Cynthetiq

Most hostels have hot plates from what I understand. I never have traveled via the hostel route.

Eat like a local. Find where the locals eat. If you see eateries in multiple languages/flags with photographs, that's a red flag that it's a tourist eatery. Some of the best pasta and tirimasu I have ever eaten was a local Italian wine and pasta restaurant in Salzburg. Didn't speak a lick of Italian or German, but we still we able to order a lovely dinner and a lovely wine.

Two secrets to finding good cheap food in just about any city in the world. Take note of where cabbies and police officers eat. They always seem to know where the cheapest and best food is located in town. If you see either cabbie or cop at a location it's a good bet that the food is good and the portions are fair. Also, don't be afraid to ask them. Don't ask them where they suggest to eat, ask them where THEY eat. Tell them you want to go where the locals go eat.

Shop like a local. Find where locals shop. People think it's expensive to live in some cities, and while that's true for the most part, many people learn where the cheapies are located.

Don't eat breakfast at the hotel where you are staying. Usually that's an additional cost charged to the room, "breakfast included". It is usually not something you want to eat anyways, something akin to the US Continental breakfast, more than likely the additional fee is not worth to food your getting usually some cold cuts, hard boiled eggs, breads and jams.

Even if you can get a room with a hot plate and fridge, that can save you some cash for breakfasts. Find the market and get some oatmeal, cereal and milk. Get some coldcuts and bread to make some sandwiches if you like.

Walk. Walk to where you want to go, pay attention to bus lines and cab stands. If you are staying at a nicer hotel there may be a concierge. Ask them for bus information. A simple bus ride can extend your walking range by quite a bit. Make sure you know when the LAST bus going back to your hotel is leaving the bus stop that you will be at. Nothing sucks more than thinking your taking the bus home, only to find out you missed the last one and now have to take a cab or have a very long walk home.

If you are a student. Use that student discount.

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