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.
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.
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.
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.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at El Tigre

Enjoy a delightful tapas dinner at El Tigre, known for generous portions and reasonable prices.
EUR 15.00, 2 hours

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.
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.
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.
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.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Reina Sofia Museum

Witness Picasso's Guernica and other modern art pieces at the Reina Sofia Museum.
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.
EUR 15.00, 1.5 hours

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.
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.
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.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café del Fin

Refuel with some flavorful local dishes at this cozy café.
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.
EUR 12.00, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Alcázar of Toledo

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

5:30PM

Train back to Madrid

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

6:00PM

Dinner at La Casa de las Tortillas

Indulge in Spanish tortilla and other local favorites for dinner.
EUR 10.00, 2 hours

Day 4: Travel to Valencia

Valencia, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panaria

Savor freshly baked bread and croissants at this lovely local bakery.
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.
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.
EUR 80.00 per night, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Relish fresh local produce and tapas in the lively Mercado Central.
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.
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.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Bulería

Enjoy traditional Valenician paella at a casual but popular eatery.
EUR 20.00, 2 hours

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.
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.
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.
EUR 20.00, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at La Malvarrosa Beach

Spend a few hours relaxing and playing at the picturesque beach.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Valencia Cathedral

Check out the beautiful Valencia Cathedral and its famous 'Holy Grail.'
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.
EUR 20.00, 2 hours

Day 6: Journey to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at a café

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

9:00AM

Train to Barcelona

Head to Barcelona, known for its incredible architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
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.
EUR 80.00 per night, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Enjoy fresh market food and tapas at this bustling market.
EUR 15.00, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Las Ramblas

Wander along this famous street filled with shops, street performers, and energy.
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.
EUR 10.00, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Fonda

Savor authentic Catalan cuisine at this lively restaurant that offers excellent value.
EUR 20.00, 2 hours

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.
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí’s iconic basilica and its unique architecture, both inside and out.
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.
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.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Barcelona Aquarium

Excite the kids with underwater adventures and exhibits at this family-friendly aquarium.
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.
EUR 10.00, 1.5 hours

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.
EUR 5.00, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Granada

Travel to the enchanting city of Granada, home of the Alhambra.
EUR 60.00, 3.5 hours

1:30PM

Check-in at a budget hotel

Settle in at a budget-friendly accommodation in Granada.
EUR 80.00 per night, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Bodegas Castañeda

Enjoy traditional tapas for lunch at a local favorite spot.
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.
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.
EUR 20.00, 1.5 hours

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.
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.
EUR 30.00, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at a budget hotel

Get settled in a cost-effective accommodation in Seville.
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.
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.
EUR 10.00, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through the Alcázar

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

6:30PM

Dinner at Taberna San Fernando

End the day with exceptional Andalusian tapas at this fantastic eatery.
EUR 25.00, 2 hours

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.
EUR 10.00, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train back to Madrid

Make your way back to Madrid for your flight home.
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.
EUR 12.00, 1 hour

1:00PM

Last-minute shopping

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

3:00PM

Airport transfer

Head to the airport for your departure flight home.
EUR 5.00, 1 hour