Visiting Madrid doesn't have to be expensive. Go to concerts and the most important galleries for free. Enjoy a movie or a flamenco evening for the lowest prices in town.
Madrid in Spain, is the 3rd largest city in Europe, after London and Berlin. Some of the most expensive shops in the world can be found it Madrid's streets, but it is possible to have a good holiday on a budget. Travel by metro is cheap and reliable.
The Rastro Market
- For mementos and gifts to take home, try the Sunday flea market . It is along the lines of a Moorish bazaar, spreading over several streets, starting in the Plaza de Coscorro and spilling along Calle de Ribera de Curtidores. You’ll find everything from spices and leather gloves to scarves and bric-a-brac.
- Metro stop: La Latina
Prado Museum
Paseo del Prado
- Opened in 1819, the Prado was the first public art gallery in the world. It has 1500 pieces on display including the most famous paintings of El Greco and the beautiful Maids of Honour by Velazquez, thought to be one of the greatest works of art.
- Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9.00am – 7pm
- Entrance fee 6 euros (US$9) however, on Sundays, and on 18th May, 12th October and 6th December, entrance is free.
- Metro Stop: Banco de España
Retiro Park
- Behind the Prado Museum is Madrid’s main park, a huge expanse of green, with a man-made lake. Take a rowing boat out on the lake, have your fortune told, or admire the statue of The Fallen Angel (Lucifer), before strolling through the rose gardens and taking photos of the magnificent Glass Palace (Palacio de Cristal) and El Palacio de Velazquez. Enjoy a drink and tapa from one of the bars under the shady trees.
- Entrance is free.
- As with all big cities, avoid the park after dark.
- Metro Stop : Retiro
Fundación Juan March
Calle de Castelló, 77
- Created by financier, Juan March, this arts centre has an excellent permanent exhibition featuring sculptures and paintings by modern artists such as Picasso, Miró and Dalí. If you fall in love with one of the paintings, buy a poster for 5 euros (US$7.50) from the shop.
- If you plan to be there on a Monday or Saturday, take in a concert at 12 noon, and have lunch in the café afterwards.
- Entry to concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural activities is free.
- Open Monday to Saturday from 11am - 8pm. Sunday 10am -2pm.
- Metro stop: Núñez de Balboa
National Film CentreCalle Santa Isabel, 3
- A beautiful old building which used to be a regular cinema, the National Film Centre now shows classic movies in the original language, with Spanish sub-titles.
- First show is 5.30pm in winter and 6pm in summer.
- The café is open from 4pm to midnight.
- Entrance 2.50 euros (US$3.75)
- Metro Stop: Anton Martin
Torres BermejasCalle Mesonero Romanos, 11
- Lavishly decorated in Moorish style, this is a flamenco restaurant where you can order typical Spanish food and be entertained by flamenco singing and dancing. It is tourist entertainment, but it works, and it is in the centre of Madrid.
- Set menus plus the show costs from 75euros (US$110).
- However, you can also see the show without eating, and just order a drink. This will cost 35 euros (US$52.50).
- Restaurant opens from 8.30pm -1am.
- Shows are from 9.30pm – 2am.
- Reservations : ++34 91532 3322.
- Metro Stop: Callao
More budget tips for holiday accomodation in Spain.
The copyright of the article Madrid, Spain on a Budget in Spain Travel is owned by Elaine Walker. Permission to republish Madrid, Spain on a Budget in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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