The Budget-Friendly Dining Option Rick Steves Enjoys While Visiting Europe

Dining out is one of the top things tourists look forward to when visiting Europe. Whether you're a foodie exploring the incredible city of Lisbon, the amazing cuisine of Madrid, or hopping around the continent, Europe's food culture is deeply unforgettable. But expenses can pile up if you're not careful, especially if you're in a major city or around major attractions, where prices tend to be on the high side. As a means of ensuring a budget-friendly travel experience, travel expert Rick Steves advises against dining out frequently.

On his website, Steves recommends picnicking as an alternative to fine dining, writing, "Ten dollars buys a fine picnic lunch for two almost anywhere in Europe." While this may come across as surprising to some people, it's certainly true that you can easily gather fresh and filling local meals from open-air markets, bakeries, and grocery stores without spending as much as you would in a restaurant. This allows you to enjoy great ingredients and real flavors of the region without a strain on your purse.

Shopping for your meal also has a way of adding to the entire culinary adventure. At European grocery stores, you can find meats, quiche, and all kinds of ready-to-eat everyday treats at deli counters. You don't have to worry about translating a menu if you don't speak the language, either. Steves advises travelers to "just point to what you want."

Rick Steves offers other tips to save money on European dining. "Stock your hotel room with drinks and munchies upon arrival," he writes on his blog. So, your budget journey in Europe shouldn't only be about getting a pocket-friendly hotel; having what you can munch on is equally essential. One of the benefits is that it helps to avoid buying on impulse; it'll also be easy to throw together a meal anytime you want, as Steves believes this gives "a relaxing and cheap picnic in my home away from home." Make sure to keep your hotel room tidy, though, because some hoteliers frown at picnicking in the room because of such a possibility.

Moreover, having snacks available may also help your train rides feel more interesting, as Steves confirms, saying, "You can pass train rides enjoyably over a picnic meal." While you get to avoid the overpriced and probably low-quality snacks at the station, you also get to enjoy every moment of the ride beyond being just a means of transport. So, this almost serves as an all-in-one travel tip that saves time and money without making your European trip less fun.

That said, there's something important to note when buying food by weight. Steves advises that people visiting Europe should familiarize themselves with the metric system. This helps to avoid awkward moments or buying more than planned when shopping. You should know, for example, that 100 grams (which is a little under a quarter pound) is known as an etto in Italy. However, if you're having trouble with the local language, Steves still has a way out: he recommends pointing at your intended food and writing the amount on paper; alternatively, you may use the notepad or translation app on your mobile phone.