Is it safe to eat street food?

Generally, yes. Look for stalls with high turnover—the more locals eating there, the safer and fresher the food will be.

How do I find cheap restaurants?

Use Google Maps to filter by price range '€' or '$', and always read reviews from the last three months. Avoid any place with a 'tourist menu' posted in four languages on a sandwich board outside.

How to Eat Well for Less While Traveling

Eat your main meal at lunch when set menus are cheaper, shop at local supermarkets for breakfast and snack staples, and avoid eating in the immediate vicinity of major tourist attractions. You can cut your food budget by 50% just by choosing street food and grocery items over sit-down restaurant dinners.

Prioritize Lunch Specials. Many restaurants offer a 'menu del día' or lunch set that includes an appetizer, main, and drink for 30-50% less than the dinner price. Eat your heaviest meal around 1:00 PM.
Master the Supermarket Scan. Find the local equivalent of a budget grocery store. Buy staples like bread, cheese, fruit, and yogurt for breakfast and hiking snacks. This keeps your per-meal cost under $5.
Use Local Street Food. Look for stalls where there is a long line of local people. Street food is usually cooked fresh in front of you and costs significantly less than a restaurant table service meal.
Carry a Water Filter Bottle. Stop paying $3 for bottled water. Use a filtered water bottle (like LifeStraw or Grayl) to fill up from taps, saving you $5-10 per day on drinks.
Map Out Neighborhoods Away from Landmarks. Walk at least 15 minutes away from the main tourist site before looking for food. Prices drop significantly once you leave the 'tourist zone' radius.

Is it safe to eat street food?: Generally, yes. Look for stalls with high turnover—the more locals eating there, the safer and fresher the food will be.
How do I find cheap restaurants?: Use Google Maps to filter by price range '€' or '$', and always read reviews from the last three months. Avoid any place with a 'tourist menu' posted in four languages on a sandwich board outside.