Budget Travel Guide to Spain

Planning Your Trip

When planning a trip to Spain on a budget, the first step is choosing your destinations wisely. Focus on smaller cities rather than big ones like Barcelona which tend to be more expensive. Some great lower-cost options include Burgos, Pamplona, and Logroño in northern Spain. Be strategic with your transportation as well - look into rideshares or buses rather than trains when possible. Make use of overnight trains to save on accommodation between destinations too. Be sure to research accommodation well in advance. Budget hostels with private rooms are perfect for solo travelers or couples and usually cost around €20-30 per night. For an even cheaper alternative, consider couchsurfing with locals to experience Spanish culture and hospitality firsthand. To save money on transportation within Spain, a Eurail pass is a solid option. Prices vary based on the number of travel days within a 2 month period, with 3-10 day passes generally providing good value. Make full use of your pass by traveling between cities rather than staying in one place too long.

Enjoying Granada on a Shoestring

The beautiful southern city of Granada is one of the most rewarding destinations in Spain to visit on a budget. Spend a full day exploring the impressive fortifications and palaces of the Alhambra, a true architectural marvel. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance online to avoid lines. For affordable accommodation, the Oasis Backpackers’ Hostel in the historic Albayzín neighborhood cannot be beat. Not only do you get a private room, breakfast, and wifi for around €15-20, but you also gain access to daily activities and walking tours led by knowledgeable staff. It’s the perfect base for exploring Granada without breaking the bank. Within easy walking distance of the hostel is plenty to keep you occupied without spending money. Wander the tangled alleys of Albayzín taking in panoramic city views, check out craft vendors in the Mirador de San Nicolas viewpoint, or relax in free gardens like Parque de las Tres Culturas. Top off evenings with cheap tapas and wine in local bars.

Madrid on the Cheap

Spain’s lively capital Madrid offers world-class culture and nightlife without emptying your wallet if you’re savvy. Reserve at least a full day to immerse yourself in one of Madrid’s amazing free art museums - the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza collections can each fill an entire day on their own. Refuel with affordable bite-sized tapas hopping from one pintxo bar to the next. Calle Cava Baja in the center holds some classics. Once full, head to the landmark Puerta del Sol square to watch Madrid go by. For souvenirs and everyday items, shop the mid-range brand outlets along Calle Almirante and in malls along Gran Vía. Score big savings compared to tourist traps elsewhere. By night, catch cheap flamenco shows or live music in Lavapiés or Huertas. Staying in a centrally located budget hostel, comfortable Madrid adventures need not break the bank.

Southern Spain’s Hidden Gems

Off the well-trodden route in Andalusia lay authentic Spanish destinations welcoming budget travelers with open arms. In Córdoba, spend a day soaking up the blend of cultures in the Mezquita, a nearly 1000 year old mosque. The Alcázar palace gardens provide further serenity free of charge. Nearby in the ‘White Town’ of Ronda, take in panoramic vistas from the gorge spanned by a famous stone bridge and wander whitewashed alleyways. Simple family-run pensiones offer basic rooms and breakfast for €20-30, all within a short stroll of sights. On the Costa del Sol, the British influence in Marbella juxtaposes Andalusian charm. Enjoy free city beaches or hike mountain paths and you’ll find authentic tapas bars and affordable seafood still dominate over glitz. By carefully selecting outlying pueblosbloques to visit each day, lodging and local cuisine remain very affordable along this popular coastline.

Barcelona on the Cheap

Despite its status as one of Europe’s top destinations, Barcelona maintains a thriving budget travel scene. Opt to visit iconic Gaudi landmarks like Park Güell and La Sagrada Família on free entry days (certain hours on first Sunday and Saturday of the month respectively). For lodging, centrally located hostels like the Barcelona Shoestation offer dorm beds from €15 and private rooms from €30-35. Well-reviewed options abound in the Gothic Quarter and Eixample districts near major attractions. Fill hungry stomachs in La Boqueria market, ogling fresh seafood and picking up ingredients for picnic lunches to enjoy in parks. Barceloneta beach provides free activities to enjoy the sunny coast. In the evening, sip €2 cañas at pintxos tapas bars and €5 crepes from street vendors. Public transportation allows you to reach any point in the city for just €2.15 per journey. With smart planning, Barcelona offers European culture for backpacker budgets.

Budget Itinerary Overview

By carefully selecting mainly smaller Spanish cities over expensive highlights and utilizing affordable accommodation like hostels, a 2 week trip traversing much of Spain’s top destinations can realistically cost only €30-40 per day for two people or less than €1500 total including all travel, lodging, food and attractions. Stay in Burgos, Logroño and Pamplona in northern Spain before overnights in Madrid and Granada Book affordable hostels along the way. Spend several days exploring major sights in Barcelona, Cordoba, Seville and Malaga then finish along Costa del Sol. Focus on free cultural activities, picnic lunches and affordable local cuisine/transport. With strategic planning like using rail passes and rideshares, Spain reveals its treasures affordably.

Budget Spain Itinerary

By following this 2 week budget-focused itinerary, travelers can experience Spain’s diverse highlights while staying entirely below €40 per person per day. Careful accommodation, food and transportation planning keeps costs low without skimping on cultural immersion.

Day 1: Arrive Burgos

Explore Burgos Cathedral and Mirador de Miraflores viewpoint.

Day 2: Logroño

Wander Logroño’s Rioja wine country and historic Casco Antiguo district.

Day 3: Pamplona

Visit Running of the Bulls museum and walk city ramparts.

Day 4: Overnight train to Madrid

Spend day in Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen museums.

Day 5: Madrid

People watch Puerta del Sol and shop Gran Via.

Day 6: Train to Cordoba

Mezquita and winding Medieval streets.

Day 7: Seville

Alcazar gardens, Cathedral and tapas in Barrio Santa Cruz.

Day 8: Malaga

Picasso Museum and beach stroll along Muelle Uno.

Day 9-10: Granada

Alhambra, winding Albaycin quarter and flamenco bar.

Day 11: Ronda

Tajo Gorge bridge views and whitewashed Old Town.

Day 12-13: Barcelona

Park Guell, La Sagrada Família and beach time.

Day 14: Depart Málaga or Costa del Sol

By carefully budgeting for affordable lodging like hostels at €15-30/night and focusing on free cultural activities, this 2 week itinerary experiencing Spain’s top destinations can be done for well under the average €40 per person per day budget. With some flexible days added, travelers gain even more value exploring this diverse country’s riches without breaking the bank.