9-Day Budget Adventure Itinerary in Spain

Day 1: Explore Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Start your Spanish adventure with a traditional breakfast at Granja Viader, famous for its thick hot chocolate and churros.
Walk towards La Rambla.
EUR7, 1 hour

10:30AM

Stroll down La Rambla

Enjoy a leisurely walk along La Rambla, taking in the bustling atmosphere and local street performers.
Walk down La Rambla to the Gothic Quarter.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit the Gothic Quarter

Explore the enchanting streets of the Gothic Quarter, visiting small shops, and the breathtaking Barcelona Cathedral.
Navigate through the narrow streets.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Savor fresh tapas and local cuisine at La Boqueria, a vibrant market where you can indulge on a budget.
Return to La Rambla.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Park Güell

Explore Park Güell, a colorful park designed by Gaudí, with beautiful views of the city.
Take Metro to Vallcarca station, then walk.
EUR10, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at La Rita

Experience authentic Spanish cuisine at La Rita, known for its paella and friendly atmosphere.
Walk from Park Güell.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de Oriente

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast featuring Spanish omelette and fresh coffee.
Take the metro to the café.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, and be captivated by its intricate architecture.
Metro to Sagrada Familia station.
EUR26, 2 hours

12:30PM

Walk through Eixample district

Wander through the iconic Eixample district, known for its unique grid layout and stunning buildings.
Walk towards Passeig de Gracia.
Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at 100 Montaditos

Enjoy affordable sandwiches and a selection of local beers at this popular chain known for budget bites.
Walk to the nearby location.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Casa Batlló

Explore another of Gaudí's gems, Casa Batlló, recognized for its fantastical design.
Walk along Passeig de Gracia.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Spend your late afternoon unwinding on the sandy shores of Barceloneta Beach, perfect for people-watching.
Take the Metro to Barceloneta.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at El Xampanyet

This tapas bar is famous for its sparkling wine and authentic Spanish dishes, perfect for ending the day.
Walk from the beach.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Valencia via Train

Valencia, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Churrería La Valenciana

Indulge in hot churros dipped in rich chocolate to kickstart your journey to Valencia.
Walk to the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Valencia

Board your train to Valencia, a scenic journey in just under 4 hours.
Take the Renfe train from Barcelona Sants to Valencia Joaquim Sorolla.
EUR20, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Feast on fresh produce and authentic paella at Mercado Central, an exquisite culinary hub.
Walk to the market from the station.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Turia Gardens

Stroll through the lush Turia Gardens, a beautiful park that stretches through the city.
Walk to the gardens.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore the City of Arts and Sciences

Take photos and appreciate the unique architecture of this futuristic complex.
Walk to the complex within the gardens.
Free to explore the outside., 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Pepica

Enjoy seafood paella at La Pepica, located on the beach with beautiful sea views.
Take bus or walk to the beach.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Valencia

Valencia, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Dulce de Leche

Savor a delightful breakfast pastry and coffee to start your day.
Walk to the café.
EUR6, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Valencia Cathedral

Discover the historic Valencia Cathedral, boasting stunning Gothic architecture and the Holy Grail.
Walk to the Cathedral.
EUR7, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Explore the Lonja de la Seda

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases medieval silk trading history.
Walk to Lonja de la Seda.
EUR2, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Bar Central

Indulge in local gourmet dishes made from fresh market ingredients at Bar Central.
Walk to Mercado Central.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk around Ruzafa

Stroll through the hip and artistic neighborhood of Ruzafa for colorful street art and charming cafés.
Walk from the market.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Bioparc Valencia

Experience a unique zoo concept where animals roam in their natural habitats.
Metro to Bioparc station.
EUR25, 3 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Casa Montaña

Wrap up your day with tapas and wine in a historic tavern nestled in the heart of Valencia.
Take taxi to Casa Montaña.
EUR19, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Madrid Arrival

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panaria

Enjoy breakfast pastries and delicious coffee at this popular bakery before you depart.
Walk to the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Madrid

Board your train for a speedy journey to the capital of Spain.
Renfe train from Valencia to Madrid Atocha.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check into your accommodation

Settle into your budget-friendly hostel in Madrid.
Take a short bus or metro from Atocha.
EUR15, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Sample a variety of tapas at Madrid’s historic market filled with gourmet offerings.
Walk to Mercado de San Miguel.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Pradera de San Isidro

Explore this lovely city park, perfect for a peaceful stroll away from the bustle.
Metro or walk from the market.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Admire the Royal Palace

Check out the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the largest in Europe.
Walk from the park.
EUR13, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Taste the renowned Huevos Rotos, a local favorite, at this famous eatery.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Art & Culture in Madrid

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café del Art

Indulge in fresh pastries and coffee at this artsy café to energize your day.
Walk from your accommodation.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Prado Museum

Explore one of the world's premier art museums, featuring works by Spanish masters.
Metro to Banco de España station.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Relax at Retiro Park

Unwind in the expansive green spaces and iconic landmarks of Retiro Park.
Short walk from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at La Tagliatella

Enjoy Italian meals that fit your budget at this lovely restaurant near the park.
Stroll to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Reina Sofia Museum

Experience contemporary art, including Picasso’s Guernica, at this renowned museum.
Walk back towards the museum area.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Explore Malasaña Neighborhood

Roam one of Madrid’s trendiest neighborhoods filled with street art and stylish bars.
Metro to Noviciado station.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at El Tigre

Experience the famous tapas and vibrant atmosphere in this popular local joint.
Walk from Malasaña.
EUR10, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Historic Toledo

Toledo, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hostel

Enjoy a simple breakfast to prepare for a day trip to Toledo.
Check out of the hostel and head to the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Toledo

A quick train ride will take you to the medieval city of Toledo in about 30 minutes.
Renfe from Madrid Atocha to Toledo station.
EUR12, 30 mins

9:30AM

Explore Toledo’s Historic Center

Wander the narrow streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historical significance.
Visit Alcázar and the Cathedral.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Orza

Savor traditional dishes from the region in this cozy and charming restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the El Greco Museum

Learn about the life and works of El Greco in an engaging museum dedicated to his art.
Walk to the museum.
EUR4, 1 hour

3:30PM

Walk along the Tagus River

Take a picturesque stroll by the river for fantastic views of the city skyline.
Walk from the museum to the riverbank.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Train back to Madrid

Wrap up your day exploring Toledo and head back to Madrid for dinner.
Return to Toledo station.
EUR12, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at La Vaca y La Huerta

Enjoy local farm-to-table cuisine in this trendy eatery back in Madrid.
Walk from the station.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Cultural Granada

Granada, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bodegas Castañeda

Start your day with local delicacies such as bread with tomato and jamón at a traditional bodega.
Walk to the train station.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Granada

Travel to Granada in about 3 hours for stunning architecture and vibrant culture.
Renfe from Madrid Atocha to Granada.
EUR25, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Taberna La Tana

Savor local wines and tapas in this quaint restaurant in the heart of the city.
Walk from the station to the restaurant.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Alhambra

Explore the breathtaking Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning art and history.
Take a short bus or walk from the restaurant.
EUR14, 3 hours

5:30PM

Explore Generalife Gardens

Wander through the exquisite gardens attached to Alhambra, which are perfect for relaxation and scenic views.
Continue from the palace.
Included in Alhambra ticket., 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Bar Rambla

Experience local cuisine and enjoy vibrant tapas that capture the essence of Granada.
Walk to Bar Rambla from the gardens.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Goodbye, Granada

Granada, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café con Libros

Relish a peaceful morning atmosphere with coffee and homemade pastries to start your last day.
Walk to the café.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Albaicín neighborhood

Explore the charming old Moorish quarter with its narrow streets and stone houses leading to spectacular views of the Alhambra.
Walk through the neighborhood.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Sacromonte

Check out the unique cave houses and catch a glimpse of the traditional flamenco culture.
Walk to Sacromonte from Albaicín.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Ruta de la Plata

Enjoy gourmet tapas influenced by different regions in a cozy ambiance.
Walk back to city center.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Lastly, visit the Cathedral of Granada

Pay a visit to the stunning Renaissance-style cathedral, a highlight of the city.
Short walk from lunch location.
EUR5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Departure

End your Spanish adventure and head to your next destination or back home.
Reach the train or bus station for your onward journey.
Varies, Variable
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