Rick Steves' Clever Tip To Avoid Overpaying For Meals At Restaurants In Europe

When money is an issue, we tend to cut back, cancel things, and generally tighten our belts. However, whether a European vacation is a bucket list item for you, you're visiting family you haven't seen forever, or you're just desperate to get away, travel is important for so many reasons. Enter travel pro Rick Steves. He always has practical money advice for European travelers, like looking at fixed-price menus or booking during the shoulder season. Steves has yet another clever tip on his website to avoid overpaying for restaurants in Europe, and it's a good one. Instead of sitting down at a fancy restaurant for all your meals, Steves recommends visiting bakeries and sandwich shops for lunch or even dinner. 

Like many bakeries in the U.S., you can often get far more than sweet treats. He says, "Bakeries are a good place to pick up basic sandwiches, tiny pizzas, or something equally cheap and fast but with more of a regional flavor (such as savory pasties in England or a croque monsieur sandwich in France)." Whether you're eating on the go, or sitting down for a few moments for your sandwich, it also gives you more time for sightseeing. On a recent trip to Italy, I did just that, stopping for a sandwich that I could take along as I ran to the next historical venue I was dying to see. It saved a whole lot of money and time. 

Steves mentions some specific places that are great for an inexpensive meal in Europe, like Deli de Luca in Norway, Pret a Manger in the U.K. (which you can find in some U.S. cities as well), and Spain's Pans & Company as options for good salads, sandwiches, and pastries, though you can look at local spots that aren't franchises as well. It's a good idea to know the words for bakeries, sandwich shops, and delis in the language of the country you're visiting. He also suggests considering street foods, cafeterias, and even fast food spots as options. Picnics are another one of Steves' great tips. Visiting a local grocery store for a loaf of crusty bread, cheese, sliced meats, and maybe a bottle of wine (check the local alcohol ordinances to make sure you can drink it where you decide to sit) is a fun way to experience what life is like in another country. You may even discover a new favorite flavor or brand. (Apricot juice in Italy is my grocery store discovery.) 

Of course, if you're hitting a bakery, you're going to want to get yourself a dessert or two. After all, you're on vacation. In another post, Steves suggests trying out local dessert specialties. Finally, to continue on your money-saving European adventure, check out Steves' suggestions about eating near market halls.