Travel Budget for Cities inSpain

Madrid, the capital of Spain, has countless opportunities to experience Spain's culture, art, cuisine, and nightlife. It is the largest city in Spain, and as such has much to explore. The city is situated on the Iberian Peninsula on the Spanish central Castillian plateau. If you're flying into Spain, you'll likely fly into the Madrid airport as it's one of the largest airports in Europe. Madrid is well connected to the rest of Spain with planes, trains and buses. Within Madrid there is a wonderful public transportation network that successfully integrates the bus and subway systems together. It is also one of the largest transit networks in Europe, and is one of the best ways to travel around the city with relative ease. While taxis are another option, they can be surprising difficult to find as there are few taxi stands around town. Particularly during the late hours on weekends or during rainstorms, you're less likely to find a taxi with ease. Driving yourself around this city is incredibly frustrating and not at all recommended unless you are familiar with the city and it's traffic patterns. With such a successful public transit system, there is little need to drive in Madrid, so it is best avoided.

There are many historic and cultural sights throughout Madrid. Don't miss the Museo del Prado, an excellent collection of art, perhaps one of the best in the world. Also visit the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), and Plaza Mayor, the most famous plaza in Madrid. Take in a Flamenco show and have a meal of tapas. Both are quintessential Spanish experiences. Also head over to Mercado de San Miguel, which is an impressive indoor market in Madrid. Parks are great places to pass time in Madrid as well. It's fun to people watch and simply relax in the sun. Some of the most popular parks include El Retiro Park, Parque del Capricho, and La Casa de Campo.

The capital city of Andalucia, Seville is both the cultural and financial hub of southern Spain. It's also a popular tourist destination in the area. The city is cut in half by the Guadalquivir River, with the two halves referred to as Sevilla and Triana. Seville has continued to grow in popularity as a tourist destination since the 19th century when it was included as a stop on the Romantic "Grand Tour" of Europe. In 1992 Seville hosted the International Exposition which led to the construction of a new airport, train station, as well as other infrastructural improvements. Today Seville remains very popular with tourists for its many festivals, interesting attractions, great restaurants and nightlife scene.

Like most major cities in Spain, Seville's public transportation is excellent. You can travel most places by bus, which are frequent and generally efficient. Another interesting option is the service bikes available for rent around town. They're stored at docking stations and you can purchase a week long pass for five euros. With this pass you'll get a half hour free and then pay one euro for every subsequent hour. Alternatively you could also rent a scooter for a day for roughly 30 euros. There is a tram system but it is not integrated into Seville's transportation system. The system is also in the process of being expanded.

There are many landmarks around town in Seville, with some of the most popular including the Cathedral of Seville, La Giralda Tower, the Jewish Quarter, and Parque Maria Luisa. Other interesting activities in the city include flamenco dancing, attending a bull fight, and wandering through the many outdoor markets which have anything from food to clothing or furniture for sale. It's easy to fill several days, at least, in Seville.

If you're looking for some good food, tapas are a favorite in Seville. These small dishes are about the size of an appetizer and are usually delicious when enjoyed with wine. You'll want to order several as they are much smaller than entree sized, but they are quite delicious and can be surprisingly filling.

San Sebastian is in Basque Country in Spain and offers what is considered to be on of the best urban beaches in Europe. It's a popular spot for surfers and sunbathers alike as the waves meet the sand against the backdrop of historic buildings. The city itself has a small town feel and has plenty of local seafood restaurants, pintxos (tapas) bars, and high end clothing stores. The city itself is split into two sections, the Old Town (or Parte Vieja) and Gros and Centro.

A pleasant way to explore the town is by walking, but taxis are available to offer tours as well. You must pick up a taxi at a designated taxi stop as you cannot simply flag them down from anywhere. There are also plenty of bicycle lanes around town, making biking a fun alternative as well. You can rent bicycles from several places around town and you can pick up a bike card at a tourist information center. If you're going to be in town for at least a few days and plan to use the bus system, a tourist card is a good option for you. The card lasts for ten days and is sold for almost three euros. It offers a discount rate on each bus ride.

The most popular activity in San Sebastian is to visit one of the area's two beaches. La Concha is the larger beach located on the west side of the river and is protected from the open ocean by the bay and an island. There are umbrellas, tents and lawn chairs available for rent lining the beach. The beach also has nearby restrooms, changing rooms and showers for free. The second beach, La Zurriola is on the east of side of town and is a more popular surfing beach. It is more popular with those looking for waves or beach sporting events.

Other activities around town include hiking, kayaking, tennis and water skiing. There's also an aquarium you can visit that is close to La Concha Beach.

There are a good number of reasonably priced restaurants around town, most of which offer Basque style cuisine. While similar to Spanish food in many ways, you may notice some subtle differences, particularly in the type of tapas available.

Santiago de Compostela is on of the most significant places for Catholicism as it is thought to be the burial sight for St. James. It is also the capital city of Galicia, Spain. Santiago de Compostela is has a rich religious and cultural history and has long been the destination of many Christian pilgrims. Today, the city's population is about 100,000, and is quite popular with tourists due to its history and tradition, both of which led it to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to one of the oldest universities in Spain, The University of Santiago de Compostela. Education continues to be of great importance in the city.

Historically, and still today, many tourists, referred to as "pilgrims," arrive in Santiago de Compostela on foot after completing a 780 kilometer walk from St. Jean Pied-de-Port in France. The route travels along the Way of St. James. Today, many people also choose to bicycle the length of the route.

If you're not up for a 780 kilometer walk, there are buses that head into town. The main bus station is located just outside of town, but there are local buses that will carry you into the city center. Once you arrive in Santiago de Compostela, the town is small enough to walk everywhere. However, if you've just walked over 700 kilometers and aren't looking for a stroll, there are a handful of buses that travel around town.

There are many sights and attractions around town, most of which are of religious or historic significance. These include the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Praza do Obradoiro, the Catholic Kings Hostal, and Rajoy palace, among others. There are also a handful of museums worth visiting, many of which offer insight into the religious history of the city.

There are restaurants around town that cater to all different budgets. Many of seafood, but a local specialty, known as "Pulpo," is a cooked octopus dish that should be tried. Also enjoy some local cheeses that are famous in the area. At some of the more popular restaurants you will likely have to wait in line so it is best to plan ahead.

Pamplona is probably most famous as the host of the "Running of the Bulls" festival, also known as the San Fermin festival. It's held every year between July 6th and July 14th and has a bullrun every day of the festival. The run begins every day at 8:00AM, but if you hope to participate in the run you should arrive at the track no latter than 7:30AM. Six bulls run through the city toward the bull ring. If you're participating in the run, it is forbidden for you to carry a camera, and if you are visibly drunk you will be removed by the police. Every evening of the San Fermin festival there is a nightly fireworks display that is fun to watch as well.

The city itself is in Navarra, Spain and is a beautiful place with no shortage of green space. It's also a popular city along the Camino de Santiago, a trek that attracts many "pilgrams" every year. There are also three universities in town, giving the city a youthful feel.

Restaurants in Pamplona are plentiful, but it's important to realize that most close at 3:30PM and do not reopen until 9:00PM at night. If you're an early eater, it's best to plan ahead. The restaurants are generally reasonably priced, and the regionally specialties are known for their delicious, fresh vegetables. You'll also find typical Spanish dishes at most restaurants, as well as the regional tapas dishes, referred to as pintxos in this region.

Also make sure you try the local wines which are made in the Navarra region. You can order red (tinto), or rose (rosado) wine, both of which are good. Also make sure you try a local liqueur known as Patxaran. Sangria is another popular and well known drink in the area. If you're looking for a place to grab a drink, head to Calle San Nicolas, Calle Estafeta, and Calle de Jarauta which have the highest concentration of bars and pubs.

Palma de Mallorca is the only real city on the island of Mallorca. Mallorca is a Balearic Island off of Spain's eastern coast and serves as the capital of the area. It's population is about 400,000. You can travel to the area by plane as there is one airport on the island which is served by flights from several major cities in Europe. There are also some ferry options that arrive from other Balaeric Islands as well as the Iberian peninsula. Once on the island you can travel between cities by bus, train or car.

Once in town, a popular sight is the Castell de Bellver, which now holds a museum. It's a 14th century castle which was built on the ruins of a Muslim sight. It is open daily year around. Pueblo Espanol is another museum in town that is laid out to look like an old Spanish village. It is well worth a visit as it gives you insight into daily Spanish life. If you're looking for a popular place to hang out in the evening, head to Paseo Maritimo. This area is stretched out alongside the port area and you'll see many of the yachts and boats docked here. The area is lined with bars, pubs, and clubs that stay open until late in the evening or early into the morning.

While you're visiting the island you should try some of the local food. There are some great regional specialties here, most of which can be found at almost any restaurant. Pamboli is a traditional sandwich made with Majorcan bread, oil, tomato, and any number of toppings. Ensaimada is a traditional pastry filled with cream, chocolate, or fruit and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Sobrasada is a local form of cured sausage and bunyols are another form of sweet pastry that are typically only available during the fall months.

Located in Basque Country, Spain, Bilbao is the capital of Vizcaya. It sits on theedge of the tidal river, Nervion and is blessed with a mild climate that rarely gets too cold or extremely hot. The more frequent rains in the area have caused the hills to be covers with green, but do check the weather before you head to the beach.

The hilly, one way streets mean that Bilbao is not an easy place to drive as a visit. You can rely on public transportation, and if you plan to take more than a couple of trips it's worth investing in a CreditTrans card which can be purchased from any Metro or Tram Station. Taxis are another option, but they are more expensive. Walking is possible, but for many destinations this will prove to be a hike.

There is no shortage of museums, churches and sights around Bilbao. Be sure and check out the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Fine Art, the Basque Museum, and the unique Bullfighting Museum. Some of the more interesting churches around town include the Cathedral of Saint. James, Iglesia de San Anton, and Basilica de Begona. Other sights around town include the birthplace of Miguel Unamuno, Mercado de la Ribera, and Plaza Nueva.

Food in Bilbao is delicious and a favorite local specialty is pintxos, or the Basque version of tapas. The dishes are often more elaborate that tapas and include options such as fish dishes, stuffed peppers, or anchovies. The appetizers are often served on a bread. The best night to sample pintxos is on either a Friday or Saturday night when they are readily available at bars and restaurants.

If you're in Bilbao during the summer months, try to hit up an outdoor concert at the Kiosko del Arenal. Other fun activities around town include wandering through Casco Viejo, exploring Dona Casilda Iturrizar Park, and taking a ride on the Artxanda Funicular to enjoy the views. If you're in town on the first Saturday of a month head to First Saturdays Flea Market which is a fun place to do some shopping.

Many travelers to Spain pass by Toledo, but those who choose to visit for a few days will be well rewarded. It has wonderful winding cobbled streets that weave through its old town. There's a great 13th century cathedral that is truly a highlight of the town as well as some Roman ruins that sit just outside the city walls. Toledo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and is great as a multi day trip, or simply a day trip from Madrid.

You can travel to Toleda by bus or train from Madrid. There's a high speed train that will make the trip in just over half an hour and will cost you about twenty euros for the round trip ticket. The bus takes about an hour and leaves every hour from Madrid's Plaza Elíptica bus station. These round trip tickets cost just under ten euros.

Most people choose to spend their time in Toledo exploring the Old Town area which is quaint with cobblestone streets. It does have a surprisingly high number of vehicles however which can detract somewhat from the ambiance. Top sights in the area include Iglesia de los Jesuitas, which will give you some great views of the city, Mezquita Cristo de la Luz, Iglesia del Salvador, the Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca, and Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reye. The best way to spend your time in Toledo is simply wandering the streets. Take in the city's ambiance while you pass by some of the town's most popular sights. Definitely allow yourself some time to get lost, as that is part of the appeal of this town.

If you're in the market for a souvenir, Toledo has some interesting local specialties. The town is well known for its swords, which could set you back as much as $300. Shops will ship the item home as a sword might raise some eyebrows when you board a plane. The area is also well known for glazed ceramics, as well as damascene, a local technique for inter fusing gold on iron or steel to make plates or jewelry.

A Coruna is a town in Galicia, Spain. There is an airport about eight kilometers outside of town, or you could arrive by bus, many of which travel from Madrid, Barcelona, or the French border. A popular destination in town is the scenic seafront promenade. There's a tram that runs along it which can be taken for two euros. It begins at the football stadium and travels to the town hall on the other side of the city. You could catch a taxi in town and travel with city limits for about five to seven euros.

Some sights in town of interesting include Castelo de San Anton, a castle that now houses an archeology museum, the medieval Church of Santiago, Colexiata de Santa Maria, which houses the museum of sacred art, Xardín de San Carlos, Torre de Hercule, Picasso's home, and Maria Pita's square. There are a handful of other museums around town as well.

Perhaps the two best beaches around town are Orzan and Riazor, both of which are on the western side of the peninsula. The water is a little cold for swimming but they are a nice place to relax. Also take some time to walk down the seafront promenade. This is a popular area for locals to take a stroll, particularly in the evening when everybody is out and about.

Many of the restaurants around town are Spanish cafeteria style and offer great seafood selections. There are also plenty of hamburgueserias, some Italian restaurants, a few pizzerias, and even a Mexican restaurant. Prices are generally comparable to what you will find elsewhere in Spain. There are a handful of places around town to grab a drink as well. Be sure and try the local specialty, Estrella Galicia.

The best place to stay in town is NH Atlantico. It easily has the best location by Orzan beach and next to the new conference palace in town.

Located in Andalucia, Spain, Granada is a city with a lot of culture and a rich history. It is a popular travel destination in Spain, and arguably, one of the most fascinating cities to visit. The city itself offers many activities including the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains which are great for skiing or trekking. The city has countless monuments, and entertainment events created by the university, Universidad de Granada. Places worth visiting include the Cathedral of Granada, Plaza Isabel la Catolica, a square at the intersection of Gran Via de Colon and Calle Reyes Catolicos, and Alcaiceria, alleyways with souvenir shops set amongst Moorish architecture.

You can walk most places in the city center of Granada, but if you're looking for a faster way to cover greater distances, there are local buses that run quite frequently and are convenient to take. It is definitely not recommended that you drive yourself around Granada, as the streets are a chaotic network of narrow, one way roads that will leave you lost and frustrated.

If you're planning to experience Granada and its sights to the fullest, and you will be in town at least three days, it's recommended that you pick up a Bono card. This card will give you a thirty percent discount to the Cathedral, Capilla Real, Alhambra & Generalife, Monastery of La Cartuja, Monastery of San Jerónimo, and Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park). It also offers nine free rides on public transportation.

A great option for a light meal in Granada is to head to a bar and order a drink. Most bars serve free tapas with purchased drinks. Lunches in the area are also inexpensive and is often served late, between 1:00PM and 4:00PM. Some of the best places to eat are the outdoor restaurants you'll find near most plazas. Although the food might be slightly more expensive, the ambiance more than makes up for it.

Cordoba, the capital city of the province of Cordoba, is a World Heritage Site that shows an interesting mix of Spanish cultures. Cordoba has a wonderful historic quarter which has many alleyways, quaint streets, and beautiful squares and courtyards. The city also plays host to many cultural events throughout the year, some of which include flamenco festivals, music concerts, and ballet performances. If you don't find yourself in Cordoba during one of these popular festivals, there is still no shortage of museums or sights to visit.

Although there is no airport near Cordoba, the city is still easily accessible by both train and bus. Once you arrive in town you can reach most of the interesting sights around town by walking. The most dense concentration of sights is easily in the Old City near the Mezquita. It's fun to simply get lost in the Old City area, where the streets seem to meander haphazardly. Most tourist facilities, including hotels and souvenir shops, are also located in the Old City. There are some parts that are too touristy, but if you make a point of truly exploring, you can still find neighborhoods that haven't succumbed to the masses. Another interesting area worth exploring is the area north of the Old City near the Plaza de las Tendillas to Avenida de America. This are is more modern and has some interesting shopping options. It has a more authentic and real feel than parts of the Old City.

There are plenty of restaurants around Cordoba and there are options for budget travelers as well as those looking for a high end restaurant. It's best to get out of the touristy areas, particularly in the Old City, if you're looking for both a delicious and reasonably priced meal. Find out where the locals eat, and that is where you head around dinner time.