Lisbon's 20 euro hostel breakfast is a trap, cook your own eggs instead

I stayed at a highly rated hostel in Lisbon last month that charged 20 euros for a buffet breakfast. Everyone online said it was worth it. It was bread, cold eggs, and instant coffee. Meanwhile the grocery store two blocks away had fresh eggs, cheese, and fruit for maybe 5 euros total, and the hostel kitchen had pans. I ate better for three mornings and had enough left for a tram ticket. Why do so many budget travelers swear by paying hostel prices for food that's just reheated? If you're trying to keep costs down, isn't it smarter to skip the upcharge and hit a local market? Has anyone else found that the 'included' breakfast deals end up costing more than just grabbing your own stuff?

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andrewh4328d ago

Guessing my cooking skills are the real reason I avoid hostel kitchens, my scrambled eggs usually look like a science experiment gone wrong. But even I can beat a 20 euro plate of sad bread and cold eggs by buying a loaf and some fruit for pocket change. The market run is half the fun anyway, you meet locals and actually see the city instead of staring at a buffet line.