For a person on a budget there are cities and activities that require you to spend small amounts of money.
Granada is one of them.
Art and culture are a large part of tourism so the most common places of interest will be the Albaicín neighborhood and its epic cathedral Iglesia del Salvador located at the top of the area’s foothills. The Alhambra, the ancient fortress inhabited by the Moors and early Spanish Catholics is the main destination many people take the time out to visit in this historical city.
If time permits Parque de las Ciencias is quite the spectacle. Located in the El Zaidín district, the building complex, with both outdoor and indoor exhibits is used for visitors and students. While passing by a section showcasing a real-life heart of a human, dolphin, and lion among other living animals and mammals, one can also observe a class in session, examining the anatomy and genetic make-up of each displayed being.
If a social atmosphere is what you seek, procure yourself a detailed map and make your way towards La Iguana on Calle Rector Garcia Duarte or Bar Pennsylvania located conveniently near the central Cathedral (Catedral as the locals say).
With the purchase of one beverage, like most places in Granada, you are given a plate of tapas, an excellent way to save money and get yourself mildly inebriated at the same time. The more you drink the more food you receive. But also hitting up the grocery store can save you some Euros.
For housing on the more daring and culturally integrative side, why not stay in a cave? Caves not only are located in the mountains near both the Albaicín district and the Alhambra, but often is the case that cave dwellers will welcome you into their cave-home, eager to hear about where you come from and what brings you to their fare city, at times offering libations such as water, bread or weed to the weary traveler.
These friendly cave dwellers are just like us, only they steal power from the city’s electrical wires and use outhouses, latrines or forestry areas to go to the bathroom. (Note: If you do not speak Spanish you will probably start to after a few drinks and lack of English communication).
Just hop on www.couchsurfing.org, put out a message for lodging and you will find the perfect cave man or cave woman to host you. It’s a perfect way to stay in a new city and integrate with the locals. Yield on the side of caution, especially ladies: You will probably get a lot of requests from men.
Make sure to read the reviews and contact their references if at all possible before making destination plans. Also, try to meet up with other couch surfing individuals who are interested in grabbing a drink or showing you some popular sites.
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