Rick Steves' Tongue-In-Cheek Cheap Food Recommendation For Europe Is An American Classic

Listen, I might as well be Rick Steves' best friend by now based on how many similar experiences I've had during my many years in Europe, and this one is no different. While trying new foods during your travels is part of the experience, sometimes you can't help but crave something more familiar, and a way to save a bit of cash while traveling through Europe.

While there are many places throughout Europe that offer cheap fast food options, sometimes nothing quite hits home like a good old-fashioned American cheeseburger — specifically, one from McDonald's. And, unlike the same cut-and-paste cookie-cutter look of every McDonald's Restaurant across the U.S., many in other countries are housed in some of the most spectacular buildings you've laid eyes on. Heck, in Hamburg, Germany, you can even experience McDonald's first and only float-thru option, where you can have a burger delivered to you right from your kayak. So while you're getting your cheap coffee or saving a few euros on a combo meal, you're also soaking in local culture in a way you wouldn't expect — all under the comforting glow of the Golden Arches.

According to Steves, the burger has gone global, and he's not wrong. According to McDonald's website, they have over 38,000 locations across 100 countries. While some may feel it's sacrilegious to visit a new country and stop at McDonald's — it's cheap, fast, and "you know exactly what you're getting." For travelers on a budget, it can also be a bit of a safe haven: a quick meal that's reliable, familiar, and a little comforting when your stomach misses home. In a way, these global McDonald's become tiny landmarks of shared experience — a reminder that even across continents, some things are universally understood: burgers, fries, and the joy of a quick bite.

Again, as someone who's probably eaten at about 150 different McDonald's throughout Europe, I have a few tips for finding the cheapest meal. First off, if you're in a place like Switzerland or Denmark, you can come here and find a "cheaper" coffee. I say cheaper in quotes because while you may still be aghast at the cost (especially at McDonald's), at least getting your morning started won't put you into debt.

Secondly, looking for a delicious sweet treat that won't break the bank? I can't tell you how many times I've skipped a five-euro ice cream cone for a cheap cone at McDonald's. Many locations also offer dollar menus or meal deals that are cheaper than buying the individual burger (sometimes you just have to look around and see what you can find). Also, if you're working remotely, many McDonald's offer free Wi-Fi, and don't care if you occupy one of their tables all day.

Many McDonald's across Europe (and throughout the world) also offer interesting menu choices you can't get anywhere else. Depending on the country, you can find unique items like gazpacho, tzatziki wraps, pork sandwiches, McFalafel, and even beer. And honestly, that's part of the fun. You might walk in expecting the usual Big Mac and fries and leave with something you've never even heard of — all while marveling at the fact this familiar golden-arched haven has managed to blend local flavors into a global brand. At the end of the day, visiting McDonald's abroad isn't about forsaking local cuisine — it's about experiencing a strange little intersection of comfort and curiosity. You get a taste of home, a glimpse of local flavor, and a chance to sit back and people-watch in a space that feels simultaneously familiar and foreign.