Spain is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly don’t recommend going in March because.......
In-depth Spain Travel Guide: Explore Classic and Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions with a Budget of 12,000 to 20,000 RMB per Person
Spain, as a crossroads of European culture and natural landscapes, attracts travelers worldwide with its rich historical sites, artistic architecture, and culinary culture. Below is a detailed guide covering transportation, accommodation, dining, and attractions, with a per-person budget controlled between 12,000 to 20,000 RMB, suitable for a 10 to 12-day in-depth trip.
1. Transportation Costs and Strategies
Spain has a well-developed public transportation network. For intercity travel, high-speed trains (AVE) or short flights are recommended, while within cities, metro and buses are the main options.
High-speed train: Madrid to Barcelona takes about 2.5 hours, ticket prices range from 50 to 100 euros, with discounts for early booking; Andalusia region (e.g., Seville to Granada) takes about 3 hours, tickets cost 30 to 60 euros.
Flights: Barcelona to Seville takes about 1.5 hours, low-cost airline tickets range from 30 to 80 euros, but watch out for baggage restrictions.
City transport: Single metro tickets cost 1.5 to 2.5 euros, a 10-trip card is about 12 euros; Barcelona’s daily bus pass is 5 euros, suitable for short trips.
Car rental: If planning to explore Andalusian countryside or off-the-beaten-path spots, car rental costs about 30 to 50 euros per day, with extra budget needed for fuel and parking fees.
2. Accommodation Options and Budget
Spain offers a variety of accommodations, from hostels to five-star hotels.
Budget: Hostel beds cost 10 to 20 euros per night, ideal for backpackers; three-star hotel double rooms cost 50 to 70 euros per night, offering good value.
Mid-range: Four-star hotels or unique guesthouses cost 80 to 120 euros per night, providing a comfortable experience, such as cave guesthouses in Granada or courtyard hotels in Seville.
High-end: Five-star hotels or boutique hotels converted from historic buildings cost over 150 euros per night, suitable for travelers seeking quality, like palace hotels in Madrid or Gaudí-style design hotels in Barcelona.
3. Must-Visit Attractions and Tickets
Spain’s World Heritage sites and artistic architecture are travel highlights, and tickets should be planned in advance.
Barcelona: Sagrada Familia: tickets start at 35 euros, recommended to book for the afternoon when lighting is best; extra fee for tower access.
Gaudí’s three masterpieces (Sagrada Familia + Casa Milà + Casa Batlló): combined ticket about 75 euros, saving money.
Park Güell: ticket 10 euros, offers panoramic city views.
Madrid: Royal Palace of Madrid: ticket 12 euros, guard changing ceremony on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Prado Museum: ticket 15 euros, houses masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and others.
Andalusia: Alhambra Palace (Granada): full ticket 21 euros, book on the official website 3 months in advance; night tours feature exclusive reflections in the Myrtles Courtyard.
Puente Nuevo in Ronda: free to visit, canyon restaurants recommend Spanish cold soup and Iberian ham.
Seville Royal Alcázar: ticket 15 euros, Mudéjar style and filming location for Game of Thrones.
Other attractions: Toledo Old Town: combined ticket including the cathedral and San Martín Bridge, about 20 euros.
City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia: free to visit the exterior, internal exhibitions require tickets.
4. Food Experience and Budget
Spanish cuisine is famous for paella, tapas, and Iberian ham, with dining costs varying widely.
Tapas snacks: 4 to 12 euros per dish, recommended are patatas bravas, Padrón peppers, and Spanish omelette; ordering black label ham with sherry at bars costs about 15 to 30 euros per 100 grams.
Main dishes: Paella: regular restaurants charge 12 to 20 euros per person, upscale restaurants 25 to 40 euros per person, authentic ones have evenly saffron-colored rice.
Spanish cold soup: Andalusian summer specialty, about 8 euros in restaurants.
Desserts: Churros with chocolate sauce cost 3 to 8 euros, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Money-saving tips: Choose guesthouses with kitchens to prepare your own breakfast with supermarket ingredients; try the “Menu del Día” (daily set menu) for lunch, priced 10 to 15 euros, including appetizer, main course, and drink.
5. Suggested Itinerary
10-day classic route:
Day 1-3: Barcelona (Sagrada Familia, Gaudí architecture, Camp Nou stadium)
Day 4-5: Madrid (Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol)
Day 6-7: Granada (Alhambra Palace, Albaicín district)
Day 8-9: Seville (Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, Flamenco show)
Day 10: Valencia (City of Arts and Sciences, Central Market)
12-day in-depth trip: add Toledo, Ronda, or Cabo da Roca in Portugal (Schengen visa required), self-drive to explore Córdoba’s flower-filled alleys or Cádiz beaches.
6. Practical Tips
Visa: Apply for Schengen visa 2 months in advance, provide itinerary and hotel bookings.
Season: April to June or September to October have pleasant weather, avoid July and August due to high temperatures and peak tourism.
Safety: Keep personal belongings safe, avoid losing items in taxis.
Clothing: Wear solid-colored long dresses for photos at Sagrada Familia, bring windproof jackets for Andalusian mountains.
A trip to Spain is a feast of art, history, and nature. With reasonable budget and itinerary planning, you can check off classic landmarks and dive into hidden gems, experiencing the unique charm of the Iberian Peninsula.