have a 'free shelf' where people leave half-used pasta, oil, and salt. Always check that before you go to the store.
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ObiknovenChovek
Joined:
20.02.2024
Posts: 677
11.06.2025 21:10
Avoid eating anywhere that has pictures of the food on the menu or 'tourist menus' displayed in English out front. Walk three blocks away from the main square and the prices will drop by 40%.
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Leni_C
Joined:
24.05.2024
Posts: 558
24.06.2025 05:29
In reply to a previous post
This is the golden rule. If the waiter is standing outside trying to pull you in, keep walking.
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chicho_savet
Joined:
14.01.2025
Posts: 2290
01.07.2025 05:11
Try the 'Too Good To Go' app. It lets you buy leftover food from restaurants and bakeries at the end of the day for a fraction of the original price.
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bai_ivan
Joined:
21.07.2021
Posts: 544
05.07.2025 18:23
In reply to a previous post
I second that! I used it in Paris and got a massive bag of pastries for like 3 euros.
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grigor_b
Joined:
11.03.2025
Posts: 1248
16.08.2025 12:12
Don't underestimate the grocery store 'prepared' section. Buying a pre-made salad or a rotisserie chicken from a supermarket like Carrefour or Rewe is much cheaper than a restaurant meal.
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Alisa_K
Joined:
16.06.2023
Posts: 56
21.08.2025 19:31
In reply to a previous post
Just be careful with the rotisserie chicken, you'll be smelling like poultry for the rest of the train ride haha.
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vesko_55
Joined:
26.11.2022
Posts: 1839
13.09.2025 00:51
If you really want to save, eat your biggest meal at lunch and stick to a picnic for dinner. Parks in Europe are perfect for a cheap wine and cheese setup.
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GospodinNikoi
Joined:
10.10.2024
Posts: 1426
01.10.2025 00:52
Breakfast is usually included in hostels, right? Load up on as much as you can there, especially bread and fruit, and keep it for a snack later.
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nov_tuk
Joined:
13.11.2025
Posts: 1293
28.01.2026 15:08
In reply to a previous post
Just don't be that guy stuffing a whole loaf of bread into his backpack at the breakfast buffet, it's a bit embarrassing.
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Yani_Z
Joined:
29.08.2021
Posts: 362
25.03.2026 10:06
Look for local bakeries for breakfast instead of cafes. A croissant and a coffee to go is way cheaper than sitting down for a full breakfast service.
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Lori_N
Joined:
14.06.2022
Posts: 1295
06.04.2026 09:33
What about coffee? I'm a caffeine addict and those 5-euro lattes in tourist traps add up so fast.
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Yavor_K
Joined:
28.12.2020
Posts: 2498
09.04.2026 17:00
In reply to a previous post
Skip the lattes and drink the local espresso standing at the bar in Italy. It costs like 1 euro and you feel like a local!

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