Marbella on a budget: A 3-day guide

Get sun-kissed in Marbella without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Marbella, a popular holiday destination on the Costa del Sol, can be visited on a limited budget. There are many budget-friendly accommodations, such as hostels and guesthouses, available in the city. Cheap eats can be found at local markets and tapas bars, and the beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes can be explored for free.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in Marbella

  • Check in at Hostal Tak and drop off your bags in the cozy, affordable room.
  • Explore the historic center of Marbella, with its charming white-washed buildings and narrow pedestrian streets.
  • Visit the Plaza de los Naranjos, the heartbeat of the city, full of orange trees and lively atmosphere.
  • Have lunch at Casa Juan restaurant, enjoying traditional Andalusian dishes made with fresh ingredients.
  • Afternoon on the beach: enjoy the sun, the sand and the refreshing sea, walking along the Paseo Marítimo.
  • Have dinner at El Estrecho, a local favorite seafood restaurant with a welcoming ambiance.
Day 2

Discovering Marbella's rich history

  • Take a tour of the Alcazaba de Marbella, a Moorish castle with exceptional views of the city and the sea.
  • Stroll through the Parque de la Represa, a secluded green oasis where locals come to unwind.
  • Have lunch at La Rosa de los Vientos, a great seafood spot with a terrace and stunning sea views.
  • Visit the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, an art museum showcasing Spanish prints and engravings.
  • Finish the day with a tapas crawl through the Calle Ancha, a vibrant street where you can try different local specialties.
Day 3

Luxury and leisure

  • Spend the morning relaxing at the Banús Spa, a luxurious wellness center with a gorgeous outdoor pool.
  • Visit the Puerto Banús marina, a playground for the rich and famous, with high-end shops, yachts and fancy cars.
  • Have lunch at Takumi, a stylish restaurant serving sushi and fusion cuisine.
  • Take a walk around the Río Verde area, where you'll find beautiful mansions and a stunning beach.
  • Keep the evening easy with a simple dinner at Tapas y mas, a casual tapas bar popular among locals.
  • Marbella has a lot to offer, from vibrant nightlife to lush green parks, but with these suggestions, you'll get a feel of the authentic Andalusian charm of the city while keeping costs within a reasonable range. Have a great time!

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 Marbella by plane is to fly into Malaga Airport and then take a taxi, bus or train to Marbella.

Car

The best way to get to Marbella by car is to take the AP-7 toll road from Malaga, which takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train to Marbella. The nearest train station is in Malaga, and from there you can take a bus or a taxi to Marbella.

Boat

Unfortunately, there is no way to get to Marbella by boat, as it is not a coastal city.

Bus

The best way to get to Marbella by bus is to take a direct bus from Malaga Bus Station, which takes about an hour.

Destination

Marbella

Located just a few hours away from the land of siestas and fiestas is Marbella, the place where the sun shines brighter than your future and the sea sparkles like your ex's eyes.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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