A night out in Stockholm. Photo by morner.

By Marcus Cederstrom in Stockholm—

Alcohol is not cheap in Sweden. Especially not in Stockholm. There’s just no way around it. Stockholm is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most expensive cities and a night out can easily add up. It doesn’t have to, though.

What to order

First, learn the lingo. The Swedish word for beer is “öl,” the ö being pronounced kind of like the awkward “uh” that ends up filling space in all those speeches you had to give in high school. Most people when ordering a beer though don’t ask for an “öl,” they ask for a “storstark,” literally meaning “big and strong.” This will result in you being served house beer on tap. Usually a Swedish brand, Falcon, Pripps, or Spendrups.

Where to go

Start your night at Mest on Götgatan. There are two subway stations close by (Slussen and Medborgarplatsen). Until 9 PM, a storstark will run you 29 SEK (about €3). In a city where it isn’t unheard of to pay over 50 SEK (about €5) for a beer, this is a great place to start.

If you find yourself out on a Thursday night and need an English language fix (despite the fact that finding a Swede who doesn’t speak English is about as rare as a unicorn sighting), head over to Southside Pub. The Irish pub is two subway stations south of Slussen at Zinkensdamm. On Thursday nights, Southside hosts a free pub quiz. You’ll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of obscure trivia against a surprisingly international crowd. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win a beer or two.

Any other night of the week, just one subway station north of Slussen at Gamla Stan is the Liffey, another Irish pub. This one doesn’t offer a quiz on Thursday nights, but instead stand-up comedy. In English. Often times by Swedes. The show will cost you a 50 SEK (about €5) “donation,” which was by far the most mandatory “donation” I have ever experienced. Every other night of the week, the Liffey offers live music at one of their two stages.

Of course, after a night of music, trivia, and laughs, a kebab is necessary. Head back towards Medborgarplatsen. Just a couple of blocks south of the subway station on Götgatan, you can get a kebab in a pita for about 30 SEK (about €3).

In the end, depending on just how many of those storstarks you decided to have, you’ll have managed to explore Stockholm’s nightlife on a budget any Cheapo would envy.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Ishin Sushi Restaurant in Berlin. Photo by Claudius Prößer.

By Susan Buzzelli—

Let’s face it. A Cheapo in Berlin can only eat so many fat- and calorie-laden Döner Kebabs and Currywursts before feeling weighed down. Luckily, Berlin is rife with cheap, healthy, and delicious Asian food joints where budget hunters can fill their bellies for far less than €10.

Here is the lowdown on our favorite Asian eateries in Berlin:

Japanese: Ishin
Mittel Str. 24 (one outlet of a city-wide mini-chain)

Packed to the gills at lunchtime, Ishin offers tasty and authentic Japanese food at shockingly reasonable prices. Though it is only steps from the touristy Friedrich Strasse-Unter den Linden corridor, it is beloved by locals and rarely discovered by tourists.

Dominated by long black tables that you share with other diners, the bright, no-frills space feels like a bustling cafeteria. We love the inexpensive and consistently fresh sushi, but most diners go for the Don, warm rice topped with diverse toppings, such as steamed salmon. Gyoza (fried dumplings) are also popular.

Stop by for dinner or on the weekend, when it’s slightly less jam-packed, to score happy hour prices on sushi (the super filling 18-piece salmon menu is €2 off, making it €8) and other dishes.

Cheapo bonus: The brisk servers drop off a free mug of green tea at your table, which you can re-fill yourself at the sushi counter.

Vietnamese: Manngo and Orchideen Garten

Berlin is particularly well stocked with Vietnamese eateries, but most of these restaurants are surprisingly pricey. Our favorite budget-friendly spot is the tiny Manngo (Mulack Str. 29; off Alte Schönhauser Strasse), but if you really want an insider’s steal, head to the teensy Orchideen Garten (Anklamer Str. 31).

Run with efficiency and friendliness by an extended family, this little neighborhood spot serves up one of the most delicious Phos in town. Prepared to order, the huge bowls of steaming noodle soup, topped with your choice of chicken, tofu, or beef, is garnished with chili and a lemon wedge so that you can adjust the flavor.

We love this place (which happens to be around the corner from this blogger’s Berlin apartment) so much that we’re hesitant to share the address. But the soup, as well as stir fries and barbecued ribs are so good, we can’t keep it to ourselves. Look out for specials.

Since there are only three tables inside, go during off hours to ensure a seat. Alternatively, take a seat at the restaurant on the corner. Owned by the same hard-working family behind the Garten, Lemongrass (Anklamer Str. 38) serves up Thai dishes and sushi in addition to Vietnamese classics.

Korean: Yam Yam
Alte Schönhauser Str. 4

Korean food is the newest addition to Berlin’s trend-obsessed food scene. The cheapest (and, we think, the best) spot opened in 2009 on Mitte’s main shopping drag, Alte Schönhauser Strasse.  Most dishes on the menu at the minimalistic Yam Yam are less than €7—and everything is authentic.

Classic dishes like bulgogi and steamed dumplings integrate organic meat and veggies. And every entrée comes with your choice of “banchan” (side dishes). When in doubt, go for the kimchi (spicy, garlicky, fermented cabbage). Our favorite dish is the freshly steamed dumplings, served piping hot in a steamer basket. If you go for a chili-spiked dish, be sure to order our favorite drink, house-made lemonade. It’s a cooling antidote to the heat.

Pan-Asian: Asian Deli
Lychener Str. 28

We love Asian Deli, despite its tacky yellow and red interior and tiny bamboo bench seats. The reason? Low prices and huge portions, of course. Choose among Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malay, and Thai dishes.

There isn’t much that’s authentic here, but the Pad Thai is one of the most decent in a town. Show up at lunch, when you can chose between two different soup-entrée combinations for €5.50.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Outside Cafe Ekberg. Photo by BjørnS. Other photos by Sarah Silbert.

By Sarah Silbert—

To be perfectly frank, Helsinki doesn’t offer much in the way of exciting, inexpensive eats. Sure, if you’re willing to shill out for Michelin-rated Scandinavian cuisine and seafood, you’ll find no shortage of gourmet options. For those of us on a budget, however, choices are limited to kebab and pizza joints, as well as “grillis,” which serve up hot dogs and other greasy, filling treats.

A cinnamon roll and coffee at Cafe Esplanad.

Are your taste buds unstimulated? Not to fear—Helsinki’s hidden culinary strength lies in its selection of cute cafes. No one can subsist on coffee and pastries alone, but here are three Cheapo-approved cafes for tiding you over between meals.

Café Esplanad
Pohjoisesplanadi 37

Sitting pretty just off Helsinki’s Esplanadi Park, Café Esplanad is known for more than its prominent location. The café’s giant “korvapuustit” (Finnish cinnamon rolls) are simply delicious. Esplanad is self-serve, so ask the cashier for a roll, pour yourself a coffee, and sit near the window to watch the pedestrian traffic pass by. A pastry plus a coffee (with free refills) will set you back about €5.

Café Engel
Aleksanterinkatu 26

If you prefer stunning views to people-watching, take a seat at the Café Engel, which counts as its neighbor the famous Helsinki Cathedral. (The café is even named after the cathedral’s architect, Carl Ludvig Engel.) The café is popular with locals, and even hosts outdoor film screenings in the warmer months. A full breakfast costs around €13, while coffee and a slice of cake is €7-10. After lingering over your table, head across the street to the Cathedral’s steep steps for a post-meal workout.

The view from Cafe Engel.

Café Ekberg
Bulevardi 9

Southwest of Esplanadi Park in Helsinki’s hip Kamppi district, Café Ekberg dates back to 1915. The beautiful, bite-size pastries and cakes on offer here make for the perfect afternoon sugar rush. Known for attracting a more mature crowd, the café also offers a good breakfast. Just make sure to have the morning meal on a weekday, when the meal costs €9—the price doubles to €18 on the weekends. If you prefer to stop in for a pastry or sandwich, expend to spend €2-10.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Tasty "Veg Food" in Prague. Photo by Jacy Meyer.

By Jacy Meyer in Prague—

In the land of pork and dumplings, it’s often hard for vegetarians or anyone looking for a vegetable with their meal to find something acceptable to their palate. Never fear veg-heads, EuroCheapo bring you a round-up of some of the best vegetarian restaurants in Prague.

Lehká Hlava
Borsov 2, New Town - Prague 1
website

Often listed as a vegetarian fave, “Clear Head”  gets raves from meat eaters as well. As the restaurant leans a bit Mediterranean, you can graze over their eggplant tartar, pasta with tofu or tempeh, or choose one of their decent Mexican items (especially the big burritos). Lehká Hlava has a funky, semi-spacey decor, and reservations are recommended.

Bona Vita
Václavské námestí 43, New Town – Prague 1

Bona Vita is the local health food company that produces a lot of natural and vegetarian foods. Their restaurant is in a passageway off of Wenceslas Square, quite convenient if you’re in the center. Bona Vita’s menu used to be much larger and more exciting; they offered Mexican, Asian, Italian, and more with the front half being with meat; the second half with meat substitutes. Now they only have 2 pages of meatless offerings and prices have gone up a bit. Nonetheless, the food is still tasty.

Country Life
Melantrichova 15, Old Town – Prague 1
website

Another natural and organic restaurant, Country Life is a buffet-style restaurant close to Old Town Square that is popular to say the least. Food is sold by weight, so you pay for what you think you can eat. Hot and cold selections, plus soup, desserts, and free water make this a bargain hunter’s dream. Beware: lunchtime sees the smallish place packed with area business people. Make it an early or late lunch for more assured seating. There’s a decent sized health food store out front; the restaurant is in the courtyard.

Maitrea
Týnská 6, Old Town – Prague 1
website

Lehká Hlava’s not-so-wild cousin is one of the newest veg places in town. The decor is a bit milder, the space bigger, and the menu slightly more affordable. They offer a daily set lunch menu for 108 CZK ($5.90) that includes soup, a main dish, and small water. There’s even a vegetarian version of the traditional Old Bohemian Plate; this time with beets and tofu.

Veg Food
Londýnská 35, Vinohrady – Prague 2
website

Nestled on a residential street, Veg Food is not just a clever name. It is all veg with lots of items using meat substitutes. The spring rolls and sushi are two of the best choices. It’s easy to find something under 100 CZK ($5.45), so it’s also a great budget choice. Only non-alcoholic drinks are served here, and the restaurant is non-smoking. Veg Food offers a great daily lunch special, and the place fills up. Dinnertime, however, is quieter and the staff is very pleasant.

Beas Vegetarian Dhaba
Týnská 19, Old Town – Prague 1
Belehradská 90, Vinohrady – Prague 2
website

This is one of the best Cheapo finds, whether you are vegetarian or not. Beas is a cafeteria-style Indian restaurant with a daily meal that includes your choice of two kinds of subji; two kinds of dhal; two kinds of rice; plus a small salad and cup of soup. The small menu is 88 CZK ($4.80), the large 98 CZK ($5.35). They also have other items you can order separately and there are pitchers of free water on every table.

The Old Town location is a bit smaller, and gets crowded quickly. It’s better in the summer thanks to the large front courtyard. The Prague 2 location is bigger and also has a small outdoor eating area. Beas is a non-smoking restaurant.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Bojo restaurant in Amsterdam. Photo by fidothe.

By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam—

Amsterdam is the most popular city in Netherlands, and so, unsurprisingly, it can be hard to find a cheap meal here. By a cheap meal, I mean a nice, sit-down meal at an eatery, as opposed to grabbing something from a bustling fast food spot or street food vendor. (View my earlier post about Maoz if you’re interested in on-the-go eats in Amsterdam.)

Here are a few budget-friendly restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines:

De Bazar
Albert Cuypstraat 182
+31 (020) 675 0544
website

With its charming Middle Eastern décor, this cozy restaurant is great for a relaxed meal. It offers lunch and dinner menus, both with affordable prices. Considering the price range (expect to pay around €9-12 for a main dish here), the dishes are quite generous. Try the “Ghorak,” a delicious chicken and rice dish complete with assorted vegetables and fruit.

Bojo
Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 49-51
website

If you are in the mood for Asian food, drop by Bojo, a quiet Indonesian restaurant located close to the canal belt. This quaint spot offers fantastic rice table (rijsttafel) options. “Rijsttafel” is a bit like a buffet where you can try a number of different smaller dishes along with your rice meal. Main dishes range from €8.50-18.

Café Luxembourg
Spui 24
+31 (020) 620 62 64
website

For those craving a bit of Western food, there’s always Cafe Luxembourg. Its rustic interior, with leather seating and wooden furniture, adds to the chill atmosphere. The Luxembourg has a wide price range: Meals start out at €10 and can go up to €22. Because of the yummy and affordable lunch menus and specials, this place is best for a late lunch. The burgers and club sandwiches are highly recommended, filling meals.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Djemaa el Fna market in Marrakesh. Photo by Audrey Sykes.

By Audrey Sykes—

Downtown Marrakesh is bursting in flavor, from the colorful riad hotels to the lively and entertaining Djemaa el Fna. It’s easy to be overwhelmed, especially when it comes to dining. To help ease you into dinnertime, here are five things to remember when dining out in Marrakesh.

1. Wash your hands

It’s a given for locals, but visitors often forget—washing hands before meals is an crucial prep move in Morocco. Clean hands mean clean utensils, as many Moroccan dishes are devoured using the right hand. Also, shopping around the busy souk market is a hands-on activity for the millions who drop by; it’s smart to sanitize. Every café and restaurant should have a small sink with soap in the restroom, so lather up before chowing down.

2. Say no to alcohol

Don’t expect a frosty beer selection or fine wine list to pair on every Moroccan menu: Most restaurants do not sell alcohol. However, cocktails and the like can be found in the many bars and clubs within Marrakesh. Luckily, there are a variety of other beverages to choose from (see below).

3. Say yes to mint tea

There will never be a restaurant without hot mint tea on the drink menu, so order one upon sitting down for a cultural nightcap. Fresh mint leaves are brewed best in the intricately decorated silver-plated pots. The pour—a single stream cascading from the spout a half-meter down to the cup—is essential and easily the most impressive performance of the evening. Be aware that Moroccans drop an abundance of sugar cubes into this steamy nip, so get ready for a minty sweet sensation.

4. Shop around

Getting lost in Marrakesh’s souk streets might bring you to a local culinary find, but it probably won’t. It’s best to stick to the busy and bustling areas of the center and surrounding area. Yet, like every city center, there are many over-priced cafés reeling in passersby, so shop around before deciding who will get your business. Do not feel pressured to eat somewhere because someone’s giving an arm tug; look at the menu, the price, and then decide if it’s worth it.

5. How the locals eat (cheaply)

Cheap eats bursting with as many sights as smells are found at the many food tents that open in the Djemaa el Fna by nightfall. Offering everything from snail soup to grilled veggies and other specialties, these small tents are equipped with benches for seating and an open kitchen to watch chefs at work. These open-air restaurants have menus cheaper than other establishments and offer savory dishes in an entertaining atmosphere.

Popularity: 3% [?]

A traditional Czech meal. Photo by Smaku.

By Jacy Meyer in Prague—

Last week, we shared three Cheapo-friendly pubs in Prague. To maximize your Czech eating experience, however, there are a few more things you should know about where and when to go, as well as how much to leave for the tip.

Read on to make sure you’re getting your Czech kroners’ worth!

1. Go at lunch time.

Nearly every traditional Czech restaurant offers a lunch menu with prices usually around 99 CZK. The menu often isn’t translated; however it gives you an excellent, cheap excuse to be adventurous. Sides, like French fries, potatoes, rice etc. usually aren’t included, so be sure to order them separately.

2. Go before (or after) the crowds.

That said, expect packed restaurants at lunch time. Czechs know a good value when they see one, and city center restaurants are usually packed around the noon hour. Plan on a full restaurant (go right at 11 AM, typical opening times for most restaurants, or around 1 PM; the lunch specials usually last until 2 PM) and count on brusque service. If you order from the lunch menu, your food will come fast; if you order off it, you’ll have to wait.

3. Watch your bill.

Legally, a restaurant must tell you if service is included. It’s hit or miss if they actually will. Have a rough idea of what your bill should be ahead of time. An extra beer often finds its way onto unsuspecting tabs.

4. Go easy on tips.

Usually rounding up is enough of a tip; minimum 10-20 CZK. If service is horrid, don’t feel bad about not tipping, and if it’s good, 10% is quite generous.

Your Prague restaurant tips

Have any Prague dining tips, Cheapos? Post a comment to share.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Good meals await at U Provaznice, in Prague. Photo: Jacy Meyer

By Jacy Meyer in Prague—

Prague is no longer the undiscovered, inexpensive “Eastern” European city it used to be, and prices definitely reflect the Czech capital’s popularity. City centers aren’t usually the best places to find a cheap meal, but that doesn’t mean an affordable and authentic Czech meal—complete with a yummy local beer—can’t be found.

Here are three of my favorite pubs in central Prague:

U Jindrišské veže
Jindrišská 26, Prague 1

Near Wenceslas Square, “At the Jindrišská Tower” offers plentiful plates of Czech pub grub. Pictures of old Prague line the walls, while outside, the historic Jindrišská Tower looms overhead. Dark wooden tables sassily covered in beer tablecloths fill up quickly for their “smažený sýr,” ” tatarská omácka” (fried cheese with tarter sauce), and “kurecí prsa na žampionech” (chicken breast with mushrooms).

Beer fans take note: They offer tank Gambrinus (tank beer is supposedly the best), plus the well-known Pilsner Urquell and Kozel dark, one of the most popular dark brews.

U Provaznice
Provaznická 3, Prague 1

At the other end of Wenceslas Square, right near one of the Mustek metro entrances, you’ll find U Provaznice (translated as “At the Rope maker’s wife”). Look for the wooden statue near the entrance—legend has it you should touch her breasts for good luck. A small space (keep walking around the bar towards the left for more tables in the back), it’s often packed, but the waiters are usually of the friendly sort.

Go there for their great “vepro, knedlo, zelo” (pork, bread dumplings, and cabbage) or “smažené veprové rízky” (pork schitznel). The low ceilings, brick accents and light wood tables offer a cozy atmosphere.

Lokál
Dlouhá 33, Prague 1

Run by a well-regarded local restaurant group, Lokál is the place to go if you want Czech atmosphere without the traditional ambiance. Confused? This new restaurant, opened in the fall of 2009, recreates the Czech pub experience in a modern way. Here you’ll find a typical pub menu and long wooden tables spruced up with modern lighting and design.

It’s a small menu. Go for some “svícková hovezí pecene na smetane” (beef tenderloin in a cream sauce) or “guláš z hovezí kližky” (beef goulash). Prices are shockingly low for the location and evidence of its upscale nature can be found in its decent wine list and competent service. Close to Old Town Square, Lokál has quickly become a favorite among the locals.

Popularity: 4% [?]

La Vecchia Roma Pizzeria. Photo by arthurohm.

By Samantha Collins in Rome—

Whilst Italian food is considered to be among the best in the world, sadly you do not always get what you pay for. Tales of tourists being asked to pay €700 for a meal in Rome’s center (as happened during the summer) are happily rare, but substandard, overpriced fare is far more common that anyone would like to admit.

So following on from our list of authentic Roman restaurants that was previously published on our blog, here are three more restaurants with excellent food that won’t rip you off with made-up cover prices. Prices vary and are indicated as a guide.

(And remember, it is always cheaper to order house wine by the half liter than a bottle–”Vino Sfuso”.)

Vecchia Roma Pizzeria €
In the picturesque area on Monti with its charming winding cobbled streets and artists shops, this little pizzeria is a little treasure for a cheap eat close to the Colosseum. Vecchia Roma offers a simple menu of pizza and pasta dishes. Expect to pay between €5-8 for a pizza and around €4 for half a liter of red wine.

The restaurant is small so book in advance when possible. After the meal, it’s worth crossing the road to enjoy a pint at Finnegans Irish, a popular hangout for watching international football games.

Vecchia Roma, Via Leonina 10, Roma
Tel:     06 474 5887
website: http://www.colosseo.org/vecchiaroma/

Antica Birreria Peroni

L’Antica Birreria Perroni €€

This traditional restaurant, where locals sit almost cheek to cheek as they cram into every space to enjoy the good food on offer, dates back over 100 years. It is just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain down a small side street.

My favorite dish here is the “Bistecca di Manzo con patate or fagioli” (Steak with potatoes or beans), washed down with a glass of Peroni beer and chunks of bread–and costs around €16 per head. You cannot reserve a table, so you should expect to queue at busy times.

L’Antica Birreria Perroni, Via S. Marcello 19, Roma 00197
Tel:     06 679 5310
website: http://www.anticabirreriaperoni.net/

La Carbonara €€

This traditional, family-run osteria is in the Rione Monti district—just a short walk from Santa Maria Maggiore. A world away from the central tourist restaurants, this atmospheric place is a real local find which has served traditional dishes since 1906 using fresh simple ingredients.

Recommended dishes include the pasta with carbonara sauce followed by melt-in-the-mouth profiteroles. After the meal you are invited to leave your comments not in a visitors’ book, but by writing on the walls. Be warned that you need to book in advance, especially over weekends, and that the menu is only available in Italian. Expect to pay around €20 per head for a starter, main dish, and glass of wine.

La Carbonara

La Carbonara, Via Panisperna 214, 00184 Roma.
Tel:     06 482 5176
website: http://www.lacarbonara.it/

Top Tip – Get a receipt!

It is law in Italy to get a receipt when buying anything, including food and drink. It is possible (although almost unheard of) to be stopped when leaving a restaurant or coffee shop and, if unable to produce a receipt, be fined. The official receipt is called a “Scontrino Fiscale” and should have the restaurant Partitia IVA code printed on it.

Do not be afraid to ask for a receipt and do not accept handwritten scraps of paper. Not only are you breaking the law without it, but you could well find that the bill’s total suddenly drops when an itemized printed bill has to be produced. Also, do not be scared to challenge anything on the bill you are unsure of….  Or just follow our recommended lists to ensure you enjoy a true Italian meal!

About the author: Samantha Collins is a freelance travel writer and editor, who has lived in Rome for the past two years.  She is originally from Manchester in the UK.  Read all about her adventures by visiting her blog,www.samanthacollinsrome.blogspot.com.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Sarah relaxes at Copenhagen's Viking Bar. Photo: Derek Van Gorder

We were very pleased to update our Copenhagen hotel reviews yesterday, adding several new budget hotel picks, and refreshing our existing listings. Sarah Silbert, our “listings guru” in the New York office, visited Copenhagen last month to tackle the job. We sat down with her this morning to learn more about her trip.

As a first-time visitor to Copenhagen, what did you find surprising about the city?

I didn’t think it would be so compact! All the main attractions are roughly in the same area, so it’s very easy to cover the city on foot.

Did you walk everywhere?

Nearly. I never needed to take public transportation, aside from getting into the city from the airport. I would have loved to rent a bike, but the weather was pretty miserable and rainy so I opted out.

Did you find Copenhagen easy to visit for budget travelers?

With a bit of effort, it can be. Hotel rates themselves are probably the biggest expense, though there are certainly deals to be had. Dining can be reasonably cheap if you forgo touristy restaurants (especially around Tivoli and Nyhavn) for meals at the pizza and kebab joints popular with the locals.

Mmmmm… Pizza and kebabs. Did you have any memorable meals?

In an effort to keep expenses down, I ate meal after meal of falafel schawarma sandwiches. With good reason, too—they’re delicious and cost around DKK 20 (about $4). After my last day of visiting hotels, however, I did splurge on some tasty Japanese fare at Kung Fu Izakaya Bar in Vesterbro.

You deserved it, after visiting dozens of hotels in the city. Which hotel was your favorite?

It’s a tough call, but the Avenue Hotel in Frederiksberg won me over with its lovely rooms and warm hospitality. Hotel Alexandra, which boasts guestrooms outfitted with the work of famed Danish designers, is a close second. However, these are just two of many hotels boasting sleek Danish design and central locations.

Where did you stay?

I stayed at the Absalon Hotel. I had booked a room at the Absalon Annex (which I reviewed), but upon arrival was upgraded to a room at the hotel’s three-star sister property.

Really? Did they know you were reviewing them?

No! Of course not. I told them during check out–and then asked to see a bunch of rooms!

—

Thanks for the great job, Sarah. To read her work, check out her Copenhagen hotel reviews and city guide articles.

Popularity: 5% [?]