Cheap 10-Day Spain Road Trip from Madrid traveling east to Zaragoza, Barcelona, and Valencia

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.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Spain, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Madrid that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Salmon Guru, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,802 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Coque, so you'll want to drop by this place. Coque serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Madrid is El Social. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 944 customers.

Enjoy a drink or two at El miniBAR. Around 4,297 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Areia, where you can relax and have some fun. Areia is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,973 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is James Joyce Irish Pub Madrid, averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,124 reviews. This bar is 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!

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Madrid, proving that cheap holidays in Spain can be extraordinary.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Spain. To have the best affordable travel experience in Spain, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Spain unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Spain.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Madrid, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

El Jardín Secreto Madrid is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,058 customers.

Pum Pum Café is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,614 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Corral de la Morería, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,011 reviews.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at 1862 Dry Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,987 customers.

Taberna del Alabardero de Madrid is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,525 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 966 customers.

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 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 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Madrid and Zaragoza.

Journey into the unknown at Museo del Prado, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 98,929 reviews. Every year, Museo del Prado welcomes more than 3,497,345 curious visitors.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, El Retiro Park is a recommended place to visit. This urban park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 162,386 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Madrid is Puerta de Alcalá. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 43,833 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Madrid offers an experience you will remember.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Madrid. This association football venue promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 120,158 reviews.

Zaragoza’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Madrid behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 9 min. Zaragoza welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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 any of the following affordable places to stay.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Spain shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Zaragoza is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Restaurante La Senda. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 629 customers.

Asador La Garnacha is another local-favorite restaurant in Zaragoza. Asador La Garnacha serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,721 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Baobab Restaurant is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Madrid. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 of 5 stars from around 3,382 customers.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Meli Del Tubo, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,986 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Rock & Blues Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,922 customers.

La Flor de Lis is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,460 customers.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Spain offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Zaragoza, Monistrol de Montserrat, and Barcelona. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Barcelona.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

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.

A cheap, budget vacation in Barcelona should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Barcelona, try some of our top recommendations.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Barcelona is Viana Barcelona. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,578 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Barcelona, BORO Bar is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,248 diners.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar is our number one recommendation. Around 893 customers have rated this bar 4.7 out of 5 stars.

La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 743 reviews.

Cerveseria Catalana is another popular place to spend the evening in Barcelona. This bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 14,751 customers.

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!

Day 5’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Barcelona, proving that cheap holidays in Spain can be extraordinary.

Make your vacation in Spain more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Spain and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

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

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try El Nacional, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 23,496 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend El Bosc de Les Fades, so you'll want to drop by this place. El Bosc de Les Fades serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 14,606 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Barcelona is Ciutat Comtal. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 12,951 customers.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Barcelona, Ocaña. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,052 bar-goers.

Elsa y Fred is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Barcelona, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,884 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by El Xampanyet, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,394 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Barcelona!

On day 6 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Spain, you’ll go deep into Barcelona, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Barcelona, and meet locals along the way!

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Barcelona. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Barcelona offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Spain worth remembering for a lifetime.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Spain shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Barcelona is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

Eat at Paradiso. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,403 reviews.

You can also check out CocoVail Beer Hall - Craft Beer Barcelona. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,235 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Disfrutar. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,164 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Barcelona, Bobby's Free. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,003 customers.

Restaurant El Foro is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,552 customers.

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

On day 7 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Barcelona, Peníscola / Peñíscola, and Valencia. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Valencia.

Drop by the renowned Parc de la Ciutadella. This popular urban park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,100 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 85,986 visitors, this fountain deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Palau Sant Jordi. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 25,638 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Barcelona, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Peníscola / Peñíscola. Your travel time is around 2 hours 24 min.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Peníscola / Peñíscola, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Valencia. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 42 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Spain, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Valencia that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Visit the popular Asador El Porteño. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,693 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Spain is Restaurante Asador Argentino Gordon 10. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,075 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Restaurante Belmonte. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,179 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

After dinner, visit Cafe de las Horas, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Valencia. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,922 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Puerta del Mar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,372 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend Bar Tonyina. This bar, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers, is one of the best bars in the city of Valencia.

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

Day 8 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Spain. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Valencia!

Spain is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Spain, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Spain. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Spain that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

A cheap, budget vacation in Valencia should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Valencia, try some of our top recommendations.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Restaurante Canela. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,818 customers.

Navarro is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,045 customers.

Restaurante Flor de Valencia | Arrocería has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,561 reviews.

Bar Vermudez is an excellent example of a great bar in Valencia offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers.

You can also hang out at Beer & Travels, another of locals’ go-to bars in Valencia. Beer & Travels is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,028 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

El Lleón bar is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Valencia. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 1,124 bar-goers.

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

Day 9 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 exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Valencia and Madrid.

Start your day with a visit to Serrano Towers. This extraordinary fortified tower is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 39,998 visitors.

Next, make your way to Plaça de la Mare de Déu. This top attraction is a square with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 32,170 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Mercat Central. This market hall is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 79,570 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Valencia Bioparc. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 43,210 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Valencia, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Madrid may take around 3 hours 37 min. Upon your arrival in Madrid, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

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

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Madrid has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

We recommend a local favorite like La Mi Venta. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,658 customers.

Malacatín is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Madrid. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,017 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Madrid you might want to check out is JUNGLEKING - International Food & XL Brunch in Madrid. JUNGLEKING - International Food & XL Brunch in Madrid is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,533 reviews.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Harvey's Cocktail Bar, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,137 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Cafe Madrid. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 662 customers.

Inclán Brutal Bar is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,713 customers.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Spain!

Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 10 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Madrid.

As your final day in Spain unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Madrid’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Spain.

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 La Bien Aparecida. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,473 customers.

Prada a Tope Madrid is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,511 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Arrabal Madrid. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,924 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Spain and 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!