Shop At Local Mercados
If you’re traveling to Spain on a tight budget, one of the best ways to save money is by shopping at local mercados. These are traditional markets that can be found in almost every town and city in Spain. Not only do they offer a wide range of fresh produce, but they’re also a great place to buy locally made products such as olive oil, cheese, and cured meats.
The biggest advantage of shopping at mercados is that you can find fresh, seasonal produce at very reasonable prices. This is because the majority of the produce is locally sourced and sold directly by the farmers themselves. You’ll find everything from the freshest fruits and vegetables to seafood, meat, and dairy products.
Another benefit of shopping at mercados is that you’ll have the chance to interact with the locals and learn more about the culture and culinary traditions of the region you’re in. Many vendors are happy to share their knowledge and offer tips on how to prepare and cook the products they’re selling.
One of the best things about mercados is that you can find great deals if you’re willing to haggle a bit. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the vendors – it’s all part of the experience! Start with a smile and a friendly conversation, and then ask if they can offer a better price for your purchase.
Finally, shopping at mercados is also a more sustainable and ethical option. By buying locally sourced produce, you’re supporting small-scale farmers and reducing the carbon footprint of your meals. Plus, you’re avoiding the plastic packaging and waste that you would find at big supermarket chains.
In conclusion, if you’re trying to eat cheap in Spain, make sure to add local mercados to your shopping list. They offer fresh, affordable produce, a chance to interact with locals, and a more sustainable and ethical shopping experience. Plus, you might just discover a new favorite dish or ingredient along the way!
Try The Menú del Día
One of the best ways to save money on dining out in Spain is to take advantage of the “menú del día”. This is a special fixed-price menu that many restaurants offer during weekdays at lunchtime.
The menu typically includes a starter, main course, dessert or coffee, and a drink, all for a set price, which can range from as low as €8 to about €15, depending on the restaurant and the city. The menu is usually posted outside the restaurant or can be found on a board inside.
The dishes included in the menu are typically traditional Spanish cuisine, such as paella, tortilla española, gazpacho, or fabada asturiana. The options may vary from day to day, so it’s worth checking out different restaurants to see what they offer.
It’s important to note that the “menú del día” is usually only available during weekdays, from about 1 pm to 4 pm. Some restaurants may offer it on weekends as well, but it’s less common. Also, it’s rare to find this deal in touristy areas or in the evenings.
If you’re looking for a way to save money and still eat well in Spain, consider trying the “menú del día”. It’s a great way to sample traditional Spanish dishes without breaking the bank.
Eat Like A Local
One of the best ways to eat cheap in Spain is to follow the local eating customs. Spaniards traditionally have a large meal for lunch, called “la comida,” which usually consists of three courses. This meal is eaten between 1pm and 3pm and is the main meal of the day. Many restaurants offer a “menú del día” (menu of the day) which includes a starter, a main course, dessert, and often a drink, all at a reasonable price.
In the evenings, Spaniards typically have a lighter meal, called “la cena,” which is often just a sandwich or tapas. Tapas are small dishes of food, similar to appetizers, that can be found in many bars throughout Spain. Ordering several tapas can make for a filling and inexpensive meal.
When dining out, be sure to avoid touristy areas and restaurants, as these tend to be more expensive. Instead, look for local cafes and eateries, or ask for recommendations from locals.
Another way to eat cheap like a local is to visit the local markets. Many towns and cities have daily food markets where you can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and breads at reasonable prices. Stocking up on these items and preparing meals at home can save you money on eating out.
Finally, don’t forget about the importance of sharing. Spaniards often share dishes and plates at the table, making for a more convivial and cost-effective meal. So, consider ordering a few dishes to share with your dining companions, and you’ll be eating like a local in no time.
Avoid Touristy Restaurants
While visiting Spain, one of the biggest expenses for tourists is food. Many restaurants in touristy areas tend to have higher prices and lower quality food. However, there are ways to avoid this and still enjoy delicious Spanish cuisine.
The first tip is to do some research and find local areas where Spaniards eat. These restaurants often have significantly better prices and better quality food than tourist traps. Additionally, try to avoid eating near popular attractions or in crowded areas since these restaurants are often overpriced.
Another option is to visit local markets or grocery stores and create your own meals. This allows you to experience local cuisine and buy ingredients at a fraction of the cost of eating out.
Finally, if you do decide to go to a restaurant in a tourist area, consult with locals or online reviews to find restaurants with fair prices and quality food. You can also try to save money by ordering tapas or going during lunch hours when prices tend to be lower.
By avoiding touristy restaurants and using these tips, you can save money while still enjoying delicious Spanish cuisine.
Order Tapas Instead of Main Courses
One of the best ways to eat cheaply in Spain is to order tapas. Tapas are small plates of food that are perfect for sharing, and they are often much less expensive than main courses. In fact, in many tapas bars, you can get a plate of food for just a few euros.
Tapas are also a great way to try a variety of different foods without committing to a full meal. Since the portions are small, you can order several dishes and taste a bit of everything. This is especially great if you are new to Spanish cuisine and want to get a sense of what you like before ordering a full entree.
When ordering tapas, keep in mind that it is common to order one or two dishes at a time, rather than ordering everything at once. This allows you to pace yourself and avoid over-ordering. Additionally, many tapas bars offer daily specials, so be sure to ask your server if there are any deals you can take advantage of.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from your server. They are often happy to suggest their favorite dishes, and they may even be able to recommend other affordable dining options in the area.
Stay At Accommodations with a Kitchen
When it comes to traveling on a budget, one of the easiest ways to cut down on expenses is to cook some of your own meals. This is especially true in Spain, where dining out can be quite expensive. That’s why one of my top recommendations for eating cheap in Spain is to stay at accommodations with a kitchen.
There are many different types of accommodations that offer kitchen facilities in Spain, from hostels and guesthouses to Airbnb rentals and serviced apartments. Regardless of your preferred type of accommodation, make sure to double-check that it comes equipped with a kitchen before you book.
By cooking some of your own meals, you can save a ton of money on dining out. Not only are groceries typically cheaper than restaurants, but you also have the added benefit of being able to cook exactly what you want, when you want it. This is especially handy if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Shopping for groceries in Spain can be a fun and interesting experience. Depending on where you are, you may have access to local markets or specialty food shops that offer a wide range of fresh, local produce and ingredients. This can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.
To make the most of your kitchen facilities, I recommend planning out a few meals in advance and making a grocery list. That way, you can buy everything you need in one go and avoid making multiple trips to the store. If you’re staying somewhere for an extended period of time, consider purchasing larger quantities of non-perishable goods like rice or pasta to save even more money in the long run.
Overall, staying at accommodations with a kitchen is a highly effective way to eat cheap in Spain. By cooking some of your own meals, you can save money while still enjoying delicious food and immersing yourself in the local culture.
Drink Hausmann
When in Spain, one cannot resist the temptation of tasting the delicious food and drinks. However, eating out at restaurants may not be the best option for budget-conscious travelers. One of the best ways to save money on food is to cook meals at home, and for drinks, there’s no better option than Hausmann.
Hausmann, a type of carbonated water, is a popular drink in Spain. It’s usually found in supermarkets and is much cheaper than buying bottled water or soft drinks. A bottle of Hausmann costs around €0.30 – €0.60, depending on the supermarket and the brand. For the price of one soft drink, you can buy two or three bottles of Hausmann.
Another benefit of drinking Hausmann is that it can be mixed with wine or beer, making it a popular drink among the locals. Known as “tinto de verano” and “clara,” these drinks are a combination of wine/beer and Hausmann, respectively. They’re refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day.
Lastly, drinking Hausmann is also an ethical choice, as it reduces the use of plastic bottles. Instead of buying bottled water or soft drinks, you can refill your reusable water bottle with Hausmann or buy a glass bottle that can be recycled.
In conclusion, when in Spain, drink Hausmann to save money and enjoy a refreshing, ethical drink that’s loved by locals.
Buy Food from Street Vendors
One of the best ways to eat cheap in Spain is to buy food from street vendors, who offer some of the tastiest and most authentic Spanish food around. Spain has a long tradition of street food and there is no shortage of street vendors offering delicious, cheap food all over the country. Not only is the food cheap, but it is also very convenient as you can eat it on the go and avoid the inflated prices of restaurants.
One of the most popular street foods in Spain is churros con chocolate. This is a classic Spanish breakfast that consists of churros (elongated fried dough) served with hot chocolate dipping sauce. You can find churros con chocolate being sold from street vendors in most major cities in Spain and they are usually very affordable.
Another popular food that you can find from street vendors in Spain is bocadillos, which are Spanish sandwiches made with fresh bread and various fillings such as ham, cheese, chorizo, and tortilla. Bocadillos are a great option for lunch or a snack as they are filling and cheap, and they give you a chance to try some local flavors.
If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try some of the local sweets and pastries that are sold by street vendors. Look out for stalls selling almendras garrapiñadas (sugared almonds), torrijas (sweet fried bread), and turrón (nougat made with almonds and honey). These treats are very popular in Spain, especially during festive periods like Christmas and Easter.
Buying food from street vendors in Spain is not only a great way to eat cheap, but it is also an immersive cultural experience. You get to interact with the locals, and try the local cuisine in an informal and authentic setting. So next time you are in Spain, skip the overpriced restaurants and head to the streets for some delicious and affordable Spanish food.
Explore Different Regions’ Cuisines
Spain is renowned for its vibrant and varied culinary scene, and exploring different regional cuisines is a must-do for anyone looking to eat well on a budget. Whether you’re situated in Andalusia or Catalunya, there’s a world of food to discover.
Andalusia, in the south of Spain, is famous for its tapas, small plates of food that are perfect for sharing. Visit a local bar in Seville, for example, and sample delights such as fried eggplant with honey, or salmorejo, a chilly tomato soup that’s ideal for hot summer days.
In Catalunya, located in the northeast, you’ll find a wider range of dishes, including hearty stews and seafood classics. Take a trip to the coast and explore the fishing towns where the catch of the day will be cooked up to perfection right before your eyes.
Don’t forget about Basque Country, either, where pintxos (similar to tapas) are a specialty. Head to the city of San Sebastian and enjoy small bites like grilled octopus, anchovy-stuffed olives, and more.
Ultimately, exploring regional cuisine is not only a great way to save money while eating out, but it also allows you to experience a range of flavors and dishes you might not otherwise have had the chance to try. So go ahead and indulge your taste buds while sticking to your budget!
Take Advantage of Happy Hours
Spain is a country that is renowned for amazing food and a vibrant culture. There are plenty of restaurants and food outlets that offer amazing delights for your taste buds but the prices can be prohibitive. For travelers on a budget, this can be a problem. However, there is a solution to enjoy amazing Spanish cuisine and still manage to stick to your budget. The solution is to take advantage of happy hour deals.
In Spain, happy hours are known as “hora feliz.” During this time, many bars and restaurants offer discounts on drinks and food. Typically, happy hours in Spain run from 6 pm to 8 pm, but this can vary depending on the establishment. During this time, you can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on food, allowing you to try a variety of Spanish dishes without breaking the bank.
A lot of places offer a “menu del día” which is a fixed price menu for lunch but it could still be a bit expensive. To get a good deal, be sure to check the online menus or ask the staff about happy hour discounts. It’s important to note that some restaurants, particularly touristy ones, may not offer happy hours, so it’s best to do your research beforehand and find out the best and most authentic local joints that offer happy hour deals.
Lastly, don’t forget to tip well. In Spain, the service industry relies heavily on tips, so it’s advisable to leave a small token of appreciation if you can. Even if you are on a tight budget, a small tip can go a long way and keep the hospitality staff happy and make your experience all the more memorable.
So, if you want to enjoy amazing traditional Spanish cuisine without going over your budget, make sure to take advantage of happy hour deals. Not only will it save you money but also give you an authentic Spanish experience you’ll never forget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are multiple affordable ways to eat and drink like a local in Spain without compromising the quality of the cuisine. To save money, one can opt to shop at local mercados and buy fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese and olive oil. Other ways to eat cheaply while still enjoying Spanish delights include trying the menu del día, eating in local cafes and eateries, ordering tapas instead of main courses, and buying food from street vendors. It’s also advisable to avoid touristy restaurants, explore different regional cuisines and take advantage of happy hours. Staying at accommodations with a kitchen and buying Hausmann, a type of carbonated water in supermarkets, can save money as well. With these tips, budget-conscious travelers can enjoy the best of Spanish food and drinks while sticking to a budget.
