10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Spain on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Start your day with a traditional Catalan breakfast of ‘pa amb tomàquet’ and hot chocolate at this beloved local café.
Walking distance from most accommodations in the Gothic Quarter.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit La Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí's architectural masterpiece while taking in the intricate details of this iconic basilica.
Take Metro L2 from Passeig de Gràcia to Sagrada Familia.
EUR20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Raval Market

Grab a cheap yet tasty meal at this vibrant market, choosing from a variety of stalls offering local dishes.
Metro L3 to Liceu, then a short walk.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Park Güell

Wander through this whimsical park filled with Gaudí's creations and relax in the beautiful surroundings.
Bus 24 from Plaça Catalunya to Park Güell.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Flauta

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner with delectable tapas and fresh seafood at this lively eatery.
Bus or walk from Park Güell.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Barcelona Culture

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chök

Indulge in sweet pastries and hot drinks at this famous chocolate shop.
Nearby, located in the Gothic Quarter.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Gothic Quarter

Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, soak in the history, and visit the stunning Barcelona Cathedral.
Walking tour around the area.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Boqueria Market

Delight in market-fresh sandwiches and juice at this bustling food market.
Walk back to the market area.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Picasso Museum

Explore the extensive collection of works by Pablo Picasso located in his childhood neighborhood.
Walk to the El Born district.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cervecería 100 Montaditos

Experience a tapas-style dinner with various mini-sandwiches at this budget-friendly spot.
Metro or walk from the museum.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Valencia

Valencia, Spain

7:30AM

Breakfast at L'Almoina Cafe

Fuel up with fresh orange juice and toast before hitting the road.
Walking distance from accommodation.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Valencia

Take a train to Valencia, enjoying the scenic ride along the coast.
Renfe train from Barcelona Sants to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla.
EUR20, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Explore this vibrant market and pick up some delicious and inexpensive local bites.
Metro from the train station to Xàtiva.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll through the Turia Gardens

Take a leisurely walk in the beautiful gardens built on a former riverbed.
Walk from the market to the gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the City of Arts and Sciences

Explore this architectural complex and take pictures of its stunning buildings.
Bus or walk from the gardens.
EUR25 (for kids’ ticket), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Masía de Jose

Savor a family meal serving traditional Valencia dishes at this cozy restaurant.
Bus from the City of Arts.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Valencia Adventures

Valencia, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Horchatería Santa Catalina

Try the famous Valencian drink horchata with fartons to start your day.
Located in the city center.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Valencia Cathedral

Explore this stunning cathedral and climb the Miguelete bell tower for panoramic views.
Walking distance from the café.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Rall

Enjoy a delectable paella, the region's speciality, at this quaint eatery.
Short walk from the cathedral.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Science Museum visit

Engage with interactive exhibits and learn about science through fun activities.
Walk or take bus from El Rall.
EUR18, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Malvarrosa Beach

Unwind at this beautiful city beach, where the kids can play and family can enjoy the sun.
Metro or bus to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Casa Roberto

Relish a family dinner with a large variety of traditional dishes.
Short walk from the beach.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Explore Granada

Granada, Spain

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café 4 Gatos

Enjoy a light breakfast and freshly baked pastries in this charming café.
Near the bus station.
EUR8, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Granada

Take an early bus to Granada and enjoy the passing landscapes on the way.
ALSA bus from Valencia to Granada.
EUR25, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bodegas Castañeda

Dive into local tapas, enjoying the variety they offer in this popular place.
Walking distance from the bus station.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Alhambra Palace

Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site that features stunning gardens and architecture.
Bus or walk from the restaurant.
EUR15 (advance purchase recommended), 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Albaicín

Stroll through the narrow streets of this historic neighborhood, soaking in amazing views of the Alhambra.
Walk uphill from Alhambra.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner in Sacromonte

Enjoy a hearty meal at one of the cave restaurants and taste authentic Flamenco culture.
Bus or walk to Sacromonte.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Granada Wonders

Granada, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gran Café Bib-Rambla

Start with a hearty breakfast of tostadas and café con leche.
Walking distance from downtown.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Generalife Gardens

Explore the lush and beautiful gardens of this summer palace, offering stunning views of the Alhambra.
Entrance is close to Alhambra.
Included in Alhambra ticket, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café de las Sonrisas

Try their delicious sandwiches and enjoy the friendly vibe of this café.
Short walk from Generalife.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Granada Science Park

Enjoy the interactive exhibits and the planetarium at this unique family attraction.
Bus or taxi to the park.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax and Play at Parque de las Ciencias

Spend the afternoon at this educational park where kids can play and adults can relax.
Within the Science Park area.
Included in admission, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Taberna la Tana

Enjoy a lovely dinner with a selection of traditional tapas and wines.
Bus back into town.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Seville

Seville, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panadería La Trianera

Savor fresh-baked goods as you get ready for departure.
Close to your accommodation.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Seville

Travel to Seville and enjoy the picturesque views during your journey.
ALSA bus from Granada to Seville.
EUR15, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Pintón

Enjoy an affordable tapas lunch in the lively Santa Cruz neighborhood.
Walking distance from the bus station.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Seville Cathedral and La Giralda

Visit this magnificent Gothic cathedral and climb the tower for incredible views.
Short walk from restaurant.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll in Parque María Luisa

Take a serene stroll through the lush gardens and admire the beautiful architecture.
Bus or walk from the cathedral.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Azotea

Experience modern cuisine with a local twist in this popular setting.
Walking distance from the park.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Seville Culture

Seville, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at El Pintor

Start your day with fresh pastries and traditional coffee.
Nearby your accommodation.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Alcázar of Seville

Explore the stunning Moorish architecture and the beautiful gardens of this royal palace.
Short walk from breakfast.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Casa de la Memoria

Experience a traditional and affordable meal in the heart of Seville.
Walk from Alcázar.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Barrio Santa Cruz

Wander through the charming streets of this historic area filled with shops and local culture.
Walking tour.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Flamenco Dance Museum

Discover the cultural significance of Flamenco through exhibits and live performances.
Short walk from Santa Cruz.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante Albahaca

Enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine; a perfect end to a day in Seville.
Walk from the museum.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Travel to Madrid

Madrid, Spain

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Moderno

Enjoy a light breakfast with fresh fruit and local coffee.
Near your accommodation.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Madrid

Take the train to Madrid, ready for more adventures.
Renfe train from Seville Santa Justa to Madrid Atocha.
EUR30, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Explore various food stalls offering a range of international and local dishes.
Walk from Atocha train station.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Discover the grandeur of the royal residence and explore its beautiful gardens.
Metro from the market area.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll at Retiro Park

Wander through this iconic park, enjoy a boat ride, or simply relax by the lake.
Walk or take a short metro ride.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Taberna de Elia

Wrap up your day with delightful homemade tapas in this cozy tavern.
Walking distance from Retiro Park.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Madrid Highlights

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Start your day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the palace.
Nearby the Royal Palace.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Museo del Prado

Explore one of the world's premier art galleries, showcasing masterpieces by Spanish artists.
Metro from the café to the museum.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at El Sur

Enjoy traditional Spanish dishes at this family-friendly local restaurant.
Take a short metro ride.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Plaza Mayor

Visit this historic square filled with shops and opportunities for people-watching.
Short walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping at Gran Vía

Wander along Madrid’s iconic shopping street where you can find great deals.
Walk from Plaza Mayor.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Casa de la Panadería

End your trip with a lovely dinner and reflect on your amazing family adventure.
Short walk from Gran Vía.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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