Budget-friendly adventure in Alcala de Henares

Discover the historic charm of Alcalá de Henares without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Alcalá de Henares is a charming Spanish city well-known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Despite being near Madrid, Alcalá de Henares is an affordable destination offering visitors plenty of stunning sites to explore that won't break the bank. Visitors can explore the city's impressive museums, beautiful churches, and other fascinating landmarks, all without spending too much money.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Start the day with a coffee and croissant at Cafe Comuneros, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
  • Visit the birthplace of Don Quixote's author, Miguel de Cervantes, now a museum showcasing his life and works.
  • Head to the historic center of Alcala de Henares, one of the best preserved in Spain, and visit the stunning 'Magistral' Cathedral.
  • Take a stroll down the Calle Mayor, the main cobblestone street of Alcalá, lined with colorful houses and lively bars.
  • For lunch, try some traditional tapas at El Alquimista, known for its fried cod and mushroom risotto.
  • To end the day, visit the Casa de Hippolytus, an ancient Roman villa with stunning mosaics and the a nearby archaeological museum.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hostal Miguel de Cervantes. It is centrally located, affordable, and they offer free WiFi.
Day 2

Day Trip to Madrid

  • Catch the train from Alcala station to Madrid, a short 30-minute ride away.
  • Begin your day with a refreshing walk in the Buen Retiro Park, considered the 'green heart' of Madrid.
  • Visit one of the best art museums in the world, the Prado Museum, showcasing works by the likes of Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, and Francisco Goya.
  • For lunch, head to the Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling food market, try Spanish specialties such as Jamon, Olives or Paella.
  • Take a stroll around the Gran Via, Madrid's main shopping avenue, for some retail therapy.
  • End the day with tapas and wine at El Tigre, known for generous portions and lively atmosphere.
  • Accommodation: Return to Hostal Miguel de Cervantes for a comfortable and affordable stay in Alcala.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Alcalá de Henares by plane is to fly into Madrid-Barajas Airport and then take the Cercanías Line C-1 train to Alcalá de Henares station.

Car

If you are planning on driving to Alcalá de Henares, the best way is to take the A-2 highway from Madrid.

Train

If you're traveling within Spain, the best way to reach Alcalá de Henares by train is to take the Cercanías Line C-2 from Madrid's Atocha Station to Alcalá de Henares station.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no direct boat routes to Alcalá de Henares as it is a landlocked city.

Bus

A popular option to reach Alcalá de Henares by bus is to take the ALSA bus from Madrid's Estación Sur de Autobuses to Alcalá de Henares bus station.

Destination

Alcalá de Henares

Welcome to a place where long ago, a famous writer’s quill touched paper and brought us tales of chivalry and adventure. And now, the same town is known for its delicious tapas and bustling nightlife.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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