• Morning (Free Walking Tour & Old Town Exploration): Start your Ourense experience with a free walking tour. Many local guides offer tours departing from the 📍 Plaza Mayor. These tours provide a fantastic introduction to the city's history and landmarks. Afterwards, wander through the charming streets of the Casco Vello (Old Town). Admire the architecture, including the 📍 Ourense Cathedral, and soak in the atmosphere. Look for small, family-run shops and cafes.
• Lunch (Tapas Crawl): Embrace the Galician tradition of tapear. Instead of a formal lunch, hop from bar to bar, enjoying tapas. Many bars offer free tapas with drinks, making it a cost-effective and fun way to sample local flavors. Focus around the 📍 Rúa dos Fornos area for a concentrated selection.
• Afternoon (Thermal Baths): Ourense is famous for its thermal waters. Head to the free, outdoor thermal pools along the 📍 Miño River. The 📍 Outariz Thermal Baths are accessible by a scenic train (small fee), or you can walk or bike. The pools are open late and offer a relaxing experience, especially after exploring the city.
• Evening (Affordable Dinner & Drinks): For a budget-friendly dinner, check out restaurants offering menú del día (daily menu), a set meal that typically includes a starter, main course, dessert, bread, and drink at a very reasonable price. After dinner, enjoy drinks at a local bar in the Old Town. Many bars offer great deals on beer and wine.

• Morning (Roman Bridge & Eco-Via): Start your day by visiting the iconic 📍 Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana). This historic bridge offers stunning views of the city and the Miño River. Afterwards, rent bikes (check local bike shops for affordable options) and cycle along the Eco-Via do Barbaña, a scenic path following the Barbaña River.
• Lunch (Picnic by the River): Instead of eating at a restaurant, pack a picnic lunch. Visit a local market, like the 📍 Mercado de Abastos , to buy fresh bread, cheese, and local delicacies. Find a scenic spot along the river to enjoy your picnic.
• Afternoon (Montealegre Park): Take a bus (local bus fares are cheap) to 📍 Montealegre Park. This park offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Enjoy a leisurely walk or hike and relax in the natural surroundings.
• Evening (Wine Tasting (Budget-Friendly Options) & Local Cuisine): Explore local wine shops and see if they offer tastings, sometimes at no cost or a low cost. Alternatively, look for restaurants outside the immediate city center that offer typical Galician fare at lower prices. Pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) and empanada are must-try dishes.

• Morning (Espazos Termal do Tinteiro): Discover hidden thermal spots! Explore 📍 Espazos Termal do Tinteiro. Less crowded than Outariz, they are perfect for a relaxing morning soak. These free pools are more local.
• Lunch (Bocadillos & Local Bakery): Have Bocadillos (sandwiches) at a local bakery. Panaderías in Ourense offer amazing and affordable bocadillos. Combine it with local pastries.
• Afternoon (Allariz - Day Trip): Consider a short bus trip to 📍 Allariz, a charming medieval town just outside Ourense. Explore its historic streets, visit the eco-park, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
• Evening (Farewell Dinner - Sharing is Caring): For your final meal, choose a restaurant where you can share dishes. This is a great way to sample more of the local cuisine without breaking the bank. Consider a family-run restaurant for a more authentic and affordable experience.

• Transportation: Ourense is a walkable city, but for longer distances, use the local bus network. Fares are cheap, and buses are frequent. Walking or cycling along the riverbanks is another great option. 🚗 Alquiler de Coche (Mejor Precio) is an option if you decide to do a longer day trip.
• Accommodation: Hostels or budget-friendly guesthouses are the most cost-effective options for accommodation. Consider staying slightly outside the city center to find even cheaper deals. 🏨 Reservar Hotel con Descuento (25% OFF)
• Safety: Ourense is a generally safe city. However, as with any travel destination, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft. Keep valuables secure and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
• Language: While many people in tourist areas speak some English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience and make it easier to interact with locals.
• Flights: For getting to Ourense consider Santiago de Compostela or Vigo airport for the most connections, and then take a train or bus. ✈️ Vuelos Baratos (Expedia)

Ourense offers a fantastic blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, all accessible on a low budget. This itinerary provides a framework for an unforgettable trip with friends, focusing on free activities, affordable food, and local experiences. By following these tips, you can explore the city without breaking the bank and create lasting memories.