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How to Spend 2 Weeks in Spain & Portugal on a Budget

Hola/Ola, I’m Mikki—your resident solo Australian traveller who’s learned how to stretch every euro without living off instant noodles. If you’re planning two weeks hopping between Spain and Portugal but don’t want your wallet to cry, pull up a chair. I’ve plotted a no-nonsense, budget-friendly itinerary, plus my top tips for cheap stays, affordable transport and cracking free or low-cost experiences. Let’s dive in— no dodgy sales pitch, just a chat over coffee (or café con leche).

Why Spain & Portugal Are Perfect for a Budget Trip

You get colourful cities, world-class tapas, historic sites and some of Europe’s best beaches—all without eye-watering prices if you know where to look. Both countries are well-connected by bus and train, hostels and budget hotels are plentiful, and plenty of museums offer free or reduced-entry days. Best of all, the vibe is relaxed, the people are friendly and your solo self will feel right at home.

Two-Week Itinerary at a Glance

Week 1 – Southern Spain

Days 1–3 Madrid & Day Trip to Toledo

• Arrive in Madrid. Stay at a budget hostel or basic hotel near La Latina—perfect for tapas & nightlife. Book via Booking.com or hunt for dorm beds on Hostelworld.
• Free walking tour of Madrid’s highlights (Puerta del Sol, Royal Palace, Retiro Park). Tip: Arrive early to score a spot without queuing.
• Day trip to Toledo. Book a return bus on Omio, about 5 euros each way if you’re quick.

Days 4–6 Seville & Flamenco Night

• Bus or train to Seville (around 20–30 euros via Omio).
• Stay in a budget guesthouse around Triana for less than 40 euros a night. Reserve on Booking.com.
• Explore the Alcázar Gardens (free after 6 pm on Mondays/Wednesdays — check ahead).
• Book a local flamenco show + tapas tasting with GetYourGuide or Viator for around 25–30 euros.

Days 7–8 Granada & Free Tapas

• Hop on a 3-hour bus to Granada (10–15 euros via Omio).
• Look for a hostel in the Albaicín quarter—charming, cheap and great views of the Alhambra.
• Andalucían rule: every drink comes with a free tapa. Fill up on house-made meatballs, croquetas and gazpacho.

Week 2 – Portugal Highlights

H3: Days 9–11 Lisbon & Sintra

• Catch an overnight bus from Granada to Lisbon (~30 euros).
• Stay in a hostel near Bairro Alto or Alfama. Book via Hostelworld or a budget hotel on Booking.com.
• Free walking tour in Lisbon, then hopefully catch sunset at Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
• Day trip to Sintra’s Palaces: grab a train for under 5 euros (Lisbon’s Rossio station). Book guided tours or skip the queues with GetYourGuide.

Days 12–14 Porto & Douro Valley

• Train to Porto (around 25 euros by reserving early on Omio).
• Book a riverfront hostel or small B&B for under 35 euros per night on Booking.com.
• Wander Ribeira, taste a francesinha sandwich, then take a free walking tour.
• Half-day Douro Valley wine cruise and tasting for ~40 euros via Viator. Worth every cent.

Budget Accommodation & Transport Hacks

1. Scoring Cheap Sleeps

• Dorm beds average 15–25 euros per night; privates under 50 euros if you book early. Use Hostelworld for friendly hostels, or Booking.com for budget hotels with free cancellation.
• In Lisbon and Barcelona (if you sneak in a cheeky flight), neighbourhoods like Alfama or Gràcia offer cheaper options than city centre.

2. Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank

• Buses often beat trains on price—check Omio for Spain-Portugal connections.
• In-city metros and trams cost around 1.50–2 euros per ride. Bulk-buy tickets or day passes if you’re exploring all day.
• For flexibility, consider a budget European bus operator like FlixBus booked through Omio.

3. Data & Safety Essentials

• Grab a European eSIM from Airalo so you’re always Google-mapping your next tapas bar.
• Travel insurance: don’t risk it. I use SafetyWing or World Nomads. It’s surprisingly affordable and peace of mind is priceless.

Eating & Doing More for Less

1. Feast Without the Fees

• Spain = free tapas with drinks. Order a cheap caña (small draft beer) and watch your plate magically appear.
• Portugal: look for “prato do dia” lunches (usually 7–10 euros). You’ll get soup, main, bread and coffee.
• Hit local markets (Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon) for bargain snacks—cheese, jamón, pastel de nata.

2. Free & Cheap Activities

• Free walking tours (tips-based) in nearly every major city—just search “Free Walking Tours + city”. I usually tip 5–10 euros, but it’s worth it.
• Museum freebies: many museums have one free-entry day a month or free evenings. Check online before you go.
• Nature fix: pack your swimmers and snorkel in Costa Brava or Algarve beaches, hike in Serra da Estrela or Pena Park in Sintra.

3. Smart Sightseeing Bookings

• Skip-the-line tickets to the Alhambra, Sagrada Familia or Jerónimos Monastery booked via GetYourGuide or Viator can save you time and sometimes a few euros.
• If you prefer at-your-own-pace, buy city attraction cards (Lisbon Card, Madrid Card) only when you plan to hit three or more paid sites in a day.

Final Thoughts

Two weeks in Spain and Portugal on a budget is not only doable—it’s downright fun. Forget frantic, overpriced tours: a little planning, early bookings via Booking.com and Omio, a dash of free walking tours, generous tapas culture and smart use of hostels or budget hotels will stretch your funds farther than you think.

So pack light, bring your sense of adventure (and sarcasm), and let these two sun-blessed countries surprise you—without spending a fortune. Safe travels, and may your sangria always be ice-cold.

Enjoy the journey, Mikki x