8-Day Budget Barcelona & Valencia Itinerary: Gaudí, Aquarium, Beach & Shopping from Hotel Sant Pau

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Exploration

Barcelona, Spain on July 9, 2025

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Sant Pau

Arrive and settle into Hotel Sant Pau, your budget-friendly accommodation located conveniently near the Sagrada Família and public transport.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Evening Walk to Sagrada Família

Take a leisurely stroll to admire the exterior of Sagrada Família beautifully lit at night, a great intro to Gaudí's iconic landmark.
EUR0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at La Paradeta Sagrada Família

Enjoy affordable fresh seafood in a casual setting close to your hotel.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 2: Parc Güell & Shopping

Barcelona, Spain on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Parc Güell Visit

Visit Parc Güell's Monumental Zone early to beat crowds and enjoy Gaudí's mosaic masterpieces. Book tickets online for EUR10.
EUR10, 2h

11:30am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Head to this historic café for tasty pastries and coffee at budget-friendly prices.
EUR8, 1h

1:00pm

Shopping at Passeig de Gràcia

Browse affordable and high-street shops along Passeig de Gràcia, close to Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà facades.
EUR0, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Casa Batlló (Optional)

Consider a ticket for Casa Batlló for its unique design masterpieces, tickets start around EUR25.
EUR25 optional, 1.5h

6:30pm

Tapas Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

End the day enjoying affordable, popular tapas at Cervecería Catalana.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 3: Sagrada Família & Barceloneta Beach

Barcelona, Spain on July 11, 2025

9:00am

Sagrada Família Guided Visit

Book an early timed ticket online and explore Gaudí’s masterpiece inside and out. Entry is EUR26.
EUR26, 2h

11:30am

Brunch at Federal Café

Enjoy a casual brunch with healthy, budget-friendly options.
EUR12, 1h

1:00pm

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Spend your afternoon unwinding on the sandy Barceloneta Beach, free to access.
EUR0, 3h

5:00pm

Stroll along the Seafront Promenade

Enjoy a scenic walk along the promenade, watch street performers and enjoy local vibes.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at El Xampanyet

Taste authentic, reasonably priced Catalan tapas in this vibrant restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 4: Montjuïc & Gothic Quarter

Barcelona, Spain on July 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Flax & Kale

Enjoy nutritious breakfast options at this popular, affordable spot focusing on healthy food.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Explore Montjuïc Hill

Visit Montjuïc’s gardens, viewpoints, and free outdoor areas for panoramic views over Barcelona.
EUR0, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch in Poble Sec

Relish affordable tapas at one of the many small bars in the Poble Sec neighborhood.
EUR12, 1.5h

4:00pm

Free Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Join a tip-based guided walking tour exploring the historic heart of Barcelona.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Plaça

Finish with a budget-friendly dinner serving Catalan cuisine near the Gothic Quarter.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 5: Shopping & Leisure Day

Barcelona, Spain on July 13, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast near Hotel Sant Pau

Start the day with a light breakfast at a nearby café offering pastries and coffee on a budget.
EUR7, 1h

10:00am

Shopping at La Rambla & El Born

Dedicate the morning to exploring La Rambla and the trendy El Born district for budget shopping and souvenirs.
EUR0, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Picnic Restaurant

Enjoy fresh salads and sandwiches at this casual, budget-friendly eatery near the shopping areas.
EUR12, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Museu Picasso (Optional)

Explore the famed Picasso Museum’s collection if you wish; tickets cost around EUR12.
EUR12 optional, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tasca i Vins

End your day with affordable tapas and local wines at this cozy establishment.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 6: Beach Relaxation & Local Flavors

Barcelona, Spain on July 14, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de l’Opera

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast at this classic café on La Rambla.
EUR8, 1h

10:30am

Morning at Nova Icaria Beach

Spend a relaxed morning at Nova Icaria Beach, less crowded and perfect for a quiet beach experience.
EUR0, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)

Sample inexpensive cava and delicious sandwiches at this famous casual spot.
EUR12, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon Walk through Parc de la Ciutadella

Enjoy one of Barcelona’s largest parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll and relaxation.
EUR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Tapas Bar

Have an affordable dinner at a local tapas place close to the hotel.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 7: Flexible Day & Gaudí Revisit

Barcelona, Spain on July 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Enjoy a healthy and affordable breakfast before the day's activities.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Visit Casa Milà (La Pedrera) or Free Exploration

Choose to visit Casa Milà for a deeper Gaudí experience (EUR25) or explore nearby free public parks and markets at your leisure.
EUR25 optional, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Antoni

Try affordable local dishes and snacks at this vibrant market near your hotel.
EUR10, 1h

2:30pm

Relax and Pack

Use the afternoon to relax at the hotel or nearby cafes and pack up for departure.
EUR0, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at El Rey de la Gamba

Enjoy a final budget-friendly Catalan seafood dinner near the Barceloneta beach.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 8: Valencia Aquarium Day Trip

Valencia, Spain on July 16, 2025

6:30am

Early Train to Valencia

Depart from Barcelona to Valencia by train; book in advance for cheapest tickets (EUR30 return).
EUR30, 3h

10:00am

Oceanogràfic Aquarium Visit

Explore Europe's largest aquarium within the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències; tickets cost EUR31.
EUR31, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch Near Aquarium

Grab a quick, budget-friendly lunch at local cafés near the aquarium.
EUR10, 1h

2:30pm

Short Walk in Valencia City Center

Visit Valencia’s historic center landmarks such as the Cathedral and plazas before heading back.
EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Return Train to Barcelona

Take the train back, relax after a full day of sightseeing.
Included in train fare, 3h

8:30pm

Light Dinner at Hotel Area

Enjoy a simple dinner around Hotel Sant Pau or prepare at the accommodation after arrival.
EUR10, 1h
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