How to Save Money on Dining While Backpacking

Food is often one of the greatest joys of travel—and also one of the fastest ways to obliterate your budget. Whether you’re wandering the alleyways of Lisbon or navigating the markets of Kraków, eating well without overspending is a skill every backpacker should master. Fortunately, with a bit of foresight and some clever tactics, it’s entirely possible to enjoy delicious, nourishing meals while keeping your wallet intact.

This comprehensive guide offers practical and inventive travel food tips, revealing how to enjoy cheap dining in Europe without resorting to bland noodles or skipping meals. From supermarket strategies to cultural hacks, here’s how to make the most of every bite on a backpacker’s budget.

Why Dining Costs Can Spiral Quickly

Eating out—particularly in tourist-heavy areas—adds up alarmingly fast. A single restaurant meal in Paris, Amsterdam, or Vienna can cost €15–€25, and even casual cafes often exceed €10 for a basic dish. Add in drinks, snacks, and impulse purchases, and you could easily spend more on food than accommodation.

The Golden Rule: Diversify Your Dining Approach

The key to successful budget meals while backpacking isn’t depriving yourself—it’s variety. Mixing supermarket meals, street food, self-catering, and the occasional splurge keeps your expenses in check and your experience diverse.

1. Master the Art of the Supermarket Meal

Europe’s supermarkets are treasure troves for the frugal traveller. Not only are they stocked with affordable local food, but many also offer ready-to-eat meals, bakeries, and even dine-in sections.

Best Supermarket Chains for Budget Travellers:

• Lidl and Aldi (Germany, Austria, France, Spain) – Unbeatable for value and simplicity
• Billa and Spar (Central and Eastern Europe) – Good for regional produce and budget snacks
• Carrefour and Intermarché (France, Belgium) – Often include rotisserie chicken, pre-made sandwiches, and fresh baguettes
• REWE (Germany) – Offers generous salad bars and warm lunch options

Pro Tip: Look for discounted items near closing time or in the “last chance” sections. In many cities, prepared meals drop by up to 50% after 6 p.m.

2. Embrace Hostels with Kitchens

One of the easiest ways to save money is by cooking your own meals. Hostels with communal kitchens allow you to prepare hearty, home-style food for a fraction of restaurant prices.

Cooking Tips for Backpackers:

• Stick to simple meals: pasta, stir-fries, omelettes, soups
• Share ingredients with fellow travellers to reduce waste and costs
• Bring basic spices or oil packets to enhance bland ingredients

Pro Tip: Hostels near fresh markets offer the chance to pick up local produce and cook meals that reflect the region without paying restaurant premiums.

3. Eat Like a Local—Literally

In many European countries, locals dine differently—and it pays to mimic their habits.

Observe Local Customs:

• Lunch, not dinner is the main meal in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Opt for the “menu del dia” (set lunch menu), which offers multiple courses for €8–€12.
• In Eastern Europe, visit milk bars (bary mleczne) in Poland or canteens in the Balkans for hearty, traditional food at incredibly low prices.

Pro Tip: Ask your hostel staff or Couchsurfing host for tips on affordable, local-frequented restaurants—they’ll steer you away from overpriced tourist traps.

4. Prioritise Street Food and Market Fare

Cheap dining in Europe doesn’t have to mean boring or unhealthy. Street vendors and food markets provide quick, tasty, and culturally rich meals for less than €5.

Top Picks Across Europe:

• Portugal: Bifana sandwiches (€2–€3)
• Hungary: Langos in Budapest (€2.50–€4)
• Greece: Gyros and souvlaki (€2–€3.50)
• Germany: Currywurst or döner kebab (€3–€5)
• Poland: Zapiekanka and pierogi stalls (€2–€4)

Pro Tip: Markets like Lisbon’s Time Out Market or Florence’s Mercato Centrale offer diverse meals from local chefs—at lower costs than formal dining.

5. BYOB and Water Wisdom

Europe’s tap water is safe, delicious, and—importantly—free. Buying bottled drinks can double your daily food spend unnecessarily.

Water-Saving Tactics:

• Carry a refillable water bottle (collapsible ones are great for light packers)
• Look for public fountains, common in Italy, France, and Switzerland
• Avoid ordering water in restaurants unless it’s free—some charge €3–€5 per bottle

Beverage Bonus: In countries like France, Spain, and Portugal, it’s often cheaper to order a small glass of house wine than a soft drink.

6. Avoid Tourist Zones When Dining Out

It may be tempting to grab dinner steps from the Eiffel Tower or the Grand Place, but restaurants in tourist hotspots often inflate prices while offering mediocre quality.

Better Alternatives:

• Walk 5–10 minutes away from major attractions
• Choose places with menus in the local language and fewer photos
• Avoid places where someone is trying to pull you in from the street—it’s usually a red flag

Pro Tip: Use apps like TheFork, HappyCow (for vegetarian options), and Google Reviews filtered by price to discover low-cost gems.

7. Opt for Accommodation with Breakfast Included

Many hostels and budget hotels include breakfast in their nightly rate. This can significantly reduce your daily food spend, especially if you eat a large meal in the morning.

Tips to Make It Count:

• Fill up on protein and carbs (eggs, toast, fruit)
• Take a banana or yogurt for a mid-morning snack (where allowed)
• Choose hostels offering buffet-style options for better value

Pro Tip: Booking platforms like Hostelworld and Booking.com often let you filter results by “free breakfast included.”

8. Meal Prep for Travel Days

Long bus or train rides can lead to impulse buying at stations or onboard cafés, where prices are typically steep.

Travel Prep Hacks:

• Pack sandwiches, fruit, and snacks the night before
• Bring reusable cutlery and a Tupperware container for leftovers
• Buy tea bags or instant coffee to mix with hostel hot water

Pro Tip: Keep small snacks on hand (nuts, crackers, granola bars) to avoid overpriced impulse purchases between meals.

9. Use Grocery Delivery Apps and Takeaway Deals

In cities with delivery infrastructure, apps like Too Good To Go offer surplus food from cafes, bakeries, and restaurants at heavily reduced rates.

Apps to Try:

• Too Good To Go: Pre-packed meals for €2–€5
• Gorillas / Getir / Flink: Grocery delivery apps in many urban areas
• Wolt and Bolt Food: Often run promotions on first orders

Pro Tip: Download these apps in advance and look out for discount codes for new users.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Skip a Meal

Not every day needs three full meals. On slower days or following a large lunch, a light dinner or hearty snack may suffice.

Smart Skipping:

• Have brunch instead of breakfast and lunch
• Substitute dinner with a street snack and fruit
• Drink herbal tea or water to curb hunger while staying hydrated

Pro Tip: Listen to your body—travel alters your routine and appetite. Eat when you’re genuinely hungry, not just out of habit.

Key Takeaway

Eating well while travelling doesn’t require extravagant spending. In fact, the tastiest and most memorable meals often come from side-street stalls, buzzing local markets, or hostel kitchens shared with fellow wanderers. By staying flexible, embracing local eating customs, and being mindful of daily expenses, you can savour Europe’s culinary diversity without stretching your budget.

Eat Smart, Travel Far

Food doesn’t just nourish the body—it defines your travel experience. By mastering the strategies of cheap dining in Europe, you’ll not only save money but also enrich your understanding of each culture through its most accessible gateway: its cuisine.

So whether it’s a €2 gyro on a Greek beach or a home-cooked curry in a shared Berlin kitchen, you’ll find that backpacker dining isn’t just about saving—it’s about savouring, too.