8-Day Cultural Immersion and City Exploration in Madrid, Barcelona, and Granada on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Discovering Madrid

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with Madrid's famous churros dipped in hot chocolate at this iconic café.
Metro to Ópera Station, short walk.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Royal Palace

Visit the breathtaking Royal Palace and stroll through the gardens while soaking up the history.
Walking distance from the café.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Savor tapas from various stalls in this vibrant market, perfect for mixing and matching flavors.
15-minute walk.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Art at the Prado Museum

Discover masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and more at one of the world's premier art museums.
20-minute metro ride to Banco de España.
EUR15, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Stroll in Retiro Park

Unwind in the beautiful Retiro Park, perfect for a leisurely walk or enjoying nature.
20-minute metro ride to Retiro Station.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at La Casa de las Tortillas

Relish a classic Spanish omelette at this budget-friendly eatery known for its authentic flavors.
15-minute metro ride.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Deep Dive

Madrid, Spain

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Enjoy a delightful breakfast overlooking the Royal Palace, a perfect start to your day.
Short walk from your accommodation.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Explore the impressive collection of classic and modern art in one of Madrid’s premier museums.
15-minute stroll.
EUR13, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Taberna El Sur

Taste home-style Spanish dishes in this cozy tavern loved by locals.
25-minute walk.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Malasaña Neighborhood

Wander through the trendy Malasaña district, filled with quirky shops, art, and street murals.
20-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Reina Sofia Museum

Home to Picasso's Guernica, this museum offers a deep dive into modern art.
15-minute metro ride to Atocha.
EUR10, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Indulge in traditional Spanish cuisine with one of the best eggs and chips in Madrid.
15-minute taxi ride.
EUR15, 1 hour
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Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo

Toledo, Spain

7:30AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Grab a light breakfast of pastries from a local bakery before heading to Toledo.
Walking distance.
EUR4, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Travel to Toledo

Take a 30-minute train ride to the historic city of Toledo, known for its medieval architecture.
Metro to Atocha Station, then train.
EUR13, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Alcázar of Toledo

Visit the imposing medieval fortress that now houses a military museum.
Short walk from the train station.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through the Historic Center

Wander through the narrow streets and admire the stunning architecture and quaint shops.
Walking tour through city center.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Abadía

Enjoy a hearty meal at a restaurant with a great local vibe and stunning views of the city.
20-minute walk.
EUR12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Toledo’s Cathedral

Marvel at one of the most important Gothic buildings in Spain with its impressive interiors.
Short walk.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Madrid

Head back by train and relax as you take in the views of the Spanish countryside.
Metro to Atocha Station, then train.
Included in morning travel., 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at El Tigre Tapas

Experience generous portions of tapas at this vibrant eatery, a favorite of both locals and visitors.
Metro to Chueca Station.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 4: Onward to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at El Brunch

Fill up on a delicious, budget-friendly brunch before leaving Madrid.
Walking distance.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Barcelona

Board the AVE high-speed train for a smooth journey to Barcelona.
Metro to Atocha Station, then train.
EUR50, 3 hours

12:30PM

Check-In and Lunch at Bar Tomás

Taste the renowned patatas bravas in this local favorite after checking in to your hotel.
20-minute taxi ride from the train station.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Park Güell

Wander through Gaudí's imaginative park filled with colorful mosaics and stunning views.
15-minute metro ride to Vallcarca.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit La Sagrada Família

Experience the breathtaking architecture of Gaudí's iconic basilica.
30-minute metro ride to Sagrada Família.
EUR26, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Enjoy some of the best tapas in Barcelona at this bustling eatery.
Short metro ride.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Cometa

Start your morning with fresh pastries and sandwiches at this cozy café.
Walking distance.
EUR6, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Picasso Museum

Explore the vast collection of Picasso's early works in this beautiful museum.
15-minute metro ride.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Boqueria Market

Enjoy a lively lunch at Barcelona’s famous market, where you can sample fresh produce and local dishes.
10-minute walk.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll down La Rambla

Take a leisurely stroll down this bustling street, home to shops, cafes, and street performers.
Start at Boqueria Market.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Casa Batlló

Marvel at Gaudí's whimsical architecture in this spectacular building.
15-minute walk.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at 7 Portes

Experience authentic paella at a historic restaurant known for its traditional dishes.
Short metro ride.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Final Day in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Granja Viaducte

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with classic dishes in this local spot.
Walking distance.
EUR6, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Montjuïc Castle

Explore the historic castle offering panoramic views of the city and waterfront.
30-minute metro ride and funicular.
EUR5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Xampanyet

Delight in local delicacies and refreshing cava at this traditional tapas bar.
20-minute metro ride.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia

Explore the stunning collection of Catalan art and enjoy breathtaking views from the museum.
15-minute walk.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return and Relax in Ciutadella Park

Unwind at the city’s green heart, perfect for a stroll as the sun sets.
20-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)

Finish your time in Barcelona with sandwiches and sparkling wine at this legendary bar.
30-minute walk.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 7: Journey to Granada

Granada, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy coffee and pastries, fueling up for your journey to Granada.
Walking distance.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Granada

Take a bus or train for a scenic ride to Granada, known for its rich history and architecture.
Metro to bus/train station.
EUR30, 6 hours

4:00PM

Check-In and Relax

Take a moment to relax and freshen up before hitting the streets of Granada.
Short taxi ride.
Varies, 1 hour

5:30PM

Visit the Alhambra

Admire the stunning Moorish architecture and tranquil gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Short bus ride or walk.
EUR14, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Bodegas Castañeda

Enjoy local tapas and wines at this enjoyable eatery, popular with locals.
20-minute walk.
EUR10, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Exploring Granada

Granada, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café 4 Gatos

Fuel your day with a traditional Andalusian breakfast at this charming café.
Walking distance.
EUR6, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Albaicín Neighborhood

Wander through the historic Moorish quarter, enjoying maze-like streets and incredible views.
Short walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Tetería

Savor delicious Moroccan-inspired dishes in a unique and cozy setting.
10-minute walk.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Cathedral of Granada

Marvel at the stunning Renaissance architecture of the cathedral situated in the city center.
20-minute walk.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Mirador de San Nicolás

End your trip with incredible views of the Alhambra, especially at sunset, a perfect photo op.
20-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at El Huerto de Juan Ranas

Enjoy a delightful dinner with panoramic views of the city and Alhambra's intricate beauty.
Short walk.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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