Rick Steves Says These European Countries Usually Include Free Breakfast With Your Hotel Room

Not all hotel breakfasts are equal. Indeed, some are utterly mediocre — think store-bought croissants and lukewarm yogurt with instant coffee — while others are more luxurious and nutritious, perhaps even worthy of being considered the best breakfast in the entire world. If you're traveling through Europe, chances are you'll spend a fair amount of time hunting for accommodations. And, as travel expert Rick Steves often emphasizes, finding a hotel that includes a good breakfast can save you both time and money. European hotels, unlike many in the U.S., usually provide complimentary breakfast as part of your stay (especially if you consider staying at a bed and breakfast). Some countries are especially generous in offering this amenity, knocking your socks off in the early a.m. with a delicious taste of local cuisine — while others, not so much. Here's the lowdown.

According to Rick Steves, the northern parts of Europe are most generous and hearty with their breakfast offerings. The heartiest of all is the traditional breakfast fry, also known as the "full English," which you'll be blessed with across the British Isles. This shebang of a breakfast comes with Canadian-style bacon, sausage, eggs, broiled tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, beans, and toast (with the possible inclusions of porridge, fruit, yogurt, and more). It will likely keep you full until dinner. Scandinavian hotels follow closely in their generosity. A massive breakfast smorgasbord awaits in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland; everything from bread and cheese to herrings and waffles to fresh fruits and eggs, and beyond. All-you-can-eat, of course, and the options are plentiful. You might even be allowed to pack a bit to-go so that you can enjoy some of that Scandinavian breakfast goodness for lunch or a midday snack.

As you head south along the European continent — and the warmer it gets — breakfast starts to look a little more modest. Rick Steves explains that breakfast buffets in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are not as plentiful as in Scandinavian countries. The buffet will still include bread, cold cuts, cheeses, yogurt, cereals, and perhaps boiled eggs (not scrambled or fried). However, the spread is less expansive, veering more into middle-ground "continental" breakfast territory, which is a popular breakfast option Rick Steves advises against. If breakfast costs extra or isn't included in your room rate (which might be the case), Steves says you're better off opting out of breakfast altogether in these southeastern European countries and going to a nearby bakery instead. 

Further south and west, in Spain, France, and Portugal, the breakfasts are even more "continental" and sparse. In fact, breakfast isn't often included in the room rate. If it is, it's usually quite basic, like rolls with jam, slices of ham and cheese, cereal with yogurt, and coffee, tea, and juice. In such a case, Steves also skips breakfast and goes to the local café instead for both the ambiance and to save a few euros. In France, try croissants; in Spain, try churros con chocolate (fritters with chocolate), or tortilla española (potato omelet); and in Portugal, don't miss out on pastel de nata (a Portuguese custard tart). The only type of food you should expect to eat for breakfast in Italy is the classic cappuccino and cornetto (croissant), like the locals. Steves says you're better off avoiding whatever the hotel offers and enjoying breakfast the Italian way at a local bar instead.