Spain On A Budget? Is Spain Expensive To Visit? Our Budget Travel Guide To Visit Spain.
Hello, fellow travelers! If you’ve been dreaming of a Spanish getaway, but are worried about the costs, fear not! Spain has a wealth of affordable experiences for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. In this guide, we’ll explore the affordability of Spain as a tourist destination and address the big question:
Is Spain expensive to visit?
With a little planning and some insider tips, you’ll be ready to experience the beauty, culture, and excitement of Spain without breaking the bank!
Avoid visiting Spain on major holidays, summer months, and high tourist season! Your trip throughout Spain may cost more on specific days of the week. In general keeping an eye on which month you pick your vacation in Spain is often enough when you need to budget your trip.
Spain On A Budget : Your Trip To Spain. Budget Travel In Spain : Your Accommodation To Your Flight
Looking for a way to save money on your Spain travel? From the food in Spain to the place to stay, we will help you find the best way to save some Euros.
Different parts of Spain are better for a mid-range budget (such as northern Spain). Southern Spain (in our experience so far), stretched our travel budget a bit further than major cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
Is Spain An Expensive Country To Visit?
Spain isn’t an expensive country to visit. Obviously, the cost to go to Spain (your flight) is most likely one of your biggest expenses. Even then, with a little bit of planning you can find your flight for under $400 to any of the major cities.
You can even keep your trip to Spain cost down by visiting one of the many attractions at free or minimal costs (like many of the museums in Spain).
Cost Analysis: Around Spain Trip Cost and Comparisons. How Much Does It Cost In Different Regions Of Spain?
When it comes to European travel, many people assume that Spain must be expensive. However, that’s not always the case!
While some regions and cities can be pricier than others, Spain as a whole offers a great balance of affordability and quality experiences.
Compared to other popular European destinations, Spain often comes out as a more budget-friendly option. Keep in mind that factors like the time of year, accommodations, your way to travel, and activities will affect the overall cost of your trip.
Plan your trip in advance so you can get the best value and accommodation prices in Spain.
To give you a better idea of costs in Spain, let’s compare the average daily expenses for two popular European cities:
Barcelona, Spain: With an average daily cost of around €80-€110 per person, you can expect to spend around €30-€40 on accommodation, €25-€35 on meals, and €25-€35 on sight-seeing and transportation. Bigger cities like Barcelona and Madrid in Spain, usually cost more, so keep that in mind if you are on a tight budget.
Paris, France: The average daily cost in Paris is roughly €110-€150 per person, which includes around €50-€70 for accommodation, €30-€45 on meals, and €30-€35 on attractions and transportation.
As you can see, Spain offers a more budget-friendly experience compared to other popular European destinations like France.
***DISCLAIMER***We have found that if you are looking to rent a car in Spain to travel between cities, this gets VERY EXPENSIVE! Now, it is cheaper for a smaller family and if you can drive a manual car. We have to rent a 6+ seater vehicle that is automatic.
You can look online at different companies to look at the best prices around. The cost of travel in Spain by car, in my opinion is not worth it for a big family.
The transportation in Spain is superb, whether it is the budget airlines, train travel, or public transportation. Get around the country without the extra cost of gas, finding parking, and car / travel insurance.
Is Spain Inexpensive?
The country as a whole is inexpensive in comparison to other European countries and the USA. Depending on which city you choose to visit as well can determine the price. If you choose larger cities like Barcelona or Madrid, everything will be a little more expensive than a smaller city in Spain.
A good budget friendly way to travel around Spain is by using their public transportation. The metro and bus are great to get anywhere you need to go within a city.
If you want to travel to different cities, the train is inexpensive and a great experience. No trip to Spain is complete without using the new high speed train between Spain’s major cities.
Discovering The Cheapest Cities Across Spain To Visit
Spain is home to many charming, budget-friendly cities that are perfect for exploring without emptying your wallet.
Here are a few top picks:
- Granada: This stunning Andalusian city is rich in history and boasts the magnificent Alhambra palace. Enjoy free tapas with your drinks at local bars and affordable accommodations.
- Valencia: A delightful mix of old and new, Valencia offers stunning architecture, lovely beaches, and the famous City of Arts and Sciences. With a variety of affordable attractions and delicious, reasonably-priced food, it’s a great destination for budget travelers.
- Zaragoza: As Spain’s fifth-largest city, Zaragoza is often overlooked, but it’s an affordable gem. Discover its rich history, impressive architecture, and charming plazas without the crowds and high prices of other cities.
4. Salamanca: This vibrant university town is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. With its lively atmosphere, historic buildings, and low-cost tapas bars, Salamanca offers a unique and budget-friendly experience.
5. Córdoba: Known for its stunning Mezquita-Catedral, Córdoba offers a rich history and beautiful architecture at a fraction of the cost of bigger cities. Enjoy its lively plazas, winding streets, and delicious tapas on a budget.
6. Girona: This charming city is just a short train ride from Barcelona but is less crowded and more affordable. Wander through its medieval streets, visit the colorful houses along the Onyar River, and explore the well-preserved Jewish Quarter.
Travel Spain Cheap: Tips And Tricks For Budget Travel
To make the most of your trip to Spain, consider these helpful tips for keeping costs down:
Timing: Visit during the off-season (spring or fall) to enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Accommodations: Opt for budget hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals to save on lodging expenses. Booking in advance can also help you find the best deals.
Transportation: Use public transportation, car-sharing, or bike rentals to get around cities affordably. Consider buses and trains over flights for longer distances within Spain.
To go even more in-depth / be more specific here are some real life examples of what we mean!
Timing: In off-season months like October, you can find round-trip flights from New York to Madrid for as low as $400, compared to $800+ during peak summer months.
Accommodations: Stay at budget-friendly hostels like the Oasis Backpackers’ Palace in Seville, which offers dorm beds for around €15-€20 per night, or a private room for €45-€60 per night.
Transportation: Save on intercity travel by booking bus tickets through companies like ALSA, where a one-way ticket from Madrid to Granada can cost as little as €15. You can also find train rides on OMIO for as little as $9 between major cities in Spain (all while travelling for less than 3 hours to most destinations).
Is Spain Budget Friendly?
Yes, Spain is budget friendly. From your prices for accommodation in Spain to your entertainment prices in Spain, overall you can budget your spending accordingly. Below I give some budget tips on a great way to see the country.
Travel to Spain On A Budget With These Budget Tips
Maximizing your experience with a little creativity, you can make your trip to Spain an unforgettable experience without overspending:
Sightseeing: Many cities offer free or discounted attractions, like museums with free admission days or public parks with beautiful gardens and playgrounds.
Food and dining: Dine at local markets or small family-run restaurants for delicious, affordable meals. Remember, tapas are often free or cheap when you order a drink!
Souvenir shopping: Look for unique, locally made items at street markets or small boutiques, where you can often find budget-friendly treasures to bring home.
Planning Your Spain Trip: Estimating Your Travel To Spain Cost
To keep your spending in check, it’s essential to create a realistic budget for your Spanish adventure:
Make a list of all your expected expenses, including flights, accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities in Spain.
Research costs for each item on your list, and allocate a reasonable budget for each expense.
Use resources like travel websites, apps, and blogs to find deals, discounts, and insider tips for saving money.
Lastly we have such a big “local” tip that its getting its own section for special attention.
Incorporating Menu del Día into your dining plans can significantly help you save on food costs during your Spanish adventure.
Many restaurants in Spain, especially in cities like Valencia, offer “Menu del Dia” (Menu of the Day) for lunch, which is typically the main meal of the day. This special set menu includes a starter, main course, dessert, and sometimes even a drink (wine, beer, or a soft drink), all at a very affordable price.
In Valencia, you can find Menu del Día options for as low as €8-€15 per person. Coming from the USA, the food prices in Spain are significantly lower than what we were used to paying.
For example, at the popular restaurant La Riua, you can enjoy a delicious Menu del Día for around €12.
The menu usually includes a choice of starters like salad or soup, followed by a choice of main dishes such as paella or grilled fish, and a dessert like flan or fruit. With a generous portion size and a drink included, this is a fantastic way to savor the local cuisine without breaking the bank.
By incorporating “Menu del Día” into your meal plans, you can significantly reduce your daily food expenses while still enjoying a diverse range of local dishes. Be sure to include these budget-friendly dining options when estimating your overall travel costs for your Spain trip.
If you are trying to stay under $30 per day for food; loading up on a big, massive meal at around 2pm everyday is a great way to try new foods while remaining full on your trip.
**Additional Tips to Travel to Spain Cheap Here are a few more suggestions to help you make the most of your budget-friendly Spanish adventure:
Free or discounted attractions: Take advantage of free walking tours, art galleries, and cultural events to enrich your experience without spending a fortune.
Travel apps and websites: Use these digital resources to find the best deals on accommodations, transportation, and activities. Sign up for newsletters to stay informed about discounts and special offers. Another thing that we did before we first took our trip to Spain, is I joined local Facebook groups and asking questions on there! Many questions have been asked before so I used the search engine and found TONS of tips for the cheapest way to travel to Spain.
3. Group tours: Joining a group tour can often result in lower costs and unique experiences. Look for family-friendly options if you’re traveling with kids, or consider themed tours that cater to your interests.
Here are two more real-life examples and practical advice for budget-friendly travel in Spain:
Free or discounted attractions: In Madrid, the famous Prado Museum offers free admission every day during the last two hours before closing. Plan your visit accordingly to save on entrance fees and still enjoy the incredible artwork.
Eating out: When in Granada, head to Bodegas Castañeda, a popular local tapas bar. For the price of a drink (cost around €2-€3), you’ll receive a generous serving of tapas. This is a great way to sample local cuisine while keeping your food expenses low.
***Also if you have not already; go back and read above where we mention the “Menu del Día” as that truly is a budget saver food wise!***
Now you’re all set to embark on your incredible Spanish adventure without worrying about your wallet. With these helpful tips, insider knowledge, and a bit of research, you’ll be able to experience the best of Spain’s charm, culture, and beauty without breaking the bank.
So, it’s time to get your luggage packed, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in this amazing country. Happy travels!
4-Day Budget Itinerary For Valencia, Spain
Day 1:
- Arrival in Valencia
- Accommodation: Check-in at Purple Nest Hostel (€20-€25 per night for a dorm bed)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at Casa Montaña will set you back around €12 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Explore the City of Arts and Sciences complex (free to walk around the exterior)
- Dinner: Grab tapas at Mercado de la Tapineria for about €15 (multiple tapas and a drink)
- Evening activity: Stroll through Barrio del Carmen, Valencia’s old town (free)
Day 2:
- Breakfast: Pastelería Santa Catalina for churros con chocolate, around €5
- Morning activity: Visit Valencia Cathedral and the Miguelete Tower (combined ticket €8)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at La Riua for around €12 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Relax at Turia Gardens (free) or rent a bike from Valenbisi for €3 for a day pass
- Dinner: Enjoy a cheap and cheerful meal at L’Alquimista Pizzeria for around €10 (pizza and drink)
- Evening activity: Discover Valencia’s street art scene in Barrio del Carmen (free)
Day 3:
- Breakfast: Dulce de Leche Boutique for a croissant and coffee, around €4
- Morning activity: Visit the Central Market (free entry) and buy some fresh fruits and snacks for around €5
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at Restaurante Navarro for around €10 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (free entry)
- Late afternoon: Relax at Malvarrosa Beach (free)
- Dinner: Savor affordable seafood at Casa Carmela for around €20 (paella and a drink)
- Evening activity: Catch a movie at Filmoteca d’Estiu, an open-air summer cinema (tickets €3.50)
Day 4:
- Breakfast: Granier Bakery for a pastry and coffee, around €3
- Morning activity: Visit the Oceanografic (aquarium), €31.30 for an adult ticket
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at El Rall for around €11 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Explore the Bioparc Valencia (zoo), €23.80 for an adult ticket
- Dinner: Enjoy budget-friendly tapas at Tinto Fino Ultra Marino for around €15 (tapas assortment and a drink)
- Evening activity: Take a leisurely walk along the Turia Riverbed Park (free)
This 4-day budget itinerary in Valencia keeps your daily expenses at or below $100 (approximately €90) per day.
It combines affordable accommodation, delicious food options (including a daily “Menu del Dia”), and a diverse range of activities to ensure you have a fantastic time in Valencia without breaking the bank.
With a mix of historic sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, this budget-friendly itinerary will help you make the most of your Valencia adventure.
When visiting the country, be sure to take a trip around Valencia. Valencia has many free or low cost prices for entertainment in Spain.
3-Day Budget Itinerary for Granada, Spain
Day 1:
- Arrival in Granada (in the south of Spain)
- Accommodation: Check-in at Oasis Backpackers’ Hostel (€15-€20 per night for a dorm bed)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at Bar Avila for around €10 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Explore Albayzín, Granada’s old Moorish quarter (free)
- Dinner: Enjoy free tapas with a drink at Bodegas Castañeda for around €6-€8 (2-3 drinks)
- Evening activity: Wander through the beautiful Plaza Nueva and Carrera del Darro (free)
Day 2:
- Breakfast: La Finca Coffee for a coffee and pastry, around €4
- Morning activity: Visit the Alhambra (General ticket €14)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at Bar los Diamantes for around €12 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Relax at Carmen de los Mártires gardens (free)
- Dinner: Try affordable Moroccan cuisine at Arrayanes for around €15 (main dish and drink)
- Evening activity: Attend a free flamenco show at Le Chien Andalou (arrive early for seats)
Day 3:
- Breakfast: Café 4 Gatos for a tostada and coffee, around €3
- Morning activity: Visit the Royal Chapel of Granada (€5 entrance fee) and Granada Cathedral (€5 entrance fee)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at La Fragua for around €10 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Explore the Sacromonte neighborhood and its cave houses (free)
- Late afternoon: Visit Mirador de San Nicolás for stunning views of the Alhambra (free)
- Dinner: Savor affordable tapas at El Pescador for around €10-€15 (tapas and a drink)
- Evening activity: Enjoy a leisurely walk along Paseo de los Tristes (free)
This 3-day budget itinerary in Granada keeps your daily expenses at or below $100 (approximately €90) per day.
It includes affordable accommodation, delicious food options (including a daily “Menu del Dia”), and a mix of historic sites, cultural experiences, and picturesque neighborhoods.
With this budget-friendly itinerary, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of Granada without breaking the bank.
3-Day Budget Itinerary For Zaragoza, Spain
Day 1:
- Arrival in Zaragoza
- Accommodation: Check-in at Albergue La Posada Del Comendador (€20-€25 per night for a dorm bed)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at Casa Lac for around €12 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Visit Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (free entry) and wander around Plaza del Pilar
- Dinner: Enjoy a selection of tapas at Bodegas Almau for around €15 (tapas and a drink)
- Evening activity: Stroll along the Ebro River and take in the views of Puente de Piedra (free)
Day 2:
- Breakfast: Doña Hipólita for a coffee and pastry, around €4
- Morning activity: Visit Aljafería Palace (€5 entrance fee)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at El Serrablo for around €11 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Explore the historic neighborhood of El Tubo (free)
- Dinner: Savor affordable tapas at La Republicana for around €10-€15 (tapas and a drink)
- Evening activity: Catch a movie at the Filmoteca de Zaragoza (tickets €2)
Day 3:
- Breakfast: Croissant Affair for a croissant and coffee, around €3
- Morning activity: Visit the Museo Pablo Gargallo (€4 entrance fee) and Museo Goya – Colección Ibercaja (€3 entrance fee)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at Restaurante Palomeque for around €10 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Discover Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta and its gardens (free)
- Late afternoon: Visit the Caesaraugusta Theatre Museum (€3 entrance fee)
- Dinner: Enjoy budget-friendly Spanish cuisine at Taberna El Broquel for around €15 (main dish and drink)
- Evening activity: Relax at the Fuente de la Hispanidad and watch the illuminated Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (free)
This 3-day budget itinerary in Zaragoza keeps your daily expenses at or below $100 (approximately €90) per day.
It features affordable accommodation, delicious food options (including a daily “Menu del Dia”), and a mix of historic sites, cultural experiences, and beautiful parks.
With this budget-friendly itinerary, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the rich history and charm of Zaragoza while on a Spain budget.
2-Day Budget Itinerary For Cordoba, Spain
Day 1:
- Arrival in Cordoba
- Accommodation: Check-in at Option Be Hostel (€20-€25 per night for a dorm bed)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at Taberna La Montillana for around €12 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (€11 entrance fee)
- Evening activity: Stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter and wander around the narrow streets (free)
- Dinner: Enjoy a selection of tapas at Taberna La Viuda for around €15 (tapas and a drink)
Day 2:
- Breakfast: Pan y Mermelada for a coffee and pastry, around €4
- Morning activity: Visit Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs (€5 entrance fee)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at La Boca for around €11 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Explore the Roman Bridge and the Tower of Calahorra (free)
- Dinner: Savor affordable Andalusian cuisine at Casa Mazal for around €15 (main dish and drink)
- Evening activity: Catch a free flamenco show at Tablao Cardenal (arrive early for seats)
This 2-day budget itinerary in Cordoba keeps your daily expenses at or below $100 (approximately €90) per day. It includes affordable accommodation, delicious food options (including a daily “Menu del Dia”), and a mix of historic sites, cultural experiences, and picturesque neighborhoods.
2-Day Budget Itinerary For Girona, Spain
Day 1:
- Arrival in Girona
- Accommodation: Check-in at Bed in Girona Hostel (€20-€25 per night for a dorm bed)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at L’estrella del Mar for around €12 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Explore the Girona Cathedral (€7 entrance fee) and the surrounding Old Town
- Evening activity: Wander along the ancient city walls and enjoy panoramic views of Girona (free)
- Dinner: Enjoy a selection of tapas at Zanpanzar for around €15 (tapas and a drink)
Day 2:
- Breakfast: La Fábrica Girona for a coffee and pastry, around €4
- Morning activity: Visit the Arab Baths (€2 entrance fee) and the Sant Pere de Galligants Monastery (€2 entrance fee)
- Lunch: Menu del Dia at Divinum for around €14 (starter, main, dessert, and drink)
- Afternoon activity: Stroll through the colorful streets of the Jewish Quarter (free)
- Dinner: Savor affordable Catalan cuisine at Konig for around €10 (burger or sandwich and a drink)
- Evening activity: Relax by the picturesque Onyar River and admire the colorful houses (free)
This 2-day budget itinerary in Girona keeps your daily expenses at or below $100 (approximately €90) per day.
Our Final Thoughts : Overall A Travel Around Spain Is A Great Way To Save Money
Spain is a beautiful country filled with rich culture, history, and unforgettable experiences. With a little planning and some savvy budgeting, you can make your dream Spanish vacation a reality without breaking the bank.
Saving money in Spain is absolutely doable. Whether you are trying to save money on accommodations or transportation prices in Spain; we found the place we saved the most money was with food prices and taking the public transportation options everywhere we could!
By embracing the affordable side of Spain and using these insider tips, you’ll create lasting memories that will stay with you long after your trip has ended.
