7-Day Budget Student Tour of Spain: Malaga, Granada, Seville, Madrid & Barcelona with Extra Malaga Activities

Day 1: Arrival and Malaga Discovery

Malaga, Spain on March 21, 2025

10:00AM

Breakfast at Panaderia Casa del Pan

Begin your Spanish journey with delicious, affordable pastries and coffee at this cozy local bakery.
EUR4, 1 hour

11:00AM

Picasso Museum

Explore an extensive collection of Picasso’s works, honoring the Malaga-born artist in a beautiful historic building.
EUR9, 1.5 hours

12:45PM

Malaga Cathedral

Visit the stunning Renaissance cathedral known as 'La Manquita' with its unfinished south tower and rich interior artwork.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at El Tapeo de Cervantes

Sample affordable and tasty tapas in a lively atmosphere close to major sights.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Alcazaba of Malaga

Walk through this elegant Moorish fortress with beautiful gardens and spectacular views over the city and sea.
EUR3, 2 hours

5:45PM

Roman Theatre of Malaga

Right below the Alcazaba, visit these well-preserved ancient Roman ruins, free to enter and ideal for history buffs.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Relax at La Malagueta Beach

Unwind and enjoy a peaceful Mediterranean sunset at the popular city beach, perfect to recharge after sightseeing.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Bar El Pimpi

Savor classic Andalusian dishes including fresh seafood at this historic and budget-friendly local landmark.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 2: More Malaga Highlights and Travel to Granada

Malaga to Granada, Spain on March 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Casa Aranda

Taste traditional churros con chocolate in this famous and affordable establishment loved by locals.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Centre Pompidou Malaga

Visit the colorful glass 'cube' showcasing modern and contemporary art, open daily from 10AM to 8PM, free for students on Mondays.
EUR9, 1.5 hours

11:15AM

Visit Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Explore the bustling market for fresh local produce, cheap snacks, and vibrant atmosphere; a perfect place for photos and cultural immersion.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch: Picnic at Parque de Málaga

Grab fresh food items from the market and relax in this beautiful botanical garden park in the city center.
EUR8, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gibralfaro Castle

Hike or take a local bus to this castle atop the hill for stunning views of Malaga’s skyline and harbor, entrance fee is small and the hike is scenic.
EUR3, 2 hours

3:45PM

Catch Bus to Granada

Travel from Malaga to Granada by bus, approximately 1.5 hours. Tickets are reasonably priced and buses run frequently.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Check-in and Leisure in Granada

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy an early evening walking stroll around Granada’s central Plaza Nueva.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bodegas Castañeda

Enjoy budget-friendly, authentic Andalusian tapas in an atmospheric, classic Granada tavern setting.
EUR11, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Granada to Seville

Seville, Spain on March 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Central

Enjoy a simple breakfast with coffee and Spanish omelet before heading out from Granada.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Alhambra

Spend the morning touring the breathtaking Alhambra, a must-see Moorish palace complex; book tickets in advance to secure entry.
EUR14, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bar Poe

Try affordable local dishes and tapas near Alhambra before traveling to Seville.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Bus to Seville

Travel by bus from Granada to Seville, approximately 3 hours, enjoy scenic Andalusian landscapes en route.
EUR10, 3 hours

5:00PM

Check-in and Relax

Arrive in Seville and unwind at your accommodation or take a gentle walk near your hotel in the historic center.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at El Rinconcillo

Relish some of Seville’s best traditional tapas in this historical eatery with a lively atmosphere and student-friendly prices.
EUR13, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Seville Full Day

Seville, Spain on March 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Cacharrería

Fuel your day with a creative and affordable breakfast in a popular local café.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Explore the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic city views.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Santa Cruz Quarter Walk

Wander through this historic Jewish quarter’s beautiful, winding streets filled with colorful flowers and quaint squares.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Brunilda Tapas

Affordable and creative tapas with vibrant local flavor, great for students seeking budget-friendly options.
EUR13, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park

Visit this magnificent plaza with its beautiful tilework and relax in the adjoining park, ideal for photos and strolling.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Metropol Parasol

See the largest wooden structure in the world with free panoramic views from the walkway above (small fee for access).
EUR3, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Azotea

Enjoy a modern tapas experience with a quality yet budget-conscious menu in Seville’s lively dining scene.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Seville to Madrid

Madrid, Spain on March 25, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Confitería La Campana

Enjoy fresh cakes and strong coffee at one of Seville’s traditional pastry shops before departure.
EUR5, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Madrid

Catch the comfortable high-speed train from Seville to Madrid in about 2.5 hours.
EUR40, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at El Tigre

Enjoy generous free tapas with your drink orders in a buzzing, budget-friendly Madrid staple perfect for students.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Museo del Prado

Spend your afternoon admiring one of Europe’s greatest art collections; free entry available late afternoons (check current times).
EUR15, 2 hours

3:00PM

Retiro Park

Relax and walk through Madrid’s beloved green space, ideal for people watching and photo opportunities after museum time.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Churros at San Ginés

A must-visit for local churros con chocolate at this iconic spot open late for a sweet afternoon treat.
EUR4, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Try the famed huevos rotos and experience classic Spanish dishes in an affordable, student-conscious setting.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Madrid to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain on March 26, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Fuel up with churros and hot chocolate at this famous and affordable Madrid spot before boarding the train to Barcelona.
EUR6, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Barcelona

Relax on the high-speed train for roughly 3 hours to Barcelona, ready for your next adventure.
EUR40, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Paradeta

Choose fresh seafood and enjoy it cooked to order at this unique and affordable seafood market style eatery.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

La Sagrada Familia

Visit Gaudí’s world-famous basilica with its extraordinary architecture; book tickets ahead to save time.
EUR26, 2 hours

4:30PM

Park Güell

Enjoy colorful mosaics and fantastic views of Barcelona in this whimsical park, ticket required for Monumental Zone.
EUR10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bodega La Palma

Delight in local-style tapas in a casual atmosphere perfect for an affordable, relaxed last evening meal in Barcelona.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Barcelona Exploration & Departure

Barcelona, Spain on March 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chök

Start your last day with delicious donuts and coffee at this popular spot known for quality and affordability.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Casa Batlló

Marvel at the colorful and imaginative design of this Gaudí masterpiece, with audio guide included in the price.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Discover Barcelona’s medieval core with its narrow streets, lively squares, and historic sites on a self-guided or free walking tour.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at El Xampanyet

Enjoy affordable traditional tapas and sparkling cava in one of the Gothic Quarter’s most beloved and bustling bars.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Relax and experience the colorful evening light and music fountain show; confirm showtime for this day before going.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

La Rambla Stroll

Finish your trip with a walk along Barcelona's iconic boulevard bustling with performers, shops, and cafés.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Tapeo or Tickets Bar

Celebrate your final night sampling tapas at Tapeo for budget-conscious or Tickets Bar if splurging slightly is possible.
EUR15-50, 2 hours