Budget Traveler’s Guide to Madrid
The capital of Spain and a favorite city to many, Madrid has a charm that its counter city Barcelona doesn’t offer.
This blog post was originally shared Summer of 2015:
The capital of Spain and a favorite city to many, Madrid has a charm that its counter city Barcelona doesn’t offer. From inexpensive tapas with your beer to endless famous museums, and my favorite - being able to walk the entire city in 40 minutes or less.
The capital of Spain and a favorite city to many, Madrid has a charm that its counter city Barcelona doesn’t offer. From inexpensive tapas with your beer to endless famous museums, and my favorite - being able to walk the entire city in 40 minutes or less.
There is a lot to see in Madrid, if you don’t mind hitting the streets and walking a bit. All can be seen in 5 days, including their nightlife. I’d recommend visiting from Wednesday - Sunday, this gives you the best of the week to explore day life and weekend to explore nightlife. If you aren’t the type to walk a lot, Madrid does have a very efficient metro system that easily takes you from the airport to city center in less than 35 minutes for a fair price. Depending on your preference of sleeping accommodation, I always recommend using Airbnb for a more local and authentic experience. I stayed in the neighborhood, Chueca. It’s known as being Madrid’s gay neighborhood very similar to New York’s Chelsea mixed with SoHo. it offers tons of restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping within a 5 minutes or less walking distance. We cant forget the stunning architecture and small roads throughout the neighborhood. Other neighborhood options I would recommend are: La Latina, Lavapies, and Puerta del Sol. Now for some cool places worth checking out on a traveler friendly budget.
Tapas
El Tigre
Cheap, filling, and great for the start of what should be a long night out if you plan your night right. Located just a couple of minutes away from Chueca metro station, you will get full for less than 5 euros if you and your friends plan accordingly. Buy a small size beer or sangria for 2.50 euro and you get a tapas, and each time you order a new drink get a new tapas. Amazing deal!
Petisqueira
Similar to El Tigre, but with a much more locals and authentic touch that you quickly notice once get situated. Slightly more expensive by a euro or so, but less tourist and more Spanish incase you’d like to practice.
Mercado de San Miguel and San Anton
These mercado’s are located in two different neighborhoods. San Miguel is great if you’re in the center of Madrid, and want to get something light to eat while running around. As for San Anton, located in the heart of Chueca. You can also get really good 1 euro tapas, and enjoy a rooftop view over Chueca. Great for starting a evening night out with your friends.
Cafe Ideal
Best location next Plaza Mayor for an inexpensive and delicious Madrid locals dish, bocadillo de calamari. It’s not exactly the healthiest, but you sure will enjoy eating this seafood delight.
Scenic Sites
El Corte Ingles
This is a shopping mall located in the center of Callao on the very top floor where you get a lovely view overlook Madrid and get something to eat too.Plaza MayorA lovely little square worth checking out after exploring Madrid palace.
El Retiro
The central park of Madrid. For sure worth spending an afternoon escaping the city hustle and bustle for some lush greenery. You can even rent a boat to enjoy yourself.
Clubbing
Kluster
This is the main party of Madrid if you are looking for muscle, twink, bear, or otter. You are bound to find your guy at this mega Saturday night party that gets good around 2am, but has a 15 euro cover and can have a long wait. Save your euros depending on what you like when traveling.
LOL @ Cool
There are offers on their Facebook page to get in for free before 1.30am, which is a great deal if you’d like to dance and don’t mind arriving early. Overall nothing special, used to be a popular party, but as the gays change with the wind. You won’t be at the party of the night here.
Kapital
I am only mentioning this place to say, do not waste your money even if your straight girlfriend begs you to go like mine did. I made the mistake of wasting 17 euro entry to be surrounded by teeny bobbers and their douche guys in suits trying to take them home. Just DON’T go!I know I’m leaving off like a million other places that should be added, so if you have suggestions for me to add or questions. Don’t hesitate to leave me a message! Have a great time exploring Madrid! ;)