Ourense: A Budget-Friendly Adventure in Spain
Discover the hidden gems of Ourense without breaking the bank!
21 June 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Ourense, located in the northwestern region of Spain, is a perfect destination for budget travelers. Despite being lesser-known than other Spanish cities, Ourense offers visitors plenty of attractions, such as hot springs, churches, and historic sites, that won't break the bank. To save even more money, budget travelers can opt to stay in hostels or eat at local markets and shops rather than expensive restaurants.
Travel plan
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- Start your day with a coffee and croissant at Cafe Derby, a local institution.
- Visit the magical San Francisco Convent and its gardens, the perfect spot to take a break and relax.
- Head to the famous Burgas Hot Springs, where you can bathe in the thermal waters and enjoy the stunning views.
- Take a stroll along the charming historic streets of Ourense and discover the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
- For lunch, try the traditional Galician specialty of octopus at Pulpería A Garnacha, a cozy and affordable restaurant.
- In the evening, finish your day with a drink and tapas at the lively Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city's nightlife.
- Accommodation: Hotel Irixo, a budget-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location in the city center.
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe La Paz, known for their delicious churros and hot chocolate.
- Visit the historic and impressive Ourense Bridge over the Miño River and enjoy the views of the city and surrounding countryside.
- Explore the stunning landscapes of San Cibrao das Viñas, a nearby mountain range with hiking trails and scenic views.
- For lunch, try the local dish of cachelos and pork at Mesón O Porquiño, a rustic restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.
- In the afternoon, visit the Episcopal Palace, a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture.
- Finish your day with a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases works by Galician artists.
- Foodies Tip: Don't leave Ourense without trying the local wines, particularly the Ribeiros, which are famous for their crispness and freshness.
- There you have it 2 days of culture, nature, and delicious Galician food in Ourense, without breaking the bank. Enjoy your trip!
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
You can fly to Ourense by landing at Vigo-Peinador Airport, which is approximately 88 km away from the city center. From the airport, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to Ourense.
Car
You can drive to Ourense from Santiago de Compostela, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Madrid, it takes approximately 5 hours to reach Ourense by car.
Train
You can take a train from Madrid to Ourense, which takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. The train station in Ourense is called Estación de Ourense-Empalme.
Boat
There are no direct boat routes to Ourense. However, you can take a ferry from the UK to Spain and then travel by car, bus or train to Ourense.
Bus
You can take a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ourense, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bus station in Ourense is called Estación de Autobuses de Ourense.