5 Affordable Cities That Are Cheaper Travel Alternatives To Barcelona

Spain is an alluring country to explore with a plethora of fascinating cities full of history and culture. One such place is Barcelona, a popular Spanish city that draws tourists from all over the world. However, recently it has become a tourist mecca, which has ultimately made the city more expensive than many other options for visitors to the Iberian Peninsula. But if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to Barcelona on your next trip to Spain, there are several cities that let you stretch your dollar, such as Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Cordoba, Valencia, and Bilbao. According to Budget Your Trip, the average cost of a week-long vacation for two people in Barcelona is around $2,900. This obviously varies depending on whether you're a limited spender or luxury traveler, but most couples can expect to spend about $209 per day.

Fortunately, if you want to see old cathedrals, Roman ruins, or sit on the beach and enjoy a sangria, you can find a place that's inviting and budget friendly. Of course, with all the options available, finding the ideal location can prove challenging. Consulting travel experts like Rick Steves, who has advice on the best time for visiting Portugal, Spain, and other European destinations, can help. And here, you can start planning your next adventure to these five affordable cities.

Just north of Spain's border with Portugal sits the lively city of Santiago de Compostela. It's best known as the culmination point of the pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago, a religious walk that draws people to the city's impressive Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. But there's much more to the city than its marvelous Cathedral. History comes alive with a walk down Calle Franco or Calle Raina in the heart of the city's old town. This is where you can enjoy a glass of Alberino, known as one of the world's best white wines, or try some Santiago cake after your meal of Spanish-style tapas.

According to Budget Your Trip, you can save a ton by visiting Santiago de Compostela instead of Barcelona. A one-week trip for two to this lesser-visited location costs an average of $1,713. This includes accommodation, transportation, meals, and sightseeing. Although the city isn't right on the coast, you can easily take a day trip to the area's dramatic coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. But there's plenty to keep you in the city as well. Make sure to visit the more modern Cidade da Cultura for its interesting architectural style and the Gaias Centre Museum inside, while the building's neighboring park is ideal for spending time outdoors and in nature.

A visit to Seville (called Sevilla when you're in Spain) is a magical experience. The city offers a mix of enchanting old-world charm and modern amenities. Walk along notable streets like Calle Sierpes and Plaza de Encarnacion, where you'll see impressive architecture, discover a variety of little shops selling unique gifts, and find restaurants and cafes serving everything from tapas and paella to churros and chocolate. Stay in a charming apartment or villa along the Canal de Alfonso XIII to be close to everything but in a quieter part of the city or opt for a downtown hotel to be at the heart of it all. Most accommodations are affordable when compared to Barcelona, especially if you follow these tips for getting a smoking deal on a hotel room.

If you're travelling to Seville with kids, you might want to visit the Isla Magica theme park. Or, if you're interested in historical sites, head just north of the city to explore the well-preserved ancient Roman city at Italica, complete with a colosseum that rivals the one in Rome. Tickets to the site are very affordable, but you'll need a car or a taxi ride to get there. Budget Your Trip says two people can spend a week in Seville for an average cost of $2,450, which is nearly $500 less than staying in Barcelona.

Immerse yourself in history while visiting Cordoba. This city was once the Islamic capital of Spain, and no trip there would be complete without visiting the Mezquita with its impressive arches that take you back in time. Its historic Old Town is a World Heritage site where you can wander through beautiful courtyards, visit the Great Mosque, and catch a traditional Flamenco dance performance at a lively tavern. Spring is an exciting time to plan an excursion to Cordoba thanks to its many festivals, such as the Battle of the Flowers in late April or early May and the Courtyard Festival that usually takes place mid-May. Keep in mind that visiting any location during a big event can drive prices up, so organizing your trip ahead of time is essential if you want to get the best deal on flights and hotels.

You'll have plenty of charming options for accommodations in Cordoba, whether you want to rent an entire apartment downtown or stay in a luxury suite on the edge of the city. According to Budget Your Trip, a seven-day stay for two in Cordoba will set you back $2,453 on average. If you can manage to spend less than $175 per person a day, you could save even more on a vacation in Cordoba over staying in Barcelona, especially if you avoid making expensive travel mistakes like signing up for an overpriced travel package.

Valencia is a coastal destination in Spain that lies just a few hours south of Barcelona where you'll find lovely beaches for soaking up the sun and opportunities to catch a ferry to one of the nearby islands. Budget Your Trip says that two people spend just under $2,500 on a week-long trip to Valencia. Choosing free and low-cost attractions will make your money go even further. For instance, a stroll on the beach at sunrise is breathtaking and won't cost you a dime. And while a visit to Valencia's incredible science museum is recommended by many, you can explore the exterior of the City of Arts and Sciences without having to buy a ticket. The architecture alone is worth viewing.

History lovers can head to the Barrio de Carmen to walk along cobbled streets lined with Medieval buildings, ancient palaces, and irresistible restaurants. Those who prefer quiet might enjoy exploring Albufera Nature Park, where it's said that paella was invented. This park is home to Spain's largest freshwater lagoon, which is the ideal spot for a sunset boat ride to see an array of waterfowl and other birds that make their home in the park throughout the year. No matter what your pleasure, there's something for every taste and budget in Valencia.

On the northern side of Spain, not far from the border of France, you'll find Bilbao. This often-overlooked destination is an excellent place for foodies with its top-notch cuisine and abundant Michelin five-star restaurants. It also offers a public transportation system for getting around, so you can opt for cheaper accommodation just outside the city and avoid renting a car to keep your expenses low. If you take Rick Steves' advice on visiting at the right time when crowds and prices are low, you can save even more on a vacation in Bilbao instead of heading to the more expensive Barcelona. Budget Your Trip estimates a couple can spend a week in Bilbao for about $2,770.

An attraction worth visiting in this Basque Country destination is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with its modern architecture that helps make this Spanish city one of the most interesting locations in the country. Its mix of old and historic with new and modern puts it on the map as a surprising cultural place that will leave you in awe. Take a ride on the Artxanda cable car for a bird's-eye view of the city or stroll through one of the many parks, like Iturrizar, to experience all the beauty Bilbao offers.