Spain offers its visitors a peek into a unique fervour present in its people, culture, art and even food. With so much to see and do, it can be quite easy for your expenses to spiral out of control. Luckily, Spain offers a fair share of attractions that can be enjoyed at little or no cost at all. Here is your guide to experiencing the charms of Spain for free:
- Free places to visit
Spain’s capital Madrid is home to some of the world’s best museums. Many of these museums offer one free day every week or even have set free days over the year. Most museums including Museo del Prado and Sofia Reina offer free entry a few hours every week. In addition to this, most museums in the country are free on May 2nd (Madrid Only), May18th, September 12th, 22nd, 24th (Catalonia Only), October 12th and December 6th. Entry to one of Spain’s most splendid and stately buildings, the Palacio Real or the Royal Palace at Madrid is also free every Wednesday.
- Free/Cheap accommodation
The cheapest forms of accommodation in Spain include staying in someone’s house. Also known as couch-surfing, you will be able to find a “couch” for a night and rarely be charged anything. This is a rather social option where you get acquainted with local people and are able to delve deeper into authentic Spanish culture. If you are driving through Spain, coming across inexpensive motels and cheap roadside inns also isn’t difficult.
- Inexpensive entertainment
In the summer months, Madrid opens up its terraces where you can eat, drink, and enjoy great live music and flamenco performances almost free of cost. Most of these terraces and smaller eateries will also offer free tapas with the drinks you order. Lunch in Spain can be relatively cheap, considering the various deals offered on tapas, a main course dish and some wine. Most of these eateries will also offer free Wi-Fi connectivity making it a great spot to spend a few hours connecting with your friends and family back home.
For some wild, messy fun, do participate in the famed La Tomatina festival held in Buñol near Valencia, at the end of August every year. It’s free for all.
Enjoy one of Europe’s leading cultural festivals known as “El Grec”, which is held in Barcelona each year from end of June to early August. Originally a theatrical festival, El Grec now includes circus acts, music, dance, flamenco performances, and theatre. Several events of this vibrant festival can be attended free of cost.
- Budget shopping
If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday, don’t miss visiting the famous El Rastro flea market. Here, you can get anything, from souvenirs and old stamps to quirky accessories and clothes at incredibly low rates. Haggling is absolutely allowed!
Similarly, visiting the Els Encants Vells flea market at Barcelona is highly recommended for funky treasure-seekers. Abounding in cheap curios including trinkets, outdated electronic items, and old shoes, this market is as bewildering as it is fascinating.
If you are looking for an affordable way to get around, consider hiring a car in Spain with Firefly, one of the most economical car rental services. This way, your trips from Madrid to Valencia, Barcelona and other towns will prove to be enjoyable and well within your budget.