Spain is a diverse country where you can enjoy all kinds of experiences. From the most avantgarde art centres to the most traditional customs. From the most unusual landscapes to the most modern cities, full of life. Experience Spain’s top attractions on a budget. Spain is a diverse country where you can enjoy all kinds of experiences. From the most avantgarde art centres to the most traditional customs. From the most unusual landscapes to the most modern cities, full of life. Experience Spain’s top attractions on a budget. You can climb to the top of the Alhambra for the most spectacular views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Alhambra and the Generalife Palace, both in Granada, are two of the most popular attractions in the world. They were built in the 14th century during the Nasrid dynasty. At the heart of the Alhambra is the famous Patio of the Lions, with its fountains and marble columns. From the top of the fortress, you’ll have the best views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Generalife Palace was the summer residence of the Nasrid emirs. Here you can visit the beautiful Patio de la Acequia, with its gardens and water features. The Alhambra is open all year round, but it’s best to visit in spring or autumn to avoid the summer heat. General admission costs €14. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, there are special evening visits to the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife for €8. You can also visit the gardens during the day for €7. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It’s a stunning example of Moorish architecture and a mustsee for anyone visiting Granada. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It’s a stunning example of Moorish architecture and a mustsee for anyone visiting Granada. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It’s a stunning example of Moorish architecture and a mustsee for anyone visiting Granada. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It’s a stunning example of Moorish architecture and a mustsee for anyone visiting Granada. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It’s a stunning example of Moorish architecture and a mustsee for anyone visiting Granada. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It’s a stunning example of Moorish architecture and a mustsee for anyone visiting Granada. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It’s a stunning example of Moorish architecture and a mustsee for anyone visiting Granada.
Spain is a country rich in history and culture, but you don’t have to break the bank to experience its most iconic landmarks. Take, for example, the bustling streets of Madrid, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere without spending a fortune. Stroll through the historic centre, starting at the Puerta del Sol, where you can see the famous clock tower and the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, a symbol of the city. Continue to the Plaza Mayor, a grand square surrounded by cafés and shops, where you can soak up the energy of Madrid. The city’s famous art triangle, comprising the Prado, Reina Sofia, and ThyssenBornemisza museums, offers a feast for the eyes. If you plan your visit carefully, you can take advantage of free entry times. The Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya, offers free admission on weekdays from 6 pm to 8 pm and on Sundays from 5 pm to 7 pm. The Reina Sofia, where you can see Picasso’s iconic Guernica, is free on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 7 pm to 9 pm, and on Sundays from 1:30 pm to 7 pm. The ThyssenBornemisza Museum is free on Mondays from 12 pm to 4 pm. For a taste of local life, head to the Mercado de San Miguel, where you can sample tapas and local delicacies without breaking the bank. In Barcelona, the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí are a mustsee. The Sagrada Familia, with its soaring spires and intricate façades, is a symbol of the city. While entry to the basilica can be pricey, you can admire its exterior for free. The nearby Park Güell, a whimsical garden adorned with colourful mosaics, offers stunning views of the city. The central area of the park charges a fee, but you can explore the surrounding gardens for free. Another Gaudí masterpiece, Casa Batlló, offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month, while the Palau de la Música Catalana, a modernist concert hall, has free guided tours on Wednesdays. Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden squares, where you can discover the city’s medieval past. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral, where entry is free in the mornings and afternoons, or explore the Roman ruins at the Museu d’Història de Barcelona, which offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month and on Sunday afternoons. The city’s beaches, such as Barceloneta, are also free to enjoy. For a taste of local cuisine, head to La Boqueria market, where you can sample fresh produce and traditional dishes without spending a fortune. In Seville, the heart of Andalusia, the Moorish influence is evident in the city’s stunning architecture. The Real Alcázar, a royal palace with intricate tiles and lush gardens, is free to enter on Mondays from 6 pm to 7 pm in the summer and from 4 pm to 5 pm in the winter. The Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, offers free entry on Mondays from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. While there, don’t miss the Giralda, a bell tower that once served as a minaret for the mosque that stood on the site before the cathedral was built. The climb to the top is free, and the views of the city are breathtaking. Seville’s lively streets are perfect for wandering, with hidden plazas and lively tapas bars around every corner. The Barrio Santa Cruz, the city’s old Jewish quarter, is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses, where you can soak up the atmosphere for free. In Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex that combines culture and science. While entry to the museums and aquarium can be expensive, you can explore the striking architecture for free. The complex is surrounded by gardens and ponds, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll. The historic centre of Valencia is also worth exploring, with highlights such as the Valencia Cathedral, free to visit on Sundays, and the Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers free entry on Sundays. The Turia Gardens, a former riverbed turned into a green oasis, is perfect for a budgetfriendly day out, with walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and openair cafés. Valencia is also famous for its paella, and you can try this traditional dish at one of the many local eateries. Finally, no visit to Spain would be complete without experiencing its rich tradition of flamenco. While ticketed shows can be expensive, you can find free performances in many cities, especially in Andalusia. In Seville, head to the Alameda de Hércules, a lively square where you can often catch impromptu flamenco performances. In Granada, the Sacromonte neighbourhood is known for its flamenco caves, where you can enjoy the music and dance in an intimate setting. The Plaza de España in Madrid also hosts free performances during the summer months. By planning your trip carefully and taking advantage of free entry times and budgetfriendly options, you can experience Spain’s top attractions without breaking the bank.
