Discover Alcalá de Henares: A Perfect Day Trip!

Discover the charming history and culture of Alcalá de Henares without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Alcalá de Henares is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a lot of history and culture without breaking the bank. On a limited budget, visitors can explore the city's many churches and museums, including the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. Don't forget to enjoy the local cuisine, such as tapas and bocadillos, at the numerous bars and restaurants.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Alcalá de Henares

  • Start off with a coffee and tostada at the quaint Café de Ronda.
  • Take a stroll through the historic old town, checking out buildings like Casa Natal de Cervantes and the Cathedral of Saint Justus and Saint Pastor.
  • Visit the University of Alcalá, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take in the stunning architecture and views of the city.
  • Have a budget-friendly lunch at the local favorite, El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience.
  • Spend the afternoon at the Paseo del Val or the Parque O’Donnell, two peaceful green spaces perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk.
  • End the day with tapas and a glass of wine at El Albéitar, a cozy restaurant with delicious food and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Alcalá de Henares may be a small city, but it packs a lot of charm and history into its narrow streets. With this itinerary, you’ll experience some of the best sights, bites, and moments that this city has to offer.

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.

More travel plans

Discover Alcalá: History, Art, Food, and More!

A trip to Alcalá de Henares on a limited budget can be a fantastic experience. There are many affordable accommodations available, such as hostels and budget-friendly hotels. While in Alcalá de Henares, one can explore the city’s rich history and culture by visiting the many museums and landmarks, such as the Cervantes Birthplace Museum and the beautiful Plaza de Cervantes.

Alcalá de Henares Adventure: 3 Days on a Budget

Discover the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the famous author of Don Quixote, by taking a budget-friendly day trip to Alcalá de Henares from Madrid. Explore the charming old town which is filled with historic university buildings, churches, and beautiful plazas. You can enjoy budget-friendly tapas, drinks, and shopping around the city's market streets for a complete cultural experience without having to break the bank.

Budget-friendly adventure in Alcala de Henares

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.

Alcalá Unleashed: A 3-Day Family Fiesta on a Budget!

Alcalá de Henares is a charming city just outside of Madrid, that offers a perfect family-friendly getaway. Known as the birthplace of famous writer Miguel de Cervantes, visitors can explore his childhood home-turned-museum and learn about his life through interactive exhibits. The city also boasts beautiful parks, such as the Parque de la Juventud, where kids can play and adults can relax, making Alcalá de Henares an ideal destination for a family vacation.