4-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Spain

Day 1: Explore Madrid

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with a classic cup of hot chocolate and churros at this iconic café.
Walk to the café from your accommodation in the city center.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Retiro Park

Stroll through the beautiful Retiro Park, a green oasis in the middle of the city, and enjoy the stunning crystal palace.
Take the metro to Retiro station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Royal Palace

Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family, and admire its grand architecture and gardens.
Walk from Retiro Park to the palace.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Choose from a variety of affordable local tapas dishes at this vibrant food market.
Take a 15-minute walk from the palace.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Prado Museum

Explore one of the world's premier art galleries featuring works by Spanish masters like Velázquez and Goya.
Walk 15 minutes from the market.
Free on weekdays after 6PM; EUR15 otherwise, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Taberna del Zurdo

Enjoy an affordable traditional Spanish meal at this cozy tavern.
Walk from the museum; it’s about 20 minutes.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Toledo

Toledo, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de la Fama

Grab a quick pastry and coffee to fuel your day in Toledo.
Near the train station.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Train to Toledo

Catch an early train from Madrid to Toledo, enjoying scenic views along the way.
15-minute walk to the train station.
EUR13, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Toledo's Historic Center

Wander the narrow streets and admire the well-preserved medieval architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk from the train station to the city center.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante El Botero

Savor a budget-friendly three-course menú del día featuring authentic local cuisine.
Located in the historic center.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Alcázar of Toledo

Discover the fascinating history of the Alcázar while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Just a short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Madrid

Head back to the train station for your return train to Madrid.
15-minute walk back.
EUR13, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at El Tigre

End your day with budget-friendly tapas at El Tigre, famous for generous portions.
Walk from the train station.
EUR8, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Discovering Seville

Seville, Spain

7:30AM

Breakfast at La Final

Enjoy some delicious tostada con tomate and coffee at this local spot.
Near your accommodation.
EUR4, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Seville

Take a bus or train from Madrid to Seville.
Arrive at the bus or train station.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Alcázar of Seville

Explore the stunning Mudejar architecture of this historic palace and its gardens.
10-minute walk from the station.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bodeguita Romero

Try the famous ‘montadito’ sandwich, perfect for a quick and inexpensive meal.
A short walk from the Alcázar.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda

Marvel at one of the largest cathedrals in the world and climb La Giralda for beautiful views of the city.
Another short walk away.
EUR9, 2 hours

4:30PM

Walk through Plaza de España

Take leisurely walks and appreciate the impressive architecture of this famous plaza.
Walk approximately 20 minutes from the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at La Casapuerta

Enjoy some affordable tapas while relaxing in a cozy atmosphere.
Close by the plaza.
EUR10, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Córdoba Charm

Córdoba, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Indulge in a light breakfast with a view of the city’s historical landmarks.
At the departure point for your trip to Córdoba.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Córdoba

Hop on a train or bus from Seville to Córdoba.
Walk to the train station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Mezquita-Catedral

Explore the breathtaking architectural wonder that was once a mosque and is now a cathedral.
Walk from the train station.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Stroll through the Judería

Wander the charming narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter, filled with history and character.
Just outside the Mezquita.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Casa Pepe de la Judería

Enjoy regional dishes in this cozy restaurant that boasts budget-friendly prices.
Nearby in the Judería.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Explore this historical fortress with lovely gardens, providing insight into Córdoba's rich past.
A short walk from the restaurant.
EUR4, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Parque de la Mezquita

Enjoy some leisure time, soaking in the sights and sounds of Córdoba.
Walk back towards the center.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Taberna Salinas

Wrap up your trip with traditional Andalusian cuisine at this charming tavern.
A 15-minute walk from the park.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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