How to Plan a Budget Trip to Spain

Spain is one of the best-value countries in Western Europe for travellers on a budget. It has world-famous cities, beaches, mountains, food and festivals, and it costs much less than France, Italy or the UK. With a little planning, a couple can enjoy a full week in Spain for $1,000 to $1,500 per person, including flights from the USA if you book early, or much less if you are already in Europe.

This guide shows you how to plan a budget trip to Spain step by step: when to go, where to stay, how to travel between cities, what to eat, and how to save money without missing the best of the country.

When to Go: The Cheapest Months

The cheapest time to visit Spain is from November to March, except for Christmas and New Year. Flights and hotels are 30 to 50 percent cheaper than in summer, and the main sights are far less crowded. The weather is mild in the south — Seville, Malaga and Granada are pleasant even in January — though the north can be cold and rainy.

Shoulder season, April to May and September to October, is the best balance of price and weather. It is warm enough for beaches in the south, and hotel prices are still reasonable. Avoid July and August if you are on a budget: prices double, and the heat in the south can reach 40 degrees.

Where to Go: A 7-Day Budget Route

Day 1-2 — Madrid: Start in the capital. Visit the Prado Museum (free in the last two hours before closing), walk through Retiro Park, and eat in the La Latina neighbourhood. Madrid is a good base because flights are cheap and trains go everywhere.

Day 3-4 — Seville: Take a high-speed train from Madrid to Seville in about 2.5 hours. Seville is the heart of Andalusia: the Alcazar palace, the Seville Cathedral, and flamenco shows in Triana. Stay in a hostel or a small guesthouse in the old town.

Day 5-6 — Granada: From Seville, take a bus or train to Granada in about 3 hours. The Alhambra is the most famous sight in Spain — book tickets at least two weeks in advance, because they sell out. In Granada, many bars give you a free tapa with every drink, which makes eating out very cheap.

Day 7 — Malaga or Barcelona: Finish on the coast in Malaga, with beaches and a relaxed pace, or fly home from Barcelona if you want one more city. Barcelona is more expensive than the south, so keep it to one or two days.

If you want more ideas for Spanish cities, read our guide to the Best Cities to Visit in Spain.

Where to Stay on a Budget

Hostels in Spain cost $25 to $45 per night for a dorm bed, and $60 to $90 for a private room. Budget hotels and guesthouses cost $50 to $80 per night. Apartments rented for a week are often cheaper than hotels, especially for families or groups, and they let you cook your own food.

Book early, stay slightly outside the old town, and travel in the shoulder season. A room 15 minutes’ walk from the centre is often half the price of one in the centre.

How to Travel Between Cities

Spain has one of the best train networks in Europe. High-speed AVE trains connect Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and Malaga. Book 30 to 60 days in advance for the cheapest fares — a Madrid to Barcelona ticket can cost $30 if booked early, or $120 if bought on the day.

Buses are cheaper than trains and reach small towns that trains do not. Companies like ALSA run comfortable coaches across the country. For short distances, use the metro and buses inside cities — a 10-trip metro card in Madrid or Barcelona costs about $12.

What to Eat Without Spending a Lot

Spanish food is cheap if you eat like a local. A menu del dia — a three-course lunch with a drink — costs $12 to $15 in most cities outside the tourist centre. Tapas cost $2 to $4 each, and in Granada they are often free with a drink. Buy breakfast at a bakery for $3 to $5, and shop at local markets for fruit, bread and cheese.

Avoid restaurants on the main squares, where prices are double. Walk two streets away from the tourist area and the same meal costs half as much.

How Much Does a Budget Trip to Spain Cost?

For one person, per day: accommodation $30 to $60, food $25 to $40, transport $10 to $20, activities $10 to $20. That is $75 to $140 per day, or $525 to $980 for a week, not including international flights. A couple sharing a room will spend less per person.

Money-Saving Tips

Use free museum hours — many museums are free on certain evenings. Walk as much as you can, and use public transport instead of taxis. Drink tap water in most Spanish cities, it is safe. Book the Alhambra, Sagrada Familia and other popular sights in advance, so you do not pay more to a reseller. And travel with only a carry-on bag if you can, to avoid airline baggage fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spain expensive? No, compared with most of Western Europe, Spain is affordable. Food, hotels and trains are all cheaper than in France or Italy.

How many days do I need? Seven days is enough for Madrid, Seville and Granada. Ten days lets you add Barcelona or the coast.

Is Spain safe for budget travellers? Yes, Spain is generally safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas in Barcelona and Madrid, and keep your bag in front of you.

What is the best month to visit Spain on a budget? May and October are the best months — good weather, lower prices and fewer crowds.

Conclusion

Spain rewards travellers who plan ahead and travel slowly. Book early, eat where locals eat, and choose the shoulder season, and you can enjoy one of Europe’s richest countries without a big budget. Start with Madrid, Seville and Granada, and save Barcelona for your next trip — or read our guide to the Best Family Road Trip Routes in Pennsylvania for a completely different kind of family adventure closer to home.