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

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid

Madrid, Spain

10:00AM

Arrive in Madrid

After arriving at Madrid-Barajas Airport, pick up a local transport pass for budget-friendly travel during your stay.
Airport to city center via Metro Line 8
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Plaza Mayor

Grab a delicious and budget-friendly sandwich at 'Casa de la Panadería' while enjoying the bustling atmosphere.
Metro (Line 1) to Sol Station then a short walk
EUR 7.00, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Royal Palace

Visit the stunning Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family, for a glimpse into the country's regal past.
Walk from Plaza Mayor to the Palace
EUR 12.00, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Temple of Debod

Stroll through Parque del Oeste to see this ancient Egyptian temple beautifully situated with a backdrop of Madrid.
Walk, about 20 minutes
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at El Tigre

Enjoy a delightful tapas dinner at El Tigre, known for generous portions and reasonable prices.
Metro to Chueca, then a short walk
EUR 15.00, 2 hours
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Day 2: Madrid Exploration

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with traditional chocolate and churros from the historic Chocolatería.
Walk, 10 minutes from hotel
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Prado Museum

Discover the masterpieces of the Spanish and European art at the renowned Prado Museum.
Metro to Banco de España Station
EUR 15.00, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Taberna del Crack

Sample traditional Spanish dishes like paella at this local eatery without breaking the bank.
Walk from Prado to the restaurant
EUR 10.00, 1 hour

1:00PM

Stroll through Retiro Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk in Retiro Park, where the kids can play and you can relax.
Walk, 15 minutes from lunch
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Reina Sofia Museum

Witness Picasso's Guernica and other modern art pieces at the Reina Sofia Museum.
Walk back to Atocha Station
EUR 10.00, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Mercado de San Miguel

Choose from a variety of food stalls for a casual yet tasty dinner experience.
Metro to Opera Station
EUR 15.00, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo

Toledo, Spain

7:30AM

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy a light breakfast of pastries and coffee before heading to Toledo.
Nearby café
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Toledo

Take a scenic train ride to the historic city of Toledo, known for its medieval architecture.
Train at Atocha Station
EUR 13.00, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Explore Toledo’s Old Town

Spend the morning wandering the charming streets and discover its rich history and stunning views.
Walking tour through the city
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café del Fin

Refuel with some flavorful local dishes at this cozy café.
Short walk in the Old Town
EUR 10.00, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Toledo Cathedral

Marvel at the beautiful architecture and art inside one of Spain's most famous cathedrals.
Walk from lunch
EUR 12.00, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Alcázar of Toledo

Explore this historic fortress and museum with incredible panoramic views of the city.
Short walk from Cathedral
EUR 5.00, 2 hours

5:30PM

Train back to Madrid

Return to Madrid after a fulfilling day in Toledo.
At Toledo station
EUR 13.00, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at La Casa de las Tortillas

Indulge in Spanish tortilla and other local favorites for dinner.
Metro from Atocha
EUR 10.00, 2 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Valencia

Valencia, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panaria

Savor freshly baked bread and croissants at this lovely local bakery.
Walk from the hotel
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Valencia

Make your way to Valencia, famous for its beautiful beaches and the City of Arts and Sciences.
Train from Atocha Station
EUR 30.00, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-in at a budget hotel

Find a cozy and affordable hotel for the family in Valencia for the next two days.
Walking distance from the station
EUR 80.00 per night, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Relish fresh local produce and tapas in the lively Mercado Central.
Short walk from hotel
EUR 15.00, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the City of Arts and Sciences

Explore this architectural marvel featuring a science museum, planetarium, and aquarium.
Metro to Ayora Station
EUR 37.00 for kids' entry, 3 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Turia Gardens

Walk through these beautiful gardens that stretch through the city, perfect for kids to play.
Walk back from the City of Arts
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Bulería

Enjoy traditional Valenician paella at a casual but popular eatery.
Metro to Ruzafa
EUR 20.00, 2 hours
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Day 5: Valencia Adventures

Valencia, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Fuel up with fresh pastries and coffee at a café near the hotel.
Short walk from hotel
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Oceanogràfic

Spend the morning at the largest aquarium in Europe, where kids can see marine animals from around the globe.
Metro to the City of Arts
EUR 31.00 per child, EUR 36.00 per adult, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Pepica

Dine on delicious seafood and paella by the beach, enjoying the Valencia sun.
Metro to Las Arenas beach
EUR 20.00, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at La Malvarrosa Beach

Spend a few hours relaxing and playing at the picturesque beach.
Short walk from lunch
Free, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Valencia Cathedral

Check out the beautiful Valencia Cathedral and its famous 'Holy Grail.'
Take the bus from the beach
EUR 8.00, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Casa Montaña

Indulge in a variety of tapas at this laid-back restaurant known for good value.
Bus back to city center
EUR 20.00, 2 hours
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Day 6: Journey to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at a café

Enjoy breakfast at a local café before departing from Valencia.
Near the hotel
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Barcelona

Head to Barcelona, known for its incredible architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Train from Valencia Nord station
EUR 30.00, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at a budget hotel

Settle into a cost-effective hotel in the heart of Barcelona for exploration.
Walking distance from the station
EUR 80.00 per night, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Enjoy fresh market food and tapas at this bustling market.
Walk from the hotel
EUR 15.00, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Las Ramblas

Wander along this famous street filled with shops, street performers, and energy.
Walk from lunch
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Park Güell

Head to this whimsical park designed by Gaudí, known for its colorful mosaics and fairy-tale architecture.
Metro to Vallcarca station
EUR 10.00, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Fonda

Savor authentic Catalan cuisine at this lively restaurant that offers excellent value.
Walk back from Park Güell
EUR 20.00, 2 hours
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Day 7: Barcelona Discovery

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at a nearby bakery

Indulge in fresh pastries and coffee at a close bakery for breakfast.
Walking distance from the hotel
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí’s iconic basilica and its unique architecture, both inside and out.
Metro to Sagrada Familia
EUR 20.00, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Els Quatre Gats

Dine at this historic restaurant that offers a glimpse into Barcelona’s culinary legacy.
Metro to Parallel station then walk
EUR 18.00, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Gothic Quarter

Discover the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter, full of history and small shops.
Walk from lunch
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Barcelona Aquarium

Excite the kids with underwater adventures and exhibits at this family-friendly aquarium.
Walk towards the waterfront
EUR 21.00 per child, EUR 30.00 per adult, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Pans & Company

Enjoy quick sandwiches for dinner; perfect for an easy evening meal.
Walk from the aquarium
EUR 10.00, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Travel to Granada

Granada, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Kick off the day with a light breakfast before departing for Granada.
Near the hotel
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Granada

Travel to the enchanting city of Granada, home of the Alhambra.
Train from Barcelona Sants
EUR 60.00, 3.5 hours

1:30PM

Check-in at a budget hotel

Settle in at a budget-friendly accommodation in Granada.
Walking distance from the train station
EUR 80.00 per night, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Bodegas Castañeda

Enjoy traditional tapas for lunch at a local favorite spot.
Short walk from your hotel
EUR 15.00, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Alhambra

Explore the stunning Moorish palace and gardens; book tickets in advance for the best access.
Bus to Alhambra
EUR 14.00, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante Los Diamantes

Dig into generous portions of fried fish and tapas at this family-friendly place.
Short walk from Alhambra
EUR 20.00, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Cultural Immersion in Seville

Seville, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at a bakery

Treat yourself to a lovely assortment of chaussons or croissants for breakfast.
Near the hotel
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

9:00AM

Morning train to Seville

Travel to the graceful city of Seville, known for flamenco and its stunning architecture.
Train from Granada station
EUR 30.00, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at a budget hotel

Get settled in a cost-effective accommodation in Seville.
Walking distance from the station
EUR 80.00 per night, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

Feast on classic tapas at the oldest bar in Seville in a beautiful traditional setting.
Walk from your hotel
EUR 12.00, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Seville Cathedral

Explore the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, featuring the famous La Giralda bell tower.
Walk from lunch
EUR 10.00, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through the Alcázar

Walk through the breathtaking Alcázar with dense gardens and stunning Moorish architecture.
Walk from the Cathedral
EUR 12.00, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Taberna San Fernando

End the day with exceptional Andalusian tapas at this fantastic eatery.
Walk from Alcázar
EUR 25.00, 2 hours
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Day 10: Return to Madrid

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while taking in the beautiful views of the Royal Palace.
Near the hotel
EUR 10.00, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train back to Madrid

Make your way back to Madrid for your flight home.
Train from Santa Justa
EUR 30.00, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Plaza de España

Grab lunch at one of the local cafes while admiring the iconic square.
Walking distance from Atocha Station
EUR 12.00, 1 hour

1:00PM

Last-minute shopping

Pick up souvenirs and enjoy your final moments in Madrid at Gran Vía.
Metro to Gran Vía
Free unless spending, 2 hours

3:00PM

Airport transfer

Head to the airport for your departure flight home.
Metro from Gran Vía to Aeropuerto
EUR 5.00, 1 hour
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