How to Eat Like a Local in Europe on a Budget: A Traveler’s Guide to Affordable Meals

You’ve spent all your savings on the plane ticket, traveling costs, and accommodation to make this dream come true, but now what? How will you survive your trip to Europe? Will you have money for food?

How will I survive my trip to Europe?

Traveling through Europe doesn’t have to drain your wallet—especially when it comes to food. Imagine enjoying freshly baked baguettes in France, a slice of pizza in Italy, or a savory kebab in Germany, all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a backpacker or just looking to save a few euros, this guide will show you how to eat like a local, savoring the continent’s best flavors while sticking to a budget.

Most affordable options

If you’re traveling through Europe on a budget, you’ll still find plenty of tasty and affordable options like:

Street Food:

Many European cities have street food that is both affordable and delicious. For example:

In Italy, you can grab pizza by the slice or a panino (sandwich).
In France, look for crêpes or a simple baguette sandwich.
In Germany, you’ll find currywurst (sausage) or a doner kebab.
And if you’re traveling to Hungary, you must try the Chimney cakes. (Top foods to try in Hungary…read more…)

Supermarkets:

Europe’s supermarkets are your best friend. Chains like Lidl, Aldi, and Carrefour offer affordable groceries, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. Stock up on essentials like bread, cheese, fruit, or yogurt, which are cheap and filling. Think “picnic food”. In Switzerland, buy your picnic food and step out in nature to enjoy your food in the fresh air. It is much cheaper than the restaurants, and you’ll have a fantastic view, creating wonderful and lasting memories.

Bakeries and Cafes:

Local bakeries sell pastries, sandwiches, and coffee at a fraction of restaurant prices. In France, a fresh croissant or pain au chocolat is both cheap and tasty. In Spain, small tapas or bocadillos (sandwiches) from cafes are good options.

Ethnic Cuisine:
- Across Europe, you’ll find affordable ethnic food like Turkish kebabs, Middle Eastern falafel, or Asian noodle shops that are budget-friendly.
Meal Deals:
- Some cities offer lunch specials or fixed-price menus that are cheaper than dinner prices. Look for these deals, especially in local, family-owned restaurants.
Markets:
- Open-air markets sell fresh produce, meats, and cheeses at good prices. Pick up ingredients for a picnic or simple meal, and enjoy it in a park.
Fast Food Chains:
- While not the healthiest option, fast food like McDonald’s or Burger King can offer cheap meals in a pinch. You’ll also find local chains that offer quick bites.

🕮 Suggested Read: Travel smarter, not heavier! The 13 Must-Have Travel Essentials for a Seamless Journey.

Set money aside for those special treats...

Each country has a few must-try dishes, but unfortunately, they are not all budget-friendly. But then: How will I survive my trip to Europe on a tight food budget, and still enjoy these treats? There are a few that will not break the bank… Snacks, Food, and Drinks you must try in:

Panini and Tramezzini

Panini (sandwiches) filled with prosciutto, cheese, or vegetables are a budget traveler’s go-to. You can find these for around €3 to €5 at bakeries, cafes, or food stalls.
Tramezzini are triangular sandwiches, often stuffed with tuna, eggs, or ham, and are a light and affordable snack.

Gelato

A treat you can’t miss! Even on a budget, a small gelato will cost around €3. It’s the perfect pick-me-up when you’re exploring Italy’s cities.

Coffee

- Italians typically stand at the bar to enjoy their coffee (un caffè or espresso) for as little as €1, which is much cheaper than sitting at a café table.

Supermarkets and Discount Chains:

- Visit budget-friendly supermarkets like Hofer (Austria’s Aldi), Lidl, and Spar for groceries, ready-made sandwiches, and snacks. You can grab fresh bread, cheese, deli meats, and fruit for an inexpensive picnic or meal on the go.

Würstelstands:

- These street food stands are popular throughout Austria, especially in Vienna. You can buy sausages like käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) or bratwurst with bread for around €3 to €4. It’s a cheap and filling meal.

Bakeries and Pastry Shops:

Local bakeries offer affordable options like Brot (bread), Semmel (rolls), and Strudel (apple strudel) for breakfast or a snack. Grab a coffee and a pastry for just a few euros.

Lunch Specials (Mittagsmenü):

Many restaurants in Austria offer lunch specials, called Mittagsmenü, where you can get a two- or three-course meal for €10 to €15. It’s cheaper than eating out for dinner and still lets you try local dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Gulasch.

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Boulangeries (Bakeries):

- Freshly baked bread, croissants, and pain au chocolat are affordable and filling. You can grab a baguette for around €1, which makes a great base for sandwiches with supermarket cheese and meats.

Supermarkets and Markets:

- French supermarkets like Carrefour, Monoprix, and Intermarché have cheap, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and drinks. You can also visit open-air markets for fresh produce, cheeses, and prepared food like roasted chicken.

Picnics in the Park:

- One of the best ways to save money is to pack a picnic. With bread, cheese, cured meats, and wine from a local supermarket or market, you can create a French meal on a budget. Parks like the Champ de Mars in Paris are perfect spots to enjoy your meal with a view.

Street Food and Crêperies:

- Street vendors and small crêpe stands are great for quick, cheap meals. Savory crêpes with ham and cheese or sweet ones with Nutella.

Market Halls:

- Visit local markets like the famous Great Market Hall in Budapest. Here, you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and prepared Hungarian dishes like lángos (fried dough with toppings) for a few euros.

Street Food:

- Street food in Hungary is both tasty and affordable. Try kürtőskalács (chimney cake), lángos (typically topped with sour cream and cheese), or a sausage sandwich for around €2 to €5. These are filling, local specialties you’ll find in most cities.

Daily Menus (Napi Menü):

Many restaurants and cafes offer napi menü—a fixed-price lunch deal where you get a soup and main dish for around €5 to €8. Traditional dishes like goulash, pörkölt (stew), or chicken paprikash are common options in these deals.

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How will I survive my trip to Europe? – Can I live on bread alone…

Bread is not only universally affordable, but you also get a fabulous variety: No matter where you go in Europe, from France to Hungary, bread is cheap and filling. Picture a fresh baguette with a stunning view…

Endless topping possibilities: You can pair it with cheap toppings like cheese, ham, peanut butter, or Nutella, which you can easily buy at supermarkets. In Italy, grab some fresh mozzarella or tomatoes; in Spain, try jamón or olive oil; in Germany, sausage and mustard.
It’s available everywhere: Whether you’re in a bustling city or a small village, you’ll always find bread at bakeries, supermarkets, or markets. It’s a convenient and consistent snack.

Roggebrood (Netherlands):
- A dense rye bread with a rich, slightly sweet flavor. It’s commonly eaten with cheese or cold cuts and is affordable at around €2 to €3 in bakeries or supermarkets.
Pita (Greece):
- The Greek pita is fluffy and perfect for wraps or dipping in tzatziki. A single piece costs about €1 to €2, and it’s widely available at bakeries and markets.
Pretzel (Germany):
- Germany’s soft pretzel (Brezel) is an affordable and delicious snack, with its salty crust and chewy texture. You can find them fresh from bakeries or street vendors for about €1 to €2.

Belokranjska Pogača (Slovenia):
- This flatbread from the Bela Krajina region is topped with salt and caraway seeds. It’s a simple, tasty, and cheap snack available at bakeries or local markets

Baguette (France):
- The iconic French baguette is crispy on the outside and soft inside. It’s perfect for making sandwiches or enjoying with cheese, and usually costs just €1 or less at bakeries.
Ciabatta (Italy):
- A rustic Italian bread with a chewy texture and airy interior, perfect for dipping in olive oil or making a delicious panini. You can find it for around €2 at most bakeries or supermarkets.
Focaccia (Italy):
- This flatbread, often topped with olive oil, herbs, and sometimes vegetables, is soft and flavorful. It’s a cheap street food in places like Liguria and Tuscany, costing around €2 to €4 per slice.

...and if all else fails:

“Let them eat cake!” a famous quote mistakenly attributed to Marie Antoinette, symbolizing the monarchy’s disconnect from the poor, but she never said it; the phrase actually should be: (in French pronounced: “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche” – “Let them eat brioche”) in writings by Jean-Jacques Rousseau decades earlier, which means: Let them eat a rich, buttery bread called brioche…

Now THAT’s how I will survive my trip to Europe !

Exploring Europe on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or variety. From the crisp baguettes of France to the hearty lángos of Hungary, each country offers its own affordable bread delights that not only satisfy your hunger but also provide a delicious glimpse into local culinary traditions. So, whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or enjoying a leisurely picnic, these budget-friendly ideas will keep you fueled and delighted throughout your European adventure.

TRAVEL TIP:

Too Good To Go – toogoodtogo.com

This app helps you buy surplus food from restaurants and bakeries at reduced prices, reducing food waste and saving you money.

How will I survive my trip to Europe? Maybe the question is “How will I survive when I get back…” LOL – Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. We’ve discovered many recipes during our travels and the recipes are easy enough for you to make at home. Try them:

How to Eat Like a Local in Europe on a Budget: A Traveler’s Guide to Affordable Meals

How will I survive my trip to Europe?

Most affordable options

Street Food:

Supermarkets:

Bakeries and Cafes:

Set money aside for those special treats...

Panini and Tramezzini

Gelato

Coffee

Supermarkets and Discount Chains:

Würstelstands:

Bakeries and Pastry Shops:

Lunch Specials (Mittagsmenü):

Boulangeries (Bakeries):

Supermarkets and Markets:

Picnics in the Park:

Street Food and Crêperies:

Market Halls:

Street Food:

Daily Menus (Napi Menü):

Roggebrood (Netherlands):

Pita (Greece):

Pretzel (Germany):

Belokranjska Pogača (Slovenia):

Baguette (France):

Ciabatta (Italy):

Focaccia (Italy):

...and if all else fails: