Madrid is an energetic city with beautiful neighborhoods. You’ll find world-class museums alongside tapas bars and a thriving nightlife scene. And although it is one of the top cities in the world, Madrid can still be explored on a cheapo budget. Case in point: The abundance of high-quality budget hotels across the city. So brush up on » Read more
Madrid: Budget Travel Guide
Need a break from the hip and crowded streets of Barcelona? Hop on the high-speed train for a quick trip to Madrid just 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Stately, refined, and dignified, even in its grungier quarters, the Spanish capital is a fantastic destination for budget travelers. Here are five tips for simple ways » Read more
The day has come. You’re packing a bag for your trip to Madrid, Spain’s largest city. Seeing that lugging three rolling suitcases is neither savvy nor cost-effective, you have to be choosey with clothes, shoes and accessories. Once you book your hotel, it’s time to figure out what to bring. So should you pack the » Read more
While Spain is certainly a budget traveler’s paradise, room rates in the Spanish capital can cost substantially more than elsewhere on the continent and tend to skyrocket even higher during major events. So how can you ensure savings on your hotel room in Madrid? Surprisingly, it’s not as difficult as it sounds when you use » Read more
Spain’s capital city (like the rest of the Iberian Peninsula) is a budget-travelers’ paradise. And dining out in Madrid offers a fun experience from tapas bars to cafes. But even so, as in all popular European destinations, if you’re not careful, you may end up spending more than you’d like on a pretty lackluster dining » Read more
Without a doubt, Madrid deserves a place on your European itinerary. The third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, it’s packed with museums overflowing with amazing art, restaurants and bars serving up tasty tapas and local cuisine — but what about your budget? ¡Ningún problema! No problem — you don’t have » Read more
Widely considered the world’s best single collection of Spanish art, The Prado Museum, in central Madrid, is not to be missed. Priceless paintings and sculptures by Spanish masters like Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco, not to mention the largest collection of works by Italian masters outside Italy, are housed in a beautiful 18th-century government building. » Read more
Although it’s not necessary to be fluent in Spanish, it’s certainly worth taking some time to learn a few words and sentences in the language before your big trip. Spaniards age 30 and under have had plenty of English language lessons at school—generally more than enough to help you order lunch or find your size » Read more
There are a few “hot topics” sure to stir the pot at any dinner party in Madrid: language (Castilian vs Basque, Catalan, etc), football (Barça vs Real Madrid) and bullfighting. While many defend bullfighting as an art and tradition important to Spanish culture, others think of it as barbaric and archaic. Where do you stand? » Read more
It’s always interesting to see who among my visitors is a “Museum Geek.” Some friends come and get a museum pass to see all of Madrid’s museums at a discount, while others could care less where Picasso’s Guernica is located, and skip museums opting for city strolling and shopping. If you are a “Museum Geek,” » Read more
When you’re just getting to know a city it can be hard to determine if you’re paying “local” prices or “tourist” prices. Chances are if you’re in a very popular, central area of the city and the menu is translated into 20 languages, you’re paying a premium. While rates and prices vary, here’s what I » Read more
Sandwiches in Madrid are simple and cheap, and that’s what makes them a hit. Forget about going all gourmet by adding texture, exotic ingredients, and multi-grain bread—who needs all the fancy fillings when staple ingredients will do. The best bocadillos around the city stick to what they know, no bells and whistles here, just good » Read more
Imagine letting the hours pass by in Madrid. What comes to mind? My mind always conjures up images of the city’s cafés. And this is nothing new: Before moving to Madrid I dreamed about sitting at an outdoor café enjoying a café con leche, or finding the coziest corner inside to sip on a ColaCao. » Read more
By Cynthia Kane in Madrid— High on any visitor’s “must see” list when traveling to Madrid are the city’s fine art museums. The capital city is overflowing with classic, contemporary, abstract, expressionist and experimental art. What many may not know is that many of the best museums offer free admission–at least at some point during » Read more
By Cynthia Kane in Madrid— If shopping is on the agenda while you’re in Madrid, you’ll surely come across price tags that will make you scratch your head. The good news is that although most trendy stores will drain your funds, there are some spots that won’t. Clothing: Lefties Multiple locations, including: Calle Carretas, 10 » Read more
By Nina Derham in Madrid— Madrid’s live music scene is alive and kicking with both local and international artists setting the bar high. One of the most wonderful things about live music in Madrid is that you can enjoy it without breaking the bank! The cheapest way to catch a concert is to frequent one » Read more
By Nina Derham in Madrid— If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, you’re in luck. Spain’s capital is flanked by mountain ranges including the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra del Norte and the Sierra de Gredos, all of which offer city dwellers some well-needed respite from the urban grind. Day tripping » Read more
By Florencia & Rafa in Madrid— Until not long ago, if you happened to wake up late in Madrid on a Sunday with a bit of a headache after a long night out, your breakfast choices were mostly limited to the typical Spanish fare: pincho de tortilla (eggs and potatoes omelet with bread on the » Read more
Madrid’s Golden Triangle of art museums is world renowned, but there is much more to the city’s art scene than the Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia. So when you’re all Prado-ed out hit the streets of Lavapies to experience Madrid’s art and culture in its most eclectic, current and raw form. Lavapies is the city’s » Read more
Madrid has no shortage of restaurants specializing in tapas, traditionally a small meal or snack. While technically a lighter plate, these dishes are supposed to deliver big on taste. For Cheapos in Madrid, here are my picks for three tasty tapas spots that won’t strip your wallet or leave your appetite unsatisfied. La Fabula Calle » Read more
Heading to Madrid but don’t know where to put down your bags? We’ve been there, Cheapos. After all, how can you know where to book a room without having a feel for the different areas in town? After reading our rundown of Madrid’s most central and vibrant hoods, you should have more of an idea » Read more
When planning a trip to an unknown (or even a familiar) destination, there’s one part of the equation that’s often overlooked: the airport. Since moving to Madrid, I’ve spent a lot of time arriving in and departing from the Barajas International Airport. I’ve been in all four terminals and have learned the hard way how to » Read more
Books are great travel companions and if you find yourself without one, well, it’s possible to feel a bit lonely. If you’re in Madrid, there’s no need to panic: Plenty of bookstores carry English titles. Here are five of our favorites: J & J Books and Coffee Calle Espiritu Santo, 47 Metro: Noviciado Telephone: +34 » Read more
Transportation is easy in Madrid, but if you aren’t aware of your options, you may end up losing money when you’re trying to save it. Here are some tips to help you get to where you’re going and still have money to spend once you get there! 10 bus or metro rides with the “billete » Read more
If you’re looking to buy clothes, household goods, furniture, or trinkets on the cheap in Madrid, Sunday is your day. This is when the city’s sprawling outdoor flea market, the Rastro, is open between La Plaza Mayor and Puerta de Toledo. History of the Rastro The Rastro is the largest outdoor flea market in Madrid » Read more
