Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Zaragoza

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, shared bathrooms, budget hotels in residential areas

Food & Dining

$12-25 per day

Local tapas bars, menu del día lunch specials, supermarket groceries, traditional Spanish cafeterías

Transportation

$3-8 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional tram rides, city bike rentals

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, some museum entries, self-guided sightseeing

Eat menu del día lunch specials at local restaurants instead of tourist areas (typically 40-60% cheaper than dinner prices)

Use public buses and trams instead of taxis for city transport (usually 80-90% savings)

Visit museums on free entry days or buy city tourist cards for multiple attractions (can save 30-50% on admissions)

Stay in neighborhoods like Delicias or Universidad rather than Casco Histórico for accommodation (typically 25-40% lower rates)

Shop at local markets like Mercado Central for groceries and snacks (generally 50-70% cheaper than convenience stores)

Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance for better rates (usually 20-35% discounts)

Take advantage of free tapas with drinks at traditional bars (can reduce food costs by 30-50%)

Eating only in the main tourist squares where prices are typically 100-150% higher than residential neighborhoods

Taking taxis for all transportation instead of using efficient public transport (costs 4-6 times more)

Booking last-minute accommodation during festivals like Fiestas del Pilar when prices surge 200-400%

Not researching free activities and museums, missing out on significant savings on cultural experiences