Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Zaragoza
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $35-88 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in 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
Currency: € Euro (EUR)
Money-Saving Tips
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%)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
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