Daily costs per person in euros. Madrid is one of Western Europe's best-value capitals — free museum hours, cheap cañas, and menú del día make it incredibly affordable.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: EUR (Euro) (1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €18–35 | €60–120 | €150+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury hotels |
| Food | €12–20 | €25–45 | €60+ | Menú del día & markets → tapas bars → fine dining |
| Transport | €4–8 | €10–18 | €25+ | Metro & walking → taxis → private transfers |
| Activities | €0–10 | €15–30 | €50+ | Free museums & parks → paid museums → flamenco & tours |
| Drinks | €3–8 | €10–20 | €30+ | Cañas at local bars → terrazas → cocktail bars |
| Daily Total | €37–81 | €120–233 | €315+ | $40–88 → $130–253 → $342+ |
Money-saving tips
Free museum hours
Prado free Mon–Sat 6–8pm, Reina Sofía free Mon & Wed–Sat 7–9pm, Thyssen free on Mondays. The Sorolla, Cerralbo, and most smaller museums have regular free-entry windows too.
Eat like a madrileño
Menú del día (set lunch menu) is €10–14 for three courses with bread and a drink — available at most restaurants Mon–Fri 1–4pm. Best value meal in Europe.
Cheap transport
Metro 10-trip ticket: €12.20. Monthly tourist pass (Abono Turístico): €8.40/day for Zone A. Bikes via BiciMAD (€2 per trip) or walk — central Madrid is very compact.
Free tapas bars
Many traditional bars give a free tapa with every drink — common in La Latina, Lavapiés, and around La Cebada. A caña (small beer) costs €1.50–2.50, effectively making it a €2 meal.
Rooftop views
El Corte Inglés Callao rooftop is free with no purchase required. Hotel Riu terrace (€5 drink minimum). Templo de Debod sunset, Retiro Park, and all city parks are completely free.
Nightlife strategy
Pre-game at terrazas with supermarket drinks (legal in public). Entry to most clubs is free before 1am or with online guestlists. Avoid Gran Vía tourist bars — Malasaña and Lavapiés are cheaper and better.
