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, as 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.
