How to travel to Madrid on the cheap and still have a great time

With inflation recently hitting an all-time high, many people are eager to save everything from buy food to refuel and travel.

Travel on a budget often means choosing the right destination and, with the dollar still slightly stronger than the euro, visiting an affordable place in Europe is a surprisingly budget-friendly solution for with rising travel costs.

One of Europe’s more affordable capital cities is Madrida destination with plenty to do, see, drink and eat that won’t break the bank.

Here’s how to get to Madrid on a budget.

We often see Airfare discount to Spain from the US for less than $400 round-trip. Be sure to check out TPG for Daily trading alert.

Related: The cheapest way to book a trip to Spain with points and miles

• AC Avenida de América: Although slightly located outside the historic center, this property is clean, comfortable and best for those who want to experience the more local side of Madrid while still having easy access to the main tourist sites and shop Barrio Salamanca via a quick taxi ride or the metro. Rates start at 20,000 Bonvoy points or under $100 per night.

• Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid: This regal hotel boasts a beautiful rooftop garden, restaurant and bar, and is located on Madrid’s famous Gran Vía Street. Room rates start at 20,000 Hyatt points or about $200 per night.

The best cash value hotels

Don’t have a bunch of points? Do not worried. These hotels feature prime locations, outstanding service and unbeatable value.

• H10 Puerta de Alcalá: A short distance from Madrid’s most beloved green space, this hotel offers luxurious rooms and a terrace overlooking the park. Rates can be found from around $95 a night.
• Hotel Puerta America: With fun room decor, a glass elevator and a Sky Bar, this hotel offers a trendy stay at a budget price. Deals can be found around $100 per night.

Small dormitory

Hostels aren’t just for backpackers. Many hostels, or retirement homes, in Madrid offer private rooms and bathrooms at affordable prices. If you’re on a tight budget, want to make new friends, or just want something a little different, consider a hostel.

The Generator Madrid: This design inn has a fun rooftop terrace; The unique space is actually a former gas station. Private rooms start at around $60 a night, while shared floor rooms start as low as $25 a night.

The Hat Madrid: A short walk from Madrid’s Plaza Mayor, this hostel features clean, luxurious rooms and an attractive solarium and terrace. Private double rooms start at $70 a night, while bunk beds in shared rooms can be reserved for under $20.

Related: Why you could be happier staying at a budget hotel

Holiday home for rent

It’s easy to find vacation rentals from studio lofts to four-bedroom apartments in downtown Madrid. Prices typically range from around $60 to under $200 a night for the average private apartment rental, depending on amenities and size. Airbnb is the best source to find vacation rentals in Madrid.

Best time to visit Madrid

When it comes to finding the lowest rates on hotels and activities, winter is your best bet (besides Christmas). Just know that it gets cold and sometimes it rains this season in Madrid.

You can sometimes find deals on accommodation, especially vacation rentals, in August, when most locals flee the city for the coast or mountains in hot weather. hard. Just make sure to spend a bit more on air-conditioned accommodation.

If it’s the best weather you’re after, visit Madrid in May and October, where temperatures are pleasant under sunny skies and prices aren’t as high as in June, July or September Madrid has a number of exciting festivals in May, such as the celebration of San Isidro, creating unique culinary and cultural experiences.

Get around Madrid on a budget

It’s easy to walk around downtown Madrid, and the metro and bus are both affordable options, especially right now. A 10-way bus and metro ticket is about 12 euros, or about $12. There is currently a 30% off sale until the end of December, although the government may extend the promotion.

Subway travel go valid for unlimited travel from one to seven days from the date of purchase (price depends on the validity period). While this pass is currently not discounted, it does cover metro trips to the airport (otherwise, airport metro tickets have a small surcharge when purchased on their own).

It’s also easy and affordable to get between Madrid’s Barajas Airport (MAD) and the city center – it’s just a 20-minute drive or so. You can take the metro or Bus 200 to Avenida Ámerica, both of which are included in the metro travel ticket. There is also a special 24-hour airport bus that runs between the airport and O’Donnell, Cibeles and Atocha which costs 5 euros (about $5) each way.

Related: Every tourist in Madrid makes the same 12 mistakes

You can take the RENFE train from Terminal 4 from the airport to the city centre, or a flat-priced taxi of 30 euros (about $30) from the airport to anywhere in the city. Carpooling services like Cabify and Uber usually cost less.

What to do in Madrid on a budget

Park

Madrid is home to many green spaces, such as Retiro Park, Casa de Campo, El Capricho, Fuente de Berro, Madrid Río and Templo De Bod. All of these parks are free to enter. However, if you want to rent a paddle boat in Retiro or take the funicular via Casa de Campo, you will have to pay extra.

Walking in the city

It’s easy to take a self-guided tour around downtown Madrid, and you can admire many of its attractions from the outside for free. This hike is extensive and can be completed all in one day or in a few days, depending on your energy levels and the length of your stay.

Start in Puerta Del Sol, check out the Tio Pepe sign and Milestone 0, which is said to be the exact geographical center of Spain. Afterwards, walk down to the Plaza Mayor to marvel at the hundreds of balconies facing the center of the square.

Continue down to San Miguel Market (snacks for an additional fee!) and along Mayor Calle until you reach Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace, which you can enjoy for free from the outside. Afterwards, walk through the Sabatini Gardens and along the newly built footpath to the newly redesigned Plaza España.

Continue up Gran Vía, a busy street lined with shops, theaters and restaurants. When you reach the end, turn left onto Calle Álcala (but look right first to catch the towering Metropolis Building) and walk through Cibeles Square to see the fountain and palace, then to Puerta de Álcala (one of the entrances to Madrid) and into the Retiro Park.

Free time for museums

Many museums in Madrid offer free admission. This can be all day or just a few hours a week (usually in the afternoon) where you won’t have to pay to enter. Remember to get there early, as these times can get crowded and you may have to wait in line.

El Rastro . Market

Madrid’s famous flea market takes place weekly on Sundays. Everyone is free to find and walk around, although you’ll have to pay if you want to buy something. This market can get very crowded, so go early. It’s best to leave valuables and lots of cash at home, as famous pickpockets operate in the crowds here.

Tips and tricks to get to Madrid on a budget

Menu del dia

Many restaurants offer set lunch menus on weekdays, including a choice of appetizers, main courses, desserts, or coffee and drinks (such as beer, wine, water or soda) for a low price. fixed price, usually under $20. These are delicious treats and a great value.

Discounts for students, adults and teachers

Museums and other attractions may offer discounts for students, teachers, or seniors. Double check what kind of identification is required to access these cheaper rates.

Free Tapas

The more local the bar, the more likely you are to get a free tapa when you order a drink. And the further you go from the main historic center of the city, the higher the chance you’ll get a free small plate of food with your drink order.