{"id":28102,"date":"2018-12-04T10:23:03","date_gmt":"2018-12-04T15:23:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/?p=28102"},"modified":"2023-02-02T12:36:49","modified_gmt":"2023-02-02T17:36:49","slug":"traveling-to-spain-on-a-student-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/traveling-to-spain-on-a-student-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Traveling to Spain on a Student Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and anyone with a love for travel should consider visiting its vibrant and historic communities. But traveling around Spain can be quite different depending on where you are regionally. From north to south, the country can differ widely in its terrain, history, culture and even language. In this way, Spain is one of those places that you just can\u2019t get enough of.<\/p>\n

As a student, I\u2019ve had the pleasure of traveling around central and southern Spain for two weeks, visiting numerous towns, cities and beaches. From Madrid, the country\u2019s capital city, all the way down to M\u1ea3laga, a unique and quaint coastal town, I was able to visit a total of five places and engross myself in a country rich with life and history.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll walk you through the places I went and offer a few tips for travelers making their way through the country\u2019s lovely central and southern locations.<\/p>\n

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Madrid<\/b><\/span><\/h1>\n

I started my Spanish journey wandering around Madrid, Spain\u2019s elegant and expansive capital city. The city is renowned for its gorgeous parks and boulevards as well as its massive collection of European art, and I spent most of my time strolling through these areas.<\/p>\n

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Image: Ferm\u00edn Rodr\u00edguez Fajardo [CC BY 2.0], from Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here are a few of my favorite spots:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parque del Buen Retiro (Park of the Pleasant Retreat)<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Parque del Buen Retiro<\/a> is a gorgeous park located on the edge of the city\u2019s center. It includes 350 acres of beautiful sculptures, monuments, galleries and a lake, and hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. It became a public park in the late 1800s, but before then, it was the property of the Spanish monarchy. The park is rich with history and culture, making it one of Madrid\u2019s most famous attractions. A must-see for anyone traveling in the city!<\/p>\n

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Image: Carlos Delgado [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Prado Museum <\/b><\/h2>\n

Madrid is rich in art history, and the Prado Museum<\/a> is Spain\u2019s main national art museum. The Prado is located in central Madrid, and is widely considered to house the greatest collection of Spanish art as well as one of the world\u2019s finest collections of European art.<\/p>\n

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The museum features the works of Francisco Goya, El Greco and Diego Vel\u1ea3zquez, among many others.<\/p>\n

And the best part is — the museum offers free admission for a few hours every day of the week!<\/p>\n

You can visit the Prado Museum for free<\/a> from 6-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 5-7 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.<\/p>\n

Plaza Mayor (Main Square)<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Plaza Mayor<\/a> is located in the heart of Madrid, and serves as a lovely location to eat, shop, walk around, and enjoy the city outdoors. It is the main square in Madrid and its architecture dates back to the 15th century, making it a historic location as well. In the center of the square is a famous statue of King Philip III that dates all the way back to 1616, and serves as a landmark of Spanish history.<\/p>\n

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Image: Sebastian Dubiel [CC BY-SA 3.0 de], from Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>[divider]<\/p>\n

Toledo<\/span> <\/b><\/h1>\n

After leaving Madrid, I began my descent into the south by first stopping in Toledo, an extraordinary ancient city set above the plains of Castilla-la Mancha. Toledo is remarkable for so many reasons. The city is set on a hill surrounded by a gorgeous river, and its architecture and history dates back to more than 2000 years ago.<\/p>\n

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Entering Toledo on the San Martin bridge is the closest you can come to feeling like a medieval knight, and the inner walls of the city reveal a place untouched by modernity. Toledo has been called \u201cThe City of Three Cultures\u201d for its significant Muslim, Jewish and Christian influence. It is unlike any other place, and you can\u2019t help but feel an overwhelming sense of wonder when walking through the ancient streets.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the highlights of my time in Toledo:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Catedral Primada <\/b><\/h2>\n

The Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo<\/a> is one of the most renowned examples of high Gothic architecture in Spain. Its construction began in 1226 under the orders of Ferdinand III, and it was completed nearly 250 years later. The cathedral is an extraordinary example of Spanish history, architecture and religious influence, and touring its massive interior is truly awe-inspiring.<\/p>\n

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Image: Calatorinlume [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>A complete tour<\/a> of the cathedral is only \u20ac12.50, and gives you access to the cathedral grounds, museums and bell tower.<\/p>\n

El Greco Museum <\/b><\/h2>\n

The 16th century artist El Greco is famed for depicting the beautiful Toledo cityscape in his paintings, and the El Greco Museum<\/a> offers both of the most renowned ones on site: a view of Toledo and a view and plan of Toledo.<\/p>\n

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Image: Antonio.velez [CC BY-SA 3.0 es], from Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>Looking at this famous artist\u2019s depictions of Toledo is a remarkable thing to do in the city; when you see them in person, you realize just how ancient, and largely unchanged, Toledo really is. And the best part: free admission for students.<\/p>\n
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Image: Jos\u00e9 Luis Filpo Cabana [CC BY 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mirador del Valle <\/b><\/h2>\n

Mirador del Valle is a scenic overlook that offers a complete panoramic view of the ancient city. This is the most breathtaking spot to overlook Toledo in its entirety and soak up the beauty of the place at both dawn and dusk. Visiting this overlook is a great way to reflect on the wonders of Toledo\u2019s ancient dwellings.<\/p>\n