The Simple Phrase That Will Save Tourists Money While Ordering At A Restaurant In Spain

Most savvy travelers know that fully experiencing a destination doesn't necessarily require deep pockets or endless resources. On the contrary, it just depends on having a basic understanding of local customs and habits, and adapting to them. From learning how to use public transportation during off-peak hours to visiting museums on free admission days, and even joining free walking tours around the city, there are plenty of travel hacks that can help budget travelers explore for less no matter where they go.

Take a popular destination like Spain, for example. While things like finding bars that serve free tapas with every drink and knowing how to order water to avoid paying for it are both great ways to save money, there's one more major local tip that'll help you unlock even bigger savings while eating out. The secret? It's all in a single phrase: "Un menú del día, por favor" — or, in English, "One menu of the day, please."

So, while most travelers tend to flock to overpriced restaurants in city centers and nearby tourist attractions, knowing about the menú del día — aka, Spain's version of a set-price menu — puts you at an advantage. Specifically, one where you can save your wallet the hassle of paying tourist prices simply by dining alongside locals at a small neighborhood establishments.

No matter where you go in the country, ordering a menú del día generally offers incredible value compared to, say, picking out individual dishes and ordering à la carte. For around $11 to $15 depending on where you are, these types of lunchtime specials are typically made up of a delicious three-course meal — plus some bread and a drink — that would normally cost much more under other circumstances.

In terms of what you'll be eating, your options will vary daily — which, as a plus, means you won't get bored of eating them. In most cases, however, your meal will come with a first course that's either a soup, salad, or basic pasta dish. From there, your second course will typically be a choice between meat or fish, oftentimes served alongside potatoes or vegetables. Lastly, for dessert, you'll often have the choice between fruit, yogurt, or a traditional Spanish sweet like flan. Along with all of that, most restaurants will also include bread, water, and even wine or a small glass of beer (caña) in the price — so you're really getting your money's worth!

Best of all, you don't need to venture out too far or do a bunch of research to find a good menú del día. Most restaurants tend to skip out on printed menus to advertise their daily offerings and, instead, list them out on a chalkboard outside — so all it usually takes is a quick walk around the area to find a place serving them up.

For travelers looking to soak up as much authenticity as possible — timing is key when it comes to eating out. Once you've been in the country for a few days, you'll quickly start to notice that Spanish lunch culture typically runs on its own schedule. With that in mind, don't expect to find many (if any) locals enjoying their menú del día (or any sort of lunch) before 2:00 p.m. — especially as you get closer to the weekend. However, while being too early isn't great, waiting too long won't do you any favors either. After all, it's pretty common that restaurants will start to run out of menú del día options around 4:00 p.m., which means you'll be left hungry and disappointed if you don't catch it in time.

Finally, if you truly want to avoid being an annoying tourist during your travels, make sure you always take your time while dining out in Spain — even if it's at a casual eatery. Mealtime in the country isn't just about filling your stomach and running off — it's a social occasion where people tend to linger over their food and enjoy their conversations. Even while eating something as casual as a menú del día, your courses will probably arrive at their own relaxed pace — and that's exactly how you should enjoy them too. Best of all, your server won't hurry you along or bring the check unless you ask for it, either — so just sit back and enjoy the experience.