I’ll be honest with you. On my first visit to Prague, back in 2005, the food scene was quite limited with a big focus on hearty Czech and Hungarian cuisine, with a few exceptions. However, over the last 2 decades, as the city has blossomed, the food scene keeps on growing and diversifying. This guide is a love letter to all my favorite affordable spots in the city, with a few exceptions. PS Checkout also my guide to the best things to do in Prague.

1. Lokal Dlouhaaa

A modern twist on the classic Czech pub

Address: Dlouhá 33, Staré Město

Ever since I’ve been coming to Prague, I’ve had a soft spot for the Lokal chain of pubs. They offer a modern twist on classic Czech staple dishes at very affordable prices, with the added incentive of delicious cold Pilsner Urquell straight from the tank. I love the branch in Malá Strana and the slightly less raucous outpost in Karlín. Start with generous, delicious starters like sausages braised in dark beer (115 CZK) or liver pate with cranberries (95 CZK). Move on to mains like the pork neck steak (200g) with pepper sauce (225 CZK). Finish with their excellent apple strudel and whipped cream (55 CZK).

2. Soul Kitchen

A tiny slice of Greece in Vinohrady

Address: Korunní 24, Vinohrady

Not Czech at all, but worth the detour out to Vinohrady, Soul Kitchen is a tiny Greek taverna tucked away near Náměstí Míru, serving proper gyros pitas, souvlaki, meze plates, great Greek salads, keftedes (meatballs) with pitta, and tzatziki and salad. Finish with bougatsa and a strong Greek coffee. Small and popular, so go early or be ready to wait for a table.

3. Sisters Bistro v Dlouhé

A twist on the Czech classic, chlebíčky

Address: Dlouhá 39, Staré Město

When in Czechia, a must eat is chlebíčky, a local version of the open-faced sandwich, with toppings that might include ham, turkey, egg, potato salad, mayonnaise, salmon, or a spot of something green like a salad or tomatoes. My go-to place for chlebíčky is Sisters Bistro v Dlouhé, next door to Lokal in Staré Město. They do an eclectic variety, ranging from rye bread, avocado, tomatoes, prawns, coriander (45 CZK) to beetroot and goat’s cheese (57 CZK) to anchovies and herring (57 CZK).

4. Banh-Mi-Ba

Good quality, budget-friendly option for banh mi (best sandwich in the world!)

Address: Rybná 26, Staré Město ( Multiple outlets including the train station )

Another good budget-friendly, on-the-move choice, across the road from Sisters and also near the train station in Prague, is Banh-Mi-Ba. The banh mi sandwiches are fab, but the pho is average, so I’d give that a miss. They also do nice spring rolls and great Vietnamese coffee.

5. Antonínovo Pekařství

Budget-friendly bakery, perfect for breakfast

Address: Laubova 1689/4, Žižkov

If you still haven’t had breakfast, or need a snack between meals or a good cup of coffee, this local bakery in Žižkov is a great stop (they also have outlets in Holešovice, Karlín and Vršovice). The first thing that hits you walking in is the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread. You can choose from 5 to 6 different types, all baked on the premises. Pair it with the soup of the day, or one of their open-faced sandwiches. Sabrina loved her egg spread sandwich, while I went for beetroot and cream cheese. Filling, good and cheap: two sandwiches came to 75 CZK, which is less than €3. They also do local sweet baked goods and good ice cream.

Not cheap but worth the splurge…

6. Kuchyň

Castle-side dining with the best view in Prague

Address: Hradčanské náměstí 1, Hradčany

Come here for one of the best views of Prague. It is incredible, and even better with a cold Pilsner Urquell in hand. The food is a cut above your average hearty Czech fare too, based on recipes from the kitchens of 16th century aristocracy. We started with chicken liver pate with plum puree (125 CZK) and Vienna frankfurters with mustard and horseradish (95 CZK), both delicious. I’m not usually a pate fan, but this one won me over. For mains, the beef hanger in red wine with potato dumplings (245 CZK) was sensational. The signature dill sauce with eggs and potatoes (168 CZK) was nice too, though neither of us are big dill fans. After all the beer and food, the strawberries with cream and nuts (95 CZK) was the perfect way to finish.

7. Kantýna

A butcher’s counter and canteen rolled into one

Address: Politických vězňů 1511/5, Nové Město

Just off Wenceslas Square, if you love meat, no-frills Czech home cooking with generous portions at good prices, then this is your place. In this cavernous canteen-style dining hall, you can choose from the in-house butcher grilled cuts of ribeye, steak, chicken or sausages which are then cooked for you. (There is also a cooked meat counter.) You can choose your sides, like mashed potatoes or veggies, with a variety of sauces that include chimichurri sauce. There is a separate counter for ordering drinks. It’s loud, casual beer hall style dining that is great with friends or loved ones.

8. Masala Keramička

Great value Indian food in Prague

Address: Keramická 3, Prague 7 (Letná)

Tucked into a quiet corner of Letná near the Technical Museum. Part of a small local chain, it does contemporary Indian classics like butter chicken and chicken tikka masala, alongside veg thalis if you are looking to try a mix of dishes in one meal. There’s a garden for warmer days and a lunch menu from 159 CZK (€6.58).

9. Mundo Picante

Great value Mexican in Prague

Address: Krymská 8, Vršovice

A hole-in-the-wall Mexican takeaway-style spot on Vršovice’s Krymská strip, not far from the Czech Inn hostel, serving easy tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos. Tacos range from beer barbacoa to BBQ chicken to Indian veg. They have a Taco Tuesday where tacos are 50 CZK (€2) a piece. Frozen margaritas are on point too.

10. Beas Dhaba

Pay-by-weight vegetarian dhaba

Address: Týnská 19, Staré Město

A good, affordable option in Staré Město that I have been visiting for more than 20 years. It’s a self-service, pay-by-weight vegetarian dhaba. The food is simple, with a decent range of veg curries, dahl, plus raita, pakoras and also a good salad selection. Grab a tray, load it up, and pay for the weight at the till. There’s a quiet courtyard out back for warmer days, and a jug of free water on every table. Go an hour before closing for a 50% discount on your meal.

11. Garuda Restaurant

A decent, affordable taste of Indonesia

Address: Milady Horákové 686/12, Prague 7 (Holešovice)

As a newcomer to Indonesian cuisine, I can’t claim any authority on authenticity, but on taste and cost, this was a decent lunch option in Prague 7. The daily lunch menu changes, but we enjoyed traditional dishes like nasi goreng and sapi rendang. A small bowl of soup comes free with any lunch dish, so for 145 CZK (about €6.50), it’s pretty good value.

12. Manifesto Market Smíchov

Prague’s best-known street food market

Address: Náměstí 14. října 82/16, Smíchov

A proper cultural and gastro hub. Come any day of the week and you’ll find a bubbly, fun-filled atmosphere with a wide variety of food from upcoming, budding chefs: tacos, hummus, craft burgers, fresh seafood, plus cocktails and fresh, frothy Pilsner Urquell straight from the tank. Prices are above average, so prepare to splurge a little. It’s set in a former parking lot wedged between the 20th century National House of Smíchov and an old market hall, and the design is genuinely eye-catching: food stations housed in corrugated metal-covered units surrounding a shallow pool.

13. Garage Karlín

A taste of Canada in the heart of Prague

Address: Křížíkova 58, Karlín

There’s a strange novelty in finding Canada’s beloved fast food, poutine, in Prague, but it’s really good, especially after a few cold Pilsner Urquells at Lokal. Fries, delicious cheese curds and gravy — this is a place I keep coming back to whenever I’m in Prague. Top it up with pulled pork, shredded beef or bacon.

Drink stops worth the detour

14. Vinicní Altán

A hidden vineyard terrace with the best views in the city

Address: Havlíčkovy sady 1369, Vinohrady

A vineyard hidden away in the heart of the city. Come here for beautiful views and very affordable, good wine. I love this place.

15. Veltlín

My favourite wine bar in Prague

Address: Křižíkova 115, Karlín

The guys here know their wines, and if you want to discover Czech natural wines, this is the place to come to.

Tip: The Pilsner Urquell Experience

A 90-minute, deep dive into their proud brewing history

Address: 28. října 377/13, Nové Město (bottom of Wenceslas Square)

Not strictly a cheap eat, but if you’re heading to Prague this summer, it’s worth the spend. Spread across 3 floors just off Wenceslas Square in a beautiful Art Nouveau building (the former Prague Central Bank), the new visitor centre is a fast-paced, hands-on, interactive museum telling the story of the country’s most popular beer.

With wireless headsets, light shows and projections, you learn how the first pilsner was created, covering everything from the ancient gods dedicated to beer, to its history in Bohemia going back to St Wenceslas, patron saint of the beverage, to exactly how the distinctive light-coloured Pilsner-style beer was developed by accident, all told in a light-hearted way. Midway through the tour, you get your first taste of the beer (this made me very happy) and meet one of their brewmasters, before learning about the brewing process. I picked up some fun facts I didn’t know before, like the importance of foam in the perfect Czech pour: it keeps the beer from going flat and adds to the taste.Before you leave the storytelling floor, there’s a 360° game hall where you can play a round of ice hockey. The tour finishes in the beautiful Beer Hall upstairs, where you’re offered two more beers by friendly tapsters. Unlike most brewery tours, this 90-minute experience involves a lot more beer drinking, and is a lot more fun for it.

At 441 CZK (€19), it isn’t cheap, but between the experience, the friendly staff and tapsters, and three drinks included in the tour, I think it’s good value.

Bonus tip: Visitors can also attend the Tapster Academy and learn to pour beer three different ways: the hladinka, šnyt and mlíko. Great fun, and a proper splurge at 825 CZK (€35), so it depends on your budget and how much beer you want to drink (all the beers you pour are yours to keep, and we poured probably 6 or 7 and barely drank them). In hindsight, I wish we’d had lunch first, so go on an empty stomach. Don’t skip the brand shop either: you can take home a personalised, hand-engraved beer mug or a bottled Pilsner Urquell with your name on it.

I like to think of Ile de Ré as the island of “no tomorrow”. This is the perfect place to lose all track of time. You happily live in the moment here and escape the worries and stresses of everyday life. There is not even the chance of finding a pub to watch my beloved Liverpool FC. No distractions. Absolutely none. Bliss. Given its popularity, the “white island” is best visited in autumn or spring, when you can sidestep the summer invasion of well-heeled Parisians and Brits. It is also wonderfully accessible to budget travellers, just half an hour from the charming port town of La Rochelle, which is well served by budget airlines. ( Checkout my recently updated guide to the best things to do in La Rochelle )

I went in September, when the island was full of wrinkly pensioners and families soaking up the last of the late summer sun. At just 30 kilometres long and 5 wide, Ile de Ré is made for exploring by bicycle, with over 100km of cycle tracks linking all ten villages, never more than 10km apart. Which is a bit of a bummer, since I am not much of a cyclist. I prefer to walk.

And Ile de Ré’s streets were made for walking.

Close your eyes a moment. Don’t look at the pictures. Just picture it. Long winding lanes lined with whitewashed cottages. Picture-postcard blue shutters and green doors. Baskets of flowers hanging from every house. Pretty wrought iron balconies. And maybe, just maybe, the odd black cat dozing on a windowsill.

Getting around the island

If you don’t fancy cycling, you can hire a car, but you may not need to. From April to September a free electric shuttle called RespiRé loops between the main villages of Saint-Martin, La Flotte, Sainte-Marie and Le Bois-Plage, which is ideal if you are travelling on a budget and happy to walk the rest. Otherwise the regional Line 150 coach runs the length of the island all year.

Explore Saint-Martin and meet the donkeys in trousers

One of my first stops was the charming port town of Saint-Martin. You know you have arrived when, just outside the ancient fortifications, you meet the woolly and very cuddly “donkeys in trousers” who are the island’s lucky charm and symbol.

Since the 19th century the donkey has been a hard-working citizen of Ile de Ré, used to collect seaweed along the coast, to work the salt marshes and to help in the fields. The tradition of dressing them in gingham trousers dates back to protecting their succulent legs from the mosquitoes that plagued the marshes. Genuinely.

Saint-Martin itself is a bustling harbour ringed with lovely open-air terrace cafés, perfect for sitting in the sun with a cold bière and watching the boats, with a clutch of charming boutiques nearby if you fancy a browse.

And if the idea of creamy, salty flavours in your ice cream appeals, test your tastebuds at the stylish La Martinière parlour, which serves dozens of flavours of ice cream and sorbet ranging from the pedestrian to the gloriously bizarre.

Climb the church of Saint-Martin

If the lack of exercise is starting to nag at you, climb the bell tower of the 12th century church of Saint-Martin. Fought over by Catholics and Protestants alike, the church wears the scars of a colourful and brutal past. From the top you get mesmerising panoramic views over the Breton Strait and the rooftops of the town below.

The lighthouse of all lighthouses: Phare des Baleines

There are lighthouses, and then there is the Phare des Baleines. Standing 57 metres tall and facing down the stormy Atlantic from its rocky perch on the island’s north-western tip, this is a working lighthouse whose beam can be seen 50km out to sea. There is a museum at its foot where you can dig into the history of lighthouses and how they work.

Climbing the 257 steps up a memorable, vertigo-inducing spiral staircase brings you out at the top, where you are rewarded with sweeping views of the island’s coastline and the broad, fiery expanse of the ocean. Tickets start from around €4.35 for the lighthouse alone, with combined lighthouse, old tower and museum tickets from roughly €7.65, depending on the season. It is the most visited spot on the island, so come before noon or after 5pm to dodge the crowds.

Cycle to Le Bois Plage

Le Bois Plage is a small coastal town to the south of the island. Hire a bike from St Martin and pedal down to this charming sea side town along with any required beach paraphernalia. Apart from the charm of the beach, the cycle paths skirting marshes, oyster beds and vast stretches of unbridled Atlantic coastline are
a sight to behold. There is a very nice indoor market in town where you can pick up any required picnic supplies.

Visit the Cistercian Abbaye des Chateliers

About two miles away from St Martin, you will find the harbour town of La Flotte. Interestingly, La Flotte is slated as one of the most beautiful villages in France (Plus Beaux Villages de France). Enjoy either a morning coffee or evening drink, sitting at the harbourside or indulge in an ice cream whilst wandering the
shopping streets or the market. The grounds of the ancient Abbaye, built in 1156, are free to enter
and make for lovely photo opportunities. The ancient walls set against the cliff edge will transport you back to another era. The absence of a roof structure will have you looking up into the skies and trying to reconstruct the ambience of this sacred place in your mind’s eye.

Visit an Oyster Shack

One of the greatest pleasures on Ile de Ré costs almost nothing and takes about five minutes to find. Pull up a chair at one of the island’s oyster huts, order a dozen fresh from the water in front of you, pour a glass of local white wine and just sit there. There is nowhere better to be.

The island has been producing oysters for centuries and the huts, little coloured cabins dotted along the cycle paths and salt marsh edges, are where the farmers sell direct from their own beds. You are eating something that was in the sea a very short time ago, and you can taste it. A dozen oysters will set you back around €8 to €12 depending on size, and a glass of Pineau or a local white another €4 or so. One of the best value lunches you will have anywhere in France.

La Cabane Océane at La Flotte is the place to visit. Sitting on the site of an old oursinerie, an urchin farm, on the oyster beds of Petit Praud, it has a wonderful shaded terrace overlooking the sea. Everything you will eat here is harvested by them: Fines, Spéciales and Cocktail oysters, plus shellfish depending on what has come in that day. There is also a small boutique where you can buy oysters to take away. No reservations needed.

Address: 9 Route du Praud, 17630 La Flotte en Ré. Tel: 05 46 66 54 08.

Sample the mussels at L’Aile de Ré

For seafood lovers, and mussel lovers especially, a meal at Le Morinand in Le Bois-Plage is a must. Honesty flag for longtime readers: I originally raved about La Bouvette and its magnificent open-coal-grilled mussels here, run by Laurent Mertz. La Bouvette closed back in 2012 and the spot is now home to L’Aile de Ré, run by Ludivine and Julien, who kept the seafood focus the place was always loved for. It is a small, family-run dining room facing the vines and fields, and the mussels, smoked over a fire of pine needles, is still the main draw. Worth booking ahead, as they seat only a few dozen.

L’Aile de Ré, Raise Flottaise, Le Morinand, 17580 Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. Tel: 05 46 09 29 87.

Where to stay: Hotel Le Vieux Gréement

In the heart of the village of La Couarde-sur-Mer sits the charming and still very lovely Hotel Le Vieux Gréement. You are right in the hub of things here, with a bar and tapas terrace on site, a beautiful church across the square, a cracking boulangerie a few steps away, and some of the island’s finest beaches a five minute walk down the road.

It has grown up a little since I first stayed. It is now a 3-star with 19 individually decorated rooms in the local rétais style. Standard doubles start from €115 in low season up to €145 in high season, with breakfast at €14 a head and a small tourist tax on top. Still a warm, characterful and well-run place, and good value for the setting.

Hotel Le Vieux Gréement

13 Place Carnot, 17670 La Couarde-sur-Mer. Tel: 05 46 29 82 18. Book direct at levieuxgreement.com.

Getting to Ile de Ré

La Rochelle airport is served by budget airlines, with Ryanair running seasonal routes from London Stansted, Dublin, Brussels Charleroi, Porto and more (worth checking current schedules before you book, as these change each season).

From La Rochelle’s SNCF train station, the regional Line 150 coach runs across the bridge to the island’s ten villages all year round. It costs just €2.50 one way or €4.50 return, and you buy your ticket on board or via the Ticket Modalis app. No need to reserve. A quick and very cheap way onto the island.

Plus, if you missed, here are my earlier guides to Bordeaux, Angoulême and Cognac which all share excellent connections with Ile De Re and can be combined, for a short break or longer visit.

Having lived as a digital nomad for 14 years, whenever I step into a hostel or meet other nomads, this simple question always floors me.

I have a complicated relationship with the idea of what home means. I guess having been born in England, moving to India at the age of 9, heading to Scotland for university at the age of 19 and then deciding to go fully nomadic in 2012, home is no longer a fixed place for me. It’s a feeling of connection.

I like to think I have not just one but several homes around the world where I feel happy and at ease. Lisbon. Athens. Vienna. Bangkok. Chiang Mai. Koh Lanta. Kolkata. Edinburgh. Madeira. Berlin.

Over the years I have developed a happy habit of returning to certain places. While the itch to explore new places is strong, with the constant travelling and intense lifestyle that nomads have, I have found great comfort in going back to the same spots.

It is like slipping into a pair of well worn shoes. You already know your way around the city, you have favourite haunts you are looking forward to revisiting, you know the language and the customs, you have a coworking space you like to work from, and you have a network of friends and contacts from previous trips that makes everything much easier than starting from scratch. Running a business from the road can be exhausting, and the fewer unknowns, the better you can focus your energy on the things that matter to you.

I’ve created a few rituals and ideas to give me a sense of home and connection wherever I travel. Here are my top 3 tips for you.

1. Stay at hostels

Rooted in the local community, hostels plug me into the DNA of a place. Great for meeting fellow solo travellers, and they usually have brilliant spaces to work from too.

Hostels I’d recommend for nomads: The Yard Hostel Bangkok and The Yard Hostel Chiang Mai, Circus Hostel Berlin, Next House Copenhagen, Sandeman Hostel and Suites Porto, Bogentrakt in Chur, Ostello Bello, YellowSquare, Zeus is Loose Thessaloniki, Hyve Basel, and Superbude Hamburg and Vienna. (Check out my guide to the best hostels for nomads.)

2. Invest in working from a good coworking space

The best coworking spaces feel like hostels: community, great places to work from and brilliant for connecting with creatives.

My favourites: Cowork Funchal, juggleHUB, St Oberholz, betahaus, Impact Hub Athens, Beet Community Palermo, KoHub Koh Lanta and Alt Coliving Chiang Mai.

3. Get into a routine

A few rituals and a routine give you structure on the road. Always start with a good cup of coffee. Aeropress is magic. The gym has become really important for us, and if there isn’t one nearby, a run or a walk along the beach works just as well. Cooking also brings a sense of home, so I carry a bag of Indian spices wherever I go.

And last but not least, a good travel adapter keeps you connected wherever you land. Our TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter, who kindly supported this video and our work, has been indispensable. If you are looking to reduce the number of adapters and lighten your backpack, then you should enter below our fantastic giveaway of 5 of the TESSAN Ultra Thin Universal Travel Adapter PD 20W. Equipped with 2 USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port, this adapter you can charge your smartphone, tablets, and accessories efficiently at airports, hotels, or cafes.

Note: Giveaway is only open to residents from UK, USA and Germany.

In the video below, I have tried to explain what home means to me and how the concept of “home” has evolved over the years.

What does home mean to you? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below and good luck with entering our TESSAN giveaway!

PS: Please also checkout my guide to the best free things to do in Berlin and also my list of my favourite cheap eats in Berlin

1. Circus Hostel

With a museum dedicated to the Hoff, its own microbrewery in the basement, the mother of all breakfast buffets, and some of Berlin’s coolest walking tours, Circus is a hostel like no other in the world. It is so much more than a bed for the night, and it remains one of my favourites in Berlin and anywhere. The location is superb: right on Rosenthaler Platz, within easy reach of everything, with Alexanderplatz a 15 minute walk away and Prenzlauer Berg just up the hill.

The rooms hit the perfect balance of value, funky vibe and comfort. Dorms run from 4 bed up to 6 bed female only rooms, all spacious and ensuite, with a reading light, USB charging, a locker and a picture of the Hoff wishing you sweet dreams. For something more luxurious, the Panorama Studio Apartment has a full kitchen and stunning views of Mitte and the TV Tower, while The Big Top sleeps up to 7 for families and groups. The crowd is a nice mix of backpackers, students, couples and mature travellers, and the staff are friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful.

The heart of the place is Rosie’s, the on-site bar and cafe, where they brew their own beer and serve an excellent all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast for €10.90 from 8 to 11am. There are regular pop quizzes, happy hours, karaoke and DJ nights, free walking tours that start and end at the hostel, bikes to rent, the hostel’s own Berlin guidebook in reception, and gym discounts through their partnership with EVO Fitness across the street. They have thought of every possible need of their guests. The world definitely needs more hostels like Circus.

How to book: the code BUDGETTRAVELLER26 gives you 15% off direct bookings via the Circus Hostel website on the non-refundable rate, and the hostel plants a tree for every direct booking.

Perfect for: Solo travellers, couples and families.

2. Generator Berlin Mitte

The Generator Berlin Mitte is the flagship property of the Generator group and is situated in the heart of Mitte, the perfect base for exploring Berlin. Oranienburger Strasse S-Bahn station and Oranienburger Tor U-Bahn are within 500 metres. Berlin’s Alexanderplatz, the historic Hackesche Höfe courtyards and the Brandenburg Gate are all within 2km of the hostel, while Museum Island is only 500 metres away.

The devil lies in the design here. You can find cool, quirky design features all across the building, like Bella Leonard’s wire embroidered stainless steel “G” sculpture in the historic courtyard, the exposed wooden panels in the lobby punctured by a horizontal line of wooden pegs, or the sculptural string installation in the cafe bar area by French artist Sebastian Preschoux. You can relax in their atmospheric bar, lined with sleek black walls and raw copper panels, playfully lit with recycled fire extinguisher tubes. In the spacious corridors, famed Berlin street artist Thierry Noir has created three metre high “heads with big lips” faces, reminiscent of his poetic murals on the Berlin East Side Gallery. The hostel even has its own private nightclub that doubles up as a gallery space displaying works from local street artists.

As is standard with all Generator hostels, the Berlin Mitte branch offers brightly decorated private rooms with ensuite bathrooms alongside the ensuite dorms. On-site laundry facilities can be used for a fee, and there is luggage storage and safety deposit boxes too. Highly recommend.

Essentials: a bed in a dorm starts at just €30-40, premium rooms from €80

Perfect for: Solo travellers and couples.

3. Meininger Hostel Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus

Situated in the former home of natural scientist and astronomer Alexander von Humboldt, Meininger Hostel Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus is perfect for those looking for a quiet and relaxed base to soak in the sights of the city. Just like the Generator Berlin Mitte, I love the location. It is right beside Oranienburger Straße S-Bahn station and all the major sights are within walking distance. The hostel offers a choice of dorms and ensuite rooms, which feature a flat-screen TV and private bathroom.

For an additional €12.90 they offer an excellent buffet breakfast, plus there is a nice self catering kitchen space if you wish to cook your own meals. I love the story and heritage of this building. I have to admit I had no clue about Humboldt, but I managed to discover a lot about him through the comic strips printed on the wallpaper of the public areas of the hotel. The comic strips, drawn by Cuban artists, carry references to his numerous expeditions.

I would recommend the Meininger to anyone looking for a nice and comfortable base. If you value a comfortable bed, helpful staff with plenty of good tips and a good location, then this hostel is ideal for you.

Essentials: Dorms start from €30, double rooms from the €80 mark.

Perfect for: Couples and families.

4. Grand Hostel Berlin

Situated in the trendy Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district in a former Bishop’s Palace dating back to 1874, the Grand Hostel Berlin combines old-world Berlin charm with great hospitality and a stunning library bar. The hostel is conveniently located just a 3 minute walk from Möckernbrücke station, giving you easy access to Berlin’s U1 and U7 lines and its vibrant nightlife.

The hostel features secure, well-maintained dorms with flat beds, high ceilings and beautiful bay windows, as well as charming double rooms. Guests are welcomed with a free cup of coffee, tea or water on check-in, and the staff are known for their exceptional service. The library bar, filled with dusty books and comfortable leather armchairs, becomes a lively meeting point in the evenings. The hostel also offers a variety of amenities, including clean common bathrooms, in-house bicycle rental and activities like walking tours and pub crawls. Breakfast is not included, but the Grandwich Bar next door does delicious meals at reasonable prices. With its blend of historical charm, excellent facilities and friendly atmosphere, the Grand Hostel Berlin feels more like a hotel than a hostel, making it an ideal base for exploring Berlin.

Essentials: Via Booking.com, beds start from €40 a night.

Perfect for: Party people, solo travellers, couples and groups.

5. East Seven Hostel

If you are looking for a warm, social, family run hostel spectrum rather than the run of mill party hostel like say St Christophers, then East Seven is the hostel for you. I love the location in Prenzlauer Berg just off Senefelderplatz. You have the wonderful markethalle Pfefferberg around the corner with the best Mexican resto in town plus you have 8mm , one of my favourite dive bars also closeby. Plus you are also not far from Rosenthaler Platz ( Main Haus Am See- great bar) and also Rosa Luxembourg Platz ( home to Monsieur Vuong ) plus the U-Bahn at Senefelderplatz a five minute walk away.

The big plus for East Seven is the garden. It is a proper leafy backyard with hammocks, the perfect spot for a cold beer at the end of a long day of exploring Berlin. Other big pluses include their fully equipped guest kitchen open all day and a daily programme of events, from pub quizzes to family-style shared dinners.

Shared rooms come with fully equipped bunk beds with reading lights and USB ports, under-bed storage and a shared bathroom, from around €25. There are twin and double rooms for couples from around €73, and a triple family room that is ideal for families on the go or three friends travelling together. All bathrooms are shared, with women’s, men’s and gender-neutral options, and the hostel is proudly LGBTQIA+ friendly.

The weekly community evenings set East Seven apart from other hostels in Berlin. There is something on every night, from beer garden trips and a Tuesday trivia night to terrace drinks and a complimentary Sunday family dinner. From shared dinners to relaxing evenings in the garden, everything here revolves around community, and it is genuinely easy to start a conversation and meet other solo travellers here. The free muesli breakfast, fully equipped self-catering kitchen, garden terrace with a lounge area, free WiFi and laundry facilities make this easily one of the top hostels in Berlin.

A couple of things to know before you book. Check in is only until 10pm. They do not accept under 18’s and they do not take groups, so this stays a calm and friendly base rather than a rowdy one.

Essentials: Schwedter Straße 7. Expect to pay around €67 a night on average, with dorm beds cheaper.

Perfect for: Solo travellers, couples and families.

6. Die Fabrik

In the hostel’s own words, Die Fabrik is right at the heart of multicultural Berlin, home to whole communities of unconventional, artistic and politically-active people. Whether you fancy partying around the neighbourhood or just want to relax in a corner bar, in Kreuzberg you can enjoy everything that Berlin life has to offer. You might even run across spontaneous jam sessions on the doorstep. This is one of those almost surreal places in Berlin where you never know exactly what to expect next, so enjoy those famously long Kreuzberg nights.

The hostels is located in a converted former telephone factory from the turn of the last century, restored back in 1995, and has all the raw, industrial Berlin charm that you expect from the city. Think high ceilings, exposed brick, light and spacious rooms, and a quiet courtyard garden hidden away from the street. Some rooms still carry original East German worker posters found in the building during the renovation.

The location a big plus. You are on Schlesische Straße, a few minutes from Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn, with the East Side Gallery and the infamous Görlitzer Park both around the corner and some of Berlin’s most famous clubs within stumbling distance. This was the first neighborhood I stayed in back in 2012 and I am pleased to say, even with gentrification, the neighbourhood is still loud, full of odd weird wonderful characters, great bars ( I love Madame Claude , an  upside down bar located in a former brothel ) and affordable places to eat. The hostel keeps things deliberately calm inside, with no TVs or telephones in the rooms, so you get the rare combination of a buzzing area and a quiet night’s sleep.

Two things to note before you book. There is no guest kitchen, and you pay a little extra for bed linen when staying in the dorms , which always feels slightly odd in a hostel, so factor that in. Rooms run from singles and doubles up to larger dorms, with shared bathrooms on each floor.

Essentials: Schlesische Straße 18, Kreuzberg. Beds from around €18 in a dorm, with privates from roughly €65.

Perfect for: Party people, solo travellers and anyone who wants Kreuzberg on their doorstep.

7. Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz

This is a fun hostel. Great bar with dance floor. Nice inner courtyard with half pipe for skateboarding plus there is a basement games room where you can challenge your mates to a shuffleboard tournament. 

As with every Generator, the design is the draw. Expect a stylish lobby, a lively on-site bar serving German beers, a cafe, and a games room with shuffleboard and pool that does a brilliant job of breaking the ice. Most dorms come with their own chic ensuite bathroom, and you can save a little by choosing a shared bathroom instead. There are 4, 6 and 8 bed dorms, female-only dorms, and bright private rooms for those who want their own space. The breakfast buffet is a cut above the usual fare.

Location is great too- just 300 metres from Alexanderplatz, this is about as central as Berlin gets. The TV Tower is a short walk, Hackescher Markt and Museum Island are close, and the S-Bahn and U-Bahn hub at Alexanderplatz connects you to the whole city and the airport in minutes.

One note of caution- Because it is big, central and well set up for groups, Generator Alexanderplatz can fill with teenage school groups in the summer months, which gives it a bit of a summer camp energy at times. If you want a quieter, more grown-up vibe, East Seven or Generator Mitte or Circus Hostel will suit you better. But for location, design and a guaranteed social buzz, this is hard to beat.

Essentials: Otto-Braun-Straße 65, Mitte. Dorm beds from around €17.50, with privates higher depending on dates.

Perfect for: Solo travellers, couples and groups.

Alongside its other baltic cousins, Riga and Tallinn, Vilnius has one of the most underrated food scenes in Europe. The Lithuanian capital serves up a wonderful mix of old and new: from hearty traditional classics like Cepelinai (large potato dumplings), the famous bright pink Šaltibarščiai soup, and half-moon Kibinai pastries, to creative vegetarian cuisine and Asian fusion dining, plus some seriously good cocktail bars. Best of all, you can eat and drink extremely well here without spending much. Here are my favorite places to eat and drink in Vilnius.

1. Vieta- Conscious Vegetarian and Vegan Food

The best vegetarian kitchen in Vilnius, with cocktails worth the detour alone.

Address: Vilniaus g. 23, Vilnius 01402

For the best vegetarian food in Vilnius with a friendly, lively vibe look no further than Vieta. The menu has a bit of everything, ranging from their delicious blue cheese and caramelised onion Panini ( €5.60) or their soy chilli with vegetables (€5) or tofu steak/ soy patty burgers with fries (€6.60). They do some fantastic cocktails here and the ladies who run the place are wonderful.

2. Snekutis

Old school Lithuanian comfort food and cheap beer in the most no-frills setting imaginable.

Address: Šv. Stepono g. 8, Vilnius 01139

If you’re looking for traditional Lithuanian food in a relaxed, unfussy atmosphere accompanied by cheap local beer, Snekutis is the place to go to. Choose from a range of hearty local classics like the favourite Cepelinai -large dumplings prepared with a mixture of raw and cooked potato dough filled with pork and then soaked in a sour cream and bacon sauce ( €4.90 for a big portion), bright pink chilled borscht soup aka Saltibarsciai whichis a beetroot soup served in summer with boiled potatoes or boiled eggs ( €1.50 for a small portion)or try their cured cheese or potato pancakes served with sour cream ( €5 for a big portion) – so many delicious food options at amazing prices.

3. Busi Trecias

A family-run basement brewery where dark beer and local food go hand in hand.

Address: Užupio g. 9, Vilnius 01200

Another great option for cheap tasty Lithuanian food in a simple unfussy bar packed with locals, is Busi Trecias. If you’re interested in more dark and also sweet flavoured beers, this family run bar with a brewery in the basement has a good selection of affordable tasty beers.

4. Pinavija Cafe & Bakery

Chic, pastel-perfect bakery serving the best Kibinai pastries in the city.

Address: Vokiečių g. 4, Vilnius 01130

The pastel perfect Pinavija is a chic family run bakery with an excellent range of sugary and savoury treats to satisfy you. One of their signature products is the ‘Kibinai’ pastry which originates from the Karaite ethnic minority in Lithuania. The half moon pastry which reminded me a lot of a Cornish pasty or a Pastizzi is traditionally filled with mutton or beef but in Pinavija they have a number of savoury (vegetarian too) and sweet options.

5. Panama Food Garden

A stunning greenhouse restaurant in the hip Žvėrynas district, where Asian fusion meets Vilnius garden vibes.

Address: Vykinto g. 17a, Vilnius, 08117 Vilniaus m. sav., Lithuania

Suituated in the hip district of Žvėrynas, Panama Food Garden with its seasonal menu and beautiful greenhouse where guests can dine ( Very popular for weddings ) feels like a bit of an oasis in Vilnius. Star of their menu are their delicious Asian fusion seafood dishes and their tuna steaks are fantastic too. They are very popular for brunches too. Book a table in advance: it can get busy here, especially around lunch and weekends.

6. Etno Dvaras

Four centuries of Lithuanian culinary tradition

Address: Pilies g. 16, Vilnius 01123

Etno Dvaras serves classic hearty Lithuanian cuisine ranging from fried potato dumplings ( €9.55 for 5 pieces ) to kastinys (sour cream butter) served with hot potatoes ( €7.55) or Pork neck roast with roasted potato wedges, cabbage salad, tomatoes and garlic sauce ( €13.95) to hearty soups ( Cold beetroot soup. €5.95 ) and their signature potato pancakes with bacon and mushroom sauce.

Opening: Daily 11am-midnight

7. Halės Turgus

Vilnius’s oldest market by day, one of its best cocktail destinations by night.

Address: Pylimo g. 58, Vilnius, 01136 Vilniaus m. sav., Lithuania

The oldest market in Vilnius, Halės Turgus started life as a hub of fresh local produce but after a 2006 makeover, different vendors moved in and modernised the place. Now it is a lively indoor hub with food counters, cafes, gourmet and local delicacies shops where you can find everything from smoked meats to wheels of fresh farmer’s cheese Varškės Sūris or jars of golden honey and dark, dense rye bread. The market takes on a different vibe at night and is home to some of the city’s best cocktail bars like Halės Mėsainis, Aštriai Aštru, Chaosai and WINGIS with a DJ playing every night on weekends. 

The market is also a perfect place to buy some edible souvenirs to take home or gift loved ones. Pick up some local honey, herbal tea, or a beautifully smoked sausage like skilandis.

8. Alchemikas Cocktail Bar

Sherlock Holmes meets master mixologist: quirky, atmospheric, and seriously good cocktails.

With low-lighting and a quirky decor that could belong to Sherlock Holmes’ living room plus friendly mixologists, Alchemikas Cocktail Bar is all about the experience and enjoying classy cocktails in a very classy ambience.

9. Vasaros Terasa

Fourteen years of live music, flea markets, and al fresco drinks make this a Vilnius institution.

Vasaros Terasa  (which translates as the Summer Terrace ) has been a prominent fixture of the Vilniuscity life for fourteen years. From live concerts and live DJ sets, to flea markets and outdoor al fresco drinks in the summer – this is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss out when visiting the city.

You arrive at your hostel at midnight after a long day of travel. Your phone is about to die and your laptop is dead. The camera battery is almost dead from taking pictures. You have an early flight or a long distance train tomorrow to catch where you will have no option to charge your gadgets. You dig through your backpack for the adapters, the USB-C cable that actually works, the Lightning cable that may or may not be knackered ( Apple cables are terrible ), and you stand in front of the one available wall socket in the dorm or room, trying to figure out which device needs power most urgently.

After 14 years of travelling as a nomad, I have had this scenario multiple times when traveling. The cables. The adapters. The negotiations with strangers over wall sockets in cafes. The frantic searches at airports for spare plugs. It is exhausting, and it is one of those modern travel annoyances that nobody talks about until you realise how much mental energy it eats up.

I have been a fan of TESSAN’s adapters for a while. Their original TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter has been my go-to for a couple of years. It works with EU, US, and UK plugs, has 2 USB and 2 USB-C ports, is compact and lightweight, and at $20.99 it is genuinely one of the best travel gear investments I have made and has eliminated the need to carry multiple adapters and made my packing routine so much easier.

So when I came across TESSAN’s new Voyager 205, I was all ears.

One adapter. Up to eight devices charge at the same time and it works in over 200 countries. It is on the heavier side but small enough to slip into my jacket pocket.

For someone like me and Sabrina who carries a laptop, phone, camera, DJI microphone, Sony Headphones, Kindle, and various other bits and bobs, the idea of replacing my entire charging kit with just one unit was perfect.

Why I love the Voyager 205

The Voyager 205 has eight ports built into a single unit roughly the size of 2 adapters. I can plug in the cables of my laptop , phone , headphones and camera all at once, from the same wall socket, with no extra cables or adapters needed which saves me space and hassle. It also handles every type of plug I might encounter, from European sockets to UK three-pins to Australian to Japan- all are covered

So whether I am in a hostel dorm trying to charge all my gadgets with the one power socket near your bunk or in a cafe trying to work with a solitary outlet by your table, or in a train compartment with the one socket between two seats, you can charge all your devices with the Voyager 205

For digital nomads, content creators or any long term traveller, this gadget is a game changer.

What It Feels Like to Use

It is not light and a tad heavy like most multi-port adapters are. The Voyager 205 weighs 336 grams, which is roughly the same as a small water bottle. After a few weeks of carrying it, I have forgotten it was even in my bag.

The design is also nice. It has these subtle etched patterns inspired by mountains and rivers plus I love the charcoal black and orange colors that make it look very sophisticated alongside your laptop and notebook.

With 8 charging ports, ( Six USB-C ports, one USB-A, and a universal AC outlet ) that include 20W, 45W, and 15W ports I can charge my laptop or phone fast. It does this without getting hot and without the slow charging that you sometimes get from multi-device chargers that cannot really handle the load.

Few more bonus features

It has built-in safety feature that mean I do not have to worry about frying my laptop if the electrical grid is unreliable. I have used dodgy sockets in hostels in Asia and Eastern Europe that have fried the odd gadget before. This thing is built to handle that.

There is a spare fuse hidden inside the adapter itself. And for every Voyager 205 sold, TESSAN plants a tree through One Tree Planted. It is a small but nice touch.

Which TESSAN Adapter Is Right for You?

If you are a light traveler with a phone, a laptop, and maybe a tablet, the original TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter at $20.99 is still an excellent choice. It is compact, reliable, works across EU, US, and UK plugs, and has been my faithful companion for the last 2 years. For most travelers, this is more than enough and the price makes it an easy yes.

If you are carrying multiple cameras, drones, audio gear, two laptops, and the full digital nomad kit like me, the Voyager 205 is the upgrade you have been waiting for. It is designed for people who travel with serious gear and need everything charged at once.

Essentials

The TESSAN Voyager 205 is currently available through crowdfunding with early backer discounts. Check it out here.

Quick facts: The Tessan Voyager 206

What it is: A single travel adapter that charges up to 8 devices at once, works in 200+ countries.

Size: About the size of a deck of cards, 336g.

Best for: Digital nomads, content creators, backpackers, anyone with more than two devices.

Why it matters: Replaces your entire charging kit with one well-designed unit.

The catch: Available through crowdfunding, so delivery times depend on the campaign.

For lighter travelers: Check out the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter at $20.99 for a more affordable, compact option.

Disclaimer: I was gifted this charger by TESSAN as part of an annual partnership with them but the views represented here are my own.

I looked up from my empty writing pad with a furrowed brow while slurping my morning coffee. I tried to distract myself by admiring the picture postcard houses outside my bedroom window, their ornate wooden balconies decked in wildflowers. In the distance, my eyes linger on a few patches of early morning mist dancing over the sea of ochre red rooftops. As I slowly finished my lukewarm coffee, the sun finally emerged, burning through the mist and bathing the distant mountain summit in an ethereal glow. It is then that I spotted the big wooden cross. I looked back at my writing pad, which just has this simple, very surreal heading:

‘Questions to ask Jesus.’

Very few things in life can prepare you for an interview with Jesus. Mind you, the years of Covid-19, made us ready to face anything. Still, I must now reveal to you that I wasn’t quite prepared to be speak to Jesus. To be precise, I was preparing for an interview with Frederik Mayer, who was going to play the lead role of Jesus in one of the longest running plays in the history of mankind. You might have heard of it. It is called The Passion Play. The Oberammergau Passion Play has been performed every year from 1634 to 1680 and every 10 years since 1680 (with a few exceptions) by the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany. It is the oldest and largest of all passion plays and attracts a staggering half a million visitors. We had been specifically invited to tell the story of how the town was preparing for the 42nd version of the play.

I have to be honest: I wasn’t just daunted by the interview but by the whole project. Let’s dig in for some personal context. While I am not a religious person, I do have the utmost respect for friends and strangers who find faith and strength through religion. I believe religion can be a force for good. My first ever major religious festival was Diwali. I was 9 years old, just moved to India. Picture a nation of almost 1.5 billion people celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. For a few days, the country puts all their economic and social worries behind them and unites across all religious and social divides to celebrate together. Having moved to Calcutta from the relative boredom of life in Oldham, Greater Manchester, experiencing this festival was an eye-popping revelation. People would play with fireworks ALL NIGHT. It was utter bedlam. It was an intoxicating festival to experience on so many levels. It was an excuse to get to know my neighbours. Festivals like Diwali provided the perfect opportunity for the shy, introverted 9-year-old me to get to know kids of my own age, which was really hard for me coming from a different language, culture, and world. Not only did I make some new friends, I also got to know their parents and grandparents. It was my first experience of the humbling power of religion and spirituality, but more importantly, that one thing we humans cannot live without and crave more than all: community.

When I got the invitation to come and witness the preparations for the Passion Play, I was initially skeptical whether I was the right person to write the story. I am not Christian nor religious. In my head, I saw the Passion Play purely as this wonderfully staged medieval religious drama. How can a play that is almost 400 years old have any relevance or meaning to someone like me or a kid on the street who has no clue about the life of Jesus and the story of the Bible?

These were some of the questions in my head when I strolled over to the Passion Play theatre to meet Frederik.

We are in a room where all the costumes for the play have been stored. Frederik looks a trifle nostalgic and also concerned as he dusts off the robe he will play Jesus in.

“I hope I can fit into this. I’ve gained a fair bit of weight over the last year or so during lockdown.”

I ask him if he’s concerned also about remembering his lines.

“Oh, I’ve definitely forgotten my lines, but it will come back in no time.”

Frederik’s daytime job is as a communications director for a Munich-based theatre company.

His role as Jesus is his only acting role this year, since he played the same role 12 years ago.

It will take half a year of rehearsals and another 6 months of shows—102 to be precise.

A year is a long time to take off work. How flexible and understanding are employers?

“Most employers understand and allow me to work reduced hours. Some actors take time off and others quit their jobs to dedicate themselves to the role. It’s a big commitment to make, putting your life on hold where everything revolves around the play. However, it happens only once in 10 years. You are happy to put your life on hold because you are part of this incredible atmosphere and big family for a year, with over 2,400 actors—half of your village’s population taking part. I’ve become friends with people much older than me. We’ve become much closer as a community as a result of the play.”

Once in ten years. That is a long time to wait for anything in life. Then came COVID-19.

“It was clear to me that we were not stopping for ‘now’ but completely,” recalls Rochus Ruckel, a 23-year-old aerospace engineering student from the village who is playing the role of young Jesus. “Then came the lockdown, and I felt kind of useless.”

He used the time wisely to finish off his bachelor’s thesis, but for others in the village, the advent of COVID-19 and postponement of the Passion Play was a huge blow. Hotels and restaurants lost all their bookings overnight and had to let go of staff. Local craftsmen who would have been working around the clock to help prepare all the stage props were also out of work.

Rochus gives me some context.

“Oberammergau for many might be a normal mountain village, but during The Passion Play, this place really transforms into something special. The whole place comes to life. The Passion Play is our passion. You feel proud to be an Oberammergauer. Growing up, you realized that our village was a little different from others.”

The Passion Play is definitely different and special. It is an incredible spectacle. Just walking out onto the Passion Play theatre amphitheatre stage, you can get an idea of the grand scale. I can’t think of any play I’ve seen which has 2,400 actors who will be on that stage and with live animals too. The mind boggles. Costumes have been designed to be as authentic as possible, while the set designs are truly a work of art and are stunning. 2030 is a long time to wait for the next Passion Play, I do recommend still visiting the town and getting a guided tour of the Passion Play Theatre. I also recommend spending some time in the local Oberammergau Museum to look at some of the stage sets and props used. When you learn about the number of locals involved in the play who have gone on to become actors, stage designers, and directors, you realize that the Passion Play, after 400 years, still has a strong relevance and importance to the lives of locals. I go back to my original dilemma: can a 400-year-old play have relevance for people like me or for young people who might have no interest in religion?

I was 42 during my visit to Oberammergau. I know I would have loved to have been part of something like the Passion Play as a kid and adult. While writing this, I had a flashback from the past. I went to a Church of England school in Manchester. I was probably 5 years old and taking part in the Christmas Nativity Play at school. I had a minor role to play as one of the three wise kings, but I still remember the warm, gooey mince pies they handed out after the play. I also remember the excitement of rehearsals leading up to the play and the adrenaline of performing it with my best friends in front of a captive audience. I did not realize it then, but what I experienced that night was a simple human need: the importance of feeling part of something, something that is bigger than yourself. I had that same feeling when I was taking part in my first Diwali celebrations in India. I have that feeling still when I am in a hostel surrounded by people from all over the world. I had that feeling too in Oberammergau. The people are extremely friendly. Even if you don’t take part in the play, you are part of the invisible supporting cast, staying and supporting the angel, a shepherd, King Herod, or Pontius Pilate in the play. Even without seeing the play and just speaking to the actors, their eyes wide with anticipation and excitement for the event, it was clear that the Passion Play is not just an important medieval religious play that saved the village from the plague. The play gave the villagers a sense of community, a shared sense of purpose and focus. It became a platform to express their creativity and give them the means to make a living. Speaking to all the actors, it is also clear that the Passion Play is a lifetime of memories, of people young and old, of people who are no longer. I am doubtful of the presence of a higher power, but the Passion Play definitely casts a spell in its own inimitable way, as it has done for others for many centuries past and to come.

Essential facts

The next Oberammergau Passion Play is scheduled to take place from May to October 2030. Preparations for the 43rd production are already underway. For more details, please check out the official website.

1. Bistro Pod Koziołkiem

Wielka 9

My first meal was a simple lunch on the street of my Airbnb: Bistro Pod Koziołkiem (Wielka 9) It is a small deli style place with a few tables. The menu is limited to 6 or 7 options and everything is freshly prepared which meant a small waiting time: always a good sign. Place was always packed with locals-not one tourist in site. My first meal there was Schnitzla: Polish meatballs in a mushroom gravy served with potatoes and red cabbage. Loved this meal. For 25 zl, just €6, this was a bargain. They also serve a range of homely dishes, ranging from the humble Chicken Noodle Soup ( 19 Zl ) to Handmade Pierogis ( 34 zl) to Veggie Pasta with Tomatoes ( 36 Zl)

2. Frontiera

Address: Szewska 21, 61-760 Poznań, Poland

In the evening, I ventured to Frontiera, a pizzeria that is a delightful slice of Italy in Poznań. The pizza I tasted here was one of the best pizzas I have ever tasted in my life. Stone baked in a huge clay oven, the pizza just melts in your mouth. The staff are friendly and the prices are reasonable with the Margarita costing 34 PLN to a Diavola for 46 PLN.

3. Fat Bob Burger

Address: Kramarska 21, 61-765 Poznań, Poland

If you love burgers, Fat Bob Burger is the place to be. Fries are pretty awesome plus they serve a delicious watermelon lemonade. Burgers start from 46 PLN and fries are 16 PLN.

4. Szarlotta Restaurant

If you are looking for fine style dining at an affordable price then you will love Bistro Szarlotta. I ate here a few times during my week in Poznan and everything I tasted here was delicious.

5. Piwna Stopa

Address: Szewska 7, 61-760 Poznań, Poland

With over 170 bottled beers and 16 local and international beers on tap , there is something for everyone at the very cosy ( with a fireplace….feels like drinking in someone’s living room ) Piwna Stopa plus they do also serve a great cheese boards plus hot dogs too ( vegan ones are bangers, no pun intended ) They have a beer garden in the summer so if the sun is shining in Poznan, you know where to go.

6. Stragan Kawiarnia 

Ratajczaka 31, 61-816 Poznań, Poland

If you love coffee, especially via Aeropress or Chemex you have to visit Stragan Kawiarnia which was recently voted as one of the best cafes in the world.  

7. Brovaria

Address: Stary Rynek 73/74, 61-772 Poznań, Poland

If you’re looking to soak in the atmosphere of Poznan’s glorious Stary Rynek, pay a visit to the cool and cozy microbrewery, Brovaria. The beer is excellent as well as their food if you are feeling a little peckish. Price of beer is pretty reasonable given the location.

8. Ministerstwo Browaru

Address: Wroniecka 16, 61-740 Poznań, Poland

Another cool haunt for Polish craft beers is Ministerstwo Browaru where you can sample AleBrowar brews like Black Hope and Rowing Jack and bunch of intriguingly named beers like ‘Hugo Goss’, ‘Ringo Stout’, ‘Powder Man’, ‘Shark’ and ‘The Butcher.’

Tip: If you are visiting Poznań during the summer, don’t forget to visit the hipster friendly KontenerART where you can enjoy the novelty of sipping on nice beers in shipping containers while twirling your toes in artificial sand along with a bunch of cool looking locals. Then last not least, all roads in Poznan will at some point lead you to a bar with a face of a dragon scowling at you from behind the bartender. Welcome to Klub Dragon where you’re always bound to discover some colourful and interesting local characters plus find some excellent local beers on tap.

I love Leipzig. I come here for its rich culture, buzzing nightlife that gives Berlin a run for its money, and a diverse food scene that is accessible and affordable. From the bohemian Karl-Heine-Strasse to the hip KarLi (Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse) in Südvorstadt, to the historic Markt square, I have compiled a list of my favourite places — from Georgian khachapuri stuffed with molten cheese inside a former factory complex, a vegan Vietnamese classic on the KarLi, delicious Moroccan tagines in Plagwitz to a classic student-friendly joint in an old castle in the city centre. This is my guide to the best cheap eats in Leipzig.

1. Salon Casablanca

Address: Karl-Heine-Straße 47, 04229 Leipzig

It is the perfect day for a hearty bowl of soup and I know just the place – a Moroccan eatery called Salon Casablanca. Lovely well-priced food, lots of vegetarian options, good portion sizes and refreshing mint tea, I love coming here to try their tagines and soups. 

2. Beard Brothers and Sisters

Address: Karl-Heine-Straße 69, 04229 Leipzig

Next stop is Beard Brothers and Sisters, a vintage hole in the wall bar that serves the most scrumptious hot dogs and drinks. I have always wanted to come here in the past based on positive reviews from friends and happily they did not disappoint. Great dog, perfect bun, good range of toppings and sauces, plus if you come in the evening, they have local musicians performing in a small balcony above the bar. The food and the fun does not stop there.

We next visit  Westwerk, a former factory complex that has become the heart of the local creative scene with ateliers for artists, musicians and also home to a wide variety of affordable places to eat

3. Kleiner Kaukasus

Address: Karl-Heine-Straße 93b, 04229 Leipzig

I try Georgian food for the first time at Kleiner Kaukasus and it was so good. Owner Malkhazi prepares the Khachapuri in front of us – warm, soft flatbreads stuffed with molten cheese with a delicious topping of beetroot and cream.This was heavenly, melt in your mouth kind of food.

4. Bamboo’s Streetfood

Address: Karl-Heine-Straße 87, 04229 Leipzig

Later in the trip we also popped into the next door Vietnamese diner, Bamboo’s Streetfood where on plastic tools you can sup on a bowl of Pho besides other specialities. Not the best pho but still, a very solid 8 out of 10 option if you are craving Asian flavours.

5. Naumann’s Gaststube

Address: Karl-Heine-Straße 32, 04229 Leipzig

I also have to mention Naumann’s Gaststube. Part of the Felsenkeller, a former ballroom turned live music and arts venue, it is worth visiting just to enjoy the grand interiors of this former neo-baroque building that dates back to 1890. Naumann’s Gaststube serves honest, working class people’s grub and I would highly recommend their schnitzel.

6. Brothers Café & Bakery

Eisenbahnstraße 85, 04315 Leipzig

Located on the hip Eisenbahnstraße The Brothers Café & Bakery in Leipzig is a popular spot in the hood thanks to its rich mix of Turkish, Arabic and Italian influences. Great spot for brunch, they also offer sandwiches, cakes, really good Pide, Manakish, Lahmacun and burgers too. 

7. Spizz

Address: Markt 9, 04109 Leipzig

If it is a nice sunny day in Leipzig, I highly recommend having a drink at Spizz on the historic ‘Markt’ square. A popular jazz and live music venue, Spizz also has a decent priced food menu serving everything from local Thuringer bratwurst and roasted potatoes to pasta dishes and sandwiches. Wash it down with a pint of the local Wernesgrüner beer and enjoy the views.

8. Café Madrid

Address: Klostergasse 3-5, 04109 Leipzig

Another place I love to visit when in Leipzig is Café Madrid (Klostergasse 3-5 ) , a tapas bar just a stone’s throw away from St Thomas’s Church.  I popped into watch the Champions League semi-final match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. The free wifi was another major reason for entering. If you are visiting and looking for a nice place to watch the football, I recommend this place. The food is also very good. I ordered a 0.5l of Paulener Pils with some Olives, Green and Black followed by some Patatas Bravas with Salsa and Cordero al estilo Andaluz: Andalusian style lamb. Cafe Madrid is not the cheapest place to eat in town but the nice ambience, friendly staff and also free wifi made it perfect for me.

9. Café Maître and Pâtisserie

Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 62, 04275 Leipzig

For the best patisserie in town I head further down the road to Maitre on 62 Karl-Liebknecht Strasse which has been satisfying the sweet tooth of locals since 1904 . Here you can buy the best french baguettes in town, satisfy your sweet tooth with their excellent meringues, bonbons, cakes or chocolate ( wrapper designed by local illustrator Phillip Janta) Coffee is excellent. Cakes are fab too.

10. Moritzbastei

Address: Kurt-Masur-Platz 1, 04109 Leipzig

Moritzbastei (Universitätsstraße 9 ) on the citycentre University campus is a-bit-of-everything kind of place situated in an old castle where you can laze, drink beer in the sun, in the evenings dance as much or as little as you like to music ranging from blues to samba or dark wave , go to concerts or watch live football & films ( in German only) for free.

The food here is affordable, generous portions and caters to all budgets. You can choose from one of their delicious salads from just €3.30, their delicious Solyanka soup with sour cream and baguette ( Small portion €3.90/Large portion €6.90) , Hummus baguette from €4.90 or if you are looking for something more filling, try one of their dishes from the special menu which start around €9.80. Or you could have something like their Pasta with wild garlic pesto, roasted hazelnuts, carrot chips and Parmesan for €10.80.

11. Ān Chay Vegan Diner

Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 1, 04107 Leipzig

“Ān Chay” means “eating vegan” in Vietnamese, and this little spot on the popular KarLi (Karl-Liebknecht-Straße) Highlights on the menu include the Vegan Duck, the Pho and their summer rolls are fab too,

12. Mintastique

Address: Str. des 17. Juni 11, 04107 Leipzig

No cupcakes were harmed during this photoshoot.

I sadly didn’t get the chance to try them as I was almost diabetic with amount of Kaffee und Kuchen consumed travelling around Germany for a month. However, if you are visiting Leipzig do pop into the popular ‘mama made’ Mintastique ( Zentrum Sud, Straße des 17. Juni 11, 04107  ) where you can savour the best cupcakes in town. Pricey at around the €4 mark but if they taste as good as they look…

Checkout my cheap eats guide to Berlin and also my revised travel guide to Dresden

1. Have a Coffee and Watch the People Go by in Place du Capitole

This is Toulouse’s central square, overlooked by a grand neoclassical palace replete with elaborate frescoes. The Capitole houses the city hall, the Theatre du Capitole de Toulouse opera company, and the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse. The brick and marble facade looks equally pretty by day, or lit up at night. The place to grab a coffee here is the iconic Grand Café Le Florida — for the location, prices are decent and the view is magic.

2. Visit the Famous Palm Tree of Toulouse in the Convent des Jacobins

You can discover the beauty of the famous palm tree of Toulouse in the beautiful Dominican Church, the Convent des Jacobins. A number of slender columns support the vaulted Gothic roof of the lofty church. One of the columns supports the 22 ribs of the vaulted roof of the choir, giving rise to an ornate structure resembling a palm tree.

3. Admire the Pastel Blue Shutters and Doors of Toulouse

Despite being known as the pink city, the pastel blue shutters and doors of Toulouse’s homesteads will catch your eye on your city wanders. Dating all the way back to the Renaissance, native traders of Toulouse developed a trade in ‘cocagne’ — little balls of pastel blue derived from a yellow-flowered plant that yielded a blue dye. These were highly coveted by the aristocracy of Toulouse, Albi and Carcassonne, bringing unprecedented wealth into the area.

4. Visit the Sunday Flea Market on the Banks of the Garonne

If the weather is nice, gravitate towards the banks of the Garonne where you will be greeted by the magnificent image of the Pont Saint Pierre. Take a few moments to soak in the view and then walk further up the river. On a Sunday there is a wonderful flea market here, brimming with wonderful old outlandish objects and the eccentric personalities that you always tend to associate with these type of markets.

5. Try the Flavours at Sorbet D’Amour

Just around the corner from the market, pop by the excellent Sorbet D’Amour gelateria. The flavours here are anything but ordinary — think Plum Armagnac, Caramel with Sea Salt and even Tarte Tatin.

6. Pick up a Macaron at Au Poussin Bleu

Address: 5 Rue du Languedoc, 31000 Toulouse

Toulouse’s oldest patisserie has been serving sweet-toothed locals since 1931. Known for their cakes and chocolates, their speciality are their macarons — flavours include pistachio, Nutella, raspberry, salted caramel and almond paste.

7. Sample Cassoulet at Maison Garcia

Toulouse is the home of the classic French dish cassoulet — a slow-cooked casserole of white beans, pork, famous Toulouse sausages and confit de canard. My tip is to have the cassoulet from the butcher Maison Garcia, inside the Marché Victor Hugo, France’s oldest covered market. In existence since 1961, when the family fled the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, Maison Garcia is famed for its rillettes, hams, saucisson sec and Toulouse sausage. Their cassoulet won the Best Cassoulet in the World Award in 2024 — no mean feat!

8. Have a Glass of Wine in the Unique N°5 Wine Bar

Elected the Best Wine Bar in the World in June 2017 by The World of Fine Wine, the ambience of the N°5 Wine Bar is to die for, as are its formidable range of fine wines. Either choose from a range of pre-selected wines by the glass or by the bottle, accompanied by aptly paired finger foods.

9. Be an Astronaut for a Day at Cité de l’espace

Cité de l’Espace, or City of Space, is a wonderful theme park situated on the eastern outskirts of Toulouse. It is the perfect place to spend a day having fun with the family. A number of outdoor and indoor exhibits and installations dot the park, from full-scale models of the Ariane 5 rocket to the Mir space station and Soyuz models. Highlights include a 280-seat planetarium and a 300-seat IMAX cinema.

10. Take a Walk or Bike Ride along the Canal du Midi

Linking Toulouse to the Mediterranean, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Canal du Midi is a real escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Wander along the towpath under the shade of tall plane trees, or rent a bike and follow the canal out of the city at your own pace — this is one of the best slow travel experiences you’ll find in the south of France. Start at the Port de l’Embouchure, where three canals meet, and take it from there. If you have more time, you can even hop on a boat and explore further.

Toulouse -the perfect base to explore Occitanie

Toulouse is the perfect base for exploring Occitanie, the underrated south-western region of France that blends Mediterranean ease with mountain drama. The region is far less crowded than its Provence neighbours and delivers genuine character — medieval villages, world-class wine bars, and food that tastes like nowhere else. If you have time, venture beyond the city to the medieval hilltop town of Albi with its brick-red cathedral and world-renowned Toulouse-Lautrec Museum; the circus capital of Auch with its monumental staircase and contemporary art; the picture-postcard village of Auvillar perched above the Garonne; or the fortified citadel of Carcassonne. The UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi connects many of these towns and is one of France’s greatest slow-travel experiences. For a comprehensive guide to the whole region, check out my full 18 cool things to do in Occitanie.

Further reading

Best tips for travelling Europe

Where to eat in Bordeaux on a budget

Best things to do in La Rochelle

Best free things to do in Paris