Madrid, as with most capital cities, is not cheap but if you are on a mission to “do” Madrid on a tight budget, here are some handy tips on how to do just that:
First of all check out various ways of getting to Madrid to start with; obviously travelling off season and flying at the least popular times (very early morning) will save you some money. It is sometimes even worth taking a detour rather than a direct flight if you have a flexible schedule
The next step is to look at hotels in Madrid or even cheap hostels in Madrid and do a bit of bargain hunting online first as there is a lot of choice. Hostels are a great place to meet like minded travellers and sometimes even make life long-friends. Once you’ve booked your accommodation and flown to Madrid, use public transport to get around as taxis are very expensive and the local public transport network is both cheap and efficient compared to Paris and London. You can buy a ticket for 10 journeys which works out cheaper than buying 10 singles and you can share this ticket with other people.
As with all major cities, Madrid has its fair share of first-rate museums and art galleries. Many of them are free to visit of Sundays and public holidays but if you can’t make it on those days and you do have to pay, try to go during siesta time on a work day to avoid the crowds. The Prado and Reina Sofia museums are by far the most famous, ask at your hostel or hotel for more info.
For cheap eats, fill up on the free buffet breakfast at your hotel if there is one and make your way down to the Rastro flea market on Sundays or the local supermarket on any other day. Tapas bars are far more expensive here than in Andalusia and you can buy most of the ingredients for half the price in the supermarket to make your own tapas picnic. The sunny local climate is ideal for picnicking and the Parque del Retiro is full of pleasant shady spots where you can sit and watch the world go by.
And when you need some completely free entertainment, window shop on one of the glamorous wide shopping avenues such as Gran Via, stroll around the city centre and admire the architecture. You won’t find much of the exotic Arab influences that can be seen in southern Spain but there are many fine European to be admired and don’t forget to look up from the shop windows to take in the stunning facades and pretty rooftops terraces.
Madrid is a vibrant and exciting city where traditional Spain meets modern Europe and is a must on any backpacker’s itinerary!

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