Barcelona to Valencia to Madrid
Recently, I went to visit Spain for my first European trip for 8 days traveling. My first stop Barcelona, then to Valencia, then I ended in Madrid. I was nervous and excited all at once because I have never been to Europe and it was my first real solo trip out of the United States! I wanted to create a guide on how you can do it in a very inexpensive way. This will help you on who to book flights through, where to stay, and how to transport to each city. Now the 1k doesn’t include food expenses, tours, or the transportation to each city (or even throughout the city). As a solo traveler, I only brought 300 Euros with me, and that lasted all 8 days. For transportation to each city, use Omio. It will show the buses, trains, and flight departure times. I took the train to and from each city for about $30. If you book it about a month ahead of time, it will be cheaper. Just remember this guide is more for solo travelers or even just going with a friend.
Who Did I Fly With?
As I researched what would be more affordable, I found a one-way ticket to Barcelona then a one-way ticket from Madrid back to the United States was cheaper. I used Norwegian Air for both airline tickets. It cost a total of $400 to Barcelona, and a total of $200 from Madrid back to Orlando, Fl. That included my checked bags and food on the flight! Make sure you pay for the bags before you check in at the airport or it will cost you at least another couple hundred dollars. It was my first time flying with Norwegian and I was super happy with the experience! Norwegian fares can be low as $139.90! You can’t beat that! Plus, they give you an option to bid for an upgrade a few days before your flight. Also, the best time to book your trip to Spain is either February to April or September to November since those seasons are less crowded with tourists!
Barcelona: 2 nights, 3 days
Where did I stay? I stayed at Hotel SB Plaza Europa which was about a 15-minute drive from the airport. The metro was a five-minute walk, which was perfect! There is a 2, 3, 4-and 5-day pass where you can have unlimited rides when you first use it. I was only there for 2 days, so the pass was worth it. Online you can get for 14 Euros and pick it up at the Airport Tourist Info Booth. If you want to wait, you can get them in the metro as well. My hotel was not directly in the city, so it worked out for me. The hotel was affordable and only $93 a night. For more info visit Hotels or Agoda. The prices are much lower when it’s not the summer. My second night was free since I am a member with Hotels, and once you used all 10 nights, you get a free night. I definitely recommend using Hotels. What did I do? I visited the Magic Fountain, Bunker Del Carmel, Basilica de La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Arc De Triomf de Barcelona, Parc de La Ciutadella, Palau de La Musica Catalana, Gothic Quarter, Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, and Casa Milà! It was a jam packed two days, but I got it all done. If you want to know where these are and the best photo spots, make sure you check out my blog: 10 Photo Spots in Barcelona! I definitely have so visit Barcelona again because those days were too short.
Valencia: 3 nights, 4 days
Where did I stay? I booked an Airbnb which was right next to the train station (Valencia Joaquín Sorolla)! I got off the train and it was only a five-minute walk. The location was gorgeous, and it was in the center of the city. I never used the metro because everywhere was walkable other than to the beach, which you will need a taxi. If you haven’t signed up for Airbnb, you can do it here. I recommend this place since it was in a quiet and safe area, and the terrace was by far my favorite! It was only $73 a night as well! What did I do? I visited City of Arts & Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, Torres De Serranos, Plaza De La Reina, Llotja De La Seda, Plaza De Toros, the streets of Calle de Ruzafa, and finally also the beach! Valencia is more about the beach than anything else, you can see everything in one day. If you are looking for less touristy vacation spot, Valencia is the place for you to visit. Make sure you check out my Valencia blog post about the best photo spots here.
Madrid: 2 nights, 3 days
Where did I stay? I also booked an Airbnb in Madrid right next to the train station (Madrid – Atocha Cercanias). It was a five-minute walk to the Airbnb and city central for the location. It was only $43 a night, which was a great price for where it was located. I also never took the metro, only the taxi twice. You could walk to the Royal Palace in 30 minutes and walk back through the city. The second time I took the taxi was to the airport early in the morning since I didn’t want to bother with the train station. A taxi ride was 30 Euros, but you can take the train for 3 Euros, but it was 5 am and I was too tired for the train. Madrid reminded me of New York City, because you could walk everywhere, and the atmosphere was the same just not as touristy. What did I do? I went for a stroll through the El Retiro Park, did a tour of The Royal Palace of Madrid, visit The Temple of Debod, ate at Chocolateria San Gines, shopped through the Market of San Miguel & bought a bottle of Rosé for only 5 Euros, and strolled down La Latina which had great restaurants and bars in the neighborhood. Check out my blog post for the best photo spots in Madrid here. I loved Madrid, definitely have to go back since my third day was a travel day and didn’t get a chance to do everything.
Hopefully this travel guide helped you out on how to travel to Spain for your first time. Even if you have been there before maybe it helped you learn how to take more an inexpensive trip. Also, if you don’t speak Spanish, don’t worry most people speak English in those cities! I loved how this was my first European trip, and I can’t wait to go back someday!