Morning: Arrive at Barcelona‑El Prat and take the Aerobús to the city centre. Check into a budget hostel in the Gothic Quarter and freshen up.
Afternoon: Stroll down La Rambla, explore the lively market of La Boqueria and admire street performers. Wander into the historic Gothic Quarter with its hidden squares.
Evening: Enjoy affordable tapas at a local bar in El Born and soak up the night atmosphere on the waterfront.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the iconic La Sagrada Família; book the discounted online ticket to save time.
Afternoon: Climb the colorful mosaics of Park Güell and relax in its panoramic terraces.
Evening: Walk along Barceloneta Beach, grab a cheap seafood dinner, and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the impressive architecture of Montjuïc, including the Magic Fountain and the free museums on certain days.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Casa Milà (La Pedrera) (exterior view) and wander through the trendy Gràcia neighbourhood.
Evening: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Plaça Reial with a low‑cost dinner and live music.
Find HotelsMorning: Take an early budget bus or train to Granada (≈7 h). Enjoy scenic views of the Spanish countryside.
Afternoon: Arrive and settle into a budget guesthouse near the Albaicín district.
Evening: Meander through the winding streets of the Albaicín, savoring affordable Moorish‑inspired dishes.
**Day 5: The Alhambra Complex**Morning: Book a timed entry to the Alhambra and explore the Nasrid Palaces and the Court of the Lions.
Afternoon: Stroll through the lush gardens of the Generalife, enjoying panoramic city views.
Evening: Relax at a local tavern in the Sacromonte district, listening to traditional flamenco for a modest tip.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the impressive Granada Cathedral and the adjacent Royal Chapel.
Afternoon: Explore the historic Sacromarne caves and learn about its gypsy heritage.
Evening: Enjoy a low‑cost dinner in the bustling Plaza Nueva and watch street performers.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike up to the scenic viewpoint of Mirador de San Nicolás for a stunning Alhambra backdrop.
Afternoon: Relax in the Hammam Al Ándalus for a modest soak (budget-friendly hour).
Evening: Sample tapas on a budget “tapeo” tour through the city centre.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a budget train to Sevilla (≈3 h). Check into a centrally located hostel.
Afternoon: Begin with a leisurely walk to the iconic Plaza de España and its surrounding park.
Evening: Dine on affordable “pintxos” in the Triana neighbourhood and enjoy the riverside ambience.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the magnificent Real Alcázar; use the discounted student/young adult ticket.
Afternoon: Visit the towering Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda for city vistas.
Evening: Attend a free flamenco show in a local bar, contributing a small tip for the performers.
Find HotelsMorning: Wander through the contemporary Metropol Parasol (Setas) and enjoy the rooftop view.
Afternoon: Relax in the lush Maria Luisa Park, visiting the Plaza de América and its tiled benches.
Evening: Sample budget-friendly “tapas de mercado” at the Mercado Lonja del Barranco.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a cheap regional train to Córdoba (≈45 min). Start at the stunning Mezquita-Catedral.
Afternoon: Stroll through the charming Jewish Quarter and visit the Roman Bridge.
Evening: Return to Sevilla and enjoy a quiet night in the hostel lounge.
Find HotelsMorning: Bike along the Guadalquivir River and stop at the historic Torre del Oro.
Afternoon: Explore the local markets of Alameda de Hércules for souvenirs and street food.
Evening: Join a free walking tour of Sevilla’s hidden alleys, ending with a cheap dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel back to Barcelona by overnight bus (save on a night’s accommodation).
Afternoon: Arrive and refresh at the hostel; revisit any missed sites like the **Picasso Museum** (free entry on certain evenings).
Evening: Celebrate the trip with a farewell dinner in a local “menu del día” restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack and take the Aerobús to Barcelona‑El Prat for your flight home.
Afternoon: If time allows, enjoy a final walk along the beach or a quick coffee in El Raval.
Evening: Depart with memories of a budget‑friendly Spanish adventure.
Find HotelsTo stretch the budget further, consider staying in shared dorms, cooking some meals using hostel kitchens, and taking advantage of free museum nights. If you have extra days, add a short visit to Valencia or the white villages (pueblos blancos) in Andalusia; conversely, you can condense the trip by skipping the Córdoba day‑trip and spending an extra night in Barcelona to reduce travel costs.