Move over Barcelona, it's all about Madrid. Spain's showstopper of a capital is finally getting the attention she deserves, becoming the perfect city break, even if you’re cash-strapped and there’s no damn pay rise in sight.
To start you on your quest for a penny-pinching break in Madrid, get yourself all over Skyscanner to hunt out the cheapest flights from airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet and BA. Prices start from around £36 return, but expect to pay around £60 return for those in demand Friday to Sunday flight times. If you can squeeze all your belongings into one cabin-sized bag, you’re already on your way to spending more Euros on sangria.
After a short flight (flights take around 2.5 hours from London), take the Metro, which is fast and simple to use and costs €4.50 to travel into the heart of Madrid.
Where to stay
Neighbourhood-wise, Madrid’s equivalent of Shoreditch is the boho ‘hood Malasana, where you can scour vintage outfits by day but hang out at cool bars and restaurants by night. This cute studio on Airbnb costs from £38 per night and sleeps two to three people. It even serves up a light breakfast – helping the budget go a little further.
If you're looking for a hotel, The Radisson RED in Madrid is an affordable option with rooms from £109 per night and is perfectly situated for travellers wanting to explore the city's cultural heart. Nestled near the lush Botanical Gardens and just a stone's throw from the iconic Museo Nacional del Prado, the location couldn't be more ideal. A short stroll brings you to the bustling Plaza Mayor, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid.
The hotel decor is trendy and vibrant and the rooms are immaculately clean, with strong air conditioning which is much needed to escape the city's summer heat. Breakfast at the hotel is a delicious start to the day, with a range of options to satisfy every palate. The hotel's restaurant is another highlight, serving sophisticated small plates that are perfect after a day of sightseeing.
Hostels have spruced up their act in recent years and an abundance of smarter, more luxurious hotels have emerged such as U Hostels in Madrid, a renovated former 19th century palace. Nowadays it offers a restaurant, bar, library, rooftop and cinema and free Wi-Fi in every room. Prices start from €14 per person per night.
If you want to splash out just for one night, choose five-star stylish Urso Hotel & Spa which offers king-sized rooms for around £70 per person. Make your money go further by tapping into all the services: relax in the super serene spa, use the gym, fill up on a hearty breakfast and hang out in its gorgeous lounge with a good book.
How to bag free entrance at Madrid’s majestic museums
Get thee to Museo Reina Sofia in Santa Isabel, which displays contemporary art and is home to Picasso’s famous anti-war painting, Guernica. For free admission visit Monday to Friday from 7pm to 9pm, Saturday from 2.30pm to 9pm, or Sunday from 1.30pm to 7pm. Otherwise it’s a reasonable €8. Another of Madrid’s famous art museums is the Prado. Again, for free entry, sneak in on a Monday to Sunday from 6pm to 8pm, or Sundays from 5pm to 7pm. Expect queues.
Another of Madrid’s gems, the impressive Royal Palace of Madrid woos tourists on a budget in with free entry from Monday to Thursday, from 4pm to 6pm (October to March) and from 6pm to 8pm (April to September). Again, expect a snake of a queue so get there early to guarantee entry.
A touch of green
If you’re hankering after a dose of nature after being inside for too long starring at objects and paintings, the flower abundant Royal Botanical Gardens is located near the Prado. Entry is €3.
Parque Del Buen Retiro is Madrid’s biggest park and it’s a lovely place to sunbathe, stroll around, cycle or hire a boat and row in its lake (around €8 for an hour).
Madrid’s lovely green space isn’t just limited to botanical gardens or parks; even if you’re not catching a train, still head down to Atocha railway station to discover a tropical greenhouse filled with plants from all over the world. Look out for the turtles swimming about in one of the pools.
The most important part – where to get your fill
You’re in Spain so coffee breaks or indeed a wine and tapas pit stop are almost mandatory. You’re never far from a plaza to hang out at and watch the people go by. Grand Plaza Mayor is often a favourite.
Hot chocolate fanatics should swing by Chocolateria San Gines near Opera, which serves up a good cup of the sweet stuff alongside portions of churros.
You can’t come to Madrid without soaking up the food and the atmosphere at Mercado de San Miguel, a revamped former fruit market stocked with counters selling olives, croquettes and sushi alongside sangria and Rioja. For sweet tooths, there’s a little dessert stall towards the back of the market serving truffles, pastries and macaroons. Perch on a bar stools while you contemplating your next tapas move.
While tourists head to Mercado de San Miguel, locals and those in the know, go forth to Mercado San Anton in Chueca for their fill of tapas or to prop up a bar with a glass of wine. There’s also a rooftop to soak up some of the city’s rays.
Talking of rooftops, for your glamorous evening out, head high and scout out ME Hotel, Madrid’s most famous rooftop. Arrive early as the secret’s out on this one.
If you’re looking for one gastro-adventure of a dinner to spend the Euros on, choose The Table, the pop-up restaurant all Madrileños are talking about.
Stocking up
Spend your Sunday meandering and bartering at El Rastro, Madrid’s largest open-air flea market. You’ll pick up the most interesting finds such as old antiques off the main throughfare.
Fill your bags with interesting and creative wares from Malasaña, where you’ll be hopping from one independent shop to the next, including cheap vintage and cool arts stores.
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Illustration by Livi Gosling
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.