Getting to know Spanish cuisine always brings a pleasant anticipation even before the start of the trip. Famous local snacks, meat delicacies, desserts – you want to try everything.
To plan your budget in advance and mark the treasured “food spots” on the map, let’s figure out how much food costs in Spain and where tourists can eat economically.
Prices for food in stores and markets
There are 6 large chain supermarkets in Spain: Mercadona, Lidl, Supercor, Aldi, Carrefour and Eroski. Their prices are approximately equal – plus discounts on food products are regularly provided. And literally everything is sold here: from a “bachelor’s set”: baked goods + dairy products – to local delicacies: cheeses, sausages , jamon. This way to save on food is suitable for tourists who rent an apartment in Spain and are not averse to practicing their cooking, or, on the contrary, want to quickly have a snack and make sandwiches for the road.
For example, in the Eroski supermarket, a package of preparations for preparing paella (250-500 g) costs 2-5 €, semi-finished meat products (300-400 g) – 2.5-5.50 €, a liter of milk – 1 €, bread and fresh baked goods – 0.70-2.50 €, cheese (250 g) – 3-4 €, butter (250 g) – 1.40-3.30 €, juices (1 l) – 1-1.70 €, chocolate – 0.80-2.30 €.
Another way to save on food in Spain is to visit local markets. You can buy the most delicious and natural products there, and at reasonable prices.
One of Madrid’s famous markets, the Mercado de Maravillas, offers an abundance of fresh baked goods, fish and shellfish, meat, fine Spanish cheeses and other delicacies, and at prices lower than in supermarkets. There are also many stalls with fast food and snacks, drinks, sweets, fruits and vegetables.Unlike the Mercado de Maravillas, the most famous Madrid market, San Miguel, is considered a popular tourist destination, which also affects prices. They are far from the lowest in the capital of Spain.
Prices for food in eateries
There are many eateries in Spain that serve European or American fast food familiar to tourists, such as burgers , sandwiches and fries, as well as signature national delicacies.
For example, Bar La Campana (Calle Botoneras, 6) in Madrid is famous for its large and filling squid sandwiches for 3 €. And Bocadillos Oink (Calle Gran Via, 22) is famous for its chic sandwiches with Ibérico jamon and buns with chorizo, salchichon and other Spanish meat delicacies (price – 1.50-4.20 €). By ordering any drink with them, you can have a snack and save on lunch.
The menus of similar eateries testify to how much it costs to eat in another large city in Spain – Barcelona. The food they serve usually consists of huge sandwiches with various fillings and sauces. They cost from 3 to 5 €. People come to Las Fritas for delicious French fries (price per serving – from 2 to 6 €, toppings + 1.50 €, sauces +0.40 €). De Paula L’hamburgueseria attracts tourists with chic burgers for 6.90-9.80 €. Coca-Cola costs 2 €, water – 1.5 €.
Cost of food in cafes and restaurants
Cafes in Spain usually offer a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks: coffee, tea, smoothies, milkshakes, juices and lemonade. The food is mostly light: salads, sandwiches, toast, waffles, cakes and other Spanish desserts . The price of toasts and sandwiches starts from 2 € and can reach 8 €, waffles cost about 5-6 € (sometimes their price includes a cup of coffee), sweets can be tasted for an average of 5 €.
Separately, it is necessary to mention the pastry shops, where tourists are offered to eat delicious Spanish churros (1.80 €) with hot chocolate. They are sold both individually and together. A cup of chocolate and 6 churros in Madrid cost 4 €. The price of coffee in cafes and coffee shops is on average 2.50 €, but you can find it both cheaper and more expensive. A cup of tea will cost 1.50-3 €, a smoothie – 4-5 €, a milkshake – 2.50-3 €.
To save on food in Spain, it is most convenient to catch the so-called brunch hours (usually from 11.00 to 16.00). At this time, cafes offer an affordable set menu at a price of 10-20 € (depending on the number of dishes and drinks included and the level of the establishment). The most modest brunch might include milk, chocolate or cocoa, a croissant and a plate of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and fries.
Oviso is considered a good place to eat on a budget in Barcelona – here you can get a combi lunch (pasta, soup and dessert) for only 6 €. And in Valencia , La Pequena Pasteleria de Mama is popular with Sunday brunches for 6.90 €.Important! Keep in mind an interesting feature of some cafes and restaurants in Spain: prices for food in the hall and on the terrace may vary. Eating outdoors is more expensive.
Prices in restaurants
Restaurants are a new level of acquaintance with the national cuisine of Spain and, accordingly, a different price level. In mid-range establishments, the cost of food is as follows: appetizers – 8-16 €, tapas – 1.5-4 €, meat and fish dishes – 14-20 €, salads – about 10 €, desserts – 5-8 €. But the portions are usually large and filling, so you can fill up completely. The average bill is 30-50 €.
Many establishments in Spain organize meals for groups – in this case, food prices for tourists start from 35 €. This offer may include a starter, main course and dessert of your choice, as well as water, bread and 200-300 ml of Spanish wine per person.A godsend for a tourist who wants to save money on food in Spain is the signature Menú del día (“menu of the day”) in restaurants. A set lunch (soup, main course, dessert, wine, bread) costs about 10-13 €.
Another good option that allows you to eat on a budget is buffet-style meals. Having paid 8-14 €, you can eat as much as you want. However, drinks are not included in the price of this lunch. In Madrid, buffets are offered by Kekexily, Topolino, Neco Buffet Madrid, All You Can Eat. In Valencia – Neco Buffet Mediterraneo, Muerde la Pasta, La Parrilla de Pollos Planes. In Barcelona – Lactuca Buffet, FrescCo, Terra Blava, Restaurante El Puma.
And a few more tips
In Spain there are a few more nuances regarding food. For example, it is unlikely that you will be able to eat on a budget in the evening and at night: prices in restaurants during these hours are higher than during the day. You won’t find economical offers in the epicenter of tourist routes either – if you are looking for cheaper food, go for a walk along the small streets to the side.
Another way to save a little money is to look for free tapas. Although more and more establishments in Spain are setting prices for such signature snacks, in Madrid and other cities you can still find advertisements for “tapa+bebida”. This means that when you go inside, you can order beer or wine and get tapas to go with it at no extra cost.