Top tips on finding your way through the European restaurant maze and saving money. Part 2.

TIP. Shop at farmers’ markets and small grocery stores to sample local produce. The ancient UK city of Bath is a big draw for American tourists. Get up early and explore the dazzling array of local produce at the Saturday farmers’ market at Green Park Station in the city centre. In London, head for bustling Borough market (London Bridge or Borough tube stations). France has a great tradition of farmers’ markets with some of the very best in Provence, including Carpentras market which has been going since the 12th century. Snap up local breads, cheeses, meats and fruits and picnic in the park. You’ll be hard pressed not to leave with an armful of colorful flowers too in summer. You’ll need cash here so withdraw some at an ATM using your Visa Debit card.

TIP. Eat on the hoof. You may want to sit down for dinner, but lunch is often cheaper if you stand up at a café counter. Venice is a stunning but expensive city. Opt for a filling Italian sandwich known as a panini at one of many sandwich bars in the city but munch it on the go or standing in the sandwich bar – sit down and you’ll almost certainly pay double the price. Eat anywhere but St Mark’s Square in Venice unless you want to take out a second mortgage and splurge at the legendary Caffé Florian.

TIP. Watch out for hidden extras. Many European countries make a cover charge for bread, which half the time you only nibble at, and often isn’t very good, so you may want to politely refuse it and then look at your check to make sure you weren’t charged. There is not usually a charge for water unless you buy the bottled variety. Make it clear to the waiter if you want tap water. If he simply asks: “Water?” and you say yes, you may end up with the bottled kind and have to pay for it.

TIP. Choose domestic beers and wines over pricier imports. Locals often keep the best wines for themselves. The south of France has some cracking easy drinking roses that never even make it out of the country. It’s often cheaper to buy wine by the carafe, especially if you only want a small amount. A small carafe will normally yield slightly more than two glasses and be better value. Craving your favorite Starbucks coffee? Think twice if you’re visiting Switzerland, one of Europe’s prettiest but priciest countries. At American food and beverage chains here you’ll pay at minimum twice the price you would in the U.S so opt instead for coffee and a delicious pastry or cake at a confiserie – it costs less and you’ll get the traditional Swiss experience. Switzerland may be very expensive but food is usually top quality and the country also ranks among the cleanest in the world.

TIP. Learn the lingo for different types of eatery to save money. In Italy look out for osterias, usually smaller restaurants serving traditional Italian food, though sometimes with a limited menu, which are great for a cheap lunch. In France, brasseries are cheaper restaurants offering more casual and relaxed dining, and usually open long hours. They serve everything from a croissant and coffee to a steak dinner. You won’t get a gourmet meal here but it’s wholesome enough and ideal for a quick bite or to linger and watch the world go by without forking out a fortune.