Cheap One-Week Spain Road Trip from Madrid traveling east to Valencia, Barcelona, and Zaragoza

Your exciting road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Madrid, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Madrid and begin your adventure in Spain.

Madrid is a popular cheap holiday destination in Spain with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Spain, Madrid is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You’ll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

When you're ready to see some sights, El Retiro Park is a great place to start. This urban park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 162,386 visitors.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Madrid. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular El miniBAR, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Restaurante De María - Felíx Boix is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Areia.

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar, a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Cafe Madrid, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment. Another fantastic option is 1862 Dry Bar, known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Spain!

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Spain, you’ll go deep into Madrid and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Madrid — 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 120,158 visitors.

Museo Del Prado is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This art museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 98,929 travelers. Up to 3,497,345 people visit Museo Del Prado every year.

Madrid is also the home of Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía. This art museum gets more than 1 visitor on an annual basis. Around 46,855 people have rated this art museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Royal Palace Of Madrid. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 77,471 reviews, a visit to this royal palace is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Madrid is also your chance to admire Temple Of Debod. This must-visit egyptian temple enjoys an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 44,446 reviews.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Madrid has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

A road trip vacation in Madrid can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Spain!

Day 3 of your road trip across Spain offers you the chance to visit 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Madrid. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Valencia, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Main Square. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 152,388 visitors.

Market Of San Miguel is another popular attraction you could visit today. This building has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 106,296 visitors.

Plaza De España is also highly recommended by travelers. This square has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 98,199 visitors.

Crystal Palace is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 39,270 reviews.

While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Valencia has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Valencia on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Valencia. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Café Negrito. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Cafe De Las Horas, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Spain, you’ll tour 1 destination: Valencia. You'll stay in Barcelona for 2 nights, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Mercat Central. This much-appreciated market hall is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 79,570 reviews.

Next up is Serrano Towers. This fortified tower has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 39,998 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is City Of Arts And Sciences. This tourist destination has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 125,881 reviews.

Barcelona offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Spain. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Barcelona offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Spain.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bobby's Free, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Torre Rosa also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Spain!

Day 5 means another chance to make the best memories in Barcelona. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Barcelona and check out the most popular dining spots. You still have 1 night left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Park Güell. This extraordinary sculpture garden has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 181,403 visitors.

Next, make your way to Sagrada Família. This minor basilica welcomes around 4,527,427 visitors yearly and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 226,955 reviews.

While in Barcelona, we also recommend a visit to La Pedrera. This monument has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 85,188 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Casa Batlló. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 125,060 travelers, this tourist attraction is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Barcelona.

Make your way to Cathedral Of The Holy Cross And Saint Eulalia, perhaps the most famous catholic cathedral in Barcelona. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 62,263 reviews.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Barcelona. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

A cheap, budget vacation in Barcelona should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Barcelona, try some of our top recommendations.

ARTiSA Barcelona stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Restaurant El Foro offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Braseria La Selva Barcelona, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Dr Stravinsky offers many snacks and liquors at different price points. But if you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Barcelona, check out El Xampanyet.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Spain! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Barcelona!

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Spain will take you to the city of Zaragoza, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Zaragoza, you'll explore 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Barcelona.

Kick off the day at Parc De La Ciutadella, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This urban park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 68,100 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Arc De Triomf. Arc De Triomf is a triumphal arch with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 77,887 reviews.

Plaça De Catalunya is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 175,036 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Mercado De La Boqueria. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 160,835 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Magic Fountain Of Montjuïc, a famous fountain in Barcelona. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 85,986 travelers.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Zaragoza. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Zaragoza, relax and restore your energy at your preferred affordable place to stay.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Zaragoza, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Be A Legend Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bar El Circo for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Rock & Blues Cafe is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!

Day 7 of your road trip across Spain is another proof that cheap holidays in Spain can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 1 wonderful destinations — Zaragoza. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Madrid, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Plaza De Los Sitios. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,205 visitors.

When you’re finished at Plaza De Los Sitios, head to José Antonio Labordeta Grand Park. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,535 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Pillar. This co-cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,215 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Puente De Piedra. This bridge is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,689 visitors.

While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Madrid has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Madrid on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

A cheap, budget vacation in Madrid should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Madrid, try some of our top recommendations.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular BiBo Dani García, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Malacatín is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Pum Pum Café.

A road trip vacation in Zaragoza can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Spain!

Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Madrid.

On your last day in Spain, take time to indulge in shopping at Madrid’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Madrid is the remarkable Puerta De Alcalá. This triumphal arch and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 43,833 visitors.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Madrid.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Madrid, consider a top-rated restaurant like Sagaretxe, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Arrabal Madrid is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Taberna El Sur, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Madrid.

You’ll then say farewell to Madrid. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!