Saving on a European Journey in 2025: Insights from the Residents
Travel Europe on a Budget: Insider Tips from Our Local Writers
Traveling Europe doesn't have to break the bank. Check out these cost-saving strategies from our local experts in France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Denmark, and Portugal.
Denmark
Copenhagen on a Budget
- Affordable Train Rides: Book tickets on DSB's website for the heavily discounted Orange tickets.
- Free Museum Exploration: Visit the David Collection, offering Israeli art, European 18th-century art, and Danish early modern art at no cost.
- Waterways Adventures: Kayak for free through Denmark's cities, collecting litter along the way.
- Swimming Pools with a View: Utilize Denmark's open-air swimming pools, free and available all year round. Meet locals and try out the floating saunas.
- Cheap Eats: Ask for a boller med ost (cheese roll) at any bakery.
France
French Savings
- Boulangeries for Quick Bites: Affordable and delicious meals can be found in local bakeries.
- Carpooling: Use services like BlaBlaCar for cheap and eco-friendly travel.
- Outdoor Drinks: Opt for a bottle of wine in the park instead of a bar.
- Free Cultural Events: Attend free events throughout France to learn about local heritage.
- Seasonal Purchases: Buy region-specific produce, seafood, or luxury skincare for lower prices.
Greece
Greek Money-Savers
- Free Desserts: Skip dessert in Northern Greece, as you'll often receive free treats at the end of your meal.
- Tsipuradika Bars: Food and drinks are cheaper at Greek tsipuradika bars when ordering tsipuro.
- Discover Hidden Beaches: Opt for unorganized beaches to avoid renting beach chairs and umbrellas.
- Pharmacy Deals: Ask pharmacists for discounted items, especially on local beauty brands like Korres and Apivita.
- Ferry Loyalty: Earn discounts on ferry trips and points for island-hopping or frequent travel.
Ireland
The Emerald Isle on a Budget
- Smart Public Transport: Use the Leap Visitor Card in Dublin for unlimited bus, Luas (tram), and DART (city train) travel.
- Free Cultural Attractions: Explore Ireland's national museums, galleries, and heritage sites for free.
- Affordable Day Trips: Visit the seaside village of Howth via the DART for a day of hiking, street eats, fish and chips, and live music.
- Travel Beyond Dublin: Prices are cheaper in other parts of Ireland, and the scenery is even better.
- Discount Apps: Use Early Table to save 25%-50% on food bills at participating restaurants during off-peak hours.
Italy
Italian Penny Pinching
- No-cost Beaches: Discover free public beaches by asking locals about their favorite spots.
- Walk Everywhere: Embrace the Italian lifestyle by walking, especially in tourist-friendly cities like Venice and Florence.
- Avoid Traffic Zones: Familiarize yourself with limited traffic zones (ZTL) to avoid potential fines and parking fees.
- Coffee Craze: Opt for a coffee at the bar rather than a table to save on costs.
- Toilet Savvy: Buy coffee or a drink to utilize the restroom for free.
Portugal
Portuguese Money Saving Secrets
- Menu of the Day: Order the menu do dia or daily dish for a filling meal at an affordable price.
- Decline Starters: Politely decline bread and olives if you're concerned about added fees.
- Public Transport: Use prepaid cards like Navegante or Andante for public transportation, including funiculars and trams.
- Museum Visits: Take advantage of free museum admission on Sundays or International Museum Day on May 18.
- Sunset Drinks: Grab an affordable bottle of wine from the supermarket and enjoy the sunset with the locals.
Spain
Spanish Financial Finesse
- Lunchtime Deals: Opt for the menu del dia (menu of the day) for a fixed-price, three-course meal under €10.
- Thrift Shopping: Buy marca blanca (white label) products for affordable food, household, and personal care items.
- Early High-Speed Trains: Save up to 70% on long-distance train fares by taking advantage of Renfe AVLO's early bird trains.
- Inside Dining: Eat indoors instead of on a terrace to avoid additional charges.
- Conscious Bread Consumption: Ask about the cost of bread before accepting it.
To ensure a budget-friendly trip, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (May to June or September to October), skip third-party booking platforms, and opt for a credit card without transaction fees. Keep these insider tips in mind, and enjoy the best of Europe without breaking the bank!
Enrichment Insights
Overall Strategies
- Utilize rail or bus passes for cost-effective long-distance travel.
- Book budget airlines early for intra-Europe flights to avoid steep prices.
- Buy reusable water bottles for safe drinking tap water (except in Greece).
Accommodations
- Consider hostels or budget hotels for affordable lodging with free breakfast.
- Try homestays or WWOOFing for reduced lodging costs in rural areas.
Food
- Opt for lunchtime specials like the menu del dia in Spain and Portugal for delicious and filling meals.
- Avoid tourist traps by buying snacks from local bakeries or markets.
- Politely decline "free" bread or other items to avoid hidden fees.
Sightseeing
- Attend free walking tours available in major cities across Europe.
- Time your museum visits for free entry days, such as Sundays or specific days.
- Budget-friendly local attractions include parks, landmarks, and scenic vistas.
Region-Specific Tips
- In Denmark, use Rejsekort transport cards for Copenhagen's metro and visit the Nationalmuseet for free history exhibits.
- In France, buy wine at local supermarkets for picnics at famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
- In Greece, prioritize exploring islands like Naxos for cheaper accommodations and meals.
- In Ireland, enjoy pubs during lunch hours instead of dinner to save money.
- In Portugal, sunset drinks at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Lisbon) with supermarket-bought wine are an affordable local ritual.
- To travel Europe on a budget, book heavily discounted Orange tickets on DSB's website for affordable train rides in Denmark.
- In France, adding carpooling to your travel plans can help save money and the environment through services like BlaBlaCar.
- Greek travelers can save money by attending free cultural events throughout the country to learn about local heritage.
- In Ireland, budget-friendly meals can be found in local bakeries, and exploring places like the seaside village of Howth offers affordable day trips.
- Travelers in Portugal should consider ordering the menu do dia (daily dish) for an affordable and filling meal, or enjoying a sunset with locals by purchasing an affordable bottle of wine from the supermarket.
