europe food and lodging?

[breakdirt916]

Does anyone have any recommendations for food and sleep on a budget while in europe? I'm traveling with another student in his mid 20's so we don't demand any sort of luxury.

I just bought the lonely planet for western europe travel guide, but it's nice to get personal feedback on hotels/hostels people have stayed in, or areas where I could eat on a budget.

Between May 4th and 14th I'm going to Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Ibiza, and Barcelona.

[mzdagrl]

In Paris, avoid eating int he touristy areas.....rather, go a little outside the normally traveled tourist spots and you will find some great restaurants that are a little less pricey and better (IMO). Sorry it was years ago, so I can't think of any names, but we hopped on the Metro and went to more business-district type areas to eat. It helps to know French, but I managed.

[audiojeff]

In Paris, look up the Academie De La Biere. The beers aren't cheap unless its happy hour, but they are big, and the food is excellent and reasonably priced. They are especially known for the mussels steamed in beer.

In Rome a Peroni beer is cheaper than soda or bottled water (there's a theme developing here). Pizza Re' is a pizza place transplanted from Naples, there are a couple in the city. The supermarkets are also a good choice, they sell prepared meals at most of the larger ones.

jcmitch

[Degsy]

Ibiza,

Just hopped back 25 years. I can still taste the tequila.

[stoinkythepig]

Last time I was in Paris, I went to a nightclub called "Chesterfields". They would only serve you if you spoke English. I cannot recall if it was cheap or not, but it was very cool and popular. It's right off the Champs Elysees, so it's not likely cheap... Hotels are cheaper in Paris if you stay out by the ring road, a little past the last stop of any Metro line. A boat ride at night is a must in Paris, even though it's utterly touristy. The view from the Eiffel tower is dull, the city is better seen at street or river level. I agree with mzdagrl, don't eat in the tourist areas. Some of my favorite meals were simply cold cuts, cheese, bread and whiskey purchased in shops. If you have time, a train ride to Versailles is a great way to kill a day.

Enjoy Amsterdam's touristy areas, like Rembrandtplein, but for the best food, head to Leidseplein, a slightly less touristy area where the Dutch go for meals. It's much classier and was cheaper last time I went. A boat ride at night is pretty cool in Amsterdam. The famous red light district is depressing and seedy, especially if you venture into the lower rent areas. Does not cost anything to walk through though. Some of my favorite times in Amsterdam were simply spent sitting outside of cafes, late in the afternoon, drinking beer and enjoying the view of the beautiful women walking on the sidewalk, backlit by the sun. Pick your cafe carefully for the best effect.

Have fun!