What is The Real Cost of a Trip to Spain? Tips from Budget to Luxury Adventures

With Euro summer quickly approaching I’m sure you’re probably wondering the cost of a trip to Spain actually going to cost. In this post I’ll provide a cost breakdown ranging from budget travel to luxury vacation, this post will account for those of you who may not have saved enough and the rest who are ready to go big or go home!

Flight Costs

When it comes to flying to Europe, prices will depend on where you’re coming from and where you’re going to and the time of year. I’m an east coast girlie (specifically NYC area) and I am able to get pretty much anywhere pretty easily. But just to give you an idea of some prices here’s what I’ve paid in the past.

NYC → Dublin (March 2024, purchased January 2024) [great city to fly in/out of Europe from the US] 

$635

DC → Amsterdam (June 2023, purchased February 2023)

$1200 

NYC → Madrid (December 2018, purchased July 2018)

$375

As you can see the range will vary greatly depending on the time of year and that’s why if you’re planning a Euro summer it’s best if you do it WAY in advance. Depending on how you travel this could be the most expensive cost of a trip to Spain.

If you’re into travel credit cards like me then you have nothing to worry about. I rarely pay full price for international flights using my Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card, which I personally think is the best travel card and has saved me TONS of money.

Accommodation Costs

One of the really great things about traveling to Europe is that there are so many different types of accommodations that will work for any budget no matter the cost. Years ago when I began traveling through Spain I was really only interested in hostels but as I’ve finally got my money up I’m a hotel girl now. But here are a few options for hostels and hotels in Spain. It’s important to also take into account that these will be pricier in the summer.

Lower Tier – Toc Hostel Sevilla 

Toc Hostel in Seville is a newer hostel in the city, that is a perfect place for the college traveler looking to keep the cost of a trip to Spain low! It’s in the perfect location and steps away from sites such as Alcazar of Seville and the Cathedral of Seville. 

Dorm prices can be as low as $50/night for each bed. This hostel has mixed dorm rooms or the option to book a private room with 6 beds if you’re going with friends! 

Mid Tier – Casa Gracia Barcelona

Casa Gracia Barcelona is perfect for travelers that aren’t a fan of the bunk bed style hostel, but still want to keep the prices relatively low. A twin room or double room can start at around $200/night. Depending on the time of year the price can go even lower. 

This hostel is perfect for families given their apartment style units or even groups of friends. I’ve stayed here years ago and its a clean and gorgeous hostel in the perfect spot. Look out for their community events if you’re interested in meeting people!

This is a super popular hostel in Barcelona so make sure to book well in advance! 

Higher Tier – LETOH LETOH Madrid

This gorgeous boutique hotel in the heart of Madrid is great for couples or individuals as it is pretty small. Despite the size, everything about this hotel is super new and updated. This hotel will run around $300-$500/night depending on the time of year.

I’ve stayed here for a weekend in March and paid $550 for three nights.

Food Costs

Another really great part of traveling through Spain is that food doesn’t have to be expensive at all. Some of the best food I’ve had in Spain I’ve founds just from walking around so that will always be my first recommendation. But I do have a few favorites that I want to share. 

Affordable – 100 Montaditos 

100 Montaditos, also known as “cien mon” is a super casual bar/restaurant that you’ll find all over Spain. The word “montaditos” means “little sandwiches” because the menu has 100 (or more) little sandwiches that are all about 1 euro each plus a beer or cider for 1.5 euros. You’ll see locals spending hours there just chatting and eating. I’ve gotten full there plenty of times and only spent around 20 euros MAX 

Mid Tier – Sushita Madrid 

Sushita is my all time favorite place to eat whenever I go to Madrid. They have tons of locations with the most beautiful decor (very instagrammable or tik tok spot). I’ve spent around 50 euros here and did a full tasting menu that included alcoholic drinks! Sushita is a must go if you’re in Madrid. 

Fine Dining – La Dama Barcelona 

If you’re interested in something higher end, I have to suggest one of my bucket list restaurants, La Dama in Barcelona. ​​It is renowned for its elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and exquisite Catalan cuisine with a modern twist. It has chic decor, an upscale vibe, and is set within Casa Sayrach, a historic icon of Barcelona’s famous Gaudi-era architecture and style.

Activities Costs

All over Spain there are so many museums, tours, historical sites that can range from free (or discounted) for students and children to around 50 euros for adults.. In Madrid, the Museo del Prado is free for everyone in the evenings. While in Barcelona you can visit the Sagrada Familia for about 30 euros and witness the magic of Gaudí at Casa Batlló for about 29 euros.

Nightlife Costs

I lived in Madrid at the height of my party girl era so these few tips will ensure that you have a fantastic night. 

1. You can go out pretty much any night of the week. Sunday night were the only nights that were sometimes dead, but I was still able to find something. 
2. If you’re a group of girls you should NEVER pay for a cover. It’s so easy to DM a promoter on instagram to get you into a club. They get a kickback from the venue so they are typically eager to assist. 
3. If you’re with a mixed group of both guys and girls then look for clubs that are doing a promo for students. My favorite club Barcelo in Madrid would do free entry and open bar until about 1:30 am. And those nights were always so fun.
4. Drinks can be super cheap depending on where you go. Sometimes if you do pay a cover it’ll come with a “free” drink as well. But I have never seen a drink at a bar over 15 euros! 
5. Be safe and have fun! Madrid has always felt very safe for me but anything is possible so its important to be smart and never get too crazy!

Total Costs of a Trip to Spain

Here’s a total sum on what you should budget to cover the cost of a trip to Spain. Of course this is not all encompassing and does not consider other things like shopping or transportation (which is super cheap and easy to navigate particularly in Madrid). But this is just an estimate to get you started if you were doing a 7 day trip.

For the budget travelers: 

Flight ($600) + Hostel ($50*7) + Food ($50*7) + Activities (FREE) + Nightlight (20*7) = $1440

For the mid-tier travelers: 

Flight ($1200) + Hotel ($200*7) + Food ($100*7) + Activities (50*7) + Nightlight (20*7) = $3790

For the luxe travelers:

Flight ($1200) + Hotel ($300*7) + Food ($200*7) + Activities (100*7) + Nightlight (50*7) = $5750

Spain is a perfect destination for travelers of all budgets, and its so important to never wait out on seeing the world just because you can’t afford the luxury experience. 

If you made it to the end, thank you for reading! Now let me know if you’re ready to book! 

As a travel advisor I can book your hotels for free or build out your itinerary for a low fee.